Holly Springs Gazette

Pleasure.

[From the Philadelphia Sunday Courier.]

To seek for the enjoyment of one's self, is but to follow the dictates of a desire which is implanted in every bosom, and there seems to be as many ways of gratifying it, as there are beings to enjoy it. If one source fails, another is tried—if one fountain be dry, another is sought after—so that our life, from the cradle to the tomb, may be called a chase after pleasure. Alas! that it is so fleeting, and so often sought for in vain!

Many pursue it in paths that lead to misery, sin, and crime. The gambling table—the ball room,—the theatre, and the intoxicating bowl may for the moment please, amuse, or entertain, but the history of thousands who have sought their enjoyment in these ways, warn us against the consequences of such a course.

See that wandering, wretched man—he has forsaken the wife of his bosom,—he has neglected the children of his own fire-side.—he provides not, nor does he care, for these who have a right to look to him for support or maintenance, —and he lives but to disgrace the form of humanity.

Why is this so?—he was a noble youth—he had a fond brother, and was blessed with affectionate sisters! Why then is he so fallen? Alas! he sought pleasure in the cup of dissipation, and has drunk deep of the dregs of misery.

Come stand with me at this sick bed side: look on the face of that lovely female.—now paleness sits enthroned on her once beautiful countenance and languor dims her once sparkling eyes!—Instead of the mirthful laugh, list to the deep-fetched groan! In place of the animated conversation, hark to the bitter regrets! You hear no prayer ascending for support, in this the trying hour, but from the lips of that female proceeds a curse on the hour that gave her birth!—Do you ask, why all this misery—these bitter regrets?—Let her speak for herself. "I sought pleasure in the ball room, and looked for enjoyment in the theatre,—alas! now, I am undone, for me there is no hope, no pardon, no Saviour."

Know you not that young man?—Once he filled a respectable station—he was trusted by his employer, almost worshipped by his family, and his company was eagerly sought for in the social circle, he had wit and beauty—For years he was attentive to business, and promised fair for future usefulness, but in the pursuit of pleasure he found the way to the gambling table! Now, nought can be seen in him to admire or love.

Is pleasure to be found in no other way? Are there no other means by which it may be attained? If there is not, let me, O! let me be bereft of reason, and wander up and down this earth an idiot and a fool; rather would I never engage in any amusement, nor even smile, than spend the few fleeting years given me by my Creator, in such a way—better for better that pleasure be never pursued, than to be led by it to such misery and woe," But this is not so—all pleasure does not lead to crime, neither does every enjoyment conduct to misery—there are many ways of seeking it, that are innocent and harmless and which afford more real enjoyment than can be found in the ways of dissipation or crime—for the purest pleasures, the sweetest enjoyments, the happiest moments, are always found in the ways of virtue and religion.