There are several considerable clauses might be added to this proposal (some of great advantage to the general trade of the kingdom, some to particular trades, and more to the public), but I avoid being too particular in things which are but the product of my own private opinion.
If the Government should ever proceed to the experiment, no question but much more than has been hinted at would appear; nor do I see any great difficulty in the attempt, or who would be aggrieved at it; and there I leave it, rather wishing than expecting to see it undertaken.
The Conclusion.
Upon a review of the several chapters of this book I find that, instead of being able to go further, some things may have suffered for want of being fully expressed; which if any person object against, I only say, I cannot now avoid it. I have endeavoured to keep to my title, and offered but an essay; which any one is at liberty to go on with as they please, for I can promise no supplement. As to errors of opinion, though I am not yet convinced of any, yet I nowhere pretend to infallibility. However, I do not willingly assert anything which I have not good grounds for. If I am mistaken, let him that finds the error inform the world better, and never trouble himself to animadvert upon this, since I assure him I shall not enter into any pen-and-ink contest on the matter.
As to objections which may lie against any of the proposals made in this book, I have in some places mentioned such as occurred to my thoughts. I shall never assume that arrogance to pretend no other or further objections may be raised; but I do really believe no such objection can be raised as will overthrow any scheme here laid down so as to render the thing impracticable. Neither do I think but that all men will acknowledge most of the proposals in this book would be of as great, and perhaps greater, advantage to the public than I have pretended to.
As for such who read books only to find out the author’s faux pas, who will quarrel at the meanness of style, errors of pointing, dulness of expression, or the like, I have but little to say to them. I thought I had corrected it very carefully, and yet some mispointings and small errors have slipped me, which it is too late to help. As to language, I have been rather careful to make it speak English suitable to the manner of the story than to dress it up with exactness of style, choosing rather to have it free and familiar, according to the nature of essays, than to strain at a perfection of language which I rather wish for than pretend to be master of.
THE COMPLETE ENGLISH TRADESMAN
CHAPTER I THE TRADESMAN IN HIS PREPARATIONS WHILE AN APPRENTICE
CHAPTER II THE TRADESMAN'S WRITING LETTERS
CHAPTER IV OF THE TRADESMAN ACQUAINTING HIMSELF WITH ALL BUSINESS IN GENERAL
CHAPTER V DILIGENCE AND APPLICATION IN BUSINESS
CHAPTER VII OF THE TRADESMAN IN DISTRESS, AND BECOMING BANKRUPT
CHAPTER VIII THE ORDINARY OCCASIONS OF THE RUIN OF TRADESMEN
CHAPTER IX OF OTHER REASONS FOR THE TRADESMAN'S DISASTERS: AND, FIRST, OF INNOCENT DIVERSIONS
CHAPTER X OF EXTRAVAGANT AND EXPENSIVE LIVING; ANOTHER STEP TO A TRADESMAN'S DISASTER
CHAPTER XI OF THE TRADESMAN'S MARRYING TOO SOON
CHAPTER XII OF THE TRADESMAN'S LEAVING HIS BUSINESS TO SERVANTS
CHAPTER XIII OF TRADESMEN MAKING COMPOSITION WITH DEBTORS, OR WITH CREDITORS
CHAPTER XIV OF THE UNFORTUNATE TRADESMAN COMPOUNDING WITH HIS CREDITORS
CHAPTER XV OF TRADESMEN RUINING ONE ANOTHER BY RUMOUR AND CLAMOUR, BY SCANDAL AND REPROACH
CHAPTER XVI OF THE TRADESMAN'S ENTERING INTO PARTNERSHIP IN TRADE, AND THE MANY DANGERS ATTENDING IT
CHAPTER XVII OF HONESTY IN DEALING, AND LYING
CHAPTER XIX OF FINE SHOPS, AND FINE SHOWS
CHAPTER XX OF THE TRADESMAN'S KEEPING HIS BOOKS, AND CASTING UP HIS SHOP
CHAPTER XXI OF THE TRADESMAN LETTING HIS WIFE BE ACQUAINTED WITH HIS BUSINESS
CHAPTER XXII OF THE DIGNITY OF TRADE IN ENGLAND MORE THAN IN OTHER COUNTRIES
AUTHOR'S PREFACE
The title of this work is an index of the performance. It is a collection of useful instructions for a young tradesman. The world is grown so wise of late, or (if you will) fancy themselves so, are so opiniatre, as the French well express it, so self-wise,