this affair; for many, by precipitation, have ruined themselves: many who have been weary of being servants, have, in a short time, made themselves slaves to indigence and

want.

It is incumbent upon you to act with caution, and not to be led by the names of master and a shop, to enter upon that in haste out of which you may be quickly turned with shame. Youth is too apt to be forward, and to view things with too promising a hope, by which we are frequently abused and deceived. Young men generally prosper best,

who have either served as journeymen to old and experienced masters, or have the good fortune to be taken as partners with men of credit; since by their example they are taught wisdom.

Entering into trade under great expenses has often ruined young beginners, who, before they have gained sufficient custom to defray their outgoings, find themselves fettered and cramped in their undertakings; every day furnishes us with examples you will do well to profit by them. It is, therefore, good counsel to begin in moderation; for though

there is nothing more easy than to come down, yet there is nothing more difficult than to bring down

minds. Be not ambitious either of a large house, or expensive furniture, (the common foibles of the age) which are dear to buy, but cheap to sell; and the money thus expended is buried without profit: have all things for convenience and use, nothing for show or superfluity.

When you are fixed in trade, with a fair prospect, under the Divine blessing, mind the following instructions: Depute not another to do that which yourself can do; for, if he whom

you employ be negligent, your business is undone; if diligent, your business in a short time becomes his.

Be not slothful in business, but early and constant in it; not imitating some of the present day, who sit up till midnight, and lie in bed till noon: you see the effects of this conduct, and find Solomon's assertion verified, "Idleness clotheth a man with rags."

In the next place, do not engage in too many kinds of business, nor in too extended affairs, but in all things be moderate

constantly strive to do

your duty, and leave the success to

Him" from whom all good proceeds;" for God confers a blessing upon the honestly-wise, and generally prospers their designs.

Avoid all pretexts for going to law; for, not to speak of all the vexation and trouble which a law-suit produces, the lawyer, frequently, is the only gainer; and it is a reproach to a tradesman to be thought litigious. Adopt not the common practice of borrowing money; for, besides that it is easier to borrow than to pay, it is leading you into the error of forgetting that the greater part of your substance belongs to another: the present times re