4492329The Way to Wealth — IntroductionBenjamin Franklin

THE WAY TO WEALTH.


INTRODUCTION.


At this time, when the general complaint is that money is scaree, 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 fnll. Two simple rules, well observed, will do the business:—First, Let honesty and indnstry be thy constant companions; and, sceondly, spend one penny less than thy elear gains. Then shall thy hide-bound pocket soon begin to thrive, and will never again ery with the empty belly-ache; neither will creditors insult, nor want oppress thee, nor hunger bite, nor nakedness freeze tbee. The wbole hemisphere will shine brighter, and pleasure spring up in every corner of thy heart. Now, therefore, embrace these rules and be happy. Banish the bleak winds of sorrow from thy mind, and live independent. Then shalt thou be a man, and not hide thy face at the approach of the rich, nor suffer the pain of feeling little when the sons of fortune walk at thy right hand; for independeney, whether with little or much, is good fortune, and plaeeth thee on even ground with the proudest of the golden fleece. Oh, then, be wise, and let industry walk with thee in the morning, and attend thee until thou reachest the evening hour for rest. Let honesty be as the breath of thy soul, and never forget to have a penny, when all thy expenses are enumerated and paid; then shalt thou reach the point of happiness, and independenee shall be thy shield and buekler, thy helmet and erown; then shall thy soul walk upright, nor stoop to the silken wreteh because he bath riches, nor pocket an abuse beeause the hand which offers it wears a ring set with diamonds.