William Penn. (1644–1718). Fruits of Solitude.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.
Of an Immediate Pursuit of the World
Of an Immediate Pursuit of the World
213. It shews a Depraved State of Mind, to Cark and Care for that which one does not need.
214. Some are as eager to be Rich, as ever they were to Live: For Superfluity, as for Subsistance.
215. But that Plenty should augment Covetousness, is a Perversion of Providence; and yet the Generality are the worse for their Riches.
216. But it is strange, that Old Men should excel: For generally Money lies nearest them that are nearest their Graves; As if they would augment their Love in Proportion to the little Time they have left to enjoy it: And yet their Pleasure is without Enjoyment, since none enjoy what they do not use.
217. So that instead of learning to leave their greath Wealth easily, they hold the Faster, because they must leave it: So Sordid is the Temper of some Men.
218. Where Charity keeps Pace with Gain, Industry is blessed: But to slave to get, and keep it Sordidly, is a Sin against Providence, a Vice in Government, and an Injury to their Neighbors.
219. Such are they as spend not one Fifth of their Income, and, it may be, give not one Tenth of what they spend to the Needy.
220. This is the worst Sort of Idolatry, because there can be no Religion in it, nor Ignorance pleaded in Excuse of it; and that it wrongs other Folks that ought to have a Share therein.