Happiness by F. M. Bragg

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 27, 1864

Happiness.

By F. M. Bragg

THE mind that was formed for enjoyment, naturally seeks some object which seems to be the summit of happiness. Instinctively it shuns wretchedness and misery, bent to secure the desired boon of happiness. All are in its pursuit, some in one way and some in another.

The miser seeks happiness in hoarding the shining dust, he feasts in recounting his accumulating treasure. The pleasure-seeker, continues the round of pleasure and gayety, though it leaves a sting behind. The lover of learning, stores the mind with valuable knowledge, but he may be called to leave all this enjoyment ere he reaches the goals of earthly fame. True and lasting happiness is not enjoyed in the pursuit of wealth, pleasure or fame, for these are but the result of an inward selfishness, which is opposed to true happiness. To be truly happy, the mind must be raised above self, placed upon some object worthy of its admiration. Our Creator alone can be such a being, worthy of all love and worship, the center of all our affections.

In cultivating and expanding the heaven-born attributes of the natural mind, in love to God, and good works to our brother, true and lasting happiness is enjoyed. We being formed for expansion and culture intelligently, morally and physically, all are necessary to perfect happiness; but our race have lost their pure and high nature, by the fall in the sin of our first parents, so none are perfectly happy in this imperfect state, so marred by sin; for none are of perfect physical form, of high pure moral nature, and of noble intellect. But so far as they can be, and are cultivated in the spiritual aspirations of the soul, true and lasting happiness is enjoyed here.

The famous Magii once sought a country where perfect beings dwelt, who were perfectly happy. They looked for a pure climate, a country adapted in all respects, to a race noble and beautiful, such a race as were once placed in the garden of Eden. These wise men of the East sought a country suited, in all respects to such a race; a country where none would ever be sick, but ever free from sorrow and sin, and were always happy. But they sought in vain; for no such spot could be found upon our earth.

But, dear readers, I can point you to a fair and happy clime, where the inhabitants are always purely happy. The way to this country is rough, and attended with many difficulties, but true and lasting happiness is enjoyed by all who reach this distant land. Jesus the Son of God has led the way. He came to this earth, and by a life of sorrow, and benevolence, and sacrifice of his life, has secured to you and me an entrance into this beautiful country where all will be pure and perfectly happy. Those who, in this world, follow Jesus, and "do his Father's will," shall finally enter through the pearly gates of that heavenly city, to walk those golden streets, and be in the most glorious presence of God, and Jesus our Redeemer, and share the society of all the holy angels and saints of all ages, through the endless ages of eternity.

Dear reader, is this not enough for all we are called to suffer in this world of sorrow? May we all reach this beautiful city and range the fields of the New Earth, and forever be perfectly happy.

F. M. BRAGG.