Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1865-11-28
Renutati0n.

To ACQUIRE good reputation should be the stu
DIV of every young man. Hels surroundedby nose
who notwithstanding their seeming indifference to
his course and principles, watch the bent OF MS
incin atoms, and mark every stephe takes Ii ne
deyates from virtuous life; if he associate with
the pro figa if he disregards his word, sit places
his character in doubtful light, and those who
would be ready to render him assistance withhold
their influence and never speak a word IN his Ia
yor How important then, that you should labor to
acquire q good moral character, and never do an
act that viii bring the least stain upon your fair
names-more especially if you are dependent up
on others for support. The reason why SO few
succeed in business, and stand high in the est.
nation of the public is, they feel too independent
ofothers, and pursue courses at variance with
strict integrity as if no one had right to ques-
ton their conduct. They are head strong, and
care not for the opinions of those who are old and
experienced, and thereby lose their reputation,
which should be as dear TO them as life, and
which, as the poet says: sis the immediate jewel
of their souls
To our youhg men who have laid aside the rife
ard the sword. and are about to enter the arena
of business we would say word To you who
are about commencing business for yourselves,
be careful how you act. In all your dealings let
honesty and integrity characterize YOU II you
are tempted by golden prospects to breaK your
sacred word-if wealth is held out before you as
an inducement to bring a blight upon your repu-
tation. for the world do not yield. Ii you once
break over the barriers of honesty, your down
ward course will be certain and rapid. The first
deviation from truth paves the way for future
ruin. For all the gold in christendom do not
swerye from duty for your right hand co not
deceive and injure another, for your life not scar
vour conscience and be pointed out as one IN
whom none can confde, whom none can trust
If YOU look over the past histories of those who
hove fallen into sin and disgraced their names,
who are now miserable tools despised by all who
know them you will find with scarcely single
execution. that their ruin was commenced by be-
mo too greedy of gain. Wealth was before them,
and to acquire property was comparatively easy
little deception, few untruths, and their OBJ
;act would be accomplished. Without rejecting
that if they failed it would be their utter rum,
they Welded to the temptation. Success, 1t may
be. crowned their efforts at first, which only made
them pelseYere in the wrong path till at last they
yentured far, far beyond what they had ever an
ticpated and were lost, lost 10 themselves their
families and to the world.
Young man, beware how you forget your duty
and lightly esteem your reputation. Let nothing
seduce your virtue nothing deprive you OF those
conscientious scruples that now prompt you TO a
course of integrity and virtue. Let 1t be your
aim not so much to acquire property as to secure
good name-a noble reputation-so that men
can confide in and trust you
With such an end in view, should misfortune
frown upon YOU, friends will fly to your assistance
who have watched your progress, and exert them
selves to the utmost to promote your Welfare
man of integrity is never in want of friends for
any length of time. He will be assisted, sustained
and encouraged. Remember this, ye who are on
the threshold of life who have just started in a
career of business, and while you choose to be
governed by virtuous principles and eschew all
evil designs, all unholy courses, you will flourish
in whatever you undertake, be respected and be-
loved, and secure name that will be above all
nraise.-Richmond Enquirer.