Synthesized answer
Dr. Franklin introduces "Father Abraham" for the purpose of collecting all of his sayings from "Poor Richard's Almanacks" into one piece [Passage 1]. This is why "Poor Richard" is frequently quoted, and why the present title is said to be improved [Passage 1, Passage 3].
Father Abraham then speaks to a crowd at an auction, offering advice on the times and taxes [Passage 2]. He explains that besides government taxes, people are taxed by their idleness, pride, and folly [Passage 2]. He also quotes "Poor Richard" throughout his address, reinforcing the connection between the two figures [Passage 4, Passage 5].
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
of some of the Fables of the Ancients, on a theory entirely new. By R. ATKINS. Illustrated by twenty-two Cuts on Wood. "This little work is intended as an easy Introduction to the Mythology of ancient Greece and Rome, and is particularly adapted to the use of Schools, being divested of the obscene allegories introduced by the ancients in their usual figurative style. It is certainly better calculated to convey a general idea of the subject, than any attempt of the kind which has yet fallen under our observation. The Poetical Illustrations are simple, and well calculated to the…
e to you. I stopped my horse, lately, where a great number of people were collected at an auction of merchants' goods. The hour of the sale not being come, they were conversing on the badness of the times; and one of the company called to a plain, clean, old man, with white locks, 'Pray, Father Abraham, what think you of the times? Will not those heavy taxes quite ruin the country! How shall we be ever able to pay them? What would you advise us to?'----Father Abraham stood up, and replied, 'If you would have my advice, I will give it you in short; "for a word to the wise is enough,"…
purpose. Hence it is, that Poor Richard is so often quoted, and that, in the present title, he is said to be improved. Notwithstanding the stroke of humour in the concluding paragraph of this address, Poor Richard (Saunders) and Father Abraham have proved, in America, that they are no common preachers. And shall we, brother Englishmen, refuse good sense and saving knowledge, because it comes from the other side of the water?_ _The following may be had of the Proprietors, W. & T. DARTON_, And of most Booksellers in the United Kingdom. Virtue and Innocence, a Poem …
have got the Philosopher's stone, sure you will no longer complain of bad times, or the difficulty of paying taxes. IV. 'This doctrine, my friends, is reason and wisdom; but, after all, do not depend too much upon your own industry, and frugality, and prudence, though excellent things; for they may all be blasted without the blessing of Heaven; and therefore, ask that blessing humbly, and be not uncharitable to those that at present seem to want it, but comfort and help them. Remember, Job suffered, and was afterwards prosperous. [Illustration] 'And now to conclude, "Experience keeps…
follow it." And it is as truly folly for the poor to ape the rich, as for the frog to swell, in order to equal the ox. "Vessels large may venture more, But little boats should keep near shore." It is, however, a folly soon punished: for, as Poor Richard says, "Pride that dines on vanity, sups on contempt;--Pride breakfasted with Plenty, dined with Poverty and supped with Infamy." And, after all, of what use is this pride of appearance, for which so much is risked, so much is suffered? It cannot promote health, nor ease pain; it makes no increase of merit in the person, it…