Vice punished, and virtue rewarded

Vice Punished, and Virtue Rewarded;

BEING THE

HISTORY

OF

Mr Tommy Thoroughgood,

AND

Mr Francis Froward,

Two Apprentices to the same Master.

Published at the request of several Gentlemen of the Common Council of the City of London, for the benefit of all, especially young people.

Abhor that which is evil cleave to that which is good,

EDINBURGH:

Printed this present Year.

THE

HISTORY

OF

Mr, Tommy Throughgood,

AND

Mr. Francis Froward.

Two Apprentices to the same Master.

MR. Thomas Thoroughgood, the he younger son of a country gentleman, was put out apprentice to an eminent tradesman in Cheapside. The master finding his business increase, was obliged to take another about a year after, whole name was Francis Froward.

Thomas had behaved excedingly well, was very diligent and honest, as well as good; he used to say his prayers constantly every morning and night; he never went to play when he should be at Church or about his master's business, never was know to tell a lie, nor ever staid when he was sent on an errand. These rare qualifications had gained him the affections ot his master and mistress, and made him a favourite in the family before Francls came to them. It was in a great measure owing to master Tommy's character in the neighbourhood, that master Froward was induced to comply with the Master's demands, not doubting but his son, in such a happy situation, and with a companion of so sweet a disposition, would one day turn out to his satisfaction, and be a a comfort to him in his old age.

Francis, in the first year of his apprenticeship, began co discover the natural bent of his inclination. He chose to asscociate himself with naughty boys in the stree s, and seemed to place his whole delight in loose and idle deversions; he neglected the business or the shop. when at home, and intirely forgot it when he was abroad These, and many more indiscreations of the like nature, Tommy Thoroughwood concealed at first from his Master, tho' not without some inward uneasiness.

In the fourth years service, our youae spark, who was an only child, heir to a pretty fortune, gave further proofs of his vicious turn of mind, and frequently launched into follies and debaucheries of a more henious nature; for now he made no scruple of absenting himself from Church on the Lord's day; always staid out late when he knew his Master was engaged in company, and at such times very rarely returned home sober; nay, he had sometimes the assurance to lie out of his Master's house all night. In order to deter him from pursuing this wicked course of life, Mr Thoroughgood threatened to inform his Master of his scandalous behaviour and to ⟨acquaint⟩ his parents of his misconduct. ⟨But alas!⟩ all these menaces proved ineffectual, and instead of working out of his reformation, served only to heighten his resentment, and to raise daily squabbles and animosities between them. Hereupon upon Mr. Thoroughgood, finding all his good offices hitherto thrown away, at length determined no more to meddle in the affair, or even to offer his brother advice; but to leave the unhappy youth to follow the dictates of his own perverse will: being resolved at the same time to take particular care that he should not, in any of his mischievous frolicks defraud his Master, and thereby cast an odium upon his fellow-apprentice.

The Master was chosen Alderman of the ward, and Mr Thoroughgood was out of his time in the same year: ⟨and⟩ unblameable conduct, had now the whole management of the trade, as well abroad as at home, committed to his care and inspection. This great charge obliged him to keep a stricter eye over Farancis' behaviour who was just entering into the last year of his apprenticeship, and imagined his actions were above cognizance of one, who the other day was but his equal; and on this account would neither hear or bear his reproof, nor hearken to his admonition; but continued to riot in all the follis and and degeneracies of human nature, till his apprenticship was expired. So true it is, "That the wicked hateth reproof, but the wife man lendeth his ear to instruction,

Mr. Francis having been for a long while impatient of a servile life was now become his own Master, and seemed eager of puting himself upon a level with his late companion. To effect this, he goes down to his father, and prevails upon him to set him up in business, that hes sight trade for himself. The reins were no sooner laid on his neck, than he gave a loose to his sensual appetites, and in little more than four years, had a statute of bankruptcy taken out against him. The unexpected news of this fatal event, instantly broke his mother's heart, nor did the old gentleman survive her long. Hereupon our heir was obliged to sell the personal and mortgage the real estate, to procure his liberty, and to satisfy the assignees. In this sinking situation after the days of mourning were over, he left the house his father lived in, and returned again to London, where he purchased a handsome epipag, commenced the fine gentleman, frequented the balls, masquerades, playhouses, rou's, drums, &c. &c. and cut as good a figure as the belt of them. But here let us leave him for a while, and turn our eyes to a worthier object.

In the same space of time which Mr. Froward took to squander away a good estate, Mr Thoroughgood had by his own industry, and from a small fortune, gained one considerably better, and was in a fair way of encreasing it. The former made pleasure his business, but the latter made business his pleasure, and was rewarded accordingly. The alderman, who by his own application, and Mr. Thoroughgood's assiduity, was was grown very rich, had no child now living but one daughter, of whom both he and his lady were extremely fond; they had nothing so much at heart, as to see her weel settled in the world, She had many suitors, but resolved to encourage courage none without the consent of her parents, who would often, when by themselves tell her that it was their joint opinion, she could not dispose of herself better than to Mr. Thomas, and would frequently ask how she liked him? for they would be unwilling to marry her against her own inclination. Her usual awser was, "Your cheice shall be mine; my duty shall never be made subservient to any sensual passion." This reply was not so full and expressive as they expected; and as mothers are commonly very dexterous in finding out their daughter's maladies. Madam had good reason ro believe, from some observations made on Miss's behaviour, that her affections were alredy fixed, and that she was deeply in love with somebody else, which was the cause of her unusual anxiety. Hereupon, as she was sitting at work one evening, in a melancholy postore, they called her, and desired to be informed whither the husband they proposed was disagreeable to her, if so, she should chuse for herself.

The young lady after some hesitation) with blushes, confessed for regard for Mr. Thoroughgood; which gave infinite satisfaction so the alderman and his lady, who were overjoyed at the prospect they had of marrying their daughter to a person of such prudence, integrity and honour.

The next day, as soon as dinner was over, the alderman and his lady withdrew, and left the two lovers together all the evening; from this interview, they became sensible of each other's approaching happiness, and about a month after were joined together, to the great satisfaction of all parties concerned. From this day the bridegroom was taken into partnership, and transacted the whole business himself. In process of time his father-in-law died, and left him in possession of all his substance. He succeeded him also in dignity, and after having served the office of sheriff, was in a few years called to the chair.

Mr, Forward, whom we left a while ago, pursuing his pleasures and wicked inclinations, had long before this time been reduced to poverty, and like many other thoughtless wretches, betook himself to the high way and gaming-table, in hopes of recovering a lost fortune. He had followed this destructive trade with some success, above three years without being discovered; but was at length taken near Enfield, and brought to his trial at the Old-Bailey, during his fellow-apprentice's mayoralty, and, cast for his life When he was brought to the bar to receive sentence, his Lordship recollecting Mr. Froward's name, examined who he was. and asked if he was not the person that served his time with Mr. Alderman ———, in Cheapside. This he positively denied; but not withstanding he used all possible means to disguise himself, his person and speech betrayed him. My Lord animited with the principles of compassion and benevolence, and imagining that his design of concealing himself in this wretched situation, might very probably proceed from shame or despair, took no further notice of it in court, but forgetting his present disgrace, as well as his former arrogance and indiscretion, privately procured his sentence to be changed into transportation for life.

The ship in which Mr. Froward embarked drove by stress of weather into a certain port in Jamica, where he in less than ten days was sold to a noted planter, and doomed to perpetual slavery. You may imagine how shocking this prospect must appear to a gentleman, who had just before squandered away a good estate in indolence and pleasure, who never knew what it was to work, nor had ever given himself time to think upon the nature of industry. However, he no sooner began to reflect upon his present wretched situation, and his late providential deliverance from death, than he also began to repent of his former transgressions; and finding himself in a strange country, unknown to any person about him, he patiently submitted his neck to the yoke, and endured his servility with an uncommon fortitude of mind. In the first place, he determined, during all the time of his labour, to offer up continual thanksgivings to Almighty God for his manifold mercies bestowed on so unworthy a creature, and to devote all his l isure hours to the duty of repentance. His next resolution was to obey his Master’s commands, to serve. him faithfully, and to perform whatever business was imposed on him, so far, and so long as health and strength would permit; not doubting but the same God, who had preserved him hitherto, in such a wonderful manner, would accept the oblations of a contrite heart, and enable him to go throught it with courage and chearfulness.

the first month's service, as he himself told me, went very heard with him. His hands blistered his feet grew sore and raw, and the heat of the climate was almost insuportable; but as custom makes every station familiar, before three months were expired, all these grievences were at an end; and he, naturally endued with spirit of emulation, would not suffer himself io be outdone by any of his fellow-slaves. The surperintendant observing his extraordinary affiuity, could not help taking notice of him, and would frequently give him encouragement, either by calling him off to go on a trivial errand, or by thrusting some money into his hand He behaved in this manner near two years, when his Master was informed of his good disposition, and removed him from that- laborious employment to an easier, where he had more frequent opportunities of paying odoration to that Almighty Being, who supported him under all his afflictions. In these intervals, he was generally found with a book in his hand, or on his knees, from which practice, he received great consolation, as he often assured me.

At the expiration of three years, Sir Thomas Thoroughgood, who made previous enquiry after his fellow-prentices behaviour abroad, sent orders to his agent in Jamaica, to purchase Mr. Froward's freedom and to advance him 100l that he might be enabled to get his own liveliehood; but, at the same time gave strict orders to his friend, not to let Mr. Froward know who was his bentfactor, and to lay his Master under the like injunction. In a short time after, Mr. Froward was discharged from slavery; but did not express so much joy on the occasion, as might be expected From the good usage he met with in servitude, and the unusual favours he receive from the superintendent, as well as the planter, he had conceived a great liking for the latter, and seemed to part with him not without some inward reluctance, though with apparent surprize, which was much heightened by the additional favour of a note for a hundred pounds payable upon sight to Mr. Francis Froward, or order, delivered to him by the same hand, soon after he received the discharge before mentioned.

During this confusion, the gentleman who realy had a value for his late servent, told him, he was welcome to be at his house till he was settled, and that he would do all the good offices in his power to promote his future welfare. Mr Froward replied. "Sir, you cannot do me greater service, than to let me know who is my generous benefactor; because it is incumbent upon me to make some acknowledgement." The Master positively refused to do this, and turn'd of the discourse, by asking how he intended to dispose of himself and money. "Sir" says he, "I am not unacquainted with th nature of trade, and labour is now become habitual to me, and as I am well skilled in the cultivation of the sugar cane, I would willingly rent a small plantation of that kind, and work upon it for myself." The planter approved of this design and promised him assistance.

In about a month after, Mr Froward met with a Bargain, agreeable to his substance, and worked upon it as hard as if he had been a real slave, with this difference only, that he could now spare more time in the service of his all-powerful Redeemer. In the interim, his late Master procured him a wife with a handsome fortune, who had a sugar-work of her own, and some negroes: he purchased more, and by his industry rhrived amain, and in a few years laid up 1000l in specie.

In this comfortable state, nothing gave him uneasiness, but that he could not come to the knowledge of his kind benefactor; never was man more anxious to shew his gratitude, or more solicitous to find out his friend: One day, as he was at his devotion, a strange gentleman came to his habititation and desired to see him He was no sooner admited, than he accosted him in the following manner: "Mr. Froward, I am commander of the Dove frigate, whose principal owner is Sir Thomas Thoroughgood, and am just arrived from England: By Sir Thomos's orders, I am to inform you, that his Jamica Agent is dead, and he has made choice of you to succeed him here in this station, I have a commission from him for you in my pocket, to dispose of my cargo, and to freight me again for my voyage home. He never would own it, but I am well assured he is the person who saved you from bondage, and was the sole instrument of your present prosperity." Nothing could give Mr Froward so great pleasure and satisfaction, as this last piece of intelligence; he knew not how to make the captain welcome enough, he kept him all night, and in the morning made him a present of a hoghead of rum. He made all the possible dispatch in disposing of his cargo, and freighted him out with the utmost expidition. With the rest of the goods, he sent Sir Thomas ten hogheads of sugar, and as many of rum, for a present, with the following letter.

⁠Honoured Sir,

Transported with joy, and drowned in tears, I send this testimony of my esteem, of which I humbly bore your acceptance, as of those small tokens of my gratitude, wi h which it is accompanied Next under God, 'tis to you, dear sir, that I owe my life, my liberty, and my all. Happy me, had I listened to your advice in my non-age; happy still, as by your means I have been directed to the paths of virtue. 'Tis to you I am indepted for my present comfortable situation, ans the dawning prospect of future happiness: the b l s of lading, &c. are sent by Mr and all your business here, with which I am intrusted, shall be executed with the utmost diligence and fidelity. I have only to add my prayers for the continuation of your life and health, who have been so beneficial to many, but more particulary to,

⁠Honoured sir.
⁠Your most humble, most obliged,
⁠tho' most unworthy servant,
⁠Francbs Froward.

Sir Thomas was highly pleased with the purpo,t of his leter. tho' he railed the captain for letting him know to whom he was obliged for his freedom. The same ship was sent the next season on the same voyage, when the captain was ordered to pay Mr. Froward the full price for the rum and sugar he had sent to the knight, and to deliver him the following letter.

Mr. FROWARD,

⁠Sir,

I thank you for the acknowledgement you made for the good offices I did you, and shall ever esteem the present as it was intended; but have neither power nor inclination to rob you of any thing you have acquired by dent of merit. My design is, to add to your acquisitions, and not to diminish them, as you will experience; only persevere in your present course of life, and you will make me ample amends for all have done, or can do for you. I am, sir,

Your real friend,

T. Thoroughgood.

Mr. Froward, who was uneasy that his friend refused his present, continued in a thriving condition for several years. And now his wife died without issue; he, grown very rich, and advanced in years, disposed of all the sugar-work, and left off all manner of business, except that of Sir Thomas Thoroughgood's. At length he himself was seized with a pestelential fever, and carried off in a few days He bore the torture of his distemper with exemplary patience, and met his approaching destiny with an intrepidity of soul scarce to be paralleled.

That you may the better judge of his sentiments of gratitude, I have herewith sent a copy of his last will.

In the name of God, Amen. I Francis Froward of———. in Jamaica, being of sound mind and memory, do hereby make my last Will and Testament, in form and manner following, that is to say:

Imprimis I bequeath my soul to Almighty God that gave it, hoping and fully trusting, that I shall be saved and made eternally happy by the merits of my dear Redeemer Jesus Christ, who suffered for me and all mankind.

Item. s the poor convicts in prison, where I had once the misfortune to be confined, are not attended, and instructed as the ought to be, by persons who seek their eternal salvation; I do give and bequeath fifty pounds a year, to purchase for their use such books as the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishop of London, and sheriffs of London and Middlesex shall think proper to put into their hands.

Item As the laws of England, however wisely constructed, have made no provision for poor people born in distant parts, and b come miserable here, but left them to perish in the streets, lanes and public places; I do give and bequeath five hundred pounds a-year, to be laid out for their relief in such a manner as shall seem most agreeabl to the Lord-ayer o London, for the time being, and to the ru ees, that be nominated by my executors.

Item And as many poor tradsemen and labourers are artfully seduced and persuaded, to enter themselves on board ⟨merchant⟩ ships for this and other coloni⟨es in his Majest⟩y's Dominions, and are ⟨afterwards at sea,⟩ unwarily drawn in to indent ⟨themselves⟩ servants to the owners of the vessel, and from that moment commence slaves; and as such are sold in the public markets of the colonies, and generaly ill-trated; I do give and bequeath five hundred pounds a-year for the redemption of such unhappy people, and to the prosecution of those who have been the abettors and contrivers of their ruin.

Item As gratitude is of all oigblations the greatest and most acceptable, I do give and bequeath to my dear friend Mr Thomas Thoroughgood, Merchant in London, who saved me from an ignominious death, and redeemed me from slavery, all the rest and residue of my real and personal estate; and I do nominate and appoint him, and his heirs executors for ever. In witness wherof, I have hitherto set my hand and seal, this third day of May, 1788.

Francis Froward.

Witness

Thomas Witness,

John Wilson,

Richard Jones

Something Odd.

THE fam'd Poets of Greece,
Were but all of a piece,
And pretended the gift of some god;
⁠The Poets, &c.
⁠Yet believe me. their art,
⁠Was at length to import,
Something whimsical clever and odd,
⁠Yet &c.

⁠So with moderns we find,
⁠That this vein of the mind,
Reigns from monarch quite down to the clod.
⁠And tho' palaces strike,
⁠Yet the cottage alike,
Has its pleasure because it is odd.

⁠E'en the Prude in her way,
⁠Cries each fool has his day,
So for once I will follow the mode,
⁠Let us quit the dull sage,
⁠And since ca es don t engage,
I'll be cheerful because it is odd.

⁠May the wife who from home,
⁠Scarce venturer to roam,
For this once too will venture abroad;
⁠And tho' husbands will rule,
⁠Yet she cries I'm a fool,
If to day I can't dare to be odd.

⁠Thus odd folks under heaven,
⁠May of odd things meke even,
And of all my experience ease the load;
⁠Then for my sake this day,
⁠Leave your cares as they may,
And to Marybone come and be odd.

FINIS.