Daily American telegraph., 1852-02-05
THOUGHTS.
FROM A FORTHCOMING WORK.
BY HENRY L. HARVEY.

The sudden elevation of person beyond the
condition for which nature and education may
have fitted him, whether in the possession Of
wealth or position in society, is liable to cause
his ruin. On this point there is q very express
sive Arabic proverb that when God purposes
the destruction of an ant he allows wings to
grow upon it." The reason is, that, in regard
to wealth, most men are capable Of enjoying
or applying to useful purposes, onlysa limited
for estimating the value. Social position, the
appropriate attendant of mental capacity and
moral character, can only be appreciated and
maintained where the mind is prepared for it,
and the character of the possessor entities him
to it.
Envious and malignant minds, which have
never risen above their native levels, frequently
del ght in reminding those persons who have
gained elevation of character of what they
had been, rather than in awarding praise for
meritorious conduct through which alone emil
hence can be attained The best way to ST.
lence such, is to convince them that their ebul-
litions of spleen can have no weight upon the
feelings of those on whom they are designed to
act A mechanic, who had performed lind .ferent-
ly piece of work for Harrison Gray Otis in
a dispute with the latter about the affair,
thought to carry his point by reminding him
L
drummer" Instead of being mortified or dis
concerted by the taunt, the wealthy merchant
calmly replied, by the significant question,
"and did | not drum we'll?
. He that idly waits for opportunities for great
achievements, without improving the chances
daily occurring for doing good, though on
small scale, stands poor chance for attaining
the object of his ambition Indolence enervates
| the mental and physical faculties. rendering
them incapable of great accomplishments when
the opportunity may occur. Activity not only
| gives strength to the faculties--the better fit
| ting them for performing the duties of life
but by bringing the person into notice, pro-
duces or places him in contact with the oppor-
tunity for their great exercise.
A moderate adherence to prevailing fashions
and customs is proper in all cases and 10y all
persons. The best writers on etiquette depre-
cate eccentricity in dress and behaviour.
Slovenliness and rudeness are equally repre-
hensible with extravaganza of apparel and
overwrought politeness. Extremes of either,
designed to attract notice, are not commend
able nor entitled to respect. ~ at
Elevation Of character can only be attained
by elevation Of thoughts A groyelling mind
is the basis of grovelling actions He that
would improve in intellect or character must
not permit his thoughts to dwell, on subjects
beneath his present standard, but maintain
constant search for those more ennobling and
praiseworthy.
Compared to the eternity from which we
sprang, and the eternity to which we are has
tening, this world is mere dressing-room, in
which we enter to array ourselves for the great
entertainment prepared or preparing by the
King Of kings In selecting and adjusting our
garments, we should bear in mind that the
tastes and fancies Of those who are present
with us, and upon the same errand, are but
secondary matters for consideration, and not to
be consulted or initiated only as we have rea-
son to believe they may be pleasing TO him
whom we are professedly going to honor.
Governments instituted for the benefit Of the
governing are taxes upon the rights OF the
governed Offices created for the convenience
Of the holders, with salaries beyond the value
of the service rendered, are oppressive upon tho
people and corrupting to public morals.