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

Answ. Total inability excuses restitution in the Kind, but yet there must be restitution in the Mind. A will you must have at present, and the deed (except remitted) if ever you be able. In the mean time, you are to be sorry, that you have wronged your Neighbour in your actions, and can only-right him in your wishes. And sure there is some hand of God in it, that your estate (though increased by your trespassing upon, and wronging ⟨p. 128⟩of others) should be brought to such an ebb, that you are unable to make just restitution. Surely God hath blown-upon you, with the fearful blast of his curse already, and you may find by this, that no industry nor entail can assure ill-gotten goods. And as sure as this curse follows you externally, so surely (without repentance and restitution) will it follow you eternally. And therefore you are wide point blank in your argument, you cannot restore, because it will make you poor; for if you do not restore, you will be poor. Your building now is on a quick-sand, pile up your wall as high as you can, the quick-sand under it will bring it down, and you and yours under it. And therefore its better to be poor with Gods blessing, than poor with his curse.

Answ. Total inability excuses restitution in the Kind, but yet there must be restitution in the Mind. A will you must have at present, and the deed (except remitted) if ever you be able. In the mean time, you are to be sorry, that you have wrong'd your Neighbour in your actions, and can onely-right him in your wishes. And sure there is some hand of God in it, that your estate (though increased by your trespassing upon, and wronging ⟨p. 128⟩of others) should be brought to such an ebb, that you are unable to make just restitution. Surely God hath blown-upon you, with the fearfull blast of his curse already, and you may find by this, that no industry nor intail can assure ill-gotten goods. And as sure as this curse follows you externally, so surely (without repent•nce and restitution) will it follow you eternally. And therefore you are wide point blank in your argument, you cannot restore, because it will make you poor; for if you do not restore, you will be poor. Your building now is on a quick-sand, pile up your wall as high as you can, the quick-sand under it will bring it down, and you and yours under it. And therefore its better to be poor with Gods blessing, than poor with his curse.