Sermons & Devotionals by Timothy Shay Arthur

TRIFLES Timothy Shay Arthur Truly has the poet said that, "Trifles swell the sum of human happiness and woe." Our highest and holiest aspirations, our purest and warmest affections — are frequently called forth by what in itself may be deemed of trivial importance. The fragrant breath of a flower, t... Read More

Hints and Helps for Married People Timothy Shay Arthur First, let us speak to the young HUSBAND , in the words of the author of that excellent little volume, "A Whisper to a Newly-Married Pair." Earnestly endeavor to obtain among your acquaintances, the character of a good husband; and abhor that wo... Read More

Three New Years Eves Timothy Shay Arthur, 1856 The First New Years Eve Mr. and Mrs. Andrews had been married only a few months, and this was their first New Year's Eve. Theirs was truly a marriage of affection, and congenial tastes drew closer the bonds by which they were united. Familiarity with th... Read More

BEAUTY! Timothy Shay Arthur, 1848 "Beautiful?" exclaimed Mary Marvel, with a toss of the head and a slight curl of her cherry lips. "There isn't a good feature in her face." "And yet, I think her beautiful," was the calm reply of Mrs. Hartley. "Why, Aunt! Where are your eyes?" "Just where they have ... Read More

The Evening Before Marriage Timothy Shay Arthur "We shall certainly be very happy together!" said Louise to her aunt on the evening before her marriage, and her cheeks glowed with a deeper red, and her eyes shone with delight. When a bride says we , it may easily be guessed whom of all persons in th... Read More

MARRIAGE In the truest sense of the word, woman was created to be man's comforter, a joyous helpmate in hours of sunshine, a soother, when the clouds darken and the tempests howl around his head; then, indeed, we perceive the divinely beautiful arrangement which marriage enforces. Man in his wisdom,... Read More

The Good Match! By Timothy Shay Arthur, 1853 "My heart is now at rest," remarked Mrs. Presstman to her sister, Mrs. Markland. "Florence has done so well. The match is such a good one." Mrs. Presstman spoke with animation, but her sister's countenance remained rather grave. "Mr. Barker is worth at le... Read More

Helping the Poor by Timothy Shay Arthur "I'm on a begging expedition ," said Mr. Johnson, as he came bustling into the counting-room of a fellow merchant named Prescott. "And, as you are a benevolent man, I hope to get at least five dollars here in aid of a family in extremely indigent circumstances... Read More

The Friends, or Luxuries Lost and Happiness Won Timothy Shay Arthur, 1856 It was a pleasant day in June, the month of roses, when the young earth seems to send on the balmy air a whispered thanksgiving to Heaven for her rich and gentle beauty. The fresh foliage grows brighter as the sweet breath of ... Read More

Marrying Well By Timothy Shay Arthur, 1853 "And so, dear," said Mrs. Waring to her beautiful niece, Fanny Lovering, "you are about becoming a bride ." The aunt spoke tenderly, and with a manner which instantly broke down all barriers of reserve. "And a happy bride, I trust," returned the blushing gi... Read More

Engaged at Sixteen! By Timothy Shay Arthur, 1853 "Mrs. Lee is quite fortunate with her daughters," remarked a visitor to Mrs. Wyman, whose oldest child, a well grown girl of fifteen, was sitting by. "Yes, Kate and Harriet went off in good time. She has only Fanny left." "And she is to be married thi... Read More

The Daughter-in-Law By Timothy Shay Arthur "I shall love your mother very much, Charles — but do you think she will love me?" said a graceful young creature, leaning with an air of tender confidence upon the arm of her companion, and looking earnestly in his face. She was a little above the ordinary... Read More

Making a Sensation by Timothy Shay Arthur "Do you intend going to Mrs. Walshingham's party, next week, Caroline?" asked Miss Melvina Fenton of her friend Caroline Dudley. "It is said that it will be a splendid affair." "I have not made up my mind, Melvina." "O you'll go of course. I wouldn't miss it... Read More

Little Lizzie by Timothy Shay Arthur "If they wouldn't let him have it!" said Mrs. Leslie, weeping. "O, if they wouldn't sell him liquor — there would be no trouble! He's one of the best of men, when he doesn't drink. He never brings liquor into the house; and he tries hard enough, I know, to keep s... Read More

Blessed Are the Beloved! Timothy Shay Arthur, 1856 Yes, it is a bitter world — and how few there are who love us! Sometimes we meet one whom we feel 'twere bliss to live for — to die for! a look from whose eye is joy; a tender word from whose lips is Heaven; and yet a careless word , an idle jest ut... Read More

How to Be Happy Timothy Shay Arthur, 1856 I will give you several good maxims which may help you to become happier than you would be without knowing them. But as to being completely happy--that you can never be until you get to Heaven. 1. The first maxim is, "Try your best to make others happy." "I ... Read More

Shadows from a Clouded Brow Timothy Shay Arthur, 1853 A little thing clouded the brow of Mrs. Abercrombie — a very little thing. But if she had known how wide the shadows were often diffused, and how darkly they fell, at times, on some hearts — she would have striven more earnestly, we may believe, ... Read More

Not Great, But Happy by Timothy Shay Arthur How pure and sweet is the love of young hearts! How little does it contain of earth — how much of Heaven! No selfish passions mar its beauty. Its tenderness, its pathos, its devotion — who does not remember, even when the sere leaves of autumn are rustling... Read More

The Step-mother By Timothy Shay Arthur, 1853 There are few positions in social life of greater trial and responsibility than that of a step-mother ; and it too rarely happens that the woman who assumes this position, is fitted for the right discharge of its duties. In far too many cases, the widower... Read More

The Clerk's Marriage By Timothy Shay Arthur, 1861 "You are either a brave young man — or a very foolish one!" "Why do you say that?" "To think of marriage." "What has bravery or folly to do in the case?" "The young lady is poor! " "I do not wed for money ." "There would be some hope for you, if she ... Read More