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iiig tliat noble independence of mind, and thought, which 

 ought to animate every cuUivator of the soil. Debt is 

 like a canker, which never ceases to waste ; and never 

 fails to destroy. The progress, from debt to ruin, is as 

 certain as the course of Nature. A man, in debt, may 

 read his future history, in the fate of others, as certaii> 

 ly, as an astronomer can calculate an eclipse ; or, the 

 hour and minute of the rising, or setting of the sun. 

 A Bank debt, or mortgage, is as sure foreboding of ruin 

 to the husbandman ; as the morning dram ; or evening 

 revel. There may be cases, when one may pledge his 

 farm,ybr part of the consideration of the purchase ; but 

 that part should be small ; and such cases rare, 



2. He will not lay up property for his children. No 

 error is more common, or more destructive, than this. 

 Nature has ordained, that every generation shall provide 

 for itself. The young animal, of every species, is left 

 of its dam, as soon as capable of protecting itself ; or, 

 providing for its own wants. The reason of this provis- 

 ion applies, with double force^ to our species. We have 

 mind, as well as strength, to aid in our defence and sup 

 port. Besides, we need the stimulus of providing for 

 ourselves, to invigorate mind and body. 



Property inherited oftener proves a curse, than a bles- 

 sing. The manna in the wilderness, gathered for the 

 succeeding day, became offensive. In the strong and 

 expressive language of inspiration, " it stank,^^ A stri- 

 king representation of property, laid up for children! 

 We have no warrant for doing this. Property is given, 

 for use, as much as bodily strength ; and, when hoarded 

 up, is haunted with anxiety and perplexity, as the re- 

 ward. 



If any one doubts the truth of these remarks ; let 



