Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 January 1893 — Pleasure. [ARTICLE]

Pleasure.

Society is not, and ought not be; exclusively devoted to serious concerns. The beneficent Creator of the universe would not have adapted human beings to the enjtyment of his gifts he intended that they should be enjoyed. With the law which enjoins industry comes the law of fruition. Why should the eye be formed to perceive natural and artificial beauty if it is not to be used for that purpose? Why has the capacity to make instruments capable of emitting sweet sounds been given if such sounds are not to be heard? ‘ Why should 1 ’ the human structure be capable of the sweetest melody, and of graceful action, and of the delightful expression beaming from innocent and heavenly countenances, if pleasures from such sources were forbidden us? Why does the grape ripbs, the silkworm toll, the annual return, the diamond sparkle,^ 5 The marble yield to the chisel, and the canvas catch and preserve the inspiration of

genius, but to waxen human desire, animate industry, and reward with fruition? It is the excess and the abuse which are forbidden.