ashamed to catch yourself idle, when

there is so much to be done for

your

self, your family, your country, and your king. Handle your tools without mittens remember, that, 'The

cat in gloves catches no mice,' as Poor Richard says. It is true, there is much to be done, and, perhaps, you are weak handed; but stick to it steadily, and you will see great effects: for, "constant dropping wears away stone; and by diligence and patience the mouse ate in two the cable; and little strokes fell great

oaks.'

"Methinks I hear some of you say,

Must a man afford himself no leisure?" I will tell thee, my friend, what Poor Richard says: Employ thy time well, if thou meanest to gain leisure; and, since thou art not sure of a minute, throw not away an hour." Leisure is time for doing something useful: this leisure the diligent man will obtain, but the lazy man never; for, "A life of leisure, and a life of laziness are two things. Many without labour, would live by their wits only, but they break for want of stock;" whereas, industry gives comfort, and plenty and respect. Fly pleasures, and they will

follow you. The diligent spinner has a large shift; and now I have a sheep and a cow, every body bids me good morrow."

"II. But with our industry we must likewise be steady, settled, and careful, and oversee our own affairs with our own eyes, and not trust too much to others: for, as Poor Richard says,

"I never saw an oft-removed tree,

Nor yet an oft removed family,

That throve so well as those that settled be."

And again,

"Three removes are as

bad as a fire" and again, "Keep thy

shop, and thy shop will keep thee:" and again, "If you would have your business done, go; if not, send." And again,

"He that by the plough would thrive,
Himself must either hold or drive."

And again, The eye of the master will do more work than both his hands; and again, Want of care

does us more damage

than want of

is the ruin of many; for, In the af

fairs of this world, men are saved, not by faith, but by the want of it :" but a man's own care is profitable; for if you would have a faithful servant, and one that you like-serve yourself. A little neglect may breed great mischief; for want of a nail the shoe was lost; for want of a shoe the horse was lost; and for want of a horse the rider was lost;' being overtaken and slain by the enemy; all for want of a little care about a horse shoe nail.

« III. So much for industry, my friends, and attention to one's own business but to these we must add