§ 2 Moderation in affection to riches

1. They that will become rich, fall into temptation (1 Tim. vi. 9). There is immense danger in the desire of riches, and more particularly with such as wish to grow rich quickly. Nothing is more wicked than the covetous man (Ecclus. x. 9): even his soul is venal to him. He loves money with his whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. Neither does this vice diminish with age, as does lust; but it grows, and never says it is enough. Solomon's prayer (Prov. xxx. 8) is a profitable one: Give me neither beggary nor riches, give me only the necessaries of life! as is also this generous resolution of the Apostle: Having food, and wherewith to be covered, with these we are content (1 Tim. vi. 8); and the wise admonition of Christ: Be not solicitous for to-morrow (St. Matt. vi. 34).

2. If riches abound, set not your heart upon them (Psalm lxi. 11). There is no less peril in possessing riches than in acquiring them. One who is too prodigal, injures himself; one who is too stingy, injures himself and others, becoming easily forgetful of justice and mercy. The prudent steward proportions his expenses to his receipts, and takes care that there shall be something left. He omits not the profit that he can justly make, and he carefully wards off the loss which honest means can obviate; but he does not on that account stint himself or his family, nor delay paying his debts, nor neglect to restore what is wrongly obtained, nor take away from religion or mercy what equity demands. He possesses riches: they possess not him.

3. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away (Job i. 21). So cries the good man, when either by some sad accident or by injury of enemies, or by the fraud of the wicked, he suffers loss of goods. The tooth deeply imbedded in its socket makes us cry out when it is drawn: the tooth that has a slighter hold is easily extracted. Thus you will know by the loss of money, whether your heart is fixed upon it. If murmuring, detraction, and hatred are stirred up against the authors of the misfortunes, you will know you were a slave. It is a good practice to test yourself often and seriously, before a blow comes, to see with what disposition you would bear a misfortune which it is not unlikely might occur. Arrows that are foreseen wound the least, and the heroic preparation of the mind calls down from heaven the grace of victory.