The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Probably you would know whether a Tradesman, that knoweth such and such commodities will fall very much (by Letters which mention several Ships coming home laden with them, or some other way) may not sell off his own wares at the present price, and hide his news from his Country Customers? Reader, I shall answer it with a question not much unlike it in an Heathen Author, expecting that Christians should not be excelled by Heathen.¹ A man brings a Ship of Corn from Alexandria to Rhodes (saith Cicero) in a time of great Famine, he may have for it what pri•e he pleaseth; he knoweth of many more Ships which will be there the next day, may he conceal this from the Rhodians? No, saith the Orator. And what sayest thou Reader?

Probably you would know whether a Tradesman, that knoweth such and such commodities will fall very much (by Letters which mention several Ships comming home laden with them, or some other way) may not sell off his own wares at the present price, and hide his news from his Country Customers? Reader, I shall answer it with a question not much unlike it in an Heathen Author, expecting that Christians should not be excelled by Heathen.¹ A man brings a Ship of Corn from Alexandria to Rhodes (saith Cicero) in a time of great Famine, he may have for it what pri•e he pleaseth; he knoweth of many more Ships which will be there the next day, may he conceal this from the Rhodians? No, saith the Orator. And what sayest thou Reader?

1. 1Tull. de Offic.

In all thy Contracts, Purchases, and Sales, cast an eye upon that golden rule, mentioned by our Saviour, Mat. 7. 12. Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the Law and the Prophets; This is the Royal Law, the golden Rule, the Kings High-way, and the standard of all righteousness. Whatsoever in a well ordered judgement thou wouldst have others do to thee and thine, do the sam to them and theirs, supposing conditions alike; for this is the sum and epitome of all that is delivered in the Law and the Prophets, concerning thy carriage towards others. Hierom commended this saying to a holy woman, to be written on her heart, as an abridgement of all righteousness. Lactantius saith, Its the root and foundation of all equity. Severus the Emperor had often this saying in his mouth,