Fair dealing between debtor and creditor. A very brief essay upon the caution to…

First, A Debtor, (one that is, or would be so) will do well to Consider, how much he may be Condemned by that Royal Law; Let a Man do as be would be done unto. The Law that shines as a Star of the First Magnitude, in the Scriptures of our Saviour; Mat. VII. 12. All things whatsoever ye would, that men should do to you, do ⟨p. 22⟩ye even so to them. A Law, which God has Engraven as with a Pen of Iron, and the Point of a Diamond, on the Hearts of the Children of Men. A Law, than which none more Confessed, and yet none more Transgressed among the Children of Men. Debtor, Think with thy self, Were I the Creditor, should I like to be dealt withal as I now deal with my Creditor?

I now make a Motion that is full of Equity; And if this Our Motion may more generally take, my Sermon will have a very Desirable & Comfortable Harvest, tho' all the rest of it should be but as the Rain falling upon a Rock. 'Tis this; When the Debtor puts off his Creditor from time to time, Let him think with himself; Were I the Creditor, could I care or bear to be so deals withal? How many Shufflings, would such a Thought as this in the Power of it, put an end unto?

Again, A Debtor will do well to Consider, what is the Eighth Commandment; What is implied in it; What is Required in it; And how far the Eighth Commandment will bear him out. Certainly, To keep a Man out of his Right, when 'tis possible to help him to it; I may use those Words upon it, Job XXXV. 2. Thinkest then this to be Right? The Eighth Commandment will never consent unto it.