Some Wit from Ben (Franklin, that is)

When I began research for my first colonial, I got my hands on Poor Richard's Almanack -- a collection of adages that Benjamin Franklin published, and which were all the rage in the 18th century. As I read through them, integrating quite a few into Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland thanks to a Ben-loving housekeeper and working a few into my new Ring of Secrets as well, I got many a laugh from the sharp-tuned wit of this founding father. And was amazed at a few that have become so well-known that we often think they must have come from the Bible.

And so, some wit and wisdom to carry you through your week, courtesy of Ol' Ben.

Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.

What is serving God?

Tis doing good to man.

God helps those who help themselves.

The poor have little,

Beggars none;

The rich too much,

Enough not one.

After crosses and losses, men grow humbler and wiser.

If you would not be forgotten
As soon as you are dead and rotten,
Either write things worthy reading,
Or do things worth the writing

Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards. (LOL)

Work as if you were to live a hundred years,
Pray as if you were to die tomorrow.  

One good Husband is worth two good Wives; for the scarcer things are, the more they're valued. (LOL again)

Creditors have better memories than debtors.

Death takes no bribes.

A good example is the best sermon.

All would live long, but none would be old.

A long life may not be good enough, but a good life is long enough. 

Anger is never without a reason, but seldom with a good one.

Beware of him who is slow to anger; he is angry for something, and will not be pleased for nothing.

(In other words, don't make Roseanna mad! ;-)

Danger is sauce for prayers.

Bad commentators spoil the best of books.

(for all you writers out there)

Approve not of him who commends all you say.

Clean your finger, before you point at my spots.

 

Given that this book is in the public domain, you can read more of Ben's wit and wisdom online from Google Books!

~*~

Roseanna M. White pens her novels under the Betsy Ross flag hanging above her desk, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When she isn’t writing fiction, she’s editing it for WhiteFire Publishing or reviewing it for the Christian Review of Books, both of which she co-founded with her husband. www.roseannawhite.com