Attempt > Volume 1 and Select writings

30
THE ATTEMPT.
own words, “broken the back of a good day’s work; ” and to this habit of early rising
he attributed both the amount of literary labour he got through, and the leisure always
at his command throughout the day for the entertainment of his numerous visitors.
Nor are little matters in connection with dress beneath our notice. In our
homes, the intervals between other duties should be usefully employed in sewing and
keeping in repair our clothing, remembering that “ a stitch in time saves nine.” In
the choice of dress, we should also have regard to that which is most suitable to our
rank, never seeking to dress above our station, but having a regard to the caution of
Franklin,—
“ Fond pride of dress is sure a very curse;
Ere fashion you consult, consult your purse.”
Even petty expenses require to be constantly watched. "We are ever disposed to
think “ ’Tis but a few pence,” and that therefore, since the cost is so small, any article
we fancy, however useless, may safely be purchased,—forgetting all the while that it is
these very “ ’tis huts,” and not the large sums, which have ruined many families. The
American moralist says, “ Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great
ship; ” and most people have been startled, and all should be instructed, by finding
that the twenty-four horse-shoe nails at but one penny for the first, twopence for the
second, fourpence for the third, and so on, amount to the enormous and almost incredible
sum of £G9,905, Is 3d !
In our own time, we know of no one who has more eloquently and practically
demonstrated the power of littles in money matters than the great Dr Chalmers; and
his scheme for the support of the ministry by the pence of the many, more than by the
pounds of the few, may be regarded as at once a standing monument of his sagacity,
and a confirmation both of his principle and the general power of littles.
Stimulated by these and similar counsels and examples, instead of “ despising the
day of small things,” let us seize every opportunity of improving it; and while careful
about the many littles which contribute to our happiness in time, let us be still more
careful about those which fit us for the happiness which is eternal,—ever looking up
for guidance to Him who alone can give both the increase and the capacity for
enjoying it.
E. N. D.