ns must
be used to secure the end. Just so in acquiring a good name. The
person desirous of obtaining it, must pursue that upright and virtuous
course of conduct, which alone could insure it. And just as well might
a man expect riches by being indolent and extravagant, as to expect a
good name by indulging in every species of vice. We are therefore to
understand our text thus--A good name, through pursuing a virtuous
course of conduct, is rather to be chosen than great riches, through
the plans and means by which they are obtained.

Man is a being of many wants, and to supply them he is too much
inclined to forsake the path of virtue and resort to dishonorable
means to obtain wealth.

In view of this master-passion for earthly splendor and greatness,
Solomon uttered the words of our text to recall the giddy mind from
its chase of shadows, sad turn it to the only source of unmingled
felicity in the pursuit of virtue. This would afford the mind those
rational delights that wealth, with all its dazzling splendors, cannot
impart. It does not possess the charm to convey unbroken peace to the
heart.

But there is a strong inducement to engage in a virtuous course,
because it is the surest road to wealth and honor. The thief and
robber were never rich, nor nor could they be happy if they were. An
excellent writer, observes--the importance of a good character in the
commerce of life, seems to be universally acknowledged. To those who
are to make their own way either to wealth or honors, a good character
is as necessary as address and ability. Though human nature is often
degenerate, and corrupts itself by many inventions, yet it usually
retains to the last an esteem for excellence. But even if we arrive at
such an extreme degree of depravity as to have lost our native
reverence for virtue, yet a regard to our own interest and safety will
lead us to apply for aid, in all important transactions, to men whose
integrity is unimpeached. When we choose an assistant or a partner,
our first inquiry is concerning his character. When we have occasion
for a counsellor, an attorney, or a physician, whatever we may be
ourselves, we always choose to trust our property and lives to men of
the best character. When we fix on the tradesman, who is to supply us
with necessaries, we are we are influenced by fair reputation and
honorable dealing. Young men, therefore, whose characters are yet
unfixed, and who consequently may render them just s