The trades-man's calling being a discourse concerning the nature, necessity, choice, &c. of a…

Above all, that Injustice is intolerable which is offered to your Partners that repose the same Confidence in you, as they do in themselves; and where you are bound by the strictest Ties of Law, and Conscience, and mutual Confidence to be exactly just. So that to undermine one another, or to purloin from one another is a Crime that deserves the severest Censure; and of which none will be guilty, that have not dismissed all Love of Virtue, or Fear of Shame.

Above all, that Injustice is intolerable which is offered to your Partners that repose the same Confidence in you, as they do in themselves; and where you are bound by the strictest Ties of Law, and Conscience, and mutual Confidence to be exactly just. So that to undermine one another, or to purloin from one another is a Crime that deserves the severest Censure; and of which none will be guilty, that have not dismist all Love of Vertue, or Fear of Shame.

9. This Justice will oblige the Tradesman to a Paternal Care about his Apprentices. It behooves you in Prudence, to be cautious whom ye take in that Relation; to consider what their Birth, what their Education hath been, what their Disposition and Aptitude is; and do not for the supply of any present pinch of Business, or for the lucre of a little Money, thrust a Thorn into your Foot, which may pain you for seven long Years together: but choose such as are of honest Parentage, sober Education, tolerable Temper, and capable of your Business. And when you have bound them and inoculated them into your Family, then Justice obliges you to use them just as you would have your own Children used, when they come into that Condition. Beware of undue Severity or Rigour on the one hand; and of foolish Indulgence, or careless Neglect on the other. For as the wise Horseman when he would break a young Horse, will neither check nor rein him too hard; lest he spoil his Mettle, and force him to the Curvet to the danger of the Rider; nor yet doth he throw the Reins on his Neck, and suffer ⟨p. 119⟩him to go where and how he pleases, lest he destroy himself and his Rider also: So should the wise Master have a special Care to shun that Austerity, which discourages his Apprentice's Endeavours, and also that Softness, which encourages his Vices.