Note, 1. It is the folly of some that they covet to make a great figure
abroad, take place, and take state, as persons of quality, and yet want
necessaries at home, and, if their debts were paid, would not be worth
a morsel of bread, nay, perhaps, pinch their bellies to put it on their
backs, that they may appear very gay, because fine feathers make fine
birds. 2. The condition and character of those is every way better who
content themselves in a lower sphere, where they are despised for the
plainness of their dress and the meanness of their post, that they may
be able to afford themselves, not only necessaries, but conveniences,
in their own houses, not only bread, but a servant to attend them and
take some of their work off their hands. Those that contrive to live
plentifully and comfortably at home are to be preferred before those
that affect nothing so much as to appear splendid abroad, though they
have not wherewithal to maintain their appearance, whose hearts are
unhumbled when their condition is low.