Semi-weekly Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1851-1852, 1851-10-31
SEARCHING FOR HAPPINESS.

dreamed was setting on an eminence
where the whole scene of life was before me !;
seas, plains, cities, and country, the world and
its actors. An old man, with the noble head
and serene countenance that beft wisdom,
stood beside me; and turned perplexed gaze
on the mutitudinous human family, and asked
him. "Who is it thai so many seem confident
ly expecting, and so many others to be ol'nd'y
purs:ing?'
"She is immortal" he replied, "whose home
is not Of this world. In truth, she rarely visits
it Her companionshp is reserved for those
who, in the language Of the scripture, "shall
see God AS he is. for they shall be like HIM
Her name is Happiness. She is never found
of those who seek her for her own sake.
"Why, then, are so many pursuing herr l
asked; "why do they not learn from the expe
rence CT others?"
"The desire of her presence" he replied, sis
born with them El'he child cries for her,
some are ignorant Of the means Of attaIn
her: some deiude themselves, and others are
deluded as to the manner of winning her; lew
are willing to pay the price Of her friendship,
and fewer still receive the truth that she does
not abide on earth with those most worthy OF
her nrescnce. To them her visits are rare and
brief but they are content to dwell among her
kindred, Submission, Tranquility, Contentment
and Patience.
"Take this" said he, giving me curious
eye.glass, cit will enable you to see the d'stant'
to penetrate every secret path and discern un'
told thoughts"
took the glass, and it fulfilled its promise
| now beheld the whole world in pursuit OF this
enchanting being. Some were crossing the
wide sea, some treading the wilderness; mass
es were crowdng into cities, and others Tying
to the country in quest of her. They looked
for her where she was never heard oi' anu
what at first was inexplicable to me, those that
most eagerly sought her and sought nothing
else. never bv any chance found her.
Tired of my general observation, l finally
confined my attention to two young persons
who began the course Of life together, One
was beautiful girl called Brillanta, whom
saw in French boarding school, with teachers
in all the arts and various branches OF learn.
ing. D,
"Why do they confne me here y she ex-
claimed pettshly; "they tell me l was born
for Happiness, and have not SO much as heard
the rustng of her wings in this tresome place.
Well, must worry it through; but when
school DAYS are over, and | am out and sur
rounded BY friends followed by lovers, and 60
at will to operas and balls, then Happiness
will be my constant companion"
The golden future became Brlanta's pres,
ent. | saw her wreathed with flowers, and
sparkling with jewels; admired and dattered,
and hurryng from one scene of gayety to an
ather; but instead Of the companions she pre-.
sumptuousy expected, there were only pleas
ure and Excitement, and at their heels, Safety
and WEAKNESS.
"Alasw exclaimed Brillanta, "Happlness is
not vet with me, but she will come to my wed.
ding, with the bridal gifts and festivities; she
will take up her abode in my luxurious home e
But true love was not required at the marriage !;
80 Happiness refused to be there. Vanity and
Pride were among the guests, and were soon
followed by the iend disappointment. HaPPl.
piness could not breathe the air they infected.
A few years passed. Happiness had never
been, never will be here !" exclaimed Brllanta.
"My husband is SO tiresome! my children teas
ing! my servants so tormenting! | will 60 to
foreign lands, will explore other countries !;
surely where so many rush to seek Happiness
she must be found"