American Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1855-1860, 1858-09-09
For ihe Laheaster pazetle,

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"liks the troubled oceati. whose waves are
continually casting up mire and Dirt A
review Of the bdsy millions Of morials that
are ihroueiug lifes bustling theatre. will
both athuse. and instruct. Happiness. or
increased pleasure, seems TO be the impulse
which governs all. To attain to some
state Of enjoyment more exalted than the
present; somethingin advance, constantly
invites to more refined pleasures. But
when the inen. AndF good has been mbrac-
ed, or the I%st aSaS 70 RRSSootaged, he mpatiepce
for still greater enjoy ymenls. is only increas-
ed; and the restless seeker, rushes forward
to grasp new sources of pleasure. There
is not in this lie, resting place. No
goal can be reached this side Of the grave,
where perfect content can bo found. In
tiis. is displayed the wisdom Of God. He
has iormed his intelligent creatures, with
Unsuitable desires for happiness, which are
doubtsdly TO continue, throughout the end
less cycles Of eternity. +
II we turn oiiy attention 10 the various
ways 10 which the bnhah race have sought
to amuse the selves.at the different epochs
Of the worlds history, we shall 6nd, that
every methsd by which they have attempt
ed 10 satisfy theft desire for happiness, has,
after being tried; been laid aside, and new
resources sought after: Every thing be-.
longing to mans existence, i1 bis present
sphere Of life, will befound to bs constant,
ly changing Hence all our earthly hap
piness clogs with the using. and al Our
well devised schemes for rest aid eaIe,
fail us, and leave void, an unss' 'isfied de-
sire within, which looks forward TO some-
thing still in advance, which when attsiu-
ed, proves like all our former acquisitions,
a puff Of empty air.
The enlightened christian mild, cannot
contemplate some Of the methods of the
ancient races Of man, by which they at.
tempted to atnuse the public, with any
other. than feelings Of horror. Such as the
gladiatorial conflicts. the race, sometimes
sacrificing the lives Of he contestants; cast,
ing condemned human beings into the
arena Of the amphitheatfe, to be devoureC
by ferocious beasts, for the amusement o
assembled thousands. The Olympic game,
perhaps the most rational pastime of which
history brings us an account from past dges
appears to the more refined races of The
presnnt age, as partaking Of this barbari,y
Of the times, in which they were held.
But 1t is amusing 10 the cam spectatol
OF the nineteenth century. to witness tn,
many strange, aud opposite ways will
which restless nnortals, strive to anus
! Il !tEEcc:-:;;-ut,ss. sums are seeking pleasure
ii the narcotic effect of tabacco; some, b,
STEPPING themselves with nloxican!
drinks; soma with opium; some are dan
cling, singing. whirllng, to drive dull car
away; some are hunting, some gambling
some robbing. Others. think to be grail
fed. by witnessing tragic, or comic scene
mimiced On the stage. The mortal cock
fight gtatifes others; some talk politics
others deal oft scandal, some seek refug
10 tho churches, to veil an evil heart. SOM
make great display Of charity and beueyo
lence. where their deeds can be seen c
men, while secret good deeds, arc ,gnor
ed. Some take their extreme felicity. il
imagining themselves the privileged, frs
classl the well horn without any consider
alton Of personal merit or worth; and as
their bodies would not equally become tn
food ofloalhsome worms. Some feast lhsi
appstites; others delight iu relating tn
marvellous, as ghost storissi earthquake
lussus nattras, &c. But we cannot exteu
q the list. Dear reader, there is no lastin
Happiness 10 this mortal existence. Az
blessed will you be. il you have soug
your rest in religion. virtue and truth
For your treasure will be in heaven. al
Q nothing can seperate you from the goC
part, which you have chosen, HOMO.