The soul-consuming and friction-wearing tendency of this hurrying,grasping, competing age is the excuse for this booklet. Is it not anabsolute necessity to get rid of all irritants, of everything whichworries and frets, and which brings discord into so many lives?Cheerfulness has a wonderful lubricating power. It lengthens the life ofhuman machinery, as lubricants lengthen the life of inert machinery.Life's delicate bearings should not be carelessly ground away for merelack of oil. What is needed is a habit of cheerfulness, to enjoy everyday as we go along; not to fret and stew all the week, and then expectto make up for it Sunday or on some holiday. It is not a question ofmirth so much as of cheerfulness; not alone that which accompanieslaughter, but serenity,—a calm, sweet soul-contentment and inwardpeace. Are there not multitudes of people who have the "blues," who yetwish well to their neighbors? They would say kind words and make theworld happier—but they "haven't the time." To lead them to look on thesunny side of things, and to take a little time every day to speakpleasant words, is the message of the hour.

The Author.

In the preparation of these pages, amid the daily demands ofjournalistic work, the author has been assisted by Mr. E. P. Tenney, ofCambridge.