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FALSE ECONOMY.

The line that separates virtue from vice, or justice from injustice, is so minute, that man often thinks himself in the performance of his duties, when in fact, he is only hastening forward in the labyrinths of his destruction. We can. not, therefore, be too careful in the examination of our conduct, provided we feel an earnest desire for the improvement and perfection of our souls.

How many who think themselves liberal and philanthropic, are only wretched squanderers of their property; how many mistake the most disgusting avarice for frugality and economy. And, how often do we find in the same person a combination of prodigality and covetous

ness.

Can I be guilty of such faults? I scarcely believe it-yet, in my solitary devotions, I will inwardly examine myself, and endeavour to correct all my errors. It is important that I do not abuse the blessings which God has given me. It is, however, my right and duty, honestly to increase my fortune. He who neglects it, falls at last a burthen to others, and becomes a useless member of society. I will increase my property while I have yet the power. It is my duty to free myself as much as possible from anxiety and want, so that I may indulge the nobler feelings of my soul. If I have a sufficient income, then I am

independent of the paltry benevolence of other men who

would despise me in my poverty. If I have more than
necessary for my own wants, then I can be useful to others
without disadvantage to myself. I am bound also to edu
cate and provide for my children, and contribute to th
relations.
support of my poor

The increase of riches, by industry and economy, is on of the relative duties of man. Unnecessary profusion, i like a bodily wound. He who dissipates his fortune, de prives himself of the means of doing good-strikes at the root of his liberty-becomes the slave of his own passions and prepares for himself and family, a life of sorrow, pain and ignominy. The only remedy against this, is industry economy and temperance. These qualities will enable us to become truly amiable, and useful members of society Many people, however, think themselves economical, who, if they do not augment, at least do not diminish their property. They censure the prodigal, whose fortune is every day growing less; yet they are unwilling to accuse themselves of a similar recklessness; although they lavish away their money in feasting and gambling, to procure a momentary pleasure, instead of appropriating it to the use of their children; or the furtherance of some benevolent object. There are others, who detest this manner of life, that are always striving with a miserly fondness, to accumulate additional wealth. But their only pleasure is in its possession. They increase their riches without an object: They do not make use of it as a means to procure to themselves enjoyment; or to benefit the world, They plunge into avarice; their industry is a restless passion for gain;

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their economy is a shameless, corrupt, and niggardly parsimony, without the slightest regard to the welfare of others.

Unqualified avarice, is justly considered one of the most hateful vices. Its worst features, however, are not com mon to all. Here is one, whose covetousness is still struggling with the natural benevolence of his heart-another, who indulges in grandeur and pride-a third, who is fond of good living and social intercourse, but not without a great anxiety as to the expense-a fourth, will sympathize with the misery of others, without having the inclination to render them any assistance. But in all those grada. tions, it is the same unwearying desire to amass wealth, which leads not to the happiness of the possessor.

Never has the avaricious man enough. He is always eager for any lucrative office; caresses and flatters the rich; is cautious in lending out money to the poor; complains of hard times; is oftentimes penurious with his relations, whom he perpetually admonishes about prudence in expenditures; assumes a very sanctified demeanour in church; is constantly in apprehension of death; has no relish for the blessings of life; yet in his selfishness is still alive to the increase of his riches. He would deprive himself and others of the necessaries of life. He fancies himself to be indigent, and trembles with the apprehension that he may become still more so by accident. He is even poorer than the beggar who subsists upon alms. During his whole life he has seen nothing but rent rolls, and deeds, Bv degrees he withers away. and the

fruits of his toil are left to his heirs, who do not even re spect his memory.

Only the contented are rich, therefore is the miser on of the poorest of beings. Only the wealthy are respected who contribute to the comfort of those about them, there fore is the miser despised, because he witholds, in th abundance of his riches, from the happiness of others His meanness connects itself with every thing about him He is quarrelsome in his household; oppressive to ser vants; indifferent to his kindred, and an aversion to every body. He envies the prosperity of his neighbour, and hi soul is consumed with jealousy. He sees he can profit by dishonesty, and he avails himself of the means, if h thinks he will not be detected. Virtue to him, is as nothing in comparison to wealth; therefore, a falsehood is pardonable; his integrity is a vendible commodity; his oath is as dust in the balance.

For the sake of gain, he

will sacrifice honor, friendship, gratitude, and reputation
He will become a liar, a flatterer and a calumniator!
will even insult heaven with his prayers!

He

As the shadows of evening thicken after the setting of

sun, so does the spirit of avarice grow with our years The natural imbecility of age, will always create for itself new fears and vexations. There may sometimes be a longing after the opulence of this world, without our being able to recognize in it a single feature of avarice; yet, depend upon it, there is great danger that it will one day degenerate into this contemptible vice.

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quently find, instead of a single restless and engrossing pas-
sion; a combination of vices existing in the same person, which
in some measure, qualify his character or reputation. For
example; there is one, who is unmerciful to the suffering
poor; indifferent to the misfortunes of his relations; with-
out forbearance to his debtors; and all this for the desire of
gain; yet he loves to attract the attention of the world, by
the rich profusion of his table, or the splendor and magnifi-
cence of his equipage. Here, therefore, does one vice be-
come the handmaid of the other, while the possessor is the
contemptible slave of both. Such instances in life are by
no means rare. Every where we see wealth heaped toge-
ther by dishonorable means; sometimes by open fraud in
defiance of the laws; sometimes by low and secret cun-
ning; sometimes by taking advantage of the helpless and
unprotected, and all for the purpose of subserving their ar-
rogant and overbearing pride. Servants suffer by their
cupidity; cruelty is extended to those who are dependant
upon them for support; while at the same time, they are
giving a luxurious banquet, the expense of which, would
have contributed to the happiness of a poor family for
several months. We sometimes see parents instead of edu-
cating their children, infamously hoarding up their treasure
for the purchase of fine dresses, or fine furniture.

To every one God has given his portion, whereby he can
thrive
upon earth and contribute to the welfare of his fellow
men. Of this, he must one day render a just and strict
And woe to the faithless steward, who has been

account.

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