The Road to Happiness

THE road to happiness is always out of self. When an individual has no interest beyond himself his cup of happiness is very small. The savages have what is to them enjoyment, and it is as deep, and rises as high as that of any one who simply cares for himself. The labor of love elevates the character, and gives a nobility of spirit which is not found elsewhere.

This is true to a certain extent when the salvation of souls for whom Christ died is not the ruling motive of the heart. But as heaven is higher than the earth, so much more elevating is that labor which has a direct connection with the eternal salvation of those who are lost by sin. It is thus we become co-workers with Christ and holy angels, for in this was the love of God manifested by giving his Son as a ransom for a lost world. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." "Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God." This is not like love which is earth born and does not rise higher than the selfish interests of the individual. But it is of heavenly origin and is planted in the human heart by the grace of God. It is purely unselfish in its character, "For when we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly." "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners Christ died for us."

When one is worn with the rude shocks against a rough world, he can find in Christ and with, those who have been rescued from Satan's snares a satisfaction and peace that the world can neither give nor take from him. It will re-establish him in the eternal verities of fidelity and integrity. Earthly comforts may be few, but so long as the daily joy is found in the real object of life, and these few comforts are used as aids to enable us to labor for others, there is sure to come a flood of consolation that makes one feel he is ready for another conflict in life. In referring to money, "I have saved a few thousand," said a friend of mine, when adverse circumstances were sweeping away his substance. A few thousand had been placed in the cause of God by aiding different benevolent enterprises, assisting the poor and befriending the widow and orphan. A man may fall into misfortune, but if he has friends made by efforts to do them good he is rich. If he has befriended the helpless, comforted the widow, furnished homes for the orphans, so that he has secured their prayers, he has made friends with the angels of God, and secured an interest in the bank of Heaven; and when he fails, they (angels of God) will receive him into everlasting habitations.

The happiness in this life which such an one imparts and receives not only comes back to him ten-fold, but adds wings to his speed and spurs to his purpose; and difficulties that otherwise would have been too great for half-formed resolutions, yield before the impulse of a conscientiousness of having done what God has commanded. This is a sure road to happiness, and will yield fruit in the kingdom of God.