We are capacitated for enjoyments of a higher and more perfect nature
than we can attain to on earth. Of this we are sensible from the fact,
that there is no condition in which we can be placed here below, that
is so adapted to our nature as to afford us permanent satisfaction.
Uninterrupted felicity is not a plant of earth. It cannot flourish in
a clime where the blighting storms of malice and envy wither all that
is fair, sweet and blooming. And though we are sensible that such is
the fact, yet, deaf to all that experience, example and observation
conspire to teach, we are exerting all our powers to obtain it here
below, where the united voice of earth and heaven assure us it cannot
be found. We cast our eyes around us, and see the human family in
every varied condition of life from the beggar on his bed of straw, up
to the king in regal splendor on the throne of nations; but in
defiance of this immense distinction, they alike breathe the deep sigh
of discontent. We also cast our eyes over the historic page, and scan
the general fate of man in by-gone ages; but here too, we learn the
same lesson, that no _external condition_ has ever added to the
rational enjoyments of the soul. We see the same uneasiness, the same
longing desires pervade every bosom. Our object is happiness; and
amidst all the various pursuits of life, what is the reason so many
fail of obtaining it? The answer is readily given. We make riches,
honors and the high things of the earth our chief pursuit and aim, and
fondly imagine that our happiness lies in them. Here is our error. Man
is destined to a world of mental felicity, where those external
pursuits of fortune will be unknown; where all that he here pursues
with so much eagerness will be removed from his desires forever, and
where all the channels of the soul will be opened to the true fountain
of felicity and completely ravished in its flowing streams. In order,
therefore, to enjoy that happiness, in this momentary state of being,
which God has placed within our reach, we must make mental felcity the
main pursuit of life, and the riches and conveniences of earth our
secondary pursuit. We must completely reverse our conduct in order to
obtain those rational enjoyments, that flow from the virtuous habits
and dispositions. We must, as Jesus says, "seek first the kingdom of
God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto
you."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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