Here, 1. We may see how strong men's love of money is, that they will
love any man, how undeserving soever he be otherwise, if he has but a
deal of money and is free with it, so that they may hope to be the
better for it. Wealth enables a man to send many presents, make many
entertainments, and do many good offices, and so gains him many
friends, who pretend to love him, for they flatter him and make their
court to him, but really love what he has, or rather love themselves,
hoping to get by him. 2. We may see how weak men's love of one another
is. He who, while he prospered, was beloved and respected, if he fall
into poverty is separated from his neighbour, is not owned nor looked
upon, not visited nor regarded, is bidden to keep his distance and told
he is troublesome. Even one that has been his neighbour and
acquaintance will turn his face from him and pass by on the other side.
Because men's consciences tell them they ought to relieve and succour
such, they are willing to have this excuse, that they did not see them.