THE error of life into which man most readily falls, is the pursuitof wealth as the highest good of existence. While riches commandrespect, win position, and secure comfort, it is expected that theywill be regarded by all classes only with a strong and unsatisfieddesire. But the undue reverence which is everywhere manifested forwealth, the rank which is conceded it, the homage which is paid it,the perpetual worship which is offered it, all tend to magnify itsdesirableness, and awaken longings for its possession in the mindsof those born without inheritance. In society, as at presentobserved, the acquisition of money would seem to be the height ofhuman aim--the great object of living, to which all other purposesare made subordinate. Money, which exalts the lowly, and shedshonour upon the exalted--money, which makes sin appear goodness, andgives to viciousness the seeming of chastity--money, which silencesevil report, and opens wide the mouth of praise--money, whichconstitutes its possessor an oracle, to whom men listen withdeference--money, which makes deformity beautiful, and sanctifiescrime--money, which lets the guilty go unpunished, and winsforgiveness for wrong--money, which makes manhood and agerespectable, and is commendation, surety, and good name for theyoung,--how shall it be gained? by what schemes gathered in? by whatsacrifice secured? These are the questions which absorb the mind,the practical answerings of which engross the life of men. Theschemes are too often those of fraud, and outrage upon the sacredobligations of being; the sacrifice, loss of the highest moralsense, the destruction of the purest susceptibilities of nature, theneglect of internal life and development, the utter and sadperversion of the true purposes of existence. Money is valued beyondits worth--it has gained a power vastly above its deserving. Wealthis courted so obsequiously, is flattered so servilely, is soinfluential in moulding opinions and judgment, has such a weight inthe estimation of character, that men regard its acquisition as themost prudent aim of their endeavours, and its possession as absoluteenjoyment and honour, rather than the means of honourable, useful,and happy life. While riches are thus over-estimated, and hold suchpower in the community, men will forego ease and endure toil,sacrifice social pleasures and abandon principle, for the speedy andunlimited acquirement of property. Money will not be regarded as themeans of living, but as the object of life. All nobler ends will beneglected in the eager haste to be rich. No higher pursuit will berecognised than the pursuit of gold--no attainment deemed sodesirable as the attainment of wealth. While the great man of everycircle is the rich man, in the common mind wealth becomes thesynonyme of greatness. No condition is discernable superior to thatwhich money confers; no loftier idea of manhood is entertained thanthat which embraces the extent of one's possessions.
There is a wealth of heart better than gold, and an interiordecoration fairer than outward ornament.--
There is a splendour in upright life, beside which gems arelustreless; and a fineness of spirit whose beauty outvies theglitter of diamonds. Man's true riches are hidden in his nature, andin their development and increase will he find his surest happiness.
THE END.
* * * * * * * * * * * *