A61398:262
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.
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.