Page:History of Charles Jones, the footman (2).pdf/9

9 generally is found out, and then his character is ruined. Whereas, if he confesses the truth at once, he probably escapes without any anger at all, or at worst it is soon over, and the fault itself is forgotten.

Having now lived seven years at the parsonage, and being twenty-one years of age, my master called me one day into his study, where he spent a good deal of his time, and said to me, ' Charles you have lived with me a considerable time, and it has been always with much pleasure that I have remarked the decency, sobriety and diligence of your conduct. Those few faults which you have, further experience and more years will, I doubt not, cure. You are now qualified for a better place than mine, and are entitled to higher wages than it is in my power to give. I have therefore recommended you to a friend of mine in London, for which place you are to set out, if you approve it, in a month. But I should think it a crime to dismis you to a situation so full of temptations, without giving you some little advice. Listen, therefore, my dear Charles, to what I shall say, as I mean it only for your good. In the first place, fear God ; and then you will never have an occasion to be afraid of man. Act always in his presence. Never enter or quit your bed without prayer. Do always for your master, as you would your master, if you were to change places, should do for you. Endeavour to get a pious friend but avoid, as you would the plague, all wicked company. Be cautious of too great familiarity with your female fellow servants ; an unlawful