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MY Pi RES£ARCH UBflARlES 



3 3433 08161280 



1 



^,\ , 



iUr; 



THE 



MERCHANT'S CLERK 



CHEERED AND COUNSELLED. 



JAMES Wf'ALEXANDER, D.D.. ... .... . 



NEW-YORK : 

ANSON D. F. RANDOLPH, 688 BROADWAY. 

1866. 



THE iN'EW YORK 



A8TOR, LENOX AND 
TILDEN FOUr.'OATIONS. 

R 1911 L 



Entebkd, aoooiding to Act of Congress, In the year 1856, by 
ANSON D. F. RANDOLPH, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for 
the Soathem District of New- York. 



JOHN A. GBAT S 

FIRE-PROOP PRINTING OFFICE 

16 Js 18 Jacob St, N. Y. 



PREFACE. 



At an earlier period the writer of what here 
follows was led to address himself with earnest- 
ness to the task of counsdling Young Mechanics 
and other Working Men^ in a hook which has 
had its day. In other circumstances^ he was 
caHedy by officicd duty^ to spend much thought 
upon the case of Youth in pursuit of a liberal 
education. But since his residence in this great 
city^ his interest has been awakened towards 
the unnumbered boys and young men^ whQ are 
aspiring to the honors and gains of merchanr 
disc. To sf^h he respectfvUy and affectionately 
dedicates 0tese advices. They daim^ and they 
can procure, no literary applause ; but if they 
find favor with those for whxnn they have been 



IV PREFACE. 

written^ they may rescue some wandering youth 
and gladden ths heart of some aged parent. 

Much has been written about the Dangerous 
Classes of Society ; is it not right that more 
oare should be bestowed on the Endangered 
Classes ? Among these, city clerks stand con- 
spicuous. If we except mariners, there is per- 
haps no one description of persons so exempt 
from parental guardianship and any strict 
watch of society^ as the youth who flock by 
hundreds from country to town. Those wh^ 
concu/r with the writer, on this point, may do 
something to make his present suggestions ef 
fectwjd, 

Alth(yugh this is not a religious treatise, it 
contains some important religious advices. To 
have refrained from these, in s^h a connection, 
would have been both unwise and cruel; and 
they wUl be found such as need not offend any 
Christian mind, TTiese plain counsels are 
thrown on the stream, with a prayer for the 
benediction of Him who is the JBenef actor of 
the young and the Father of th>e fatherless, 

Kew-Yobs:, October 24^ 1866. 



THE 

MERCHANT'S CLERK 

CHEERED MD COUNSELLED. 



YOUTH MOMENTOITS. 

There is no going baxjk to correct the 
errors of youth, as Plato reports Heraclitus 
to have said that no man ever bathes twice 
in the same river; all things are in rapid 
flow, and what is to be done for character 
should be done quickly. In our hurrying 
age boys, become men by a sort of start 
or explosive advance. Impressions upon 
society must, therefore, be made upon youth, 
and if we would have good merchants, we 
must first have good clerks. 
1* 



THE MEECHANT'S gLERK 



CLERKS nmUMERABLh. 

The young men engaged in the commercial 
houses of this metropolis are innumerable; 
the numbers rise by tens of thousands. 
Hence we are justified in giving a character 
somewhat local to these remarks, believing 
that the youth of other cities are not so 
diverse in nature or situation as that they 
may not derive benefit from advices calculat- 
ed for the meridian of New- York. Within 
limits so narrow, much can not be said ; but 
all that is offered proceeds fi'om true sympathy 
and earnest good will. 

AWAY FROM HOME, 

Of the countless throng of city clerks, some 
are living under the parental roof, but the 
great majority have come from the country. 
An increasing centripetal force bfears the 
youth of rural districts towards the great 
emporium. While this infusion of firesh blood 
into the old veins is useful in many ways to 
the receiving' party, it involves losses and 
exposures on the part of those who come. 



CHEEKED AND COUNSELLED. 7 

Each, of ttem has left a beloved circle, which, 
alas I he has not yet learned to prize, and has 
entered into a comparatively homeless state. 
Many a man of business can look back to this 
juncture, when he sallied into the great world 
alone; and he shudders at the pitfalls and 
precipices which he has escaped. " Well do 
I remember, even at this distance from the 
time," says a celebrated writer, "the scene 
which my own home presented when I finally 
quitted it to embark on life's stormy and dan- 
gerous ocean. My mother, one of the kindest 
and tenderest tEat ever bore that dear rela- 
tionship, unable to sustain the parting, had 
retired to the garden ; my sisters wept ; my 
father walked silently by me to the edge of 
the town, where I was to take horse and ride 
to meet the coach that was to carry me to 
London; whUe my own heart was almost 
overwhelmed with emotion, under the idea 
Ihat I was leaving home to encounter the 
anxieties, dangers, and responsibilities of a 
new and untried course."* 

• " The young Man from Home,** by the Rev. John Angell James of 
Birmingham, England. When I name thifl admirable and affecting 
little yolmne, I could wish it were in the hands of eyery youth who 
is separated from his parents. Mothers could hardly select a more 
loTlng gift for their absent sons. 



THE MBRCHANT'S OLEiBK 



DANGERS, 

There is ground for these solicitudes. This 
coast is strewed with blackened hulks and 
gaping timbers, which went out of port all 
flaunting with pennons. The newly-arrived 
boy or young man plunges into trouble and 
dauger the hour he sets foot in the city. All 
is strange and much is saddening; but he 
must choke down unmanly griefe, and he 
knows little of his worst enemies. The single 
circumstance that parental care is henceforth 
removed, or made slight by distance, leaves 
him stripped of armor in a battle-field. 
Thank God, that many a Joseph has been 
led through this defenceless pilgrimage. The 
evil is greater because it is unseen. Yonder 
praying mother feels it at her aching heart ; 
but the foolish boy is exulting in the sense of 
independence, and perhaps tempted to try- 
some new pleasure to show that he is his own 
master. False confidence is the ruin of thou- 
sands. The temptations of such a position, 
especially in a city, are formidable. Most of 
these derive their main strength from the pre- 



GHESBED AND OOUKSELLED. 9 

senoe of evil csompanions ; to this subject, 
therefore, let us devote a few moments. 



FIRST COMRADES. 

Homely but golden is the old saying of the 
Spaniard, " TeU me what is your company, 
and I will tell you what you are." The first 
company to which a young clerk really at- 
taches himself often fixes his career. This, 
however, he often faUs into at random, or 
more frequently has not decision of character 
to cast off when detected. Among many 
things which render bad company poisonous, 
one of the saddest is the extreme difficulty of 
getting rid of an insidious villain. In the 
position which I occupy, I am constantly ob- 
serving that this or that youth is held down 
by the weight of evil comrades. To shake 
them off is a Herculean task ; the ill attach- 
ment sticks like the coat of Nessus. Indeed, 
solitary amendment is often easier than disen- 
tangling one's self from corrupting alliance, 
Has my reader ever known a young man to 
remain virtuous in vicious society? Mark 
here the powerful argument for securing good 
companions. 



10 THE MERCHANTS CLERK 



BAD ASSOCIATES. 

Evil company is often elegant, deliglitful 
and fescinating; and inexperience cannot 
escape the coils of the gilded serpent. What 
is greatly to be deplored is, that associates of 
this sort do not wait to be sought out, but 
make the first advances, and not unfipequently 
lie in wait for the new arrival. Unless the 
novice is on his guard against these seducers, 
he will certainly fall. Most deadly is the 
poison, when evil companions are under the 
same roof, perhaps at the same table, or even, 
by a wretched custom, in the same bed. Bet- 
ter be chained to yeUow fever or small-pox, 
than joined to a vicious room-mate. It can- 
not, therefore, be too serioiisly urged on young 
men, to beware what boarding-houses they 
select, as also at what eating-houses, and with 
what comrades they take their meals. Nor 
should this serious matter be left so entirely 
as is now the case beyond the inspection of 
experience and age, by the firms which em- 
ploy numerous unprotected youth. Words 
are wanting to express the iniquity of those 
tradesmen and those parents who deliberately 



OHEEBED AND OOUKSELLED. 11 

place young men amidst the temptations of 
taverns, witli the sordid hope of thus inter- 
cepting customers and decoying them to their 
venal doors. 

FLEE THE EVIL, 

As I do not expect to touch any point 
which is more important, I would seriously 
demand for it the best consideration of every 
merchant's clerk who may take these pages 
into his hand. Young man, I charge you in 
the name of all you hold dear, in the name 
of your parents, in the name of Almighty 
God, to break away from evil companions. 
Whatever it may cause, of offence or loss, cut 
the connection. "Enter not into the path 
of the wicked ; and go not into the way of 
evil men : avoid it, pass not by it, turn from 
it and pass away." Prov. 4 : 14. That is, 
shun the very haunt or spot where the wretch- 
es assemble I Neglecting this, you will pro- 
bably, almost certainly, destroy your worldly 
prospects, will bear the disgraces of those who 
are even wor^e than yourselves, will lose 
your principles of morality and religion, and 
will run the risk of ruining yourself for time 
and for eternity I 



12 THE MBBCHANT's CLERK 



HOW TO FIND COMPANIONS, 

If bad company is thus fatal, how may a 
yoimg stranger secure that which is good ? 
Deeply to be lamented is it, that the answer is 
difficult ; only because commercial society is 
more eager to secure the gainfdl services of 
young men, than to promote their moral wel- 
fare. The uncorrupted youthful clerk may, 
however, be safely advised thus : Be cautious 
at the start Learn the character of those 
around you. Commit yourseK slowly. Es- 
pecially dread those specious persons who push 
themselves upon you. OaU in the aid of old- 
er heads. Advise with the wisest of your 
employers, as to the comrades who may be 
proper. Make bold to call upon the clergy- 
man, whose ministry you attend, and ask his 
counsel to a friendless youth ; my word for it, 
he will neither repel you nor give you any 
cause to regret the step. Seek associations in 
church and Sunday-school;, here you will 
find both companionship and protection. In 
like manner, inquire for those associations 
which propose the protection, rescue, instruc- 
tion and entertainment of young men. Re- 



CHEERED AND COUNSELLED. 13 

ject promptly, as you would the foulest and 
most noisome animal, every companion, how- 
ever attractive, who speaks impurely, takes 
God's name in vain, violates the Lord's day, 
or indulges in intoxicating drinks. Blessed 
is he who meets with a good associate I A 
single example sometimes gives color to the 
whole life. 

TWO mSTANGES, 

Two instances occur to me, which I can not 
consent to withhold. A young man from a 
foreign land had retired to his bed, when 
another young man in the same room cast 
himself on his knees, and was evidently en- 
gaged for some time in fervent prayer to God. 
The effect was startling upon the former of 
the two. Eeflection on Hs prayerless state 
and godless life led him to repentance, and he 
is now a missionary among our Western In- 
dians. The other case is that of the late ex- 
cellent Mr. Steel of this city. He used to tell 
his friends that the night after his landing in 
America he lodged in the same room with a 
stranger, both being young and inexperienced. 
Steel, from false shame, uttered no prayers 
2 



14 THE MEBCHANT'S CLEBK 

except upon his coucli ; the other reverently 
knelt down in a retired paxt of the chamber, 
and commended himself to God. 

To the close of life our venerable friend as- 
cribed his decided pursuit of religion to the 
influence of that praying youth, which proba- 
bly was never known to himself 

A FAIR START. 

Though it is never too late to seek reform, 
and though every reader should be exhorted 
to hasten back into the right path, yet honor 
and success are on the side of him who has 
not begun wrong. In morals as in business, 
true prosperity comes from a fair start. The 
first steps ia trade, the first hours in a situa- 
tion, throw forward their influence. The 
ship is built on the model which is first laid 
down. The plans with which you put on your 
office-coat, the day you enter your shop, store, 
counting-room or bank, mark your direction. 
As the railway-switch is turned, so your track 
will be. All which is so well known by em- 
ployers, that they commonly form their judg- 
ment of the entering lad before the first week is 



CHEERED AND COUNSELLED. 15 

out; and find a verdict thus: "Jolin is 
dull ;" or, " He is heedless ;" or, " He is awk- 
ward — aU his fingers are thumbs ;" or, " You 
see he is an eye-servant ;" or, " He is incura- 
bly lazy;" or, "He has all vices in one, for 
he lies now, and wiU swindle hereafter." If 
it is the end that crowns the undertaking, it 
is the beginning that gives it form. 



WHAT IS TOUR OBJECT f 

By what possibility can a young man begin 
business aright, who has no notion what he 
seeks ? Such, however, is the case of many. 
Ask young Smith, or Thomson, or Johnson, 
or Stuart, or Allen, " What have you set be- 
fore you?" and he is dumb. He does not 
know why he has entered the place. If his 
views are mercenary, he might return the 
answer, which is in many a heart, " To make 
money." But, my beloved, and as yet un- 
corrupted, young reader, making money is 
not the ultimate object of life. Do not mis- 
take the means for the end. Money is but a 
subordinate means. Fix before you some 
pure and lofty aim, or you will assuredly be- 



16 THE MEBOHANT'S CLEBK 

come one of tlie grovellers. Let this be the 
pleasing of your Creator, Benefactor and 
Saviour, and, inseparably from this, the realiz- 
ing of a noble, generous, synmietrical charac- 
ter. Eesolve, under God, to seek all the per- 
fection of which your powers are capable; 
and go to that desk, or that counter, with a 
deep purpose never to flinch from a duty, or 
commit a deliberate fiiult. Now, if you will 
lay down this book for three minutes, look 
steadily at what is proposed, and in reliance 
on Divine aid, settle your decision according- 
ly, it will be superfluous to prescribe petty 
rules for business. 

BREAKING THE IGK 

Parents, employers, and senior associates 
will inculcate upon you the daily duties of 
your calling ; indeed you already know them ; 
which may showyou that the grand desidera- 
tum is not by-laws but inward principle. 
Nevertheless, take kindly a few disinterested 
counsels from one who is no longer young, 
but who has long cherished a warm sympathy 
with those who are begianing life. Under 
the general determination to do your duty, 



CHEERED AND COUNSELLED. 17 

beware of early disgusts, whether towards 
persons or work. All new trials are burden- 
some ; all beginnings are vexatious. He that 
ascends a ladder must take the lowest round. 
AJl who are above were once below. " An 
two men ride of a horse, one must ride be- 
hind."* To consider any thing menial, which 
belongs to the career of training, is to be a 
fool. The greatest philosophers and the 
greatest commanders have passed through 
toils as humble and as galling. These hard 
rubs are an indispensable part of education, 
and it is best to have the worst first. It is 
not denied that not only the younger clerks, 
but all the employ^, have toUs both irregular 
and excessive, in those large houses which 
drive a brisk business with remote customers. 
This pressure is of course worst ia jobbing 
and auction houses, and in what are called 
the busy seasons. The heart -of the young 
auction-clerk often feils him, on contemplating 
the piles of goods which come in firom the 
importing and commission houses, and which 
must be arranged for inspection and sale 
against next morning; with the knowledge 

* flbalupeare. 
2* 



18 THE merchant's CLERK 

that lie must work through the ungracious 
task of rearranging and delivering after the 
hours of sale. But what then? other and 
better men have lived through the like. 
Oheer up on cold winter mornings, when you 
blow your fingers as you walk briskly down 
Broadway, or at late hours of packing, invoic- 
ing, or replacing goods. Oheer up at the 
thought that it will make a man of you. 
Perhaps you remember Latin enough to 
quote the words in Virgil, " All this it will 
be sweet to remember hereafter."* Eecall 
enough of history, to think of what Eoman 
and especially Spartan boys were accustomed 
to bear. Think of the whaling voyage; 
think of the morning drill at West Point; 
think of the ignominy of giving up prospects 
iu life out of a little girlish disgust. 

DUTY IS PLEASURE. 

Whatever comes of it, put your shoulder 
to the wheel for a few months; by that time 
some of the rough places will have become 
plain. Wear the yoke gracefully. Every 

t Olim meminisse juvabit. 



CHEERED AND COUNSELLED. 19 

moment of this weariness and trouble will 
turn out to your lasting profit, especially in 
regard to character. There are certain things 
which you will be ashamed to class among 
hardships. Such are early rising, which you 
should practise for pleasure and longevity, as 
well as religion ; exercise in the open air, or 
on your feet; hard work, tending towards 
knowledge of busiaess; punctuality, without 
which you can never attain wealth or honor ; 
and tedious employment in affairs which 
secure you confidential regard. In all these 
temptations to discontent, let me venture an 
observation on life, which I confess it cost me 
many years to comprehend. Uneasiness in 
the youthful mind arises from a fiJlacy that 
we may express thus : "Work now, but rest 
and pleasure hereafter." Not merely the 
clerk, but the millionaire, thus deludes him- 
self : "I will bear these annoyances in view 
of the refreshing and luxurious respite of my 
hereafter." In opposition to all this, let me 
declare to you, that these hours, or days, or 
years of repose, when the mighty oppressive 
hand of the giant Business is let up, will be 
none the less sweet, for your having taken a 



20 THE K£BCHANT's CLEBK 

genuine satisfection in your work as you went 
along. You will not make the journey bet- 
ter, i^ like fiunoufl pilgrims to Loretto, you 
put peas in your shoes. Form the habit of 

SEEKING PLEASUBB IN WORK, HAPPINESS IN 
THE DUTY OF THE HOUR. 

KNOW TOUR PLACE, 

The period when the young man is about 
COMING OF AGE is Very important Now it 
is, if ever, that he is most tempted to sUp his 
neck out of the yoke, and most harassed with 
wishes prompted by false independence. No 
man can calculate the mercantile disasters 
arising from the preposterous wishes of young 
men, without experience, ability, connections 
or capital, to rush into business for themselves. 
Wise delay in such cases is promotive of suc- 
cess. The number of principals is fer too 
great in proportion. It is not every man who 
is formed to be a leader, and some are clearly 
pointed out for subordinate posts as long as 
they live. But as these are often the very- 
persons who will be slowest to take the hint, 
let it be the maxim of all to adventure no 
sudden changes ; to wait for undeniable indi- 



CHBEREI) AND COUNSELLED. 21 

cations of duty and discretion ; to attempt 
nothing of the sort without the ffcill approval 
of older heads; and, above all, to play the 
man in regard to the unavoidable annoyances 
of a subaltern place. 

BE BRAVE! 

To be successful and happy costs something. 
Assure yourseli^ tjiat if you yield to effeminate 
suggestions, you sink. Nobly determine, at 
the hazard of some weariness and some smart, 
to pass contentedly through the appointed 
stages, and to become a thorough merchant. 
Consider how many a man, now great in Wall 
street, came to town with all his personal 
eflFects in one bundle. Away with home-sick- 
ness and querulous imbecility ! Tear up those 
whining epistles which you have written 
home; write rather on your private memo- 
randum, Perseverance. Quash every dis- 
position to make changes, except where they 
tend to moral benefit, or knowledge of busi- 
ness. "It is ill transplanting a tree which 
thrives well in the soil." Let the cheerfulness 
of a contented mind evince itself in deference 
and submission to those who control your 



22 THE meechakt's clebe 

time, and in unifonn good-nature and coxtrtesy 
to your companions in business. With sucli 
principles and resolutions, and with reliance 
on Divine Providence, you may boldly hope. 
Brace your nerves to meet every engagement, 
and, however poor, you will succeed. Dismiss 
fix)m your soul all belief in the divinity of 
modem pagans, called Luck, and stake nothing 
on sudden windfells. "In human nature," 
says PlayMr, " there is no struggle that ap- 
pears more unequal at first sight than that of 
a man without connections or capital, against 
the man who has both; yet there is no contest 
which so constantly terminates in fevor of 
him who appears to have the disadvantage." 

BAD EMPLOYERS. 

Very dehcate is the situation of the young 
man who is required by an employer to do 
that which is dishonest or dishonorable. 
E veiy thing must be surrendered to the claims 
of enlightened conscience. There are limita- 
tions to the individual responsibility of an 
agent, which cannot be expounded here ; but 
the pure-minded youth will hasten to free 
himself from engagements which involve 



CHEERED AND COUNSELLED. 28 

feJsehood, fraud or provocatives to sin in 
others, such as intemperance and licentious- 
ness, and desecration of holy time. The 
higher we go in mercantile ranks, the more 
we find equivocation and disingenuous finesse 
to be denounced as short-sighted and obsolete. 
Yet among the thousands of city merchants, 
there will be an admixture of those who deal 
by craft, tiie "wisdom of weakness," and who 
exact the like of their dependents. But tiie 
disguised sharper who orders an honest man's 
son to utter a lie in his name, to customer, 
creditor or govennnent, should expect either 
to be cozened in his turn, or on the spot to be 
abandoned and posted by the indignant youth 
whom he would corrupt. 



DISHONORABLE ANGLINQ FOR CUSTOM, 

In a class of persons comprising so many 
men of honor and men of breeding, as that 
of American merchants, to say nothing of 
morals and Christianity, it is mortifying to 
find some who resort to ignoble means of 
alluring customers. If a young and uncor- 
rupted rustic falls into such hands, I can only 



24 THE merchant's clerk 

advise him to seek speedy deliverance. The 
entire affair of flash advertisements, decoys, 
runners, and what is known by the slang 
term, drumming, belongs to a system which 
High-minded commerce has long since outrun ; 
the system which led Cheapside shop-men to 
cry to passers by, "What d'ye lack?" which 
lingers in the market place where herb-women 
twitch your sleeve and laud their wares, and 
which may be seen full-blown among Chath- 
am-street Jews, who wrangle and almost fight 
for the privilege of investing some stranger 
with a half-price coat. Not less ignominious 
is the practice of lurkiQg about hotels to gain 
the acquaintance of arriving dealers, smirk- 
ing, and bowing, and treating for their good- 
will, and playing the spaniel at their heels, at 
oyster-house, concert and opera, in order to 
divert custom into a desirable channel. What 
a tax is this to pay for trade I And how like 
Shylock must he feel who accustoms himself 
to such grovelling I 

" Hath a dog money ? is it possible 
A cur can lend three thousand ducats ? or 
Shall I bend low, and in a bondsman's key, 
With bated breath, and whimpering humbleness, 
Say this: 



CHEERED AND COUNSELLED. 25 

Fair sir, you spit on me on Wednesday last ; 
You spumed me such a day ; another time 
You called me— dog; and for these courtesies, 
m lend you thus much moneys?" 

Meftchami of Venice^ J. 3. 

health: 

From thoB disagreeable topic let tis pass to 
what some have named the lesser morals ; 
and among these, as certainly preeminent, the 
care of health. "Neglects here come back 
with vengeance in after life. Let ns leave 
outj at this place, Ihe horrible vices which 
poison Ihe blood of youth, and send rotten- 
njsss into Ihe bones. Smaller errors may 
destroy health. The varieties of mercantile 
life cannot all come under the same rule. 
There is a differencJe between desk work and 
street work, between day work and night 
work, .between long and short hours. In 
general, it is the sin and shame of mammon- 
serving employers, that they arrange the 
times and degree of business with little re- 
ference to the health and improvement of 
those whom they employ. Engrave it over 
your humble mirror, that temperance, cleanli- 
ness and exercise will make you hearty and 



26 THE merchant's CLERK 

alert. " The three best doctors are Dr. Diet, 
Dr. Quiet and Dr. Merryman." Contiiiual 
meddling with the animal machine is not the 
way to promote health. Asking whether this 
will hurt or that will hurt, generally ends in 
a state in which every thing shall hurt. 
When Dr. Johnson's friend Taylor happened 
to say that he was afraid of emetics, for fear 
of breaking some small vessels, " Poh I" said 
the old Doctor, " if you have so many things 
that will break, you had better break your 
neck at once, and there's an end on't. You 
will break no small vessels." And then, says 
Boswell, he puffed and blowed with high 
derision. If a young fellow is regular in his 
habits and moderate in his food, and if he 
abstains from tobacco and alcohol, he will 
probably have cheerftdness and strength. 
Many of the neuralgias, dyspepsies, palsies 
and melancholies of later life, arise from the 
cigars and suppers of boyhood, and their con- 
sequences, K space were allowed, we might 
here warn every young man who regards his 
health, to avoid the hasty mastication which 
prevails at eating-houses; as likewise we 
might implore employers, who themselves sit 



CHEERED AND COUNSELLED. 27 

long at their wine, not to abridge the moments 
allo^^ed their poor clerks for this refection. 
Health is promoted by early rising, cleanli- 
ness, and temperance. "Cleanliness," as 
Wesley used to say, "is the next thing to 
godliness." Scrape the snr&ce with a dull 
knife, and you will learn why it is not enough 
to wash for the public, cleansing only what 
is visible. These are not trifles, as the bio- 
graphy of all long-lived men will demon- 
strate. 

DBES8. 

While I am upon these lesser matters, 1 
must be allowed a word or two upon the sub- 
ject of Dbess. The garb, in some sort, ex- 
presses what is within. How many an em- 
ployer has instantly rejected an applicant, 
because of a meretricious shirt-pin, a flash 
waistcoat, and a heavy Cahfomian chain 
across his stomach. Sharpers, gamblers and 
foreign adventurers carry the most ostenta- 
tious jewelry ; which is the mark, not of 
wealth, and not even of feshion, but of vul- 
garity and upstart pretension. The most ele- 
gant dress is just that which no man can remem- 
ber after you have left the room. Youth need 



28 THE mebohant's olebk 

not array itself like age ; but there is a modest 
reserve whiQh commends even the youthful 
person. Eveorywhere a young man loses caste 
with such as know the world, by dressing be- 
yond his means. The habit of extravagance 
in apparel leads to undue expense, and is a 
particularly bad sign in one whose salary is 
small, and whose parents are poor. A fop is 
a fool, as truly as a sloven is a savage. On 
this head I am reminded of what may be 
called congruity in dress. You shall see a raw 
young fellow whose extremities do not match 
any more than Horace's mixed animal. Above, 
it is winter, below, it is summer; fiirs and 
white trowsers; no great-coat in snows, and 
pumps in drenching rains. Chief-Justice Hale 
used to say, that he formed a judgment of 
young men from their knowing how to take 
care of themselves, in dressing suitably to the 
weather. Attention to one's clothing, in 
trunks and drawers, at lodgings, belongs also 
to good husbandry ia youth. Let me peep 
into these repositories, unawares, and I will 
tell you how far my young master is a person 
of method, and how fer he spares trouble to 
the toilsome needle-woman, whether sister, 



OHEEBED AND COtrKSBLLED. 29 

aunt or mother, who has the charge of his 
wardrobe. All these things, especially in 
one away from home, connect themselves 
with thrift, adyanoement, and even inward 
character. 

GOOD BREEBINQ. 

From dress and ornament, the transition is 
natural to manners and bearing/ The 
same principles govern both. Nothing but 
the examples of good society can insure gen- 
uine polish in a young man ; but good sense 
and good taste influence him to choose and 
follow one example rather than other. The 
grand fault of American young men is pert- 
ness. To this, it must be confessed, the airy 
chat of the counter and the sales-room direct- 
ly tends. Forward, ill-bred boys take this 
ease for elegance, when it is only effrontery. 
Bules can not be laid down on a matter so 
impalpable ; but two or three maxims will 
not be denied. Nothing is well-bred which 
is presuming or devoid of modesty. Quick, 
loud accost, and utterance of slang terms de- 
signate the pretender. All this glitter is not 
gold, but pinchbeck. Good manners are not 

3* 



80 THE MERCHANT'S CLEBK 

indeed sheepish, but quiet Undue eagerness, 
even with a customer, is ungraceful, and 
misses the mark. Wherever you see a man 
of accomplished manners, you find one who 
treats even the humblest person with respect. 
Indeed, in no one word is genuine politeness 
so comprehensively summed up, as in defer- 
ence. This is to be practised and acquired 
in hourly intercourse. For which reason, 
pray avoid the Tom-Dick-and JBEarry manner, 
even with your comrades. Eely upon it, the 
truest armor against imcivil obtrusion is 
courtesy to all around you. 

" The man who hails you Tom or Jack, 
And proves by thumping on your back 

His sense of your great merit, 
Is such a Mend, that one had n< ed 
Be very much his friend indeed, 

To pardon, or to bear it"* 

The squads of young roisterers, whom you 
meet at night in Broadway, by twos or by 
threes, talking in a voice between boy and 
man, and very loud lest they should be 
thought to care for any body, puffing cigars 
and occasionally dragging one another to 

♦ Oowper. 



CHEERED AND COUNSELLED. 31 

diinking-places and bright saloons, are not 
the persons whose manners one would copy ; 
let it be added, they are not those whose 
names will hereafter carry weight on 'Change. 
As a class of men, it must, in justice, be said, 
that American merchants are remarkable for 
ease and propriety of demeanor. 

QOOD 80CIET7. 

As the manners, and to acertain extent the 
morals, of every man, are dependent on the 
SOCIETY which he keeps, this deserves special 
attention in the young. It ought to be ad- 
mitted on all hands, that young men engaged 
in merchandise need some associations beyond 
those which occur in business. If by some 
chance the youth has access to the house of 
his principal, it is well ; we all know how rare 
is such a case. One of the worst defects in 
the present condition of young men in city 
affidrs, is that they are shut out from the ge- 
nial intercourse of a -domestic circle. Human 
nature cries out for such brotherhood. K 
good compg^onship is not afforded, there 
will be a resort to that which is seductive. 
So far are we from abridging this disposition 



82 ' THE mebchant's olebk 

to sipend a portion of spare time in agreeable 
company, that we would enjoin it as a means 
of improvement.. Nowhere is the young man 
saf^ than in the houses of his friends. Es- 
pecially is the company of intelligent and re- 
fined women a cordial and a medicine, cheer- 
ing to the jaded spirits, and preventive of a 
swarm of vices. The shy and boorish temper 
which studiously shuns all intercourse, is 
sometimes found allied to moral "obliquity. 
No greater fevor can be shown to a youth 
exiled to city business, than to introduce him 
to a fireside which he may freely and often 
approach. The Gtood Samaritan was not 
more merciful than he who descends from his 
status of wealth or dignity, to take a poor 
boy by the hand, and lift him over the awk- 
wardness of the strange threshold. It is, 
moreover, the facility afforded for enlarging 
such circles of evening enjoyment, which 
causes us to set a high social value upon 
church connections, .which smooth the young 
man's way to liberal and improving friend- 
ships. 



CHEERED AND OOUNSBLIiBD. 88 

AMUSEMENTS. 

Whatever diflferences exist between kinds 
of business; all men n6ed relaxatioit of soul 
after the day's^ ^ork. You may tell them to 
forego all entertainment ; but you talk against 
nature; the thing is impossible. Nor are 
those ^the best men, who never seek to be 
amused. The field for such entertainment is 
happily spacious ; but young men of business 
are not cared for in the arrangements of socie- 
ty. The thing manages itself in rural dis- 
tricts J but rational recreation must be labor- 
iously sought for in towiL And who can 
expect of the young, to make toilsome circuits 
to gain a safe pleasure, when gaudy indulgence 
beckons them at every brilliant street-comer?. 
After many years of observation, I declare 
my sad conviction, that society has yet to 
reach a great reform in the matter of innocent 
and healthful recreation. The duty of the 
moral teacher is not completed when he has 
exercised his censorship over amusements 
which he pronounces noxious ; it is demanded 
of him to show some which are benign. The 
absence of any concerted scheme in our cities, 



34 THE merchant's clerk 

for recreations, scientific, literary, musical or 
gymnastic, to wMcli, as to the ancient Palaes- 
tra, our care-worn youth might resort, is a 
defect which clamors for supply. 

NEED OF INNOCENT EITTERTAINMENTS, 

But in the very degree in which we hold 
that society is wronging its sons by failing to 
provide on a large scale, and with inviting 
accompaniments, generous pastime and health- 
ful joy, would we sternly charge the young 
man to resist the temptation to sinful pleasure. 
It is one of the first dangers of the novice 
fi'om country life. The earliest of his city 
evenings sometimes settie his fate. The 
gayly-illuminated halls for eating and the 
haunts of gaming hold out strange colors of 
delight The half-intoxicated rustic sees 
feiry-land in the common saloons of merri- 
ment. Theatrical amusements exercise a 
dreadfiil fescination. This has been so in all 
ages. Late hours at places of poiblic amuse- 
ment conduct to all the rest; to drinking, 
gambhng, and unholy love. Under the 
guidance of some new companion, a veteran 
in vice, a demon in seductive power, ready to 



CHEERED AND COUNSELLED. 35 

turn the bolts of satire against country preju- 
dices and cMdiflli superstitions, the flexible 
youth goes, only half-consenting at first, to 
have his eyes opened. What can be more 
hellish than the wish and purpose to debauch 
the conscience of an innocent boy I I would 
gladly persuade every such young person to 
peruse and re-peruse the lessons of the wise 
man upon a delicate but momentous branch 
of this subject* 

TEE THEATRE. 

Of all the attractions of the town to an iu- 
experienced youth, there is none more fasci- 
nating than the Theatre. K he goes once, he 
is Hkely to go again. If he acquires the habit 
of goiag, he is certain to incur wasteful ex- 
pense and almost certain to be seduced in 
various forms of vice which hang about the 
purlieus of the . play-house. The theatre- 
going clerk as a general rule may be set down 
as already ruined. There is no room here to 
discuss ite morality of the Drama; I will 
only say that its chief peril lies in its almost 
irresistible power of incantation. The same 
♦ ProY. 7 : e-ar, 



36 THE merchant's clerk 

thing used to be observed in tbe bloody spec- 
tacles of tbe ancient Eoman amplutheatre. A 
story out of St Augustine bere occurs to me, 
and is applicable to tbe matter in band. It 
must be observed tbat in tbese. plays swords- 
men, or Q-ladiators as tbey were called, fought 
to the death, and the spectators took the 
same interest in the wounds, gore, and dying 
agonies of these wretches, as modem Spaniards 
do in their hideous bull-fights. • The story 
concerns Al jpius, and illustrates the captivat- 
ing and debauching power of such pleasures. 
Alypius had gone to Eome, but to the amphi- 
theatre he refused to go,' saying to his impor- 
tunate city-comrades : " I£ you drag me thither 
in body, I will be absent in soul ; for I will 
dot so much as look at' the performance." 
They did take him, curious perhaps to try 
the odd experiment. The sports begin and 
all are carried away with delight and furor. 
Alypius sits with eyes tightly and resolutely 
dosed. But his ears are open, and they take 
in the thunder of ten thousand voices, rending 
the air, when the mighty and infuriate multi- 
tude applaud some happy blow. Curiosity 
conquers ; he opens his eyes for an instant, to 



CHEEBED AND COUNSELLED. 87 

see what awakens sucli madness and to despise 
it; but is reached by a worse wound in his 
soul than tKat which prostrates yonder victiiA 
in the arena. He catches a glimpse of that 
blood ; he imbibes the spirit of the scene ; he 
is possessed by the demon of cruelty ; he can 
no longer avert his eyes; he is intoxicated 
with carnage, and having rushed into tempta- 
tion, succumbs as a captive. Prom that hour 
he lakes the lead in these brutal pleasures. 
The story of Alypius, a little modified and 
modernized, is tlxat of many a country-boy 
corrupted by the theatre or the licentious 
ballet. 

GAMBLHra. 

The practice of playing at games qf haz- 
ard, generally begin without stakes. But the 
only places where young men in cities can in- 
dulge in play, are those which lead directly to 
gambling in its worst forms. Ceasing to be 
an amusement, it becomes a passion, a firenzy. 
It absorbs the thought and scorches the brain. 
Resist the first cast of the die or the card, and 
turn away fix)m the path of destruction. How 
many thousands are the 'instances in which 



88 THE mebchant's clebk 

frauds, thefts, and even robberies baye bad 
tbeix origin in tbe wisb to obtain money for 
the gaming-table. Generally speaking, the 
merchant's clerk is. already ruined, who has 
become familiar with Ihose houses of high 
play, which have been well named hells. 

PUBLIC DANCES. 

Oan it be necessary to put any intelligent 
young man upon his guard against those 
dazzling assemblies, by whatever names dis- 
guised, where nocturnal hours are spent in 
PROMISCUOUS DANCING? The gauze veil hard- 
ly conceals, even from the most unsophistica- 
ted, the neighboring lures of the cup and the 
courtezan. Young man, in regard to a variety 
of exhibitions and reunions which can not be 
detailed, ask yourself before you cross the 
threshold, how you would like to conduct 
thither a pure and lovely sister. 

TAKE CARE OF TOUR EVENINQS. 

Let no youthful reader think my caution 
over-timorous, when I earnestly whisper in 
his ear. My son, take oabe of your even- 



GHEEBEP AND COUNSELLED. 39 

INGS. The morality of most young persons 
in city trade may be judged by tbe way in 
which they pass these hours, especially after 
dark. Happy are those, beyond expression, 
who have a home, where they can spend these 
— ^probably the happiest hours of life — ^with 
the mother, the sisters, and the domestic^ 
friends, and who have not taken the fearfii] 
step of dislildng and shunning this shrine of 
virtuous love. Happy, in the next degree, 
are those, who, though among strangers, have 
found the path to cultivated and Christiarj 
circles, uniting relaxation with progress in 
knowledge. Happy, also, as connected with 
these, or even in default of these, are such as 
know the charm of books, of hbraries, of 
scientific lectures, of literary gatherings, and 
of meetings connected with any of the fine 
arts. Happy, in no common measure, are the 
followers of true religion, who learn to employ 
a portion of their time in assemblies of devo- 
tion, or of fraternal converse and philanthropic 
efltort. But amidst all diversities, one thing 
remains fix6d. K the evening and night are" 
misspent, the youth is hurrying towards 
downfall. Almost aU the corruption of young 
mercantile clerks is perpetrated by night. 



40 THE MEBOHANT'S CLl^K 

Well may you pray to God to cast a sacred 
shield of guardianship around these hows of 
e35)osure. 

THE CLERK'S EVENING. 

It is the more necessary for the young man 
' in a strange city to be resolute and decided in 
this matter, because he has to make head 
against a strong torrent of circumstances. 
Those who have mastered this tide, and 
reached success, are too ofljen indifferent about 
the poor fellows who are still struggling. 
Again I must say, with much earnestness, the 
state of society in our cities, is not &vorable 
to the improvement of clerks. In a great 
number of instances, they may be said to be 
homeless. Their solitary chambers afford tio 
invitations, except to sleep. There is often no 
cheerftd apartment where they can feel them- 
selves to be welcome. The mansions of their 
employers are, of course, out of the question. 
But without are bright streets, and gay com- 
panions, decorated halls, warm in the wintry 
night, and resonant of music. How irresistible 
are these temptations to the minds of such as 
are not forewarned and protected by sound 



CHEEKED AND COUNSELLED. 41 

principles of morals and religion ; and liow 
inany hundreds of youth, every yeai*, become 
corrupted by the nocturnal allurements, so 
strongly in constrast with their forlorn lodg- 
ings I But great as the temptation is, it must 
be manfully resisted*. The struggle, just at 
this juncture, is often for life, nay, for more 
than life. Here at this very point, upon this^ 
very question, how one's evenings shall be 
spent, the road forks, and bliss or woe are on 
the right hand or the left. Every unprotected 
young man should hasten to place himself in 
connections ^which may afford motive and 
means to shun evils so direful. Those, like- 
wise, who come to wealth and influence, should 
use all endeavors fco introduce new elements 
into our social state, so that it may no longer 
be true, that thousands of youth, the hope'of 
coming generations, are in this respect aliens 
and orphans, during the most tempted hours 
ofhfe. 

DEMAIW FOR nRiaHTER EVENINGS, 

When we mark the powerful drawing to 
the night-cellar, the low concert, the ball, the 
equivocal show, the theatre, the billiard-room 
4* 



42 THE merchant's oleek 

and tlie den of in&my, w^ axe led to rate 
highly every hopeful or even innocent attempt 
to create counter attractions. At the risk of 
all sneers, I will maintain that they ought to 
be multiplied a hundred-fold ; as they ought 
also to have the countienance, patronage and 
frequent presence of our established merchants 
and othei" men of wealth. Lectures, schools 
of art, collections of books, of plants, of min- 
erals, of statuary, of painting; societies for 
composition, recitation, debate, music, varied 
enteirtainments ; for whom, I pray, should 
these be furnished, if not for our cherished 
youth, who are to be the great' commercial 
leaders of a more adventurous age? Let no 
labor and expense be thought too great when 
such objects are at stake ; and let the warmth 
of general interest in the movement convince 
the young persons who are primarily con- ^ 
cemed, how great are their hazards, and how 
important the struggle for deliverance. 

USE CLERK'S MIND. 

Such contemplations as these show us the 
value of early mental discipline. It is cruel 
to curtail a boy's preliminary schooling, with- 



CHEEBED AND COUNSELLED. 48 

out urgent need. The young man should 
bless God, if his parents have secured to him 
a good education, even in rudiments ; and if 
he is wise, he will consider every one of these 
precious attainments a foundation to be buHt 
upon. True it is, that the city clerk has few 
hours for study ; but even moments should be 
husbanded; and it is wonderful how much 
odd moments may accomplish. Half the 
moral downfeUs of young men in mercantile 
houses arise fix)m the want of intellectual ex- 
citements. In the absence of these, and to 
flee firom the horrors of ennui, they must run 
out of doors for animating objects. Nothing 
is- more restless than youth; nothing more 
craving of rapid pleasures. But ignorant 
young men do not know what elevated and 
exquisite pleasures are to be derived fix)m the 
* pursuit of knowledge. In this view of the 
case, we set up a great barrier against vice, 
when we infiise into any opening mind a taste 
for reading. If considered only as a means of 
amusement, and as countervailing the seduc- 
tive objects above mentioned, books may be 
ranked among the most valuable aids of mer- 
cantile discipline. He who is thoroughly 
awake to the pursuit of knowledge, will be 



44 THE merchant's clerk 

unlikely to roam tlie streets witli swaggerers, 
or to fuddle his wits at drinking places. 



PLEASURES OF KNOWLEDGE. 

On this cardinal point of my whole subject, 
let me crave the attention of the clerk or 
young merchant, whose eye may be upon iny 
page. My dear young friend, it is impossible 
to exaggerate the importance of what I am 
now advising. It were little to say, that by 
mental culture your power and your happi- 
ness would be doubled ; say rather you will 
live in a new world, and be another man. 
The young merchant is not expected, to 
become an erudite scholar, or a profound 
philosopher, though such might be named; 
but there is no one who cannot acquire know- 
ledge enough to be his great profit and un- 
speakable delight. Knowledge is Power^ says 
Lord Bacon. Knowledge is Pleasure, we may 
add with equal truth. Say not that such 
pleasure must be earned by long pain. It is 
untrue. The early obstacles are only for a 
moment ; and the subsequent pursuit of know- 
ledge is so puriely pleasurable, that I have 
often paused and sat in amazement at the 



CHE£B£D AND COUNSIILLED. 45 

blindness and folly of those who, with every 
opportunity and free invitation, never enter 
on it " We shall conduct you to a hill-side, 
laborious indeed at the first ascent ; but else 
so smooth, so green, so full of goodly pros- 
pects and melodious sounds, that the haip of 
Orpheus was not more charming."* 

DIFF70ULTIE8 VANISH. 

The objections which are now rising in 
your mind are groundless, and would instantly 
vanish if your desires were right. You say 
the acquisition of knowledge is a great work. 
True, but you are not to do all at once. 
Step by step, men cross continents. Constant 
dropping wears away rock. Sands make the 
mountain, moments make the year. You say 
you have no time. I wish the over-heated 
business customs of trade and the cupidity of 
capit^ts, allowed you to have more. But 
let us look this spectre in the fece. There is 
not one clerk in ten who does not spend some 
hours in idleness, if npt in vice. More may 
be learned by devoting a few moments daily 
to reading, than is commonly supposed. Five 

* MUton. 



46 THE mebohant's clerk 

pages may be read in fifteen minutes ;. at which 
rate one may peruse twenty-six volumes, of 
two -hundred pages each, in a year. See how 
much might be saved from sleep, from Broad- 
way, and from the theatre. You say you 
have none to guide you.. The best scholars 
and men of sciencje will tell you that by far 
the most valuable part of their education is 
that which they have given themselves. Vol- 
umes have been filled with the autobiography 
of self-taught men. Think of Franklin the 
printer, of Linnaeus the shoemaker, of John 
Hunter the cabinet-maker, of Herschel the 
musician, of DoUond the weaver, of Turner 
the printer, of Burritt the blacksmith. Love 
learning, and you will be learned. Where 
there is a will there will be a way. 

HOW TO BEGIN. 

Begin at once; begin this very evening. 
Take time by the forelock, and remember 
that it is only the first step which costs. And, 
having begun, resolve to learn something 
every day. Strike the blow, and avoid the 
weakness of those who spend half of life in 
thinking what they shall do next. Always 



CHEERED AND COUNSELLED. 47 

have a voltune near you, whicli you may 
catch up at such odd minutes as are your own. 
It is incredible, until trial has been made, bow 
much real knowledge may be acquired in 
these little fragments of time, which are 
like the dust of gold and diamonds. Your 
journey will be made Hghter and even shorter, 
if you have a companion; and be assured 
that there is no man of real learning who 
would not take pleasure in lending a helping 
hand to a begioner. You will thank me 
some day for drawing you away from com-'^ 
mon pleasures to the luxury of books. Lord 
Brougham speaks well concerning, the plea- 
sure of study, and its xmhkeness to the low 
gratifications of sense. "While those hurt 
the health, debase the understanding, and 
corrupt the feelings, this elevates and refinos 
our nature, teaching us to look upon all 
earthly objects as insignificant and below our 
notice, except the pursuit of knowledge and 
the cultivation of virtue ; and giving a dignity 
and ioaportance to the enjoyment of life, 
which the frivolous and grovelling can not 
even comprehend." And the late accomplish- 
ed Professor Dugald Stewart, in reference 
even to those who begin late in life, observes 



48 THE HEBCHANT'S CLEBK 

ip the same effect: "Lx such men^ what an 
aocession is gained by their most refined plea- 
sures! What enchantments are added to 
their most ordinary perceptions 1 The mind 
awakening, as if fix)m a trance, to a new exist- 
ence, becomes habituated to the most interest- 
ing aspects of life and of nature ; the intel- 
lectual eye is 'purged of its film;' imd things 
the most fsimiliar and unnoticed disclose 
charms invisible before. More true than of 
the pleasures of Vicissitude, are the poet's 
femous lines, when applied to this case of one 
awakened to the charm of knowledge: 

" The meanest floweret of the vale, 
The simplest note that swells the gale, 
The common son, the air, the skies^ 
To him are opening Paradise." 

WffO KNOWS WHAT TOU MAY BECOME f 

This is no place for unrolling the chart of 
studies. But there are some which seem par- 
ticularly to invite the notice of one who ex- 
pects to be a merchant The command of a 
correct and easy style is perfectly attainable, 
and can not in our day be left tmsougbt 
without great loss and poignant mortification. 



CHEEEED AND COUNSELLED. 49 

How little did Abbott Lawrence know that 
he should become the successful correspond- 
ent of priQces, or Lord Ashburton that his 
pen should ever conciliate two continents? 
Arithmetic and accottats are so much matters 
of trade, that it seems oflBlcious to name thenj. 
The history of our own coimtry, besides beiQg 
delightful to every American, has a particular 
bearing, on business. Add to this so much 
of the history of trade, and its progress, legis- 
lation and restrictions, as may conduce to the 
knowledge of public and international eco- 
nomy. 

SPECIMEN OF STUDIES. ^ 

As a young merchant finds his trade, his 
associates, and his correspondence, bringing 
him to greater heights and a wider horizon, 
he will find such questions as these rising be- 
fore him for an answer : What gave distinc- 
tion to the merchant princes of Italy? How 
did commerce come to cross the Alps and 
glorify^the Hanse Towns ; and what is the 
mercantile history of those municipalities? 
By what means did Flanders and Holland 
surpass England for a time in manufactures, 
colonies and navigation; and what was the 
5 



60 THE hebghant's olebr 

condition of Dutch trade wten our city was 
founded? What is meant by the Act of 
Navigation, and has it wrought most good or 
evil to Great Britain ? When was cotton in- 
troduced into America, and what are the 
bearings of this staple upon the manu&ctores, 
the trade, the wealth, and the mutual peace 
of England and America ? Each of these, 
and of such as these, is a proper and most in- 
teresting study for the young merchant Nor 
will we fen to hint, in passiDg, at the noble 
fields of science and elegant letters, and the 
incomparably precious truths of Eeligion. 

PROBABLE FUTURE OF THE AMERICAN CLERK, 

Before leaving this great theme, we may 
adduce a most important reason why the 
young American, especially, should add some 
mental enlargement and refinement to his 
strictly mercantile education. He does not 
know but that he may attain the very highest 
social position which our country* affords. 
There are countries where trade is a disparage- 
ment : it is altogether the reverse m America, 
A young man should be unwilling to grow 
rich amidst vulgar ignorance. He should 



CHEERED AND COUNSELLED. 51 

have forecast to prevent Ms breaking Priscian's 
head, amidst the columns and statues of has 
sumptuous library. ' He should study a little 
in youth, so as not in age to be the illiterate 
foil of a brilliant wife, and the blockish re- 
proach of the lettered notabilities whom he 
invites. To escape these daQy mishaps, great 
erudition is not indispensable, nor any outlay 
of time or effort beyond that which an ordi- 
nary mercantile youth may command. 

YOUNG MENS ASSOGtAnONS. 

From what has been said concerning the 
evening entertainments of city youth, some- 
thing will at once be inferred concerning the 
value of associations for social ends and mental 
gratification. These may be compared to the . 
two fruit-baskets of the Hebrew prophet: 
"Mgs, the good figs, very good; and the 
evil, very evil that can not be eaten, they are 
so evil." (Jer. 24 : 8..) What they need is 
the guidance and protection of superior minds, 
the wise patronage of society, and the sustain- 
ing and corrective pressure of parental inter- 
est. Their plans are too momentous to allow 
of being separated from the best counsels of 



62 THE mebghant's clebk 

beneyolent and learned men. The clubs 
which young men get up amgng themselves 
not merely are sometimes fiivolous and fruit- 
less, which is a lesser evil, but often become 
the arena of wrangling debates, and even de- 
generate into night brawls and noisy wassail, 
like the gatherings of second-rate firemen; I 
say second-rate firemen, because I hold in 
honor the brave and stalwart fellows who 
protect our dwellings at the hazard of their 
lives. Here again our caveat against ultra- 
democracy in the young has place ; inexpe- 
rience and temerity should not be left so much 
to their own disposaL Society at large, espe- 
cially that governing part of it which comprises 
our mercantile weight and wealth, should 
consult its own interests enough to cast an eye 
upon the nocturnal dangers of persons in their 
employ, and to devise means for mental 
pleasures which are as true and as necessary a 
part of general education as the school or the 
college. As the matter now stands, we would 
exhort the young man who is away from 
home to attach himself to some group of 
friends, who are at once virtuous, well-bred 
and intelligent, for some stated fellowship in 
improving exercises. Those who know the 



CHEERED AND OOUKSELLED. 58 

world will testify, that it is always dangerous 
for a young man to have many evenings in 
which he has to cast about him for something 
to give entertainment. Among the social 
pleasures, one of the highest places should be 
given to Music. Meetings for musical prac- 
tice, when sternly guarded against convivial 
accompaniments and after-pieces, are among 
the long-remembered oases in a desert life. 
We have dwelt much on this subject of 
evemngs and nights, with their enjoyments, 
because we know how large a place it has in 
the. thoughts of every clerk, in his hours of 
freedom from the place of business. The 
world needs a jog at its elbow, to awaken its 
consideration of the alliance between virtuous 
entertainment and good morals. 

THE OLEETS MORALS. 

And now we approach a part of our sub- 
ject so grave and affecting, that we might well 
lay down the pen, and ask the guidance of 
Heaven in behalf of the class whose good we 
contemplate. It is tiiat of private morals. 
We might rest somewhat on tiie business side 
of the question, if it were not despicable in 
5* 



64 THS msbohant's glsbk 

csomparison. For if you look around you in 
society, you will observe that the cases arer 
very rare in which an openly immoral man is 
a good merchant. Even minor negUgencies 
of an ethical kind, such as frequent gay par- 
ties, undue display in ftimishing,- upstart zeal 
for club-life, and keeping fast horses, are ob- 
served to damage a man's credit. But we 
speak of higher morals, and refer to a higher 
principle. The fear of the Lord is the begin- 
ning of wisdom, Behgion andmorals mustnot 
be severed ; for morality is a part of religion, 
as religion is the source of morality. Ljl a 
book on practical ethic% the several duties of 
mercantile life and of young men in busiaess, 
ought to be catalogued; but within these 
limits we can only deal with general maxims, 
exemplifying these by a most paring selection 
of particulars. 

WHAT IS PRmCIPLE f 

The chief thing is prinoiple. No empiri- 
cal rules, no imitation, no i^egard for outside 
or for gain, can take the place of inward puri- 
ty and right. Consider what is meant by a 
yomtg man of principle. He is not so much 



CHESBED AND GOUNSELLSD. 65 

one wlio does this and tlmt, or avoids this and 
that^ as one who acts from a heart-spring of 
perennial conviction as to duty. He is prin- 
cipled by intelligent conscientiousness. He 
works by rule. He carries within a little 
chart and compass of right and wrong. He 
may err in details, but he follows his 
conscience ; and when young comrades sug- 
gest this or that form of doubtful indulgence, 
he resolves, however gaudy the lure, and 
however disgraeeftil denial maybe in their 
eyes, to refuse point blank, and to hold his 
ground with courage, until he shall have set- 
tled the right and wrong of the matter. 

TBE GLERSrS COURAGE, 

This virtue of courage is a great safeguard 
of youth, but is sadly wanting in most. 
Thousands of crimes begin in shame or fear 
about declining a friend's invitation. The 
novice dreads above all things to be thought 
"green." The counfry boy blushes at the 
charge of rustic innocence. The good man's 
son is twitted with his "governor," and is 
asked whether his mother knows that he is out 
Imbecility and cowardice are not proof against 



56 THE merchant's olbrk 

the afisatilts of ridicnle, and so become an 
easy prey. " He goeth after her straightway, 
as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool 
to the correction of the stocks: till a dart 
strike through his liyer; as a bird hasteth to 
the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his 
life." (Prov. 7 : 22, 23.) The only adequate 
provision against such emergencies is found 
in perpetual regard for the presence of God, 
and immovable determination to observe his 
law. 

Without courage, there will be no truth ; 
and without truth, no honor and honesty. 
Nor will there be any of these without rever- 
ence toT GkxL To lie, and to swear fidsely, 
are parts of xmgodlinessj both exist extensive- 
ly among unprincipled mercantile men. In- 
ward truth is the beautiftd base of the whole 
commercial column. Abhorrence of felse- 
hood, in all its even tolerated forms, of pre- 
varication, equivocation and evasion, should 
be cherished by the commercial novice con- 
cerning himself, as it is universally entertained 
by wise employers in regard to such as apply 
to them. Whatever feir colors we may put 
upon them, all the deceits of trade are so 



CHEERED AND COUNSELLED. 57 

many lies, and all the deceivers are liars. 
The thing is not disinfected of its foetor by its 
being for custom. Men will draw blood if 
one gives them the lie, as it is called, who 
will, nevertheless, daily utter and act the lie, 
at the counter or in the street. The founda- 
tion must be laid early, and the trial of a boy 
often involves something aVin to martyrdom. 
No youth is bound, or even allowed, to lie 
for his employer, or lie for his living, and if 
the question be, " lie or die," no heroic fellow 
will doubt which to choose. The same rever- 
ence for God will govern every young persori 
of principle, in regard to the more solemn sanc- 
tions of the oath. However ignorant and loose 
minds may regard the kissing of a book in 
the Custom House, or elsewhere, as a mere 
rite, every oath is an act of worship, an ap- 
peal to the heart-searching Qt)d as witness, 
and an implicit imprecation of his judgment 
in case of untruth. So nearly allied are integri- 
ty of word and of deed, that ike common people 
are not far astray when they say, ** He that 
will lie, will steal," which naturally leads us 
to the next topic. 



58 THE mebohant's olebk 



THE CLERBPS HONESTZ 

HomsSTY, in the oommon meaning of the 
tenn, is Ihe cardinal virtue of trade. Integiity 
in matters of business, namely, justice between 
buyer and seller, is clearly lie bond of union 
among all who engage in exchange of value 
for value. To put the matter on the footing 
of the adage that " Honesty is the best poli- 
cy," would be looking much too low. Bright 
honor iii all that regards property, is the dic- 
tate of enlightened conscience, and is pleasing 
to Gk)d. Principles of honesty are implanted 
early, perhaps at an age earlier than the en* 
trance upon the most juvenile business. The 
conmiunity is startled when some great sinner 
absconds, leaving hundreds of widows and 
orphans beggared by his monstrous frauds. 
But the flood which has now burst its banks 
began to trickle many years ago ; and close 
inspection will, perhaps, show that the prince- 
ly villain has long been living in breach 
of other commandments besides the eighth. 
There was no moral principle. So wide a 
subject can not be discussed in two pages. 
We warn, we charge, we beseech the youth 
who enters a mercantile house, to pray that 



OHEEBED AND COUNSELLED. 69 

he may not be led into temptation. You 
feel safe; but so have others — so have all 
felt. The sight and handling of money works 
changes in the mind. Where there is chance of 
appropriating what is another's, he who does 
not fear God, will brave the risk of detection. 
It is not only perilous but destructive, to ad- 
mit the treacherous thought that the pettiness 
of the crime removes its guilt Equally de- 
lusive and ruinous is the pretext which com- 
monly veils the beginnings of embezzlement, 
that what is abstracted shall be replaced. 
Theft is so odious, that the. poor creatures 
who purloin from their employers, do so un- 
der some fidrer name than that of stealing. 
Yet such it is, whether by detention of ftmds, 
false entries in books, deceptive representations 
as to value, concealment of errors, and conniv- 
ance at the petty tricks of others, 

TEMPTATIONS TO FRAUD. 

Ingenuous youth ought to be made ac- 
quainted with the fi^t, which we derive from 
merchants of the highest respectability, that 
cases of private dishonesty are much more 
common than appears by any public state- 



60 THE msbchant's clebk 

ment. In banks, in offices, in shops, the un- 
wary young man is led to appropriate what is 
not his own. Detection follows, but to pre- 
vent exposure, he is quietly dismissed — per- 
haps at some fature day to figure in the police 
reports of San Francisco. It is an established 
&ct, fiuniliar to all observers, that larcenies 
and frauds of this nature, connect themselves^ 
in a majority of instances, with more common 
and venial &ult8; agsdnst which the inexperi- 
enced should be warned. For example, the 
straitened clerk, whose parents are poor, and 
whose salary is scanty, has been sOly enough 
to contract debts which he is unable to pay. 
There is a propagative power in debt, and he 
finds himself sinking deeper and deeper ; it is 
one of the great reasons to deter firom becom- 
ing thus involved. Instead of making a clean 
breast of it to parent or employer, he abstracts 
a portion of what is intrusted to his watch, 
under the self-delusion that it is a loan. Or a 
young fellow is buckish and vain of his per- 
son. He dresses and decorates fiar beyond his 
means ; and in an evil hour seeks to supply 
his necessity from the property under his 
charge. Or he has been smitten with a pas- 
sion for the theatre and its kindred entertain- 



OHEBRED AND COUNSELLED. 61 

ments, and thus is led to the till, the drawer, 
the sealed letters for the mail. More dread- 
fol yet is the habit of early gambling, itself 
inseparable from dishonesty, and leading to 
thousands of small frauds at the place of busi- 
ness. The fiicts gathered by the Eev. Mr. 
Thompson, on this subject, are truly awaken- 
ing. Dishonest acts may be more frequently 
traced to gambling than to any other cause. 
It is well attested, that in all oases of delin- 
quency on the part of" officers of the former 
Bank of the United States, the money em- 
bezzled went for lottery-tickets.* These con- 
siderations should operate on persons in such 
posts, as a powerful argument for plainness of 
dress, temperance in food and drink, and 
rigid frugality in all expenses. No young 
aspirant for honorable gain can ever acquire 
too intense a horror of the beginnings of dis- 
honesty. 

DISHONEST PRINCIPALS. 

Dreadful is the case of a young man who 
finds himself in the clutches of a principal who 
is dishonest, and who is expected to forward 

* Young Men Admonished, in a Series of Lectaree by Joseph P. 
Thompson. New-York: 1866. 

6 



62 THE USBOBANT'a CLSBK 

himfldf by indirect gains. The victim must 
either abandon the place, or, what is infinitely 
worse, become a rogue. The emulation of 
salesmen, in busy establi^bments, is stimulated 
too highly, when youth are laid under induce- 
ments to make false representations, to conceal 
known defects, to shuffle about quality or 
prices, and by word or sign to violate the 
bond of honor. Short-sighted is the policy 
which leads any to bring up young men on 
such principles. Yet he must have lived out 
of the world, who knows not that the 'fre- 
quency of such deceptions, among a certain 
class, is bewaQed by honorable merchants as 
the opprobrium of their c'aUing. It was this 
view of the perversion of trade, which led the 
celebrated Gk)uvemeur Morris to write thus in 
his diary in Switzerland : ** I think I have 
observed in this country, that the spirit of 
commerce has operated in the cities a deprava- 
tion of morals, which nothing can cure but 
that same spirit carried still fttrther." Con- 
formably to which, we observe the contempt 
with which such methods are habitually 
scouted by great and established houses. 



OHEEBED AND COUNSELLED. 68 

THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT. 

We should greatly sin against our con- 
science, if we allowed any false delicacy to 
withhold us-:from warning our young readers 
against another class of immoralLties. We 
mean such as are offences against the seventh 
COMMANDMENT ; and these as well of thought 
and imagination, * as of word and action. 
What tongue can tell the horrid, loathsome, 
damning, consequences of youthfol impurity, 
whether social or secret? Could our hospitals, 
with their lazars, or the more secluded pining 
and mental ruin of self-destroying vice, be 
spread before the tempted, they would shud- 
der and fear. Words of uncha^ty; perusal 
of Ucentious books, now, alas, conmion ; in- 
spection of loose pictures, prints, and exhibi- 
tions; and converse on topics which should 
not be named, are working daily havoc among 
the young. It is melancholy to know that 
the dangers are greatest in our cities. The 
principles of the Word of God, deeply fixed 
in the heart and conscience, famish the only 
sure protection. At this period of life, temp- 
tation wiU certainly come; let every young 
man seek the aids of divine grace. For such 



64 THE hebchant's glebk 

persons the history of Joseph is a most valua- 
ble study, and myriads have been restrained 
jfrom trangression by remembering and reitera- 
ting his words: '*How, then, can I do this 
great wickedness, and sin against God?" 
(Gen. 89 : 9.) 

DEUin^ENNESS, 

Allied to these, as carnal pleasures, and 
provocative of these, are the indulgences 
which tend to intoxioation. There seems 
to be but one path of safety to the city youth ; 
it is that of entire abstinence. No method is 
so simple, none so eflfectual. It is 'amazing 
that any young man, so long as a single ship- 
wreck from strong drink meets his view, 
should hesitate to save himself from the peril. 
Here, again, the night-hours are full erf 
jeopardy. It is madness to allow yourself 
even for once, to be led by jolly companions, 
to enter that illuminated house, to drink at 
that bar. Cry, Avaunt, devil 1 and pass by. 
Once entered, you will go again, and again. 
Thus when you shall have acquired the habit 
of drinking, you will be possessed, not by one 
vice but by the parent of many vices. Sum-. 



CHEEKED AND COUNSELLED. 65 

mon before your thoughts the worst and most 
ghastly drunkards you have ever known, and 
then consider that there is not one of these 
demoniacs, who was not once as pure and as 
fearless as yourself. Keep yourself pure. 
Contaminate not this blessed period of youth, 
by making it the avenue to possible crimes. 
The cause of temperance is one which in no 
event you can ever regret. Above all, set a 
guard upon appetite and cowardice, at the 
moment in which you are tempted by convi- 
vial and less cautious associates. And as you 
value your proll^ts for life, and your soul's 
health, never allow yourself to be caught a 
second time in the room where there is 
carousing, or in the street group which turns 
aside into the depositories of liquor. But, as 
has been abready declared, it is beyond our 
power to stigmatize vices in detail. The great 
jewel to be prized and watched, is the inter- 
nal desire and purpose of doing right. 

GOOD GHAMAGTEIL 

Long ago was I deeply impressed with 
some remarks of oux great Witherspoon, on 
the subject of reputation. "If I might be 
6* 



66 THE hebohajntt's clebk 

penmtted to direct your views on this sub- 
ject," he says to young men, " I would say, 
consider that your character is already be- 
ginning to fonn. Every step you take fiirther 
in life will both ascertain andspread it You 
ought also to be informed that notwithstand- 
ing all the hackneyed complaints of the par- 
tiality and censorioushess of the world, a. 
maiia real character, in point of ability, is never 
mistaJcen, and but seldom in point of morals. 
That there are many malicious and censorious 
persons, I agree ; but lies are not half so dura- 
ble as truth. There is an i^lpartiaUly in a 
diffusive public, which will show itself where 
means of information are afforded to it. 
Therefore reverence the judgment of mankind 
without idolizing it. Be as cautious as possi- 
ble to fto nothing that deserves censure, and 
as little concerned as possible what reproaches 
may fell upon you undeserved." These are 
dictates of moderation and sage experience, 
and the young man who acts upon them will 
be likely to rise in business, while he will 
confer on his expectant Mends the exquisite 
pleasure derived from constantiy-recurring re- 
ports of his good standing, with those who see 
him daily. 



OHBEBED AND COUNSELLED. 67 

. THE CLERK} S FATHER AND MOTHER. • 

So tender is the relation between parent 
and child, that where it is not religiously ob- 
served, there can be no soundness of chargxster. 
If this is gone, all is gone. I have alluded to 
the feet that so many young men in city life 
have left parents in other places ; and I have 
always felt that it gave increased interest to 
the class whom I address. The first impression 
on leaving home is probably sorrowful yearn- 
ing; but afterwards there comes to many a 
stage of neglect, if not of indifference. Hence 
young men should be exhorted to maintain a 
constant and frequent correspondence, by 
letter and visits, with the honored and be- 
loved home. The divinely-ordered attach- 
ments are among the safeguards of virtue. 
Think often, yomig reader, of the anxiety of 
those parents on your account ; yet the great- 
est of these throes are as yet unknown by 
you. These solicitudes have increased as you 
have grown older, and reached their summit 
when you left the threshold of your iofency. 
J£ those venerated guardians of your life are 
truly religious persons,* you need nothing 
from me to inform you what is thdr chief 



68 THE merchant's olebk 

wiflli concerning yon. The liappiness of their 
declining yeaxs is yery mnch committed to 
yonr trust, and is every way a generous mo- 
tive for you to be temperate, honest and 
successful, that thus you may cherish and 
shelter their old age, as by a contrary course 
you may bring down their gray hairs with 
sorrow to the grave. 

PARENTAL ANXIETIES, 

little does the giddy youth guess the con- 
flictB of the«parent, on whom, perhaps, he has 
but lately drawn for the supplies which he 
squanders. In his boisterous and inexcusa- 
ble nights, he thinks not, though it be true, 
that the aged pair are by the home fireside, 
projecting for him some innocent joy which 
he has long out-lived and learned to despise. 
The son may be deep in drink, in gaming, in 
loose enjoyment, when that fether and that 
mother are on their knees before God, invo- 
king every blessing on his head, and especially 
his eternal good. There is many a mother 
caressing her lovely infant, who, if she could 
foresee his course of profligacy, would rather 
behold him dashed to pieces while yet a child, 



CHEERED AND COUNSELLED. 69 

than live to be his own destroyer. May I not 
use these faniiliar but affecting considerations 
as urgent motives why, in this your absence 
fix)ni home, you should carry joy to your pa- 
rents' hearts? By industry, by jfru^dity, by 
purity, by religion, realize that prompting 
which rises within you. " A wise, son maketh 
a glad fether ; but a foolish son is the heaviness 
of his mother." (Prov. 10 : 1.) Not only let 
a regard for filial duty, and afear of adding 
to parental woe, arm you against the seduc- 
tions of vice, but continually act as in the 
presence of those revered counsellors ; remem- 
ber their precepts, and ask God's aid to re- 
quite them for their love. 

RELIGION. 

Thus you perceive I have been almost im- 
perceptibly led to touch on religion as the 
only certaxQ protection from the dangers of 
the city. It might be set before you as not 
less truly the cause of worldly happiness. 
While some dream of fortune, the wise youth 
will trust in his father's God. " Acknowledge 
the Lord in all thy ways, and he will direct 
thy paths." Take the affectionate counsel of 



527815 



70 THE merchant's clebk 

one who is growing old, and forsake not the 
morning and the evening devotion, nor the 
perusal of that Bible, the gift, perhaps, of a 
mother's hand. With equal earnestness do I 
implore you to regard the day of holy rest, 
and to go regularly to some one stated place 
of worship. Thehabit of roving from church 
to church is common with young men, but is 
inconsistent with genuine devotion and im- 
provement. You will be a gainer for life by 
entering closely into the associations of some 
Christian church. It will be your Sunday 
home ; it will make yoil the safest friends ; it 
will ^ve you reputation and credit ; it will 
cMtivate social and religious habits; and it 
will bring you early into active philanthropic 
habits, for which the Christian merchants of 
New-York remain unsurpassed. If you have 
erred in this respect, hasten to retrace your 
steps. Lose no time in securing yourself a 
place in the house of worship, and an oppor- 
tunity of teaching or of learning in some re- 
ligious class. In some hour of illness and 
peril, you may remember what you now read, 
experiencing the fraternal supports of Christ- 
ian affection. 



CHEEKED AND COUNSELLED. 71 

WHAT RELIGION IS. 

True religion is the perfection of the intel- 
lectual and moral being. It is a secret thing, 
but of most public consequences. Prom its 
nature, it is suited to every period of life, but 
peculiarly beautiful in youth. Infinitely re- 
moved from all grimace, superstition, bigotry 
and show, it is perfectiy compatible witli 
every variety of innocent labor and successM 
enterprise. Its maxims, principles, methods 
and promises, you will find in the Holy 
Scriptures. But especially will you behold 
it in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the way, 
the truth, and the Kfe ; true religion is the 
belief of his truth, and the following of his 
example. In those moments, especially, when 
in solitary musing you are made to feel the 
hollowness of earthly things, recognize -the 
gentie. drawing to a portion which can satisfy, 
and learn that Wisdom's ways are ways of 
pleasantness, and all her paths peace. 

TffS RELiaiON WBIOS OUR TIMES DEMAND. 

I should greatly Ml of my purpose, if I 
left on any youthful mind the impression that 



72 THE mebchant's clerk 

religion is merely negative. No, No ! When 
I contemplate the power wielded by the mer- 
cantile talent, enterprise and wealth of New- 
York, and then see the army of youthful 
recruits who are pressing forward, I glow with 
new desire that they may attain a manly, 
earnest, courageous Christianity. Our best 
hope for the Church of the future, under 
God, is in what we descry of promise in 
young Christians. Consider what kind of 
religion is demanded by the period about to 
dawn. Is not manly earnestness in Christ's 
cause especially required for the times which 
are coming upon the earth? No one, who 
has at all kept abreast of the times, can give 
a glance into the future, without starting up, 
roused and expectant, at the probabilities of 
tfying times and near emergencies, which will 
call for stout hearts and strong hands. The 
combination of omens during a few years, 
naturally leads reflective patriots and Christ- 
ians to search afiresh into the prophetic 
oracles ; and both Providence and the Word 
teach us to await a period in which a robust 
Christianity shall have all its nerve brought 
to the test. This conflict wiU involve the 
capital of our extensive commerce and the 



CHEERED AND COUNSELLED. 73 

mighty men of trade. Woe to the young 
man, who goes up to this battle with weak 
•and sickly habit, with slender fidth, and with 
waning love. In exhortation to the whole 
class, therefore, I would say, Be men, in 
knowledge, in self-denial, in endurance, in 
eflfort, in perseverance, in love. Whatever 
contributes to your real piety will add to 
your strength. No increase of outward act, 
no pragmatical hurrying from toil to toil, no 
forwardness, no bustle, will make you power- 
ful for good ; all these may exist in the ab- 
sence of both purity and beuevolence. But 
devoted attention to the Scriptures, and pri- 
vate prayer, in such hours as even the busy 
may redeem for this purpose, will do it ; the 
habit of performing common acts as religious 
duties, will do it ; cftnmiunion with a dying 
Saviour will do it; the "unction from the 
Holy One" will do it. Let me leave with you 
my vehement charge, that you seek a religion 
higher, broader, and deeper than we your 
counsellors have acquired in our tardy age, or 
than you obseire around you in a world mad- 
dened by devotion to Mammon. 



v^^