The hand-maid of repentance. Or, A short treatise of restitution. Written by Arth

The Conclusion.

Generally in all cases, where the state, person or fame of any man suffereth detriment or loss, there ought the party delinquent to make Restitution. But in these days, Detention of other mens goods hath got such an habit amongst the most sort of people, through the long use and practise of it: that it is not only reputed no sin at all; but even those few, whom Gods holy Spirit toucheth ⟨p. 2⟩with a true feeling of their offences in this kind, and thereby moveth them to make this holy and religious satisfaction, are by those that would seem wise in this point, accounted mere fools and of too scrupulous a conscience. Hence oftentimes it cometh to pass, that not only themselves run headlong on in their wicked courses; but others also by their means are drawn to the same ungodliness. Amongst the rest of many frivolous excuses, which carnal men are wont to allege against this spiritual counsel of Restitution; there is a politic shame or disgrace pretended, which of necessity ⟨p. 3⟩must light upon the party restoring.

GEnerally in all cases, where the state, person or fame of any man suffereth detriment or losse, there ought the partie delinquent to make Restitution. But in these daies, Detention of other mens goods hath got such an habit amongst the most sort of people, through the long vse and practise of it: that it is not onely reputed no sinne at all; but euen those few, whom Gods holy Spirit toucheth ⟨p. 2⟩with a true feeling of their offences in this kinde, and thereby moueth them to make this holy and religious satisfaction, are by those that would seeme wise in this point, accounted meere fooles and of too scrupulous a conscience. Hence oftentimes it commeth to passe, that not onely themselues runne headlong on in their wicked courses; but others also by their meanes are drawne to the same vngodlinesse. Amongst the rest of many friuolous excuses, which carnall men are wont to alleadge against this spirituall counsell of Restitution; there is a politicke shame or disgrace pretended, which of necessitie