Page:Pleasing art of money-catching (4).pdf/21



It is very hard for an open and easy nature to keep within the compass of his fortune; either shame to be observed behind others, or else a vain-glorious itching to out do them, leaks away till the vessel be low or empty; so that nothing involves a man in more unhappiness than a heedless letting go, in an imprudence of mis-spending; for it alters the very frame and temper of the mind. When want comes, he that was profuse before, easily grows rapacious. It is extreme unhappiness to be thus composed of extremes, to be impatient both in plenty and want. And therefore let every man, for the better ordering of his expenses observe the following rules. 1. See that your comings in be more than your layings out; for unless this be minded a man may waste away his substance to nothing insensibly. If your income extend your expenses but twenty shillings a-year, you are in a thriving condition; but if, on the contrary, your expenses exceed your income, you are in the highway to ruin. 2. Keep an exact account of what you lay out, and what you receive; for without this, you will be always in the dark. 3. Balance your accounts at least once every quarter; and then you will the better see how the case stands with you, and so may the better retrench matters, if you find you have exceeded. 4. In laying out your money, trust not to your servants; for in small matters they may deceive you and you be never the wiser; and many such small matters may amount to a great sum.