the
backs of fools;" that disgrace and infamy are the natural attendants of
the slothful and the scorner; and that there are but little hopes of his
alteration, until he is overtaken in his iniquity, by the avenging hand
of Omnipotence, and feels with horror and amazement, the unexpected and
inevitable approach of death. Thus do the obstinate and incorrigible
shut their ears against the alarming calls of Providence, and sin away
even the possibility of salvation.

The figures in this print are admirably grouped, and the countenances of
the gamblers and beadle strikingly characteristic.

[Illustration: INDUSTRY AND IDLENESS.

PLATE 3.

THE IDLE 'PRENTICE AT PLAY IN THE CHURCH YARD.]

INDUSTRY AND IDLENESS.

PLATE IV.

THE INDUSTRIOUS 'PRENTICE A FAVOURITE AND INTRUSTED BY HIS MASTER.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful
over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things."
Matthew, chap. xxv. verse 21.

The industrious apprentice, by a discreet and steady conduct, attracts
the notice of his master, and becomes a favourite: accordingly, we
behold him here (exquisitely continued from the first and second prints)
in the counting-house (with a distant view of the looms, and of the
quilsters, winding quills for the shuttles, from whence he was removed)
entrusted with the books, receiving and giving orders, (the general
reward of honesty, care, and diligence,) as appears from the delivery of
some stuffs by a city porter, from Blackwell-hall. By the keys in one
hand and the bag in the other, we are shown that he has behaved himself
with so much prudence and discretion, and given such proofs of fidelity,
as to become the keeper of untold gold: the greatest mark of confidence
he could be favoured with. The integrity of his heart is visible in his
face. The modesty and tranquillity of his countenance tell us, that
though the great trust reposed in him is an addition to his happiness,
yet, that he discharges his duty with such becoming diffidence and care,
as not to betray any of that pride which attends so great a promotion.
The familiar position of his master, leaning on his shoulder, is a
further proof of his esteem, declaring that he dwells, as it were, in
his bosom, and possesses the utmost share of his affection;
circumstances that must sweeten even a state of servitude, and make a
pleasant and lasting impression on the mind. The head-piece to the
London