3. A state of domestic quiet to all the happiness that arises from external and adventitious circum- stances—
[It is a great mistake to imagine that happiness can he found in amusements of any kind. They involve no small measure of trouble in the pursuit of them, and they ahnost always issue in disappointment. At all events they are but " as the crackhng of thorns under a pot," w^hich blaze for a moment, and then expire in smoke and darkness*^. But in filling up our station in life v^^ith diligence, and administering to the welfare of all around us, there is real happiness. However much we diversify the objects of our pursuit abroad, we never attain any solid satisfaction : " The eye is never sa- tisfied with seeing, nor the ear with hearing^" But, when we move in our domestic circle, like the sun in its course, diffusing light and comfort all around us, we possess that state of peace- ful tranquillity, which, for a continuance, is the most enviable frame on earth.]
If in a mere worldly view, and on the principles of common sense, this woman's choice was commend- able, much more was it so,
II. On the principles of Christian piety —
Let two things only be considered;
1. How little can any worldly things add to the happiness of a believing soul !
[Pleasure, riches, and honour are the great objects of men's idolatrous regard. But what pleasure can the world afford in comparison of '* that peace which passeth all understanding," and that "joy which is unspeakable and glorified," both of which are the believer's portion from day to day? And what are gold and silver when compared with " the unsearchable riches of Christ," which are ministered even to the poorest and meanest of God's saints? What, too, are the most elevated titles upon earth, when put in competition with that of being "sons of God, and joint-heirs with Christ?" If we could imagine two angels sent from heaven, one to rule an empire, and the other to sweep the streets, they would be equally happy in discharging the offices assigned them, because they would have no happiness but in God. And so it is with us, in proportion as we are renewed by divine grace ; we shall, " in whatsoever state we are placed, be therewith content," and, whilst " having nothing, consider ourselves as possessing all things."]
e Eccl. vii. 6. f Eccl. i. 8.