The Northern Star, And Farmers' And Mechanics' Advocate

TRUE RELIGION

Is perfection of human nature, and the joy and delight of every one that feels it active and strong within him. Of this I write with more concern and emotion, because I have felt this the true, and indeed the only joy which runs through a man's heart and life. It is that which has been for many years my greatest support. I rejoice daily in it. I feel from it the earnest of that supreme joy which I pant and long for. I am sure there is nothing else can afford any true or complete happiness. I have considered my sphere, seen a great deal of all that is most shining and tempting in this world. The pleasure of sense I did soon nauseate. Intrigues of state, and the conduct of affairs have something in them that is more spacious; and I was for some years deeply immersed in these, but still with hopes of reforming the world, and of making mankind wiser and better. But I found that which is crooked cannot be made straight. I acknowledged myself with knowledge and learning, and that in a great variety. This yielded not happiness.—I cultivated friendship. But this also I have found was vanity and vexation of spirit, although it be of the best and noblest sort. The sum is, vanity of vanities, all is vanity, besides fearing God and keeping the commandments.—[Gilbert Burnet.