6
The Misery of those that want Money,
and are in Debt.
There is no wise man that will covet money for itself, but for the use that is to be made of it; for money itself cannot satisfy; and so we are told by the wisest of men, Eccles. v. 10. "He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance, with increase."— In a time of famine, or in besieged city, a man may have money enough by him, and yet may want a piece of bread. Money therefore is prized not for itself, but for its use, because, Solomon also says "Money answers all things." And seeing without money a man can have nothing they must be very miserable that are without it.
Charity, in this last and iron age of the world, is grown so cold, that there is scarce any thing to be got upon that account. If you are cold, charity will not warm you; neither. if you are hungry will it fill your belly; but if you have money, you may do both. If you have money, you may become one of the Livery-men of London, an Assistant a Warden, or a master of a Company: but if you want money, you will never arrive to the honour of a beadle; for even for such an inferior employment you must make friends, and that cannot be done without bribes, nor can you bribe without money.
If you have money, you may be an honest man, and a good man; but if you want money, you must be a knave by consequence. Enquire of a rich man among his neighbours what he is, meaning only whether he be a substantial man, and one that is responsible; and,
