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According to the decrees of Divine Providence, the perfection of human nature and the completeness of happiness are not to be attained during this life. The laws of God indeed are such that, if properly observed, they will secure us a high measure of happiness and prosperity here, though not in absolute fulness. But the sins of mankind have so disorganized the world and human society, that we have lost a great part of the temporal happiness which God designed for us. To mankind at large, and even to the just with all the aid and care that God bestows on them, this life is a series of pains, privations and struggles. Yet these may be turned to our profit. They elicit what is good in us, furnish occasions for virtue, train us for the future life, and make our final success more welcome and glorious. In these considerations we may find some alleviation for our troubles, some motives for bearing them patiently, while we look for ward to a future deliverance. At length the end will come, and then, after such purgation as is necessary, we shall enter into the joy of the Lord. We shall not have to await the Resurrection and the Last Judgment, but within a short time, a time of months or days even, we shall have reached the goal of our existence. Nothing is more certain than this, granting your persevering fidelity. Let this thought be your comfort. Be contented with all that happens. Do not murmur at untoward events. Wait for the salvation of God.
