by J.R.P.
Originally published in The Literary Chronicle and Weekly Review (J. Limbird) vol.1 #25 (06 Nov 1819).
'But who will call those noble, who deface
By meaner acts, the glories of their race?'—JUVENAL.
A surer and safer way to advancement, prosperity, and lasting honour, cannot be chosen than integrity. In this justly celebrated city, the greatest and the best of men nave arisen to their exalted eminence in society, and maintain their elevation. By deviating from integrity, it is impossible to ascertain how miserable would have been their situations; but this we are sure, none of the citizens would have such high respect, were they not men of principle, and to be depended on in their commercial and domestic relations. How desirable then it is, that all those who are engaged in the duties of business, from the head clerk to the porter,—all those who are employed in families, from the secretary to the scullion, should keep intestity for ever before their eyes. When we see a banker's clerk, parading the haunts of fashion, drest in the most expensive costume, and observe him frequently at the billiard-table, overcome by wine, we fear he is wandering from integrity. When we hear of a citizen's apprentice exclaiming, at a private theatre, 'My name is Norval,' and 'ye cloud-capt towers,' instead of his being behind the counter or in the warehouse, where his absent master supposes him to be; although with pain, we say, the youth of our once hopeful expectation, we fear, is a fugitive from integrity, and will not solace the affection of his widowed parent! When we see domestics extravagantly wasteful at home, dress above their situations and circumstances, and hear how much they are given to pilfer silver and linen, we do not feel any hesitation in saying, would that they had not swerved from integrity! It is better to be a poor labourer than a wealthy knave. Deception and dishonesty are the relatives of vice. By our company we are known. It is not enough to argue a want of liberty for pleasure, or a want of money for pursuits. Temptation, though an old and subtle seducer, must not be suffered to turn the mind from its best friend—integrity. Society is mingled with the good, bad, and indifferent, but we should not let our desires lead us from those who are examples worthy of our imitation, and, finally, association. We should be as scrupulous with a pin, if it be entrusted to our care, as a thousand pounds. A strict adherence to truth, an industrious habit, a willing disposition, a love of sterling merit, and an intelligent cultivation of heart, if perseveringly maintained, shall prove as formidable as a well-manned fleet of ships, which guard our boasted isle from the incursions and innovations of her enemies; and hence integrity becomes invulnerable to reproach, and invaluable to misfortune.