Wesley Corpus

12. One general consequence of this was pride. The more riches they acquired, the more they were regarded by their neighbours as men of weight and importance: And they would naturally see themselves in at least as fair a light as their neighbours saw them. And, accordingly, as they rose in the world, they rose in their opinion of themselves. As it is generally allowed, A thousand pound supplies The want of twenty thousand qualities; so, the richer they grew, the more admiration they gained, and the more applause they received. Wealth then bringing in more applause, of course brought in more pride, till they really thought themselves as much wiser, as they were wealthier, than their neighbours. 13. Another natural consequence of wealth was luxury, particularly in food. We are apt to imagine nothing can exceed the luxurious living which now prevails in Great Britain and Ireland. But alas! what is this to that which lately prevailed in Philadelphia, and other parts of North America A merchant or middling tradesman there kept a table equal to that of a nobleman in England; entertaining his guests with ten, twelve, yea, sometimes twenty dishes of meat at a meal! And this was so far from being blamed by any one, that it was applauded as generosity and hospitality. 14. And is not idleness naturally joined with "fullness of bread" Doth not sloth easily spring from luxury It did so here in an eminent degree; such sloth as is scarce named in England. Persons in the bloom of youth, and in perfect health, could hardly bear to put on their own clothes. The slave must be called to do this, and that, and everything: It is too great labour for the master or mistress. It is a wonder they would be at the pains of putting meat into their own mouths. Why did they not imitate the lordly lubbers in China, who are fed by a slave standing on each side 15. Who can wonder, if sloth alone beget wantonness Has it not always had this effect Was it not said near two thousand years ago, Quaeritur, Aegisthus quare sit factus adulter In promptu causa est; Desidiosus erat. [The following is Tate's translation of this quotation from Ovid: -- "The adulterous lust that did Aegisthus seize, And brought on murder, sprang from wanton ease." -- Edit.]