Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-01-24
AN ADDRESS,
% rnn pAuaurrns o. 1880.
Bu Ms. SeraDl ". Holmes.

The desire Of happiness implanted IN the
human heart, IS one Of the strongest emotions
ofoar nature. It is one that shows at once,
human origin and human destination. The
whole family Of mankind are in search ofhap-
piness. Every energy Of the human mind is
tssked to produce the desired result. Many
place the boon in wealth, and viii compass
land and sea to gain the acm Of human
bliss. These sacrifice home, friends, the
common comforts Of life, the wealth Of affec-
ton, principles, health, indeed every thing
that could make life desirable, to the acquisi-
ton Of their object. And why? Because
they see beneath the glittering dust the hap
piness which their dissatisfied spirits crave.
They toll on amid burning sands and desert
wastes, endure cold. hunger and fatigue, pain
and privafion, to accomplish the one grand
aim, TO acquire wealth. And they may be
suceessful-in their Golfers the golden treas
ufes glitter-tbe l~uxuries that wealth can
purchase surround them. But are they hap
pyf Arc they satisfied The care-worn
check, the falterinS step, and the restless
ness Of soul that IS told in the sunken eye,
answer that the pursuit has been vain. And
even the possession is uncertain. The storm
and the tempest may destroy, the flames may
consume, or the blightning mildew may with
er forever. at best they are held by 1
slighttenure. The full possession Of ample
wealth is often unsatisfactory, and becomes
source Of narrowing care there is stiIl some
thing wanting to complete earthly Joy which
wealth and its ~appurtenances can neye
bring.
1--we turn to the votaries of pleasure AM
ask for happiness, we are equally astonisheI
at the result. The cup Of pleasure pals NJ
on the lip, and be who quaffs deepest turn
awayin bitterness Of hcart, as from the drug
red chalice. Not that we despise wealth Q
renounce pleasure; no,whcn properly used i
connection with the higher and boiler dutie
of life, they contribute much to human hal
piness but when VIC depend upon them !
an entire source Of enjoyment, they fail
producing the desired result.
We next turn to the pursuits of ambitio
and fine. They, too, are unsatisfactory
The dazzling heights offame may be gained
ambition may be seated by princely palace
and princely power, yet the soul is unsatisfe,
An Alexander, a Caesar or a Napoleon ma
be. cited in proof Of this. They. amid the
splendcr and renown, were not happy, we
not satisfied, were not secure. The banqu
hail Of Persia, the Forum Of Rome at Il
ides Of March and the rock-bound coast
st. Helena. tell but toe faithfully the end
a career Of earthly glory whose starting poi
and final goal was ambition.
From these considerations we may percci
that though these possessions and pursuit
when properly held and exercised, contribu
to human enjoyment, yet they fall short
producing that mount Of happiness that t
soul Graves, or IS capable Of approaching.
To realize the full amount Of happiness
which we are susceptible, we must follow Q
the impulses OfOur higher and better natui
The fall powers Of our mental and moral
ing must be developed and brought into
ton. The soul wants culture. The capi
tiles i hwhich We are endowed, those viii
often lie dormant, are living fount of hs
piness. if We would but allow them to e