Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1852-1852, 1852-11-19

WEALTH.-The error Of life into which man
most readily falls, is the pursuit Of wealth rs tn
highest good of existence. While riches command
respect win position, and secure comfort it is ex-
pecled that they Will beregarded by all classes on
ly with strong and unsalisfed desire. But the
reverence which is every where manifested for
wealth, the rank which is conceded it, the hom-
age which Is paid it, the perpetual worship which
is offered it, all tend to magnify its desirabeness
ard awaken longings for its possession in the
minds of those born without inheritance. In
society as at present observed, the acquisition of
money would seem to be tue height of human
aim-the great object Of living, to which all
other purpoces are made subordinate. Money,
which cxalts the lowly, and sheds honor upon
the exalted-money, which makes sin appear
goodness, and gives to viciousness the seeming
of chastity-money, makes silent evil report,
and opens wide The mouth of praise-moncy-
which constitutes its possessor an oracle, to whom
men listen with dcfcrence-moncy, which makes
dcformiv beautiful, and sacrifices crimc-money,
which lets the guilty 60 unpunished, and wins
forgiveness for wrong-money, which manhood
and are respect, and its commendaton surety,
and good name for the young how shall it be
gained by what schemes gathered i'll! by what
sacrifice secured? These arc the questions which
absorb the mind, the practical answerings Of
which engross the life of men. The schemes are
too often those of fraud, aud outrage upon the
sacred Obligations Of being; sacrifice, loss OF the
highest moral scnse, the neglect Of internal life
and development, the utter and sad pervcrsion
of the true purposes of existence. Money is val
ucd beyond its worth-it has gained power
vastly above its deserving.
Wealth is courted so obsequiously, is fattered
so servilely, is so influential in moulding opn-
ions and judgment, has such a weight in the es
timation of character, that men reward its acqui-
sition as the most prudent aim of their endea-
vors, and its possession as absolute enjoyment
and honor, rather than the means of honorable,
useful, and happy life. While riches are thus
over estimated, and hold such power in commu.
mites, men will forego ease and endure toll sacri-
fee social pleasures and abandon principle, for
the speedy and unlimited requirement ofproper-
ty. Money will not be regarded as the means Of
living but as the object Of life. All nobler ends
will be neglected in the eager haste to be rich.
No higher pursuit will be recognized than the
pursuits of gold-no attainment deemed so de-
sirable as the attainment of wealth. While the
great man of every circle is the rich man, in the
common mind wealth becomes the synonyme of
greatness. No condition is dscernablc superior
to that which money conters i: no loftier idea of
manhood is entertained than that which en-
braces the extent of ones possessions.
There is wealth of heart better than gold,
and an interior decoration farer than outward
ornament. There is splendor in upright life,
beside which gems are lustrcless; and tirmness
Of spirit whose beauty outvies the glitter of dia-
monds. Mans true riches are hidden in his ma
ture, and in their development and increase will
find his surest happiness.