The Placer herald., 1872-03-23
CONFINEMENT WITH OUR LOT.
by. A. T. CHER.

How natural for us poor mortals TO be con-
tinually sighing for something we have not.
None of us are truly happy, for the simple
reason that we are never content or satisfied
with what we have. If we are what the
world calls rich, we either fret because we
have no more, or we sigh for the freedom,
the health and the unassumed happiness we
fancy we behold among the poor; if we are
what the world styles poor. the thought of it
makes us unhappy, and we shrink from the
so called wealthy, with feeling of envy and
jealousy. We moreover, are apt to contrib
ute stimulus to discomfort, by comparing our
circumstances with those of others, allotting
all good and happiness to our neighbor. while
in our hearts we--though we oft conceal it
imagine ourselves to be the most unfortunate
of beings; not that our friend across the way
enjoys life better than we, but because we
do not know his thoughts and feelings as we
know our own. The lack of contentment
and appreciation is the lack of wealth; the
possession of these, is the possession Of the
greatest wealth this world affords.
We are all rich in the blessings we enjoy;
if in nothing else, we are rich in the possession
of life, health, friends and the pursuit ofhap-
piness. If we have no friends, I'VE are rich
in the power we have to make them; for
which we should be thankful. If we have
bad health, we should be thankful it is no
worse; if we have lost limb, we ought to
be thankful that we did not lose two; if we
have lost an eye, we should be thankful that
the other is left; if we lose our hearing, we
should be thankful that we still possess our
other senses; and if we have lost all our
senses, and our limbs besides, we should be
very thankful that we still have chance to
save our soul.
Is your lot worse than any other person 8
you know of? then you are rich in the power
you have to better it; if you are blessed with
more of this worlds goods than some others,
be thankful that your condition is not the
worst; if you have plenty, be proportion
ately thankful, and pay the Giver of your
goods for what you enjoy, by helping His
creatures who are worse off than yourself.
repeat, contentment is wealth, and If we
possess not this, no amount of this world
goods can make us happy. If we have all
that nature Graves, we are bountifuly rich,
and have no reason to complain. Should
we complain because we have trouble
Not at all. IF We never experience the Bit
ter of life, we would be incapable of relshing
its sweets. The stars twinkle brighter after
stormy weather; the great luminary, the
source Of heat and light, reflects most beauty
on our earth, when every leaf and spear is
besprinkled with the Transparent drops OF
Heavens dew; SO do the souls of mortals
shine out with more transcendent beauty and
transmit their most enchanting rays OF love-
iiness, when the eye is moistened with tear
of true sorrow, or the cheeks are crimsoned
with blush of modest fear.
In conclusion, then. would say, let US be
content with our lot; and instead of pining
that it is no better, be thankful it is no worse,
and labor to improve it. Remembering that
to be content is to be happy, and to be happy
is to have peace, and to have peace we must
possess the growth Of an enlightened, firm
benevolent, conscientious and holy mind.
i