Gain may be temporary and uncertain, but ever, while you live, expense is constant and certain; and It is easier to build two chimneys than to keep one in fuel, as Poor Richard says; so, Rather go to bed supperless than rise in debt. "Get what you can, and what you get, hold; 'Tis the stone that will turn all your lead into gold." And when you have got the philosopher's stone, surely you will no longer complain of bad times or the difficulty of paying taxes. "IV. This doctrine, my friends, is reason and wisdom; but, after all, do not depend too much upon your own industry and frugality and prudence, though excellent things; for they may all be blasted, without the blessing of Heaven; and, therefore, ask that blessing humbly, and be not uncharitable to those that at present seem to want it, but comfort and help them. Remember, Job suffered, and was afterward prosperous. "And now, to conclude, Experience keeps a dear school, but fools will learn in no other, as Poor Richard says, and scarce in that; for, it is true, we may give advice, but we can not give conduct. However, remember this: They that will not be counseled can not be helped; and further, that, If you will not hear Reason, she will surely rap your knuckles, as Poor Richard says." THE END. BOOKS BY WILLIAM O. STODDARD. _THE WINDFALL; or, After the Flood._ Illustrated by B. WEST CLINEDINST. 12mo. Cloth, $1.50. The young hero and heroine of Mr. Stoddard's stirring tale of mining life and of adventures by field and flood, teach lessons of pluck and resourcefulness which will impart a special and permanent value to one of the best stories that this popular author has given us. _CHRIS, THE MODEL-MAKER._ A Story of New York. With 6 full-page Illustrations by B. WEST CLINEDINST. 12mo. Cloth, $1.50. "The girls as well as boys will be certain to relish every line of it. It is full of lively and likely adventure, is wholesome in tone, and capitally illustrated."--_Philadelphia Press._ _ON THE OLD FRONTIER._ With 10 full-page Illustrations. 12mo. Cloth, $1.50. "A capital story of life in the middle of the last century. . . . The characters introduced really live and talk, and the story recommends itself not only to boys and girls but to their parents."--_New York Times._ _THE BATTLE OF NEW YORK._ With 11 full-page Illustrations and colored Frontispiece. 12mo. Cloth, $1.50. "Young people who are interested in the ever-thrilling story of the great rebellion will find in this romance a wonderfully graphic picture of New York in war time."--_Boston Traveller._