Abderahman III, one of the sovereigns of Spain in the days when the Moors reigned over that land, was surnamed “the wise and happy.” Called by many of his admirers the “Solomon of the West,” he swayed the empire of that kingdom for upwards of fifty years.
His court was most magnificent, and he was distinguished for his meekness, generosity, and love of justice. He possessed all the virtues which constitute an able monarch. His chief delight was in making all around him, all connected with him, all whom he governed, happy. He was fond of science and a favorite of the learned. Historians, poets, philosophers and others were his companions, friends and servants.
In those golden years of the Moors their knowledge of botany, chemistry, and their skill in medicine and mathematics was far-famed. They distinguished themselves in algebra, optics and astronomy, and excelled in agriculture, mechanical arts, manufacturing and commerce.
Thus Abderahman surrounded himself with all the delights that wealth or intellect could administer, and men would say that if ever a mortal deserved to be happy, he deserved it.
However, it does not appear that this was so, for after his death there was found a memo in his own handwriting stating that of all those days in his whole life in which he had been entirely happy, or had met with no cause of sorrow, the number recorded of days so spent was “fourteen!” He tried every means of which he knew to secure happiness, but he did not try “Christ,” and in all the means he tried, he failed!
How many today, like Abderahman then, have sought happiness in vain! How few have sought it wisely! How many in that search have tried first one thing and then another, but have not tried “Christ"! To them we would say. “Try Christ, try Christ.”
I sighed for rest and happiness
I yearned for them, not Thee;
But while I passed my Saviour by
His love laid hold on me.
Now none but Christ can satisfy,
None other name for me!
There’s love, and life, and lasting joy,
Lord Jesus, found in Thee.
ML-01/02/1977