Moral problems addressed to Saint Louis.

Of two rich men, one was born into opulence and never knew hardship; the other owes his fortune to his own labor; both employed it exclusively in personal satisfaction. Which of the two is more culpable? Ans. – The one who knew suffering: he knows what it is to suffer.

He who incessantly accumulates, without doing good to anyone, will he find a valid excuse in his conscience, that he accumulates in order to leave more to his children? Ans. – It is a compromise with a bad conscience.

Of two misers, the first deprives himself of what is necessary and dies of want over his treasure; the second is miserly only toward others, being lavish with himself. While he refuses himself the least sacrifice to render a favor or do something useful, he spares nothing for the satisfaction of his personal pleasures. If a favor is asked of him, he is always reluctant; if he wishes to indulge a whim, he never lacks the occasion to carry it out. Which is the more culpable, and which of them will have the worst place in the world of Spirits? Ans. – The one who enjoys; the other has already found his own punishment.

He who in life did not employ his fortune in a useful manner, does he find relief in doing good after death, through the destiny given to him? Ans. – No; good is worth what it costs.

[1]

[see Saint Louis.]