A  second  advantage  is  that  of  Wealth,  which  to  gentlemen
seems  to  be,  as  it  were,  rained  down  from  the  clouds,  both  in
respect  of  the  plenty  and  the  easiness  of  its  acquisition.  Fair
Patrimonies,  large  Inheritances  descend  on  them  without  one
drop  of  their  sweat,  one  minutes  toil  or  sohcitude,  as  if  they
were  the  undoubted  Heirs,  of  the  Israelites  Blessings.
A  Third  is  that  of  Time.  This  depends  by  way  of  conse-
quence on  the  former.  For  God  having  made  such  liberal
provisions  for  them,  thus  prevented  them  with  the  Blessings  of
his  Goodness,  they  can  have  no  need  to  imploy  their  time  to
gain  that,  wherewith  they  already  abound  ;  and  so  being
exempted  from  that  one  devouring  expence  of  it,  have  a  great
stock  to  bestow  on  other  more  excellent  purposes  :  whereas
the  poor  man  hath  scarce  any  vacant  minute,  or  such  as  he  can
call  his  own.  .  .  .  another  manifest  inequality  between  him
and  the  Gentleman.
A  Fourth  is  that  of  Authority,  that  more  private  influence
which  Gentlemen  generally  have  on  those  that  are  their
Dependents.  And  this  also  may  be  reckoned  an  effect  of  the
former,  their  wealth.  For  in  proportion  to  that,  the  number
6f  servants,  Tenants,  and  Pensioners,  (yea  perhaps  of  Friends
too)  is  to  be  measured.
The  fifth  is  that  of  Reputation  and  Esteem  ;  which  as  the
World  goes,  is  a  shadow  that  waits  only  on  the  greater
Bodies.
1673,   The  Gentleman's  Calling,  pp.  12-16.
Why  should  they  take  so  low  a  level  of  Greatness,  as  to  valu
themselves  upon  a  title  which  is  but  a  bigger  blast  of  air,
when  they  may  derive  their  descent  from  above  the  Stars,
claim  cognation  with  Divinity  ?

1673,   The  Ladies'  Calling  :    Preface.
