CHEERFULNESS AND COURAGE.
How much these two words mean to the child of God! A few days since we met a man who, altho he had gone through many trials and tribulations, yet was bubbling over with so much cheerfulness and courage that it was inspiring and contagious. While he has seemingly more difficulties to surmount than any ten men would have ordinarily, yet he is invariably cheerful and courageous, and God has given him such a spirit of good cheer throughout that not only is he able to bear the burdens laid upon him, but is wonderfully helpful to every one he meets. Trouble and tribulation are so apt to make us long-faced, sad-faced, that it is well for us to remember that a Christian life, altho beset by cares and sorrows, should be a life of cheerfulness and courage. Jesus was cheerful; Jesus was courageous. Do not let us fail to remember this; for others will be hindered or helped in proportion as we are either cheerful or downcast in our deportment. “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6, 7.—Union Gospel News.