Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1841-07-06
RICHMOND. Va. TUESDAY III If1x : ,a,
PAkAnoXEs-GUT TRUTHS
Is infinitely harder 10 bear Prosperity than advcr


It's infinitely harder 10 bear Prosperity Than ad,o
sily. '''" IAo'ci
Carlisle, IN his last work upon Heroes saws in rel,
lon 10 me eqnanlnity with which one of his Heroes
"oerl pnns' more the sudden Improvement of his con
dito mat he deserved the credit for it-bec,nse
for one who knows how to bear prosperity there arc
hundred who benr ADVERSELY '
Prosperity unnerves many minds, and renders them
unfit to bear the Affections 10 which we are esposed Il
renders US careless about the advantages we
dePrlves us OF motives TO improve minds and ge
nerates that overweenng confidence in ourselves tina,
betrays US into enterprises which surpass resour
ces, and involves US IN embarrassments.
Adversely, on the other hand moves many men to
activity, compels them to study the best of i'm
proving their condition, strengthens their minds and
enables them TO endure adversely while it continues
and to adopt the proper for attaining prospe
rity.
These maxms are illustrated by the History OF
States which too often abuse their prosperity and be
come the prey OF their own luxury, and some amb
tious chietain at home or Of some DARING and adyen
turous enemy from abroad
1t is equally illustrated hy the history of individuals
in public or IN private le-hy Bonaparte for example
who owed his downfall to his success-and by many
private citizens IN our own country, who have been
ruined by their prosperity.
Enthusiasm is one OF the great secrets of success
III strong motive, more than any other single clrcum
stance, winch distinguishes man from another. II
IS this which rouses up the faculties of the mind
calls forth all It's energies But it is adversely which
not only furnishes the motive TO net, but compes
TO study The proper and prudent for attaining
our objects Prosperity, on the other hand is too well
calculated TO unman and unnerve us-deprives us oil
the motive Tor exertion by turning our heads occa
SONS US 10 form exrayagant desires beyond reach
or prevents US from pursuing the wses for their
alta lnment.
Why are the children of so many very rich families
comparatively worthless; Why are they passed in
the of distinction, BY men who are not indebted
10 their fathers, for splendid fortunes or brilliant
poets;
Immense wealth is not TO be desired 1t is much Of
tener nuisance than blessing 1t is better TO have
one hundred thousand dollars than million.
In this great country possessed it is of much
unoccnped land blessed az it is with such richness Of
SOIL and such exuberance Of productions, and still
more blessed with the Liberty of her People, and the
union OF her States-in this great country, whose
merous blessings inspire her with bold and
ierprslng spirit, our greatest danger is, that those
blessings may heray Us into excess Of enterprise,
and love for luxury and osentation. Our very lber-
lies must be maintained by simplicity Of manners II
love of virtue, and love of country. An excessive
love OF money, harry voracity for Office; desire
Of eclpsing our neghbors in the ecat Of fashion and
the ostentation OF wealth, calculated to produce
false standards Of character debase private and
public morals, prepare the people for corruption and
intrigue; and TO substitute n love for office in the
place Of love for principle
Let US study these paradoxes and profit by them.
Martin Luther, whose manly spirit scared beyond
his times and enabled him to introduce the Reforma-
ton Of Religion in Germany and Europe, said with
much force and truth, that 'Wea,h is the smallest
gift OF God; what Is II to be compared 10 his Word or
corporal gifts, such beauty, health, and activity
What is it TO the gifts Of the mind, such as intellect
science or taste; Yet eager for wealth that
labor danger is regarded in securing it; there
is neither maeriaiis, ormas, ccens, ct faaiis, eausa
nor any thing that is good therefore God com
monty gives riches 10 gross 10 whom he can
afford nothing else
Parents do not strive to lay up immense riches for
your children-but rather give them the best educa
ton, and smaller share Of competence.
All these remarks may sound like Parado3es 10 many
but depend upon it, they parake Of the true spirit Of
SOUND PHILOSOPHY.