"Five causes why a man should drink"

Sun, Mon & Tue 28 Feb-2 Mar 1748: In the evening I read prayers at our inn, and preached to a large and serious audience. I did the same on Monday and Tuesday evening. Perhaps our stay here may not be in vain.
I never knew men make such poor, lame excuses as these captains did for not sailing. It put me in mind of the epigram:
"There are, if rightly I methink,
Five causes why a man should drink;"
which, with a little alteration, would just suit them:
"There are, unless my memory fail,
Five causes why we should not sail.
The fog is thick; the wind is high;
It rains; or may do by and by:
Or – any other reason why."