ings_. The time may never come. If only a kind word,
speak it at once. Kind words cost so little, and we should all be more
prodigal with them; and to a tired, sad, discouraged soul, a kind word
or act means so very much; and who is there that has not at some time
in life known sorrow and felt the need of sympathy? Were our lives all
sunshine we could not feel in touch with sorrowing friends. How
natural it is for our hearts to go out in sympathy to the one who says
'I have suffered.' Give to your friend the warm hand-clasp and cheery
greeting' which cost us nothing in the giving. 'Tis the little lifts
which help us over stones in our pathway through life. We think our
cross the heaviest when, did we but know the weight of others, we'd
not willingly exchange; and remember Mary, 'there are no crown-bearers
in Heaven that were not cross-bearers below.' Have you ever read the
poem, 'The Changed Cross?' No? Well, I will give it to you to copy in
your book of recipes. Should you ever, in future years, feel your
cross too heavy to bear, read the poem. How many brave, cheery little
women greet us with a smile as they pass. But little do we or any one
realize that instead of a song in their hearts the smiles on their
lips conceal troubles the world does not suspect, seeking to forget
their own sorrows while doing kindly acts for others. They are the
real heroes whom the world does not reward with medals for bravery,
'To stand with a smile upon your face against a stake from which you
cannot get away, that, no doubt, is heroic; but the true glory is not
resignation to the inevitable. To stand unchained, with perfect
liberty to go away, held only by the higher claims of duty, and let
the fire creep up to the heart, that is heroism.' Ah! how many good
women have lived faithful to duty when 'twould have been far easier to
have died!"

"FAITHFUL OVER A FEW THINGS."

Matt. xxv: 23.

It may seem to you but a trifle, which you have been called to do;
Just some humble household labor, away from the public view,
But the question is, are you faithful, and striving to do your best,
As in sight of the Blessed Master, while leaving to Him the rest?

It may be but a little corner, which you have been asked to fill;
What matters it, if you are in it, doing the Master's will?
Doing it well and faithfully, and doing it with your might;
Not for the praise it may bring you, but because the thing is right.

In the sight of