At present, perhaps, you may think yourselves in thriving circumstances, and that you can bear a little extravagance without injury; but
“For age and want save what you may
No morning sun lasts a whole day,”
as poor Richard says. Gain may be temporary and uncertain; but, ever while you live, expense is constant and certain; and it is easier to build two chimneys, 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,”
as poor Richard says. And when you have got the philosopher’s stone, sure you will no longer complain of bad times, or the difficulty of paying taxes.
This doctrine, my friends, is reason and wisdom; but, after all, do not depend too much on 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 afterward prosperous.
And now to conclude, “Experience keeps a dear school; but fools will learn in no other, and scarce in that;” for, it is true, “we may give advice, but we cannot give conduct,” as poor Richard says. However, remember this, “They that will not be counselled, cannot be helped;” as poor Richard says; and further, that
“If you will not hear reason, she will rap your knuckles.”
