Enquire within upon everything

xiv. He holds it as a maxim that he whose credit is suspected is not one to be trusted. xv. He is constantly examining his books, and sees through all his affairs as far as care and attention will enable him. xvi. He balances regularly at stated times, and then makes out and transmits all his accounts current to his customers, both at home and abroad. xvii. He avoids as much as possible all sorts of accommodation in money matters, and lawsuits where there is the least hazard. xviii. He is economical in his expenditure, always living within his income. xix. He keeps a memorandum-book in his pocket, in which he notes every particular relative to appointments, addresses, and petty cash matters. xx. He is cautious how he becomes security for any person; and is generous when urged by motives of humanity. Let a man act strictly to these habits--ever remembering that he hath no profits by his pains whom Providence doth not prosper--and success will attend his efforts. 2598. Taking a Shop or Place of Business. If you are about to take a place of business, you will do well to consider the following remarks: 2599. Small Capitalists. Let us take the case of a person who has no intimate knowledge of any particular trade, but having a very small capital, is about to embark it in the exchange of commodities for cash, in order to obtain an honest livelihood thereby. It is clear, that unless such a person starts with proper precaution and judgment, the capital will be expended without adequate results; rent and taxes will accumulate, the stock will lie dead or become deteriorated, and loss and ruin must follow. For the last absorption acting upon a small capital will soon dry up its source; and we need not picture the trouble that will arise when the mainspring of a tradesman's success abides by him no more.