This shows, not what should be, but what is the common way of the
world--to be shy of the poor and fond of the rich. 1. Few will give
countenance to those whom the world frowns upon, though otherwise
worthy of respect: The poor, who should be pitied, and encouraged, and
relieved, is hated, looked strange upon, and kept at a distance, even
by his own neighbour, who, before he fell into disgrace, was intimate
with him and pretended to have a kindness for him. Most are
swallow-friends, that are gone in winter. It is good having God our
friend, for he will not desert us when we are poor. 2. Every one will
make court to those whom the world smiles upon, though otherwise
unworthy: The rich have many friends, friends to their riches, in hope
to get something out of them. There is little friendship in the world
but what is governed by self-interest, which is no true friendship at
all, nor what a wise man will either value himself on or put any
confidence in. Those that make the world their God idolize those that
have most of its good things, and seek their favour as if indeed they
were Heaven's favourites.