ulence. It is an endowment of
heaven, and should be used in such a way as heaven will approve. While
regulated strictly by the principles of Revelation, it should be
employed in the acquisition of property, as a means of usefulness. But
it is a common opinion, that money may be made solely for the sake of
accumulation. Parents instil the idea into the minds of children, so
that they grow up with the conviction, that the great end of life is the
procuring of wealth. Implanted in the tender mind, and nurtured with
its strength, it assumes the tenacity of a first principle. But it is
altogether erroneous. It is the product of the selfish heart. No
sentiment is more fertile in covetousness, or more blighting to that
generous humanity, which it is the first object of the Christian to
cherish. It is a sentiment grovelling in its tendency, bowing
multitudes, it is feared, even of professedly good men, to a species of
slavery, over which devils smile, and angels weep; knowing that it
obstructs the flow of thousands into the treasury of the Lord. A
sentiment so hurtful should be eradicated from the public mind. It
should be discarded from the individual breast. The toils of pecuniary
gain must be pervaded by a loftier motive. It should be sought, not as
a gratification to avarice; but, in the fear of the Lord, by industry,
by economy, by frugality, by forecast, by the most profitable
investments of capital, and with a heart full of mercy, as an instrument
to enlighten the ignorant, and relieve the sorrows of human-kind. This
idea has not taken so firm a hold of the christian public as its
importance deserves. How useful might some, who have little talent
either for learning or public speaking, become, would they
disinterestedly devote their lives to the acquisition of money for
purposes of beneficence. Wealth, pursued with this spirit, will never
beget avaricious desires, and thus acquired, will be a treasury of
blessings to multitudes here, and a source of enjoyment to the pious
owner forever. Its worth will survive the grave. Let it be an abiding
thought--money may be invested where it will yield an eternally
increasing revenue.

5. That in laying our pecuniary plans, we should be governed by a
single view to the glory of God. The plans we adopt must be chosen
because, in our deliberate judgment, we can do more to advance Christ's
interests by prosecuting them than in any other way. Every act sustains
rel