ction are
but the reveries of fancy, and to practice them is but a visionary
dream. No, my friends, wealth supplies our animal wants, and if virtue
be wanting, it leaves our minds in wretched starvation and our
brightest joys in night! Happiness is equally attainable by the rich
and the poor. It consists in a union of heart among mankind, in a
union of action in the pursuit of virtue, and in the kindlier feelings
of our nature. In fine, it consists in a willing obedience to the
exhortations of our text: "Be of the same mind one towards another.
Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate."

To each of these exhortations, we will give a candid and solemn
consideration. In this sermon, we will attend to the exhortation--"_Be
of the same mind one towards another_." By this, we are not to
understand that men are to be of one heart and mind in pursuing the
same occupation or profession in life, but of one mind in endeavoring
to promote each other's happiness in every condition in which they may
be placed--of one mind in the practice of christian duty, and in the
exercise of charity. Selfishness produces many jarring interests among
mankind, bursts the bands of brotherhood asunder, and weakens the
strength of that nation, society or family among which it exists, and
in proportion to the opposition it produces among its individual
members. "United, we stand, divided we fall," is a maxim full of
wisdom, and is not only applicable to nations, but to communities,
societies, and even to families.

A family in discord is a sight over which angels might weep, but when
united in one heart and mind, it is a picture over which heaven
smiles. The fond and doating father, the tender and affectionate
mother, and obedient children, all united in peace and harmony,
present to the mind those pleasing conceptions of the reconciled
family immortal, that cause us to feel all the burning emotions of
which the heart is susceptible. In such society as this, are enjoyed
the happiest moments of our existence--moments unmingled with the
bitterness of regret, unsullied by the corroding hand of time,
unruffled by the perplexing cares of life, and undarkened by the
tempests of indisposition. Is such a father absent--far distant on
land or ocean where duty calls? The heart of his family goes with him,
and he too leaves his heart lingering behind. His companion counts the
moments as they slowly roll--is faithful to his interests--makes
pr