The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1856-05-16
(From the Southern Presbyterian
srrhe Deceitfulness of Riches."

OF property, and enjoins diligence in busi-
ness. It speaks commercially of some
riclf persons, aud prrscribes rules for the
know, for ourselves, that there are advanta-
ges accruing from afflueni:e; and that very
much which is disparagipgly spoken OF the
opulent, is the dictate of mere envy or the
offspring Of that vile agrarian spirit which
would level all the distinctions Of society
But at the same time, it must be acknowl-
edged that there exists deep and wide.
spread infatuation as to the benefits of large
accumulations ; and we ask, here, to be
indulged in some hints respecting "the de-
ceitfulness of riches" -
Some mistake, as to the fact of posses
sion.
They are, perhaps, reputed to have q
fortune, and there is actually, great show
of property but, upon closer investiga.
ton, and after the payment of debts, these
persons, to their surprise or modification,
are proved to have but moderate means.
Very indefinite is the standard Of what
constitutes wealth.
On our way up the scale of property, we
reason that might We but reach the grade
of more favored neighbor, we should con-
clude we had enough, and would rest sstis-
fed there. At length, that point of ambi-
tion is attained; and now, with equally
grasping desires, we aspire to own as much
AS a,Syet more prosperous acquaintance
dues. And go we go on coveting and COL
| Letting, until even we ourselves become con-
vinced of the truth Of the adage, that "to
be rich is to get little more"
Multitudes are deceived with "riches," as
source Of happiness.
They do secure the possessor the luxu-
ries and elegancies Of lite ; they do enable
him to CRAFTY his tastes and carry out his
plans; they do invest him with considera-
ble power Of control over the opinions and
practices Of his fellows. But there do also
eInanate from the same source couutcrac-
tive Influences. The malignant darts Of
envy are hurled at the wealthy. Exacting
demands are made upon them. They car
ry heavy burden Of care aud responsible
ity. They suffer, grievousiy, from disap-
poiutment, and are fierceIy assaied with
temptations.
"Riches," rs an inheritance for children
do sadly mislead people.
1t is perfectly i'll accordance with the
yearnings Of parental solicitude to make
provision for the yet helpless ones of the
household. Wealth does give family po-
si'ion in society; it defends our children
from want; and it places them above me-
nial toll. But look beyond the present
scene. Trace the workings Of the cause
into the future. Imagine how this do'nes-
tic group, SO cffeminately and luxuriously
reared, will do for themselves when, 10y
death, deprived of your fostering care
Answer me, if it De. in the nature Of the
case, probable that integrity and energy Of
character shall be developed in the lap of
ease. Who does not know that the self
made men, under our form of government,
are the most useful and important members
Of society.
Many are misled with "riches," as means
of Influence.
1t does command for you train Of fol-
lowers !; but they are too apt to be heartless
sycophapts. 1t does bring you into associ-
alton with "the higher circles; but such
are more likely to corrupt you than to be
themselves purified by the contact. And it
does turrisl, you means for sustaining the
objects Of benevoence but alas as the
purse enlarges, the heart too frequently
contracts. In point of fact, we find that it
is not.tle opulent, but persons tin moderate
circumstances, who contribute most to the
calls Of charity. sSsss Z. Z. b, .5.. =
"The deceitfulness ofriches" appears in
the form Of an ,insidious idoiatry. ~
! The man does not mean to be betrayed
into this crime !; lie well knows the folly Of
lounnr fha rr,o toy, moro iha, t1,nA Hvnot.>r (.