on each other, that it may truly be said o these, in relation of the social system, as Pope has said of the several parts of nature in relation to the universe; that

66

from this chain whatever link you strike,

Tenth or ten-thousandth, breaks the chain alike."

Young persons, on their first entering into service, should endeavour to divest themselves of former habits, and devote themselves to the controul of those whom they engage to serve. They will probably find every thing different from what they have been accustomed to at home, or in common life; and as their mode of living will be greatly altered, if not wholly changed, so must be their minds and manners. They should endeavour to discard every low habit and way of thinking, if such they have; and as there will be set before them, by those of superior rank, and cultivated understandings, the best modes of conduct and the most approved behaviour, they will wisely take advantage of the opportunity which Providence fortunately presents to them, to cultivate their minds and improve their principles: perhaps, the best proof they can give of their wisdom, in this respect, is to resolve to conform with alacrity to the duties required of them, so far as is consistent with justice and moral government; to be respectful and faithful to their superiors, obliging and good-natured to their equals, and charitable to all; as the most grateful return they can make for the emolument, superior comforts, and gratification they will enjoy. They will eagerly embrace every opportunity of learning every thing that may be useful to themselves, and of doing any thing that may be useful to others. Young

persons are too apt to fancy themselves wise, but that, generally speaking, is impossible, for wisdom is the result of experience and reflection; and youth must of course be almost as much strangers to one as to the other.* But the instruction we are about to give, is not intended merely for the young and uninitiated; -but will be found, we trust, of great advantage to those of riper years, and of some experience; as we are never too old to learn, and can only approach towards perfection by regular gradations, and, as it were, step by step to those of greater experience our labours may serve as a Remembrancer.

The grand foundation of your good character must be Industry, fidelity to your employers, and an inviolable attachment to truth, both in words and deeds. To utter a falsehood to the prejudice of others, argues malice and baseness to lie in excuse of one's self, guilt and cowardice ;-in both cases it evinces a design to deceive, with a view to benefit one's self by the deceit;-besides, a liar is always in fear of being detected, and if once found out, he sinks into contempt, and is deservedly divested of all credit-all confidence —and all society.

But truth in speech must be accompanied by integrity and fidelity in all your dealings; for it is impossible for a dishonest person to be a good servant; therefore, let no temptation prevail on you to part with these ines

*The Appendix to this work contains a compendium of useful knowledge, which it is incumbent on every servant to study attentively, and which, indeed, every young person ought to be perfectly acquainted with, whatever may be their destination in life.

timable jewels; nor suffer yourself even to wish to convert the property of another to your own use; more especially when it is confided to your charge; for breach of trust is a heinous aggravation of dishonesty.* And, always remember, that "Honesty is the best policy." Moreover, it is not only incumbent on you to be honest yourself, but you must scorn to connive at the dishonesty of others. He that winks at an injury he might prevent shares in it; and it is as scandalous to fear blame or reproach for doing your duty, as it is to deserve reproof for the neglect of it; therefore, should there be a confederacy among your fellow servants. to abuse the confidence or credulity of your employer, divulge it the very instant you perceive it, for fear your very silence might give rise to a suspicion of your participation in their guilt.

On the contrary, avoid Tale-bearing, for that is a vice of a pernicious nature, and generally turns out to the disadvantage of those who practise it. Those who cannot help telling all that they hear, will be supposed to tell more than they know, and will, consequently, be discredited.

Carefully avoid all reproachful, indecent, or even familiar terms in speaking of your master, mistress, or superiors; and, on the other hand, endeavour, at all times, to vindicate them from the open aspersions or latent insi. nuations of others. There is nothing more detestable than defamation.—Avoid it.

"The man who filches from me my good name,
Robs me of that which not enriches him,

But makes me poor indeed!" SHAKSPEARE.

See Laws respecting Servants. Appendix, p. 9.

To know-to be thoroughly master of your business in the department you undertake, is indispensably necessary; and not only to know the several branches of your duty, both by theory and practice, but to be determined, from principle, to do it. In order to this, let your whole conduct be actuated by diligence, and governed by temperance. Banish sloth and the love of ease; and, as poor Richard says, "up, and be doing."-Be ever active.Let your whole mind be in your business.Think of what you have to do-of what must be done, and do it, even before it is wanted, -and do not wait till you are ordered to do it. Never think any part of your business too triAling to be well done. Consider your business as a pleasurable amusement and you will make it so and,-" do not leave till to-morrow, that which may be done to-day."

Idleness is a great source of evil, and whilst we give way to its enjoyment, we sacrifice both the duties and the best purposes of our existence.

"Delays are dangerous;-take a friend's advice,
Begin,-be bold, and venture to be wise:-

He who defers his work from day to day,
Does on a river's bank expecting stay,

Till the whole stream that stopt him shall be gone,
Which, as it runs, for ever will run on."

But, it is not enough merely to avoid sloth, for you must be guarded against the allurements of pleasure-Pleasure, when it becomes a business, but too frequently makes business a torment; and as it is impossible to attend to your duty and follow your plea→ sures, the inevitable consequence must be loss of place, disgrace, and poverty. Not

that you are to debar yourself from innocent amusement, at proper times, and with moderation; it is not, nor can it be expected of you, who are to get your bread by the sweat of your brow, that you are not to reap the harvest of your labours; neither the laws of God nor man exact this of you; but unlawful and intemperate pleasures are interdicted, as alike detrimental to your employers,-your morals, -your character,-your health,-and your

purse.

Intemperance, or excess, is a pleasurable evil,-it smiles and seduces-enchants and destroys. It assumes a variety of shapes, all tending to flatter the appetite and inflame desires; it presents to each the allurement to which he is most prone, and to all a pleasing poison that impairs the body, enervates the mind, and imperceptibly destroys all the energies necessary to our happiness and advancement in life.

Above all things, then-Be temperate.Avoid excess in eating and drinking-" One expensive mouth, will wear out several pairs of hands," and, one shilling will appease the wants of nature as effectually as a pound." Nor is it because you may for a time be able to indulge those vicious habits at the expense of others, that they are the less exceptionable.

The loss of health and the loss of character are the certain consequences; and the debauch of the evening is followed by pains and sickness in the morning, when that which was before poison, is administered as the cure! Practice becomes habitual, and thus a whole life is frequently wasted in debauchery; poverty itself only cutting off the means, not