The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1874-12-26
START RIGHT.

The way to make success sure is to start
right, and then if the beaten track is ad-
hered to all are morally certain to come
out right. This rule will never fail unless
by a miracle in performing journey; and
life is so much like journey, as to have
that figure Of speech constantly applied to
it, We must be started right, or failure is
almost inevitable. Business, too. is bound
by the same memorable law, and if not
started correctly is doomed to certain dis
aster.
In business matters every year is con-
sidered kind of mile post at which the
weary toiler pauses to breathe and take a
glance backward and forward. So true it
is that it has become a maxim, that the
man who does not gather up his accounts
at the years end, SO as to keep them in
hand; which is to pay up and collect up
what he owes, and is owing him, he will
labor to disadvantage and struggle con.
stantly beneath load which is constantly
dragging him down, and in the end make
shipwreck of his hopes and fortune.
Neglect of this prime maxim of business
has been the undoing of tens of thousands
of men of fair ability and favorable oppor-
tunities. The first and most important
part in this game of life is to pay your
debtN "Owe no man," Paul says. "He
that goes borrowing goes sorrowing," Poor
Richard said, which rendered still more
Ineligible is, he that is in debt is always
sorrowing or living life of care and
anxiety, which might be avoided by keep
ing clear of debt. Nothing is so ruinous
as to leave accounts stand unsettled. Old
accounts are like some of the old poultry
that is found in market these HOLIDAYS
blue, tough and tasteless, and set all in
bad humor who attempt to discuss them
Accounts of recent date are generally set
tied without difficulty. Settle up at the
years end Pay up and collect up; at least
make the effort, and ye who shrink and
despair will be both gratified and aston
ished at the success you will achieve, if
you only make a strenuous effort. Every
body will think more of you, and you will
have better opinion of yourself. You
will gain credit even with your enemies,
and inspire renewed confidence in all your
acquaintance and friends.
Settle up is the true open sesame to
credit The punctual payer will always
find friends if he is in need. But to be
able to settle up, you must be careful and
economical; not waste your means and
squander your time. Keep your business
always in hand, and you will enjoy life,
live happier, live longer, make more friends
and die richer, if the latter be your ambi-
ton.
Any of our readers who have never tried
this plan of conducting business, which
has so many desirable results, let them
begin with the new year, to pay up all
debts they owe. Pay the small bills first,
and you will make more people happy; for
it affords a creditor as much pleasure to
receive a payment of S. as one of $500.
There is no panacea for hard times equal
to paying your debts. 1t beats specie pay
ments even, and creates habits of frugality,
economy and contentment. Debt is the
curse of our civilization and age, and the
parent of all bad habits. 1t discounts a
mans fortune and happiness, and life as
well. Pay as you go and keep want, mis-
fortune and the Sheriff from your door.
That is tie way to start right and keep
right.