The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1874-11-07
The True Way of Life.

We all aim a fter enjoyment Of some
kind; and we aim not only after, but
after Its highest state, and to possess 1t
continually, We would be happy always,
and that In the highest degree. This
is the greatest error of our life, standing
first, for 1t. is not in human nature to
possess this, we are not calculated for
1t. We can bear high state of excite
ment, whether pleasurable or painful,
only for sh ort time; the strain then
will relax, and the opposite effect will
take place, WEAKNESS and distaste,
greater or less, for what was so relish.
ed. When we are stimu lated, reaction
must follow. 1t is hence that those
long in trouble become ema ciated, eak-
ened. II the grief is severe, death
sometimes puts an end to 1t. If the .sys-
TEN Is weak, the strain will be too much
for it. So it is with great excitement of
any kind. Great Joy will take the ap-
petite, the appetite will affect digestion,
and digestion the system, often inclu-
ding the mental and moral.
Now we cannot be harpy long at a
time. A fter time IL the excitement
has been very high, there will be a
dropping down, lessening Of the feel
ing, until there is depressed, weary
condition OF the system, a languor and
safety. The penalty is always attach
ed-the good neutralizad by It's oppo-
site.
Do we consider this? Very few in
deed do. We rather follow our incina-
tions--premit impulses to govern us. We
are Telemachus struggling to get to the
sirens; we have no thought of the real
condition, much less desire or will to
avoid it. Hence we go on, ever aim
ing, not only after the happiness, but
its highest enjoyment, and that con.
tinued. Was ever anything so prepos-
ferrous?
Is 1t possible to amend this? Will it
benefit to do so? Nothing is clearer. 1t
needs only seeing what there is, and
then practcing to obtain it, and in
short time the thing will be accomplish
ed. But will there be more enjoyment
In Its accomplishment. Clearly, yes.
The high strain and the low condition
consequent may be avoided, Thus
the lover may loose his fits of high Ella
i tion and deep depression, the two neu-
ralizlng each other, leaving the person
the worst for the strain. This may be
avoided, There will be no after effect
of pale counter ance and gloomy and
suffering aspect. The business man,
instead OF being merged wholly In the
one existing topic, elating and depress-
lug him, and under balancing his mind,
may be free from all this, and its rack
ing, hurting influence. So in all the
departments Of life ard society, where
We find this irregu!arity. this excess
and folly, seeking after the unattlan.
able So eking because tempting and
not thinking that it cannot be obtain
ed.
Are you then to avoid all that is fat
tering and exciting? We are to avoid
that which hurts US, however we'll it
may appear. We are to avoid-and
this is the substance of the whole thing
excess.
Oh, thenl You are preaching tenn
perance!" Not the temperance you
mean. In ell nature, moderation or
balance is the law. You grow your
fruit to excess, and there will be hurt;
exercise excessively and the result will
be apparent. Nothing, indeed, can Le
done to excess but 1t is harmful. To be
happy to excess Is to be miserable there
after.
Is it moderate enjoyment then that
we are to take up with?
This seemsrather disheartening,b but ii
is all in the seeming. Great Joy, as it