(2.) Another ruinous Mischief from which Discretion will guard you, is Suretyship. I will not affirm that this is utterly unlawful, but I conclude that as few Men do use the Care and Caution necessary in this Affair, so no Man should engage ⟨p. 69⟩therein, unless, first, he be able to pay the Obligation without injuring himself or Family; and, secondly, be contented to do it without perturbation of mind, and with the same freedom, wherewith he pays his other Debts: For without doubt, the Surety doth take upon himself the whole Debt, both in Law and Conscience, in case the Principal prove either unable or dishonest. And which of you are able and willing to run this Risk? If you object, that without doing and receiving this act of Friendship for one another, Trade cannot be upheld. I answer, Tho without it, a Man cannot trade so high, which perhaps may be his Sin, and prove his Ruin; yet he may trade still in a meaner degree, which may be more safe, and prove as comfortable. And he that will launch out further, if the Creditor knows him to be a Man of good Discretion and Integrity, he may securely rely upon his single Bond, without entangling another with him. If you reply, that he hath formerly obliged you some other way, or that he will take it unkindly to be denied: I answer, that you must study to oblige him some other way, and labour to convince him, that it is not want of Love, but the force of a Preengagement (which I would advise every prudent Tradesman to make) to some near Relation, without whose Consent you cannot, without Injustice, bind your self. For alas! this Person that now solicits you, may be more indebted than you know of; he may prove less careful and honest than you imagine; he may be bound for others in more than he is worth; at least he is mortal, and may leave his Estate and you entangled ⟨p. 70⟩at his Death, to your great Molestation, if not utter Ruin. And these are not unlikely Suppositions, but whereof sad Instances are visible every day. Therefore before the enter into any such Engagements, read that Counsel of a wise Man, yea of a wise God, Prov. 6. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. My Son, if thou be surety for thy Friend—thou art snared with the Words of thy Mouth—deliver thy self—give not Sleep to thine Eyes—deliver thy self as a Bird from the hand of a Fowler: And, he that hateth Suretyship, is sure, Prov. 11. 15. See also Prov. 22. 26.
(2.) Another ruinous Mischief from which Discretion will guard you, is Suretyship. I will not affirm that this is utterly unlawful, but I conclude that as few Men do use the Care and Caution necessary in this Affair, so no Man should ingage ⟨p. 69⟩therein, unless, first, he be able to pay the Obligation without injuring himself or Family; and, secondly, be contented to do it without perturbation of mind, and with the same freedom, wherewith he pays his other Debts: For without doubt, the Surety doth take upon himself the whole Debt, both in Law and Conscience, in case the Principal prove either unable or dishonest. And which of you are able and willing to run this Risque? If you object, that without doing and receiving this act of Friendship for one another, Trade cannot be upheld. I answer, Tho without it, a Man cannot trade so high, which perhaps may be his Sin, and prove his Ruine; yet he may trade still in a meaner degree, which may be more safe, and prove as comfortable. And he that will lanch out further, if the Creditor knows him to be a Man of good Discretion and Integrity, he may securely rely upon his single Bond, without intangling another with him. If you reply, that he hath formerly obliged you some other way, or that he will take it unkindly to be denied: I answer, that you must study to oblige him some other way, and labour to convince him, that it is not want of Love, but the force of a Preingagement (which I would advise every prudent Tradesman to make) to some near Relation, without whose Consent you cannot, without Injustice, bind your self. For alas! this Person that now solicits you, may be more indebted than you know of; he may prove less careful and honest than you imagine; he may be bound for others in more than he is worth; at least he is mortal, and may leave his Estate and you intangled ⟨p. 70⟩at his Death, to your great Molestation, if not utter Ruine. And these are not unlikely Suppositions, but whereof sad Instances are visible every day. Therefore before ye enter into any such Engagements, read that Counsel of a wise Man, yea of a wise God, Prov. 6. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. My Son, if thou be surety for thy Friend—thou art snared with the Words of thy Mouth—deliver thy self—give not Sleep to thine Eyes—deliver thy self as a Bird from the hand of a Fowler: And, he that hateth Suretiship, is sure, Prov. 11. 15. See also Prov. 22. 26.
