| dc.description.transcription | Contentment
Those persons who possess a contented mind possess a treasure which they should prize very highly. For though they have wealth and every thing else that this world can afford yet without contentment their lives are miserable. They are always changing from one thing to another thinking that by so doing they will find happiness, but each change only convinces them of the fruitlessness of their efforts and finally they yield to dispair [sic] imagining that they are the most unfortunate beings in existence. How different from this is the life of those persons who are contented with their lot in life be it ever so humble. They can meet the difficulties and sorrows of this life with a calm and unshrinking spirit. Knowing that if they did their duty they will be happier than all the wealth of the earth could make them They do not expect their lives to be one continual scene of pleasure for they have long since learned that sorrow and suffering are the lot of all human beings. But with an unshaken confidence in the promise of Him who has said that “All things work together for good to them that love God who are called according to his purpose” they can overcome every obstacle. What a blessed influence do the lives of such persons exert upon all with whom they associate though there will be a many who will not imitate their examples yet they can but regard them with feelings of the highest respect. Going after they have passed from this earth to the rest that remains for the people of God the influence of their examples will be felt, and their memories will be cherished by all the good and true of the earth. Who would not rather have such a tribute as this to their memory than the costliest monument ever erected in honor of the heroes of this earth.
Addison if I could recall the promise that I made in that other letter I would not send this. I sometimes fail to fulfill some my promises, and this is one of the times, that I like to have forgotten on purpose, but you will never know why I refused to give you this,
Fannie. | |
