Atten。ButthisheightofwickednessinMr。Badman，willnotyetoutofmymind。Thishard，desperate，orwhatshallIcallit，diabolicallframeofheart，wasinhimafoundation，aground-work，toallactsanddeedsthatwereevil。
Wise。Theheart，andthedesperatewickednessofit，isthefoundationandgroundworkofall。Atheism，professedandpracticall，springbothoutoftheheart，yeaandallmannerofevilsbesides。{92a}Fortheybenotbaddeedsthatmakeabadman，butheisalreadyabadmanthatdothbaddeeds。Amanmustbewickedbeforehecandowickedness。{92b}Wickednessproceedethfromthewicked。’Tisaneviltreethatbearsevilfruit，mengathernograpesofthorns；theheartthereforemustbeevil，beforethemancandoevil，andgoodbeforethemandothgood。
Atten。NowIseethereasonwhyMr。Badmanwassobase，astogetaWifebydissimulation，andtoabusehersolikeaVillainwhenhehadgother，itwasbecausehewasbeforebyawickedheartpreparedtoactwickedness。
Wise。Youmaybesureofit；forfromwithin，outoftheheartofmanproccedethevilthoughts，Adulteries，Fornications，Murders，Thefts，Coveteousness，Wickedness，Deceit，Lasciviousness，anevilEye，Blasphemy，Pride，Foolishness。Allthesethingscomefromwithin，anddefileaman。{92c}Andaman，ashisnaughtymindinclineshim，makesuseofthese，oranyofthese，togratifiehislust，topromotehisdesigns，torevengehismalice，toenrich，ortowallowhimselfinthefoolishpleasuresandpastimesofthislife:AndallthesedidMr。Badmando，eventotheutmost，ifeitheropportunity，orpurse，orperfidiousness，wouldhelphimtotheobtainingofhispurpose。
Atten。Purse！WhyhecouldnotbuthavePursetodoalmostwhathewould，havingmarriedawifewithsomuchmoney。
Wise。Holdyouthere；someofMr。Badmanssinswerecostly，ashisdrinking，andwhoring，andkeepingotherbadcompany；thoughhewasamanthathadwaystoomanytogetmoney，aswellaswaystoomanytospendit。
Atten。HadhethensuchagoodTrade，forallhewassuchabadman？orwashisCallingsogainfulltohim，asalwayestokeephisPursesbellyfull，thoughhewashimselfagreatspender？
Wise。No:ItwasnothisTradethatdidit，thoughhehadaprettytradetoo。HehadanotherwaytogetMoney，andthatbyhatfullsandpocketfullsatatime。
Atten。WhyItrowhewasnoHighwayman，washe？
Wise。Iwillbesparinginmyspeechastothat，thoughsomehavemutteredasifhecouldrideoutnowandthen，aboutnobodybuthimselfknewwhat，overnight，andcomehomealldirtyandwearynextmorning。ButthatisnotthethingIaimat。
Atten。Prayletmeknowit，ifyouthinkitconvenientthatI
should。
Wise。Iwilltellyou:Itwasthis，hehadanarttoBreak，{93a}
andgethatfullsofmoneybybreaking。
Atten。ButwhatdoyoumeanbyMr。BadmansBreaking？youspeakmystically，doyounot？
Wise。No，no，Ispeakplainly。Or，ifyouwillhaveitinplainerlanguage，’tisthis:WhenMr。Badmanhadswaggeredandwhoredawaymostofhiswifesportion，hebegantofeelthathecouldnotmuchlongerstanduponhislegsinthiscourseoflife，andkeepuphisTradeandReputesuchashehadintheworld；butbythenewEngineofBreaking。Wherefore，uponatime，hegivesagreat，andsudden{93b}rushintoseveralmensdebts，tothevalueofaboutfourorfivethousandpound，drivingatthesametimeaverygreattrade，bysellingmanythingsforlessthantheycosthim，togethimcustom，therewithtoblindhisCreditorseyes。HisCreditorsthereforefeelingthathehadagreatemploy，anddreamingthatitmustneedsatlengthturntoaverygoodaccounttothem，trustedhimfreelywithoutmistrust，andsodidotherstoo，tothevalueofwhatwasmentionedbefore。Well，whenMr。BadmanhadwellfeatheredhisNestwithothermensgoodsandmoney，afteralittletime{93c}hebreaks。AndbyandbyitisnoysedabroadthatMr。
BadmanhadshutupShop，wasgone，andcouldtradenolonger。Now，bythattimehisbreakingwascometohisCreditorsears，hehadbyCraftandKnaverymadesosureofwhathehad，thathisCreditorscouldnottouchapenny。Well，whenhehaddone，hesendshismournfullsugeredletterstohisCreditors，toletthemunderstandwhathadhappeneduntohim，anddesiredthemnottobeseverewithhim；{94a}forheboretowardsallmenanhonestmind，andwouldpaysofarashewasable。Nowhesendshislettersbyaman{94b}
confederatewithhim，whocouldmakeboththeworst，andbestofMr。Badmanscase:ThebestforMr。Badman，andtheworstforhisCreditors。Sowhenhecomestothem，hebothbemoansthem，andcondolesMr。Badmanscondition:Tellingofthem，thatwithoutaspeedybringingofthingstoaconclusion，Mr。Badmanwouldbeabletomakethemnosatisfaction，butatpresenthebothcould，andwould，andthattotheutmostofhispower:andtothatend，hedesiredthattheywouldcomeovertohim。Well，hisCreditorsappointhimatime，andcomeover；andhe，meanwhile，authorizesanothertotreatwiththem，butwillnotbeseenhimself，unlessitwasonaSunday，lesttheyshouldsnaphimwithaWrit。SohisdeputedfriendtreatswiththemabouttheirconcernwithMr。
Badman，firsttellingthemofthegreatcarethatMr。Badmantooktosatisfiethemandallmenforwhatsoeverheought，asfarasinhimlay，and，howlittlehethoughtawhilesincetobeinthislowcondition。HepleadedalsothegreatnessofhisCharge，thegreatnessofTaxes，theBadnessofthetimes，andthegreatLossesthathehadbymanyofhiscustomers，someofwhichdiedinhisdebt，otherswererunaway，andformanythatwerealive，heneverexpectedafarthi[n]gfromthem。Yetneverthelesshewouldshewhimselfanhonestman，andwouldpayasfarashewasable；andiftheywerewillingtocometoterms，hewouldmakeacompositionwiththem，forhewasnotabletopaythemall。TheCreditorsaskedwhathewouldgive？{94c}’Twasreplyed，Halfacrowninthepound。Atthistheybegantohuff，andhetorenewhiscomplaintandentreaty；buttheCreditorswouldnothear，andsoforthattimetheirmeetingwithoutsuccessbrokeup。ButafterhisCreditorswereincoolblood，andadmittingofsecondthoughts，andfearinglestdelaysshouldmakethemloseall，theyadmitofaseconddebate，cometogetheragain，andbymanywords，andgreatado，theyobtainedfiveshillingsi’th’pound。{94d}Sothemoneywasproduced，ReleasesandDischargesdrawn，signed，andsealed，Bookscrossed，andallthingsconfirmed；andthenMr。Badmancanputhisheadoutofdoresagain，andbeabettermanthanwhenheshutupShop，byseveralthousandsofpounds。
Atten。Anddidhedothusindeed？
Wise，Yes，once，andagain。Ithinkhebraketwiceorthrice。
Atten。Anddidhedoitbeforehehadneedtodoit？
Wise。Need！Whatdoyoumeanbyneed？thereisnoneedatanytimeforamantoplaytheknave。{95a}Hediditofawickedmind，todefraudandbeguilehisCreditors:hehadwherewithallofhisFather，andalsobyhisWife，tohavelivedupon，withlawfulllabour，likeanhonestman。HehadalsowhenhemadethiswickedBreakthoughhehadbeenaprofuseandprodigalspendertohavepaidhiscreditorstheirowntoafarthing。Buthadhedoneso，hehadnotdonelikehimself，likeMr。Badman；hadhe，Isay，dealtlikeanhonestman，hehadthengoneoutofMr。Badmansroad。Hediditthereforeofadishonestmind，andtoawickedend；towit，thathemighthavewherewithall，howsoeverunlawfullygotten，tofollowhisCupsandQueans，andtoliveinthefullswingeofhislusts，evenashedidbefore。
Atten。WhythiswasameerCheat。
Wise。Itwasacheatindeed。Thiswayofbreaking，itiselsebutamoreneatwayofThieving，ofpickingofpockets，ofbreakingopenofshops，andoftakingfrommenwhatonehasnothingtodowith。Butthoughitseemeasie，itishardtolearn，nomanthathasconsciencetoGodorman，caneverbehisCraftsMasterinthisHellishart。
Atten。Oh！Sirs！whatawickedmanwasthis？
Wise。Awickedmanindeed。Bythisarthecouldtellhowtomakemensendtheirgoodstohisshop，andthenbegladtotakeapennyforthatforwhichhehadpromisedbeforeitcamethither，togivethemaGroat:Isay，hecouldmakethemgladtotakeaCrownforapoundsworth，andathousandforthatforwhichhehadpromisedbeforetogivethemfourthousandpounds。
Atten。ThisargueththatMr。Badmanhadbutlittleconscience。
Wise。ThisarguedthatMr。BadmanhadNoConscienceatall；forConscience，theleastsparkofagoodConsciencecannotendurethis。
Atten。BeforewegoanyfurtherinMr。Badmansmatters，letmedesireyou，ifyouplease，togivemeananswertothesetwoquestions。{96a}
1。WhatdoyoufindintheWordofGodagainstsuchapractice，asthisofMr。Badmansis？{96b}
2。WhatwouldyouhaveamandothatisinhisCreditorsdebt，andcanneitherpayhimwhatbeoweshim，norgooninatradeanylonger？
Wise。IwillansweryouaswellasIcan。Andfirsttothefirstofyourquestions。Towit，WhatIfindintheWordofGodagainstsuchapractice，asthisofMr。Badmansis。
Answ。TheWordofGoddothforbidthiswickedness；andtomakeitthemoreodiousinoureyes，itjoynsitwithTheftandRobbery:
Thoushaltnot，saysGod，defraudthyneighbour，norrobhim。{96c}
Thoushaltnotdefraud，thatis，deceiveorbeguile。Nowthustobreak，istodefraud，deceiveandbeguile；whichis，asyousee，forbiddenbytheGodofHeaven:Thoushaltnotdefraudthyneighbour，norrobhim。Itisakindoftheftandrobbery，thustodefraud，andbeguile。{96d}Itisawilelyrobbingofhisshop，andpickingofhispocket:athingodioustoReasonandConscience，andcontrarytotheLawofnature。Itisadesignedpieceofwickedness，andthereforeadoublesin。Amancannotdothisgreatwickednessonasudden，andthroughaviolentassaultofSatan。Hethatwillcommitthissin，musthavetimetodeliberate，thatbyinvention，hemaymakeitformidable，andthatwithliesandhighdissimulations。Hethatcommitsthiswickedness，mustfirsthatchituponhisbed，beathisheadaboutit，andlayhisplotstrong:Sothattothecompletingofsuchawickedness，theremustbeadjoynedmanysins，andtheytoo，mustgohandinhanduntillitbecompleated。ButwhatsaiththeScripture？{96e}{96f}
Letnomangobeyond，anddefraudhisBrotherinanymatter，becausetheLordistheavengerofallsuch。ButthiskindofBreakingisagoingbeyondmyBrother；ThisisacompassingofhimaboutthatImaycatchhiminmynet；andasIsaid，anarttorobmyBrother，andtopickhispocket，andthatwithhisconsent。
Whichdothnotthereforemitigate，butsomuchthemoregreatenandmakeodioustheoffence。Formenthatarethuswililyabusedcannothelpthemselves，theyaretakeninadeceitfullnet。ButGodwillhereconcernhimself，hewillbetheavenger，hewillbetheavengerofallsucheitherhereorinanotherworld。
Andthis，theApostletestifiesagain，wherehesaith；{97a}Buthethatdothwrong，shallreceiveforthewrongthathehathdone，andthereisnorespectofpersons。{97b}Thatis，thereisnoman，behewhathewill，ifhewillbeguiltyofthissin，ofgoingbeyond，ofbeguilingof，anddoingwrongtohisBrother，butGodwillcallhimtoanaccountforit，andwillpayhimwithvengeanceforittoo；forthereisnorespectofpersons。
Imightadd，thatthissinofwronging，ofgoingbeyond，anddefraudingofmyNeighbour，itislikethatfirstprankthattheDevilplaidwithourfirstParents，{97c}astheAltarthatUriahbuiltforAhaz，wastakenfromthefashionofthatthatstoodatDamascus，tobetheverypatternofit。TheSerpentbeguiledme，saysEve；Mr。BadmanbeguileshisCreditors。TheSerpentbeguiledEvewithlyingpromisesofgain；andsodidMr。BadmanbeguilehisCreditors。TheSerpentsaidonethingandmeantanother，whenhebeguiledEve；andsodidMr。BadmanwhenhebeguiledhisCreditors。
Thatmanthereforethatdoththusdeceiveandbeguilehisneighbour，imitateththeDevil；hetakethhisexamplesfromhim，andnotfromGod，theWord，orgoodmen:andthisdidMr。Badman。
Andnowtoyoursecondquestion:Towit，WhatIwouldhaveamando，thatisinhisCreditorsdebt，andthatcanneitherpayhim，norgooninatradeanylonger？{97d}
Answ。Firstofall。Ifthisbehiscase，andheknowsit，lethimnotrunonepennyfurtherinhisCreditorsdebt。Forthatcannotbedonewithgoodconscience。Hethatknoweshecannotpay，andyetwillrunintodebt；doesknowinglywronganddefraudhisneighbour，andfallsunderthatsentenceoftheWordofGod，Thewickedborrowethandpayethnotagain。Yeaworse，heborrowsthoughattheverysametimeheknowsthathecannotpayagain。HedothalsocraftilytakeawaywhatishisNeighbours。ThatisthereforethefirstthingthatIwouldpropoundtosuch:LethimnotrunanyfurtherintohisCreditorsdebt。{98a}
Secondly，Afterthis，lethimconsider，{98b}how，andbywhatmeanshewasbroughtintosuchacondition，thathecouldnotpayhisjustdebts。Towit，whetheritwasbyhisownremisnessinhisCalling，bylivingtoohighinDyetorApparel，bylendingtooravishinglythatwhichwasnoneofhisown，tohisloss；orwhetherbytheimmediatehandandJudgmentofGod。
Ifbysearching，hefindes，thatthisiscomeuponhimthroughremisnessinhisCalling，ExtravaganciesinhisFamily，orthelike；lethimlabourforasenceofhissinandwickedness，{98c}
forhehassinnedagainsttheLord:First，inhisbeingslothfullinbusiness，andinnotproviding，towit，ofisown，bythesweatofhisbrows，orotherhonestways，forthoseofhisownhouse。
{98d}AndsecondlyinbeinglavishinginDyetandApparelintheFamily，orinlendingtoothersthatwhichwasnoneofhisown。
Thiscannotbedonewithgoodconscience:itisbothagainstreasonandnature，andthereforemustbeasinagainstGod。Isaytherefore，ifthusthisdebtorhathdone，ifeverhewouldlivequietlyinconscience，andcomfortablyinhisconditionforthefuture，lethimhumblehimselfbeforeGod，andrepentofthishiswickedness。Forhethatisslothfullinhiswork，isbrothertohimthatisagreatwaster。{98e}Tobeslothfullandawastertoo，istobeasitwereadoublesinner。
Butagain，asthismanshouldenquireintothesethings，soheshouldalsointothis。HowcameIintothiswayofdealinginwhichIhavenowmiscarried？isitawaythatmyParentsbroughtmeupin，putmeApprenticeto，orthatbyprovidenceIwasfirstthrustinto？orisitawayintowhichIhavetwistedmyself，asnotbeingcontentedwithmyfirstlot，thatbyGodandmyParentsI
wascastinto？Thisoughtdulytobeconsidered。{98f}Andifuponsearch，amanshallfindthatheisoutoftheplaceandCallingintowhichhewasputbyhisParents，ortheProvidenceofGod，andhasmiscarriedinanewway，thatthroughprideanddislikeofhisfirststateheaschoserathertoembrace；hismiscarriageishissin，thefruitofhisPride，andatokenoftheJudgmentofGoduponhimforhisleavingofhisfirststate。Andforthisheought，asfortheformer，tobehumbleandpenitentbeforetheLord。
Butifbysearch，hefinds，thathispovertycamebynoneofthese；
ifbyhonestsearch，hefindsitso，andcansaywithgoodconscience，IwentnotoutofmyplaceandstateinwhichGodbyhisprovidencehadputme；buthaveabodewithGodinthecallingwhereinIwascalled，andhavewroughthard，andfaredmeanly，beencivillyapparelled，andhavenotdirectly，norindirectlymadeawaywithmyCreditorsgoods:ThenhashisfallcomeuponhimbytheimmediatehandofGod，whetherbyvisibleorinvisiblewayes。Forsometimesitcomesbyvisiblewayes，towit，byFire，byThieves，bylossofCattel，orthewickednessofsinfuldealers，&c。Andsometimesbymeansinvisible，andthennomanknowshow；weonlyseethingsaregoing，butcannotseebywhatwaytheygo。Well，Nowsupposethataman，byanimmediatehandofGodisbroughttoamorselofBread，whatmusthedonow？
Ianswer:Hissurestwayisstilltothink，thatthisisthefruitofsomesin，thoughpossiblynotsininthemanagementofhiscalling，yetofsomeothersin。Godcastethawaythesubstanceofthewicked。ThereforelethimstillhumblehimselfbeforehisGod，becausehishandisuponhim，andsay，Whatsinisthis，forwhichthishandofGodisuponme？andlethimbediligenttofinditout，forsomesinisthecauseofthisJudgment；forGoddothnotwillinglyafflictnorgrievethechildrenofmen。Eithertheheartistoomuchsetupontheworld，orReligionistoomuchneglectedinthyFamily，orsomething。ThereisaSnakeinthegrass，aWorminthegourd；somesininthybosom，forthesakeofwhichGoddoththusdealwiththee。
Thirdly，Thisthusdone，letthatmanagainconsiderthuswithhimself:PerhapsGodisnowchangingofmyConditionandstateintheworld；hehasletmeliveinfashion，infulness，andabundanceofworldlyglory，andIdidnottohisgloryimprove，asIshould，thathisgooddispensationtome。{100a}ButwhenIlivedinfullandfatpasture，Ididthereliftuptheheel:ThereforehewillnowturnmeintohardCommons，thatwithleanness，andhunger，andmeanness，andwant，Imayspendtherestofmydays。Butlethimdothiswithoutmurmering，andrepining；lethimdoitinagodlymanner，submittinghimselftotheJudgmentofGod。Lettherichrejoyceinthatheismadelow。{100b}
Thisisduty，anditmaybepriviledgtothosethatareunderthishandofGod。Andforthyencouragementtothishardwork，forthisisahardworkconsiderofthesefourthings。{100c}
1。ThisisrightlyingdownunderGodshand，andthewaytobeexaltedinGodstime:whenGodwouldhaveJobembracetheDunghill，heembracesit，andsays，TheLordgiveth，andtheLordhathtakenaway，blessedbethenameoftheLord。{100d}
2。Consider，Thatthereareblessingsalsothatattendalowcondition，morethanalltheworldareawareof。Apoorconditionhaspreventingmercyattendingofit。Thepoor，becausetheyarepoor，arenotcapableofsinningagainstGodastherichmandoes。
3。ThePoorcanmoreclearlyseehimselfpreservedbytheprovidenceofGodthantherich，forhetrustethintheabundanceofhisriches。{100e}
4。ItmaybeGodhasmadetheepoor，becausehewouldmaketheerich。Hearkenmybelovedbrethren，hathnotGodchosenthepoorofthisworld，richinFaith，andheirsofaKingdomwhichGodhathpromisedtothemthatlovehim？{100f}
Iamperswaded，ifmenuponwhomthishandofGodis，wouldthusquietlylyedown，andhumblethemselvesunderit，theywouldfindmorepeace，yea，moreblessingofGodattendingtheminit，thanthemostofmenareawareof。ButthisisanhardChapter，andthereforeIdonotexpectthatmanyshouldeitherreaditwithpleasure，ordesiretotakemycounsel。
HavingthusspokentotheBrokenman，withreferencetohisownself；IwillnowspeaktohimashestandsrelatedtohisCreditors。
Inthenextplacetherefore，lethimfalluponthemost{101a}
honestwayofdealingwithhisCreditors，andthatIthinkmustbethis。
First，Lethimtimelymakethemacquaintedwithhiscondition，andalsodotothemthesethreethings。
1。Lethimheartily，andunfeignedlyaskthemforgivenessforthewrongthathehasdonethem。
2。Lethimprofferthemall，andthewholeallthateverhehasintheworld；lethimhidenothing，lethimstriphimselftohisraimentforthem；lethimnotkeepaRing，aSpoon，oranythingfromthem。
3。Ifnoneofthesetwowillsatisfiethem，lethimprofferthemhisBody，tobeattheirdispose，towit，eithertoabideimprisonmenttheirpleasure，ortobeattheirservice，tillbylabourandtravelhehathmadethemsuchamendsastheyinreasonthinkfit，onlyreservingsomethingforthesuccourofhispooranddistressedFamilyoutofhislabour，whichinReason，andConscience，andNature，heisboundalsototakecareof:Thusshallhemakethemwhatamendsheisable，fortheWrongthathehathdonetheminwastingandspendingoftheirEstates。
Bythusdoing，hesubmitshimselftoGodsrod，commitshimselftothedisposeofhisProvidence；yea，bythusdoing，hecasteththelotofhispresentandfutureconditionintothelapofhisCreditors，andleavesthewholedisposethereoftotheLord，{101b}
evenasheshallorderandinclinetheirheartstodowithhim。
Andletthatbeeithertoforgivehim；ortotakethatwhichhehathforsatisfaction；ortolayhisbodyunderaffliction，thiswayorthat，accordingtoLaw；canhe，Isay，thusleavethewholedisposetoGod，lettheissuebewhatitwill，thatmanshallhavepeaceinhismindafterward。Andthecomfortsofthatstate，whichwillbecomfortsthatattendEquity，Justice，andDuty，
willbemoreuntohim，becausemoreaccordingtoGodliness，thancanbethecomfortsthatarethefruitsofInjustice，Fraudulency，andDeceit。Besides，thisisthewaytoengageGodtofavourhimbythesentenceofhisCreditors；forHecanentreatthemtousehimkindly，andhewilldoitwhenhiswaysarepleasinginhissight:WhenamanswayspleasetheLord，hisenemiesshallbeatpeacewithhim；{102a}Andsurely，foramantoseektomakerestitutionforwrongsdone，totheutmostofhispower，bywhatheis，has，andenjoysinthisworld，isthebestway，inthatcapacity，andwithreferencetothatthing，thatamancanatthistimebefoundactivein。
Buthethatdothotherwise，abidesinhissin，refusestobedisposedofbytheProvidenceofGod，chusethanhighEstate，thoughnotattainedinGodsway；whenGodsWillis，thatheshoulddescendintoalowone:yea，hedesperatelysaithinhisheartandactions，Iwillbemineownchooser，andthatinmineownway，whateverhappensorfollowsthereupon。
Atten。Youhavesaidwell，inmymind。Butsupposenow，thatMr。
Badmanwashere，couldhenotobjectastowhatyouhavesaid，saying，GoandteachyourBrethren，thatareProfessors，thislesson，forthey，asIam，areguiltyofBreaking；yeaIamapttothink，ofthatwhichyoucallmyKnavishwayofbreaking；towit，ofbreakingbeforetheyhaveneedtobreak。Butifnotso，yettheyareguiltyofneglectintheirCalling，{102b}oflivinghigher，bothinFareandApparrel，thantheirTradeorIncomewillmaintain。Besides，thattheydobreak，alltheworldverywellknowes，andthattheyhavethearttopleadforacomposition，isverywellknowntomen；andthatitisusualwiththem，tohidetheirLinnen，theirPlate，theirJewels，and’tistobethought，sometimesMoneyandGoodsbesides，isascommonasfoureggsapenny。Andthustheybeguilemen，debauchtheirconsciences，sinagainsttheirProfession，andmake，’tistobefeared，theirlustsinallthis，andthefulfillingofthem，theirend。Isay，ifMr。
Badmanwasheretoobjectthusuntoyou，whatwouldbeyourreply？
Wise。What！WhyIwouldsay，IhopenoGoodman，nomanofgoodconscience，nomanthateitherfearethGod，regardeththecreditofReligion，thepeaceofGodspeople，orthesalvationofhisownsoul，willdothus。
Professors，suchperhapstheremaybe，andwho，uponearthcanhelpit？Jadestherebeofallcolours。{103a}Ifmenwillprofess，andmaketheirprofessionastalking-Horsetobeguiletheirneighboursoftheirestates，asMr。Badmanhimselfdid，whenhebeguiledherthatnowiswithsorrowhiswife，whocanhelpit？
TheChurchesofoldwerepesteredwithsuch，andthereforenomarveliftheseperilousdifficulttimesbeso。ButmarkhowtheApostlewordsit:Naydowronganddefraud，andthatyourBrethren:Knowyounot，thattheunrighteousshallnotinherittheKingdomofGod？Benotdeceived，neitherFornicator，norIdolaters，norAdulterers，norEffeminate，norabusersofthemselveswithMankind，norThieves，norCovetous，norDrunkards，norRevilers，norExtortioners，shallinherittheKingdomofGod。
{103b}
Noneoftheseshallbesavedinthisstate，norshallprofessiondeliverthemfromthecensureoftheGodly，whentheyshallbemanifestsuchtobe。Buttheirprofessionwecannothelp:Howcanwehelpit，ifmenshouldascribetothemselvesthetitleofHolyones，Godlyones，Zealousones，Self-denyingones，oranyothersuchglorioustitle？andwhiletheythuscallthemselves，theyshouldbetheveryestRoguesforallevil，sin，andvillanyimaginable，whocouldhelpit？True，theyareascandaltoReligion，agrieftothehonesthearted，anoffencetotheworld，andastumblingstonetotheweak，andtheseoffenceshavecome，docome，andwillcome，dowhatalltheworldcan；butwobetothemthroughwhomtheycome；{103c}letsuchprofessorsthereforedisownedbyalltrueChristians，andletthembereckonedamongthosebasemenoftheworldwhichbysuchactionstheymostresemble:TheyareMr。BadmansKindred。
For{103d}theyareashametoReligion，Isaytheseslithy，rob-
Shop，pick-pocketmen，theyareashametoReligion，andreligiousmenshouldbeashamedofthem。GodputssuchanoneamongtheFoolsoftheworld，thereforeletnotChristiansputthemamongthosethatarewiseforheaven。AsthePartridgesittethoneggs，andhatcheththemnot，sohethatgettethrichesandnotbyright，shallleavetheminthemidstofhisdayes，andathisendshallbeafool。{103e}Andthemanunderconsiderationisoneofthese，andthereforemustlooktofallbythisJudgment。
Aprofessor！andpracticesuchvillianiesasthese！suchanoneisnotworthytobearthatnameanylonger。WemaysaytosuchastheProphetspaketotheirlike，towit，totherebelliousthatwereinthehouseofIsrael。Goeye，serveeverymanhisIdols:-IfyewillnothearkentotheLawandTestamentofGod，toleadyourlivesthereafter:butpolluteGodsholynamenomorewithyourGifts，andwithyourIdols。{104a}
Goeprofessors，Goe；leaveoffprofession，unlessyouwillleadyourlivesaccordingtoyourprofession。Betterneverprofess，thantomakeprofessionastalking-horsetosin，Deceit，totheDevil，andHell。
ThegroundandrulesofReligionallownotanysuchthing:Receiveus，saystheApostle，wehavewrongednoman，wehavecorruptednoman，wehavedefraudednoman。{104b}Intimating，thatthosethatareguiltyofwronging，corruptingordefraudingofany，shouldnotbeadmittedtothefellowshipofSaints，nonorintothecommoncatalogueofBrethrenwiththem。
NorcanmenwithalltheirRhetorick，andEloquentspeakingprovethemselvesfitfortheKingdomofHeaven，ormenofgoodconscienceonearth。{104c}OthatgodlypleaofSamuel:BeholdhereIam，sayshe，witnessagainstme，beforetheLord，andbeforehisAnointed，whoseOxehaveItaken，orwhoseAsshaveItaken，orwhomhaveIdefrauded，whomhaveIoppressed，{104d}&c？Thiswastodolikeamanofgoodconscienceindeed。AndinthishisAppeal，hewassojustifiedintheconscienciesofthewholeCongregation，thattheycouldnotbutwithonevoice，aswithonemouth，breakoutjoyntlyandsay，Thouhastnotdefraudedus，noroppressedus。{104e}
AProfessor，anddefraud，awaywithhim！aProfessorshouldnotoweanymananything，butlove。Aprofessorshouldprovidethings，notofothermens，butofhisown，ofhisownhonestgetting，andthatnotonelyinthesightofGod，butofallmen；thathemayadorntheDoctrineifGodourSaviourinallthings。
Atten。But{105a}supposeGodshouldblowuponaProfessorinhisEstate，andCalling，andheshouldberunoutbeforeheisaware，musthebeaccountedtobelikeMr。Badman，andlieunderthesamereproachashe？
Wise。No:{105b}Ifhehathdutifullydonewhathecouldtoavoidit。ItispossibleforaShiptosinkatsea，notwithstandingthemostfaithfullendeavourofthemostskilfulPilotunderHeaven。
Andthus，asIsuppose，itwaswiththeProphetthatlefthiswifeindebttothehazardingtheslaveryofherchildrenbytheCreditors。{105c}Hewasnoprofuseman，noronethatwasgiventodefraud，fortheTextsayshefearedGod；yet，asIsaid，hewasrunoutmorethanshecouldpay。
IfGodwouldblowuponaman，whocanhelpit？andhewilldososometimes，{105d}becausehewillchangedispensationswithmen，andbecausehewilltryetheirGraces。{105e}Yea，alsobecausehewilloverthrowthewickedwithhisJudgments；andallthesethingsareseeninJob。Butthentheconsiderationofthis，shouldbidmenhaveacarethattheybehonest，lestthiscomesuponthemfortheirsin:Itshouldalsobidthembewareoflaunchingfurtherintotheworld，thaninanhonestwaybyordinarymeanstheycanGodlilymaketheirretreat；forthefurtherin，thegreaterfall。
Itshouldalsoteachthem，tobeggofGodhisblessingupontheirendeavours，theirhonestandlawfullendeavours。Anditshouldputthemuponadiligentlookingtotheirsteps，thatifintheirgoingtheyshouldheartheIcecrack，theymaytimelygoebackagain。
Thesethingsconsidered，andduelyputinpractice，ifGodwillblowuponaman，thenlethimbecontent，andwithJobembracethedunghill；lethimgiveuntoalltheirdues，andnotfightagainsttheProvidenceofGod，buthumblehimselfratherunderhismightyhand，whichcomestostriphimnakedandbare:forhethatdothotherwise，fightsagainstGod；anddeclaresthatheisastrangertothatofPaul；Iknowbothhowtobeabased，andIknowhowtoabound；everywhere，inallthings，Iaminstructedbothtobefull，andtobehungry，bothtoabound，andtosufferneed。{105f}
Atten。ButMr。Badmanwouldnot，Ibelieve，haveputthisdifference’twixtthingsfeigned，andthosethatfallofnecessity。
Wise。Ifhewillnot，Godwill，Consciencewill；andthatnotthineownonly，buttheConsciencesofallthosethathaveseentheway，andthathaveknownthetruthoftheconditionofsuchanone。
Atten。Well:Letusatthistimeleavethismatter，andreturnagaintoMr。Badman。
Wise。WithallmyheartwillIproceedtogiveyouarelationofwhatisyetbehindofhisLife，inordertoourdiscourseofhisDeath。
Atten。Butpraydoitwithasmuchbrevityasyoucan。
Wise。Why？areyouawearyofmyrelatingofthings？
Atten。No。Butitpleasesmetohearagreatdealinfewwords。
Wise。Iprofessnotmyselfanartistthatway，butyetasbrieflyasIcan，IwillpassthroughwhatofhisLifeisbehind；andagainIshallbeginwithhisfraudulentdealingasbeforeIhaveshewedwithhisCreditors，sonowwithhisCustomers，andthosethathehadotherwisetodealwithall。
HedealtbydeceitfullWeightsandMeasures。{106a}Hekeptweightstobuyby，andweightstosellby；measurestobuyby，andmeasurestosellby:thoseheboughtbyweretoobig，thosehesoldbyweretoolittle。
Besides，hecoulduseathingcalledslightofhand，ifhehadtodowithothermensweightsandmeasures，andbythatmeansmakethemwhetherhedidbuyorsell，yeathoughhisCustomerorChapmanlookedon，turntohisownadvantage。
Moreover，hehadthearttomisreckonmenintheirAccountswhetherbyweight，ormeasure，ormoney，andwouldoftendoittohisworldlyadvantage，andtheirloss:WhatsayyoutoMr。Badmannow？
Andifaquestionwasmadeofhisfaithfulldealing，hehadhisservantsready，thattohispurposehehadbroughtup，thatwouldavouchandsweartohisBook，orword:thiswasMr。Badmanspractice；WhatthinkyouofMr。Badmannow？
Atten。Think！WhyIcanthinknootherbutthathewasamanlefttohimself，anaughtyman；forthese，ashisother，werenaughtythings；ifthetree，asindeeditmay，oughttobejudged，whatitisbyitsfruits；thenMr。BadmanmustneedsbeabadTree。Butpray，formyfurthersatisfaction，shewmenowbytheWordofGod，evilofthishispractice:andfirstofhisusingfalseWeightsandMeasures。
Wise。Theevilofthat！whytheevilofthatappearstoeveryeye:
theHeathens，thatlivelikeBeastsandBruitsinmanythings，doabominateandabhorrsuchwickednessasthis。Letamanbutlookuponthesethingsashegoesby，andheshallseeenoughinthemfromthelightofnaturetomakehimloathsobaseapractice；
althoughMr。Badmanlovedit。
Atten。ButshewmesomethingoutoftheWordagainstit，willyou？
Wise。Iwillwillinglydoit。AndfirstwewilllookintotheOldTestament:{107a}Youshall，saithGodthere，donounrighteousnessinJudgment，inmete-yard，inweightsorinmeasures，ajustBallance，ajustWeight，ajustEphah，andajustHinshallyouhave。{107b}ThisistheLawofGod，andthatwhichallmenaccordingtotheLawofthelandoughttoobey。Soagain:
YeshallhavejustBallances，andajustEphah，&c。{107c}
NowhavingshewedyoutheLaw，IwillalsoshewyouhowGodtakesswervingtherefrom。AfalseBallanceisnotgood；afalseBallanceisanabominationtotheLord。{107d}SomehavejustWeightsbutfalseBallances，andbyvertueofthosefalseBallances，bytheirjustWeights，theydeceivetheCountrey:{107e}Wherefore，GodfirstofallcommandsthattheBallancebemadeJust:AjustBallanceshaltthouhave。Elsetheymaybe，yeaare，decievers，notwithstandingtheirjustweights。
Now，havingcommandedthatmenhaveajustBallance，andtestifyingthatafalseoneisanabominationtotheLord，heproceedethalsountoweightandmeasure。
Thoushaltnothaveinthybagdiversweights，agreatandasmall；
{107f}thatisonetobuyby，andanothertosellby，asMr。Badmanhad。Thoushaltnothaveinthyhousediversmeasures，agreatandasmall，andthesehadMr。Badmanalsobutthoushalthaveaperfectandajustweight；aperfectandajustmeasureshaltthouhave，thatthydaysmaybelengthenedinthelandwhichtheLordthyGodgiveththee。Forallthatdosuchthings，thatis，thatusefalseWeightsandMeasuresandallthatdounrighteouslyareabominationtotheLord。Seenowbothhowplentiful，andhowpunctualtheScriptureisinthismatter。Butperhapsitmaybeobjected，thatallthisisoldLaw，andthereforehathnothingtodowithusundertheNewTestament。NotthatIthinkyou，neighbour，willobjectthus:Well，tothisfoolishobjection，letusmakeanAnswer。First，hethatmakesthisobjection，ifhedothittooverthrowtheauthorityofthoseTexts，{108a}discovereththathimselfisfirstcousentoMr。Badman:ForaJustmaniswillingtospeakreverentlyofthosecommands。Thatmanthereforehath，Idoubt，butlittleconscience，ifanyatallthatisgood，thatthusobjectethagainsttheText:butletuslookintotheNewTestament，andthereweshallseehowChristconfirmeththesame:
Wherehecommandeththatmenmaketoothersgoodmeasure，includingalsothattheymakegoodweight；tellingsuchthatdoethus，orthosethatdoitnot，thattheymaybeencouragedtodoit；Goodmeasure，presseddown，shakentogether，andrunningover，shallmengiveintoyourbosom；forwiththesamemeasurethatyemetewithall，itshallbemeasuredtoyouagain:{108b}Towit，bothfromGodandman。ForasGodwillshewhisindignationagainstthefalseman，bytakingawayeventhathehath，sohewilldeliverupthefalsemantotheOppressor，andtheExtortionershallcatchfromhim，aswellashehathcatchedfromhisneighbour；thereforeanotherScripturesaith，Whenthoushaltceasetodealtreacherously，theyshalldealtreacherouslywiththee。ThattheNewTestamentalso，hathaninspectionintomensTrading，yeaevenwiththeirweightsandmeasures，isevidentfromthesegeneralexhortations。{108c}Defraudnot；lyenotonetoanother；letnomangoebeyondhisbrotherinanymatter，forGodistheavengerofallsuch:whatsoeveryoudo，doitheartily，asuntotheLord，doingallinhisname，tohisglory；andthelike。Alltheseinjunctionsandcommandmentsdorespectourlifeandconversationamongmen，withreferencetoourdealing，trading，andsoconsequentlytheyforbidfalse，deceitful，yeaalldoingsthatarecorrupt。
Havingthusinawordortwoshewedyou，thatthesethingsarebad；
Iwillnext，fortheconvictionofthosethatusethem，shewyou，whereGodsaiththeyaretobefound。{109a}
1。Theyarenottobefoundinthehouseofthegoodandgodlyman，forhe，ashisGod，abhorrsthem；buttheyaretobefoundinthehouseofevildoers，{109b}suchasMr。Badmansis。Arethere，saiththeProphet，yetthetreasuresofwickednessinthehouseofthewicked，andthescantmeasurethatisabomination？{109c}Aretheythereyet，notwithstandingGodsforbidding，notwithstandingGodstokensofangeragainstthosethatdosuchthings？Ohowlothisawickedmantoletgoeasweet，againfulsin，whenhehathholdofit！Theyholdfastdeceit，theyrefusetoletitgoe。
2。ThesedeceitfulWeightsandMeasuresarenottobefoundinthehouseoftheMercifull，butinthehouseoftheCruel；inthehouseofthemthatlovetooppress。{109d}TheBallancesofdeceitareinhishand，helovethtooppress。{109e}Heisgiventooppressionandcruelty，thereforeheusethsuchwickedthingsinhiscalling。Yeaheisaverycheat，andaswashintedbefore，concerningMr。Badmansbreaking，soIsaynow，concerninghisusingthesedeceitfulweightsandmeasures，itisasbad，asbase，astotakeapurse，orpickapocket；foritisaplainrobbery，ittakesawayfromamanthatwhichishisown，eventhepriceofhismoney。
3。ThedeceitfulWeightsandMeasuresarenottobefoundinthehouseofsuchasrelievethebelly，andthatcovertheloynsofthepoor，butofsuchasindeedwouldswallowthemup。{109f}Hearyethis，yethatswallowuptheneedy，andthatmakethepoorofthelandtofail，saying，WhenwillthenewMoonbegonethatwemaysellcorn，andtheSabbaththatwemaysetforthWheat，makingtheEphahsmallandtheShecklegreat，makingtheMeasuresmall，andthePricegreatandfalsifyingtheBallancesbydeceit，thatyemaybuythepoorforsilver，andtheneedyforapairofshooes，andselltherefuseoftheWheat。TheLordhathswornbytheexcellencieofJacob，surelyIwillnotforgetanyoftheirworks。
{109g}SodetestableandvileathingisthisinthesightofGod。
4。Godabominatesthethoughtsofcallingofthosethatusefalseweightsandmeasures，byanyothertermthan，thattheybeImpureones{110a}orthelike:ShallIcountthempuresaithhewiththebagofdeceitfulweights？{110b}nobynomeans，theyareimpureones，theirhandsaredefiled，deceitfulgainisintheirhouses，theyhavegottenwhattheyhavebycovetinganevilCovetousness，andthereforemustandshallbecountedamongtheimpure，amongthewickedoftheworld。
ThusyouseehowfullandplaintheWordofGodis，againstthissin，andthemthatuseit。AndthereforeMr。Badman，forthatheusedbythesethingsthustorookandcheathisneighbours，isrightlyrejectedfromhavinghisNamein，andamongthecatalogueofthegodly。
Atten。ButIamperswaded，thattheusingofthesethings，andthedoingbythemthusdeceitfully，isnotcountedsogreatanevilbysome。
Wise。Whetheritbecountedaneviloravertue，bymen，itmatterethnot；youseebytheScriptures，theJudgmentofGoduponit。ItwasnotcountedanevilbyMr。Badman，norisitbyanythatstillaretreadinginhissteps。But，Isay，’tisnomatterhowmenesteemofthings，letusadheretotheJudgmentofGod。
Andtherather，becausewhenweourselveshavedoneweighingandmeasuringtoothers，thenGodwillweighandmeasurebothusandouractions。Andwhenhedothso，ashewilldoshortly，thenwobetohimtowhom，andofwhoseactionsitshallbethussaidbyhim:Tekel，ThouartweighedintheBallances，andartfoundwanting。{110c}Godwillthenrecompensetheirevilofdeceivingupontheirownhead，whenheshallshutthemoutofhispresence，favour，andkingdom，foreverandever。
Atten。But’tisawonder，thatsinceMr。Badmanscommonpracticewastodothus，thatsomeoneormoredidnotfindhimout，andblamehimforthishiswickedness。
Wise。Forthegeneralityofpeople，hewentawaycleverwithhisKnavery。ForwhatwithhisBallance，hisfalseBallance，andgoodweight，andwhatwithhisslightofhandtoboot，hebeguiled，sometimesalittle，andsometimesmore，mostthathehadtodealwith:Besides，thosethatusethisnaughtytrade，areeithersuchasblindmenwithashewofReligion，orbyhectoringthebuyeroutbywords。ImustconfessMr。Badmanwasnotsoarchatthefirst；
{111a}thatis，todoitbyshewofReligion；fornowhebegantogrowthreadbare，thoughsomeofhisbrethrenarearchenoughthisway，yeaandofhissisterstoo，forItoldyouatfirstthattherewasagreatmanyofthem，andofthemgood:butforhectoring，forswearing，forlying，ifthesethingswouldmakeweightandmeasure，theyshouldnotbewantingtoMr。BadmansCustomers。
Atten。ThenitseemhekeptgoodWeights，andabadBallance；wellthatwasbetterthanthatbothshouldbebad。
Wise。Notatall。Therelaythedepthofhisdeceit:{111b}Forifanyatanytimefoundfault，thatheusedthemhardly，andthattheywantedtheirweightofthings；hewouldreply:Whydidyounotseethemweighed？willyounotbelieveyourowneyes:Ifyouquestionmyweights，praycarrythemwhetheryouwill，Iwillmaintainthemtobegoodandjust。Thesamehewouldsayofhisscales。Soheblindedall，byhisBallance。
Atten。Thisiscunningindeed:butasyousay，theremustbealsosomethingdoneorsaid，toblindtherewith，andthisIperceiveMr。
Badmanhad。
Wise。Yes。Hehadmanywaystoblind，buthewasnevercleveratit，bymakingashewofReligion，thoughhecheatedhiswifetherewith:forhewas，especiallybythosethatdweltnearhim，toowellknowntodothat，thoughhewouldbungleatitaswellashecould。Buttherearesomethatarearchvillainsthisway；theyshalltoviewliveawholelifeReligiously，andyetshallbeguiltyofthesemosthorriblesins:AndyetReligioninitselfisnevertheworse，noryetthetrueprofessorsofit。ButasLuthersays，InthenameofGodbeginsallmischief。ForHypocriteshavenootherwaytobringtheirevilstomaturity，butbyusingandmixingtheNameofGodandReligiontherewith。{112b}ThustheybecomewhitedWalls；{112a}forbythiswhite，thewhiteofReligion，thedirtoftheiractionsishid。Thusalsotheybecomegravesthatappearnot，andtheythatgoeoverthem，thathavetodowiththemarenotawareofthem，butsufferthemselvestobedeludedbythem。Yea，ifthereshall，astherewillsometimes，riseadoubtintheheartofthebuyerabouttheweightandmeasureheshouldhave，why，hesufferethhisverysencestobealsodeluded，byrecallingofhisChapmansReligiontomind，andthinksverilythatnothisgoodchapmanbuthimselfisout；forhedreamsnotthathischapmancandeceive。Butifthebuyershallfinditout，andshallmakeitapparent，thatheisbeguiled；thenshallhebehealedbyhavingamendsmade，andperhapsfaultshallbelaiduponservants，&c。andsoMasterCheatshallstandforarighthonestmanintheeyeofhisCustomer，thoughthenexttimeheshallpickhispocketagain。
Some{112c}pleadCustomfortheirCheat，asifthatcouldacquitthembeforetheTribunalofGod:Andotherssay，itcametothemforsomuch，andthereforeanothermusttakeitforsomuch，thoughthereiswantingbothastoweightandmeasure:butinallthesethingsthereareJuggles；orifnot，suchmustknow，{112d}Thatthatwhichisaltogetherjust，theymustdoe。SupposethatIbecheatedmyselfwithabrasshalf-Crown，mustIthereforecheatanothertherewith？ifthisbebadinthewhole，itisalsobadintheparts。Thereforehoweverthouaredealtwithallinthybuying，yetthoumustdealjustlyinselling，orthousinnestagainstthysoul，andartbecomeasMr。Badman。Andknow，thatapretencetocustomisnothingworth。’Tisnotcustom，butgoodconsciencethatwillhelpatGodsTribunal。
Atten。ButIamperswaded，thatthatwhichisgottenbymenthisway，doththembutlittlegood。
Wise。Iamofyourmindforthat，butthisisnotconsideredbythosethusminded。Foriftheycangetit，thoughtheyget，aswesay，theDevilandall，bytheirgetting，yettheyarecontent，andcountthattheirgettingismuch。
Littlegood！Whydoyouthinktheyconsiderthat？No:nomorethantheyconsiderwhattheyshalldoeintheJudgment，atthedayofGodAlmighty，fortheirwronggettingofwhattheyget，andthatisjustnothingatall。{113a}
Buttogiveyouamoredirectanswer。Thiskindofgetting，issofarofffromdoingthemlittlegood，thatitdoththemnogoodatall；becausetherebytheylosetheirownsouls；Whatshallitprofitamanifheshallgainthewholeworld，andlosehisownsoul？{113b}Heloseththen，helosethgreatlythatgettethafterthisfashion。Thisisthemanthatispenny-wise，andpound-
foolish；thisishethatlosethhisgoodSheepforahalfpennyworthoftarr；thatlosethasoulforalittleoftheworld。Andthenwhatdothhegetthereby，butlossanddammage？{113c}Thushegetteth，orratherlosethabouttheworldtocome:Butwhatdothhegetinthisworld，morethantravelandsorrowvexationofspirit，anddisappointment？Menaimatblessednessingetting，I
mean，attemporalblessedness；butthemanthatthusgetteth，shallnothavethat。ForthoughanInheritanceafterthismannermaybehastilygottenatthebeginning，yettheendthereofshallnotbeblessed。Theygatheritindeed，andthinktokeepittoo，butwhatsaysSolomon？Godcastethitaway。TheLordwillnotsufferthesouloftherighteoustofamish，buthecastethawaythesubstanceofthewicked。
Thetime，asIsaid，thattheydoenjoyit，itshalldoethemnogoodatall；butlongtobesuretheymustnothaveit。ForGodwilleithertakeitawayintheirlifetime，orelseinthegenerationfollowing，accordingtothatofJob:He，thewicked，mayprepareit，butthejustshallputiton，andtheinnocentshalldividethesilver。{113d}
ConsiderthatalsothatiswrittenintheProverbs:AgoodmanleavethanInheritancetohischildrenschildren，andthewealthofthesinnerislaidupforthejust。{113e}Whatthendothhegetthereby，thatgettethbydishonestmeans？whyhegettethSinandWrath，HellandDamnation:andnowtellmehowmuchhedothget。
This，Isay，ishisgetting；sothatasDavidsays，wemaybeboldtosaytoo:Ibeheldthewickedingreatprosperity，andpresentlyIcursedhishabitation:foritcannotprosperwithhim。Flusterandhuff，andmakeadoeforawhilehemay，butGodhathdeterminedthatbothheanditshallmeltlikegrease，andanyobservingmanmayseeitso。Behold，theunrighteousmaninawayofInjusticegettethmuch，andloadethhimselfwiththickClay，butanonitwithereth，itdecayeth，andevenhe，ortheGenerationfollowingdecline，andreturntobeggery。
AndthisMr。Badman，notwithstandinghiscunningandcraftytrickstogetmoney，diddye，nobodycantellwhetherworthafarthingorno。
Atten。Hehadallthebadtricks，Ithink，thatitwaspossibleforamantohave，togetmoney；onewouldthinkthatheshouldabeenrich。
Wise。Youreckontoofast，ifyoucounttheseallhisbadtrickstogetmoney:Forhehadmorebesides。{114a}
IfhiscustomerswereinhisBooksasitshouldgoehardbuthewouldhavethemthere；atleast，ifhethoughthecouldmakeanyadvantageofthem，then，thenwouldhebesuretoimposeuponthemhisworst，evenverybadComodity，yetsetdownforitthepricethatthebestwassoldat:likethosethatsoldtheRefuseWheat，ortheworstofthewheat；makingtheShecklegreat，{114b}yethoistinguptheprice:ThiswasMr。Badmansway。He{114c}wouldsellgoodsthatcosthimnotthebestpricebyfar，forasmuchashesoldthebestofallfor。Hehadalsoatricktominglehiscomodity，thatthatwhichwasbadmightgoeoffwiththelessmistrust。
Besides，ifhiscustomersatanytimepaidhimmoney，letthemlooktothemselves，andtotheirAcquitances，forhewouldusuallyattempttocallforthatpaymentagain，speciallyifhethoughtthattherewashopesofmakingaprizethereby，andthentobesureiftheycouldnotproducegoodandsufficientgroundofthepayment，ahundredtoonebuttheypayeditagain。SometimesthehonestChapmanwouldappealtohisservantsforproofofthepaymentofmoney，buttheyweretrainedupbyhimtosayafterhismind，rightorwrong:sothat，reliefthatway，hecouldgetnone。
Atten。Itisabad，yeaanabominablethingforamantohavesuchservants。Forbysuchmeansapoorcustomermaybeundoneandnotknowhowtohelphimself。Alas！ifthemasterbesounconscionable，asIperceiveMr。Badmanwas，tocallforhismoneytwice，andifhisservantwillswearthatitisaduedebt，whereisanyhelpforsuchaman？hemustsink，thereisnoremedy。
Wise。Thisisverybad，butthishasbeenapractice，andthathundredsofyearsagoe。ButwhatsaiththeWordofGod？Iwillpunishallthosethatleapuponthethreshold，whichfilltheirmastershouseswithviolenceanddeceit。{115a}{115b}
Mr。Badmanalsohadthisart；couldhegetamanatadvantage，thatis，ifhischapmandurstnotgofromhim，orifthecomodityhewantedcouldnotforthepresentbeconvenientlyhadelsewhere；
Thenlethimlooktohimself，hewouldsurelymakehispurse-
stringscrack；hewouldexactuponhimwithoutanypityorconscience。
Atten。ThatwasExtortion，wasitnot？IprayletmehearyourJudgmentofExtortion，whatitis，andwhencommitted？
Wise。Extortion{115c}isascrewingfrommenmorethanbytheLawofGodormenisright；anditiscommittedsometimesbytheminOffice，aboutFees，Rewards，andthelike:but’tismostcommonlycommittedbymenofTrade，whowithoutallconscience，whentheyhavetheadvantage，willmakeapreyoftheirneighbour。AndthuswasMr。BadmananExtortioner；foralthoughhedidnotexact，andforceaway，asBailifsandClarkshaveusedtodoe；yethehadhisopportunities，andsuchcrueltytomakeuseofthem，thathewouldoften，inhisway，beExtorting，andforcingofmoneyoutofhisNeighbourspocket。Foreverymanthatmakesapreyofhisadvantageuponhisneighboursnecessities，toforcefromhimmorethaninreasonandconscience，accordingtothepresentprizesofthingssuchcomodityisworth；mayverywellbecalledanExtortioner，andJudgedforonethathathNoinheritanceintheKingdomofGod。{115d}
Atten。Well，thisBadmanwasasadwretch。
Wise。Thusyouhaveoftensaidbefore。Butnowweareindiscourseofthis，givemeleavealittletogoeon。WehaveagreatmanypeopleintheCountreytoothatlivealltheirdayesinthepractice，andsoundertheguiltofExtortion:people，alas！
thatthinkscorntobesoaccounted。
AsforExample:{116a}Thereisapoorbodythatdwells，wewillsuppose，somanymilesfromtheMarket；andthismanwantsaBushelofGrist，apoundofButter，oraCheeseforhimself，hiswifeandpoorchildren:ButdwellingsofarfromtheMarket，ifhegoesthither，heshalllosehisdayeswork，whichwillbeeightpenceortenpencedammagetohim，andthatissomethingtoapoorman。SohegoethtooneofhisMastersorDamesforwhathewanteth，andasksthemtohelphimwithsuchathing:Yes，saythey，youmayhaveit；butwithalltheywillgivehimagripe，perhapsmakehimpayasmuchormoreforitathome，astheycangetwhentheyhavecarryeditfivemilestoaMarket，yeaandthattoofortheRefuseoftheirCommodity。ButinthistheWomenareespeciallyfaulty，inthesaleoftheirButterandCheese，&c。NowthisisakindofExtortion，itisamakingapreyofthenecessityofthepoor，itisagrindingoftheirfaces，abuyingandsellingofthem。
Butaboveall，your{116b}Hucksters，thatbuyupthepoormansVictualsbywhole-sale，andsellittohimagainforunreasonablegains，byretale，andaswecallit，bypiecemeal；theyaregotintoaway，afterastingeingrate，toplaytheirgameuponsuchbyExtortion:ImeansuchwhobuyupButter，Cheese，Eggs，Bacon，&c。
bywholesale，andsellitagainastheycallitbypennyworths，twopennyworths，ahalfpennyworth，orthelike，tothepoor，alltheweekafterthemarketispast。
These，thoughIwillnotcondemnthemall，do，manyofthem，biteandpinchthepoorbythiskindofevildealing。Thesedestroythepoorbecauseheispoor，andthatisagrievoussin。Hethatoppresseththepoortoincreasehisriches，andthatgivethtotherich，shallsurelycometowant。{116c}Thereforehesaithagain，Robnotthepoorbecauseheispoor，neitheroppresstheafflictedinthegate；fortheLordwillpleadtheircause，andspoilthesoulofthemthatspoilethem。
Ohthathethatgripethandgrindeththefaceofthepoor，wouldtakenoticeofthesetwoScriptures！HereisthreatnedthedestructionoftheEstate，yeaandoftheSoultoo，ofthemthatoppressthepoor。TheirSoulweshallbetterseewhere，andinwhatconditionthatisin，whenthedayofDoomiscome；butfortheEstatesofsuch，theyusuallyquicklymoulter；andthatsometimesallmen，andsometimesnomanknowshow。
Besides，theseareUsurers，yeatheytakeusuryforvictuals，whichthingtheLordhasforbidden。{117a}AndbecausetheycannotsowelldoitontheMarket-day，thereforetheydoit，asIsaid，whenthemarketisover；forthenthepoorfallsintotheirmouths，andarenecessitatedtohave，astheycan，fortheirneed，andtheyareresolvedtheyshallpaysoundlyforit。Perhapssomewillfindfaultformymedlingthuswithotherfolksmatters，andformythuspryingintothesecretsoftheiriniquity。ButtosuchIwouldsay，sincesuchactionsareevil，’tistimetheywerehissedoutoftheworld。Forallthatdoesuchthings，offendagainstGod，wrongtheirneighbour，andlikeMr。BadmandoeprovokeGodtoJudgment。
Godknows，thereisabundanceofdeceitintheworld！
Wise。Deceit！Aie，butIhavenottoldyouthethousandthpartofit；norisitmybusinessnowtoraketothebottomofthatdunghill:whatwouldyousay，ifIshouldanatomizesomeofthosevilewretchescalledPawn-Brokers，thatlendMoneyandGoodstopoorpeople，whoarebynecessityforcedtosuchaninconvenience；
andwillmake，byonetrickorother，theInterestofwhattheysolend，amounttothirty，forty，yeasometimesfiftypoundbytheyear；nothwithstandingthePrincipalissecuredbyasufficientpawn；whichtheywillkeeptooatlast，iftheycanfindanyshifttocheatthewretchedborrower。
Atten。Say！WhysuchMiscreantsarethepestandVerminoftheCommon-Wealth，notfitforthesocietyofmen；butmethinksbysomeofthosethingsyouDiscoursedbefore，youseemtoimportthatitisnotlawfulforamantomakethebestofhisown。
Wise。Ifbymakingthebest，youmean，tosellforasmuchasbyhookorcrookhecangetforhiscomodity；thenIsay，itisnotlawful。AndifIshouldsaythecontrary，IshouldjustifieMr。
BadmanandalltherestofthatGang:butthatInevershalldoe，fortheWordofGodcondemnsthem。Butthatitisnotlawfulforamanatalltimes，tosellhiscommodityforasmuchashecan，I
provebythesereasons。{118a}
First，Ifitbelawfulformealwaytosellmycommodityasdear，orforasmuchasIcan，then’tislawfulformetolayasideinmydealingwithothers，goodconscience，tothem，andtoGod:butitisnotlawfulforme，inmydealingwithothers，tolayasidegoodconscience，&c。Thereforeitisnotlawfulformealwaystosellmycommodityasdear，orforasmuchasIcan。
That{118b}itisnotlawfultolayasidegoodconscienceinourdealings，hasalreadybeenprovedintheformerpartofourdiscourse:butthatamanmustlayitasidethatwillsellhiscommodityalwaysasdearorforasmuchashecan，isplainlymanifestthus。
1。Hethatwillasismentionedaforesellhiscommodityasdearashecan，mustsometimesmakeapreyoftheignoranceofhischapman:{118c}butthathecannotdoewithagoodconscienceforthatistooverreach，andtogoebeyondmychapman，andisforbidden，1Thess。4。6。Thereforehethatwillsellhiscommodity，asafore，asdear，orforasmuchashecan，mustofnecessitylayasidegoodconscience。
2。Hethatwillsellhiscommodityalwaysasdearashecan，mustneeds，sometimesmakeapreyofhisneighboursnecessity；{118d}
butthathecannotdoewithagoodconscience，forthatistogoebeyondanddefraudhisneighbour，contraryto1Thess。4。6。
Thereforehethatwillsellhiscommodity，asafore，asdear，orforasmuchashecan，mustneedscastoffandlayasideagoodconscience。
3。Hethatwillasaforesellhiscommodityasdear，orforasmuchashecan，must，ifneedbe，makeapreyofhisneighboursfondness；butthatamancannotdoewithagoodconscience，{119a}
forthatisstillagoingbeyondhim，contraryto1Thess。4。6。
Therefore，hethatwillsellhiscommodityasdear，orforasmuchashecan，mustneedscastoff，andlayasidegoodconscience。
Thesamealsomaybesaidforbuying；nomanmayalwaysbuyascheapashecan，butmustalsousegoodconscienceinbuying；
{119b}Thewhichhecanbynomeansuseandkeep，ifhebuyesalwaysascheapashecan，andthatforthereasonsurgedbefore。
Forsuchwillmakeapreyoftheignorance，necessity，andfondnessoftheirchapman，thewhichtheycannotdoewithagoodconsceince。
WhenAbrahamwouldbuyaBurying-placeoftheSonsofHeth，thushesaiduntothem。IntreatformetoEphronthesonofZohar，thathemaygivemethecaveofMachpelah，whichhehath，intheendhisfield。Forasmuchasitisworthshallhegiveitme。Gen。23。
8，9。{110c}Hewouldnothaveitunderfoot，hescornedit，heabhoredit:ItstoodnotwithhisReligion，Credit，norConscience。SoalsowhenDavid，wouldbuyafieldofOrnontheJebusite:Thushesaiduntohim:Grantmetheplacethethreshing-floor，thatImaybuildanAltarthereuntotheLord。
Thoushaltgiveitmeforthefullprice。{119d}Healso，asAbraham，madeconscienceofthiskindofdealing:hewouldnotlieatcatchtogobeyond，nonottheJebusite，butwillgivehimhisfullpriceforhisfield。Forheknewthattherewaswickedness，asinsellingtoodearsoinbuyingtoocheap，thereforehewouldnotdoit。
Thereoughtthereforetobegoodconscienceused，asinselling，soinbuying；for’tisalsounlawfulforamantogoebeyondortodefraudhisneighbourinbuying；yea’tisunlawfultodoeitinanymatter，andGodwillplentifullyavengethatwrong:asIalsobeforehaveforewarnedandtestified。Seealsothe{119e}textinthemargent。But，Secondly，ifitbelawfulformealwaystosellmycommodityasdear，orforasmuchasIcan，thenitislawfulformetodealwithmyneighbourwithouttheuseof{120a}charity:butitisnotlawfulformetolayaside，ortodealwithmyneighbourwithouttheuseofcharity，thereforeitisnotlawfulformealwaystosellmycommoditytomyneighbourforasmuchasIcan。AmanindealingshouldasreallydesignhisNeighboursgood，profit，andadvantage，ashisown:ForthisistoexerciseCharityinhisdealing。
ThatIshouldthususe，orexercisecharitytowardsmyNeighbourinmybuyingandselling，&c。withhim，isevidentfromthegeneralcommand:[Letallyourthingsbedoneincharity:]{120b}Butthatamancannotliveintheexerciseofcharity，thatselleth，asafore，asdear，orthatbuyethascheapashecan，isevidentbythesereasons。
1。Hethatsellshiscommodityasdear，orforasmuchmoneyalwaysashecan，seekshimself，andhimselfonly；butcharityseekethnotherown，norherownonly{120c}:Sothen，hethatseekshimself，andhimselfonely，ashethatsellsasaforeasdearashecan，does；makethnotuseof，nordothheexercisecharity，inhissodealing。
2。Hethatsellethhiscommodityalwaysforasmuchashecanget，hardenethhisheartagainstallreasonableentreatiesofthebuyer。Buthethatdothso，cannotexercisecharityinhisdealing；thereforeitisnotlawfulforamantosellhiscommodity，asafore，asdearashecan。
Thirdly，Ifitbelawfulformetosellmycommodity，asafore，asdearasIcan，thentherecanbenosininmyTrading，howunreasonablysoeverImanagemycalling，whetherbyLying，Swearing，Cursing，Cheating；forallthisisbuttosellmycommodityasdearasIcan:butthatthereissininthese，isevident，thereforeImaynotsellmycommodityalwaysasdearasI
can。{120d}{120e}
Fourthly，Hethatsells，asafore，asdearashecan，offerethviolencetothelawofNature:{121b}forthatsaith，Doeuntoallmen，evenasyewouldthattheyshoulddoeuntoyou。{121a}Now，wastheSelleraBuyer，hewouldnotthatheofwhomhebuyes，shouldsellhimalwaysasdearashecan；thereforeheshouldnotsellsohimself，whenitishislottosell，andotherstobuyofhim。
Fifthly，Hethatselleth，asafore，asdearashecan，makesuseofthatinstruction，thatGodhathnotgiventoothers，butsealedupinhishand，{121c}toabusehisLaw，andtowronghisneighbourwithall:whichindeediscontrarytoGod。{121d}Godhathgiventheemoreskill，moreknowledgeandunderstandinginthycommoditythanhehathgiventohimthatwouldbuyofthee。Butwhat！canstthouthink，thatGodhasgiventheethis，thatthoumightesttherebymakeapreyofthyneighbour？thatthoumightesttherebygoebeyondandbeguilethyneighbour？No，verily；buthehathgiventheeit，forhishelp；thatthoumightestinthis，beeyestotheblind，andsavethyneighbourfromthatdammage，thathisignorance，ornecessity，orfondnesswouldbetrayhimintothehandsof。
Sixthly，Inallthatamandoes，heshouldhaveaneyetothegloryofGod，{121f}butthathecannothavethatsellshiscommodityalwaysforasmuchashecan，forthereasonsurgedbefore。
Seventhly，Allthatamandoes，heshoulddoeintheNameoftheLordJesusChrist；{121g}thatis，asbeingcommanded，andauthorizedtodoeitbyhim:buthethatsellethalwaysasdearashecan，cannotsomuchaspretendtothis，withouthorridblasphemingofthatName，becausecommandedbyhimtodoeotherwise。
Eightly，andlastly，Inallthatamandoes，heshouldhaveaneyetothedayofJudgment，andtotheconsiderationofhowhisactionswillbeesteemedofinthatday。{121h}Thereforethereisnotanymancanoroughttosellalwaysasdearashecan:unlesshewill，yeahemustsay，insodoing，Iwillrunthehazardofthetryalofthatday，Ifthouselloughtuntothyneighbour，orbuyestoughtofthyneighbour，yeshallnotoppressoneanother。{122a}
Atten。Butwhydoeyouputinthosecautionarywords？Theymustnotsell[always]asdear，norbuy[always]ascheapastheycan:
doeyounottherebyintimatethatamanmaysometimesdoso？
Wise。Idoeindeedintimatethatsomtimesthesellermaysellasdear，andthebuyerbuyascheapashecan；butthisisallowableonlyinthesecases:WhenhethatsellsisaKnave，andlaysasideallgoodconscienceinselling；orwhenthebuyerisaKnave，andlayesasideallgoodconscienceinbuying。IfthebuyerthereforelightsofaKnave，orifthesellerlightsofaKnave，thenletthemlooktothemselves:butyetso，asnottolayasideconscience，becausehethatthoudearestwithdothso:buthowvileorbasesoeverthechapmanis，dothoukeepthycommodityatareasonableprice:orifthoubuyest，offerreasonablegainforthethingthouwouldesthave:andifthiswillnotdowiththebuyerorseller，thenseektheeamorehonestchapman:Ifthouobjectest，ButIhavenotskiltoknowwhenapennyworthisbeforeme:Getsomethathavemoreskillthanthyselfinthataffair，andlettheminthatmatterdisposeofthymoney。ButiftherewerenoKnavesintheworld，theseobjectionsneednotbemade。
Andthus，myverygoodneighbour，haveIgivenyouafewofmyreasons，whyamanthathathit，shouldnotalwaysselltoodear，norbuyascheapashecan:butshouldusegoodConsciencetoGod，andCharitytohisNeighbourinboth。
Atten。Butweresomemenhere，tohearyou，Ibelievetheywouldlaughyoutoscorn。
Wise。Iquestionnotthatatall，forso，{122b}Mr。Badmanusedtodoe，whenanymantoldhimofhisfaults:heusedtothinkhimselfwiserthanany，andwouldcount，asIhavehintedbefore，thathewasnotarrivedtoamanlyspiritthatdidstickorboggleatanywickedness。ButletMr。Badmanandhisfelloweslaugh，I
willbearit，andstillgivethemgoodcounsel。ButIwillrememberalso，formyfurtherreliefandcomfort，thatthustheythatwerecovetousofold，servedtheSonofGodhimself。Itistheirtimetolaughnow，thattheymaymournintimetocome。
{122c}And，Isayagain，whentheyhavelaughedouttheirlaugh；
HethatusethnotgoodconsciencetoGod，andcharitytohisneighbour，inbuyingandselling，dwellsnextdoretoanInfidel，andisnearofkintoMr。Badman。
Atten。Well，butwhatwillyousaytothisquestion？{123a}youknowthatthereisnosettledpricesetbyGoduponanyCommoditythatisboughtorsoldundertheSun；butallthingsthatwebuyandsell，doebbeandflow，astoprice，liketheTide:Howthenshallamanofatenderconsciencedoe，neithertowrongtheseller，buyer，norhimself，inbuyingandsellingofcommodities？
Wise。ThisQuestionisthoughttobefrivolousbyallthatareofMr。Badmansway；’tisalsodifficultinitself:yetIwillendeavourtoshapeyouanAnswer，{123b}andthatfirsttothematterofthequestion；towit，HowaTradesmanshould，inTrading，keepagoodconscience；Abuyerorsellereither。Secondly，Howheshouldpreparehimselftothiswork，andliveinthepracticeofit。
Forthefirst:He{123c}mustobservewhathathbeensaidbefore，towit，hemusthaveconsciencetoGod，charitytohisneighbour；
andIwilladd，muchmoderationindealing。Lethimthereforekeepwithintheboundsoftheaffirmativeofthoseeightreasonsthatbeforewereurgedtoprove，thatmenoughtnotintheirDealing，buttodoJustlyandmercifully’twixtmanandman；andthentherewillbenogreatfearofwrongingtheseller，buyer，orhimself。
Butparticularlytoprepare，orinstructamantothiswork:
1。LettheTradesmanorothersconsider，thatthereisnotthatingreatGettings，andinabundance，whichthemostofmendosuppose:
Forallthatamanhasoverandabovewhatservesforhispresentnecessityandsupply，servesonlytofeedthelustsoftheeye。
Forwhatgoodistheretotheownersthereof，savethebeholdingofthemwiththeireyes？{123d}Menalso，manytimes，ingettingofriches，gettherewithasnaretotheirsoul:{123e}Butfewgetgoodbygettingofthem。Butthisconsideration，Mr。Badmancouldnotabide。
2。Consider，thatthegettingofwealthdishonestlyashedoes，thatgettethitwithoutgoodconscienceandcharitytohisneighbour，isagreatoffenderagainstGod。Hencehesays，Ihavesmittenminehandsatthydishonestgain，whichthouhastmade。
{124a}ItisamannerofspeechthatshewsangerintheverymakingofmentionoftheCrime。Therefore，3。Consider，thatalittlehonestlygotten，thoughitmayyieldtheebutadinnerofherbsatatime，willyieldmorepeacetherewith，thanwillastalledOx，illgotten。Betterisalittlewithrighteousness，thangreatrevenueswithoutright。{124b}
4。Bethouconfident，thatGodseyesareuponallthywayes，andthatheponderethallthygoings，andalsothathemarksthem，writesthemdown，andsealsthemupinabag，againstthetimetocome。{124c}
5。Bethousurethatthouremembrest，thatthouknowestnotthedayofthydeath。Rememberalso，thatwhendeathcomes，Godwillgivethysubstance，forthewhichthouhastlaboured，andforthewhichperhapsthouhasthazardedthysoul，toone，thouknowestnotwho，norwhetherheshallbeawisemanorafool。Andthen，whatprofithathhethatlabourethforthewind？{124d}
Besides，thoushalthavenothingthatthoumayestsomuchascarryawayinthinehand。Guiltshallgoewiththee，ifthouhastgotitdishonestly，andtheyalsotowhomthoushaltleaveit，shallreceiveittotheirhurt。