Felicity, happiness: the pursuit of happiness is counted as an inalienable human right, but sometimes that feels like chasing smoke – a houseful, a holeful, and you cannot gather a bowlful. Perhaps it is infinitely desirable that we get ourselves instructed in this necessary and profitable subject. Let’s read what Thomas Traherne has to say:
The objects of Felicity, and the way of enjoying them are two material themes; wherein to be instructed is infinitely desirable, because as necessary as profitable. Whether of the two, the object or the way be more glorious, it is difficult to determine. God is the object, and God is the way of enjoying. God in all His excellencies, laws, and works, in all His ways and counsels is the sovereign object of all Felicity. Eternity and Time, Heaven and Earth, Kingdoms and Ages, Angels and Men are in Him to be enjoyed. In Him the Fountain, in Him the End, in Him the Light, the Life, the Way, in Him the glory and crown of all.
‘God in all His excellencies, laws, and works, in all His ways and counsels is the sovereign object of all Felicity.’ That thought is not a million miles from the book of Genesis (1:21). ‘God saw all that he had made, and indeed it was very good.’ All is to be enjoyed in him. The other day, though my mind was churning over difficulties that have sprung up of late, a sunbeam shone unexpectedly on raindrops on the new, pinkish leaves of the rose bush I was standing beside. My heart lit up as well: in Him the glory and crown of all.
agnellusmirror 