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The property which every man has in his own labour, as it is the

original foundation of all other property, so it is the most

sacred and inviolable. The patrimony of a poor man lies in the

strength and dexterity of his hands; and to hinder him from

employing this strength and dexterity in what manner he thinks

proper, without injury to his neighbour, is a plain violation of

this most sacred property. It is a manifest encroachment upon the

just liberty, both of the workman, and of those who might be

disposed to employ him. As it hinders the one from working at

what he thinks proper, so it hinders the others from employing

whom they think proper. To judge whether he is fit to be

employed, may surely be trusted to the discretion of the

employers, whose interest it so much concerns. The affected

anxiety of the lawgiver, lest they should employ an improper

person, is evidently as impertinent as it is oppressive.