The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-08-17
The Dream of Happiness.

| The Dream of Happiness.
Often had heard OF happiness, but was
ignorant OF it myself. My anxious heart
inquired, Is it all phantom; thing of fic-
ton merely, and not of facta determin-
ed to travel the earth and see if it were in
the possession Of any mortal.
beheld king on his stately throne.
Subjects obeyed his laws. A multitude Of
servants came, and went at his bidding.
Palaces of the most costly materials were
at his service, and his tables groaned un-
der the richness of their burdens He
seemed furnished with all he could desire,
but his countenance betrayed thet he was
not happy.
saw man OF wealth. He resided in
an elegant mansion, and was surrounded
by every luxury. But he lived in constant
fear OF losing his possessions. He was
constantly imagining that all his property
would be consumed or taken from him.
Thus picturing to his own mind the miser-
able condition Of himself and family, he
was not satisfied with his present wealth.
The more he had the more he desired
Surely here was not happiness.
looked Upon lovely valley surround
by hills. In the midst Of it stood neat
little village. Gurgling streams came
murmuring down the hillside. The lambs
frolicked merrily about. Cattle grazed in
the verdant pastures, and now and then
went to quench their thirst at the nearest
spring, or the purling brook. Every thing
seemed pleasant. Thought certainly here
is happiness. But visited the inhabitants
OF this beautiful spot, and saw that they
were not happy. They lived not peacea-
bly, among themselves. and murmured be-
cause great wealth was not their portion
or that they were not born to high station.
beheld fair young creature blessed
with health and beauty. She was the life
OF the ballroom, and received the most
constant attentions. But perceived that
she was not truly happy. These things
could not satisfy the longing Of her heart.
Isaw a true and heartfelt Christian. He
was constantly exercising love to his fel-
low-men, and doing ell in his power to ex-
tend the knowledge of Jesus Christ and
Him cruci6ed. He trusted not in vanities
OF this life for happiness. He sought not
this worlds riches, but laid up for himsel.
| treasure in Heaven His soul was at rest
and at peace with God and mankind. AL.
though he experienced many trials both
in public and private. still he was cheer
ful, and content with his lot. He only, Of
| all these was possessed of true happiness.
Ht"There is one word harder than
''fate, colder than death, more fearful than
..the grave-desert,on"
True-true! Affection repaid by false.
hood, confidence by,treachery, idolatry by
scorn! O, how few of us there are who
can comprehend the terrible meaning OF
that word-desertion! Death may come
in and wrench away link from our golden
chain Of love-we know that it Is gone
llost-yanished forever! We weep over it.
mourn for it, lay it from our heart, and
turn again to the battle Of life feeling that
There are still other cares which demand
our exertion; but to be deserted by the one
we love-the one in whose being we have
all our joys for the present-all our hopes
for the future! O. it is so long before we
can believe what we know to be true-be-
fore we can bring our minds to the utter
desolation which has shadowed our lives!
We turn with burst Of passionate weep
ting to the memories in common with our
happy past. and in the bitterness of our
grief, believe that they too, will sometimes
think. Of them and return to us again. But
lit passes-the wild, yearning hope, the
bitter passionate sorrow, nor do we fully
comprehend our depth Of suffering until
lonely seasons have passed-until the sea
of passion had subdued into an eternal
calm-until joys beckon to US which they
might have shared-events pass before us
in which they would have played conspic
uous parts-anxleties throng around us
which they might have alleyiated-till the
/ ]smile Of affection has long been unseen
the clasp of love long unfelt--the words o
J fondness long been unheard-then, ther
we look around upon the world in all it
phases, and realize the true meaning o
that word-"harder than fate, colder thar
death, more fearful than the graye-deser
, tioni"
Gazing into the fond eyes which make
| sunshine in my home. leaning upon the
) dear bosom which shelters my happiness
+ my heart goes out in sorrowfnl sympathy
) for those who have no fond eyes to chez
, them, no sustaining bosom to rest upon
: and no reprieve from loneliness and des
! olstion till they find peace beneath the sod
> God help the deserted, for they haze meee
| of help! GAY zSPANKER.
All is for the Best
Fl Dr. johnson used to say that habit o
I looking at the best of everything is bette
Than a tho,eopd coupdo a voar Risho,