SERIOUS THOUGHTS.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 249, 19 February 1898, Page 2 (Supplement)

SERIOUS THOUGHTS.

HAPPINESS.

It has been said, " Not tho enjoyment of happiness, but tho fulfilment of duty is tho object of our existence here." Nevertheless, most peoplo are in eager pursuit of happiness. Some think money will give it them ; most think if they had a little raoro than they have they would be happy; others fancy that if their circumstances were not what they aro, it would bo possiblo. There is always an " if " in tho way. But somehow the restless pursuit does not bring it ,* tho reason being that as long ns happiness is made tho end and aim of life, men are under a mistake and will miss tho mark. If things are not in tho Divine order, they must go wrong. A famous American preacher compared the pursuit of happiness to a boy chasing a butterfly ; just as ho thinks ho has got it, it continually flies beforo him ; but tho preachu* says, lot those who aro pursuing only turn round ; lot them geek God and His Spirit, and lo ! happiness comos—for Ho gives peace, rc.-t and joy. Is it not restlessness that keeps us from being happy—the not knowing whither wo aro going, or what we want ? It makes a great difference in our lifo when we feel it is all under the Divine control ; and if, from the infirimity of our nature, or untoward cirouimtancos or from many other causes, we caunot be always cheerfully happy, yet to live the life of faith, to learn to trust in God and to serve Him, is very different from that unrcstfulness which is continually craving and cannot be satisfied. St Augustine says, " Thou hast made us for Thyself, and our hearts aro disquieted until they can find rest in Thee. " Absenco of fear is a's> one element of happiness ;it givos uj courage and strength to feel that" we are under the control of a Higher Power. Bacon says, *' Take an example of a dog, and mark what a generosity and courage he will put on when he finds himself maintained by a man—who is to him instead of a God, so man, when ho resteth and assureth himself upon Divine providence and favour, gathereth a force, a faith which human nature in itself could not attain."

The true believer is restful and at peace " not afraid of any evil tidings, for his heart is fixed, trusting in tho Lord." He is not disturbed at the thought of growing old, nor afraid when he is old ; if earthly pleasures are slipping from his grasp, he knows of bettor things to take their place. Why then should men hang back, and think that religion i.s to ki'l all their joys ! It does not, indeed, take away the pleusuro of life, though it changes it ana makes it more true and lasting. As we grow to know something better we aro content to let the old things go ; just as the growing man has not to be made to giro up his childish amusements ; ho gives them up booauso he has found something better and tho desires of his youthful days are no longer in him. The first step, then, towards the attainment of happiness is to pause and turn from the pursuit of it, and to remember whoro wo are and what wo are doing ; to make up our minds that satisfaction is not to bo found in worldly success, or worldly abundance: husks cannot satisfy the body, nor luxury or gold tho soul. Tho Psalmist says " Tho hungry soul " is filled with " goodness " the goodness of God and tho rigtteousnoss of Christ. It is only He who can satisfy the " loving soul." " Who is wise will ponder these things, and they shall understand " " Whoso trustetb in the Lord, happy is he." 0. E. K. (F)