"THE WAY TO WEALTH."
IN a recent sketch of the life of Benjamin Franklin, the readers were told about the little book published by this man, and called by the people "Poor Richard's “Almanac"; and how, after visiting thousands of homes annually for twenty-five years, many of the maxims, which it contained were collected into one pamphlet entitled "The Way to Wealth." This little work was so highly prized that it was translated into several languages, and many of its sayings are to this day quoted as proverbs throughout America and Europe. Probably, most of the family, care more to become good and useful, than to become wealthy; but some of these maxims will, if heeded, help them just as much as they will those who care mostly for the good of this life. Hence we will write out a few of them.
Concerning industry he says: "He that riseth late must trot all day, and shall scarce overtake his business at night, while laziness travels so slowly that poverty soon overtakes him; "and again, "Early to bed, and early to rise, Makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." He says further: "Diligence is the mother of good luck; then plow deep while sluggards sleep, and you will have corn to sell and to keep. 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. 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 continual dropping wears away stones, and light strokes fell great oaks."
He further says: "If you would have your business done, go; if not, send; for— He that by the plow would thrive, Himself must either hold or drive.
The eye of the master will do more than both his hands. Want of care does us more hurt than want of knowledge. If you would have a faithful servant, and one that you like, serve yourself."
Concerning frugality he says "Think of saving as well as of getting. Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a large ship. Buy what thou hast no need of, and ere long thou shalt sell thy necessaries. Silk and satins, scarlet and velvets, put out the kitchen fire. 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.
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.
"Experience keeps a dear school; but fools will learn in no other, and scarce in that. They that will not be counseled, cannot be helped. If you will not hear Reason, she will surely rap your knuckles."
C. H. G