eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good-will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free." Ephesians vi. 5-8.

66

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men: knowing that of the Lord, ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doth wrong, shall receive for the wrong which he hath done and there is no respect of persons." Colossians iii. 22-25.

"Let as many servants as are under the yoke, count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God, and his doctrine, be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit." 1 Timothy vi. 1, 2.

"Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour, in all things. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation, hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” Titus ii. 9-12.

"Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the fro

ward. For this is thank worthy, if a man for conscience toward God, endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness." 1 Peter ii. 18-24.

:

SECTION 4.

Letter from an uncle to his nephew, on taking him apprentice.

DEAR THOMAS,

Ir is generally observed, that when relations come together in the manner at present designed between us, by your father and me, and which is also according to your own earnest desire; they frequently disagree, by reason of greater expectation on both sides, of allowance and consideration to be had for each other, than for mere strangers. Therefore, I think it is not improper to let you know a few particulars of what I require you to observe; and you will be the better able to judge how far you can promise for yourself, and what you are to expect from me. Perhaps, I shall be a litte too serious for your present volatile years: but, then, you must consider, that this which you are entering upon, is a

very serious and weighty affair; that it is to be considered as the foundation of your future livelihood and well-being in this world; and of the greatest importance to be well and maturely weighed.

I expect to be under less necessity of studying your temper, than you shall think yourself under of studying mine. I have lived so many years longer in the world than you have, and I must not only have seen what is best for you to follow or to avoid, but also must necessarily have so many cares which cannot affect you, that my ease and quiet ought to be studied in every thing in your power; and you ought rather to lighten my cares, than add to them.

Behave to your fellow-apprentices with great condescension, good manners, and evenness of temper: not expecting regards from them at one time, and playing antic tricks with them at another; nor desiring them to do for you, what you will not be willing to do for them. You ought to be the more respectful to them, because they are your elders; and know more of the business than you can do for some time.

Treat the journeymen with complaisance and decency, as persons who are your elders. You must, if you expect to be respected by them, show a proper regard to them; and do any civil, kind thing for them, that will not hinder your own business, or injure me in loss of your time, &c. If you expect any respect from them on my account, because of your relation to me, it will be exceedingly wrong; I shall desire no such thing of them, but as you deserve it on your own. Always remember, that no man is to be ill used by you, though he happens to be poor or low in the world: how can you tell what your own fate may be? And even a

man's being a very sorry man, a sot, a drunkard, (as among so many, some may be,) does not entitle you to use him ill.

If you see any bad example, learn to have a proper detestation of it, without abusing the man who sets it. Endeavour, so to frame your conduct, as to shun in yourself what is odious in another; and be like the industrious bee, which collects its honey from the bitter as well as the sweet. Whenever you see what is commendable, let it be your care to imitate it. Whatever you may be able to discern, even in myself, that may not be exactly right, (for we are none of us perfect,) make a useful inference from it for your own benefit; and endeavour to imitate what is better.

Form no intimacy with any young men in the house, or out of it, without telling me who they are, and knowing whether I approve of them for your companions. I must caution you once for all, that if I see any affected disguise, or endeavour to conceal your acquaintance, or any of your actions, from my knowledge, I shall conclude you are in no good way: for, what must that young man be, who is studious to act under a mask; and who continues in the doing of those things, which he thinks will not bear to be known?

Study every one's temper; and carefully avoid saying a thing, even in jest, that may discompose, or shock, any one: why should that be a pleasure to you, which would be a pain to another? There is a difference between an inoffensive jest, and making yourself merry at the expense of another person's quiet. Turn the tables; and see how you would like the same conduct from another. It is a sign of a very ill nature, to take delight in shocking any one. On the contrary,

it is the mark of an amiable temper, to say all the kind things we can, without flattery, or playing the hypocrite and it never fails to make us beloved and esteemed; which is one of the greatest pleasures of this life.

I expect that you will never give me occasion to tell you twice of a proper or right thing; and that you will not lay me under the necessity of repeating any instruction that shall be of use to you, either with regard to your business, or your behaviour.

I shall take great pleasure to encourage you in a manner suitable to your years, and your merit; yet I do assure you, your merit must be the first consideration with me it is not sufficient with me, that you are the son of a brother, whom I love equally with myself. If you do not act worthily of such a father, and of the relation you bear to me, the disappointment will be so much the heavier, and so much the more to be resented and I hope I shall always be able to distinguish so properly, as to preserve my love to a good brother, without favouring or affecting a naughty kinsman. Therefore, as it will be best, rather to deserve, than to expect, distinction; so, it will always be in your power, to reap those advantages by your good conduct, which your ill behaviour will never obtain from me.

:

Show no impatience at being told of your faults; but think every one your friend, who tells you any thing for your good. An enemy is more useful to us by far than a flatterer (who is, indeed, the worst enemy :) because such a one may be made a faithful monitor to us, by reproaching us with our failings; which a well-disposed person needs only to know, or to be told of, in order to mend, or to avoid,