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disdain the chain, preserve your freedom, and mantain your independence;
Be industrious and free, be frugal and free,
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 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 prosperous.
