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Bible Encyclopedias
Happiness
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
or absolutely taken, denotes the durable possession of perfect good, without any mixture of evil; or the enjoyment of pure pleasure unalloyed with pain; or a state in which all our wishes are satisfied; in which senses, happiness is only known by name on this earth. The word happy, when applied to any state or condition of human life, will admit of no positive definition, but is merely a relative term; that is, when we call a man happy, we mean that he is happier than some others with whom we compare him; or than the generality of others; or than he himself was in some other situation. Moralists justly observe that happiness does not consist in the pleasures of sense; as eating, drinking, music, painting, theatrical exhibitions, etc., for these pleasures continue but a little while, by repetition lose their relish, and by high expectation often bring disappointment. Nor does happiness consist in an exemption from labor, care, business, etc.; such a state being usually attended with depression of spirits, imaginary anxieties, and the whole train of hypochondriacal affections. Nor is it to be found in greatness, rank, or elevated stations, as matter of fact abundantly testifies; but .happiness consists in the enjoyment of the Divine favor, a good conscience, and uniform conduct. In subordination to these, human happiness may be greatly promoted by the exercise of the social affections, the pursuit of some engaging end, the prudent constitution of the habits, and the enjoyment of our health.
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McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Happiness'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tce/h/happiness.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.
