But truth in speech must be accompanied by integrity and fidelity in all your dealings; for it is impossible for a dishonest person to be a good servant; therefore, let no temptation prevail on you to part with these inestimable jewels; nor suffer yourself even to wish to convert the property of another to your own use; more especially when it is _confided_ to your charge; for breach of trust is a heinous aggravation of dishonesty.[2] And, always remember, that “_Honesty is the best policy_.” Moreover, it is not only incumbent on you to be honest yourself, but you must scorn to connive at the dishonesty of others. _He that winks at an injury he might prevent shares in it_; and it is as scandalous to fear blame or reproach for doing your duty, as it is to deserve reproof for the neglect of it; therefore, should there be a confederacy among your fellow servants to abuse the confidence or credulity of your employer, divulge it the very instant you perceive it, for fear your very silence might give rise to a suspicion of your participation in their guilt. On the contrary, avoid _Tale-bearing_, for that is a vice of a pernicious nature, and generally turns out to the disadvantage of those who practise it. Those who cannot help telling _all_ that they hear, will be supposed to tell _more_ than they _know_, and will, consequently, be discredited. Carefully avoid all reproachful, indecent, or even familiar terms in speaking of your master, mistress, or superiors; and, on the other hand, endeavour, at all times, to vindicate them from the open aspersions or latent insinuations of others. There is nothing more detestable than defamation.—Avoid it. “The man who filches from me my good name, Robs me of that which not enriches him, But makes me poor indeed!” SHAKSPEARE. To know—to be thoroughly master of your business in the department you undertake, is indispensably necessary; and not only to know the several branches of your duty, both by theory and practice, but to be determined, from principle, to do it. In order to this, let your whole conduct be actuated by _diligence_, and governed by _temperance_. Banish _sloth_ and the love of ease; and, as poor Richard says, “_up, and be doing_.”—Be ever active.—Let your whole mind be in your business.—Think of what you have to do—of what must be done, and _do it_,—even before it is wanted,—and do not wait till you are ordered to do it. Never think any part of your business _too trifling_ to be _well done_. Consider your business as a pleasurable amusement and you will make it so—and,—“do not leave till to-morrow, that which may be done to-day.” _Idleness_ is a great source of evil, and whilst we give way to its enjoyment, we sacrifice both the duties and the best purposes of our existence.