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frugality, and prudenec, 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 scem to want it, but comfort and help them. Remember, Job suffered, and was afterwards prosperous.
And now to conclude : " Experience keeps a dear school ; but fools will learn in no other, and scarce in that ;" for, it is true, " We may give advice, but we cannot give eonduet," as poor Richard says. However, remember this, " They that will not be counselled, eannot be helped," as poor Richard says ; and further, that
" If you will not hear reason, she will rap your knuckles."
Thus the old gentleman ended his harangue. The people heard it, and approved the doctrine ; and immediately practised the contrary, just as if it had been a common sermon ; for the auetion opened, and they began to buy extravagantly, notwithstanding all his eautions, and their own fear of taxes.
I found the good man had thoroughly studied my Almanacks, and digested all I dropped on those topics during the course of twenty-five years. The frequent mention he made of me mnst have tried any one else ; but my vanity was wonderfully delighted with it, though I was conscious that not a tenth part of the wisdom was my own, which he ascribed to
me, but rather the gleanings that I had made of the sense of all ages and nations. However, I resolved to be the better for the ccho of it ; and, though I had at first determined to buy stuff for a new coat, I went away, resolved to wear my old one a little longer. Reader, if thou wilt do the same, thy profit will be as great as mine.
I am, as ever, thine to serve thee,
RICHARD SAUNDERS.
THE WHISTLE ;
A TRUE STORY.
Written to his Nephew.
WHEN I was a child at seven years old, my friends on a holiday filled my pockets with coppers. I went directly to a shop where they sold toys for children, and being charmed with the sound of a whistle that I met by the way in the hands of another boy, I voluntarily offered him all my money for it.
