The husbandmans calling showing the excellencies, temptations, graces, duties &c. of the Christian husbandmanThe husbandmans calling shewing the excellencies, temptations, graces, duties &c. of the Christian husbandman

SECT. X.¹

1. 1§. 10.

X. The Tenth Temptation of the Husbandman ¹is, Wrong unto his Neighbour; Though most other employments exceed this in temptations hereunto, yet this Calling wants not its temptation. This wretched Self is of such powerful influence, that it draws the plain Husbandman himself, to strain a point of Conscience sometimes, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Hence it comes to pass sometimes (I hope it is not oft) that you may observe deceit and dissimulation in his bargains, though not so much as a tradesman, yet too much for a Christian: unfaithfully commending what is bad, when he sells, and unconscionably condemning and dispraising what is good, when he buys. Even in the ⟨p. 121⟩words of Prov. 20.14. It is nought, it is nought, saith the buyer, but when he is gone, he boasteth. Pinching the poor either in his measure, or in his price, when he sells his corn, and taking occasion from his straits, to deal straitly with him. Hence his unsound horse, and unprovable cattle are brought to market, with the greatest protestations of their soundness and goodness; Insomuch as it is grown a distinct Art, to buy or sell any thing in the market; and to buy a Cow a man had need of as many friends as she hath legs, lest he be defrauded. And then so many fair stories, nay, so many equivocations, nay, so many flat ly•s, nay, so many oaths, nay, so many perjuries, swearing this price shall be the lowest, and yet abating it at next word, that a man would wonder men should apparently venture their consciences and eternal happiness, for so small a business, and yet be more astonished, that this should be done by Christians, that believe the Bible, and by Christian Husbandmen, that are the plainest hearted of all others.