We are taught, by reason, that the necefsities² of nature are easily supplied. Though fancy leads us to aspire after wealth and affluence and many of the luxuries of life, yet reason shows us that those things are only imaginary wants, and are not necefsary for our support or comfort. Luxury adds nothing to our strength or happinefs; but rather undermines the constitution, and destroys that which many vainly imagine it produces. And it not only impairs the constitution, but corrupts and vitiates the mind. Therefore the want of it is only the imagination of a volatile mind, not the demand of nature. The simple productions of nature are sufficient for our support during our continuance here on this mundane sphere. And the man, who duly appreciates his time, and considers the uncertainty of life, and the unsatisfying and perishable nature of all earthly things, that he can enjoy them at most but a very short time, surely he will not feel a great anxiety for obtaining them. He will be convinced, that the true interests of man consists not in wealth, but in a well balanced mind that will support him through all the trials of life, and fit him for his final exit.

C. McQuesten [Calvin]

¹ Hampton is on the Atlantic Coast of New Hampshire approx. 15 miles from Bradford Academy.

² Calvin uses the now archaic "fs" for "ss" throughout his early period, which we have retained for authenticity.