might suppose that it is, judging from the great struggle there is among men in order to acquire it. But a very slight observation of those who have been successful in this respect will convince us of the contrary There is nothing more remarkable in man, than his proneness to lose sight of whatever he may possess of earthly riches, in his ardent desire to add to his possessions. Whatever may be the opinion of his fellow-men with regard to his state, he himself is far from being satisfied. The point where he supposes that he might possibly consider himself happy, he has not attained. And should he attain it, he then finds that his desires are so much more enlarged, that he feels himself to be as far from happiness as he did before: such is the unsatisfying nature of temporal things. Besides this, there is the painful disquietude arising from the fear of loss. For it is impossible for man so to secure himself in these things as to be
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