Georgetown weekly news., 1855-05-10
Happiness.
KATE.

In all the scenes Of life we are apt to look
forth to the future as a season of happiness.
Although we may be surrounded by kind
friends who are ever anxious for our welfare,
and our wants may be supplied with a
bountiful hand, yet, still, we are expecting
in the future more enjoyment, more happi-
ness than the present moment affords.
Thus regardless of our present circum-
stances. which might render US happy if we
were inclined to believe that within our
reach is that for which we are in search; we
are constantly expecting but never realiz-
ing those pleasures which we are anticipa-
ting in the future; for often, instead Of hap
piness, the future brings Us sorrow, griefand
pain.
How eagerly we grasp the glittering bau-
ble which Hit across litcs sunny path, think
ing they contain happiness. But they do
not yield that pleasure which we anticipa-
ted, for we find beneath the most inviting
exterior, grief, care, and sappointment.-
Still we pursue the glittering scenes Of life,
and as we view the bright blooming face OF
youth, we are often led to think that they
are more fortunate than Ourselves-that
they have secret spring Of happiness which
we have never found.
But alas, dear reader were you permitted
to lift the veil which covers the human heart
and read its various emotions, you would
truly exclaim: "Happiness exists more in
nlme than in reality" You would find
every heart, however gay it may appear be-
fore the giddy world, hath its own secret
sorrow, and every eye, however bright, hath
shed the mOurner's tear.
Disappointment is the lot of man.
This, Undoubtedly you have learned by sad
and bitter experience.
Yet Notwithstanding this knowledge of
mankind, you have that within yourselves
which might render you happy in measure.
We are daily deceiving ourselves by expect
ing to derive happiness from external cir
cumstaLc S. This can never be, as our oft
and repeated diSappontments bear testi-
mony; yet each one hath the essential requi-
site for his own enjoyment; for the true
source OF happiness lies within ourselves.
If you were to cultivate a cOntented mind,
you might be far happier than you now are;
and by contrasting your own condition with
those more wretched than yourself, instead
OF with those more fortunate in the worlds
affairs, you might profit by the lesson, and
by imagining yourself in the miserable con-
dltion OF some of our fellow beings, you
would distinctly see that you have great rea-
son to be thankful for the many blessings
you now enjoy.
Look upon that unfortunate class of in
dividuals whose ears have been sealed to the
beauties Of nature, and again upon those Oh
whom the most enchanting tones of melody
have fallen noiselessy and unheard. And
yet, upon those whose tongues have never
uttered sounds of joy or sadness, unveilng
the secret feelings of the heart, and once
more on those eXcruciating pains have dis
torted their limbs, incapacitating them from
action, leaving them burden on the care
OF friends. Look on these, | say, and think
"whO hath made you to differ, and be CRATE
full that the Hand which fashioned your
body, and that guideth you in the path you
must tread, and that surrounded you by cir
cumstances, which cannot be avoided, hath
been merciful in bestowing upon you many
blessings, many estimable privileges and
many sources of enjoyment which are denied
to many who are journeying throug life
Undoubtedly you have seen sorrow-and
who has not? Where is he who hath lived
beyond the days Of infancy, and hath not
drained the bitter cup.
Those who have joy must have sorrow in
comparison. And those who have friends
must mourn their departure. While sailing
DER the sea Of life you must encounter adj
verse as well as prosperous winds. Turn
not your back upon the bright sunshine in
Iife's early morn for trfing shadows in the
bright horizon which ere the day may close
may gather darkly around your path And
when the clouds of sorrow and adversely
lower about your head, be not discouraged,
for the sun shineth BRIGHTLY behind those