A commentary upon the whole book of Judges Preached first and delivered in sundry…A commentary vpon the vvhole booke of Iudges Preached first and deliuered in sundrie…

For in these days many care not to deceive, yea, and undo others, and therefore come to nought themselves also for the most part, whereas some other being faithful and conscionable; upon their bare credit, live and maintain their charge by borrowing, and by other mens forbearing them. And whereas it is objected on the behalf of these unthrifts and deceivers, that they must be borne withal, though they cannot pay that which they have borrowed: I answer; Some of them see no likelihood that they can repay so much as they will seek to borrow, and take into their hands, of other mens goods; which argueth little honesty, and therefore are well content to wind it from them cunningly and craftily, whereby also they impoverish some; others will not diminish their occupying in the least manner, though they go above their reach, nor detract from their belly and pastime to pay the owner, thereby showing that they care not how he come by his due and right, or whether he ever have it again or no.

For in these daies many care not to deceiue, yea, and vndoe others, and therefore come to nought themselues also for the most part, whereas some other being faithful and conscionable; vpon their bare credit, liue and maintaine their charge by borrowing, and by other mens forbearing them. And whereas it is obiected on the behalfe of these vnthrifts and deceiuers, that they must be borne withall, though they cannot pay that which they haue borrowed: I answer; Some of them see no likelihood that they can repay so much as they will seeke to borrow, and take into their hands, of other mens goods; which argueth little honesty, and therefore are well content to wind it from them cunningly and craftily, whereby also they impouerish some; others will not diminish their occupying in the least manner, though they goe aboue their reach, nor detract from their belly and pastime to pay the owner, therby shewing that they care not how he come by his due and right, or whether he euer haue it againe or no.

Now while these things are thus, we may note that the beauty of religion is such, if it be planted in men soundly and indeed, as that it wins credit to him that hath it for contrary dealing, and maketh him to be approved for his faithfulness, conscionableness and honesty: whereas he that is void of them, liveth in utter discredit and just reproach. And whereas ye will say, some of them that make show of religion, do yet deceive and deal untrustily with their creditors. I answer, it is not the show of religion, but the practise of it that carrieth the beauty with it that I speak of: and if any that be taken to be religious, offend this way, know we that it is not their religion that emboldeneth them to such dealing, but that they have so little of it. And so it is true also, that some that have credit deservedly, do, for the sweetness of the gain, if they take not heed, hold their due from the owners sometimes, though they may little rejoice in it. And let them know, that their sin is the greater: but yet all this notwithstanding, there are some who dare not, neither will by any means be brought to do so. And if ye ask me, Why then do men take bonds of such as are of approved honesty, and have not broken nor lost their credit; as if they were no better trusted then other common men? I answer: Not because they be distrusted, but first, seeing all are mortal, and so men might lose their goods, if they had no security for them by those in whose hands they are: and secondly, that contention may not arise betwixt the posterity of both parties that shall come after. And again, seeing there are such deceivers in the world, as