meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer !"

SECTION 3.

Advice to servants

1. On the choice of place.

ENGAGE yourselves cautiously. Always prefer sober, regular families, even if you could have higher wages, or less work to do, elsewhere.-It is, in general, safer and better, especially for young persons first leaving home, to go into small families: they are there more under the care and notice of their masters and mistresses; and less exposed to the bad example, and bad advice, of fellow-servants.

If you have been well brought up, and have a good character, you will seldom be at a loss to find proper places, in your own neighbourhood; and to hire yourselves in a private, respectable way. But if ever you should be under the necessity of standing for hire at any statutes; or of making application at public register offices; be very careful not to engage yourselves to any persons, without inquiring, (not of turned-off servants, but of people whom you can safely depend upon,) what character, and what kind of families, they have nor without knowing of them what they will require of you; and particularly whether they will allow you, on Sundays, regularly to attend the public worship of your God. Many young persons, for want of proper

The greater part of this advice to servants, is equally proper to be observed by apprentices, and by work-people in general.

care and thought on such occasions, have got into sad places, and ruined themselves.

Do not go to London, or any other large city, in search of a place, unless you have kind and reputable friends there, with whom you can prudently stay, till you meet with a proper situation. No safe and profitable places are to be met with, in London, or any where else, without proper recommendations, and the assistance of friends.-In all large cities, especially in London, there are so many snares and temptations, and so much wickedness, that unless young persons can meet with very excellent situations, or have very good and prudent friends there, they are much better in places in the country.

When you are in a sober service, whether in town or country, do not indulge yourselves in a rambling, fickle disposition; nor suffer yourselves to be tempted away, for the sake of rather higher wages, or a little more liberty to do evil. Long and faithful service is very creditable. It is truly called, "a good inheritance." Servants who frequently change their places, get but a poor character, and few true friends; and they seldom prosper in the world.

If indeed you are in situations, where, with your best endeavours, you cannot obtain reasonable support, or live in any degree of peace and comfort; and, above all, where your health, morals, or character, are in any danger; you ought to change as soon as you have a proper opportunity. But beware of giving warning in a pet, merely because you are found fault with, or have not every little favour and indulgence you could wish, Put up with many inconveniences, and even hardships, rather than foolishly throw yourselves out of a suitable

place, or run the risk of hurting your character. Many persons who have left their places without proper thought, have come to shame and distress; and they would gladly have accepted of situations far worse than those which they once despised. You will no where meet with a place in which you will have every thing you desire; unless you should be of so Christian a spirit, as to desire nothing but what God appoints for you. Remember that this world is, at best, but a state of trial.

When, after due consideration, and consulting with your friends, and imploring the Divine guidance, you are convinced that it is proper to leave your place, do not fail, before you look out for another situation, to acquaint your master and mistress with your intention, in a very civil and respectful manner; and all the time you continue with them, do your best to give satisfaction, and to part with them on friendly terms.-Some servants, when they are dissatisfied with their places, instead of mentioning their objections to their masters, or mistresses, and giving a fair warning, neglect their business, or behave ill, in order to get turned away : but this is very improper conduct; and it very much hurts their character.

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Never desire, or expect, your masters or mistresses, to give you a better character, to any persons who may apply to them about you, than they fully believe you deserve for if they were to do so, they would break the laws of God, which absolutely forbid all lying and deceiving; and they would break the laws of their country. Every master or mistress, who gives a servant a false character, is liable to a penalty of twenty pounds. The surest and only honest way to gain a good character, is, by constantly behaving well, to de

serve it.

If ever you should be out of place, and have no home to go to, be cautious where you lodge. Living in a disreputable house, even if you should behave, while you are there, in the most prudent manner, will hurt your character; and will, most likely, prevent your getting into a good place.

2. On behaviour to masters and mistresses.

When you are in service, be diligent to understand your business, and to do it, thoroughly. Keep at your work as long, and as steadily, as can fairly be expected from you. Your masters have agreed to pay you wages, and to provide you with food and lodging, and, perhaps, even with part of your clothing; and, in return, you have engaged to give them all reasonable labour, and care, and pains. If you waste any part of your working-time in absolute idleness, or in loitering about, or if you do your work in a negligent, slovenly manner, you defraud your masters of what is due to them you break your word; you rob them, as much as if you were actually to take money out of their pockets. You are paid, as if you did your best.

Be desirous to do more than is required, or expected, of you, and more than you positively engaged for, rather than less. In busy times, or when there is any sickness in your master's family, do not grudge a little extraordinary labour, or fatigue. Willing and cheerful service is always very pleasing, especially on such occasions; and it is seldom overlooked, or forgotten, even by unkind masters and mistresses.

if

Rise early. This is a very necessary practice; but you have been accustomed to slothfulness and overindulgence, you will find it a very difficult one. If,

however, you persevere in it, for some time, it will become easy to you, and even pleasant: and you will wonder that you could ever have taken delight, in wasting so much precious time in sluggishness; hurting your health and spirits; robbing your masters of part of the labour which they pay you for; and getting their ill word, and the ill word of almost every body who knows you. People may bring themselves, by habit, to wake, and rise, regularly at such an hour, every morning.

Obey the orders which your masters, or mistresses, give you; obey them at once, and cheerfully: always remembering that it is their duty to command, and yours to obey; and that it is the great God himself, who appoints to all persons their stations, and their duties. Do every thing, as exactly as possible, at the time, and in the way, which they desire; even if you should think your own time, and way, would be best. Surely, it is the right of masters and mistresses to have their own work done at the time, and in the manner, they like: no doubt, you will think so yourselves, if ever you should have servants of your own.

When your masters, or mistresses, find fault with you, or give you orders which do not quite suit your own fancies, do not answer pertly, nor mutter to yourselves, nor show any anger or sullenness; even if you should think they reprove you more than is necessary, or use you unkindly.

Look at your masters and mistresses very respectfully, whilst they are speaking to you; attend to what they say; and when they have done speaking, express in a few civil words, your readiness to obey. Never rudely contradict them. When it seems proper for you