Young Oliver made a quick progress in the trade. In five years he could work as well as any in the shop. In joiner's shops there are many apprentices and journeymen. Some of them were of a thoughtless disposition, and much inclined to frequent alehouses. Young Oliver had little money; he could not indulge his inclination to go with them, so often as they wanted to persuade him. His master allowed him to work what is called over-hours, by which means he gained a little pocket-money. Thus the time passed, till his term of servitude was at an end.
He now wished for nothing so much as to become a master; but he wanted money.
A merchant, hard by, had often seen the young man, for he had done him some work in a very neat manner. He knew he was remarkably industrious, and attended church regularly. Oliver heard he was a worthy man, and did all the good he could, to any person who stood in need and whom he thought deserving. Oliver mustered courage enough to wait on him. He stated his case, mentioned his wishes to begin trade, and asked for assistance. The merchant lent him one hundred pounds to begin business.
You may guess at Oliver's joy. He had the money in his pocket. It never contained so much before. He thought he had already a work-shop of his own and some journeymen. He began to reckon how many customers came to order goods, and what money he should have at the end of the year.
In the midst of these emotions of joy, he met an old fellow-workman. An alehouse was at hand. "Come," said Oliver, as they both entered it, "I will, for once, have a little pleasure out of a purse of money I have in my pocket. I will spend six-pence."
He did not well know whether to call for punch. It was his favourite liquor. He thought it was too soon to give way to enjoyment. Reason suggested to him, he should, first of all, try to pay back what the good merchant had lent him. At present, thought he, it is not honest for me to lay out a penny of the money, for any thing not necessary. These notions impressed him so strongly, he was ready to return.
His companion now asked him what he stood moping there for. "Come, sit down," said he. "What shall we have to drink?" Oliver was diverted from thinking more, and called for six-pennyworth of punch. He thought to himself, if I spend six-pence of the money I shall have ninety-nine pounds, nineteen shillings, and six-pence left. Such a sum is enough to set up trade, and a single hour's industry will make up again such a small expence as the present.
It was thus, taking up the glass, he sought to quiet his inward scruples; but alas, this conduct opened to him a door for ruin.