THE words at the heading of this paper almost suggest there is a happiness which is not true, otherwise why should the word be thus qualified? Well, my reader, I would ask you if this is not so? Have you never had a false happiness? How many people there are around us to-day who are seeking for happiness or satisfaction, and yet they are seeking it in a way in which they can never get it!
All do not seek it the same way. One seeks honor, another wisdom, another wealth, another sport, but with each there is the same result in the end, the heart is left still unsatisfied, and yet boasting of its accomplishments.
We read of one, the caliph Abdalrahman, of Spain, who appears to have had most things at his disposal, and one would naturally conclude they would have made him happy, yet in a manuscript found in his room at his death he says: "I have now reigned about fifty years in victory and peace, beloved by my subjects, dreaded by my enemies, and respected by my allies. Riches and honor, power and pleasure, have waited at my call, nor does any earthly blessing appear to have been wanting to my felicity. In this situation I have diligently numbered the clays of pure and genuine happiness which have fallen to my lot. They amount to FOURTEEN! O MAN, PLACE NOW THY HAPPINESS IN THIS WORLD!”
But in striking contrast to the above are the words of Dr. Payson when dying. Although his body was racked by terrible suffering, and his cheeks were pale and sunken with disease, he exclaimed, like a warrior from the field of triumph, "The battle's fought, the battle's fought! and the victory is WON! The victory is won forever! I am going' to bathe in an ocean of purity and benevolence and happiness to all eternity! I lie here, and feel these convulsions extending higher and higher; but my soul is filled with joy unspeakable. I seem to swim in a flood of glory which God pours down upon me. And I know, I know that my happiness is but begun, I cannot doubt it will last forever! \Vere I master of the whole world, what could it do for me like this? Nothing! Nothing-! Now all this happiness I trace back to the religion I have preached, and to that time when that great change took place which I have often told you is necessary to salvation; and I now tell you again, that without this charge you cannot, no, you cannot, see the kingdom of God.”
And now, dear reader, have not these two testimonies a word for us? From one is indeed a sad confession. Oh! if only he had known the Lord Jesus, how different it would have been! But he has left on record a solemn word for all: "Place not thy happiness in this world." From the other is a bright triumphant testimony of joy and happiness, which he had been brought into by being born again through faith in the Lord Jesus. What he had preached was the necessity of a new life, as the Lord said in John 3, "Ye must be born again," and without this new life imparted through faith in the Lord Jesus, I am bold to say that happiness, true happiness, will not be your portion.
My reader, do not deceive yourself, but before it be too late examine what you are resting upon for your eternal welfare.
Now is God's day of grace. Life is offered now to you. Won't you have it? "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, hut have everlasting life." God loved, He gave. You believe, and you have everlasting life. Could it be simpler? And yet procured for you at the highest cost, for the Lord Jesus, the Son of God, was lifted up upon the cross, and bare the penalty of sins there, as we read, "God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom. 5:88But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)).
May God grant that any of my readers who are unsaved or unsatisfied may put their trust in the Lord Jesus, and thus know the blessedness of true happiness both now and for eternity.
“Thy faith hath saved thee" is the plain word of God to every one who comes to Christ, who believes in Him. Having been brought to see our need as sinners, and to trust in. Jesus, the full blessing of God is ours. "Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him." Faith BELIEVES it just because GOD SAYS it, and the feelings follow. The good news fills the soul with joy unspeakable and full of glory. When self has been silenced, and the word of God allowed its right place in the heart, the believer enters in measure into the very joys of heaven. The precious word of God will not be truer there. Therefore we ought to know our blessing now as surely, though not so fully, as we shall do when we are enthroned and crowned in glory.