we will not grant any merit in good deeds, ta- 
lents, activity, industry, &c, 
74, Let us rather admit self interest as the 
leading motives of our conduct, foundations, In- 
stitutions, &c. — and grant the utmost latitude to 
merit; by praise' and rewards for donations, abi- 
lities, inventions, For useful or agreeable perfor- 
mances. Piety and Charity derive their sanc- 
tion from the hope of happiness here and here- 
after in the Worlds of glory and bliss swarming 
in the Celestial Regions. Those who deny 
themselves the Hope of Heaven thro’ disbelief 
or Vicious Cupidity, must' be satisfied with ma- 
king themselves less wretched in thfs life. But 
how superior to them, are the Happy minds that 
seek to reach the Heavens, thro’ the paths of 
Charity and good deeds, thus becoming happy 
here and hereafter^ and conferring the same 
hope and happiness to many fellow beings. 
75, The besetting National 'Sin of Ame- 
rica is Cupidity — To make money any how, to 
obtain it fairly or unfairly, is the great aim of 
Life — While the repairing corrective may be to 
spend it properly and usefully when acquired— 
If Money procures with us Influence, Regard, 
Reputation, Friends and even a Pseudo-Nobi- 
lity, altho’ spent in Ostentation, and Selfish gra- 
tifications; when spent to better purposes of 
public or general benefit, it would no doubt com- 
mand Respect, Esteem, Approbation and Gra- 
titude . . . 
76, But if Worth, Merit, Probity, Sincerity, 
Talents, Industry, Zeal, Fortitude, Knowledge, 
Benevolence, and all the other Virtues or quali- 
ties adorning Mankind, were to be united to 
Wealth in the sifhie Individual, 6r fostered by 
Wealth when separated, so as to act jointly in 
