The true Christian is the only happy man, because he has sources of happiness entirely independent of his world. He has something which cannot be affected by sickness and by deaths, by private losses and by public calamities, the "peace of God, which passeth all understanding." He has a hope laid up for him in heaven ; he has a treasure which moth and rust cannot corrupt ; he has a house which can never be taken down. His loving wife may die, and his heart feel rent in twain ; his darling children may be taken from him, and he may be left alone in this cold world ; his earthly plans may be crossed ; his health may fail: but all this time he has a portion which nothing can hurt. He has one Friend who never dies ; he has possessions beyond the grave, of which nothing can deprive him: his nether spring may fail, but his upper springs are never dry. This is real happiness.
J.C. Ryle, Practical Religion, 250.
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