Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1842-07-20
Rich and Poor.

Without rejecting on the mnny cares and
perplexitics attendant npon wealth, nonklnd
sre continually signing Tor grra, riches 1t
is agreeable to reflect upon the possession ol
hordes of gold. elegant seats, and the thous-
and euioyments which would be attendant
on wealth. While these thoughts engross
the heart, we seldome examine the other side
Of the picture. The fears, The anXlctles, the
cares. vcXations, which follow IN the train OF
wealth, are more than sufficient 10 counter
balance lis convcnlences and lts pleasures.
The social affections. as a general fact, are
less lively in the breast OF the rich man. lie
does not SO often sympathise with the aiilc-
iIons of others, and his charity il less warm.
while his disposition is morose & unsOrlablc.
Yet the daily earnest prayer Of the multitude
j., 10 possess weallh-To this object all the
faculties Of the mind are bcnt-aIl their en-
ergcs tend. How different would be their
condlton-how great comparatively their hap
piness-if they were cOutcntcd with their lot
and their ambition rose no higher, than the
enjoyment of simple competence. When
friend or ncighbor, by The death of ctbers,
comes IN possession of property. how often
do we envy his lot. and secretly inquire, why
We were not the iayorites of fortune? II we
were to look upon our ncighbors with the
eyes of philosophers, such passion as eEvy
would never be felt in our bosoms.
II one Of two young men of equal talents.
and Of similar disposition and habits, should
suddenly come into possession of wealth.
the chances of success, happiness and long
life would be in favour Of the poor mainland
of the situation oi two, man ot sterling vlr-
tue, and good acquaintance with human
nature. would choose the latter. There are
4
which was easily obtained, did not prove The
ruin of the possessors. But wealth acquired
hy honest industry and unbcndng integrity,
frequently yields peace Of mind, happiness
aud ientm"ut.
The wcalthicst men our country has pro.
duced had but little to commence life with,
mud acquired their property by hard labor.
Glrard, who died a few years since, worth
fifteen millions, commenced his career with
not a dollar. Bartlett, OF Newhuryport,
whose libcrally to the AndOver Institution Is
every where known, was once a poor shoe
maker. He died year or two since i'm
mensrly rich Astor, Of New York, whose
income is four thousand dollars day, com
mcnccd life poor boy and so with most Of
the wealthy throughout our country. The
richest man in this city once laborod for a
support and another, whose income is sew.
cral thousands yearly, was the son of poor
terryman, who commenced life by rowing
his boat between Portland and Cape Eliza
beth at three cents passenger. Wealth
acquired in this way is almost certain of be.
ing re,ained-whilr that which is sudden in
It's fall, departs almost as soon as il came.
leaving lis possessor as miserable as a wretch
can be.
To nll our young men who are dreaming
Of golden prospecis-who are waiting for the
death Of friends, and lounging and rusling
away their ars,lsying the fatterng JUNCTION
Ia their souls that riches will be soon poured
INTO their lamps-we would say, trust not to
uncerainties-Labort to acquire your own in
dependence without the aid Of others, and if
your prospects fail, you will have better rich
rS In your own efforts, which viii never prove
dcluslvc. Let no one be ambitious for the
possession Of great wealth, so that in its ac-
Qnisltlon he neglects the most important du-
iles ol lie. Better be poor forever. But
whatever your situation is, be contened.
Strive nut 50 much for the things which per
ish. as Tor good character, and n name that
y above nll rcproach Then. whether steep
cd ~ poverty. or flushed with gold, all the
blessings of lir will attend your steps. and
penc" and ioy will crown your latter days.
Portland Tribune.