The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-01-12

would not, in all probability, make good
minister; nor would the individual who
has preference for medical science make
a good merchant; and so through all the
varied callings iii life. Each ofthem is
useful and honorable, as l have before said
If they are made useful and honorable"
"Well, maybe you are right" said
Charles, "but am mo philosopher, and
cannotPretend to look so deeply in mat
ters and things. My old uncle, whose
opinions l am bound TO respect, because
he is kind to me, and has been quite sue
cessful III the world, says that he would
rather see me sailor or soldier than
doctor, lawyer, or preacher. He don't
seem to have much opinion, you see, of
the learned professions; and | am pretty
much like him in that respect. But he
thinks | am the very one for trade, in which
he says, will be sure to be successful, if
am only prudent at first. He prophe-
sizes that will be rich and all | can say
Is, that hope he is true prophet"
Rather says to me-" Edward remarked
to this, "that it would be wrong in me to
set riches before Inc as an end. That if I
do so, will look to riches as the one
thing in life dcsirable-that will be rest
less until have gained my end, and then
discover that wealth has no power to make
me happy. But, that if will endcavor
to give the idea of riches its true subordi
nate place, and MAKE usefulness to Others.
as far us can, the end which have ia
view, then | will be happy as wolI as sue
cesstuI, Just SO lar rs can elevate useful
ness as an end above riches"
You have strange way of talknu,
sometimes" said Charles, "but du,',
pretend to see things with your ewes, and
| am sure don't wish 40. | am going to
learn my business, with the same motives
that others do, that may get the ability
to make money. Money, you know, is
power Our teacher says knowledge, and
SO does the .proverb: but my old uncle
says money, and l believe him."
The two boys parted. In due time
each left school, and Charles Carpenter
went into Wholesale store to learn the
business of merchandising, while Edward
Mayo entered the office of Mr.. Barker to
read law. Charles found it much easier
TO keep his end of life in view. than did
Edward. But whenever the lattcr's per
cePtions of right were obscurcd, or his ar
dor in his studies diminished, he went t.,
the one competent and jud;cious friend,
his father, who always helped him to clear
and satisfactory views of his duty. 7.
must not be supposed, that the desire to
be s,1 useful ~ was the only one that influenced
Eaward IN persevcring in his studies.
That would have been too feeble a princi
pie in his mind, to have carried him
through successfully The desire for
wealth and fame, also, contributed its
share OF incitement to persevcrine. Still
the great good was, that he could ac.
knowledge the end of use to be higher
and better one thin the end of riches or
honor, and, also, that he could remain in
the desire to have that end the principal
one. lie was thus preparing the way to
have 1t, in nftcrlifc, gradually, even 'if it
were very slowly, elevated above all the
others.
A few years passed away, and the two
youths became Of age, and each entered
upon the responsible duties oflife. Charles
had his mind well stored with mercantile
knowledge, and the principles Of trade:
and Edward was as well-furnished for ac-
hon IN h's peculiar calling. Years passed
on, and the name of one was a familiar
sound on Change, and that of the other
as familiar to the public as an eminent
lawyer. But each had been governed in
action, by the end at first proposed AS the
true one. Charles Carpenter had grown
more and more selfish and mrepardfuI of
others, as wealth accumulated on his
hands: and had likewise grown morose,
irritable, and discontented. Edward Mavo
on the contrary, as his power and sphere
OF usefulness enlarged, endeavored to bring
INTO quicker activity the desire to be Of
service to others with which he had, as
matter Of principle, set out in life and a
real delight ever flowed from bringing
this desire into action. While the one was
known rs wealthy, but narrow-mindcd,
selfish man, the other was esteemed AS a
lover Of mankind, with tho power, as well
as the will, 10 benefit society. Let us look
in upon each, successively, ut the age Of
fhy, aud then decide which set before him
the bcst end IN lift. ...
We will introduced Mr.. Carpenter, at
his own house, on a stormy evening in
December. Tea is ready, and his wife
and only daughter, a young lady Of
twenty, with himself have drawn M TO
the table. The meal is nearly halfthrough,
and yet not a word has been spoken. He
Is all absorbed in some business matter
that perPIcxes him, and the idea Of trif
ling loss has soured his mind, and added
TO his habituai pehtlmce.
ats adrendful night, out" Alice, the
laughter says; the oppressive and moody
silence becoming so irksome, that she prc
crs TO hear the sound Of her own voice.
wen at therisk Of its being unwelcome to
others. n'"'i. 'fi"f I1I'ar
The father responds to tllis by a look
which says almost as plain as wordsLg |
~ Il a !. - Il