2. Every man is bound to pursue such a business as to _render a valuable consideration_ for that which he receives from others. A man who receives in trade the avails of the industry of others, is under obligation to restore that which will be of real value. He receives the fruit of toil; he receives that which is of value to himself; and common equity requires that he return a valuable consideration. Thus, the merchant renders to the farmer, in exchange for the growth of his farm, the productions of other climes; the manufacturer, that which is needful for the clothing or comfort of the agriculturist; the physician, the result of his professional skill. All these are valuable considerations, which are fair and honorable subjects of exchange. They are a mutual accommodation; they advance the interest of both parties. But it is not so with the dealer in ardent spirits. He obtains the property of his fellow-men, and what does he return? That which will tend to promote his real welfare? That which will make him a happier man? That which will benefit his family? That which diffuses learning and domestic comfort around his family circle? None of these things. He gives him that which will produce poverty, and want, and cursing, and tears, and death. He asked an egg, and he receives a scorpion. He gives him that which is established and well known as a source of no good, but as tending to produce beggary and wretchedness. Now, if this were practised in any other business, it would be open fraud. If in any way you could palm upon a farmer that which is not only _worthless_, but mischievous--that which would certainly tend to ruin him and his family, _could there be_ any doubt about the nature of this employment? It makes no difference here, that the man _supposes_ that it is for his good; or that he applies for it. _You know_ that it is _not_ for his benefit, and you know--what is the only material point under this head--that it will tend to his ruin. Whatever _he_ may think about it, or whatever _he_ may desire, you are well advised that it is an article that will tend to sap the foundation of his morals and happiness, and conduce to the ruin of his estate, and his body, and his soul; and you know, therefore, that you are _not_ rendering him any really valuable consideration for his property. The dealer may look on his gains in this matter--on his houses, or mortgages, or lands, obtained as the result of this business--with something like these reflections.