Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1852-1853, 1852-01-24
SEARCHING FOR HAPPINESS.
BY cATHARINB NJ. sEDGWICK.

ance stood beside me and turned d Pei Plo
paze on the multitudinous human '''i'i1y' anu
S;n, % Who is it that many seem connoehtly
expecting, and so many otnerS u oe JIMMY PN'
suing 2" :;
She is immortal" he replied, whose home J.. IS
NOT of this world In truth, she rarely visits II.
Her companionship is reserved for those who' IN
the language of Scripture, shall see God as ne Is
for they shall be like him. Her name IS HaPPPi-
moss. She is never found of those who seek her
for her own sake"
uWbv then are so many pursuing her?" asked ];
"why do they not learn from the experience OF
Others 2"
The desire of her presence" he replied, us
horn with them. The child cries for her some are
. IGNORANT of the means of attaining her; some de
l1de themselves and others are deuded as 10 C,le
manner of winning her few are willing to pay the
80 of ber friendship for fewer will receive the
trntb that she does not abide on earth with those
most worthy of her presence. TO them her visits
are rare and brief but they are content to dwell
among her kindred, Submission, Tranquility, Con-
tentment and Patience"
~Take this" said he, giving me curious eye
glass, & it will enable you to see the distant, 70
penetrate every secret path and discern untold
thoughts"
I took the glass, and it fulfilled its promise
now beheld the whole world in pursuit OF this en-
chanting being. Some were crossing the VIDE sea,
some were treadng the wilderness; masses were
crowdine into cities, and others flying to the coun-
try in quest of her. They looked for her where
she was nover heard Of and what at first was IN
explicable to me, those that most eagerly sought
her, and sought nothing else, never by any chance
found her.
Tired of my general observation, finally con-
fined nv attention to two young persons who be-
oan the course of life together. One was beau
tiful girl called Brlanta, whom saw in French
boarding school, with teachers in all the arts and
various branches of learning.
Why do they confne me here z" she exclaimed
pettishly, they tell me was born tor Happiness,
and have not so much heard the rustling OF
her wings in this tresome place. Well, L must
worry it through; but when school days are over,
and am out and surrounded by friends, followed
bv lovers, and 90 at will to operas and balls, then
Happiness will be my constant companion"
The golden future became Brillantas present. l
saw her wreathed with flowers, and sparkling with
Jewels admired and 1attered and hurrying from
one scene of gayety to another but instead of the
companions She presumptuously expected there
were only Pleasure and Excitement, and, at their
heels Safety and WEAKNESS.
Alas'r exclaimed Brillanta, :" Happiness Is not
vet with me, but she will come to my wedding,
with the bridal gifts and festivities; she will take
up her abode in my luxurious home" But true
love was not required at the marriage, so HapPi-
ness refused to be there. Vanity and Pride were
among the guests, and were soon followed by the
fend Disappointment. Happiness could not breathe
the air they infected
A few years passed. "Happiness has never
been, never will be here!" exclaimed Brillanta
Ny husband is so tiresome! my children teasing
my servants so tormenting! l will go to foreign
lands will explore other countries surely where
so many rush to seek Happiness, she must be
found"
AWAY went Brillanta, but the chase was vain ;
she never got much glimpse OF Happiness,
though she went pursuing till death overlook
her. A mist that had been gathering around her
settled into Darkness and saw her no more
She whom had seen start in the career of life
with Branta named Serena. She came forth
daily from home where all sweet contentments
were, from God-loving and God-fearng parents
to her school tasks. She had an earnest and sweet
countenance, but what chiefly struck me about her
was her unikeness to the rest of the world.
She was not pursuing Happiness She was too
modest to claim her presence, too humble to eX-
pect. She was so occupied with her tasks and de-
sres that she had time to think of herself, but
she was eager enough to obtain the acquaintance
of Happiness for others. What disinterestedness
what selorgetfulness she practced to achieve this
and strange to say, when she asked and sought
this eluding being and when the clouds gathered
heavily around Serena, so that Happiness could
not come, she sent her helpful husband, Patience
and Serena was content and grateful.
How many unexpected, undeservng meetings
have with my heavenly fiend!" Serena would
exclaim. Happiness daily saluted her in the lovely
aspect of nature, in household loves, in the prayer
of faith, and the peace ofacquittng conscience. Tt
Serena in due time also came the wedding day
and with illimtable hope and right confidence that
belongs to that period of womans life, she said
Happiness, you will of course preside at this fes
tival."
"Of course" replied Happiness, " for where my
best friends gather the wedding day-Love
Fidelity and Moderation-am ever absent Blu
remember, my dear Serena, my stay cannot be long
care, trial, sorrow, must come to you; l can no
eonsort with them, but they will prepare you fo
my constant society hereafter, and make you rel
ish it keenly.
Care, trial. sorrow stern sisters who come to all
did come to Serena, but they were not always pres
ent; their terrors were converted to precious min
istry by the unfaing presence of Serena's bes
friend, Religion.
My eyes followed the whole course of thi
traveller between life and DEATH" and saw tina
she met Happiness on many an elevation in he
life, at many bright spot or sudden turn and
nally, when the gates of death opened to her,
Jaw her celestial friend, with open arms, awaitin.
her, to abide with them for ever and ever
. The RULING PASSION. Captain D." said
lady passenger, you must be happy man, to b
master of so beautiful boat" " She is beautiful
boat, madam-sits on the water like duck FL
was " in town" as lono as the conversation xvo