Litchfield enquirer., 1855-08-23
" E ALTH

Almost everybody assents to the omnip- otence of the :. almighty dollar" Here in New England, especially, it seems to be the exclusive god of our idolatry. In the attain ment of this we are in earnest, while in almost everything else we are comparatively indifferent Some of us attain the desider- alum, while others struggle for years and at last descend to their graves without ever having in possession even a competence.
 Still, there are some who have become wealthy. Afew of these have received their property by inheritance; fewer still, by their social relaiions-while the larger number have become wealthy by their own exertions. Specnlators who behold the glitter of wealth lament that they themselves are deprived of similar means--but hardly one asks himself the question whether for the amount he covets he would surrender the equanimity, the independence, the comfort, at the sacri- flee of which wealth is almost sure to be attained
 The man who becomes wealthy through his own efforts is seldom or never in con- dition to derive comfort from his acquisi- tions. His money has cost so much toii and trouble that he over-values it. He will not part with enough to make himself com- fortable, because he fears he may get into a habit of extravagance, and he is in perpet- ual fear that by losses or disasters he may be brought to want.
 The man who inherts his fortune, as general rule, errs in an opposite direction. Not having lahored for his money, he sets too low a value uponit. While he increases his expenditures to meet the enlarging de- mands of his family, he forgets that he has perhaps but poor business capacities, and that he is consuming his capital. Alter awhile, in the absence of an annual income adequate to meet his current expenses, he finds that if he would protect himself from poverty he must economize! He cannot do it. His expenditures have been graduated upon the desires of his family rather than upon his ability to discharge them. His social position depends upon his keeping up appearances. He has not the moral courage to tell the world that he can take a position within his means; he therefore goes on regardless of the tuture-and finally winds np a bankrupt.
 The man who attaius wealth by marriage is another example of the fatulty which ate tends this universal struggle for weallh.--- He perhaps attains his end, hut women who bring the larger share of the pecuniary capital into the conjneal union, are not always the most agreeable welded com- panions. In many such cases the wife has bought her husband. and the husband is most decidedly sold. He is but a fixture to splendid establishment, the slave of ca price, and the au,omation of woman's whims. Ills fortune has cost too much.
 But however acquired, wealth seldom performs what 1t promises It's external glitter soon palls upon the senses, and the vanity whicl, prompted it's pursuit soon be- comes satiated by its possession. So fur from being favorable to a proper develop- ment of mind or true social comfort, it is found to be corroding in it's effects both upon the head and The heart. It's true use is as stimulus to exertion. Property enough to protect us when sick or out of employment, but not enough to allow us to live in indolence, is better than wealth.- A competence is desirable, and should be aimed al hy every one. But after com peieRce has been secured, 10 waste one's energies and syi,iate one's mitd by an ale sorbing chase for wealth, is anything but indicative of sound understanding.