_Obedience_ is the grand duty which includes almost every other, in the relation between masters and mistresses, and servants. _Disobedience_ to lawful commands in a servant is dishonesty. Act therefore with submission to the will and judgment of your superiors. If they require things to be done, that are contrary to the laws of God or man, you may with meekness decline them. If they _constantly_ require the performance of what is beyond the _reasonable_ limit of your strength, your ability, or your time, shew your _obedience_ and _respect_, by explaining your reasons, when you signify your intention to leave. Whatever personal inconvenience you may feel, do not slander your employers, either abroad or at home, respecting it, but apply to _them_ for its removal. Always be contented and cheerful in your service, or respectfully retire from it. It is very unworthy to behave improperly, or to watch an opportunity to give warning, merely because you hope to gain _higher wages_ in the next place. Rather respectfully ask for advance, and if you are a good servant, and your wish is not unreasonable, it will be granted. Never suffer yourself to leave a family, without leaving your best wishes for the welfare of those whom you have served. It is a more serious thing to _leave_ a good situation than many are aware of. You may never obtain such another place, all things considered; and may be long unsettled. “A rolling stone gathers no moss.” A servant that is not stationary seldom obtains _friends_ that are able and willing to assist her. You now know _all_ the inconveniences that attend your present situation, but you cannot know whether _much greater_ may not be found in the next you obtain. Most situations have their advantages and disadvantages. Calculate, as far as you can, upon both, as they are found in the place where you _now_ are. Higher wages for another service is no proof that it would be a _better_ one, all things considered. Nothing is so comfortable and _creditable_ to all parties, as when a servant lives _many years_ in the same family. Such servants never want a _real_ friend. Though you _may_ perhaps obtain a new service by a three months’ character, you will be respected if you have lived three years in your situation, but still more, if you have lived seven. The great master principle of all faithful service is an earnest desire and endeavor to act according to the WILL OF GOD. The reason why _servants_ as well as others, are so defective and partial in the discharge of their duties, and therefore are so often uncomfortable and distressed, is, that they are not influenced as they ought to be, by this principle. Those, who think of their need of God’s help, and love him with their hearts, and minds, and strength, _he_ will love and honor. “I love them that love me,” saith the Almighty. “They that honor _me_, I will honor; and those who despise me, shall be lightly esteemed.” ————