Parsimony in times of publique danger, condemned. [ 1092]
WHen that Imperiall City of Constantinople,* 1.1 was besieged by Mahomet the great, the good Emperour did what he could to the utmost of his power for the defence of the place, sold the very Church-plate, and all his own Jewels to pay the Souldiers; then with tears in his eyes, besought his covetous subjects to lend him supplies; They pleaded poverty, protested they had it not, that they were grown poore for want of Trade; And thus for want of what they might have well spared, both they and their City were lost, a City of that great wealth, that it is a Proverb amongst the Turks at this day, if any Man grow suddainly rich, He hath been at the sacking of Constantinople:* 1.2 Such was the State of Constantinople then, and such will be hereafter the condition of any place, or People; when like silly Passengers, they shall more regard their trifling Fardels, then the Ship they go in, fortiùs diligentes res suas, qu••m seipsos, loving their wealth more then themselves, more then their lives, their wives, their children, their country, nay more then the Gospel it selfe, keeping their goods, for their Enemies to make merry withall, refu∣sing to part with any thing for their just defence; it is just with God that they should be exposed to all sorts of misery.