The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1856-11-14
WEALTH.

comfort, it is expected that they will be re.
garded by all classes only with a strong and
uusaiisfed desire. But the undue reverence
which is everywhere manifested for wealth,
the rank which Is conceded it, the homage
which is paid it the perpetual worship
which is offered it, all tend to magnify its de-
sirabeness, and awaken longings for its pos
session IN the minds of those born without
inheritance. In society as at present observ-
ed the acquisition Of money would seem to
be TIE height of human aim-the great object
of living, to which oil other purposes are
made subordinate. Money which exalts the
lowly, and sheds honor upon the exalted
money, which makes sin appear goodness, and
gives to vicousness the seeming Of chastity
money, which silences evil report, and
opens wide the mouth of praise-money,
which constitutes ist possessor an oracle, to
whom men listen with defference-money
which makes deformity beautiful, and sane
titles crime-money, which let's the guilty 60
unpublished, and wins forgiveness for wrong
money, which makes manhood and age re-
spectacle, and its commentator, surety and
good name for the young,-how shall it be
gained? by what scheme gathered in? by
what sacrifice secured! These are the ques.
tions which absorb the mind, the practical
answering Of which engross the life Of men.
The schemes are too often those of fraud
and outrage upon the sacred obligations Of
being; the sacrifice, of the highest mora!
sense, the destruction of the purest suscep-
tiblities of nature, the neglect of internal
life and development, the utter and sad per.
version of the true purposes of existence
Money is valued beyond its worth-it has
gained power vastly above its deserving
Wealth is courted so obsequiously, is flatter.
ed so serviely, is so influential in moulding
opinions and judgment, has such weight in
the estimation Of character, that men regard
acquisition MS the most prudent aim of their
endeavors, and its possession as absolute en-.
joyment and honor, rather than the means Of
nm honorable, useful, and happy life
While riches are thus overestimated, and
hold such power in community, men will
forego ease, endure toll, sacrifice social pleas
ures and abandon principle, for the speedy
and unlimited requirement of property
Money will not be regarded rs the means Of
living, but rs the object Of life. All nobler
ends will be neglected in the eager haste TO
be rich. No higher pursuit of gold-no at
tainment so desirable as the attainment Of
wealth. While the great man of every cir.
Gle, is the rich man, in the common mind
wealth becomes the synonyme of greatness.
No condition is discernible superior to that
which money confers; no loftier idea of man.
hood is entertained than that which embra-
ces the extent of ones possessions.
There is wealth of heart better than
gold, and an interior decoration fairer than
outward ornament There is spendor in
upright life. beside which gems are ustre.
less; and a fneness of spirit whose beauty out
vies the glitter Of diamonds. Mans true
riches are hidden in his nature; and in their
development and in their increase will be
his surest happiness.
SIGNs OF THE TMEs.-The movements of
the revolutionary party in Paris begin to grow
somewhat alarming. For several nights past,
the disaffected and exasperated workmen
have silently plncarded the walls of the city
with such announcements as-"Death to the
landords!" "Bread for sous the pound!"
"Vire la Republique" &c. All these placards
are every morning at daylight carefully re.
moved by the police, but for all that they
hare been seen and as the daring persons who
post them are as yet totally unknown, the
circumstance causes considerable alarm. The
life of the Emperor and his iron influence
alone prevent the immediate explosion of
revolution in France which would rival the
Reign of Terror. As soon as Napoleon dies
or is assasinatcd, you may depend upon it,
Paris will be the scene Of fearful conflict
between the hundred conflicting elements
now ripe for action, and ready to break forth
at any moment. Mark my prediction in this
respect.
THE GEAR AND THE PoPE.-The negotia.
tions of NJ. de KisseIef have ended at Rome