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

11. This Justice in the Tradesman obligeth him, to show Mercy to the Poor. For it is evident from the Scripture, that Righteousness containeth Charity: Psal. 112. 9. He hath dispersed, he hath given to the Poor, his Righteousness endureth for ever: which the Apostle also, 2 Cor. 9. 9. applieth hereunto. And with good reason; for the Poor have a right to what we can spare for them. Hence, Prov. 3. 27. With-hold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. It is the Duty then of every Tradesman, as it is of every other Man, to labour and work with his Hands the thing that is good, that he may have (not only to feast himself and Friends, or to hoard up for his Posterity, but) to give to him that needeth. And he should so order his own Expenses, and improve his Skill and Care, that he may, if it be possible, be helpful unto others. It is therefore an unrighteous and unmerciful course in such Brokers who require and retain for ⟨p. 124⟩Pledges even the necessary Apparel, Tools, &c. of poor People, whom they ought rather to relieve in their wants, than ruin by their Oppression. In such Professions, if they mix not Charity with Justice, they build their Houses with the Tears and Blood of the Poor. The Christian Tradesman will rather study how he may employ or relieve many, than impoverish any. He remembers how poor he was at his beginning, and concludes, that he must give some real Testimony of his Gratitude to God for his Bounty to him.

11. This Justice in the Tradesman obligeth him, to shew Mercy to the Poor. For it is evident from the Scripture, that Righteousness containeth Charity: Psal. 112. 9. He hath dispersed, he hath given to the Poor, his Righteousness endureth for ever: which the Apostle also, 2 Cor. 9. 9. applieth hereunto. And with good reason; for the Poor have a right to what we can spare for them. Hence, Prov. 3. 27