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.[1] 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 inestimable 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.[2] 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 insinuations 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.
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 trifling 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.”