GLADNESS AS A MEDICINE.
By C. G. Hubbard, M.D.
"A cheerful mind is a continual feast," sang some poet, or, if the above is not an exact quotation, it ought to be. It is worry rather than work that kills so many with nervous diseases. The brain or the physical system can perform herculean tasks and still maintain its integrity unimpaired if cheerfulness be a habit of the mind and appropriate rest and food be furnished at regular intervals. But this is not the case with the American business man in this age, when colossal fortunes are rapidly acquired, where one busy brain controls millions invested in ceaseless industries. From early dawn until late at night there is a whirl of excitement; thousands of dollars of gain or loss often hang upon a moment's decision. The strain upon the mind is constant, and the tension is great. Insufficient time is given to the meals. The sleep is broken with troublesome dreams, in which are mingled the intricacies of business perplexities, until the night is as burdensome as is the day. Scarcely a thought enters the mind but the all-absorbing idea of the race for wealth. Life is one continual scramble to get ahead. To such a person a hearty, good laugh would be as a refreshing shower upon the parched earth. The ancients said that the liver turned over when one laughed. This may not be anatomically correct, but the liver circulation is quickened, the respirations are deeper and more profound, and the man feels warmer and better. Mirth promotes digestion, while gloom and depression of spirits will produce dyspepsia. He who is habitually joyful and happy will generally possess good health. Some philosopher has said that he would always trust anyone who whistled while working. Cheerfulness and gladness are not only of value in preserving health but they are of equal service as a remedy in disease. The medical attendant or nurse who neglects this element of treatment will often fail of success. No one should be permitted in a sick room who is gloomy or despondent or filled with vague forebodings. Every attendant upon an invalid should not only be hopeful but cheerful. Many a disease can be laughed out of existence. Let it not be understood that nurses should be always giggling and grinning, but a cheery, happy spirit, with occasional mirth, is a welcome guest in a sick room. How often is it seen that a child too full of life and happiness for repression, bursting into a sick room like a summer's breeze, will drive away the blue devils of the sick and send a new life coursing through the veins. But let there be no misunderstanding. There are appropriate times and seasons. As no one should ever dance upon a coffin or rush with a shout through a cemetery, so there are sick rooms of too serious a nature for the introduction of mirth. It would be both dangerous and inappropriate. The actual presence or the near approach of death should not be greeted with levity. There is but little danger of this violation of propriety, but no sickness, of however serious an import, need fear a cheerful spirit among its attendants. But how is this desirable frame of mind to be acquired?—Not alone by prosperous circumstances, for happiness is not incompatible with poverty. Not by stoical indifference, for stoics are not happy. Not by running after it, for happiness is a shy maiden, and comes not at the beck or bidding of anyone. How, then, can happiness become an habitual frame of mind? The following recipe is taken from an old and reliable authority, and can be depended on as infallible. Take equal parts of saving faith, assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, and increase of grace. Mix them thoroughly with a sufficient quantity of the tears of repentance and the sword of the Spirit. The dose is to be taken with preparation and prayer. It is very important that the ingredients be pure and genuine.—Christian at Work.