uble diligence in order to
get out of debt, and to let these friends see he did not abuse their
kindness. Such behavior as this is the greatest encouragement in the
world to rich people to lend a little money. It creates friends, and
it keeps them.

His shoes and boots were made in the best manner; this _got_ him
business; he set out with a rule to tell no lies, and deceive no
customers; this _secured_ his business. He had two reasons for not
promising to send home goods when he knew he should not be able to
keep his word. The first, because he knew a lie was a sin, the next,
because it was a folly. There is no credit sooner worn out than that
which is gained by false pretenses. After a little while no one is
deceived by them. Falsehood is so soon detected, that I believe most
tradesmen are the poorer for it in the long run. Deceit is the worst
part of a shopkeeper's stock in trade.

James was now at the head of a family. This is a serious situation
(said he to himself, one fine summer's evening, as he stood leaning
over the half-door of his shop to enjoy a little fresh air); I am
now master of a family. My cares are doubled, and so are my duties.
I see the higher one gets in life the more one has to answer for.
Let me now call to mind the sorrow I used to feel when I was made to
carry work home on a Sunday by an ungodly master: and let me now
_keep_ the resolution I then formed.

So what his heart found right to do, he resolved to do quickly; and
he set out at first as he meant to go on. The Sunday was truly a day
of rest at Mr. Stock's. He would not allow a pair of shoes to be
given out on that day, to oblige the best customer he had. And what
did he lose by it? Why, nothing. For when the people were once used
to it, they liked Saturday night just as well. But had it been
otherwise, he would have given up his gains to his conscience.

SHOWING HOW MR. STOCK BEHAVED TO HIS APPRENTICES.

When he got up in the world so far as to have apprentices, he
thought himself as accountable for their behavior as if they had
been his children. He was very kind to them, and had a cheerful
merry way of talking to them, so that the lads who had seen too much
of swearing, reprobate masters, were fond of him. They were never
afraid of speaking to him; they told him all their little troubles,
and considered their master as their best friend, for they said they
would do any thing for a good word and a kind look. As he did not
swear