Having dressed in full uniform, I got into the carriage with the chaplain, who was quite a lively companion, of an enterprising turn of mind, and desirous of learning something of the world. I could have taught him a good deal, I have no doubt, had I allowed myself to be drawn. My friend had no great conversational powers, but was possessed of an inquiring mind. After we had ridden a little way, to my great amusement he asked me if I had any favourite motto that I could tell him, so that he might keep it in his memory.
"Yes," said I, "I have a very good one," and cheerfully said, "Never fret."
This, when I explained it to him, especially with reference to my business arrangements, seemed to please him very much. It was as good as saying, "Don't fret because you can't preach two sermons from two pulpits at the same time."
He asked if he might write it down in his pocket-book, and I told him by all means, and hoped he would.
"Excellent!" he murmured as he wrote it: "Never fret."
He then asked modestly if I could give him any other pithy saying which would be worthy of remembrance.
"Yes," said I, thinking a little, "I recollect one very good thing which you will do well to remember: Never say anything you think will be disagreeable to other persons."
He expressed great admiration for this, as it sounded so original, and was particularly adapted to the clergy.
"Oh," said he, "that's in the real spirit of Christianity."
"Is that so?" I asked, as he wrote it down in his book; and he seemed to admire it exceedingly after he had written it, even more than the other.