DRAW THE LINES UPWARD by L. A. Hansen

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 23, 1900

DRAW THE LINES UPWARD.

By L. A. Hansen

L. A. HANSEN.

(Nashville, Tenn.)

This is not intended for a drawing lesson, but only to call attention to what the lines of our faces may say. Below are two simple illustrations, or figures, made with the fewest lines possible. No special effort is made to give the figures expression; and yet considerable expression is to be seen.

In the first figure we have a representation of one who is literally “down in the mouth.” Gloom, or sadness, causes the facial lines to droop. In some persons these downward lines are permanent, and consequently such a one has a depressing influence.

In the second figure we have a turning, or changing, of but one line, drawing it upward; and the whole expression is changed. Notice the difference. When changing only one line in a figure otherwise so expressionless, makes such a marked difference, consider what the effect must be on a living face, where every line of the countenance may be made to speak, either for cheer or for gloom.

We have many admonitions to be joyful, to rejoice, to sing, and to be glad. Would it not be better to cultivate the lines that will speak joy to others, than to go about with long-drawn faces, casting sadness instead? “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.” Prov. 15:13. “The fruit of the Spirit is . . . joy.”

This is not to say that one must be light and frivolous; but there is a rightful happiness that one may claim continually; and if he does, it will show itself in the countenance. So to those who are disposed to look on the dark side of things, we say, “Draw the lines upward.” “Rejoice in the Lord alway.”