Article #17 - Earthly Happiness

Impromptu

            Oh what a bitter thought it is to know that those in whom our hearts confided “are changed and changing like the empty wind.” There is no Friendship here on Earth that is lasting – unless perchance we meet with some kindred spirit – some congenial soul that may be lent as a “blessed influence” to shield our path from evil – and to point our course in Hope & Faith and Love to a higher sphere and a “better Land.”

            We meet the gay and fascinating companions at every turn in the road of Life – but sympathetic ray that lightens the innermost recesses of the Heart – not often beams a guiding star on our long pathway to lure us from the source from whence it emanated. It is a holy gift – and happy they who are the blessed recipients. Oh! the heart is strangely wayward in its own uncontrollable will, it will submit to no bondage – save that it imposes on itself – acknowledges no sovereign – save that which itself hath chosen. It decides in a moment and will abide by that decision even until Death. Quick in its perceptions – it often meets its own congeniality at a

glance. If we were always to follow the dictates of the Heart we should err less often than we unhapily [sic] are prone to do. Cold selfish calculations are brought to bear upon us and we sacrifice to Ambition, what we owe to our better Nature. Happy are they who follow the monitor within and thereby embrace the brightest and most perfect personification of Earthly Happiness.