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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44045 ***
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 44045-h.htm or 44045-h.zip:
+      (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/44045/44045-h/44045-h.htm)
+      or
+      (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/44045/44045-h.zip)
+
+
+      Images of the original pages are available through
+      Internet Archive. See
+      https://archive.org/details/youngoliverortho00welliala
+
+
+
+
+
+FRONTISPIECE.
+
+[Illustration: (open book)]
+
+     O write upon my mem'ry, Lord,
+     The texts and doctrines of thy word;
+     That I may break thy laws no more,
+     But love thee better than before.
+
+[Illustration: (decorative)]
+
+
+YOUNG OLIVER:
+OR THE
+_Thoughtless Boy_.
+
+A TALE.
+
+
+Oh, that men should put an enemy into
+their mouths to steal away their brains!
+
+            --SHAKESPEARE.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: (decorative)]
+
+Wellington:
+Printed by F. Houlston and Son.
+
+Price Two-pence.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: (decorative border)]
+
+YOUNG OLIVER.
+
+[Illustration: (decorative)]
+
+
+Little Oliver was born of respectable parents, who lived in a pleasant
+and fruitful part of the country. They had a small farm of their own,
+and were very industrious in cultivating it. Little Oliver used to
+drive the horses, while his father held the plough. Mrs. Oliver kept
+the house neat and clean, and made excellent butter and cheese, which
+were in great repute all the country round. Their daughter milked the
+cows, and assisted her mother in cleaning the house, and in doing
+any thing else that was wanted; for she was a dutiful girl, and so
+good-tempered, that all their neighbours directed their children to
+imitate the behaviour of Patty Oliver. But, notwithstanding all these
+prosperous circumstances, misfortunes, to which all are liable, came
+upon them, and they were reduced to poverty.
+
+[Illustration: (ploughing)]
+
+[Illustration: (milking cow)]
+
+The fields of Old Oliver were frequently overrun with men and dogs
+employed to hunt and shoot.
+
+[Illustration: (dog chasing deer)]
+
+The fences were broken down so often, it was impossible to keep them
+up. The hunting horses of the 'Squire over-topped the best that could
+be made. The corn was trod and eaten. Complaints were made in vain.
+Every day brought some fresh oppression. At last, the 'Squire wanted
+to buy it. What could the old people do? daily insulted, weary of
+life, they took what he chose to give them. It was not above one half
+the real value of the farm. Yet no other person would buy it, every
+body knew the proud temper of the 'Squire, and his contempt of those
+who were in lower circumstances than himself. No poor man ever found
+comfort under his roof. The very dogs about his house were taught to
+bite those whom poverty had clothed in mean garments. Old Oliver
+was particularly his aversion. The ground about, to the distance of
+ten miles, was all the 'Squire's, except that which belonged to Old
+Oliver, and he wished eagerly to have that likewise. He considered it
+disgraceful to have so mean looking a tenement on the border of his
+estate.
+
+[Illustration: (dog)]
+
+Old Oliver with the sum of one hundred pounds began to open a shop,
+at an adjoining town. He had not been bred to any business beside
+farming, and with that he was disgusted. He resolved therefore to try
+another that he imagined would render him more independant on such
+persons as the 'Squire.
+
+He began to sell sugar, butter, and such articles as poor people
+wanted constantly to buy. Numbers flocked in as customers, and seeing
+Old Oliver so good-natured a man they contracted debts which they
+never paid. Thus was his stock reduced, and he had not sufficient
+money to lay in more goods. He was not a judge of every article he
+bought, so depended on the words of those of whom he had them, and was
+cheated. He frequently was forced to sell such goods for less money
+than he had given for them.
+
+His daughter, the comfort of his life, was lured away from him by
+a villain of fortune, who introduced her to the company of women
+that had nothing to recommend them besides their fine and tawdry
+apparel, and a short time after went abroad, forsook her, and left her
+abandoned to the wide world. She never was heard of more.
+
+[Illustration: (fancy ladies)]
+
+His wife died of a disease brought on by grief.
+
+[Illustration: (apprentice)]
+
+He had no person now to speak to but Little Oliver. The old man sold
+off all his goods, and paid his creditors each their share. One,
+more tender-hearted than the rest, returned him five guineas. With
+this money, he put young Oliver to school for awhile, and then bound
+him apprentice to the trade of a joiner, and retired, for his few
+remaining days, to the workhouse of his parish.
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration: (church)]
+
+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.
+
+On the morrow he recollected what agreeable chat and good liquor he
+had at the alehouse. It filled his mind; and he was not scrupulous
+about spending one shilling more. The alehouse was near; he again
+stepped in. He tried wine. He had never drank any before. He liked it
+exceedingly, and determined to have a pint more.
+
+On the days following he longed for more liquor, and constantly
+visited his beloved alehouse. He began to drink each time more than
+the preceding. You know, he began with six-pence, then he spent a
+shilling; now, each time, he spends half-a-crown. He made indeed at
+the first half-crown, a short reflection; but, afterwards, he consoled
+himself with saying, "'Tis but two-and-six-pence I am spending. O, I
+need not fear but I shall have enough left to carry on my trade."
+
+So powerful is habit; so deluding is temptation to low indulgencies!
+reason would now and then urge a contrary conduct; but company led
+him on, and he was inexperienced in the world.
+
+[Illustration: (in alehouse)]
+
+Oliver's money at first was one hundred pounds. He had yet ninety
+pounds left. He now determined to begin business. He made bargains,
+which never were transacted but in his favourite alehouse. He must
+needs have some liquor at every bargain, and some more when payment
+was made. The people of whom he bought wood could not afford to spend
+money and sell cheap; so were obliged to charge a good deal more to
+Oliver than to other persons. Oliver thus lost his time, laid in his
+goods too high, and attended very little to his shop.
+
+Would Oliver have done well, he should have been sober and diligent as
+formerly. The good employment of all his money depended on a careful
+use of the smallest part. These thoughts did not at all strike him.
+
+[Illustration: (boy beaten)]
+
+You may perceive, my little friends, how by want of thought Oliver by
+degrees became fond of liquor, low company, and a vagrant life. Check,
+therefore, the most trifling inclination to the company of bad boys,
+who deserve whipping till they grow better, and be careful to avoid
+bad ways. You that have parents, listen to their advice and never
+forget what they say to you. So will you be loved by good men, and
+prosper in the world. Oliver had no parents; but had he listened to
+reason and common sense he would have acted quite differently.
+
+After he received the money from his best friend, the merchant, Oliver
+never called any more at his house. He was ashamed to see him,
+conscious he was acting wrong.
+
+The merchant made enquiries frequently about Oliver; wondering much
+he did not hear some account from his own lips. The merchant having
+required no recompense for the use of his money, thought gratitude
+would have induced Oliver to have now and then called to give some
+account of his success in business. The merchant considered himself
+Oliver's best friend, having proved himself so by lending him money
+at a time when it was not likely any other person would have done the
+like. Besides, as Oliver had been unfortunate in losing his parents,
+who loved him more than any one, the merchant expected he would have
+wanted some advice in many things of which youth are ignorant.
+
+The merchant had much experience, and would have taken great pleasure
+in pointing out what was best. He had received some hints of Oliver's
+proceedings, but wished to think better of him than was represented.
+He concluded, Oliver would by and by call at his house, and clear up
+every evil report. He hoped, at present, Oliver was too busy in his
+trade and could not spare time. The merchant's good disposition caused
+him to judge too favourably of the vices of others. In this instance
+he was sadly deceived; the case was different.
+
+[Illustration: (keys)]
+
+Oliver found no longer any joy in industry. He frequently locked up
+his shop to go to the alehouse. He thought not of the evil days that
+were to come.--Days that might have been pleasant to him. He thought
+only of the money in his pocket, which was likely to last yet a long
+time. He trusted to some good fortune, as he called it, for more.
+From day to day his present stock was diminishing. What blindness,
+what folly could lead him on thus madly!
+
+Conviction at last came. Came like a clap of thunder. Alas! it came
+too late. His creditors wanted money; he had none left. He could
+ask no more of the merchant, he knew he would not lend him any. The
+merchant perceived he had done Oliver an injury. Elated with having
+so much money, he acted as if it would never have diminished. The
+merchant had not considered the MIND of Oliver.
+
+[Illustration: (butterfly)]
+
+Oliver's mind was weak and trifling; and might be compared to a
+butterfly, always roving about, but never gaining any thing by it.
+As he mixed only with low company, his ideas were grovelling; and,
+though an excellent workman, his genius, was of an ordinary kind. He
+was not formed for the execution of any thing great or noble. He had,
+indeed, natural good sense sufficient, but he did not hearken to what
+it dictated; bad habits had suppressed every generous principle of the
+mind.
+
+Overcome with shame and grief, he sought to stifle reflection by hard
+drinking. The frightful moment came. His few effects were sold and
+divided among his creditors. Thus did ruin fall on him. He was now
+disgusted with industry. He would not work. He was himself an object
+of horror. Life became a burden. A scene of poverty opened before him.
+
+[Illustration: (pirate ship)]
+
+He fled from his country; followed by goadings of conscience, and
+despair. He joined a gang of smugglers, formidable for the ravages
+they spread through every country on the coast. God did not permit
+their violence to continue for a long time unpunished. Their ship was
+taken, the whole gang were seized, and Oliver, with the rest, was
+committed to prison. He was put into a solitary cell, loaded with
+fetters, deprived nearly of light, and allowed only bread and water
+to subsist upon. His bed was composed of straw. In this miserable
+situation he remained two months. He was then tried, found guilty
+of many crimes, and condemned to be shot to death. I will spare you
+the pain you would feel on hearing the account of his exit. Let this
+suffice, he ended his short term of wickedness by much repentance and
+a disgraceful death.
+
+[Illustration: (man shooting rifle)]
+
+Alas! had Oliver listened at first to reason, his case would not have
+been thus. Had the dictates of conscience been regarded, all would
+have been well. His situation would have been easy; his pleasures
+temperate, as become a sensible being. He would have enjoyed
+repute and honour, and the repose of opulent old age; have lived
+respectably, and died happily.
+
+Surely, my young friends, you shudder at such lamentable folly. I
+hope as _you_ grow up you will avoid bad company, and the love of
+more liquor than nature requires. Always attend to what your friends
+advise. So may God prosper your pursuits. Be good, and you will sooner
+or later be happy. If not in this life, in that beyond the grave.
+
+Be always careful of your money; laying it out on something that may
+be useful. Money is intended for some good purpose. You may sometime
+want it extremely. Never buy any thing, without asking your friends
+what is most proper for your age and capacity. Never spend it without
+thought.
+
+Days, months, and years pass on. At times, look back, and examine if
+a good use has been made of them, and if we may not do something
+better in future. The design of this life is to prepare our minds
+and dispositions to enter upon a state of existence perfectly happy;
+where no care or misery is known, but where all people, who have been
+virtuous here, enjoy complete felicity. In that future state, those
+who have done evil actions in this world, feel misery that cannot be
+described; and better would it have been for them, had they never
+possessed rational faculties, but have been brute beasts, without
+understanding, yea, never to have existed.
+
+[Illustration: (boar)]
+
+If vice at any time appears to us in an engaging dress, it is
+occasioned by overlooking the deformities it endeavours to hide. The
+disposition of a wolf is not changed, though he put on the clothing
+of a sheep. If vice ensnares for a moment, think of the story of Young
+Oliver, and be wise ere it is too late.
+
+[Illustration: (decorative)]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: (decorative border)]
+
+
+
+
+TWO WAYS _OF ATTAINING WISDOM_.
+
+
+[Illustration: (decorative)]
+
+The two sons of a certain gentleman repaired, one afternoon, to the
+garden, for an airing. The gardener, seeing them approach a bee-hive,
+begged they would keep at a greater distance, lest the enraged insects
+should sting them.
+
+[Illustration: (bee hive)]
+
+"I have never yet been stung!" said Harry, daringly; and walked on,
+regardless of the caution which he had received. Before the gardener
+could turn round, master Harry was saluted by a most excruciating
+impression on his cheek. Thus, by _doleful experience_, he became
+wise.
+
+Constantine, on the contrary, following the gardener's advice,
+owed his wisdom to timely _instruction_.--Now, Children, which of
+these two young gentlemen had the greatest claim to superiority of
+understanding? Not one of you will hesitate to give Constantine that
+preference to which he is so justly entitled!
+
+
+[Illustration: A Tinker. (front inside cover)]
+
+[Illustration: A Jew. (back inside cover)]
+
+
+
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+Minor punctuation errors were silently corrected.
+
+Illustrations were moved to avoid breaking up paragraphs of text.
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44045 ***