4. It may seem almost superfluous to add to the list of personal qualities conditioning success in business the quality of competency. It may be said to include all that have been already noticed, and all that a business man needs. It is the state of being competent or adequate for what one has to do to win success. It supposes that in theory and practice he has acquired fitness for his calling. The theory he must get by careful observation of everything connected with his business, by conversation with others, older and, it may be, wiser and more gifted than himself; by carefully reading what is current, and what is past, bearing upon the work he has in hand, and by much thought of his own. He may then be able to reach conclusions far in advance of any dreamed of by the heedless. He studies fabrics, woods, metals, fruits, sugars, teas, coffees, markets, finance, men. So he grows in mental power and the consciousness of it. He commands an increasing influence among business men, and learns how to expend the force that urges him on to larger and better ventures in trade.
But he must have practice with theory; habits of doing as well as thinking. This he can accomplish only by putting his own hand to the work, as a child learns to write, or to master the key-board of a piano.
The men who take the lead of affairs, whatever they lack, are sure to have a most minute and entire knowledge of their branch of business; such a knowledge as can be got only by taking hold and doing every part of it.
Young men should see things with their own eyes, and touch and fashion things with their own hands. With character, and reputation and diligence and force and competency, in all ordinary circumstances they can make a business for themselves. If they have little money and live within their means they will find it growing on their hands fast enough for their good. If they go largely on credit they will be in danger when a panic comes. Let a young man keep safely within due limits, be content with moderate gains, ask of the Lord “a prudent wife,” and take his place among the true and strong men of the land and the world.