William Penn. (1644–1718). Fruits of Solitude.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.
Frugality or Bounty
50. Frugality is good if Liberality be join’d with it. The first is leaving off superfluous Expences; the last bestowing them to the Benefit of others that need. The first without the last begins Covetousness; the last without the first begins Prodigality: Both together make an excellent Temper. Happy the Place where ever that is found.
51. Were it universal, we should be Cur’d of two Extreams, Want and Excess: and the one would supply the other, and so bring both nearer to a Mean; the just Degree of earthly Happiness.
52. It is a Reproach to Religion and Government to suffer so much Poverty and Excess.
53. Were the Superfluities of a Nation valued, and made a perpetual Tax or Benevolence, there would be more Alms-houses than Poor; Schools than Scholars; and enough to spare for Government besides.
54. Hospitality is good, if the poorer sort are the subjects of our Bounty; else too near a Superfluity.