Now, when a stranger approaches your house, let him notice a pretty garden-spot, with flowers and vegetables, all well kept. When he enters, let his eye be cheered by seeing how nice every thing looks, how well swept the floor is, how the tin things shine. Let him notice a few books, with marks of study or reading upon them. Especially let him see the Bible or Testament in daily use. As he glances around, it would be pleasant if he could see a little picture here and there hanging on the wall, or a flower-pot with a pretty pink or rose blooming in it, showing that you have a liking for such things. He would say, “Well, this looks like freedom. I think you must be quite a happy family.” Will any one say that such a picture of home comforts may not be seen among the families of the freedmen? I trust that many who read this little book, or hear it read, will say to themselves, “Well, I mean to try and see if I can’t have such a home.” Try, then, and we believe you will succeed. It will be a very pretty picture to show some who maintain that it is useless to attempt to elevate or to improve the condition of the colored race. These counsels are from your friends. We rejoice in your freedom, and we long to see you improve it to the utmost, thus showing to the world the superiority of a state of freedom under the _worst_ aspects over that of slavery under the _best_. TO SUM UP. And now try to think over all the things mentioned in this little book, and bear them in mind, so that every day they will keep you right. For instance, say to yourself, I will be industrious. I wont lie around a mere idler. And when I have work to do, I will be faithful and _do_ it. I wont be an eye-servant, working only when my employer is looking at me. Next, I will be clean. I will keep my body clean, and my house clean, and my children clean; and this will remind me that I must be clean in my thoughts. Then I will remember to save my wages, and not spend more than is necessary, and to lay up something for a time of need. As to rum and other intoxicating liquors, I wont touch them, any more than I would handle a fiery serpent. I will not steal even a small amount. If the devil says, Take it, I will say, No; it isn’t mine; God has forbidden me to take it. I will guard my lips from lying. I will always speak the truth. Even if it is against myself, I will still keep to the truth; for I know God abhors the deceitful tongue. When I hear people taking God’s name in vain, I will say, That is very wicked. Lord, help me to keep from this dreadful sin. And so also, when I am tempted to impurity, I will say as Joseph in the Bible said, “How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” I will keep from such vice. I will remember the Sabbath too, and try to keep it holy. I will go to church and prayer-meeting. I wont do any unnecessary work on that holy day.