The trades-man's calling being a discourse concerning the nature, necessity, choice, &c. of a…

2. This Justice is shown in paying your due Debts. The prudent Tradesman is wary how he contracts a Debt, and considers whether God do call him to enter such Obligations; but when they become due, then it is plain Justice to discharge them, and to do it as cheerfully as you did contract them; otherwise, tho you keep the Possession, yet another hath the Right; and in detaining it against his Will, you are unjust. The Scripture is clear, Rom. 13. 8. Owe no Man any thing, but to love one another. The business is not whether your Creditor be rich or poor, (tho it be a heavy Aggravation, when the Widow or Fatherless be defrauded of their due; their Tears will cry in the Ears of the Lord of Hosts) but Justice stands in rendering to every one his due, and all the while it is with-held, you live in Sin against God. For every Man is Steward of his Estate unto God, and he that wrongs a Steward in what his Lord has entrusted him, wrongs the Lord ⟨p. 103⟩himself. If you plead Inability, this will be so far from justifying your Wrong, that it doth not so much as excuse you, unless the Hand of God hath disabled you: And then also, you ought to use all possible and lawful Endeavours to make them due Satisfaction. But take heed of charging that upon God's Providence, which hath been the effect of your own Improvidence; therein you charge God foolishly.

2. This Justice is shewn in paying your due Debts. The prudent Tradesman is wary how he contracts a Debt, and considers whether God do call him to enter such Obligations; but when they become due, then it is plain Justice to discharge them, and to do it as chearfully as you did contract them; otherwise, tho you keep the Possession, yet another hath the Right; and in detaining it against his Will, you are unjust. The Scripture is clear, Rom. 13. 8. Owe no Man any thing, but to love one another. The business is not whether your Creditor be rich or poor, (tho it be a heavy Aggravation, when the Widow or Fatherless be defrauded of their due; their Tears will cry in the Ears of the Lord of Hosts) but Justice stands in rendring to every one his due, and all the while it is with-held, you live in Sin against God. For every Man is Steward of his Estate unto God, and he that wrongs a Steward in what his Lord has intrusted him, wrongs the Lord ⟨p. 103⟩