No Happiness Without Holiness.
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All men desire happiness for their end—but few will have holiness for their way. All men desire the kingdom of heaven, and the glory thereof—but few seek the kingdom of heaven, and the righteousness thereof.
A nobleman being asked whether he would rather be a godly Christian—or worldly pleasure seeker, answered, "I had rather live like the latter—and die like the former!" So most men had rather live like Balaam—but "die the death of the righteous!" They wish to have the worldling's ease—but the godly man's end.
But this is certain, no man shall go to God in death—unless he draws near to God in life. If the kingdom of God is not first in us—we shall never enter into the kingdom of God. None shall enter heaven hereafter—but those that walk in heaven here on earth.
None shall enter the gates of felicity—but those who tread the narrow paths of piety. Lord! make me holy—as well as happy, that I may desire to glorify you, as well as to be glorified by you.