Aspiring apprentice, a word or two in your ear. If you desire success
in any matter pertaining to this life or the coming, you must have a
purpose,—a determination that, God helping you, you _will_ achieve
success. You may be poor, friendless, unknown,—your clothing scant, your
stomach half filled,—your place may be at the foot of the ladder: no
matter. Whatever your position may be, do your duty in it, stoutly and
perseveringly, with your eye fixed far ahead and upward.
Keeping the purpose before you that you _will_ rise, be obedient to
your employer, attentive to your business, obliging to your shopmates,
and courteous to strangers; and seize every opportunity to improve
your heart, your mind, and your workmanship. Do every thing well,—no
slighting, no hiding defects, aiming always at perfection. Watch
those who are skilful, and strive to equal and excel them. Secure the
friendship of all by deserving it. Allow no opportunity of rendering a
service to pass without improving it, even if it cost you some labour
and self-denial. Be of use to others, even if in a small way; for a time
may come when they may be of service to you. A selfish man may get ahead
faster than you; but selfishness is contemptible,—and you need not envy
his success: when you achieve your object nobly, you will enjoy it, and
be respected.
Always bear in mind that _character is capital_. To gain this, you must
be so scrupulously honest that you would be as willing to put live coals
in your pocket as a penny that is not yours. Never run in debt: do
without what you cannot at once pay for, even though you should suffer
somewhat. No matter what the amount of your earnings may be, save a
portion every week, and invest it in a savings-bank of good standing: it
will grow, and will stand you in good stead some day. Better temporary
abstinence and constant plenty afterward, than unearned present comfort
and future perpetual want. Never lie, openly or covertly, by word or
action. A liar may deceive his fellows,—God and himself never. Conscious
of falsity, a liar can have no self-respect; without self-respect,
reputation cannot be achieved.
With a noble purpose as the end of all your actions, and with actions
becoming your purpose, your success is merely a question of time,—always
provided you have some brain and abundant common sense.