ADVICE

TO SERVANTS IN GENERAL.

---

The supreme Lord of the universe has, in his wisdom, rendered the various conditions of mankind necessary to our individual happiness:—some are rich, others poor—some are masters, and others servants.—Subordination, indeed, attaches to your rank in life, but not disgrace. All men are servants in different degrees. The nobles and ministers of state are subservient to the king, and the king himself is the servant of the nation, and is wisely submissive to its laws. It manifests a divine superintendance, that civil society should thus be composed of subordinate and superior classes. By this wise arrangement, all may enjoy an equal share of real happiness, while each possesses a due opportunity to communicate and to receive the various benefits and kindnesses of human life. Every wise and good person will therefore enquire, what are the special duties of his or her station; with a steady purpose, by the assistance of God, to discharge them faithfully; and those are the most worthy characters who best perform the various duties incumbent on them, in that state of life unto which it has pleased God to call them. Perhaps, there is not a more useful,—a more numerous,—nor a more indispensably necessary description of persons in society, than those who are denominated Servants; and so entirely dependent are mankind on each other, that it may truly be said of these, in relation of the social system, as Pope has said of the several parts of nature in relation to the universe; that

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.

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.”

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.

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 pleasures, 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 the inclination; and the unhappy object himself, destitute of health, character, and friends, is left to pine and sink in misery and contempt.

Intemperance in dress is another evil that ought to be carefully guarded against. In most men this argues both weakness and effeminacy; but in men-servants an affectation of this kind is unpardonable—and in females it opens a door to temptation and extravagance, which but too frequently ends in ruin.

The virtue of Silence is highly commendable, and will contribute greatly to your ease and prosperity. Those who talk much cannot always talk well; and many much oftener incur censure than praise. The best proof of wisdom is to talk little, but to hear much—Remember, “A silent tongue argues a wise head.” Never talk of yourself,—but when others speak of themselves, listen to them;—such attention will please them, and probably profit yourself, as it is a chance but something escapes them that may afford a clue to their whole character. If it be thus dangerous to speak much of one’s self, it is much more so to take freedoms with others. A jest may tickle, but if it hurt any one, resentment may follow, that in some way or other may be injurious.—Always remember to hold the secrets of the family sacred, as none, not even the least of these, may be divulged with impunity.

Quarrels are much more easily avoided than made up; let it not, therefore, be in the power of trifles to ruffle your temper. A weathercock is the sport of every wind; and a choleric man is sometimes exposed to the scorn, at others to the resentment, and always to the abhorrence of all around him. For these reasons rather wink at all small injuries than study to avenge them—“He that to destroy a single bee that has offended him, should throw down the hive, instead of one enemy will have made a thousand.”

It is abundantly better to study the good will of all, than to excite the resentment of any. Make a trial, therefore, of your affability, and you will find your own happiness and the goodwill of all around you, to be the certain result.

We would further recommend to you to practise frugality; it is a virtue which is intimately connected with, and leads to our best prospects in life; and if it be expedient to any, it is more especially so to such as you, who have, like the silk-worm, to spin your riches out of your own bosoms. It gives you credit with others, confidence in yourself, and enables you to look forward with satisfaction.—In short, it renders even the independent man doubly independent. Nothing is more true, than the old proverb, that, “a penny saved is a penny got;”—nor is that saying less true, that “if you have sense to save your pence, your pounds will take care of themselves.” If out of every shilling you get you save something, you will soon find yourself in the direct road to wealth.—Remember, that the most magnificent edifice is raised from a single stone, and every accession thereto, however small, helps to raise the superstructure.

Whilst on the important subject of frugality, we cannot do better than to recommend to your notice The Savings Bank.

These most useful and excellent establishments are to be found in every district, and offer, to provident and well-disposed servants, a means of depositing small sums, in perfect safety, for the purpose of accumulating with interest, to be resorted to in case of illness,—any unforeseen occurrence,—or for the purpose of establishing themselves in some way of business that may make them comfortable to the end of their days. Indeed, the advantages of savings-banks are become so well known, that almost every one can appreciate the result of small savings and prudent foresight. It is an axiom universally admitted, that he who rests his expectations more on his own care and diligence, than on the aid of others, will escape many wants and disappointments, and enjoy many gratifications, which those who are not possessed of this happy spirit of prudence and independence, can never hope to attain; and we may add, that the sufferings of those in poverty and distress have been but too frequently increased, by the recollection that they might have been averted or decreased by proper attention.

The encouragement which these depositories hold out to young persons for the safe deposit of trifling sums, (even so low as a shilling,) is not unfrequently attended with the salutary effect of inducing a perseverance in saving, and of stimulating to habits of industry and frugality that lead to the happiest results. Those who adopt this plan, soon begin to feel their independence; and this feeling once acquired, the most pleasing consequences inevitably follow; for he who labours for his daily bread, and has learnt to live within his income, has learnt the art of independence; and he that is above want, though but a little, looks upon every fellow subject for his equal: indeed, so advantageous is an early habit in the art of saving, that no patrimony can be equal to it, and it will generally be found, that he who is sagacious enough to save a fortune, will enjoy it infinitely better than he who inherits it by patrimony, or has one given to him.

Every savings-bank has its appointed days and hours for transacting business, at which times, a committee of trustees and managers attend to pay and receive monies. Among other advantages which these banks give, they admit of the deposits and interest being taken out at a very short notice, at any time, by the depositers themselves, or by his or her executors, administrators, or other lawful claimants. Printed particulars of the specific terms and regulations, may be had gratis, at the respective offices.

The following is a sketch of the way in which money is made by saving, according to the terms of many savings-banks, established in and near the metropolis; and there are some (the Southwark, Limehouse, and others,) that give interest at the rate of a halfpenny per calendar month for every twelve shillings deposited, which is upwards of four per cent. per annum.

Y
e
a		Savings			Interest			Total
r
s
		£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.
1	Suppose, that in the course of this year, you deposit in the Savings Bank, the sum of	4	0	0
	In the last day of next year, the Savings Bank will add as interest on that deposit, at least, the sum of				0	3	0
	And suppose that in the same year, you deposit the further sum of	4	0	0
2	Your Stock at the end of the 2nd year, will be, at least	..	..	..	..	..	..	8	3	0
3	On the course of the third year, add	4	0	0	0	6	6	12	9	6
4	4th year	4	0	0	0	10	0	16	19	6
5	5th year	4	0	0	0	13	6	21	13	0
6	6th year	4	0	0	1	17	6	26	10	6
7	7th year	4	0	0	0	1	0	31	11	6
8	8th year	4	0	0	1	5	0	36	16	6
9	9th year	4	0	0	1	9	6	42	6	0
10	10th year	4	0	0	1	14	0	48	0	0
11	11th year	4	0	0	1	18	6	53	18	6
12	12th year	4	0	0	2	3	0	60	1	6
13	13th year	4	0	0	2	8	0	66	9	6
14	14th year	4	0	0	2	13	0	73	2	6
15	15th year	4	0	0	2	18	6	80	1	0
16	16th year	4	0	0	3	4	0	87	5	0
17	17th year	4	0	0	3	10	0	94	15	0
18	18th year	4	0	0	3	16	0	102	11	0
19	19th year	4	0	0	4	2	0	110	13	0
20	20th year	4	0	0	4	8	6	119	1	6
		–	–	–	–	–	–
	Principal deposited £	80	0	0	39	1	6
	Interest added   £	39	1	6
		–	–	–
	Total made by saving in 20 years £	119	1	6

Again, let us admonish you, as at first, to be Industrious. “Teach a man to be industrious and you will soon make him rich.” And, “money got by Industry, is heaven’s gift.” Frugality and temperance, are virtues to be practised chiefly on your own account, but Industry is an indispensable duty that you owe to your employers and to society. “Without frugality few would be rich, and with it few would be poor.” The man who promises himself success without endeavours, or despairs at the sight of difficulties, is always disappointed; but, on the contrary, he that is determined, and is indefatigable, succeeds even beyond his expectation. Depend upon it, there is not a more certain sign of a cowardly spirit than to have the edge of one’s activity soon blunted by opposition: on the other hand, there is no disputing the fortitude of him who boldly contends with obstacles, and pursues his object till he has attained it. To men of such temper few things are impossible. It was an ingenious device that a man made use of, by way of sign:—A pair of compasses, with this motto, By constancy and labour; one foot being fixed and the other in motion.—Make this your motto, and you will be very little in the power of chance or fortune.

What we have already said, may be considered as addressed chiefly to men servants; we have therefore to add a few admonitory precepts, particularly appropriated to our female readers.

One of the most advantageous qualifications in all servants, and particularly in females, is that of preserving a good temper, and endeavouring, to the utmost of their abilities, to give satisfaction. Possessed of a strong desire to please, you will seldom fail of doing so. Persons of a good disposition will be charmed with your readiness, and those of a bad one, will be disarmed of a great part of their harshness; and though you may, in some instances, be deficient in the due performance of your business, if it be apparent that your fault proceeds not from disobedience, indolence, or obstinacy, great allowance will be made, and you will rather be instructed as to the future than blamed for the past. If you are fearful of offending you will scarcely ever offend. In short, humility is a commendable virtue, and, combined with good temper, is the most valuable of female qualifications, and will, infallibly, conduct its possessors with ease and tranquillity through life.

Cleanliness is another qualification incumbent on every female servant, and particularly in Cooks, and those employed in the department of the kitchen. These should be very careful to keep themselves,—every place,—and all the utensils used in cooking, perfectly clean and neat.

We have already remarked, that those who are fond of telling all that they hear, are very naturally suspected of telling more than they hear. The best rule is, to do your own duty conscientiously, and leave others to take care of theirs: by this means you will preserve peace and acquire the love of all your fellow servants, without offending your employers; who, even though they may appear to give countenance to your tale, will not in their hearts approve of your conduct.

Take great care how you contract new Acquaintances, for to be easily drawn into a familiarity with strangers must be attended with ill consequences to yourselves, and those with whom you live. Never accept the invitations of other servants, nor go to feast at the expense of their masters and mistresses; as you must, in that case, be deemed an interloper, at least;—besides, it lays you under an obligation to return the treat, and induces you, after their example, to make free with the property of your own employers, under a consciousness of guilt, and a continual fear of detection.

Give nothing away without the knowledge and approbation of your employers, nor commit wilful waste, for that is a crime which seldom goes unpunished.

All duties are reciprocal. If you hope to obtain favour, endeavour to deserve it. A steady perseverance in the duties of your station is the only sure course infallibly to promote your progress to independence.

In addition to the foregoing, we should deem ourselves guilty of the sin of omission, were we not to insert the very excellent moral hints to female servants, written by the Rev. H. G. Watkins, in furtherance of the views of the London Society, for the improvement and encouragement of female servants.

[We have great pleasure in mentioning this society, the object of which is, to promote the moral and religious improvement of female servants.

The society bestows annual rewards, on those who are duly nominated, to encourage them to view their employers as their friends, to be correct and trust-worthy in their conduct, and to continue as long as possible in the same service.

To prevent, also, the hazard to good servants of resorting to common Register Offices, a Registry is instituted, to which—cooks, house-maids, and nurses, wanting situations, who have lived two years in one service—servants of all work who have lived one year in their last place—and young women above sixteen, who have never been in service—may apply, without any expense whatever.

Plans of the institution, and rules of the registry, may be had gratis, at the society’s house, No. 110, Hatton Garden, where attendance is given on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only, from ten o’clock to four.]

Though much of this address is applicable to servants of both sexes, yet, it is for the assistance of domestic female servants, that such plain advice is here offered, as, it is hoped, may be found useful in the direction of their conduct, and for the promotion of their comfort. As many servants cannot enjoy the daily counsel of their parents, we endeavor to supply their place, by entering into more particulars, in the way of caution and advice, than we otherwise should have thought it right to do.

When young persons first enter upon service, they should be thankful to God if they have obtained a situation where they may be instructed in those domestic duties which are to be the business of their lives. They ought also to be very thankful, and very submissive, to those who will take the trouble to teach them. Such cannot shew their gratitude in a better way than by continuing, as long as possible, in their first service. Endeavour, during this season, to remember, by thinking often upon, every direction you receive. This will prevent the trouble and vexation of often repeating to you the same thing—a circumstance which frequently makes even good mistresses fretful, and occasions many changes of places and servants.—Habituate yourself, as much as possible, to every kind of domestic service; it will make you to be more generally useful, and less likely to be long unengaged. Here may be hinted, the great importance to your character, of lodging, when out of place, with only respectable persons. Avoid sauntering in the street, especially in the evening, and ask your way, not from those who are passing, but at a shop.

Make it your daily study and concern in all things to maintain an unblemished character. You may then always hope to find a new situation, if you need one, through the medium of your last mistress, or your own friends; for very good employers, or very good servants, seldom need apply to common Register Offices. It is a fact well ascertained, that many females, totally unconscious of their danger, have been hired from such offices, as servants, by keepers of infamous houses, for no other actual purpose than that of seduction, or prostitution! Many decent looking, but wicked women, are employed, even in the streets, to find out, and strongly recommend, young girls to places as servants. By this horrible deceit, many artless females are unawares drawn into disgrace, disease, and hasty death!

In your application at any time for a new service, express yourself with frankness and sincerity on every point of enquiry—Avoid the error of requiring too high wages—many good situations have been lost through it. Do not undertake a service to which you are not competent. It is no disgrace not to know every thing; but it is dishonest to say you can do things which are beyond your capacity.

It is really important to your good here and hereafter, to stipulate for attending public worship once at least on every Sabbath-day. A good mistress, who wishes to keep a good servant, will afford other and better opportunities for seeing your friends. Sunday pleasures, in which there is generally a sad mixture of company, put a young woman in the highway of danger—and of ruin!

In commencing a new service, determine to do your duty in it; and avoid every thing that you found was displeasing in your former place. Judge of your employers from your own observation, and their behaviour to you, and not from any idle reports you may hear to their prejudice. Should you find yourself in a reputable situation, but yet are uncomfortable, through the unkind or unfeeling tempers of your superiors, double your own diligence and civility, and avoid every thing, as much as possible, that might, however unwarrantably, excite their suspicion. By this you may improve their temper and conduct towards yourself; and the very vexation they have occasioned, may dispose them to make their domestics more comfortable, and themselves more happy.

Endeavour to serve with such good will, readiness of mind, and attention to the lawful interest and convenience of your employers, as to render your services almost necessary to them; that they may know and feel that they are blessed, above many of their neighbours, in having gotten a good servant, one who serves, not with eye-service as a man-pleaser, but in simplicity of heart as a Christian. You will be sure to gain esteem by cheerfully doing any lawful necessary service; though it were not agreed for when you were hired.

Whatever qualifications you may possess, if you are not scrupulously honest, you will soon be detected—considered as worthless—and dismissed your service. No civility or diligence can be a recompence for dishonesty. The more you are entrusted, the more careful you should be to maintain the confidence reposed in you. Avoid all lotteries, gaming, and secret modes of spending money. Take care that you are not deceived by the name of privileges and perquisites, beyond what was agreed upon.

A waste of household necessaries, and the breaking of articles through carelessness, are a sort of robbery of your employer—raise bad passions—and mostly deprive a servant of many extra encouragements that she would otherwise receive. These things are therefore to be strictly guarded against. There should be painted over every kitchen fire-place, “want not—waste not.”

Every employer has a right to establish rules for his household; therefore, do nothing in your master’s house, or with your mistress’s business, that you feel obliged to conceal, to keep your situation; for then, you may depend upon it, whatever it be, it is wrong in itself, and will bring you to harm.

Industry is necessary for all, that they may lead a useful life; but it is especially needful to those who engage to serve others. Idleness hath clothed many with rags. Your wages are the yearly pay for your honesty, and your time; therefore lying late in bed, or being over long on errands, or making frivolous excuses to be from home, have occasioned many suspicions—deprived many of good places, and eventually of good characters. “He that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.” Exercise due diligence as to what are the particular duties of your station. Make it your study to put it out of the power of a reasonable mistress to find fault.

Dress as becomes your station, if you desire to please your employers,—to avoid personal harm, and to diminish the number and power of your temptations. The happiness of society arises from each of us keeping in our station, and being contented with it. Among other ways of shewing your wisdom, dressing clean and neat, is of the greatest importance. By this means, you may save a little money to assist your relations, or yourself when unemployed, or in time of need.[3]

Mildness of behaviour will help you through many difficulties. If your temper be hasty, your duty and interest are to govern and subdue it. Our comfort requires us to be patient with other people, and very watchful over our own tempers. “Do all things without murmuring or disputing. A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up strife.” Mere hastiness of temper and of tongue, or the neglect to consider consequences, has crowded the gaols with malefactors,—the streets with prostitutes,—and the workhouses with poor.

Young Persons, Female Servants, and others of a similar rank in life, we more especially address ourselves to you! You think with horror of murder, and of prostitution; but you perhaps little reflect, that idleness and self-will,—that the love of dress, and of indulgence,—that petty acts of dishonesty,—that misbehaviour in a place—that refusing to submit to reproof,—that rashly throwing yourselves out of a situation in a regular family,—that wasting your money, and thus leaving yourselves unprovided for when out of employment,—that breaking the Sabbath, and particularly rambling about in idle company on the evenings of the Sabbath-day—you perhaps little reflect that these, or any of these evil practices, or habits, may lead you, and that by no very long or winding path, to the atrocious crimes which I have mentioned. Act therefore on consideration and reason, and not by passion. You know not how you may irritate, and what mischief may follow. Many a servant has lost a comfortable home, and a mistress a useful assistant, by suffering passion to run headlong into imprudent expressions. You are more interested in retaining a good service, than your employer in retaining you; for she will continue to find suitable servants, while you may be depriving yourself, for a long time, of bread!

A female servant should never make friendships with, or take the advice of, milk people, butchers’ or bakers’ servants, keepers of chandlers’ shops, green-stalls, charwomen, &c.; for mostly they seek only their own interest and profit in every thing. If any proposal that is new, or unexpectedly profitable, force itself on your notice, do not act on your own opinion, nor hastily, but, confidentially, consult your mistress, or some relation, else you may be as hastily ensnared to your utter undoing.

For want of the confidence and esteem I allude to, there seems to be, in most families, two separate interests—that of the employers, and that of the servants.—Some servants communicate none of their personal affairs to their mistresses, and therefore mistresses are not incited to take any special interest in their future welfare. Hence, although such parties may live a considerable time together, they are almost strangers, and nothing like friendship can take place. This is a great loss to a servant. If you expect to have confidence placed in you, be sincere in all your expressions, and open, explicit, and communicative in all your dealings.

In regard of your fellow-servants—conduct yourselves with great caution towards those whose habits are immoral and irreligious—with studied discretion and modesty towards fellow-servants of the other sex, and with a constant good example before them all. This will oblige them to respect you, and speak well of you: but place yourself under obligation to none of them. Do nothing that you would wish them to keep secret for your sake. Whatever demands secrecy, you may be sure it is wrong for you to do, or suffer to be done. If you connive with fellow-servants, or low tradesmen, at any thing fraudulent, you are defrauding a master or mistress, whose property you are bound to watch and protect; and you incur the guilt and shame of the fraud, though you may not participate in the gain.

As far as you can, give good advice to your fellow-servants, especially younger ones—read the Bible to those who cannot, and, if you have time, teach them to read it for themselves, and pray with them, and for them. This conduct will promote good will, and may preserve the young and unwary from evil.[4]

Servants in other families ought not to be told the peculiar habits and conduct of your own employers, except it be done to their commendation; for it may create disrespect, and can do no good.

In all cases, one way to escape harm is to be diligent and useful. Let others see that you are virtuous from principle, and wish to set a good example, and you will not be assailed by the temptations of the designing and wicked, as vain and trifling girls render themselves liable to be.

Be very careful of your reputation for virtue and discretion in regard of the other sex; for it is the foundation of your happiness in this world; and the loss of it will bring you to misery. Avoid as much as possible going out in the evening, especially on frivolous errands. Be cautious as to whom you give your company. “Evil communications corrupt good manners.” Never go to fairs, dances, nor to the theatres. Ask yourself, before you engage in any pleasuring scheme—what may be the probable end of it?

On all unnecessary occasions, avoid as much as possible being alone with the other sex: as the greatest mischiefs happen from small circumstances. Who that is wise would risk the loss of her virtue and happiness on mere promises, made by men of worthless character, and which are made only to be broken? Never trust entirely to your own fortitude—it can only be tried by opportunity; and if, in this case, it fail but once, you are undone! The best resolve you can form is, never to give opportunity to the tempter. A reserved modesty is the best safeguard of virtue.

If a virtuous affection seems to be rising, be sure you instantly calculate on the age and temper, religious conduct, and probable ability of the man to maintain a family, before you suffer your mind to be carried away, lest your affections run headlong, and at length are taken advantage of, to the complete loss of your comfort.

Servants, as well as others, are under peculiar obligation, to manifest a meek and quiet spirit—to follow, in their practice, Him who said, “I am meek and lowly in heart.” They will, therefore, submit to a few inconveniences, if, by so doing, they may be useful to their fellow-servants, by shewing a Christian spirit, and will consider daily, that self-denial, when our station may require it, is the duty of all.

Our Saviour has thus commanded us:—“Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” This is a summary of the law and the prophets as to our conduct. It is a general rule, applicable in a thousand cases to persons in every situation. On its due observance by all the people of a house, each toward the other, depends the measure of comfort which may be attained in the present state. The Rule is so reasonable, so just, and so useful, that the neglect of it shews the sad state of our fallen nature. Put yourself, for a moment, in the place of your master, mistress, or fellow-servants; and then judge what you might fairly and justly expect from the servants in the same house. Were you a mistress, you would expect all those duties to be discharged by your servants, which we recommend, and consequently, the mistress, whom you actually serve, justly expects these things from you. Where this mode of thinking and acting is adopted, it prevents many disputes—maintains peace in the house—or soon restores it, if, on some uncomfortable occasion, it happens to have been lost. None of us are without some failings. The best of people are very far from being, at all times, so good as they should be, therefore good servants and good employers will endeavour to put the best construction they can on each others conduct; and judge of each other rather by the general behaviour, than by any particular action.

Obedience is the grand duty which includes almost every other, in the relation between masters and mistresses, and servants. Disobedience to lawful commands in a servant is dishonesty. Act therefore with submission to the will and judgment of your superiors. If they require things to be done, that are contrary to the laws of God or man, you may with meekness decline them. If they constantly require the performance of what is beyond the reasonable limit of your strength, your ability, or your time, shew your obedience and respect, by explaining your reasons, when you signify your intention to leave. Whatever personal inconvenience you may feel, do not slander your employers, either abroad or at home, respecting it, but apply to them for its removal. Always be contented and cheerful in your service, or respectfully retire from it. It is very unworthy to behave improperly, or to watch an opportunity to give warning, merely because you hope to gain higher wages in the next place. Rather respectfully ask for advance, and if you are a good servant, and your wish is not unreasonable, it will be granted. Never suffer yourself to leave a family, without leaving your best wishes for the welfare of those whom you have served.

It is a more serious thing to leave a good situation than many are aware of. You may never obtain such another place, all things considered; and may be long unsettled. “A rolling stone gathers no moss.” A servant that is not stationary seldom obtains friends that are able and willing to assist her. You now know all the inconveniences that attend your present situation, but you cannot know whether much greater may not be found in the next you obtain. Most situations have their advantages and disadvantages. Calculate, as far as you can, upon both, as they are found in the place where you now are. Higher wages for another service is no proof that it would be a better one, all things considered.

Nothing is so comfortable and creditable to all parties, as when a servant lives many years in the same family. Such servants never want a real friend. Though you may perhaps obtain a new service by a three months’ character, you will be respected if you have lived three years in your situation, but still more, if you have lived seven.

The great master principle of all faithful service is an earnest desire and endeavor to act according to the will of God. The reason why servants as well as others, are so defective and partial in the discharge of their duties, and therefore are so often uncomfortable and distressed, is, that they are not influenced as they ought to be, by this principle. Those, who think of their need of God’s help, and love him with their hearts, and minds, and strength, he will love and honor. “I love them that love me,” saith the Almighty. “They that honor me, I will honor; and those who despise me, shall be lightly esteemed.”

---