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Patient Continuance in Well-Doing, June 12
Highways to Happiness
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and
keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecclesiastes 12:13
He [Solomon] gives us the history of his search for happiness. He
engaged in intellectual pursuits; he gratified his love for pleasure; he
carried out his schemes of commercial enterprise. He was surrounded
by the fascinating splendor of court life....
Solomon sat upon a throne of ivory, the steps of which were of solid
gold, flanked by six golden lions. His eyes rested upon highly cultivated
and beautiful gardens just before him. These grounds were visions of
loveliness, arranged to resemble, as far as possible, the Garden of Eden.
Choice trees and shrubs and flowers of every variety had been brought
from foreign lands to beautify them. Birds of every variety of brilliant
plumage flitted from tree to tree, making the air vocal with sweet songs.
Youthful attendants, gorgeously dressed and decorated, waited to obey
his slightest wish. Scenes of revelry, music, sports, and games were
arranged for his diversion at an extravagant expenditure of money.
But all this did not bring happiness to the king.... Dissipation had
left its impress upon his once fair and intellectual face. He was sadly
changed from the youthful Solomon. His brow was furrowed with care
and unhappiness.... His lips were prepared to break forth into reproaches
at the slightest deviation from his wishes.
His shattered nerves and wasted frame showed the result of violating
Nature’s laws. He confessed to a wasted life, an unsuccessful chase after
happiness.
The way to true happiness remains the same in all ages. Patient
continuance in well-doing will lead to honor, happiness, and eternal life.
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