Page:Elegant extracts.pdf/15



HE is happy who is cheerful though possessing but little; he is unhappy who is troubled although amidst much wealth. The happiness of the body consists in health, that of the mind in knowledge. To be wise and virtuous will make us happy.

2. Health and peace, a moderate fortune, and a few select friends, sum up the chief articles of temporal felicity. If you would judge whether a man is happy, you must not think of his property, and appearance, but inquire whether he is contented, and habitually cheerful. If the feelings of pleasure are more numerous in high life, so are also those of pain. If greatness flatters our vanity, it multiplies our dangers and desires. If the middle rank, or the poor, are confined to a more narrow compass, yet their wants are fewer, and they have more real enjoyments. With respect to spiritual happiness, the grace of God, and the forgiveness of sin, are the chief articles of it; here we are at a certainty, for the son of God has removed the veil which covered true bliss, and has taught the way which leads to eternal and complete happiness.

3. There are three reasons why many do not enjoy true happiness:

1st. Because they expect too much here below; whoever said, I am completely happy?—If we have religion and wealth, perhaps we want health of body; if we even possess that, some enemies or relations may trouble us; all this is designed to teach us, that this world is not our home.

2dly. Looking up with envy at those above