Page:Life of William Shelburne (vol 2).djvu/382

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346
WILLIAM, EARL OF SHELBURNE
CH.

interest and design. When it is otherwise, it must alter the nature of the connection to any man, who gives himself time for a moment's reflection. It may be laid down as a rule, that in all cases where confidence must be placed on one side or the other, it is just and reasonable that it should be on the side of the giver, and every man owes it to himself to insist on it. In case of death it is different, and it is highly becoming to reward services in proportion to their importance, by your own act, and not to leave those to whom you are virtually indebted, at the mercy of those who come after you, be they ever so honourable. There may be very particular cases where a separation takes place after a long connection, which may make it noble to render the party independent even of yourself, but it should be after and not before, and never conditioned for.

"5. What's called taste and fancies.

"All economy as I have already said, and consequently all existence in society, depends upon half yearly receipts and weekly expenditure. For this purpose, the following accounts must be punctually and obstinately insisted upon at the several dates which are stated, if none more convenient can be suggested; but, whatever they are, they should be fixed and unalterable.

"Weekly household expenditure, every Wednesday at —— o'clock.

"Monthly account of every other expenditure, and inspection of the banker's balance, the first Wednesday of every month.

"Half yearly abstract of all agents' receipts, on the second Wednesday in September and March.

"Annual abstract of the preceding year's receipt and expenditure, on the second Wednesday of March.

"Weekly accounts of work or any country expense should be sent you, wherever you are; and no tradesman to be paid who does not bring in his charge within the week for whatever is ordered, to the steward's office.

"By entering the four principal accounts in a book or