Democrat And Sentinel

The Charms of Life—There are a thousand things in this world to afflict and sadden: but oh, how many that are beautiful and good! The world teems with beauty—with objects that gladden the eye and warm the heart.

We might be happy if we would. There are ills which cannot escape—the approach of disease and death, or misfortune, sundering of earthly ties, and the canker worm of grief—but a vast majority of the evils that beset us might be avoided. The curse of intemperance interwoven as it is with the ligaments of society, is one which never strikes but to destroy. There is not one bright page upon record of its progress; nothing to shield it from the heartless execrations of the human race. It should not exist—it must not. Do away with all this: let wars come to an end, and let friendship, charity, love, purity and kindness mark the intercourse between man and man.

We are too selfish, as if the world was made for us alone. How much happier should we be were we to labor more earnestly to promote each other's good! God has blest us with a home which is not dark. There is sunshine everywhere—in the sky, upon the earth—there would be in most hearts if we would look around us. The storms die away and the bright sun shines out. Summer drops her tinted curtain upon the earth, which is very beautiful, even when autumn breathes her changing breath upon it. God reigns in Heaven. Murmur not at a world so beautiful, and who can live happier than we?