Page:A Dissertation on the Construction of Locks (1785).pdf/14

 opportunities as poſſible to the indulgence of evil propenſities, is as much the duty of thoſe who poſſeſs, and wiſh to preſerve their property, as obedience to the law, which forbids to ſteal, is the duty of thoſe who may be tempted to deprive them of it. For the ſervant, who would never have meditated an attempt upon the cheſt which contains his maſter’s treaſure, may be tempted to purloin his purſe if careleſsly thrown in his way. To ſecrete objects of temptation, and to prevent acceſs to them by every poſſible ſecurity, ſeems therefore to promiſe more towards leſſening the number of robberies, which bring daily diſgrace on the police, and diſturb the peace of the cities of London and Weſtminſter, than the dread of any puniſhment, which the law of England can inflict.

A deſire to reduce this theory to practice, induced me to apply my utmoſt thought and attention, to contrive an effectual impediment to