The Whig standard. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1843-1844, 1844-01-15
THE PERILS OF WEALTH.

Mr.. Warren, the author of the Diary of q late
London Physician" in one Of his best stories, al
ludes To point in the life of hero at which he
might have married a lady worth at least half a
million. aAnd yet,'' he adds, philosophisng over
the matter, sswho can tell that the very case Of
such destiny, might not have wearied my heart,
enervated my mind, and renderedme atonce bur.
densome to myself and useless to the world! d
Is it not hunger that gives the true zest to the
banquet, however exquisite, and labor that gives
the true charm to the couch, however embroder-
eds Is not the noblest enjoyment Of the noblest
mind to be found in the consciousness that we have
done something in our generation; that we have
contributed stone to the pyramid OF the national
renown, that our lips have sweled the echoes OF
national glory! What can reconcile the man of
powerful intellect to the consciousness that he
has passed like a cipher, and left nothing behind
him but a tomb? :" r @
The above is calculated to excite a train Of re-
Election in almost every thoughtful mind The
multitude are too apt to form hasty Judgments OF
eyents---to look upon them, as they pass lmmedl-
ately before their eyes, without inquirng as, to
their probable effect upon character, disposition,
and the future. How disposed, indeed, are we to
exclaim, on hearing that young friend has mar
red an heiress, that he is an enviable fellow
We thing merely that the man has become pos
sessed Of fortune without looking at the matter
philosophically, or inquirng as to the probable
result upon the mind, manners, morals, or history
of our friend We forget that with some, nc
greater curse could be imposed, than an abund-
ance of money-a condition of life that would rem
der it unnecessary for them to tax their energies
circumstances that would throw around them a
Thousand temptations too, which from their nature,
disposition and mind they would be unable to
resist.
A fortune, therefore, su ldenly acquired by such
an individual, would be passport to ruin--ruin,
perhaps, not only in the body and reputation, but
of soul We forget, when we euloglze sudden
wealth as great gift Of Providence, that man
has other and higher objects than to eat sleep ana
die. We, forget he has an intellect. that ne mas
a conscience. that he is in the enjoyment OF moral
nerceptons, that is but acting part in this life,
which will not only influence his course here, but
aaect his destiny hereafter. II, for example, we
desired son to eat, drink, be merry, and die
we should perhaps ask for him the ease OF opn-
lence. or such an abundance Of the good things OF
this life SO called, as would render 1t unnecessary
| a. him either TO be particularly careful Of his
| h,bits his character, or his morals. We should
| desire him to be surrounded by false friends, by
fawners aud Aatterers, by individuals OF artnciai
natures. who, living in fashionable society, ano
victims in some measure OF VICIOUS tastes hold as
;nser;or beings, all who will not bow down to the
same perncious lhol DaS i',o, - NiN3gt. !.
| we see our child become not only an ornament Y
society. hut an honor to human nature, we woulC
| have the powers Of his mind adequately developed
we would have proper moral restraints inter
minoled with his characterize would have bis
tastes regulated by temperance, tolerance ant
moderation-we would have him jealous Of his
reputation in the eyes Of the good and the wise
we would, in short. have him tolive here so tina
the future in this life should gather light from tn
| past while the future insthe world to come shoult
| be irrada,ed with the golden glories which sprlTs
from the hopes and faith Of the. Christian. ih'
noblest ambition Of man should be to live SO tha
humanity at largo might be improved by his ex
| istcnce Allwho are really true to the lofty oo
iects of their being should endeavor to leave SONS
virtuous record behind them, something 70 Wn'c'
heir children might point, as delightful and wor
thy Of example in the history Of their progenltor