We are capacitated for enjoyments of a higher and more perfect nature than we can attain to on earth.  Of this we are sensible from the fact, that there is no condition in which we can be placed here below, that is so adapted to our nature as to afford us permanent satisfaction.  Uninterrupted felicity is not a plant of earth.  It cannot flourish in a clime where the blighting storms of malice and envy wither all that is fair, sweet and blooming.  And though we are sensible that such is the fact, yet, deaf to all that experience, example and observation conspire to teach, we are exerting all our powers to obtain it here below, where the united voice of earth and heaven assure us it cannot be found.  We cast our eyes around us, and see the human family in every varied condition of life from the beggar on his bed of straw, up to the king in regal splendor on the throne of nations; but in defiance of this immense distinction, they alike breathe the deep sigh of discontent.  We also cast our eyes over the historic page, and scan the general fate of man in by-gone ages; but here too, we learn the same lesson, that no external condition has ever added to the rational enjoyments of the soul.  We see the same uneasiness, the same longing desires pervade every bosom.  Our object is happiness; and amidst all the various pursuits of life, what is the reason so many fail of obtaining it?  The answer is readily given.  We make riches, honors and the high things of the earth our chief pursuit and aim, and fondly imagine that our happiness lies in them.  Here is our error.  Man is destined to a world of mental felicity, where those external pursuits of fortune will be unknown; where all that he here pursues with so much eagerness will be removed from his desires forever, and where all the channels of the soul will be opened to the true fountain of felicity and completely ravished in its flowing streams.  In order, therefore, to enjoy that happiness, in this momentary state of being, which God has placed within our reach, we must make mental felcity the main pursuit of life, and the riches and conveniences of earth our secondary pursuit.  We must completely reverse our conduct in order to obtain those rational enjoyments, that flow from the virtuous habits and dispositions.  We must, as Jesus says, “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Food and raiment are all that we can enjoy of the external comforts of life.  All other enjoyments must be of a mental character.  Secure first your mental joys, a pure unsullied conscience in the punctual discharge of all your social and relative duties to mankind, and be you rich or poor, you will be happy.  The righteous discharge of this first great duty will not embarrass you in obtaining the comforts of life, but on the contrary aid you.  A peaceable and honest course of conduct towards others—­a condescension to men of low estate—­a due respect for