genius, Philocles, you have showed me what is good; you have redeemed me from the slavery and misery of folly and vice; and made me a free and happy being. Phil. Then am I the happiest man in the world; be you steady, Horatio, never depart from reason and virtue. Hor. Sooner will I lose my existence. Good night, Philocles. Phil. Adieu, dear Horatio. POOR RICHARD'S ALMANAC. The Way to Wealth, as clearly shown in the Preface of an old Pennsylvania Almanac, intitled, Poor Richard Improved.* COURTEOUS READER,—I have heard, that nothing gives an author so great pleasure, as to find his works respectfully quoted by others. Judge, then, how much I must have been gratified by an incident I am going to relate to you. I stopped my horse lately, where a great number of people were collected, at an auction of merchant's goods. The hour of the sale not being come, they were conversing on the badness of the times; by bringing on diseases, absolutely shortens life. "Sloth, like rust, consumes faster than labour wears, while the used key is always bright," as poor Richard says. "But dost thou love life, then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of," as poor Richard says. How much more than is necessary do we spend in sleep! forgetting, that "the sleeping fox catches no poultry, and that there will be sleeping enough in the grave," as poor Richard says. "If time be of all things the most precious, wasting time must be," as poor Richard says, "the greatest prodigality;" since, as he elsewhere tells us, "lost time is never found again; and what we call time enough always proves little enough :" let us then up and be doing, and doing to the purpose; so by diligence shall we do more with less perplexity. try all easy; and he that riseth late, must trot "Sloth makes all things difficult, but indusall day, and shall scarce overtake his business at night; while laziness travels so slowly, that poverty soon overtakes him. Drive thy business, let not that drive thee; and early to bed, and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise," as poor Richard I says. and one of the company called to a plain clean old man, with white locks, "Pray, Father Abraham, what think you of the times? Will better times? We may make these times betSo what signifies, wishing and hoping for not these heavy taxes quite ruin the country? ter, if we bestir ourselves. 66 How shall we ever be able to pay them? Industry need What would you advise us to do?"-Father not wish, and he that lives upon hope will die Abraham stood up, and replied, 'If you would then help hands, for I have no lands," or, if fasting. There are no gains without pains; have my advice, I will give it to you in short, have, they are smartly taxed. "for a word to the wise is enough," as Poor hath a trade, hath an estate; and, he that hath "He, that Richard says.' They joined in desiring him to speak his mind, and gathering round him, he a calling, hath an office of profit and honour," proceeded as follows: as poor Richard says; but then the trade lowed, or neither the estate nor the office must be worked at, and the calling well folwill enable us to pay our taxes. If we are industrious, we shall never starve; for, "at the working man's house, hunger looks in, but dares not enter." Nor will the bailiff or the constable enter, for " industry pays What though you have found no treasure, nor debts, while despair increaseth them.". has any rich relation left you a legacy, "digives all things to industry. Then plow deep, ligence is the mother of good luck, and God while sluggards sleep, and you shall have corn to sell and to keep." Work while it is called to-day, for you know not how much you may be hindered to-morrow. "One to-day is and farther, "never leave that till to-morrow, worth two to-morrows," as poor Richard says; which you can do to-day." If you were a servant, would you not be ashamed that a good master should catch you idle? Are you then your own master? Be ashamed to catch yourself idle, when there is so much to be done for yourself, your family, your country, and your king. Handle your tools without mittens; remember, that, "the cat in gloves Friends,' says he, the taxes are, indeed, very heavy, and, if those laid on by the government were the only ones we had to pay, we might more easily discharge them; but we have many others, and much more grievous to some of us. We are taxed twice as much by our idleness, three times as much by our pride, and four times as much by our folly; and from these taxes the commissioners cannot ease or deliver us, by allowing an abatement. However, let us hearken to good advice, and something may be done for us; "God helps them that help themselves," as poor Richard says. 1. It would be thought a hard government that should tax its people one tenth part of their time, to be employed in its service: but idleness taxes many of us much more; sloth, Dr. Franklin for many years published the Pennsylvania Almanac, called Poor Richard [Saunders, and furnished it with various sentences and proverbs, which had principle relation to the topics of industry, attention to one's own business, and frugality." These sentences and proverbs he collected and digested in the above preface, which were read with much avidity, and perhaps tended more to the formation of national cha. racter in America, than any other cause. catches no mice," as poor Richard says. It is true, there is much to be done, and perhaps you are weak-handed; but stick to it steadily, and you will see great effects, for "constant dropping wears away stones; and by diligence and patience the mouse ate in two the cable; and little strokes fell great oaks." 'Methinks I hear some of you say, "must a man afford himself no leisure ?" I will tell thee, my friend, what poor Richard says; "employ thy time well, if thou meanest to gain leisure; and since thou art not sure of a minute, throw not away an hour." Leisure is time for doing something useful; this leisure the diligent man will obtain, but the lazy man never; for "a life of leisure and a life of laziness are two things. Many, without labour, would live by their wits only, but they break for want of stock;" whereas industry gives comfort, and plenty, and respect. Fly pleasures, and they will follow you. The diligent spinner has a large shift; and now I have a sheep and a cow, every one bids me good-morrow." II. But with our industry we must likewise be steady, settled, and careful, and oversee our own affairs with our own eyes, and not trust too much to others; for, as poor Richard says, "I never saw an oft-removed tree, That throve so well as those that settled be." And again, "three removes is as bad as a fire;" and again "keep thy shop, and thy shop will keep thee;" and again, "if you would have your business done, go, if not, send." And again, "He that by the plough would thrive, And again, "the eye of a master will do more work than both his hands;" and again, "want of care does us more damage than want of knowledge;" and again, "not to oversee workmen, is to leave them your purse open." Trusting too much to other's care is the ruin of many; for, "in the affairs of this world, men are saved, not by faith, but by the want of it;" but a man's own care is profitable; for, "if you would have a faithful servant, and one that you like, serve yourself. A little neglect may breed great mischief; for want of a nail the shoe was lost, and for want of a shoe the horse was lost, and for want of a horse the rider was lost," being overtaken and slain by the enemy; all for want of a little care about a horse-shoe nail. 'III. So much for industry, my friends, and attention to one's own business; but to these we must add frugality, if we would make our industry more certainly successful. A man may, if he knows not how to save as he gets, "keep his nose all his life to the grindstone, and die not worth a groat at last. A fat kitchen makes a lean will;" and Many estates are spent in the getting, Since women for tea forsook spinning and knitting, And men for punch forsook hewing and splitting.” "If you would be wealthy, think of saving, as well as of getting. The Indies have not made Spain rich, because her outgoes are greater than her incomes." Away then, with your expensive follies, and you will not then have so much cause to complain of hard times, heavy taxes, and chargeable families; for "Women and wine, game and deceit, Make the wealth small, and the want great." And farther, "what maintains one vice, would bring up two children." You may think, perhaps, that a little tea, or a little punch now and then, diet a little more costly, clothes a little finer, and a little entertainment now and then, can be no great matter; but remember, "many a little makes a mickle." Beware of little expences; "a small leak will sink a great ship," as poor Richard says; and again, "whodainties love, shall beggars prove;" and moreover, "fools make feasts, and wise men eat them." He "Here you are all got together to this sale of fineries and nick-nacks. You call them goods, but if you do not take care, they will prove evils to some of you. You expect they will be sold cheap, and perhaps they may, for less than they cost; but, if you have no occa sion for them, they must be dear to you. Remember what poor Richard says, "buy what thou hast no need of, and ere long thou shalt sell thy necessaries." And again, "at a great pennyworth pause a while." means that perhaps the cheapness is apparent only, and not real; or the bargain, by straitening thee in thy business, may do thee more harm than good. For in another place he says, "many have been ruined by buying good pennyworths." Again, "it is foolish to lay out money in a purchase of repentance;" and yet this folly is practised every day at auctions, for want of minding the almanac. Many a one, for the sake of finery on the back, have gone with a hungry belly, and half starved their families; "silks and satins, scarlet and velvets, put out the kitchen fire,” as poor Richard says. These are not the necessaries of life, they can scarcely be called the conveniencies; and yet, only because they look pretty, how many want to have them? By these and other extravagancies, the genteel are reduced to poverty, and forced to borrow of those whom they formerly despised, but who, through industry and frugality, have maintained their standing; in which case it appears plainly, that "a ploughman on his legs is higher than a gentleman on his knees," as poor Richard says. Perhaps they have had a small estate left them, which they knew not the getting of; they think "it is day, and it will never be night;" that a little to be spent out of so much is not worth minding; but “always taking out of the meal-tub, and never putting in soon comes to the bottom," as poor Richard says; and then, "when the well is dry, they know the worth of water." But this they might have known before, if they had taken his advice: "if you would know the value of money go and try to borrow some; for 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 again. Poor Dick farther advises, and says, Fond pride of dress is sure a 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. that such an edict would be a breach of your "For age and want save while you may, Gain may be temporary and uncertain, but "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 prosperous. But what madness must it be to run in debt for these 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, when you will make poor, pitiful, sneaking excuses, and by degrees come to loose your veracity, And now, to conclude, "experience keeps and sink into base, downright lying; for, a dear school, but fools will learn in no other," "the second vice is lying; the first is run- as poor Richard says, and scarce in that; for, ning debt," as poor Richard says; and again it is true, "we may give advice, but we canto the same purpose, "lying rides upon debt's not give conduct:" however, remember this, back;" whereas a free-born Englishman" they that will not be counselled cannot be ought not to be ashamed nor afraid to see or helped ;" and farther, that "if you will not hear speak to any man living. But poverty often reason she will surely rap your knuckles," as deprives a man of all spirit and virtue. "It poor Richard says.' is hard for an empty bag to stand upright. What would you think of that prince, or of that government, who should issue an edict forbidding you to dress like a gentleman or gentlewoman, on pain of imprisonment or servitude? Would you not say, that you were free, have a right to dress as you please, and Thus the old gentleman 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 began to buy extravagantly.-I found the good man had thoroughly studied my almanacs, and digested all I had dropt on those topics during the course of twenty-five 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. Reader, if thou wilt do the same, thy profit will be as great as As you have desired it of me, I write the following hints, which have been of service to me, and may, if observed, be so to you. Remember, that time is money. He, that can earn ten shillings a day by his labour, and goes abroad, or sits idle one half that day, though he spends but sixpence during his diversion or idleness, ought not to reckon that the only expense; he has really spent, or rather thrown away, five shillings besides. Remember, that credit is money. If a man lets his money lie in my hands after it is due, he gives me the interest, or so much as I can make of it, during that time. This amounts to a considerable sum where a man has good and large credit, and makes good use of it. Remember, that money is of a prolific generating nature. Money can beget money, and its offspring can beget more, and so on. Five shillings turned is six, turned again it is seven and three-pence, and so on till it becomes a hundred pounds. The more there is of it, the more it produces every turning, so that the profits rise quicker and quicker. He that kills a breeding sow destroys all her offspring to the thousandth generation. He that murders a crown destroys all that it might have produced, even scores of pounds. Remember, that six pounds a year is but a groat a day. For this little sum (which may be daily wasted either in time or expense unperceived) a man of credit may, on his own security, have the constant possession and use of a hundred pounds. So much in stock, briskly turned by an industrious man, produces great advantage. Remember this saying, "the good paymaster is lord of another man's purse." He that is known to pay punctually and exactly to the time he promises may at any time, and on any occasion, raise all the money his friends can spare. This is sometimes of great use. After industry and frugality, nothing contributes more to the raising of a young man in the world than punctuality and justice in all his dealings: therefore, never keep borrowed money an hour beyond the time you promised, lest a disappointment shut up your friend's purse for ever. The most trifling actions that affect a man's credit are to be regarded. The sound of your hammer at five in the morning, or nine at night, heard by a creditor, makes him easy six months longer: but if he sees you at a billiardtable, or hears your voice at a tavern, when you should be at work, he sends for his money the next day; demands it before he can receive it in a lump. It shows, besides, that you are mindful of what you owe; it makes you appear a careful as well as an honest man, and that still increases your credit. Beware of thinking all your own that you possess, and of living accordingly. It is a mistake that many people who have credit fall into. To prevent this, keep an exact account for some time, both of your expenses and your income. If you take the pains at first to mention particulars, it will have this good effect: you will discover how wonderfully small trifling expenses mount up to large sums, and will discern what might have been, and may for the future be saved, without occasioning any great inconvenience. In short, the way to wealth, if you desire it, is as plain as the way to market. It depends chiefly on two words, industry and frugality; that is, waste neither time nor money, but make the best use of both. Without industry and frugality nothing will do, and with them every thing. He, that gets all he can honestly, and saves all he gets (necessary expenses excepted,) will certainly become rich if that Being who governs the world, to whom all should look for a blessing on their honest endeavours, doth not, in his wise providence, otherwise determine. Necessary Hints to those that would be rich. Written Anno 1736. THE use of money is all the advantage there is in having money. For six pounds a year you may have the use of one hundred pounds, provided you are a man of known prudence and honesty. He, that spends a groat a day idly, spends idly above six pounds a year, which is the price for the use of one hundred pounds. He, that wastes idly a groat's worth of his time per day, one day with another, wastes the privilege of using one hundred pounds each day. He, that idly loses five shillings worth of time, loses five shillings, and might as prudently throw five shillings into the sea. He, that loses five shillings, not only loses that sum, but all the advantage that might be made by turning it in dealing, which, by the | thy soul walk upright, nor stoop to the silken time that a young man becomes old, will wretch because he hath riches, nor pocket an amount to a considerable sum of money. abuse because the hand which offers it wears a ring set with diamonds. Again: he, that sells upon credit, asks a a price for what he sells equivalent to the principal and interest of his money for the time he is to be kept out of it; therefore, he that buys upon credit, pays interest for what he buys, and he, that pays ready money, might let that money out to use: so that he, that possesses any thing he bought, pays interest for the use of it. Yet, in buying goods, it is best to pay ready money, because he that sells upon credit, expects to lose five per cent. by bad debts; therefore he charges, on all he sells upon credit, an advance, that shall make up that deficiency. Those, who pay for what they buy upon credit, pay their share of this advance. He, that pays ready money, escapes, or may escape, that charge. A penny sav'd is two-pence clear, The way to make Money plenty in every Ar this time, when the general complaint is, that "money is scarce," it will be an act of kindness to inform the moneyless how they may reinforce their pockets. I will acquaint them with the true secret of money-catching, the certain way to fill empty purses, and how to keep them always full. Two simple rules, well observed, will do the business. First, let honesty and industry be thy constant companions; and The Handsome and Deformed Leg. THERE are two sorts of people in the world, who, with equal degrees of health and wealth, and the other comforts of life, become, the one happy, and the other miserable. This arises very much from the different views in which they consider things, persons, and events; and the effect of those different views upon their own minds. In whatever situation men can be placed, they may find conveniences and inconveniences; in whatever company, they may find persons and conversation more or less pleasing: at whatever table, they may meet with meats and drinks of better and worse taste, dishes better and worse dressed; in whatever climate, they will find good and bad weather: under whatever government, they may find good and bad laws, and good and bad administration of those laws; in whatever poem, or work of genius, they may see faults and beauties; in almost every face, and every person, they may discover fine features and defects, good and bad qualities. Under these circumstances, the two sorts of people above mentioned fix their attention, those who are disposed to be happy, on the conveniences of things, the pleasant parts of conversation, the well-dressed dishes, the goodness of the wines, the fine weather, &c. and enjoy all with cheerfulness. Those, who are to be unhappy, think and speak only of the contraries. Hence they are continu Secondly, spend one penny less than thy clear gains. Then shall thy hide-bound pocket soon be-ally discontented themselves, and by their gin to thrive, and will never again cry with the remarks, sour the pleasures of society, offend empty belly-ache: neither will creditors in- personally many people, and make themselves sult thee, nor want oppress, nor hunger bite, every where disagreeable. If this turn of nor nakedness freeze thee. The whole he- mind was founded in nature, such unhappy misphere will shine brighter, and pleasure persons would be the more to be pitied. But spring up in every corner of thy heart. Now, as the disposition to criticise, and to be distherefore, embrace these rules and be happy. gusted, is, perhaps, taken up originally by Banish the bleak winds of sorrow from thy imitation, and is, unawares, grown into a habit, mind, and live independent. Then shalt thou which, though at present strong, may neverbe a man, and not hide thy face at the ap-theless be cured, when those who have it are proach of the rich, nor suffer the pain of feel- convinced of its bad effects on their felicity; ing little when the sons of fortune walk at I hope this little admonition may be of serthy right hand for independency, whether vice to them, and put them on changing a with little or much, is good fortune, and plac- habit, which, though in the exercise it is eth thee on even ground with the proudest of chiefly an act of imagination, yet has serithe golden fleece. Oh, then, be wise, and let ous consequences in life, as it brings on real industry walk with thee in the morning, and griefs and misfortunes. For, as many are ofattend thee until thou reachest the evening fended by, and nobody loves this sort of peohour for rest. Let honesty be as the breath ple, no one shows them more than the most of thy soul, and never forget to have a penny common civility and respect, and scarcely when all thy expenses are enumerated and that; and this frequently puts them out of paid then shalt thou reach the point of hap-humour, and draws them into disputes and piness, and independence shall be thy shield contentions. If they aim at obtaining some and buckler, thy helmet and crown; then shall advantage in rank or fortune, nobody wishes VOL. II....3 P 41 |