Let every youth be taught some useful art and trained to industry and
thrift. Let every young man lay aside and keep sacredly intact a certain
portion of his earnings. Let every one set out with a determination to
engage in business for himself as soon as he can. Begin in a small, safe
way, and extend your business as experience will teach you is
advantageous. Keep your own books and know constantly what you are
earning and just where you stand. Do not marry until in receipt of a
tolerably certain income, sufficient to live on comfortably. Let every
man who is able buy a farm on which to bring up his sons. It is from the
farm the best men are turned out, morally and intellectually. Bear in
mind that your business cannot be permanently prosperous unless you
share its advantages equally with your customers.
* * * * *
CHANGE THE SUBJECT.--"Always," said papa, as he drank his coffee and
enjoyed his morning beefsteak--"always, children, change the subject
when anything unpleasant has been said. It is both wise and polite."
That evening, on his return from business, he found his carnation-bed
despoiled, and the tiny imprint of slippered feet silently bearing
witness to the small thief.
"Mabel," he said to her, "did you pick my flowers?"
"Papa," said Mabel, "did you see a monkey in town?"
"Never mind that. Did you pick my flowers?"
"Papa, what did grandma send me?"
"Mabel, what do you mean? Did you pick my flowers? Answer me yes or no."
"Yes, papa, I did; but I fout I'd change the subject."
* * * * *
The noblest mind the best contentment has.