Article February 5, 1903 Issue

The True Source of Happiness

Alfred Farlow with contributions from James Russell Lowell

David said, "I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness," and we are proving by our daily experiences that true happiness comes from within, not from without, and that it is afforded by the contemplation of the unseen and eternal realities of being.

In my early experience as a Christian Scientist I was much disturbed because of the persecution of those who did not believe in this Science. The bitter opposition, the discourtesy manifested toward the Science and its adherents on the part of some, marred my peace of mind. I naturally looked forward to the time when my neighbors would all be Christian Scientists, and cease from their unreasonable and unwarranted criticism. I anticipated that then I should be happy. Weary of waiting for my environments to become suitable to taste, I have learned to seek happiness in my understanding that mortal existence at best is only an empty dream, and that I should be happy because God is Good, Life, Truth, Love, omnipotent and omnipresent, and I am His reflection. To an extent I have ceased to wait for environments and things material to make me happy. I now try to be happy because it is right, and because it is wrong to be unhappy. I have learned that nothing but my own sins can make me unhappy. Many seem to believe that happiness in the home is occasioned by its beauty and conveniences, and yet it is true that some of the most beautiful homes are the most unhappy, while, on the other hand, some of the most humble homes are the happiest. Even the affection between husband and wife, if it would be permanent, must be fostered and sustained by right conduct. Infinite happiness belongs to that state or condition wherein man, through spiritual growth, has attained to perfection, has awakened to his real individuality as the image and likeness of God. Knowing this, we shall labor to such an end and shall be less disturbed by our unpleasant material surroundings and by our wants viewed from a material standpoint. If we look beyond the veil of matter into the unchanging spiritual reality of being, we shall note that we now have all that we can ever hope or desire to have, so far as the lasting is concerned, and each successive acquisition in the material world is but a stepping-stone to be left behind in our onward march toward the heavenly state. However, we are truly grateful for the improved conditions which follow our rightly directed efforts in this life, nothing in this the fulfilment of the Master's promise, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Alfred Farlow.
In Boston Times.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
The Lectures
February 5, 1903
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit