Page:God Manifest.djvu/89

So, in every private household, which is itself a little community, there are superior and inferior, master and servant, those who superintend and those who execute. Without such grades and various offices, society could not exist in order and enjoyment. Yet differences in grade and function by no means imply differences in happiness. Perfect equality of happiness is consistent with the widest difference in grades, that is to say, in the functions discharged, and the places filled in the social order. The day-laborer, when his work is done, receives the wages of his labor, and goes to his home content and with a cheerful spirit, whistling on his way, his mind free from all perplexing plans and cares, and enjoys his evening in pleasant intercourse with his family and neighbors, and, when he retires to rest, has the blessing of sound sleep, the reward of his healthful toil: while his wealthy employer, whose lot he may perhaps be unwisely inclined to envy, has, perchance, his mind agitated and his rest disturbed by busy schemes and worrying doubts and anxieties. Still, the latter has his peculiar enjoyments, also. Thus are the different conditions of life nicely balanced by the great Ruler of all, who holds the scales. The private citizen may sometimes be disposed to complain that he is obliged to pass his life in obscurity, while the public man, the ruler of the land, has dignity and power, and attracts the gaze of the world. But are you sure that the latter is any happier for having all eyes fixed upon him, watching his every look and action? And do you forget that the possession of dignities and the exercise of power, are attended by vast and oppressive responsibilities, numberless perplexing cares, and sometimes such conflicting interests and overwhelming difficulties,