James Wood, comp. Dictionary of Quotations. 1899.
Mrs. L. M. Child
Childhood itself is scarcely more lovely than a cheerful, kindly, sunshiny old age.
Great is the strength of an individual soul true to its high trust; mighty is it, even to the redemption of a world.
Misfortune is never mournful to the soul that accepts it; for such do always see that every cloud is an angel’s face.
Music is a prophecy of what life is to be, the rainbow of promise translated out of seeing into hearing.
Whatever is highest and holiest is tinged with melancholy. The eye of genius has always a plaintive expression, and its natural language is pathos. A prophet is sadder than other men; and He who was greater than all prophets was “a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief.”
“Whosoever quarrels with his fate, does not understand it,” says Bettine; and among all her inspired sayings, she spoke none wiser.
You find yourself refreshed by the presence of cheerful people. Why not make earnest effort to confer that pleasure on others? You will find half the battle is gained if you never allow yourself to say anything gloomy.