Lincoln telegraph. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1836-1846, 1838-11-22
THE TELEGRAPH.
B AT H M E.:
THURSDAY MORNING. NOV. e2.
WORTHY OF CONSIDERATION.

How true is the adage that, ENVY isthe
characteristic trait Of small minds" From
tae manner in which it is made apparent,
we are led to believe that an individual
possessing it is the most uncharitable as
we'll as the most miserable being in exis-
tence. AS we'll as being source Of misery
to its possessor, it is the fountain and origin
from whence issue the viest, the most de-
grading opprobriums that ever disgraced
the human character. SANDER, evil report,
lies, calumny, and vile insinuatlons are its
legitimate offspriRgs; while the nobler traits
of character, with which God has endowed
every intelligent being, are either repudia-
ted Or suffered to lie uncherished until,
Oblivion skirts the page on which they inscribed.
Its possessor knows none of those secret
and exalted sentiments, peculiar TO a we'll
regulated mind. in contemplating the Won
ders of creation, and the mystery Of their
own existence. Instead Of giving scope to
human intellect---penetrating the dark re-
cesses of mysterious Misunderstanding the
fixed and never varying laws by which the
planetary world moves in its eternal course
studying the character of Deity-culti
waiting moral and religious sentiments, and
framing just and equabe laws by which to
govern their earthly career and fit them for
an eternal abode, they sink into grovel-
ling rumination upon the success of those,
who, by unremitting perseverance, and in
flexible adherence to the path of rectltude,
or by some fortuitous circumstance. have
become raised far above themselves, and
the seeds of jealousy begin to germnaie;-
the infant passion, prejudice, is fostered,
and envy. with all her haggard train, mark
every action of their life.
A spirit of rivalry ever has, and now ex-
lists in all classes ofsociety. From the hour
in which the schoo-boy begins 10 lisp the
rudinents of his own native language, a
spirit of emulation, as if by instinct, is
prominently manifested. Ifhis artless con-
temporary ou,strips him in proficiency, he
turns away in moody silence and denies
him participation in the simple sports that
char lcterizcd their earliest days of mutual
hilarity. From the days of infancy to ma
turer years the same disposition exists, but
this disposition 'grows with the growth and
strengthens with the strength, and the
evils, arising from such feeling, is more
marked, and society begins to be made
more sensible of its pernicious influence.
As necessity calls to action, and enterprise
takes the place Of the trivial amusements of
youth.it is beset by the vile progeny of this
hateful and malignant passion. If prudence
persevere nee and the restless spirit of
enterprise have set an associate foremost
in the race, either in intellectual or pecun-
larry requirement, his character is assailed
his integrity is questioned-h talent is
ridiculed by the ignorant and assuming,
and he is doomed to suffer from the con-
centrated examinations of the INDECENT and
licentious. That this trait of character is
peculiar to the inhabitants of our small vii
lagos is every day more clearly demonstra-
ted Those who reside in large populous
citics-surrounde by excitement, with in
Vulnerable resources for engaging the at
tention, can form no idea of the malicious
curiosity that characterizes the inhabitants
| of our small towns. There are those. who
having little (and wanting still less) en-
ployment at home have no other resources,
for killing the hours that drag laziy with
them, than prying into the affairs of their
neighbors-watching every movement, and
descanting on their prosperity or adversely.
and governing their own evil intent as the
one or the other prevails. AS fame and
fortune lead their jealous votary on, the ca
gle eye Of Jealousy is immovably fixedupon