EACH and every mortal is in pursuit of peace and happiness, no matter what his ambitions and desires may be.
I have been no exception, for I have drunk at almost every fountain of so-called pleasure. Still there was a something, which I did not find. Every person has a god that he worships, and where his treasure is, there will his heart be also. I worshiped my god as fervently as a mortal could, and thought there was none else. One day a book was placed in my hand, and it told me of 'a city set upon a hill, a celestial city above all clouds, ... having no temple therein, for God is the temple thereof." From this city a "Stranger" wends his way to the valley below. "Discerning in his path the penitent one who had groped his way from the dwelling of luxury, the Stranger saith unto him, 'Wherefore comest thou hither?' He answered, 'The sight of thee unveiled my sins, and turned my misnamed joys to sorrow.' ... And the Stranger saith unto him, 'Wilt thou climb the Mountain, and take nothing of thine own with thee?' He answered, 'I will' 'Then,' saith the Stranger, 'thou hast chosen the good part; follow me'" (Miscellaneous Writings,pp. 323, 326, 327).
I laid the book down, but I had found that peace and happiness were not of earth, they are the atmosphere of this City set upon a hill. Without a fear or doubt I said, "I also will climb this mountain and take nothing of earth with me," and I have never turned back. Every step has brought more light, more joy and peace. Hope and faith have given me the assurance that there is a Presence with me, and when assailed, I have heard the voice, "Fear not," for "I am with you alway" —all the way. "My sheep hear my voice, ... and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand."
