The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1900-12-27

singular than a general custom 81 wishing
happiness to others-indeed, the extensive
observance OF this custom is sgniheant
mark of our Christian civilization.
Peoples of all lands wish. They wish by
the moon, by the stars, by the clouds, oy the
birds, by almost every phenomenon. WIN
some il is at certain periods in the year, with
others it is daily enjoyment.
Not every wish comes true, just as not
every seed that is planted natures. Ihere
is a pretty custom among uncivlilzed tribes
in the orient, wherein fair virgins make little
boats with sails, place on the top lghted
candle and put on board cargo OF wishes.
At evening twilight these frau barks are
launched on the doubtful current OF the
river. Anxious eyes watch them as they
float away for if the boat sail out of sight
without overturning and the candle burn
without dying, then will her burden OF wish
es come true, and the dsrk-faced maiden
will happily wed. Too often, alas, more
often than otherwise, these wishing boats
and their cargoes come TO fatetui end ana
disappoint the hopes OF those who risk them
on the treacherous stream-such IS the end
of many wish.
We wish always for thingsthat are good,
but not always do the things that seem to
us good turn out to be so. Perhaps no
greater calamity could come 10 US than the
getting Of every wish. In an ancient lta.iau
fairy tale Fortunatus, by means OF his wish
ing cap. always had a full purse, but that
purse proved the ruin Of himself and his
sons, a result not uncommon IN rea- NE to-
day.
We wish a happy New Year to others, not
for its opening days alone, bu. for al its
days and all its hours, even to when the
YEAR is dying: wishes for December as well
as May, for May as for January.
We wish that good which is ultimately
good. not that present sweet which turns
10 bitter, but such fruit as grows sweeter
with ripening prosperity and never knows
decay.
We wish happiness, but mean more than
amusement. and even more than pleasure
To be amused is the need OF children, onl
the high intelligence OF man needs more
than amusement for its satisfaction. 90
Measure. If we mean that which pleases,
comes far short Of our best wishes ehAd
Is pleased with fire, and some polsons please
the taste; indeed, many things that please
also harm, and things dlsp.easing often
bring ultimate blessing. Happiness is more
than amusement or pleasure. IL reaches
deener into the inner life and is far more
abiding. Inward conditions determine hap
niness rather than outward touches. To gao
about in search of happiness is like doctor
inc a blood disease by skin applications
The source of health is in the soul. Happy
are the pure in heart.
There is picture in one of the galleries o
Europe representing the final judgment o
all men. Among the many figures on TN
canvas is one surely meant to be eonsplcu
ous. He evidently is not saint though n
ia among the saints. A study OF his fac
reveals the fact that instead OF being happ!
he is wretched. He is now seeking to g,e
ont of that Heaven into which formerly h
crowded himself. Then he was sure h
would be happy could he but reach. tn
place. Now he has learned that happilnes
, is not place. but state. Eden must be II