The Company and the Trade. 191 



to open shop, or If he were not able to set up 

 a shop, they deternnned the scale of his wages 

 as a journeyman. The motive of the latter act 

 is stated to be In order that "he should not only 

 learn his occupation more perfectly, but also 

 following their good example of living and order 

 of their household, should be better able dis- 

 creetly and politicly to keep and order a shop to 

 his own use and benefit, civilly and orderly to rule 

 and govern his household and family, and to train 

 them up in virtue and godly exercise to the honour 

 of God, the worship of the said mystery, and to 

 the profit of the commonwealth." 



No member of the Company was allowed to 

 open shop until he had been examined by the 

 Wardens and Assistants as to his "honest con- 

 versation, cunning, and knowledge of the art, and 

 of the substance of goods." The ordinances of 

 3 Elizabeth recite the necessity for the avoidance 

 of inconveniences likely to ensue from persons 

 setting up shop before they are of ability to pay 

 ready money for such wares as they require In the 

 trade, and prohibits any journeymen or appren- 

 tice opening shop unless he be worth " of his 

 own proper goods twenty marks (^13 6s. Sd.),'' 

 and the ordinances of 21 Charles II. Increased 

 this amount to ^20, in order. It is stated, that he 

 may be able " to keep and use the room of an 

 honest householder and save his credit." If the 

 candidate satisfied these conditions he paid the 

 Company 35-. 4^., and was forthwith allowed to 

 set up in business. 



