21
A
New Method for ordering Expences.
IT is very hard for an open and easy nature ⟨to⟩ keep within the compass of his fortune; either ⟨shame⟩ to be observed behind others, or else a vain-⟨glorious⟩ itching to out do them leaks away till ⟨the⟩ vessel be low or empty; so that nothing ⟨involves⟩ a man in more unhappiness than a heedless ⟨letting⟩ go, in an imprudence of mispending; for it ⟨alters⟩ the very frame and temper of the mind. When wants come, he that was profuse before, ⟨easily⟩ grows rapacious. It is extreme unhappiness ⟨to⟩ be thus composed of extremes, to be impatient ⟨both⟩ in plenty and want. And therefore let every man, for the better ordering of his expences, observe the following rules.
1. See that your comings in be more than your ⟨payings⟩ out; for unless this be minded, a man may waste away his substance to nothing insensibly, If your income exceed your expences but twenty shillings a-year, you are in a thriving condition; but if on the contrary your expences exceed your income, you are in the highway to ruin.
2: Keep an exact accouut of what you lay out, and what you receive; for without this, you will be always in the dark.
3. Balance your account at least once every quarter; and then you will the better see how the case stands with you, and so may the better retrench matters, if you find you have exceeded.
4. In laying out your money, trust not to your servants: for in-small matters they may deceive you and you be never the wiser: and many such small matters may amount to a great sum.
