A61398:261
The trades-man's calling being a discourse concerning the nature, necessity, choice, &c. of a…
The trades-man's calling being a discourse concerning the nature, necessity, choice, &c. of a calling in general : and directions for the right managing of the tradesman's calling in particular / by Richard Steele ...
London: printed by J.D. for Samuel Sprint, 1684
Title page typeset from the transcription.
THE Tradesman's Calling. › Chapter 5 › Section 4: Of Truth or Veracity in a Trade.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
II. Every Mans Obligations to this, result.
1. From the Light of Nature; by which it is evident, that the Tongue and Faculty of Speech is given to Man, whereby to express and signify his Mind to others; so that he that is ⟨p. 139⟩dumb in Speech, is better than he that deceives with it. As the design of a Clock or Watch is to be a true measure of Time, and to keep its just pace with the Sun; but being false in this, were better to be laid aside, that to deceive you; better to lie in your Desk, than tell you a Lie in your Pocket. The design and honour of the Tongue is to speak truly; so that it is reported of the very Indians, that in case they be convinced of a Lie, they will in revenge draw Blood of their own Tongues. Hence it is, that even natural Conscience doth so strongly support a Man, when he speaks Truth; no Frowns can daunt him: and on the contrary, he that falsifies the Truth (if Conscience be not utterly seared) is pinched within, even natural Conscience stings him, tho no body can accuse him; and then if he be detected, intolerable is that Shame that covers him.
1. From the Light of Nature; by which it is evident, that the Tongue and Faculty of Speech is given to Man, whereby to express and signify his Mind to others; so that he that is ⟨p. 139⟩dumb in Speech, is better than he that deceives with it. As the design of a Clock or Watch is to be a true measure of Time, and to keep its just pace with the Sun; but being false in this, were better to be laid aside, that to deceive you; better to lie in your Desk, than tell you a Lie in your Pocket. The design and honour of the Tongue is to speak truly; so that it is reported of the very Indians, that in case they be convinced of a Lie, they will in revenge draw Blood of their own Tongues. Hence it is, that even natural Conscience doth so strongly support a Man, when he speaks Truth; no Frowns can daunt him: and on the contrary, he that falsifies the Truth (if Conscience be not utterly sear'd) is pinch'd within, even natural Conscience stings him, tho no body can accuse him; and then if he be detected, intolerable is that Shame that covers him.