Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

3. We are to enquire, what is that special work, and business, in the disposal, and management whereof, private Christians are charged [To walk wisely toward them, that without.] I suppose, none are so weak, as to surmise, that the Apostles intent, and meaning, was, to caution them, to make sure, and advantageous bargains, when they traded with Infidels, who being false and crafty, might be likely to over-reach them. This was too low, for the Apostles Spirit. It was something of a more sublime import, and tendency, viz. To admonish, and excite private Christians so to demean themselves in all things, that they might beget, even in the Heathen themselves, a due veneration for the Gospel, and a love, and liking of that holy Religion, which they professed. And, to enforce this his Counsel, the Apostle did set them a fair example, in his own practice, 1 Cor. x 33. Even as I please all men, in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. And hence, we learn further, That private Christians in their negotiations with Heathens, and Infidels should not mind only, the enriching of themselves, but chiefly, the promoting of the Conversion of those poor miserable Souls to the Faith of Jesus Christ.

3. We are to enquire, what is that special work, and business, in the disposal, and management whereof, private Christians are charged [To walk wisely toward them, that without.] I suppose, none are so weak, as to surmize, that the Apostles intent, and meaning, was, to caution them, to make sure, and advantageous bargains, when they traded with Infidels, who being false and crafty, might be likely to over-reach them. This was too low, for the Apostles Spirit. It was something of a more sublime import, and tendency, viz. To admonish, and excite private Christians so to demean themselves in all things, that they might beget, even in the Heathen themselves, a due veneration for the Gospel, and a love, and liking of that holy Religion, which they professed. And, to enforce this his Counsel, the Apostle did set them a fair example, in his own practice, 1 Cor. x 33. Even as I please all men, in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. And hence, we learn further, That private Christians in their negotiations with Heathens, and Infidels should not mind only, the enriching of themselves, but chiefly, the promoting of the Conversion of those poor miserable Souls to the Faith of Jesus Christ.