We often pity the poor$$$ because they have no leisure to mourn their departed relatives$$$ and necessity obliges them to labor through their severest afflictions: but is not active employment the best remedy for overwhelming sorrow--the surest antidote for despair? It may be a rough comforter: it may seem hard to be harassed with the cares of life when we have no relish for its enjoyments; to be goaded to labor when the heart is ready to break$$$ and the vexed spirit implores for rest only to weep in silence: but is not labor better than the rest we covet? and are not those petty$$$ tormenting cares less hurtful than a continual brooding over the great affliction that oppresses us? Besides$$$ we cannot have cares$$$ and anxieties$$$ and toil$$$ without hope--if it be but the hope of fulfilling our joyless task$$$ accomplishing some needful project$$$ or escaping some further annoyance.