The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-19
ARE YOU RELIABLE?

Reliability is not. under that designa-
ton. set down among the Christian
graces. But 1t undoubtedly stands near
The top Of The list OF moral principles.
man who can always be depended upon 70
do just what lie engages 10 do Is not far
from the kingdom Of God.
But while reliability Is grounded in
principle. practice is necessary TO its per-
feet development. Many people grow TO
be unreliable not so much through lack
OF principle as because OF their lazy and
careless habits. Reliability implies not
only a conscientious regard TO duty, but
industry and system in its execution. IL
is no trffiing matter TO keep ones en-
gagcmcnts. to measure up 10 ones re-
sponsibiliiics. to do ones work thoroughly
and honestly. TO accomplish these things
one must be not only industrious and
painstaking. but must Systematically at
tend to the work in hand in its season.
1t also implies care as to ones promises
and undertakings. The man who would
be reliable must not make promise that
he cannot fulfill, nor undertake work
beyond his capacity.
Mr. Micawber thought that he had done
that which was right between man and
man" when he had given his promlssory
note n settlement OF a debt. The pay
ment Of the note was a matter which
gave him very little concern until due
day.
And so those who engage TO do any
work for which they are not Gtted cannot
hope to he rcckoned among the reliable
But reliability must begin at home. 1t
must begin with the man himself.
man mus, FIRST learn to keep his engage
ments with himself 10 live UP 10 all the
resolutions that he makes. 10 treat him
self in a word. as he would have others
trent him. ITO thine own self be true.
and II follows as night the day thou canst
not then be false to any man" The man
who pursues such a course with himself
will gain his own self respect without
which he cannot have the respect or
others. As Bob Burde.te puts II. the man
who keeps all his promises 10 himself
VIII feel always like slapping himself on
the back with hearty approval. While
the man who breaks a sacred promise
made 10 himself. should he meet his bet
ter self coming down the street. would
feel like sneakng away under the shad-
ows OF the buildings on the other side.
All of which means that n a man may re-
" dpon himself others may do so with
entire confidence
Commend ms TO the reliable man. Com
mend us TO the man who keeps his APP
pointments on the minute: who pays his
hills when they are due without grumb-
ling at the collector: who can always be
depended upon TO do what he promised
10 do.
Commend us to the reliable merchant
whose goods are always as advertised
and who delivers your purchases at the
| house at the time promised.
Commend us TO the workman who does
not need watching who paints the house
or mends the fence or stops the leak In
| the water pipe exactly in accordance with
your order.
Commend us 10 the tailor who does
not keep your new suit over until the day
! after Christmas. when he has promised 1t
to YOU on Christmas eve.
Commend us to the newspaper whose
news is always reliable.
Commend us TO the voter who can be
depended upon to vote his honest senti-
| ments
Commend us TO the statesman who can
be depended upon to legislate in the in
forest. of the people rather than In the
| interest Of his reelection.
II is worth mans while 10 be relia-
BILE Reliability is as an ornament to his
neck and marrow % his bones. II IS not
only good morals. but good business and
| the secret OF success.