Directions for weak distempered Christians, to grow up to a confirmed state of grace…

XLV. 1. A Christian indeed is as precise in the Justice of his dealings with men, as in acts of piety to God. For he knoweth that God requireth this as strictly at his hands, 1 Thess. 4.6. That no man go beyond, or defraud his Brother in any matter; for the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned and testified. He is one that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart; that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. If he swear to his own hurt, he changeth not: He putteth not out his money to (unjust or unmerciful) Usury; ⟨p. 109⟩nor taketh reward against the innocent, Psal. 15. He obeyeth that, Lev. 19.13. Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him, the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning. He can say as Samuel, 1 Sam. 12. Whose Ox or Ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe, to blind mine eyes therewith, and I will restore it? And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any mans hand. And if heretofore he was ever guilty of defrauding any, he is willing to his power to make restitution; and saith as Zacheus, Luk. 19.8. If I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him four-fold. Though flesh and blood persuade him to the contrary, and though it leave him in want, he will pay his debts, and make restitution of that which is ill gotten, as being none of his own. He will not sell for as much as he can get, but for as much as it is truly worth: He will not take advantage of the weakness, or ignorance, or necessity of his neighbour: He knoweth that a false balance is abomination to the Lord; but a just weight is his delight, Prov. 11.1. He is afraid of believing ill reports, and rebuketh the backbiter,