Hew Morrison Collection > Collection of Gaelic proverbs, and familiar phrases

227
18. " Wlien you have got your bargain, you may
perhaps think Uttle of payment : But, as poor Richard
says, ' Creditors have better memories than debtors :
* creditors are a superstitious sect, great observers of
* set days and times.' The day comes round before
you are aware, and the demand is made before you are
prepared to satisfy it ; or, if you bear your debt in
mind, the term which at first seemed so long, will, as
it lessens, appear extremely short. Time will seem to
have added wings to his heels as well as his shoulders.
* These have a short Lent, who owe money to be paid
* at Easter.' At present, perhaps, you may think your-
selves in thriving circumstances, and that you can bear
a little extravagance without injury : But,
' For age and -want save while yuu uiay,
• No morning sun lasts a whole day.'
19. *' Gain may be temporary and uncertain, but
ever, while you live, expence is constant and certain ;
and, ' It is easier to build two chimneys, than to keep
* one in fuel,' as poor Richard says. — So, ' Rather go
' to bed supperless, than rise in debt.'
' 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, sui'e
you will no longer complain of bad times, or the diffi-
culty of paying taxes. This doctrine, my friends, is
reason and wisdom : But, after all, do not depend too
much upon your own industry, and frugality, and pru-
dence, though excellent things ; for they may all be
blasted without the blessing of Heaven; and, there-
fore, ask that blessing humbly, and be not uncharit-
able to those who at present seem to want it, but com-
fort and help them. Remember, Job suffered, and was
afterwards prosperous.
1