"He that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing," as Poor Richard says: and, indeed, so does he that lends to such people, when he goes to get it in again. Poor Dick farther advises, and says, "Fond pride of dress is sure a very curse; "Ere fancy you consult, consult your purse." And again," Pride is as loud a beggar as Want, and a great deal more saucy." When you have bought one fine thing, you must buy ten more, that your appearance may be all of a piece; but Poor Dick says, "It is easier to suppress the first desire, than to "satisfy all that follow it :" And it is as truly folly for the poor to ape the rich, as for the frog to swell, in order to equal the ox. "Vessels large may venture more, "But little boats should keep near shore." It is, however, a folly soon punished: for as Poor Richard says, "Pride, that dines on vanity, sups on contempt;" "Pride breakfasted with Plenty, dined "with Poverty, and supped with Infamy." And, after all, of what use is this pride of appearance, for which so much is risked, so much is suffered? It cannot promote health, nor ease pain; it makes no increase of merit in the person, it creates envy, it hastens misfortune. But what madness must it be to run in debt for those superfluities? We are offered by the terms of this sale, six months credit; and that, perhaps, has induced some of us to attend it, because we cannot spare the ready money, and hope now to be fine without it. But, ah! think what you do when you run in debt; you give to another power over your liberty. If you cannot pay at the time, you will be ashamed to see your creditor; you will be in fear when you speak to him; you will make poor pitiful sneaking excuses, and by degrees, come to lose your veracity, and sink into base, downright lying ; for," The second vice is lying, the first is running in 66 "debt," as Poor Richard says; and again, to the same "For age and want save while you may, "Gain may be temporary and uncertain, but ever, while 46 you live, expence is constant and certain," " It is "easier to build two chimnies, than to keep one in "fuel," as Poor Richard says: So, "Rather go to "bed supperless than rise in debt." "Get what you can, and what you get hold, ""Tis the stone that will turn all your lead into gold." And when you have got the philosopher's stone, sure you will no longer complain of bad times, or the difficulty of paying taxes. IV. This doctrine, my friends, is reason and wisdom: But, after all, do not depend too much upon your own industry, and frugality, and prudence, though excellent things; for they may all be blasted, without THE BLESSING OF HEAVEN; and therefore, ask that blessing humbly, and be not uncharitable to those that at present seem to want it, but comfort and help them. Remember Job suffered, and was afterwards pros perous. And now, to conclude, "Experience keeps a dear "school, but fools will learn in no other," (as Poor Richard says) and scarce in that; for, it is true, "We may give advice, but we cannot give conduct:" However, remember this, "They that will not be coun"selled, cannot be helped;" and farther, that "If you will not hear Reason, she will surely rap your "knuckles," as Poor Richard says. Thus neighbour Wiseman ended his harangue. The people heard it, and approved the doctrine-and immediately practised the contrary, just as if it had been a common sermon; for the Auction opened, and they bcgan to buy extravagantly.-I found the good man had thoroughly studied my Almanacks, and digested all I had dropped on these topics during the course of twentyfive years. The frequent mention he made of me must have tired any one else; but my vanity was wonderfully delighted with it, though I was conscious, that not a tenth part of the wisdom was my own, which he ascribed to me; but rather the gleanings that I had made of the sense of all ages and nations. However, I resolved to be the better for the echo of it; and, though I had at first determined to buy stuff for a new coat, I went away, resolved to wear my old one a little longer. Ladies and Gentlemen, if you will do the same, your profit will be as great as mine.-I am, as ever, Thine to serve thee, RICHARD SAUNDERS. Clare-Hall, March 21, 1812. END OF THE APPENDIX. |