CHAPTER I. [...]heweth the nature of Suretiship, with [...] the ordinary Causes and Effects [...] thereof.

COmmon practice is a sufficient demonstration of the nature of civil Bonds, and Obligations; but the force of them is usually [...]oner felt, than understood: which is the [...]eason that hath moved me to write this [Page 2] Caution; and to desire the Reader to make a pause, and breath a while; tha [...] he may ponder what he is allured to under take, when the kindness of his Suretiship is desired of him.

The form of Bonds, wherein two o [...] more are bound, and the customary Ceremonies that are used at the making [...] them, shew, that they have an equ [...] strength, and vertue as to all that are obliged therein.

Whatever the number of persons b [...] that are concerned in one common Bon [...] for the payment of one intire Sum; th [...] efficacy thereof is such, that every part [...] cular person, by himself, is as well liable t [...] the payment of the whole, as they altog [...] ther are; for by the form of their Bond [...] they are all tied (conjunctim, & divisin [...] jointly, and severally) to the payment o [...] the said Sum; for, immediately after th [...] Sum is mentioned in the Bond, and th [...] person unto whom it is to be paid is nom [...] nated, it follows

And the Condition of the Obligation is drawn to the same purpose [That if the with­in bounden, or either of them, the Heirs, Exe­cutors, or Administrators of them, or either of them; shall well and truly pay the debt, then the obligation shall be void: or else remain in full force.]

And as the form of Bonds in which two, or more are bound; shews that every particular person by himself is as fast bound, as they all together are: so the cu­stomary ceremonies at the making of a Bond, manifest the Obligation to be equal upon every one single, as it is upon all: for every one signs, seals, and delivers the Bond, as his Act and Deed: the sign­ing and sealing is plainly particular, and though all joyn in the delivery of the Bond as their Act and Deed; no man can infer from thence that all their powers must e­qually concur in satisfying the person to whom, or to whose use, the delivery is made; for a joint delivery includes every particular, and this therefore is the act of every person by himself: for if any one [Page 4] who hath consented to have his name p [...] in a Bond, should be absent when the customary ceremonies are performed by others therein engaged, he must repeat then all by himself, and make his particular d [...] livery before witnesses when required: s [...] that whether the delivery be actuall [...] joint, or particular, it must be understoo [...] to be the act of every person concerne [...] agreeably to the tenour of the obligation▪ Some make a plausible distinction of Principal, and Surety (and in way of discours [...] ▪ I must crave leave to make use of it) whic [...] seems to import that the Principal is mo [...] strictly obliged, than the Surety: and som [...] ignorant Sureties may flatter themselve [...] therewith, till they find their opinion confuted with an after-reckoning: for th [...] distinction of Principal, and Surety, sign [...] fies no more then that he who hath th [...] character of Principal, hath received th [...] Sum specified in the Condition of th [...] Bond; and hath the honour to have h [...] name first in the Obligation: but in est [...] mate of Law both Principal, and Sur [...] ty are one person: so that both are equall [...] obliged, and if either shall make satisfacton the Obligation is void; and this to commonly falls to the Lot of the Surety who though his Name be disposed of i [...] [Page 5] [...]e lowest place; yet he sinks not out of [...]ght by that means: But as the deepest [...]ings in nature, have the saddest weight [...]pon them, so he who lies undermost in [...]n Obligation, too often bears all the bur­ [...]en. He finds that word true, in sad [...]arnest, which an Honourable Judge [...]nce spake in jest, That a Surety is a sure [...]ie, and oftner pays the Debt than the Princi­ [...]al: And, being this kind of grievance is [...]o rare case, every one that hath a just [...]egard to his own Peace, Liberty, Repu­ [...]ation, and Prosperity, should take heed [...]ow by humouring the Requests of an In­ [...]olvent Person, he yields up himself a Slave [...]o the tyranny of a Creditor, who frequent­ [...]y, is more severe upon the Surety, than [...]pon him who hath carried off the Spoil. Nay, though the Principal be superiour [...]o the Surety in Wealth, and Honour; and [...]nd the Lender upon Usury cannot but [...]nderstand, that according to all Rules of Conscience, and Honesty, he is obliged to [...]ay his own Debt: Yet if there be any neglect on his part in rendring what is [...]ue, the Usurer falls fowlest upon the Surety, who, notwithstanding he be last named in the Bond, is first in the trouble that is consequent upon it.

[Page 6] Si plures sint fide j [...]ssores quot quot erunt numero singuli in solidum tenentur itaque liberum est Creditori â quo velit solidum petere. Justin. Instit. l. 3.Let it be granted, that Creditors have their Liberty, to make their Demands of whom they please, among such who are equally obliged to make him satisfaction. Yet I cannot apprehend, what sufficient Reasons they can find to justifie their troubling the Surety, rather than the Prin­cipal (which yet is frequently practised) when the Principal is in better Capacity, and furnished with greater ability to con­tent them.

The best Apology that can be made for such Proceedings, is grounded upon the great-Friendship contracted between the Surety and the Principal; upon which account an earnest Application to the Surety in the first place, (who can have freer access to the Principal, than a Stran­ger can find) is thought a fit Expedient to hasten the Payment of the Sum which is demanded.

But though there be no more in this case than what is pretended; yet it is manifest, that the Surety is inforced to be the Ser­vant of the Creditor, and compelled to haunt his Neighbour with unwelcome So­licitations, that render him the Object of [Page 7] [...]n evil Eye, and endanger the quenching [...]f that Love which hath been cherished [...]etween them.

And if his Mediation (which in ap­ [...]earance was all that at first was desired) [...]rove ineffectual, then the Surety that was [...]ngled out first must be hunted down, he [...] threatned with all the Power and Rigour [...]f the Law: A Writ is procured, and ex­ [...]cuted upon him, and immediately he lo­ [...]es the Liberty of his Person, and is ravi­ [...]hed from the Innocent Delights of his [...]wn Dwelling, and the Comfortable Air [...]f a free Conversation; and this is some­times done when the Principal Debtor who wants not power to satisfie the Debt) [...]njoys his Freedom, and is suffered to sit [...]uietly under his own Vine.

Thus the Surety lies under the Tyranny of the Creditor, and hath no relief, but what may be expected from a false Friend, who would not have suffered so much [...]rouble to fall upon the Surety, if there [...]ad been either Sincerity in his Friend­ship to him, or Justice in his Deal­ [...]ng.

And though it may be supposed, that [...]he hath his Counter-Bond made to him, for his Indemnity; which may be thought [...]o be a sufficient Plaister for his Wound, [Page 8] and such as he may confidently, and with out offence, make use of; when it shall evidently appear, that he doth it for no other reason, than to remove a Burthe [...] which his Friend hath left upon him. Ye [...] the wearied Surety hath had much trouble already, from the Creditor's Vexatious Prosecution, and it is probable h [...] shall have much more in reflecting a jus [...] measure upon his Ungrateful Associate.

And if they who are Sureties for Solvent Debtors often meet with such hard Treatment, What must they expect, who are Bound for the needy and weak part o [...] the World?

It is impossible to give a Catalogue o [...] all that have been Sufferers on this account▪ who have learned to know the force o [...] Bonds, by the great Damages they have sustained.

They have seen that their Love to thei [...] Neighbours has been made use of to thei [...] own ruine, and their Merit of Gratitud [...] transformed into the cause of their oppression; and though there have been innumerable Instances of this kind, who have bought their sad experience at a dear rate, and groaned under a Remediless Misery▪ Yet when it might be expected, that a [...] [Page 9] Cloud of such suffering Benefactors, should drop some Influences upon others, in or­der to their bringing forth of better Fruit to themselves; the flattering breath of the Needy, blows away this Cloud, so that there is no appearance of it, at such a time, when a Snare is layed to catch an easie and good-natur'd Friend.

Necessity is always pregnant with cun­ning Artifices for its own relief; and he that will give an Ear to the Passionate In­treaties, and fair Promises of an Indigent Neighbour, and will be so far prevailed with as to subscribe to the supply of his Wants, is apt to rejoice in what he has done, as being well assured, that he hath performed a good Office for another; and is so charmed with these Thoughts, that [...]he suspects no harm to himself, and fears no evil: But he sees not that the time is drawing on, when he shall feel the Bur­then, and his experience shall give him an understanding of the nature of that Sureti­ship which had Honey in the Mouth when he was Caressed, and Treated by his Friend, but hath a Sting in the Tayl, that will make him bleed against his Will; which had he considered in time, he might have had good store of defensive Argu­ments to save himself from all such Temp­tations, [Page 10] whereby he hath been allured, an [...] overcome.

The Law of Charity to our Neighbou [...] obliges no Man to quit that Prudenc [...] which should enlighten and direct his Co [...] versation; and there can be no reason, wh [...] any Man should vail his own just Acqui [...] tions, or lawful Inheritance to anoth [...] Man's Pleasure.

Charity and Prudence, are very goo [...] Company, and it is pity they should ev [...] be parted; the warm Conjunction of bo [...] being no less necessary in all Moral Tran [...] actions, than the good temperament [...] radical heat and moisture to the health [...] Constitution of a natural Body, or t [...] sweet Conspiration, and Intellectual Co [...] respondence of our enlightned Unde [...] standings, and regenerated Wills to t [...] peaceful Rectitude, and pleasant Harm [...] ny of our Souls. If Prudence be separat [...] from Charity, it degenerates into the W [...] dom and Policy of this ill-natur'd Worl [...] ▪ If Charity be put asunder from Pruden [...] it becomes near a-kin to a vain, profuse, a [...] superfluous Prodigality. It is expedie [...] therefore, that every Man should cons [...] the Measures of Prudence, and observe wise Conduct in all external Offices [...] Charity. Yea, it is highly reasonab [...] [Page 11] [...]at in every purpose, we should make our [...]ccompts before hand, least we leave that [...]siness with shame, which we undertook all Adventures; and what was begun [...]th a blind Confidence, become the [...]atter of our open Disgrace

The World is too full of rash Examples, [...]o have either lost themselves by their [...]ecipitant Undertakings, or strangely en­ [...]mber'd their outward Condition, for [...]nt of a cautious foresight of the end of [...]eir Actions. It is not therefore without [...]se, that the necessity of Discretion and [...]ariness in all Proceedings, should be [...]st upon Men, and particularly in the [...]e of Suretiship, by which the Subjects this Kingdom (as I am apt to believe) [...]e suffered greater Damages, than by [...] the Thefts and Robberies that have [...]n committed therein, and though [...]re be a great difference to be made be­ [...]xt him who allures his Friend to be­ [...] a Debtor for him by his own volun­ [...]y act; and one who takes his Neigh­ [...]rs goods against his Will, and darts [...]rrours upon him in the doing of it: Yet [...]ften happens, that he who enters him­ [...] a Surety for another, doth no more [...]k of paying his Debt, than he fears [...] he should in that instant be robbed of [Page 12] so much he hath engaged for: And yet [...] ter some time is past, he hath been o [...] strained to bear the loss of it. Wheref [...] it is expedient, that every one should o [...] sider the nature of Suretiship before [...] begin to wade therein, least he fall int [...] devouring Gulph, that will swallow [...] which with much industry and care [...] hath gathered together.

If he do but lift up his Eye lids to [...] hold what he is going to do; he shall [...] that the tottering in security of the [...] rower is one main reason that the pro [...] his security is desired.

The Lender upon Usury would h [...] more Strings than one to his Bow, beca [...] a three-fold Cord is not easily bro [...] were he well assured of the good, [...] substantial strength of one, there w [...] be no great necessity of requiring m [...] But either the Honesty, or the powe [...] one being doubtful; the Lender reas [...] bly demands better security before he with his Money.

It is commonly seen, that some Per [...] upon their occasional Exigences can [...] more Treasure by passing their Word subscribing a Note for remembra [...] then others can do by giving their Bo [...] And yet these Persons who are read [...] [Page 13] [...], and Seal their Obligations, have [...]re visible Inheritances than they, whose [...]y Word, with any small Signal, that [...]es only for a Memorandum, shall be [...]en for good Security.

They, who by their Care, and Conduct their particular Vocations, make a good [...]ure in the Cities and Corporations of Kingdom, are readily trusted propor­ [...]ably to the Reputation they have gain.

And many profitable Imploys, are [...]ported upon Credit, and no such thing a Bond is desired; the Reasons where­ [...]are best known to those who are Con­sant in such business: But the chief [...]ar of this credit (I suppose) is the ap­ [...]ved honesty of those that Traffick; nor [...] they have a sweeter Flower in their [...]fession: For the Custom they have [...]cured, and the hope of gain by Sale, [...]ch Spurs them on in their Business, are [...]able, and uncertain things; and there­ [...] the root of the matter, and the best [...]und of Confidence, is a firm, and in­ [...]ctible Integrity: For when Custom [...] off, or Sale is obstructed, the Mer­ [...]nts, and Traders that are upright, will [...] desire to be trusted above their power, [...] this makes their Word equivalent in [...]ue to a legal Obligation. If some are [Page 14] beginning a Trade, and want a full Sto [...] or such who have Traded long, wo [...] make a Purchase, and need a Sum to fe [...] their design, the Booking of it down his Accompts that lends it, will proba [...] suffice: Or if Bonds with Sureties are [...] sired, there can be little or no danger the security that is bestowed, either u [...] the Trader that is skilful in his Professi [...] and hopeful in his Undertakings; or Purchaser that is wise in his Bargains, a honest in his Conversation; except t [...] the Mortality of either may be the occ [...] on of sundry Troubles to those that an [...] [...] bliged for them: For though Debts in case have a precedence to Legacies, [...] Justice should be satisfied before the k [...] ness of the Deceased can be fulfilled: [...] Executors of Wills, or Administraton [...] Inventories may have other Principles, [...] fections, and Interests than the Dece [...] had: Upon which Account the Repos [...] the Deceased's Friends may be much disturbed, and their Affairs may be stra [...] ly perplexed e'er full satisfaction ca [...] procured.

It is not so much my business at pres [...] to shew where Suretiship is not, as w [...] it is dangerous.

[Page 15]I make no doubt, but that in some ca­ [...]es it is not only safe, but praise worthy; [...]s being a chargeless act of great kindness. [...]nd Brotherly Love, and such a Work of Charity as puts the Doer to no expence at [...]ll.

Were the danger Epidemical, all the World would be affrighted at it; no Man [...]ill come near the pit that swallows up all [...]hat slip into it, or approach the Air that [...]fects all that breath it: But that rare [...]uretiship which is both safe and commen­able, is no sufficient incouragement to an [...]niversal Approbation of this practice.

The harmless Circumstances of some [...]ureties, and the grateful Offices that [...]ave been returned for their seasonable [...]ndness, are no Argument that all Sureties [...]all be saved from Damages, and requited [...]r their opportune Assistance: and there­ [...]re let no Man presume of safety, or ex­ect a grateful Consideration in all Cir­ [...]umstances, because there is no danger of [...]ss, or guilt of Ingratitude in some Ca­ [...]s.

The Confidence Men commonly have [...] their Familiar Acquaintance, over­les the Fears of all Inconveniences they [...]ay be the occasion of. They make no [...]ubt of the sincerity of their Friendship, [Page 16] and the hope of Mutual Civilities, is a [...] Oyl to the Lamp of their Correspondence▪ But both this Confidence, and this Hope are too often built upon Sands; they los [...] their brightness in the next rising Cloud, and suffer the sad experience of the fals [...] ness of their ground by the first peevish Storm that falls upon them.

Far be it from any Man to imagine that there should be no mutual trust o [...] hope among Men, which are the Hinge upon which the motion of sundry Negotiations turns.

When the Royal Psalmist speaks hi [...] Judgment concerning the necessity, an [...] safety of trusting in God at all times, an [...] says,Psal. 62.9. Surely Men of low degree are Vanity and Men of high degree are a Lie, to be laid i [...] the Balance, they are altogether lighter the Vanity. He excludes all wordly things b [...] reason of the mutability, and deceitfulne [...] thereof from being worthy of a Religion Trust, which is an Idolatrous Act whe [...] directed to, and terminated upon an [...] Created Object: But he doth not charg [...] all Degrees, and Conditions of Men, a [...] Impostors that have no truth, and faithfulness among them; or, cry out, as son [...] upon notable provocations have done, Th [...] there is no Faith in Man.

[Page 17]It is the too common practise of the Wicked to speak Lies,Psal. 58.3.62.4. Job. 13.4. to be the Forgers of them, and to delight therein: But part of the Character of the Just, that they detest this Cretian Iniquity, and know them­selves obliged to keep their Words, and Promises; though their faithfulness in do­ [...]ng so, tend to their own Loss, and De­triment.

Yet the World being full of Lying Lips, of Flattering and Deceitful Tongues; all persons must have a great stock of easie Credulity, who will be confident of the [...]ruth of all that is spoken, or promised to [...]hem.

They whose Eyes are open, can with sorrow behold so much falsness in some of [...]ll Degrees, and Conditions, as may ju­stifie their Caution in dealing with them; [...]nd cause them to deny their Assent to [...]uch needless Oaths, and multiplied Asse­ [...]erations, which being used to obtain Cre­ [...]ence, have the misfortune to be inter­preted in a sense clean contrary to their design.

The plainest truth is ordinarily crowned with the fairest Credit, and a pure sim­plicity needs no Flowery Bush, or Gaudy [...]arangue to make it acceptable.

The upright Dealer is a Man of few [Page 18] words, and loves rather to be punctual in his Doings, than eloquent in his Language; and believes a ready performance of what­ever is just, will be more comfortable to his Neighbour, than the most fluent Elo­cution which is winged with several Di­stinctions, and Evasions, and flees away leaving no Track behind; and the word of many are like Wind, which raiseth [...] choaking Dust, and too often portend [...] Storm.

He that is a great Orator in secular business, usually minds himself, and warm [...] pleads his own Cause; but he that is faithful doer, minds another as himse [...] and will rather suffer harm than do wrong▪ Wherefore, if men find their Acquai [...] tance too full of words in solliciting kin [...] nesses, they may have some reason to s [...] spect a design; and it is more safe to s [...] the Collar in due time, than bear the Yo [...] they are tempted to.

Were the Vessel full, it would not ma [...] so great a noise; this commonly procee [...] from emptiness, and meer vanity; and is no fault to be jealous of his Conditio [...] who by his own Act renders it liable [...] Suspition.

But Knavery hath a full Ward-ro [...] whereby 'tis furnished with divers Dr [...] ses, [Page 19] and Ornaments to cover its Deformi­ty withal. Yea, rather than the Mon­strous Nakedness thereof should appear, it will put on Vestments taken out of the San­ctuary, and possibly shall seem more skil­ful in the form, and shew of Religion, than that sincerity which hath best experience therein; and we must confess, it is not easie to discern where the Devil lurks, when nothing but an Angel of light is in view: Whence it hath come to pass that many Cheats have passed current, that have been stampt with a Sacred Image; and they who have well learned the distinguishing Notes, and Characters of a Sect, have been able to play their subtle Games with [...]he Brotherhood without discovery.

The World has seen some Families be­ [...]rayed to ruine, by being taken in the [...]nares, which an Illustrious Profession [...]ath layed for them; and since Cheats [...]an trick up themselves in all Attires, it is more difficult to spie out their designs, then [...]trange that they should be successful.

However, it is not impossible to strip [...]he fraudulent Contrivance that is disgui­ [...]ed with the most colourable Pretences. [...]or when Mens Profession surmounts their [...]ractice, when they are more concerned or a Superficial Ceremony, than a well-bodied [Page 20] Righteousness: When there a [...] palpable Inconsistences in the course [...] their Lives; when their Fruits are not a [...] swerable to their Lip Labours; when the words savour more of Pride than Expe [...] ence; when their Moral intercourses wi [...] Men, fall much short of that Zeal for R [...] ligion, which they pretend to: and wh [...] their constant behaviour doth not compu [...] with a substantial Piety and Goodne [...] the deceitfulness of the shew which th [...] make, is not altogether indiscernible; a [...] every prudent person has sufficient ca [...] to take heed lest he be decoyed too far to their Concerns, and then be taken in [...] Nets, out of which there is no escape, wi [...] out paying all the Ransom that is requir [...] ▪

If Men's Hearts were animated w [...] the pure Spirit of Religion, they co [...] not be unfaithful, or unfair in their D [...] ings with Men; for he who loveth G [...] must love his Brother also: And theref [...] none can dispose of any concerns bet [...] than by putting them into such ha [...] which are most sincerely lifted up to [...] great God of Heaven: And we may [...] lieve, that such who have a pious care the first, will not break the second Ta [...] But we may not always be enamou [...] with a specious appearance of Devot [...] [Page 21] [...]hough the Spirit, and Power thereof, is [...]ost worthy of an Affectionate Venerati­ [...]n and Esteem.

It must be confessed, that more Pockets [...]ave been picked in the Market, than in [...]he Temple; and yet many knavish tricks [...]ave been boldly acted under the cover of [...] Religious Cloak.

But the Insecurity of the Principal, [...]rows not only from the naughtiness of his Morals, or the doubtfulness of his Truth, [...]nd Honesty; but from the weakness of his [...]ondition, and this is Obvious, when Men [...]ake up Money, not to make Purchases, or [...]o drive seasonable, and advantageous Bar­gains, but to supply real Necessities, or [...]o support needless Vanities.

Among the weak Borrowers of this Age [...]ich are commonly dangerous to their Friends, who are either rash in their Pro­ [...]ections, or vain in their Conversa­ [...]ion.

There is a Generation, who to win a Name among the Vertuoso's, will soon [...]onsume all that they can get into their hands. That little Philosophy they have [...]isturbed their raw Brains with, so strang­ [...]y leavens their Phancies, that they are presently swelled with an Opinion of their own mighty power, and can freely tax [Page 22] themselves with the charge of sundry Ex­periments, in hope of some wonderful per­formance.

I make no doubt, but such who have eminent Parts, sufficient power, competent Abilities, and convenient Means fo [...] Philosophical Attempts may produce something considerable for the use o [...] Mankind: and though they can reap no Fruit equivalent to their own vast Expences; yet they find their reward in the pleasure which they take in being either th [...] Authors, or Incouragers of an Invention that is useful to others.

But they who imagine themselves capable for such rare Adventures, and mu [...] not only consume their Substance, bu [...] contract great Debts for the Accomplishment of their Projects, are the Authors t [...] as much danger to their Sureties, as of damage to themselves: And when some sha [...] waste much Treasure to extract a grai [...] of Gold out of a certain quantity of Iron or a drop of Spirits out of a dry Bone, an [...] weary themselves in such like Experiment or empty their own, and others Purses t [...] fill their fermented Phansies with the glory of some fruitless Invention; they a [...] as Fools that will part with all things fo [...] the sake of a Bauble they are delighte [Page 23] with: And who can discern how such should live by their Wits, who are consum­ed by their Folly? Their Trade renders them by so much poorer than Poets, by how much their Projections are more chargeable than the Poets, either Comi­cal, or Tragical Inventions. It is not pos­sible for such to thrive to their own con­ [...]ent and others Indemnity, who are still [...]iming at great Matters, and cannot ap­prehend the least advantage; but spend more in their Travels, than ever they can receive at their Journeys end: Or if they [...]hould happen upon some luckly Adven­ [...]ure, yet they know not how to husband [...]he Talent when it is in their power, but [...]n a vain hope of a manifold encrease, cast [...]t into such a Ground which is altogether [...]ungry and unprofitable.

Again, the weakness of others is mani­ [...]est, whose Expences exceed the Bounds [...]f their Fortunes, and whose Vices run [...]heir Condition into remediless Arrears. There are not ordinarily any greater Bor­ [...]owers in the Kingdom, than such Gen­ [...]y, whose substance melts before the heat [...]f their Feverish Phansies, and Luxurious Appetites; or such who have an Ambition [...]o be as they, and the House that is so full [...]f Superfluities as to Vomit out its own In­habitant, [Page 24] will spout forth such also, wh [...] are Incorporated in his Condition.

It hath been the shame of our Age, th [...] the Houses of divers great Men, whic [...] should be the Nurseries of the most refine Morality and Vertue, have been the R [...] ceptacles of Vice, the Lodges of Luxur [...] the Nest of Idleness,Hac domo ut cum fa­miliâ Domi­num com­prehendam, nihil est damnabilius ad meritum, nihil seditiosius ad [...] sortium, nihil inhonestius ad mores, nihil sordidius ad conscienti [...] nihil culpabilius ad famam, nihil permitiosius ad exemplum. Pe [...] Bles. Ep. 18. and the Pests of P [...] phaneness.

It is the great Cry and Clamour of t [...] People against Men of Estates, that th [...] let their Lands at a Jewish Wrack, mainta [...] their Servants at a thriftless height, spe [...] their Fortunes at an extravagant rate, g [...] tifie their Vices beyond measure, wear [...] their Bodies, and cast away their S [...] for a Transitory and Sordid Pleasu [...] which is a pitiful exchange for either; [...] oblige their Neighbours, neglect th [...] Children, overlook the Poor, discoura [...] their Minister, and undo their Suret [...] or their Creditors, and all to fill up a C [...] ceit, or please the State of a Hum [...] which sucks them dry, leaves them nee [...] and then Borrowing, Mortgaging, [Page 25] [...]elling, till all is wasted, and gone.

When some are of Opinion, that there [...] not a more Ungentile, and sorry Quali­ [...]y, than a discreet Frugality, and wise Thrift (which though it be an honourable Vertue is thought worthy of no better Title with them, than a stingy narrow­ [...]ess, and Misery of Nature) every Obser­ver may be a Prophet able enough to fore­ [...]el their fall: For he that runs down a Precipice, can rarely stop till he come to [...]he bottom. Every Seaman can tell us, That he that oversails his Bark, or overlades his Boat, will put both in danger; and e­very Country-man can assure us, That he that overstocks his Ground, will starve his Cattel: In like manner, when an Estate is over-charg'd with superfluous Suckers, it will soon be consumed: As they who will study beyond their strength, or lift great Weights above their power; or run beside their Breath, or Wrastle beyond their Match, shew more of Juvenile Desire, than Manly Discretion in their Labours: So they who will live high, and spend ei­ther beyond their Ability, or their degree, shall find that their necessities will become their Punishment, sooner than their vain Excesses shall be accounted their Glo­ry.

[Page 26]The largest Flambeaux will be con [...] med with continual burning: And [...] Gentry who are fond of keeping up t [...] Port of their Families, when their pow [...] falls much short of that of their Ancesto [...] are constrained to fall Woods, or sign Re [...] Charges, to grant Lives, and pass Leas [...] or enfranchise Copy-holds; and when t [...] fruit of all these shifts is gone, Debts a contracted, which are rarely paid by t [...] borrowing hand.

He that cannot live within the comp [...] of his Annual Income, but is forc'd [...] spend Michaelmas Rents at Midsom [...] Moon; when Winter comes must wa [...] himself at another's Fire, who knows [...] room would be more advantageous, th [...] his Company proves delightful, for he w [...] is known to be unkind to himself in a lavi [...] Dissipation of his Goods, can find b [...] cold acceptance, and little Credit wi [...] his Neighbours, unless among such de [...] ded Fools who have had a great Opinio [...] of his free, Noble, and generous way [...] living, and to help him in his profliga [...] humour, are ready to ruin themselves.

The Improvident Landlords, that ca [...] not keep within the Bounds of their i [...] states, or be contented with the Rates a [...] Measures of a commendable Frugality, [...] [Page 27] [...]atisfied with the Portions which common [...]rudence is willing to carve out to them; [...]o often draw their Tenants, and others [...] to dangerout Engagements on their Ac­ [...]ount; and render themselves liable to be [...]elted with as many detracting Verdicts [...]t the high Shoos, as they have Tongues [...] utter, Ears to hear, and opportunities [...] meet together; and every Market is [...]rnished with a Session of such course [...]dges, who will pass their severe Cen­ [...]res upon the needy Man, who is still [...]orrowing props to support the Grandeur [...]f his tottering Fabrick. Though he strive [...] make some shew of the ancient great­ [...]ess of his House, yet the weakness of his [...]ondition is manifest, and it is no small [...]art of his Misery, that he is become cheap [...] his Country-Neighbours thoughts, by [...]eeding their Supply, before he may com­ [...]and it as his due.

And not only the decayed Gentry who [...]ruggle in vain, to be as Torches to keep [...]o the Illustrious Port of their Families, [...]d go out in the Twilight of a Farthing [...]andle: But all whose Inordinate Phan­ [...]s, and Vitious Appetites crave more than [...]eir Incomes amount to; and who spend [...]eyond their Bounds, are dangerous to [...]eir Sureties: For the Vessel that conti­nually [Page 28] leaks, will in time be empty, and not one drop will be left wherewith they might refresh themselves. And as the Body that is often surfeited, will be greatly distempered, if not destroyed; so that Estate which must yield disproportionat [...] Expences, vanishes by an incurable wast and Consumption.

But I shall have an occasion to spea [...] more largely to this point in due place which I have glanced on at present to shew that the Principal cannot be trusted with out Sureties, as well upon the account o [...] the weakness of his Condition, as the Suspition of his Integrity; and when eithe [...] of these things occur to the Lender's Consideration, he hath sufficient Reason to require that Security which is good, an [...] substantial.

There may be other Reasons of Sure [...] ship besides these I have already mentioned: As, the Instability and uncertaint [...] of all Human Affairs, the Mortality tha [...] is in the World, the distinction of the Bo [...] rowers quality, and degree from th [...] Lenders; who can better deal with suc [...] degrees which are suitable to his own the distance of his Residence, or the Priviledges belonging thereto, and I questio [...] not, but upon these, and such like Accounts, [Page 29] a good Security may be required. For though Mens present Ability be suffici­ent, yet their Condition is liable to sundry Casualties, and Accidental Diminutions: And though their Honesty was never su­spected, yet they are Men, and therefore liable to many Temptations; and true Hi­story can inform us, that some of the best have sometimes been foiled thereby.

The mutability of all things under Hea­ven, is palpable to all Observers: And it is often seen, that a notable change in Mens Condition, is the occasion of no small alteration in their manners: besides Death, which is common to all Men, is the cause of a considerable mutation in all things, and Circumstances appertaining to them: And the business that might be accomplished with ease, while the person lived, who was chiefly concerned therein, becomes intricate, and vexatious upon his Decease.

Morover, the difference, and inequa­lity of degrees among Men, however ne­cessary it be to the subsistence of all Poli­tick Bodies; yet it is the occasion of sun­dry Difficulties, in particular Intercour­ses, in which Men would rather have to do with such whom they can Converse with upon even Terms, than with others [Page 30] whose Stature is by some Cubits high than theirs: And therefore when the B [...] rower is seated in a transcendent degree the Lender, he may call for Sureties th [...] are nearer to his own form.

Or when the Principal hath his R [...] dence in a County far distant, which m [...] be the occasion of some inconvenienc [...] The Creditor may desire a Surety near home, with whom he can Transact a Matters with ease.

Or when he dwells in a Priviledg [...] place, where the Law cannot with safe be put in Execution; or when he ha [...] the favour of such a special Protectio [...] that he is exempted from that Subjectio [...] which renders him liable to the Law [...] then Sureties may be required, who ha [...] neither priviledge by their Mansion, n [...] Protection by their Office or Relatio [...] But in all these Cases in which Lenders u [...] on Usury are well guarded, and their sa [...] ty is maintained by good Security, t [...] Security is in danger: For if he who w [...] once esteemed substantial and war [...] through the changeableness, and instal [...] lity of Human Affairs be reduced to weak condition; or he that had the R [...] putation of upright dealing, through th [...] violence and force of Temptations, b [...] [Page 31] mastered, and constrained to practise [...]ts against the habitual bent of his own [...]d; or he that living, would have done things well, leaves an Estate that can­ [...] be touched by the vertue of any Bond, Bill, his Sureties are liable to pay the [...]bts for which they are obliged: Or, if [...] Borrower be Superiour in degree to [...] Lender, the Sureties are exposed to the hard Intercourses that the Lenders [...]wer can sting them with: And it is sin, that when the Principal lives at a [...]ance, and the Sureties are near at hand; when he hath his Residence in a Privi­ [...]ged place, or lives under the shadow of [...]pecial Protection, the Sureties that have [...] such advantages lie open to all such [...]oubles as are proportionable to the mea­ [...]e of their Obligations: And were all [...]e Reasons examined, upon which Lend­ [...] require Sureties, Men would have as [...]ny Arguments of Caution against Sure­ [...]hip, as Creditors can find Reasons to [...]mand it.

The Sum of all is, That Creditors do [...]t think themselves safe without good se­ [...]rity, and yet all the safety of Sureties [...]ust depend on them whose single Bonds [...]e thought unsafe, and insufficient: They [...]ust trust those whom others suspect, and [Page 32] relie upon their Counter-Bond, who [...] Bond could not find acceptance, or d [...] pend upon their Word, whose Obligati [...] was judged insecure. Though the par [...] cular Judgment of the Creditor may false, and groundless, in respect of [...] Persons with whom he hath to do, yet e [...] ry Man hath reason to mind his own sa [...] ty as much as he; and to beware that [...] be not drawn into any dangerous Enga [...] ments, or be not obliged for more th [...] he is able and willing to pay, witho [...] hurting himself, or his Family, which is Naturally, and Religiously bound provide for.

By the same Reasons that the Usu [...] would have his Money safe, the Sure might be moved to take care, that his P [...] perty be not infringed, and that he be [...] Bound upon the hazard of all for which is obliged; when he sees one before [...] that is careful in his business, he hath a n [...] Example to move him to a Considerati [...] of what he doth.

But if Men will be Bound for their A [...] quaintance at all Adventures, they [...] hand over head upon their peril, and coming Sureties for Insolvent Persons, th [...] rashly expose themselves to all the Cha [...] and Trouble that such Obligations can [Page 33] [...]flict them with; as to the Usurers stinging Demands, and severe Solicitations, which imbitter their State, and disturb their Re­pose; and though they study to qualifie such Proceedings for a time, yet they can­not quench them, for the fire increases by delays, when it is only checkt without Ex­tinction; and the Current that was ob­structed, floods the Banks; and then fears of Arrests are poured in upon them, where­by their Liberty is maimed, and they can­not freely attend their own Secular con­cerns, but must remain as Prisoners under their own Roof, and yet probably cannot enjoy a secure rest in their own Mansions; their Concealment wherein, fills their Re­ [...]ations with Fears, and exposes their weak­ness to their Servants, who may betray them, if they be so minded; or will be tempted to disrespect their Persons, and to neglect their. Affairs as wanting the Ma­ster's Eye that should make them diligent, or suspecting their Inability to reward them.

In this case, Mens Hearts are no less full of Vexations, and Worldly Sorrows, than their Heads are of fearful Apprehensions; for they cannot be sure of a lasting safety [...]n their closest Retirements, and if by any device they are fetched out of their Nests, [Page 34] they are presently encountred with th [...] power of Serjeants, or Catchpoles, where of some are much different from othe [...] Men, in respect of the coursness of their Manners, using the power they are intrusted with, more like Wild Beasts tha [...] know the strength of their Teeth, Claw [...] or Horns, than Men who should tre [...] them as Brethren, whom they have g [...] into their hands; and not colour thei [...] rudeness with a pretence of executing th [...] Law, which surely might be done with out such Incivilities which are sometime practised.

And now, when the hunted Sureti [...] are taken, and have suffered the disgrac [...] ful, and unhandsome Circumstances of rude apprehension; they are hurried away or driven like Beasts into a Pound, and i [...] case they cannot find Neighbours to be [...] kind to them, in giving Bail for them, [...] they were to others, in being their Sur [...] ties, they must suffer the hard measures Imprisonment, and there abide confine among Strangers, and must expect suc [...] Treatment, and no better, than wh [...] they are able to purchase at a dear rate and possibly at best but hard Fare, an [...] harder Lodging; and a sad sort of Gue [...] to bear them Company: And here the [...] [Page 35] are fixed, till they can find means for their Enlargement, which cannot be had with­out payment of the Debt that is claimed by him, whose Prisoners they are; or some Expedient that may be accepted for an Equivalent Discharge: Besides, they are now liable to all the Charges which Troubles of this nature are commonly at­tended with; for the neglect of making a timely satisfaction to one, grows to a ne­cessity of giving satisfaction to many: E­very one will now endeavour to pluck a Feather from them; so that by that time all have received what they can pretend any of the least right to, the Miserable Sureties are stripped naked, and return [...]ome (it may be) no less sorrowful for the grievous Circumstances of their pre­sent Condition, than before they were af­flicted with their wretched Confine­ment. Or, if their Power can despise this loss, yet they unavoidably suffer the imparing of their Estates, so far as the several Sums extend, which have been exacted from them. Besides, their business has been much backned, and much time lost, which in some Mens concerns is a considerable Damage. And by these Proceedings, some Sure­ties are reduced to such weakness, that [Page 36] they are deprived of the Materials which may be necessary for them in the busine [...] of their lawful Calling; and when Straw is wanting for making Brick, littl [...] can be done; or what is done with grea [...] straining, can yield but small advantage and there is yet a more poynant Grievanc [...] consequent upon the former, that man who are cast into these Afflictive Circumstances, are daily pierced with the Complaints of their own Families.

Their Wives and Children cry f [...] Bread, and they have none to give them▪ Their Servants for Wages, and they hav [...] not wherewithal to satisfie them: So th [...] the presence of their near Relations, wh [...] have been the light of their Eyes, and th [...] comfort of their Lives, wounds them [...] the Heart, and doubles their Sorrow They cannot look upon them witho [...] yerning Compassions, and mournful R [...] flexions upon their own indiscretio [...] whereby they have opened such Mout [...] against them, whose just Complaints th [...] cannot answer, whose Hunger they a [...] not able to fill, and whose Nakedness th [...] cannot cover: Hereby they are made [...] tle in the Eyes of their Neighbours, a [...] liable to all the Shame and Obloquy the Folly hath deserved.

[Page 37]The Wise Man tells us, That the Poor is [...]ated, even of his own Neighbour; Prov. 14.20. but the Rich hath many Friends. And again, All the Brethren of the Poor do hate him, Prov. 19.7. how much more do his Friends go far from him: He pursueth them with words, yet they are [...]anting to him. But he, who by Sureti­ [...]hip is rendered Poor, hath made himself not only the Subject of that Contempt which is incident to a needy Condition; [...]ut the mark of more stinging Accusati­ons, being censured as one, who by a­bolish Act, pregnant with sundry Mis­chiefs, hath destroyed himself, and made his own House miserable.

CHAP. II. Declareth, That the Caution against Suretiship, depends on Divine Au­thority; and how far Men are obli­ged in Conscience to frame their Mea­sures accordingly.

THe Consideration of the nature of Suretiship, with all Circumstances [Page 38] adherent thereto, may warn all Men, th [...] regard their own Interest, to shun su [...] Pecuniary Engagements, which are th [...] cause of great damage, or danger.

But there is a greater Argument tha [...] Interest, to diswade all Persons from su [...] jecting themselves to such Obligation for Conscience of Duty is a more bindin [...] Reason, than the respect of a Tempor [...] safety. When both join their Forces tog [...] ther, the scales of business (unless the be more violence than weight on the co [...] trary part) are soon turned on their si [...] The Tye of Conscience is of equal exte [...] with the Law of Self-Preservation; b [...] the mind of Man being thronged with va [...] Imaginations, the Knowledge, and Se [...] thereof is more feeble and obscure: A [...] in that Suretiship is always painted wi [...] pretences of Friendship, it is hard for so [...] to believe, that the shunning of it is a re [...] part of their Duty: For knowing that [...] the Royal Law of God, they are oblig [...] to that Love which is the Bond of perfe [...] ness, and is fruitful in all acts of kindne [...] and in all manner of good Offices; th [...] cannot understand how they can well [...] fuse such a Courtesie, whereby their frien [...] ship is put to a remarkable Tryal; the [...] nial whereof would render them Obnoous, [Page 39] either to be suspected of insincerity, or to be charged with a shameful defect in that Charity which is the end of the Di­vine Commandment.

All Solicitations for Mens Suretiship, [...]re commonly drest in Robes that are [...]orrowed of this vertue, insomuch, that [...]uch are thought wanting in their friend­ [...]hip, who do not readily comply with the Desires of their Neighbours, when they [...]sk no more than their being Security for [...]hem. And some are easily prevailed with [...]o become Sureties for others, when they [...]re perswaded, that the real Laws of [...]riendship require so much of them.

Wherefore it is necessary, that this point [...]hould be cleared, and when all the false Colours it is painted with, are washt away, will appear, that Mens Duty lies in the [...]voidance of what they may imagine [...]hemselves obliged to perform.

For true Justice forbids that Suretiship, [...]hich common Friendship seems to de­ [...]and.

Justice is an Eternal, and Indispensable [...]uty, and the true Foundation of the [...]est Love: For no Man can be rightly Charitable, unless he be just. Neither is consistent with an Universal Love, to [...]urt some, in being kind to others: Or, [Page 40] to wrong one's self, in being Liberal to [...] Neighbour.

Neither can it be esteemed a Charitabl [...] Act in any Man, to dispose of such thing which are not in his own Power; or to hazard the Goods without consent, whic [...] others together with himself, have a righ [...] to. If any one then, by Specious Arg [...] ments of Love, shall be tempted to become Surety for another in such Bond which involve injury to himself, his nea [...] Relations, or his Partners in his business and Calling, his Suretiship in such a cas [...] is no Act of true Friendship, because i [...] hath not Justice for a Principle and Fou [...] dation.

What we read in the Proverbs of a Glorious King (inspired with Divin [...] Wisdom) concerning this matter, direc [...] us in a right understanding of it, an [...] plainly manifests what Men of just, an [...] upright Principles ought to do: It is n [...] cessary therefore, in order to a clear an [...] distinct apprehension of this point, to e [...] amine such Proverbial Sayings, whic [...] give us a right, and infallible state of t [...] case.

The First, I shall bring to remembranc [...] is this:Prov. 22.26, 27. Be not thou one of them that stri [...] hands, or of them that are Sureties for Debt [Page 41] thou hast nothing to pay, why should he [...]ke away thy Bed from under thee? The [...]cope of the Text is a manifest Cau­ [...]on against rash, and heedless Sureti­ [...]ip. To strike Hands is an Hebrew Phrase, or giving frequent security for others; [...]o common a Ceremony among them in [...]his business, that it is sometimes Metoni­ [...]ically used for the business it self. But whereas Men may strike hands in sundry Contracts different from Suretiship, the [...]e whole Verse set together, shews, that [...]uch striking of Hands is understood, which was customary with those who entered [...]nto this Capacity: And the warning [...]ere given against this Ceremony, when [...]he matter is exprest unto which it is ap­plied, imports a Caution against frequent, [...]nd inconsiderate Sponsions; but no ab­solute Prohibition of all Engagements for others. For no part of Holy Writ should [...]e Interpreted to any sense, but that which can be fairly adjusted to the Analogy and design of the whole Book of God, where­ [...]n we have some eminent Instances who have been worthily concerned as Sureties for others.

When St. Paul (the Apostle of Nations) [...]nterceeds with Philemon for his Servant Onesimus, (who had been unprofitable to [Page 42] him) that he would receive him with th [...] respect, and affection which was due to person newly Converted to the Christi [...] Faith, upon a supposition of any form injury towards his Master he had b [...] guilty of, or any Debt he had Contract [...] The Apostle becomes Sponsor in his beha [...] assuring Philemon, that he should suffer [...] loss,Phil. 18.19 or damage by him. If he hath wrong thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on m [...] Account; I Paul have written it with m [...] own hand, I will repay it. But more th [...] this, we read in Sacred History of o [...] who gave not his outward substance, b [...] the Life of his Children in security: A [...] when Jacob's Sons knew it was necessar [...] for them, to take Benjamin their younge [...] Brother with them into Egypt, that the might be furnished with Corn for that so [...] Famine which was in their Land, and J [...] cob was unwilling that Benjamin should h [...] taken away: Reuben spake unto his Fathe [...] saying,Genes. 42.37. Slay my two Sons if I bring him v [...] to thee; deliver him into my hand, and I w [...] bring him to thee again. And we read o [...] another Son of Jacob who gave his ow [...] person for security in this case; for Jud [...] said unto Israel his Father.Genes. 43.8, 9. Send the La [...] with me, and we will arise and go, that w [...] may live, and not die, both we, and thou [Page 43] and also our little ones. I will be Surety for him, of my hand shalt thou require him; if I [...]ring him not unto thee, and set him before [...]hee, then let me bear the blame for ever. And whereas we find that Benjamin's return to his Father was obstructed by Joseph's Poli­cy: Judah makes an importunate Supplica­tion to Joseph for his free dismission; and among many Pathetical Arguments, makes a Declaration of his personal Suretiship in this case.Genes. 44.32. Thy Servant became Surety for the Lad unto my Father; saying, if I bring him not unto thee, then I shall bear the blame to my Father for ever. And since the Lad was now become a Bond Servant to Jo­seph; by a Covenant in which all his Bre­thren were concerned; Judah (who was capable of more profitable Service than he) offers himself in place of Benjamin, [...]hat he might be set free: For being Surety for his return, he was obliged, not only to give up his Liberty, but his Life; ra­ther than Israel his Father should be berea­ved of that Child, who was the light, and comfort of his old Age.

Wherefore Judah makes Petition to Jo­seph: Now I pray thee let thy Servant abide instead of the Lad, a Bond-man to my Lord, Genes. 44.33. and let the Lad go up with his Brethren.

[Page 44] Hinc fide jussionem generatim non prohiberi constat, nam Jehudae laudi ducetur quod pro salvâ Ben­jaminis reductione se sponsorem in­terposuit. Cartwrightus. Judah is not blam [...] for his undertaking [...] this case, for by [...] strange concurrence Circumstances, the seemed a necessity of some Expedie [...] that might conduce to the supply of the present want, and the satisfaction of Isra [...] in taking away his beloved Child. A [...] the sacred Account which is given of t [...] matter, shews, that it happily succeede [...] ▪ Hower let it be noted, that Judah's u [...] dertaking made him liable to become Bond-man, which was no less than a gr [...] vous Affliction in it self; though honou [...] ble for him to endure Servitude, rath [...] than his Father's House, and all his B [...] thren should perish for want of Brea [...] And though this, together with the fo [...] mer Instances, shew, that Suretiship m [...] be laudable in some cases, in which the [...] is an apparent Exigence thereof; yet it a matter in which much Caution is to [...] used.Vitare vo­luit suum filium spon­siones nè in discri­men rei familiaris & egestatem adduceretur. Mercerus. And Wisdom instructs her Chi [...] to avoid all needless occasions of Povert [...] or Danger.

For the Caution against Suretiship, [Page 45] [...]engthened with a Declaration of the [...]mage that may insue thereupon. If thou [...]st nothing to pay, why should he take away [...] Bed from under thee? There are some [...]ings very remarkable in this Text, be­ [...] [...]fficulty in the sense of the latter part, [...]hich must be considered.

First, It is clearly implied, that he who [...] Surety for a Debt is obliged to pay it [...]t of his own substance; for if he have [...]t a Treasure ready to satisfie the Credi­ [...]rs demand, his most necessary Goods are [...]ble to be seized and taken away from [...]m. He may flatter himself in his own [...]hansie, and vainly hope that the Credi­ [...]r may spare him, because he never re­ [...]ived any thing of him, but contrary to [...]s expectation, th [...] Creditor with ex­ [...]eam rigour falls upon him, and confi­ [...]ently justifies his Proceedings, and is [...]ady to remonstrate that he never had [...]t out his Money but upon the Interposi­ [...]on of the Surety: or if he had found [...]e Debtor Solvent, he would have requi­ [...]d it of him, and not have troubled his [...]riend; but since he sees his Bargain is in [...]anger, he has reason to act strictly in [...]eeking his due, where it can be reco­ [...]ered.

Secondly, The Text gives an Admo­nition [Page 46] to Sureties, that they do not e [...] into Bonds which [...] ceed their power:Priusquam ex alieno nomine no­strum faciamus, reputandum esse, quam aut amplae, aut angustae nobis suppetant facultates. Cart­wrightus. [...] if they have nothing [...] pay, they are in d [...] ger of losing the Go [...] that are most necess [...] for their constant use: For in the W [...] Bed, there is a Synecdoche whereby [...] are to understand such things which are needful, that none without great incon [...] nience can be without them. But h [...] some difficulty may be started, in th [...] 'tis written in the Law of Moses, tha [...] Creditor should not deprive his Neighbo [...] of the use of such things, which comm [...] sense might judge necessary for him.Exod. 22.26, 27. [...] thou at all take thy Neighbour's Rayment [...] pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him, by t [...] the Sun goeth down; for that is his cover [...] only, it is his Rayment for his skin, wher [...] shall he sleep?

Deut. 24.6. No Man shall take the nether, or the up [...] Milstone to pledge; for he taketh a M [...] life to pledge.

Vers. 10. When thou dost lend thy Brother any thi [...] thou shalt not go into his house to fetch [...] pledge.

Vers. 11. Thou shalt stand abroad, and the man whom thou doest lend, shall bring out [...] [Page 47] [...]dge abroad unto thee.

And if the Man be poor, Vers. 12. thou shalt not [...]o with his pledge.

In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge [...]in, when the Sun goeth down, Vers. 13. that he [...]y sleep in his own Raiment, and bless thee: [...]d it shall be righteousness unto thee before [...] Lord thy God.

Here it may seem, that we have a Di­ [...]e Prohibition of taking away a Man's [...]d from under him: But the Proverb [...]der our present Consideration imports, [...]t an Insolvent Surety is liable to suffer [...]s loss, and damage; the execution [...]ereof appears irreconcilable to the Law. [...]t this seeming difficulty is resolved by a [...]stinct Observation of the difference that between a Debt, and a Pledge: For a [...]edge may be more valuable,Arctius est vinculum debitis, quam depo­siti. and much [...]ore necessary than the Loan for which was given, and therefore the Law requi­ [...]d the restitution thereof in some cases; [...]ough what was lent was not returned to [...]e Owner.

Besides, there is a distinction to be made [...]twixt the Municipal Law of the Jews, hereby their properties were secured; [...]d the Law of Charity which might pro­ [...]bit the detaining of a pledge that was of [...]cessary use to a Neighbour; but the [Page 48] Municipal Law considered distinctly b [...] self, might justifie such a detension; [...] so different practises may either be app [...] ved or condemned, according to the L [...] by which they are tryed.

The Surety is liable to bear all that [...] be required of the Principal; not o [...] Mens goods, but their Children; y [...] their own persons according to some L [...] were to be sold, that Debts might be [...] tisfied. For we read of a certain Wo [...] of the Wives of the Sons of the Proph [...] who cried unto Elisha making this Re [...] sentation to him of her sad condition.

2 Kings 4 1. Thy Servant my Husband is dead, [...] thou knowest that thy Servant did fear [...] Lord; and the Creditor is come to take [...] him my two Sons to be Bond-men.

Had the Creditor come to do what might not, this Disconsolate Widow mi [...] have had some help by resistance: But [...] lisha by a Miracle furnished her w [...] means to pay the Debt, and so freed [...] Sons from the danger of Bondage.

Again, we read in the Gospel a c [...] tain Parable of a King,Matth. 28.24 &c. A Talent is valued to be 187 l. 10 s. Who took accou [...] his Servants, and when he had begun to re [...] one was brought unto him which owed [...] ten thousand Talents; but forasmuch as he not to pay, his Lord commanded him t [...] [Page 49] sold, and his Wife, and Children, and all that he had; and payment to be made. Which proceeding of his Lord was justifiable ac­cording to strictness of Law, doubtless so great a Debt was not contracted on a sud­ [...]en: Whence we may guess, that the longer [...]he payment of a Debt is deferred, the greater will the Debtor's misery be: For since Riches make themselves Wings, they may take their flight before the Nest is well warmed, where once they lay; and so he who once had power to cancel a Bond, has not so much courage left as to desire a sight of it, and will be less able to [...]pen a Prison Door that is once shut upon him, or to moderate the Tormentors, un­ [...]o whom he is there delivered.

But before we take a view of the utmost misery of the rash Surety, let us consider [...]nother Proverb, like to that, which was [...]rst brought to remembrance.

Take his Garment, Prov. 20: 16. that is Surety for a Stranger. This advice which is given to [...]he Creditor for his safety, is a plain decla­ [...]ation of the great damage the Surety is li­ [...]ble to suffer; for he may be stript of his Garment, which is nearer to him than his Bed, and the Creditor may justifie the ta­king of it: For when he trusts a stranger, he hath reason to make his Property as sure [Page 50] as he can,Si quis apud te pro externo, & tibi ignoto homine sposponderit, cu­jus fides tibi parùm nota est, & qui ex eâdem religione, vel Ecclesiâ non est; aut gente; vel alioqui tibi ignotus sit. Ne dubites nec refor­mides, si tibi vestem suam aut ali­ud pignus obtulerit pro externo illo accipere: quia ille fidejussor suas facultates in discrimen adduxit, & tu in periculo, &c. Mercerus. and not on­ly a Foreigner, or one of another Church, Perswasion, and Com­munion, comes under this denomination; but he whose condition is unknown: so that the Creditor in such a case depends most on the Surety, and may take any Pledge that i [...] offer'd on that side, that can best secure him, even a Garment rather than he should run the risk of an hazar­dous Bargain.Finis hominis qui fide jusserit pro extraneo erit, ut propter fide­jussionem cum solvendo non fuerit, tollant etiam vestem ejus in pig­nus. Vatablus. For the World has known some so forward in undertaking Suretiships, tha [...] they have soon engaged themselves beyond their power, and whe [...] they are so deeply concerned, that thei [...] Fountain is utterly exhausted (imagining that their condition cannot be worse tha [...] it is) they follow on the same business still and become Sureties rather by their own pragmatical intrusion, than by their Neighbours importunate request: So that thei [...] great zeal in this matter may render the [...] suspected to all wise Observers; an [...] though by great Words, and plausibl [...] [Page 51] Pretences, they struggle to buoy up their sinking Reputation; yet the Creditor [...]hat will be safe, must take a Pledge equi­valent to his concern; as if he had to do with one that sells an Estate, which hath been often Mortgaged above the worth; for his dealing is no better, who becomes Surety for Debts, and is concerned in o­ther Bonds which exceed his Faculties, and [...]s therefore worthy to be deprived of his necessary Goods, to be stripped of his Ray­ment, and turned out naked to his [...]hame.

It is manifest,Hoc proverbio à fidejussione de­hortatur novo argumento ab ad­juncto incommodo; quod facilè spondens pro se sponsorem (si quan­do urgetur) non reperiet. Cart­wrightus. that this Proverb, which shews, that the heedless Surety hath not right to the Coat he is cloathed with, declares the dan­ger of rash Suretiship, as well as the for­mer: Nay, here seems to be a new Argu­ment to disswade Men from this business; [...]n that he who readily yields to be Bound for others, will not find others as ready to [...]e Bound for him, when the urgency of his Affairs shall crave their assistance; for [...]he danger of the loss of his Garment ac­cording to the tenour of this Proverb, im­plies, that he hath not one that will Bail him out of his Distress, but his Garment [Page 52] must answer for him, and Nakedness, an [...] Shame must be his Portion.

But the great misery of the rash Surety is fully exprest thus.Prov. 11.15. He that is Surety for [...] Stranger shall smart for it; and he that hate Suretiship is sure. Few will give their Nam [...] and Faith for a Stranger, properly so ca [...] led. But here we must by this Name u [...] derstand one whose condition is cloude from us, and who is unprovided with re [...] sons to oblige us to himself: For as he wh [...] leaving his Lawful Consort cleaves to a Harlot, is said to go in unto a strange W [...] man, notwithstanding his familiar A [...] quaintance with her.Fidem su­am interpo­nit negotiis alienis. Junius. So he who becom [...] Bound for a Man whose Estate is not m [...] nifest, or is secretly encumbred when it no part of his Duty to be obliged fo [...] him, is rightly said to be Surety for [...] Stranger; though we have an intima [...] knowledge of his Person; and shall sma [...] for it. This word which speaks his Unha [...] piness being ingeminated in the Hebre [...] imports a very great affliction, and tro [...] ble: And there is no Version, or Transl [...] tion of the Word, that I know of, b [...] signifies a grievous Punishment,¹ Malo mul­ctetur, ² aut contritione conteretur, aut conterendo conteretur, ³ aut omnino o [...] fringetur, ⁴ aut confractione confringetur. ¹ Castalio, ² Mercerus, ³ Junius & Tremellius, ⁴ Aben-Ez [...] and T [...] bulation: [Page 53] For in the Original, there is a Me­taphor taken from a Potters Vessel,Gravissi­mam faciet jacturam, & maxi­mum rei suae famili­aris, ac fa­cultatum detrimen­tum pati­etur, quis­quis exter­ni nomine fidejusserit. Mercerus. Qui fidejubet pro alio, affligetur multis molestiis, & subindè dam­ [...]is; cogetur enim debitum debitoris, si is solvendo non sit, ex suo aere [...]ependere, & praestare. Cornelius a Lapide. Certè, & gravitèr periclitabitur, ruetque. Geserus & Piscator. or such [...]ike brittle Ware, which being broken, [...]nd shatter'd in pieces, cannot by any Art [...]e restored: Thus the Surety shall be as a broken Vessel, which cannot be made whole; his Wealth shall be taken from him, his Power weakned, his Goods scat­ [...]ered, his Liberty infringed, his Health [...]mpair'd, and his Life indanger'd: For [...]hese Troubles bring on that worldly Sor­ [...]ow, which worketh Death.

Suretiship is the dangerous Rock, that [...]plits, and breaks the Vessels that fall up­ [...]n it; whereby Men make Shipwrack of [...]heir Goods, and are reduced to such Ex­ [...]remities, that they cannot be so service­ble to the publick, as otherwise they might be: So that a Kingdom or State [...]uffers much thereby: For many good, [...]nd innocent Persons, who have such con­siderable Parts, and Abilities, which might [...]ender them useful Members in the Body Politick, are taken in the Nets, which [...]heir fair-spoken Friends spread for them; [Page 54] whereby they are deprived of that powe [...] which might have been of excellent u [...] had it remained in good hands.Haud faci­lè emergunt quorum vertutibus obstat. Res angusta do­mi. I am a [...] to think that many Sureties are endow [...] with a good nature, and inclination [...] generous good Offices, and would [...] fruitful therein, if by flattering, and d [...] ceitful Lips, they were not deprived [...] their Abilities.

When their Security is newly soug [...] they think it no other than an Office [...] Humanity to grant the request, and a [...] apt to suppose, that the Suter was mov [...] to make his Application to them upon perswasion of their goodness; and the [...] fore suspect that it would be some sta [...] upon their Reputation, if they should [...] guilty of a repulse in that Matter, in whi [...] a grant upon such ground is expected; [...] pecially if the person be importunate in [...] Sute, they cannot be so course as to de [...] what with much assurance is desired, a [...] is skilfully painted with a semblance of a harmless Beneficence, and Charity; [...] what Humanity is it for Men by th [...] strange, and inconsiderate kindness [...] wards some, to render themselves uncap [...] ble of performing good Offices to othe [...] more deserving? Or, what Charity is to violate Human Society, to depri [...] [Page 55] the publick of that Service which is due thereto, to be cruel to ones self, and to af­flict such Relations with Necessities, and Streights who depend upon them? What Justice is it to serve Strangers according to their desire, and to neglect those whom God hath committed to their care? And [...]f there be no Justice, there can be no Charity in their Proceedings. Can it be a generous act for Men to ruine their own Families, that they may pamper such who are no better than Caterpillars among Men? Or what good Office is it to bolster [...]he lofty heads of the proud, and to pass by [...]oor Wretches in their Misery? Or to [...]ndulge the devouring Appetites of Prodi­gals, and not to feed the hungry who are [...]eady to starve for want of Bread?Quaenam illa chari­tas est teip­sum spolia­re, & bonis omnibus ex­uere ut al­teri medici­nam pares, qui imme­dicabilis est? Vel quod tanto [...] aere sit unde nec tuis nec suis opibus emergere possit, vel quod [...]nquam hirudo omniae quae undecunque corradere potest exugat? Cartwrightus. Or [...]o multiply Talents upon the Sloath­ful, and to withhold due Wages from he Diligent hand? Whatever may be pretended, there is as great want of real goodness, as of Prudence in such Actions. Doubtless it is expedient, for all whose [...]ecurity is courted, to consider what man­ [...]er of Men they must be concern'd with, [Page 56] for some can take pleasure in exposing the [...] Neighbours to danger, that they may hav [...] Companions in their wretchedness. Whe [...] their Condition is desperate, and the [...] Wound incurable, they cover the So [...] that they may the better spread the inf [...] ction, and make others sick of their D [...] sease. Yet while this Game is playe [...] under crafty Palliations, and pleasa [...] Shades; the Credulous Sureties im [...] gine that they have an opportunity [...] procuring some fast friends to themselve whom they may make use of, as they ha [...] occasion.

They presume it is a light matter to write their Names, and set their Seals to a Obligation, or if they are taken with suspicion of some danger, yet they can a well think of a better Issue, and are bo [...] enough to try their Fortune: For they a [...] gue thus with themselves, that they f [...] whom they are Bound, are not so far stranged from all Humanity, as to suff [...] them to fall into trouble upon their a [...] count; or so far guilty of Ingratitude, to leave them without suitable acknowledgments of their kindness; much l [...] can they be so Jewish, False, and Barb [...] rous, as to betray them to all the damag [...] which their Act renders them liable [...] [Page 57] suffer: And as for such to whom they are [...]ound, they have no great jealousie that [...]ey who know the Debt is not theirs, [...]ill look for a plentiful Harvest from such [...]ound where no Seed was sown. But [...]e Proverb obviates their fine Scheme of [...]houghts, assuring them that they shall [...]e as a shattered earthen Vessel, the Par­cles whereof cannot be set together. The [...]hole business upon trial of all hands is [...]stly different from their Sentiments; [...]r their Friends are glad of their Compa­ [...]y in trouble, and their Creditors are ri­ [...]d Exactors of all that is due: So that [...]eir experience gives them a grievous con­ [...]ction of the vanity, and deceitfulness of [...]l such Phancies and hopes, whereby they [...]ave been decoyed into a Labyrinth of [...]rouble. The Consideration whereof [...]arh moved some more wise than the [...]ommon sort, to advise all Sureties to lay [...]side so much Money as they are Bound [...]r, and to look upon it no longer as their [...]wn; but to compute it as his Property, [...]o whom the Obligation is made, until [...]hey shall see sufficient reason to the con­ [...]ary, which seldom happens to Sureties or Strangers.

And though Suretiship in some cases [...]ay be so far justifiable, as it is Charita­ble; [Page 58] as in case any one hath suffered spoiling of his Goods for the cause of R [...] gion, whereby he is so far impoverish as to need this expedient for his necess [...] subsistence: Or any one who hath b [...] both circumspect, and diligent in his p [...] ticular Calling is afflicted with some [...] den, and unavoidable disaster; where he is destituted of power to follow his P [...] fession, on which his Livelyhood doth [...] pend; and therefore craves the help wh [...] anothers interposition as Surety might ford: They that will be Bound upon th [...] Considerations, may reasonably be co [...] mended for their Charity; but when th [...] have the best, and greatest Reasons to [...] stifie their act; they ought, according [...] the Measures of Justice, to take heed t [...] their Obligations do not exceed their po [...] er; but easily comport with that c [...] which they ought to have of their o [...] Preservation, and with their regard to competency for the support and comf [...] of their Families: For otherwise, tho [...] some Tongues may applaud them for th [...] kindness; others may justly censure the for their indiscretion, and injustice. T [...] several Divine Proverbs which respect t [...] Matter condemn not the Suretiship, in t [...] justification whereof, both Justice a [...] [Page 59] Charity join together; but that in which Folly, or Injustice is manifest, and we are [...]aught, That He that hateth this is sure. Which words come next to be examined, which are rightly put according to the true sense in our Translation; for though the Original Literally rendered, stands thus, He that hateth Strikers of hands is sure: Qui odit compleden­tes, qui odit stipulantes, qui odit fi­dejussores. And there are several Versions according to the Letter, yet the meaning is, that no Man should hate the Persons but the act of such Men, (i. e.) by their avoiding of Suretiship should declare their disaffection thereto: And they are sure, (i. e.) safe from all the molestation and trouble which Men, heed­ [...]ess of their concerns are liable to:Tutus est securus est confidit. And his word sure may well import their injoy­ment of a happy freedom: When as rash and imprudent Sureties are subject to ma­ny tormenting fears, to the loss of their Liberty, to Banishment from all sweet So­ciety, from the Church of God, and the Holy, and Regular Communion of his [...]ervants. The fear of this misery imbit­ [...]ers their condition, and sowres all their injoyments: The approach of a Creditor [...]s no less terrible to them, than the view of some ghastly Apparition; and whoe­ver comes towards them in their Walks, or knocks at their Doors, is an Affrightment [Page 60] to them, as being a Messenger that brin [...] a dooming Errand, or an Officer th [...] carries the power of an Arrest in his ha [...] which may hurry them into a dark De [...] where they may lose their time, and Li [...] in Sorrow, and Disgrace; learning a R [...] pentance which cannot save them, and [...] ning away in Reflexions upon their ow [...] Folly, and Indiscretion.

Prov. 17, 18. A Man void of understanding strike hands, and becometh Surety in the presence his Friend.

This Proverb declares the madness of Precipitant Suretiship, whereby M [...] Hand over Head, run out of a safe, a [...] quiet, into a Vexatious, and Dangerous Condition. We see by this, and oth [...] Proverbs, that Divine Wisdom condescen [...] to such Matters, in which the o [...] ward interest of private Families is co [...] cerned.

Solomon Prophetiae cancellos hic non transilit, cum oecono­mica praecepta tradit; nam Ethnico pejor est, qui suae familiae non [...] spicit: & ea est Ecclesiae cum oeconomiâ, & Politiâ adeòque ave colligatio, ut unâ labefactatâ alteràm ruere, & in deterius verge necesse sit. Cartwrightus.It is not therefore unbeseeming a Mesenger of God, to insist on such Oecon [...] mical Precepts which conduce to the w [...] being of Domestick Society; even an [...] postle [Page 61] kept within the Bounds of his Cal­ [...]ng when he wrote thus to Timothy, 1 Tim 5.8. If any [...]rovide not for his own, and especially for those [...]f his own House, he hath denied the faith, [...]d is worse than an Infidel. And it is evi­ [...]ent by the tenour of his Discourse, that [...]e respects a Temporal Provision.

God the Benefactor of the Universe, [...]nd Patron of his Church, leaves not his Manifold Gifts, and Talents, to our Ar­ [...]itrary disposal; but hath given us the [...]isest Rules to act as good Stewards of his Grace and Bounty.

We may not hide our Talent in a Nap­ [...]in with the Covetous, nor may we pro­ [...]isely waste it with the Prodigal: The [...]ght use of his Donatives is determined by [...]imself. He has granted us Liberty to act [...]ccording to his Command; but no Li­ [...]ence to fulfil our own pleasure. His Wis­ [...]om dictates the regular use of what his [...]ounty bestows, and we cannot better [...]prove his Gifts, than by an Administra­ [...]on becoming the intent of the giver. We commonly put a great estimate upon [...]he Largesses of Wise and good Friends; [...]nd by our care in the management, ex­ [...]ress our difference to our Benefactors: Doubtless we have much greater reason by [...]ur good use of all the Gifts of God, to [Page 62] manifest the Honour which is due to [...] Name; as none must waste their Tale wholly on themselves in the Indulgence of Intemperate Appetites; so neith [...] must they cast it away upon others by fo [...] ish Contracts, whereby their own, an [...] their Families Welfare is indangered and the publick State is offended in pr [...] portion to that Relation they have there Wherefore the Wise Man instructs us imprudent Conduct of our private Affai [...] that we may pass by all perillous Rocks Offence, and come safely to the Haven rest, where we would be; and may our Capacity, and Measure be useful to [...] Church, and Kingdom to which we belong. And though Suretiship, consider [...] in it self be lawful, (for since it is writte [...] that we ought to lay down our Lives [...] the Brethren, it can be no fault in so [...] cases to part with our Goods for them, to hazard our Temporal power in their [...] half) yet all precipitancy therein is an A [...] gument of great Folly, and he that w [...] run into danger before he is called, ha [...] more intemperate heat in his Head, th [...] clear Wisdom in his Heart. A Man v [...] of understanding striketh hands, and becaeth Surety in the presence of his Friend. The words, as they stand in our Translatio [...] [Page 63] m [...]y signifie a Man's entring into Bond be­ [...]e Witness: But there another Construction the Text:Homo vecors complodit palmam, fidejubet fidejussione ante proximum suum (id est) antequam proximus hoc ab illo postulat. Cartwrightus. That he [...]o hath not the in­ [...]ligent Heart of a [...]an, striketh Hands before his Neigh­ [...]ur makes his request for any such matter: [...]nd this Interpretation is thought congru­ [...]s to the design of the Author, which to expose the folly of Inconsiderate [...]reties; and therefore he uses a Verb in [...]e present Tense to denote a Man's over­ [...]wardness, and frequency in this Trans­tion; which is worthy to be stigmati­ [...]d with a Brand of shameful indiscretion. [...]r he must be extreamly blind, or fool­ [...]ly confident, who can discern no dan­ [...]r at all in a business of this nature: For [...]hoever hath an understanding to enligh­ [...]h his steps, will use no small circumspe­ [...]on in this concern, and will in good [...]e consider, who the person is for whom is Bound, what figure he makes either the Church, or in the Kingdom; what heritance he possesses; or in what Cal­ [...]g he is imployed; what Relations he [...]th in the World; what Credit, in re­ [...]ect of the constant tenour of his Practise, [...]d what Reputation among those who [Page 64] are best acquainted with him: whe [...] he be reduced to want by his own [...] and Extravagance; or by some irresis [...] stroke of Divine Providence: For [...] different Circumstances may either ju [...] his Caution on one hand, or extend [...] Charity on the other.

Moreover, as he attends the Qu [...] and Condition of the Person for who [...] is obliged; so he takes a good view of person to whom he is Bound; whe [...] Humanity, Candour, Goodness, and [...] tue be manifest in his Temper, and [...] versation: Or he be destitute of t [...] lovely Accomplishments, and cloat [...] with contrary Deformities. The s [...] Nature, and substantial integrity of s [...] Creditors render Suretiship more [...] than otherwise it would be; and s [...] without blemish to their prudence [...] give their Names to such, who never w [...] be concern'd in the delivery of an C [...] gation to course, ill natured, and unwa [...] hands; yet a wise man always rec [...] that Debt to be his own for which h [...] bound; which is commonly neglected those who rashly take this Charge u [...] them, as if they were certain that p [...] ment should be made by the Princip [...] hand: But they believe more than pro [...] ly [Page 65] they shall see done, and it were better [...]or them to follow that advice which is gi­ [...]en in few words, than to live by such a [...]aith which shall never come to Vision: [...]e not over confident of the truth,Quos credis fidos effuge, tutus eris. and [...]aithfulness of all Mens Pretences, and Promises; and you shall not be hurt by [...]heir Treachery, Falseness, and Flattery. [...]ut they, whose Faith is as large as their [...]riends Consciences are, may run all Risks [...]pon all Invitations; and at length suffer [...]he sad experience of so much deceitful­ [...]ess, which they once thought impracti­ [...]able, if not impossible. But to prevent [...]ll this mischief, it is necessary that they [...]hould hear what Wisdom speaks to her Child.Prov. 6.1, 2 My Son if thou be Surety for thy [...]riend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a [...]tranger, thou art snared with the words of by mouth, thou art taken with the words of by Mouth.

Whatever may be imagined, or presu­ [...]ed by a careless and trifling mind; the [...]eal truth of the present Transaction is, [...]hat thou art entangled, and taken in a [...]nare. The Words that are past, are cer­ [...]ain Nets, and Snares; and the hands that [...]ave been imployed in striking, fasten the [...]nares which such words have woven, the Contexture whereof is so strong, and the [Page 66] Juncture so firm, that they who before h [...] their Liberty, are held Captive thereby and cannot recover their Freedom until [...] due, and proper means the whole W [...] be dissolved.

It is observable (according to so [...] Commentators) that Wisdom's Judgme [...] concerning Suretiship is placed immedia [...] ly after a Dehortation from the Imbra [...] of a strange Woman, (whose Lips dr [...] as an Honey-Comb, and whose Mouth smoother than Oyl; but her end is bit [...] as Wormwood) because there is the sa [...] danger in both: For by means of Sure [...] ship, as well as by means of a Who [...] Woman, a Man is brought to a piece Bread: He loses Health, and Honour [...] both; and Strangers are filled with [...] Wealth, and with the Fruits of his Labou [...]

In the Explication of this Proverb, it material to understand, whether the wo [...] Friend, and Stranger signifie one and t [...] same, or different Persons. Some are [...] Opinion that they signifie one and t [...] same, who is called Friend before the Bo [...] is made, but after it is finished, is calle [...] Stranger:Kabvenaki amicum & externum pro eodem sumit, ut qui ante amicus erat, postquam apud eum fidejusseris, jam fiat externus, & tibi adversarius: ut in neg [...] pecuniario saepe accidit. Mercerus. For while he saught a Surety [Page 67] [...] acted as a Friend in all the semblances a dear Correspendence; but when he [...]th made him fast he shakes off the former [...]miliarity; and puts on strangeness, if [...]t enmity towards him; and this is no [...]s than a common experiment in pecu­ [...]ry concerns. The Surety finds his con­ [...]ion no better, than the free Lenders, no lent his Money to his Friend, and as­ [...]d his money of his Friend, and then lost [...] Money, and his Friend: For consi­ [...]ring the force of Bonds he may be ought to lend as much as he was engaged [...]; and when the payment of this Sum demanded, his Friend turns Stranger to [...]m, and to the business also in which they [...]th were yoaked together: So that there some use to be made of this Interpreta­ [...]n, whereby Friend, and Stranger are [...]ade to signifie one and the same per­ [...]n.

But that Explication of the words [...]hich points out different persons, is more [...]ngruous to the matter insisted on; ac­ [...]rding to which Friend signifies the Bor­ [...]wer, and Stranger the Creditor, who [...]ough he have the Title of Friend in the [...]ird Verse of this Chapter; yet that de­ [...]mination makes no difficulty in this In­ [...]rpretation; because it was usual with the [Page 66] [...] [Page 67] [...] [Page 68] Hebrews to call all persons by this Nam [...] with whom they had any concern: [...] he is called Stranger in the first Verse, distinguish him from the person, [...] whom a Man becomes Surety; wh [...] act (as it is here exprest) confirms [...] Construction. For in the making of Bo [...] the striking of hands was a Ceremony [...] formed with the C [...] ditor,Innuitur hic arcta, & fortis in­fixio manus sponsoris in manum Creditoris cum sono, & plausu. Gejerus. Ausim dicere Hebraeis usurpa­tum esse istum ritum, quem Tul­tius nexum, Clemens [...] appellant: qui non solùm in manci­patione, sed etiam in stipulatione, & pignoribus adhibebatur: ut docet Hotomannus in leges 12 Tabula­rum quo ritu qui sese alteri obliga­bat, aut fidem offerebat suam, car­pum apprehendendum, stringendum­que dabat; ut se obstrictum manere significaret. Salazer. to give him a [...] rance of faithful d [...] ing. I have had oc [...] sion to touch upon [...] customary Rite, in Explication of Prov. 26. where it is appl [...] to the matter of Su [...] ship, as a Symbol [...] firm Contract; a [...] make no doubt but Obligation was as stro [...] ly established there as it is by Hand, a Seal in our practise; which with is observed for the satisfaction of Creditor, as the rite of striking ha [...] was done with a person in the sa [...] Capacity, for the same purpose. A [...] having thus far explained the Te [...] [Page 69] [...]e should consider the effect of striking [...]nds, as it is exprest in these words: [...]hou art snared with the [...]ords of thy mouth, Post sponsionis actum sequitur pe­riculum. Gejerus. Nam contractus ut tradunt Jure­consulti priusquam meantur sunt liberi, ubi semel sunt initi, partes contrahentes obstringunt. Mer­cerus. thou [...]t taken with the words [...] thy mouth: Which [...]ew the force of that [...]ontract, which is here [...]nderstood, that such [...]ho have contracted, are bound accord­ [...]g to the Tenour of the Obligation; and [...]eir Bondage may not be remediable [...]ithout a Ransom equivalent to the cause, [...]nd reason of it. At [...]ast,Ostendit plenum esse periculo, si quis temerè pro aliquo fidejubeat, ideòque cautè in eâ re versandum. Saepè fit ut etiam viri boni propter adversos casus, fidem vel prorsus, vel tempore quo promiserant liberare non possint, opes enim variis casibus sunt obnoxiae; fit etiam ut quibus benè fidebas fidem fallant. Le­vater. their undertaking dangerous; for though [...]he Principal be a man [...]f good Principles, and [...]nown Integrity; yet [...]e may fall into Temp­ [...]tion to the distem­ [...]ering of his Morals: [...]nd all Mens power [...]eing liable to manifold Occurrences and Accidents; he may be unable to accom­ [...]lish his honest purposes; so that though Men are thick set with gay Credentials; yet [...]here is no certain safe­ [...]y in this matter,Non quod Salomon charitatem in proximum omnino dissuadeat, nè pro amico, cujus tibi nota sit, & explo­rata probitas fidejubeas: sed quod cautè velit hic agi: quod fidejussi­ones saepe sint periculosae, & in Templo Delphico ferunt scriptum fu­isse proverbialem illam sententiam [...], sponde s [...]d praesiò est damnum. Mercerus. which [...]s to be considered, not [Page 70] that every good m [...] who is cast into [...] streight, should be [...] glected; but that eve [...] man should be cautio [...] in what he doth, a [...] proceed no farther th [...] his Charity limited by his power, and [...] rected by his prudence can extend, a [...] because some who have little knowled [...] of men, and less experience in busine [...] have small skill in the observance of th [...] Rule: Therefore w [...] dom instructs l [...] Child in the great Caution,Idcirrco Salomon filium suum adhuc imperitum, & rerion igna­rum diligentes instruit; nè se con­ficiat in aliorum potestatem; aut a­liorum litibus se implicet. Baynus. Sunt enim juvenes improvidi, qui facilè fidejubent, adeoque mag­no suo damno praestare coguntur. Cornelius a Lapide. and to enlar [...] his apprehension of th [...] danger of Suretiship shews what course [...] to be taken by suc [...] who are snared, an [...] taken by their own Promises.Pro. 6.3, 4, 5. D [...] this now, my Son, and deliver thy self, whe [...] thou art come into the hand of thy Frien [...] Go humble thy self, and make sure thy Friend Give not sleep to thine eyes; nor slumber i [...] thine eye lids: Deliver thy self as a R [...] from the hand of the Hunter, and as a Bi [...] from the hand of the Fowler.

Herein we must observe, First wha [...] [Page 71] [...]e must do, who by his contract hath sub­ [...]cted himself to anothers power. He [...]ust go and humble himself, and make [...]re his Friend, And tho such submission [...]ay seem unsuitable to his degree, or [...]ality; yet the Borrower being in some [...]spect servant to the Lender, his present [...]ndition constrains him to stoop, that [...] burthen he hath brought upon himself [...]ght be taken from him: And he fares [...]ell if by so tolerable trouble he can be de­ [...]ered:Memento quod sponsione in Cre­ditoris, & Debitoris potestatem de­venisti: ut non minus te dece [...]t humiliare teipsum, quam si serv [...]s se supplicem suo Domino praebeat, in debitoris potestatem eatenus ve­nisti, ut si negligens iste, vel dolo­sus sit, facultates tuas etertere pos­sit, in Creditoris potestatem eate­nus, ut rigide exigat debitum. Cartwrightus. Salazer. And therefore [...]st not be slothful, or [...]ck in this self humili­ [...]on. The Hebrew [...]ord which is Tran­ [...]ted [go] imports [...]quent visits, and [...]eat attendance; and [...]e Word [humble thy self] a low sub­ [...]ssion, like casting thy self at his feet, [...]d yielding to be trod upon: For he [...]at is caught must take the best measures [...] can to get out of the share in which [...] is taken, and tho these are somewhat [...]easie, yet his own act has made them [...]cessary: He must humble himself, and [...]ake sure his Friend; even by crouching, [...] petitions, and intreaties win as strong [Page 72] an interest in his favour as possible; t [...] he may have patience with him, and [...] grant convenient time, upon the assura [...] he gives, that he shall lose nothing there [...] And besides he must be importunate w [...] the principal to set him at liberty from obligation: And he may find it necess [...] to solicit many Friends for their assista [...] in this affair; whereby cares, labours, [...] troubles throng upon him, which he m [...] undergo; notwithstanding he may doubtful of an effect relief thereby:Periculo damni, aut etiam ser­vitutis semet opposuit, ut te libe­raret. Grotius. An [...] they prove unsucces [...] both his liberty and property are shaken.Ecclus. 29.18. Multi ob­id non for­tunis tan­tum sed & patriâ sunt evoluti, & addit Ausonius in dicto Thaletis (sponde noxa p [...] est) per mille possum currere exempla, ut probem praedes, v [...] paenitudinis reos. Suretiship hath [...] done many of good Estate, and shal [...] them as a Wave of the Sea: Mighty [...] hath been driven from their Houses, so t [...] they wandered among strange Nations.

Secondly observe with what solicitu [...] industry, and application such means to be used which may be helpful in [...] case. Give not sleep to thine Eyes, nor st [...] ber to thine Eye lids: Deliver thy self, [...] Roe from the hand of the Hunter, and [...] [Page 73] [...]ird from the Hand of the Fowler. These [...]imilitudes can import no less, than the [...]reatness of the danger the Surety is lia­ [...]le to. And therefore he must strenuous­ [...] bestir himself to procure a deliverance, [...]nd watch for it, as [...]he Roe,Quantâ autem diligentiâ hoc facti tandum sit, docet similitudine Capreae, & avis quae captae; illa à venatore, haec ab aucupe quam primum totis viribus elabi conten­dum. Cartwrightus. Summam solicitudinem & dili­gentiam significat. Mercerus. Ʋt avis non parvipendit liber­tatem, sed omnes elabendi rimulas rostro pertentat. Gejerus. and Bird which are taken, strug­ [...]le to make their es­ [...]ape: Their great na­ [...]ural instinct for their [...]berty, makes them [...]eadily apprehensive [...]f any way that may [...]elp them out of their [...]ntangled State. They fear the worst when they are under the power of an Enemy: and therefore will do what possibly they can, to get out of his [...]and. And when such Examples are set before the Surety, whose case as to loss of Goods, or Liberty, if not health, and [...]ife is represented to be no less dangerous [...]han theirs; he hath sense, if not suffici­ent understanding to quicken his endea­ [...]ours, and actuate his joynts in working out his own deliverance: And if he find out any successful expedient for his in­ [...]emnity, he makes a better escape in this concern, than thousands in like circum­stances [Page 74] have done. And now I have [...] membred what is written in the Sac [...] Proverbs concerning this matter, and c [...] sidered the meaning thereof: I can make [...] sufficient Apology for those Hebrew Doctors; or those Commentators in the C [...] stian Church; who turn these Proverbs i [...] Allegories. I shall not trouble the Re [...] er with their imaginations; only n [...] that some pretenders to the knowledge [...] Scripture, are too often guilty of turni [...] clear Truths into dark mysteries, a [...] shew more Juvenile Wit, than Orthod [...] judgment in their glosses. I blame th [...] not who make moral inferences from [...] storical, or other, passages that become the Tenour of the whole book of God And tend to the Edification in Righteo [...] ness, or such who can discern a Divi [...] Spirit in all parts of Holy Writ: But su [...] who (when there is no necessity) will [...] spiritualizing Texts beside their prop [...] signification, or are much addicted [...] frame all things according to the patte [...] of their own phansie, or prejudice; [...] all probability will make sad work wi [...] the Bible; and bring forth very stran [...] commentaries thereon. Wherefore I a [...] not in the least grieved that I have negl [...] cted their learning who streign an alleg [...]rical [Page 75] sense out of the Proverbs which I [...]ave brought to remembrance; which [...]vidently import a Caution against fre­ [...]ent Suretiship as being dangerous to [...]rivate Families, and consequently preju­ [...]cial both to Church and State: For the [...]eatest bodies suffer in the pain, and trou­ [...]e of the smallest Members. The Sacred [...]roverbs richly abound with Theologi­ [...]l, Moral, Political, and Aeconomical pre­ [...]pts: And what we read concerning [...]rudence,Proximè actum de-familiâ ho­nestè instituendâ, nunc de eâdem quoque decentèr conservandâ, ac a­lendâ, cujus duo insignia impedi­menta sunt fidejussio temerario & pigritia. Gejerus. Salazer. Bai­nus. in Pro. 6.18. and Caution [...] the business of Sure­ship, respects the good [...]ministration and sus­ [...]tation of private fa­ [...]lies. God the great [...]overnour of mankind [...]anifests his goodness in manifold gifts; [...]d both in Wisdom, and righteousness [...]ch determined the right use of his tem­ [...]ral favours,Cum mandatum octavem legiti­mum bonorum usum praecipiat, pa­lam est à Theologiae finibus non dis­cedere, qui adversus bonorum dis­sipationem homines ca [...]tos reddit. Ad haec cum Ecclesia ex familiis constat, sicut & Respub. Ecclesiae tantum dec [...]dere, quantum famili­is manifestum est: ut familiae labe­factatio Ecclesiae diminutio sit. Cartwrightus. and pro­ [...]ited all heedless dis­ [...]tion thereof. And [...]erefore it may well seem spiritual Pa­ [...]s to press a conside­ [...]ion of this argu­ [...]ent, the due obser­ [...]ion whereof re­ [...]cts the comfortable [Page 76] State of Families, and that the Honou [...] of the Church, and Prosperity of th [...] Kingdom. And though it be their D [...] ty chiefly to perswade all men to seek th [...] Kingdom of God, and his righteousne [...] in the first place, and to work out the Salvation: yet it well becomes them [...] have that regard to mens Temporal w [...] being which the Scriptures themselves j [...] stifie, and approve; and is therefore inc [...] ded in the Commission granted to the [...]

The sum of all is, That Suretiship [...] not unlawful in it self, but dangerous its efficacy; and such may Sin again [...] themselves, against their Families, again [...] the Nation, and against the Church [...] God who make more hast therein, th [...] good speed. For

1. First all men are obliged both [...] the Law of God, and Nature to be pr [...] vident for their own preservation, a [...] well being: And therefore must avoid [...] things that are hurtful to themselves, a [...] which, by a certain malignity adhere thereto, render their condition grievo [...] and uneasie.

Secondly, They ought to have a sp [...] cial regard to their own liberty, witho [...] which they cannot readily attend the b [...] means of their preservation: He is litt [...] [Page 77] better than an Enemy to himself, who will precipitantly incur a State of servi­ [...]ide, when he might be free,Pro. 22.7. we read that the rich ruleth over the poor, and the bor­rower is servant to the Lender: And his [...]urety also, is in the same bondage; who when he is free should rather continue so, [...]han subject his neck to a yoke, which may prove too heavy for him.1 Cor. 7.23. The great Apostle St. Paul tells us that we are bought with a price, and should not be the Servants [...]f men; unless there be a sufficient reason [...]o oblige us thereto. If then we have our liberty, we should keep it according to [...]he wisest and best measures delivered to us.

Thirdly all men ought to be tender of their Reputation; For a good Name is ra­ther to be chosen, than great Riches: Pro. 22.1. And therefore all such ways are most eligible, which are most honourable, most worthy, and of good report; and no man by an [...]mprudent act should blemish that honour which it becomes him to maintain in a [...]ovely presence, and amiable Lustre.

Fourthly, It is part of a mans Duty to have a care of his Health, and he is there­fore bound to shun all things that may ei­ther deprive him of means for the pre­servation of it, or may bring upon him such troubles, and sorrows of this World [Page 78] which are prejudicial thereto.

Fifthly, All men ought to look upo [...] themselves as Stewards of such things whic [...] God hath put into their hands, and shoul [...] rather improve, than diminish the Talen [...] they have received; and not be guilty [...] such consumptions which justice forbid and Charity rightly understood cann [...] approve: But in such wise administer a [...] things committed to their trust, that the accounts may not be grievous to them [...] their Tryal.

Sixthly, Such who have houses und [...] their care, should provide for them accom [...] ing to the abilities which God (of who [...] the whole Family in Heaven and Ear [...] is Named) hath furnished them with; Nature,Hoc documentum de fugiendis in [...]ssi­ciosis officiis proprium [...], qui non observatâ facul­tate suâ & officio ergà suos, aliis imprudentèr officiosi esse cupi [...]nt. Junius in Prov. 6.1. &c. and Religion bo [...] conspire in obligin [...] men to so much ca [...] of their Families, [...] that they may not b [...] reduced to extrea [...] necessities, or painf [...] hardships, through their improvidence i [...] dangerous contracts; or their excesses i [...] any kind.

Seventhly, All persons that are Me [...] bers of the Church, and Subjects of th [...] Kingdom where they live; should so ma [...]ge [Page 79] their affairs, that they may be most [...]ful in these general relations, and in [...]eir capacity may promote the Publick [...]od.

The Reader that hath leisure may have [...]ce enough to enlarge his thoughts upon [...]se particulars, which are now only [...]nced at, to shew, that whoever is allu­ [...] to strike hands in Suretiship, must con­ [...]er himself, his liberty, his reputation, [...] health, his dependence on God as [...] Steward, his Family and his relation [...]th to the Church and State; and if his coming a Surety doth not consist with [...] Duty in all these respects, whereby he [...]ore engaged; it is much better for him [...] withdraw, than to commit an act [...]ereby he shall render himself obnoxi­ [...]s to be charged with manifold miscarri­ [...]s, and offences: But if notwithstand­ [...]g all that is here said, he will run head­ [...]g into the snare: Let him put the case [...]t the day of payment were come; and [...]t his Name is then called; that the [...]eriffs Officers, and Emissaries were [...]on him; besseging the house where he [...]els; and that a prison was made ready for [...]n, where he may live miserably, and die [...]thout honour, and after that, must give [...] account to God for what he hath done, [Page 80] and surely the foresight of so grea [...] affliction may make him cautious in [...] he doth undertake.

CHAP. III. Warneth all Men to shun the Temp [...] ons of proud, foolish, slothful, p [...] gal, and Wicked persons; upon [...] account Suretiship is extreamly [...] gerous.

IN all the business we have with ot [...] it is expedient that we have a [...] petent knowledg of the persons [...] whom we have to do: When Momu [...] considered the many Angles, and rec [...] that were in the frame of mans heart [...] found fault, that there was not a Win [...] through which a man might look into t [...] obscure and crooked windings. Bu [...] need not complain much for want of [...] in this case; if we practise so much [...] cretion only, as is common in secula [...] [...] fairs, wherein our interest is concern [...] In all which it is requisite that we [...] some knowledg of the Natures, disp [...]ons, [Page 81] and qualities of the persons with [...]hom we deal; and understand the cir­ [...]umstances of their condition: for such [...]ay not be charged with a pragmatical [...]uriosity, who look into their Neighbours [...]ortunes, for whom they are desired to [...]ngage their own.

The Natures, and qualifications of per­ [...]ns are more different than their comple­ [...]ions; and the difference that is in Morals [...] of greater consideration than the varie­ [...] that is in Features: And since the Tree [...]ay be known by its fruits, and every [...]ans course of life discloses the fountain [...]f his affections; the Natures of Men how ever reserved some may be in their [...]empers, or designs) are not so far un­ [...]archable, but that we may know whom [...]e should chose to deal with in all matters [...] moment.

And he that will keep himself from [...]rm, must remove his steps far from [...]e proud; whose Sin (as a glaring Co­ [...]et) portends mischief to all, who lie [...]ider the malignant influence which [...]reams from it. While it seems a Star [...] considerable magnitude, we should [...]ot honour it as such upon that false ap­ [...]earance: But seeing its irregular wan­ [...]rings, and a prodigious tail of woful ef­fects [Page 82] which hath swept away great F [...] tunes, and caused much trembling in World; we should flee from it, as fa [...] possible. We have good reason to rece [...] a monitory Caution against this evil the first place, that we come not wit [...] the sphere of its deadly activity; beca [...] it is thought to be the first Sin that e [...] was committed; and if thereby so bright Angels of Heaven forfeited th [...] Obligation, and became disloyal to infinite King of the Universe; we h [...] great cause to fear that the same evil i [...] ble to make sad work among men, [...] are tied together by more slender Bo [...] This dark and devillish wickedness wh [...] makes an infinite separation between [...] and Man; will by such pranks which intolerable in Society, set men at a g [...] distance from each other.

They are unhappy who are nearly [...] lated to the Proud; and they are unw [...] who embarque themselves too far in a [...] miliar acquaintance with them. The [...] tural Bond of the former is unavoida [...] but the Temptations that thrive upon (tho of great force) are not invinci [...] The act of the latter is arbitrary, a may be stopped in the beginning; E [...] the Cockatrice Egg may be crushed, [...] [Page 83] [...]reak out into a Viper. It is much bet­ [...]for men to be wise as a Serpent in ma­ [...]g a good defence in time; than to [...]er a Wound by that Pride, which is the [...]at Serpents Sting: And it well becomes that respect their safety, to withdraw [...]n all correspondence with the Proud, [...]ose iniquity is a dangerous Rock of of­ [...]ce, that will split the Vessel in pieces [...]ch falls upon it, whereby all her lading [...]l perish. They stick not to raise them­ [...]es by others ruin; or to make all their [...]aintance a footstool for their advance­ [...]nt: And can practice divers Arts tend­ [...]to the accomplishment of their high [...]poses; Nay, can dissemble that very [...]g they are most estranged from (which [...]imility) when it appears helpful to [...]r designs.

They know the way of crouching, and [...]king softly, to win others shoulders [...]er their burthens; and then can spurn [...]tame Asses whom they have thus sub­ [...]d, and haughtily trample upon them. [...]ese are the Men whose phansies are [...]gnant with vain, if not mad and mon­ [...]us projections: And they value them­ [...]es upon their empty conceipts, much [...]her than others may do upon substan­ [...] grounds. Their lofty opinion is a [Page 84] costly Babel that cannot be suppo [...] without vast expences; a tall Ceda [...] appearance, that to maintain its loft [...] sucks the moisture from all infe [...] Shrubs: And when they take all the g [...] Offices that others can do, to be du [...] their Merit, their Conversation will p [...] extreamly chargeable to their unfortu [...] acquaintance.

It is not a small Treasure that will [...] fice for all the superfluous Vanities w [...] must be sought out for the content of a proud nature: And when their Fountain is almost dry, they must their Buckets to their Neighbours spr [...] and yet with all this help their gr [...] cannot equal their desires and hopes their necessities multiply together their Vanities.

The World is sensible that Pride i [...] imperious Vice, a Weed that craves Soil to grow in, and will contract debts for its subsistence and Glory. W [...] fore they who will yield themselves [...] ties for the Proud, are in danger o [...] fraying all their Obligations, and pro [...] shall not purchase the cheap retrib [...] of a Verbal thankfulness for what have done: Nay it is possible they be blamed, if they do not Worshi [...] [Page 85] that have cost them dear; for such are as Gods in their own Eyes, de­ [...] much in others costly Sacrifices, and [...]ations; and kind fools must imagine [...]mselves well blest, when their Offe­ [...]s are accepted; and if they can but in a common civility they must take [...]r a very great Favour.

[...]he deadly Sin of Pride is Burthen­ [...], and odious to Society; and may ju­ [...] exclude the guilty from all that Credit, [...] confidence, which all good men [...]v poor soever) have the sure possessi­ [...] [...]f. All familiarity with the Proud is many respects dangerous; how much [...]e all engagements upon their account: [...]ou refuse to be as deeply concerned them as they desire, you must live un­ [...] the malignant aspect of their fuming [...]n, if you comply and yield, you must [...] the yoke your self, which you have [...]en upon you.

When they first condescend to a friend­ [...] Communication with you (tho it be [...]r design to lay some grievous charge [...]n you) yet you must understand it is [...]reat kindness in them to take so much [...]ice of you, as to think you worthy to be [...]ted with the discharge of their Obli­ [...]ions. None of all the Treasure that [Page 86] is on Earth (if their opinion may be [...] dited) can better be imployed, than w [...] is taken up for their use, and if all y [...] have the lucky chance to be thus dispo [...] of; you must think your self much [...] debted to them, for the honour they h [...] done you in their acceptance of it. Wh [...] fore when you have paid their debts, [...] must be thankful that your Mony wa [...] well expended, as to bring forth Frui [...] their use, and benefit, who imagine th [...] selves most worthy of it. They pha [...] no service can be adequate to their dese [...] and surely all the most valuable things [...] best managed, when they are put into [...] Power of the most deserving; so that [...] may soon ruin your self in serving th [...] and when you have done all that you c [...] you shall be despised because you [...] do no more: And other more able V [...] sals shall be sought out to supply ye [...] place, who shall taste of the same Fortun [...] unless they learn Wisdom by your ex [...] rience, and make a Prudent retreat bef [...] they are gone too far. The Merits of [...] Proud (if their high minds might pe [...] upon an incontroulable Tribunal) ar [...] so large a Figure, that they judge a [...] gain lawful that by any means they [...] apprehend, any oppression justifiable th [...] [Page 87] [...]elds Fruit to their increase, and any [...]uds commendable whereby they lay [...]urthens upon others, who (they say) are [...] for nothing better than to bear them. Such Excellent and high deserving per­ [...]ns as these self-admirers must in all [...]ings be humoured, and Cockered; o­ [...]erwise it will be proclaimed with cla­ [...]orous Trumpets, that you have great­ [...] wronged them. They look upon them­ [...]ves as if they were all the World, and [...]at all the Treasure, and Glory thereof due to them; and that no man beside [...]ould be any farther considerable there­ [...], then as they are serviceable to their [...]rposes: That the good State of things [...]to be measured by their condition; [...]at all is well if they do prosper and [...]rive; all is ill if they are disappointed their. Projects, and designs. They re­ [...]rd not what courses they take to com­ [...]ss their desires; hence they trample up­ [...] right, violate all Laws, and Rules of [...]onscience, falsifie their Trusts, betray [...]eir Friends, supplant their Neighbours, [...]nd about, and shuffle any way, and [...]ing hardened for any kind of injurious, fraudulent practice, it must needs be con­ [...]ded that Suretiship upon their account [...]ll bring on great charge, and trouble.

[Page 88]The Spaniards (tho they are a peop [...] generally condemned for pride) have smart Proverb against it, That a Pr [...] Begger is the Devils F— And such strong, and filthy blast it is that brings [...] a storm: For besides that Pride is a cost Vice in the Nature of it, and tends [...] Beggery and borrowing: It is a gre [...] provocation to the Supream and absol [...] Sovereign of the World; who has p [...] claimed a dreadful wo, against the Crow [...] of Pride, and will pour down his Jud [...] ments upon it, whereby, as it is Writte [...] The lofty looks of Man shall be humbled, Isa. 2.11, 12. &c. [...] the haughtiness of men shall be bowed dow [...] for the day of the Lord of Hosts shall be up [...] every one that is proud and lofty, and up [...] every one that is lifted up, and he shall [...] brought low. Before him the high Ce [...] bows, the stately Oak Shivers, the brig [...] mountain trembles, the lofty Tower t [...] ters, the fenced Wall shakes: Bel bowe [...] down, Nebo stoopeth, and the Idols in the dust. Every one that patiently o [...] serves the wise and just Methods of P [...] vidence; may behold the Beauty of Pride stained, polluted, and disfigure [...] and the very top thereof levelled w [...] the weak, and wretched part of [...] World. When we remember how [...] [Page 89] Almighty confounded,Gen. 11.7. and scattered the [...]ilders of Babel, who projected a Tow­ [...] whose Top should reach unto Hea­ [...]en.

How he opened the Jaws of the Earth,Num. 16.32: [...]o swallow up those arrogant Rebels, who [...]fted up with Pride, conspired against his [...]ervant Moses. A strange, yet meet a­ [...]asement of such haughtiness.

How the great Goliath that disdained,1 Sam. 17.49.50. [...]nd despised David was overthrown, and [...]rampled on by him.

How Absolom who was lifted up against [...]is Father, and usurped his Throne,2 Sam. 18.9. hung miserable Spectacle to all Israel.

How Rabshakeh was utterly vanquish­ed, who in his arrogance told King He­ [...]ekiah, that he was not able to turn away [...]he face of one Captain of the least of his Master the King of Assyria's Servants. But the Angel of the Lord went out, 2 King. 19.35. and [...]ote in the Camp, an hundred fourscore, and [...]ive thousand, and when they arose early in [...]he Morning behold they were all dead Corps,

How Haman (who in his proud indig­nation thought scorn to lay hands on Mor­ [...]ecai alone (who had displeased him by [...]efusing the bowed knee which was expe­cted, but in revenge would swallow the whole Nation of the Jews) was forced to [Page 90] yield the greatest honour to him w [...] he mortally hated;Esther 6.10. and the people, had devoted to slaughter, were sa [...] and he himself suffered the shameful [...] which he had plotted for Mordecai. 7.10.

How when Nebuchadnezzar walke [...] the Palace of his Kingdom, and Glo [...] in the great City he had built by the m [...] of his Power, and for the honour of Majesty:Dan. 4.30, 31, 32, 33. While the word was in mouth there fell a Voice from. Hea [...] O King Nebuchadnezzar to thee it is [...] ken, the Kingdom is departed from thee he was driven from men, and his dwel [...] was with the Beasts of the Field, and was made to eat grass as Oxen; and Body was wet with the Dew of Heav [...] till his Hairs were grown like Eagles [...] thers, and his Nails like Birds Claws.

How Antiochus when he had spo [...] proudly against Jerusalem, and threat [...] to turn it into a Charnel, was smi [...] with an incurable, and invisible plag [...] A pain of the Bowels that was remed [...] came upon him, 2 Mac. 9.5. &c. and sore torments of the [...] ner parts, and whereas he yet ceased [...] from his bragging, but still was filled w [...] Pride, breathing out Fire in his rage aga [...] the Jews; it came to pass that he fell do [...] from his Chariot carried violently; so t [...] [Page 91] [...]ving a sore fall, all the Members of his [...]ly were much pained: and thus he that a [...]le afore thought he might command the [...]ves of the Sea (so proud was he beyond [...] condition of Man) and weigh the high [...]nntains in a ballance, was now cast on [...] Ground, carried in a Horselitter, shewing [...] unto all the manifest Power of God. So [...]t the Worms rose up out of the Body of [...] wicked man, and whilst he lived in sor­ [...] and pain, his Flesh fell away, and the [...]iness of his smell was noisom to all his [...]ny: and the Man that thought a little [...]e he could reach to the Stars of Heaven, [...] man could endure to carry for his intole­ [...]le stink.

I shall call forth but one sad Example [...]re: How that Herod being arrayed in [...]yal Apparel, and sitting upon his [...]rone made an Oration to the Tyrians, [...]d Sidonians who gave a shout (saying) [...]t the Voice of a God, and not of a man: [...]d immediately the Angel of the Lord smote [...]; because he gave not God the Glory, Acts 12.21, 22, 23. and was eaten of Worms, and gave up the [...]st.

We see that these are glaring in­ [...]nces of Pride, whose humiliation was just, as their self exaltation was abomi­ [...]ble. I have entertained the Reader [Page 92] with them, because the remembra [...] thereof may give him sufficient proof t [...] the stoutest Pride may be cast dow [...] For when we find such Mountains wh [...] seemed to threaten the skies laid low, [...] know not but all may be partakers of [...] measure, who are guilty of the same [...] nity. This Sin threw the Apostate [...] gels out of their great possessions in H [...] ven, and doubtless the same iniquity [...] eject mortal Worms out of their sma [...] Estates on Earth.

The Power and Justice of the Div [...] Government changes not, and whate [...] punishment is due to sin may be execu [...] whenever the Governour pleases. [...] delay of penalties is no Evidence of Absolution; nor shall the long suffer of the Almighty put out the Glory of Justice. It may make way for Act [...] mercy towards capable Subjects, who Faith in a Mediator can be justified fr [...] all things: But in this dispensation jus [...] is not lessened; because it is emine [...] Glorified by him upon whose acco [...] the favour is bestowed; For the Myst [...] of an omnipotent and incarnate Cruci [...] Saviour was most wisely adjusted to the Attributes of the Divine, and [...] tenderly comport with all the necessi [...] [Page 93] [...] the humane Nature: So that whate­ [...] punishment is either suspended, or [...]doned in consideration of this Hea­ [...]nly Mystery (from whence all acts of [...]ace do proceed, and ever did from the [...]ginning) is abundantly recompensed [...]ereby. But whatever Subject is, and [...]ntinues to be uncapable of the benefit [...]ereof; must suffer the Terrors of that [...]rfect justice, which will certainly pu­ [...]sh him for all his transgressions, where­ [...]e let no man be high minded, but fear: [...]r true Wisdom utters her Voice in these [...]ords. Every one that is Proud in heart [...]an abomination to the Lord: though hand [...]n in hand he shall not be unpunished. Pro. 16.5. [...]nd there is no question but that he may [...] punished in the Circumstances of his [...]tward condition, as well as in a more [...]eadful way. When we find that they [...]ho have made the largest; most pom­ [...]us, and most magnificent Figure in [...]e World, have been shrivell'd into short, [...]oken, thin, and insignificant Cha­ [...]cters; and deprived of all their noble­ [...]ess and Glory: Let no man trust to the [...]sible, and illustrious power of the Proud, [...]hich may vanish in a moment; or adore [...]eir Beauty, which by the just hand of [...]od may soon be clothed with deformi­ty, [Page 94] Worms, and corruption: And w [...] a Vial of divine Wrath is poured u [...] them, some of the drops thereof, at le [...] may fall upon those, who are conjoy with them in their secular concerns. [...] the Proud are great Criticks in point [...] Honour, and some may imagine that t [...] passionate abhorrence of all contempt disgrace will scare them from all igno [...] and base Actions; that since they hat [...] be despis'd, they will do nothing to serve it, and therefore will not be gu [...] of meeting hard measure to their kin [...] Friends, which is one of the worst, [...] vilest practices in humane Society; [...] not strange if this plausible phancy [...] tempted some of their familiar acqu [...] tance to consent to what they have [...] red. But this Flower withers under [...] Nose who smells it, and upon the Tryal of its worth changes Colour. [...] tho the Proud hate nothing more [...] disgrace, yet none mistake the way Honour more than they. Nothin [...] more grievous to them than conten [...] and yet their course of life renders t [...] most obnoxious to it. They min [...] Law, but their own will, and while [...] proceedings are arbitrary they must be controuled; nor can they patie [...] [Page 95] [...] the report of that ignominy they have [...]ght upon themselves. They can af­ [...] and indulge any kind of Vice while [...] abhor the shame which is the Fruit [...]. In their estimation all actions [...] be honourable as they proceed from [...]. Their Brow is bold enough to de­ [...] all that their hands can do; and [...] phancy so skilful in painting as to [...] a Colour in readiness for all pra­ [...]s. They can do wrong and impu­ [...]ly justifie the wrong which they have [...]: They can act contrary to the [...]s that are reposed in them; and pro­ [...]n admiration, and astonishment at [...] sauciness, who should expect any [...]g from them. They can betray their [...]est Associates, that have done most for [...]; and look upon such treacherous [...]ng as good policy, to bar them from [...]xpectance of suitable returns. They [...] the courage, or impudence, rather [...]t a good face upon the foulest crimes; can wander where, and how they [...]e, and yet have wicked Artifices to [...] all crooked ways concentrick to Glory. Violations of rights; breaches [...]ows, contempts of justice, most [...]ndless censures, and most unreasona­ [...] quarrels with their kindest Benefa­ctors [Page 96] are no faults in these Men of [...] nour, and oft coincident in [...] high pursuits. They strain not a [...] greatest enormites if they can make [...] own game thereby, and their Tumo [...] gratified if their Memories may be [...] ten in the Chronicles of fame, thoug [...] be for their monstrous ill doing. If shall be so foolish as to heap cour [...] upon such frothy minds, they prese [...] sink out of sight, and are forgotten [...] if they shall request a good Office, boldness is derided: If they do a [...] ness; and expect a return they ma [...] treated with huffing, and scorn.

Proud cannot be obliged because think all that you can do is due to [...] greatness: And therefore they woul [...] served by all according to the dig [...] which is the Creature of their own [...] gination. All their acquaintance [...] yield to their imperious humour, [...] flatter their Vanities, applaud their pertinences, and comply with thei [...] [...] sires, or else they shall be reprobate stupid fools, who know not what i [...] norable and brave. They are incap [...] of gratitude, so that you are suffici [...] respected, and rewarded too, for all [...] services if they vouchsafe to receive t [...] [Page 97] [...]nd since a predominant Pride is preg­ [...]nt with so much Evil, it is most safe [...] keep at a good distance from it. Who­ [...]er is convinced of the frantick Vanity [...] the proud, or beholds the Sword of [...]vine Justice that is pointed upon them; [...]ll surely be furnished with strong ar­ [...]ments of Caution, and will beware [...]at he have no hand in their concerns: [...]r all that will yield to become one with [...]h empty bubbles in their Obligations, [...]d Contracts; in all probability shall [...]ak together with them, and drop into [...]ecoverable misery, and trouble.

Secondly, Let no man be surety for a [...]l, whose ignorance, and weakness of [...]dgment makes him liable to sundry [...]scarriages in all his undertakings: And [...] that cannot apply fit means to any [...]rpose, will rarely observe right mea­ [...]es to free himself from debts and Ob­ [...]ations. The worst folly that men are [...]ilty of, consists in Atheism, irreligion, [...]ce, and naughtiness of living; which [...]ay bar men from venturing their effects [...] the same bottom with them. But the [...]esent warning is given against such who [...]e fools in their secular concerns, who [...]ve no foresight in business, and com­ [...]only use improper means, and preposte­ [...]us Methods in all purposes: Who are [Page 98] either unskilful in the lawful Arts of g [...] ting Wealth; or improvident, in sav [...] the Patrimony they are possessors of; imprudent in the use, and disposal of Who are ignorant in their own way Life, not well understanding their o [...] calling and profession, and what ben [...] is to be made of it; whose weakness manifest to their Neighbours, who in [...] rious intercourses have frequent occasi [...] of converse with them.

That man deserves to lose an Eye w [...] will not see the danger of being Surety a fool, whose thick skull leaves him [...] little brain, and whose gross mind h [...] no clear prospect of any business or fac [...] ty, to weigh the circumstances which long thereto, or to understand the pr [...] of Reputation, and Liberty.

What hope is there, that any ma [...] concerns should happen well only throu [...] a fortuitous conspiration of accidents: were a lucky chance, if that a crowd Letters should fall of themselves into Methodical discourse without a know [...] mind to set them together; or a vast he of Stones, Timber, and other Materi [...] should rise into a stately Edifice; or t [...] Druggists ingredients should unite the selves into most useful compositions; th [...] business is best accomplished wherein [Page 99] [...]ll eyed prudence is concerned, in a due [...]bservation of all circumstances; for if [...] one of these should be neglected, it [...]ay prove like Watch-work, wherein the [...]ss of one small pin is the cause of a dis­ [...]rder in the whole frame. Who then [...]all promise for him, whose folly makes [...]m utterly unfit for all business, and una­ [...]e to accommodate proper means to [...]od intentions; who lives by sense as a [...]ute, and cannot respect a futurity, and [...]erefore makes no preparation for it: [...]ho cannot be intent upon any Subject, [...]t leaves his thoughts as dry dust to scattered before every Wind that blows; [...]d is as unmindful of his concerns, as if [...]e were an utter stranger thereto: Where­ [...] he heaps inconveniences upon himself, [...]d involves all others in trouble, that are [...]aked with him. He cannot mind the [...]alifications of persons, the Natures and [...]nds of businesses, the extent of his pow­ [...], the condition of the place where he [...]th his residence, the Reasons by which [...] is obliged to take care of all things [...]ithin his proper Sphere, the best man­ [...]er in which every work is to be done, [...]d the right season for the doing of it: [...]nd in that he cannot comprehend these [...]ings, or so much as aim well at them, [Page 100] he must have great luck if he be n [...] guilty▪ of grievous miscarriages in [...] course, and can escape being the cause affliction to his Friends: Whereas our n [...] tures are framed for Society, the knowle [...] of Men is a sort of Learning necessary the well being of it. The principles th [...] are sown in mens minds, and the affe [...] ons that rise from thence, are so far c [...] cernible by the Tenour of their lives, th [...] (if we attend thereto) we may make p [...] bable guesses concerning the measures th [...] will meet in their dealing with us: A [...] accordingly we may either shun their d [...] gerous acquaintance, or close in a delig [...] ful correspondence with them. But whose giddy phancy shall incline him be familiar with any person, withou [...] competent knowledge of his Temper, a Morals, may be convinced of his own he less folly, when sad experience shall c [...] strain him to wish, that he had never s [...] his face. He that will venture much a [...] game he is ignorant of, must have great F [...] tune if he win much of those who are s [...] ful therein. The Nature of business sho [...] be righty understood as well as the qu [...] ties of persons with whom we have do. He that cannot think what the W [...] is, in which his hand is required, shall [Page 101] [...]er comply with all Temptations of di­ [...]ersion, or shall be guilty of sundry de­ [...]cts, and imperfections in the doing of it. [...]esides if men are ignorant of business [...]hey cannot discern how it doth comport with the extent of their power, and so [...]hey may draw upon themselves the trou­ [...]e, and shame of undertaking more than [...]hey are able to accomplish: our Saviour [...]imself argues such guilty of folly in point [...]f Religion, who proceed without due con­ [...]deration of that one needful thing, and [...]lustrates his Argument with apt simili­ [...]des. Whatever the kind of our business [...],Luke 14.28, 29. &c. our consideration and prescience should [...]e proportionable, otherwise the Noblest [...]ttempts may soon set under a Cloud, or [...]e dishonored with a blind issue; and our [...]ashness in the smallest matters may be­ [...]ray us to disgrace, mockery, and derision. Moreover it is expedient for all who are [...]oncerned in secular affairs to understand [...]he condition of the place where they have [...]heir residence: What inhabitants are plan­ [...]ed in it, and how they are generally im­ [...]loyed, what useful Arts are incouraged, [...]nd what conveniences there are for gain­ [...]ul professions; how the people are affect­ [...]d, and what customs are prevalent a­mong them, whether Vertue, or Vice be [Page 102] in fashion, whether Pride and laziness; [...] humility, and diligence be most cons [...] cuous: For where Arts, and Mercha [...] dise abound, and the people are inclin [...] to submission and labour; there Rich multiply: Their Temper, and practice a good Conjunction are the best progn [...] sticks of their plenty, and no maligna [...] Planet can interpose to Eclipse their goo [...] Fortune. He that joyns in Society wi [...] such a people, and hath but commo [...] parts, may find sundry opportunities [...] favour his own advantage. And it is th [...] part of a wise man to make the best improvement of all occasions; so that if [...] Lot be cast in a plentiful Soil, it is almo [...] morally impossible, but that he should a [...] vance his own interest therein, if he fa [...] upon a barren Plot, he must then set h [...] invention to work and to extract wh [...] Vertue he can out of it. But a Fool is no [...] capable of surveying the condition of any place, and can neither thrive amon [...] the rich, nor save himself among the poo [...] Besides he is not able to weigh the Reasons whereby he is obliged to take care [...] all things within his proper Sphere: H [...] cannot consider the Relation he hath [...] others, and with what kind of moralit [...] it should be adorned, his own Family [Page 103] [...]t of his thoughts, and he is utterly void [...] that discretion which should frame and [...]commodate his manners to all respective [...]bligations: And he who cannot mind [...]ch good Offices, unto which by a throng [...] Arguments he is almost compell'd; [...]ll in all probability be regardless of such [...]ings, which by reason of their distance [...]ve but a weak influence upon him. A­ [...]in he that cannot consider what he hath [...] do will probably mistake his Method, [...]d fail of success in the issue. He that [...]akes wrong judgments of things, and [...]nnot weigh them in a true balance ac­ [...]rdingly, driveth on silly Bargains for [...]mself, in result whereof he proveth a [...]eat loser. He that understands not the [...]orth of what he sells, or buys; will sell [...]eap, and buy dear, until he hath no­ [...]ing for Sale, nor power for purchase [...]t. Moreover he knows not how to ad­ [...]st every business to a proper season, and [...] that will sow when others reap, must [...]ravel to another Clymate to find his [...]arvest. All matters well marched to [...]eir times are as the word in season, [...]hich the wise man compares to Apples [...] Gold in Pictures of Silver;Pro. 25 11. but if the [...]ost important business be not well ti­ [...]ed, the advantage thereof is lost.

[Page 104]Now then suppose a Fool have nee [...] borrow Mony; in that he understa [...] not persons, he takes it up of an an [...] torting Usurer, who will not fail to sque [...] him as much as possible. And not kn [...] ing the nature of what he doth, he [...] thinks not how what he hath borrow shall be paid, or whether his Power commensurate to the Obligation, and considering the condition of the pl [...] where he dwells, he can make no adv [...] tage of it, but is liable to be a prey [...] Knaves, a footstool to the ambitious, a [...] of tool to the ingenious, and a spor [...] spectacle to the youthful. He hath [...] countermine for those that plot to b [...] him up; no strength to break a chea [...] conspiracy, nor art to prevent it. [...] rich know how to make their advant [...] of his folly, and the poor have good [...] macks to eat him up; though Na [...] prompt him, he cannot learn the pr [...] dence that is expedient for the comfo [...] ble support of his Family, and what t [...] shall inspire him with such a respect his Friends, as to save them from all in [...] venience. He that knows not the [...] Methods of making necessary provi [...] for his own house, will take no care free his Neighbour from damage, and [Page 105] [...] cannot watch to the right timing of [...] concern, will probably slip that sea­ [...] wherein he should render to others [...]t is their due.

Thirdly, Turn aside from the slothful, [...] such who will take no care to keep themselves out of Debts, will take less to them; when they know that others obliged to do it for them. Their idle­ [...] makes them Debtors, their sloth can [...]er make them solvent. They who [...]ugh slothfulness suffer their building [...]ecay, and their house to drop thorow; [...]ng neglected the little care of a [...]ly reparation, must needs be very [...]kward as to the great, and costly un­ [...]aking of building a new. That Wa­ [...] which wants some degrees of clearness [...]n it may run, can yield no sweet re­ [...]ment when-through stagnation it is [...]me a noisom puddle; and if that air [...]ch hath the advantage of being fan­ [...] by Winds be not wholsom, what [...]lth can be expected from it when be­ [...]pent up, it grows thick, and putride? [...] Earth that may be improved by cul­ [...] is soon overgrown with Brakes, and [...]stles for want of it.

[...]uch Men who cannot well subsist of [...] own income (which by a Prudent [...]agement may prove large enough for [Page 106] their necessities) but must give thems [...] into Usurers hands, will have much [...] ability when the charge of interest i [...] ded to their expences; and will be dest [...] of power to pay what they have bor [...] ed. The things that are easie to an a [...] hand, seem impossible to the slot [...] whose way is a Hedge of Thorns.Pro. 19.15. S [...] fulness casteth into a deep sleep. And if dead can do nothing, little can be e [...] cted from such who dwell in the sha [...] of death, whose dark slumbers are p [...] nant with fruitless (tho sometimes p [...] sant) Dreams. The Soul of the slugg [...] desireth and hath nothing. His pha [...] vanish, and his desires are abortive: [...] miscarrying whereof tyes him so fa [...] his Bed, that he cannot rise to open [...] door to a Creditors demand. A lazy [...] mour inchaineth a Mans hand and [...] with more than Iron Fetters; and is [...] very intombment of a living man, de [...] ring him from all worthy actions: It [...] ates a foul rust which cankers his facul [...] seizes his whole Body with an heavy weildiness; Stifles his Spirit with thic [...] pours, choakes his heart with dull p [...] sures, and renders all his parts listless, [...] sty, weak, faint, and languide: In a w [...] he flags, and decays on all sides, an [...] good for nothing. Which minds me [...] [Page 107] [...]ia Servilius who was descended of a [...]torian Family, described to be remark­ [...] for no other thing, save only, for his [...]ness in which he grew old; in so [...]ch as it was commonly said, by such [...]o passed by his House Varia hic Situs [...] Not here lives Varia, but here he lies; [...]king of him as of a person that was [...] only dead, but buried because he lay [...]is house as if he were in his Grave. [...]eve me the habitation of the slothful [...]y more fitly be termed a dormitory, [...] Charnel, than a dwelling: Their [...]e so far dispirits them, as to leave them [...]ead; only their Soul being yet in the [...]y, serves as salt to keep them from [...]ch, and putrefaction. Now if the [...]ful have need to borrow; it is not ea­ [...] for any man to guess whence they [...]ld have power to pay: For 'tis their [...]m to be poor, and beggarly. They [...] naturally inclined to imbezil that E­ [...] which is in their hands, and hate [...] very thoughts of that prudence, and [...]s which may increase it. The Ho­ [...] Scriptures do not allow them either [...]d Food, or warm, and decent rayment.Pro. 19.15. Pro. 23.21. [...] it is written, that the idle soul shall suf­ [...] hunger, and that drowsiness shall clothe Man with Rags: Yea, that poverty [Page 108] shall come upon him with speed, [...] strength; it shall overtake him with [...] swift foot of a Traveller,Pro. 6.11. and assault [...] with the strength of an armed man: [...] that evil which moves with a swift p [...] will soon reach him that rests idle; [...] that which marches with a terrible fo [...] shall surprize, and seize him with a [...] resistible violence, and overthrow [...] There is no Treasure for such whose [...] culties being disused turn all to rust: [...] warmth for their Veins which are [...] num'd with their own dulness. The [...] gent, and active hand maketh rich, [...] indigency is the lot of the Slothful: W [...] all our dependence is upon Divine p [...] dence, we must understand, that Go [...] [...] quires such labours from us, which w [...] capable to perform. He gives his ble [...] to our industry, and annexes prospe to our diligence in lawful, and hones [...] deavours; which is the common Me [...] he is pleased to observe, in his Gov [...] ment of our outward State. There they that follow a good calling in [...] Faith of his favourable benediction, [...] grow thereby. They on the cont [...] who neglect all honest labours shall w [...] For it is not to be expected, that [...] should work Miracles for the preserva [...] [Page 109] [...] heavy drones, or that he should open [...] Windows of Heaven to those, who [...]e their hand in their bosom. No [...]ud now shall rain bread from Heaven [...] that which rises from the sweat of [...]ns brows. We may not look to be [...]ted, as the Israelites were in the De­ [...], where no s [...]stenance was to be had [...] ordinary means. If we neglect all such [...]irs which belong to us, and would [...] in Divine providence, we shall break [...] selves: For God who hath said that [...] idle Soul shall suffer hunger, will not [...]rpose his own mighty hand to infringe [...] Truth, and justice of his own purpose: [...] will never deny his beneficial concur­ [...]ce with our industry providently ap­ [...]ed, and humbly persisted in. ‘It is well [...]served by a late Author that it has [...]en the care and practice of wise Nati­ [...]ns, and Parents, not only to punish idle­ [...]ess as an extraordinary crime, but to [...]rmit no man to live but to shew to the [...]agistrate how he supported himself, [...]d no Child to be brought up without [...]me Manual skil, by which he might [...]e able to get a subsistence and imploy [...]s mind whatever revolutions should [...]appen to him: For since the whole [...]orld is full of contingencies, and mani­fold [Page 110] changes it is expedient to carr [...] the Nightingal of a good Conscienc [...] the Breast, so the Mine of a su [...] whence to be maintain'd in the H [...] or Hands.’ But they who throug [...] continued laziness not only consume [...] they have a right in, but waste others [...] quisitions, must needs f [...]l into fad ex [...] mities. They who take no care to [...] crease, will find occasions to dimi [...] their Goods; and none commonly [...] sume faster than they who will have [...] thing to do: For all their time vanish [...] spending, and the greatest stock will le [...] to nothing that is not well supplied, [...] the largest Vessel will be empty that c [...] tinually runs. And I suppose the sloth will never be so happy as to find out [...] perpetual motion which will return th [...] all that they consume. And when t [...] intemperate appetites (who love a [...] indulgence; and ease) have as it were [...] nihilated their present substance. I [...] perswaded that their listless inven [...] will be found too short to raise a N [...] Fortune out of the Ashes of that wh [...] is gone, and therefore whoever hath joy [...] in the delivery of a bond with the sl [...] ful, is in great, if not certain dange [...] bearing the Burthen.

[Page 111]Fourthly, Strike not hands for a Prodi­ [...] who is the Whirlpit of all hopes, and [...] Gulph that devours all that are con­ [...]ned with him. He that is not faithful [...]he managing of his own property but [...]ses it to give attendance to all his trans­ [...]ts of pleasure, and Luxury; and pro­ [...]utes all his Power to the gratification all costly humours, and expensive va­ [...]es; will soon find himself exhausted, [...] when he cannot visit Theatres, or be [...]com'd, at the houses of Game, and [...]mperance (which are commonly [...]'d to empty pockets) he can then think no other expedient, but to knock at Usurers door, and with big Words, [...]ked with the security of some unthink­ [...] Friends, he gets a considerable sum in­ [...] is possession; and possibly treats his [...]ditor, and payes interest out of this [...]ck for a time: But the Worm of Pro­ [...]dity is of so greedy a Nature, the [...]le cannot last long: Then the Sparks [...]y Friends whose heads went easily [...] the broad end of the Horn begin to [...] fast, and find that they cannot wind [...]mselves out at the narrow top, or re­ [...] to the open air without great charge [...] trouble. The Prodigal who devoured [...] portion with Harlots, and wasted his [Page 112] substance with riotous living;Luke 15.16. had she and swallowed his Fortune when [...] would fain have filled his belly with h [...] When the wise man instructs his So [...] shun the Conversation of Wine-bibb [...] and riotous Eaters of Flesh. He g [...] this Reason of his Counsel, for the D [...] kard, Pro. 23.2. and the Glutton shall come to Pov [...] They who consume their Treasure in [...] Tables, Glorious Apparel, and m [...] bowles, without any respect to a cont [...] al supply cut all their Veins at once, w [...] unless they are timely closed, will [...] bleed to death. And they that hate [...] frugality, as an unfashionable stinginess slavish drudgery, which is concerned in [...] ning up the floats of gain, till it raise [...] depth of an Estate, and flow abroad in [...] acquisitions, and great purchases; [...] riotously expend their time, parts, he [...] strength, and substance in courses of [...] bauchery, and dissolute living, till [...] shall come to need some crumbs of [...] abundant increase, which a Pru [...] thrift hath preserved in her power. W [...] Plato saw a rude unthrift catching at [...] snaps, [...] Plato apud Stobaeum Serm. 75. and offals of a g [...] house-keepers Table▪ (said he,) if you h [...] tener dined spari [...] [Page 113] [...]ou might have supped now more pleasing [...]nd plentifully.

It is an hard Proverb for the Prodigal [...]o learn: That it is better to spare at [...]rim than bottom. He looks upon that [...]uxury as the Argument of a great, and Noble mind, which his reason (were it [...]ee from the smoak of his intemperance) [...]ould condemn for a brutish, sordid, and [...]ile sensuality. But he minds not the ver­ [...]es, nor can comprehend the cares of is Ancestors, whose frugal management [...]f a little to great acceptation, whose [...]atchful Prudence in timing all their con­ [...]erns, and whose active diligence in gain­ [...]l professions made them Masters of that [...]ower, which is devolved upon him; [...]hose profuse wasting of it, renders him [...]qually chargeable with foul ingratitude, [...]nd immense folly. They observed and [...]ok the first wind that blew, and put [...]t all the Sailes they safely might, that [...]eir Port might be soon made to, and [...]eir Vessels fraught might be turned into [...]fect: But he casts all into the Sea of pro­ [...]seness; or betrays it to Pirates (his de­ [...]uring companions I mean) that conspire [...] extract what pleasure they can out of [...]s profligate Humour. Thus Ctesippus [...]on to Chabrias, a Noble Athenian, after [Page 114] he had lavishly consumed all his Goods and other Estate,Treasury of Ancient and Modern times l. 8. c. 20. p. 781. he sold also the ver [...] Stones of his Fathers Tomb; in the building whereof, the Athenians had disburse [...] one thousand Drachms. Fair Estates se [...] dom stand at a stay; if the Owners an [...] not inspired with so much Vertue as t [...] increase them, they are commonly posse [...] sed with so much Vice as to diminis [...] them: And when some are running dow [...] they rarely make a stand till they com [...] to the bottom. As the Son of a Wealth Citizen being newly left the heir of h [...] deceased Father,Beard. Theat. of Gods judg­ments. c. 21. p. 60. Clarks Mir. c. 61. p. 241. determined with himse [...] at once to gratifie his five senses: T [...] which purpose he allowed to the deligh [...] of each sense one hundred pounds, in th [...] first place therefore, he bespake a cur [...] ous fair Room richly hanged, and fu [...] nished with the most exquisite Pictures t [...] please his eye: He had all the choice Musick to please the ear: All the Ar [...] matick, and odiferous Perfumes that cou [...] be procured, to content his smell; all th [...] Candies, Sweet-Meats, Preserves, an [...] Junkets; even to the stretching of th [...] Confectioners art, to delight his tas [...] Lastly a fair, and beautiful young Lad [...] to lodge with him in a soft Bed, and th [...] finest Linnen that could be bought, to a [...] commodate [Page 115] his touch. All which he in­joyed at one time. But his sensual Hu­mour that was thus set a running, could not be thus satisfied. For he spent thirty thousand pounds in three years, and after all swore that if he had three times more than ever he had; he would spend it all, to live one week like a God; though he was sure to be damned in Hell the next day after. Whence it appears that prodi­gality is as a roaring Devil that devours [...]all it can, till there be nothing left but Poverty, and shame. But I need not such [...]avish instances to serve my present design: For there is too much danger of damage to the Surety, who shall oblige himself for such, whose expences in any kind, or degree shall exceed their incomes. That Estate must needs go to loss which is ma­naged by the hand of a grubbish phancy, or inordinate love. The best Treasure will be melted down before that object, which is pursued with hot desire. The costliest Sacrifices are commonly bestow­ed on our choicest delights: And it is or­dinary for many to go beyond their pow­er, in gratifying the Humour they are most fond of. They that are greatly affe­cted to their sport, will spare nothing to follow it. Their Recreation shall be [Page 116] more chargeable to them, than all thei [...] Domestick provision, or their Hospitality: And every Bird or beast that serve their turn, shall be almost Worshipped▪ for the pleasure they expect thereby. Th [...] Blind, and superstitious Pagans who wer [...] become vain in their imaginations [...] changed the Glory of the incorruptible God into an Image made like to corruptib [...] Man, Rom. 1.23. and to Birds, and four foote [...] Beasts, and creeping things: And thes [...] change their own, and their Families Glory, into an imagery of sportive Animal And I wish too many who follow their sports in jest, were not guilty of Idolatry in earnest. For all their concerns, an [...] all business must give way thereto: An [...] that is a mans God (whatever it be) whic [...] he loves with all his heart, and follow with the greatest vigour. The time whic [...] Religion justly claims is spent; the charg [...] which would support a Family is lai [...] out; yea, the Treasures are too frequen [...] ly exhausted, that would portion Chi [...] dren, and procure good, and comfortabl [...] Matches for them: And all to feed, an [...] maintain an intemperate inclination fo [...] sports: which if they are innocent in the kind, should not exceed the limits of a [...] honest, and convenient Recreation. [...] [Page 117] is not my purpose to declaim against their Tyranny, who stretch the power which God has given them over inferiour Crea­tures; or forfeit their prudence in long waiting upon hazardous Combates, and contentions. Whoever is but inclined to waste his incomes, or to hazard them up­on such diversions; is not likely to thrive by borrowing, or ever to pay what he hath borrowed; for though he may have a Fortunate chance to set him in good condition, yet that often proves no better than a charming Temptation to lose all. They who eat, and drink, and rise up to play; sometimes lose more in an hour, than would serve their Natural necessities for many years; who being emptied by their losses, their Vanity makes a long sounding noise in leting of their passions, where­with they pour thundering Anathemas upon their Fortune: but this blind chance was in no other fault, than the delivering of a Treasure from hands that were too foolish, and too unworthy to keep the pos­session. They who begun their sport in imagining themselves to be fortunate, now curse the phancy wherewith they find themselves deceived, and what Sure­ty can be safe when all that power de­pends upon a hazardous cast, wherewith [Page 118] he should be indemnified? some wi [...] pawn Houses, Lands, Jewels, and giv [...] bonds for stakes to play with, and hold matter of quarrel, or dishonour to bau [...] payment of their losses, or implede th [...] validity of their Obligation: When [...] the mean time, their just, and due deb [...] for provisions fitted to the back, and bell [...] are undefrayed; lie on score, or perhap [...] they put on a sturdy resolution (if any e [...] vasion or starting hole can be found out never to discharge them.

The itch of gaming commonly prove the Scab, or Leprosie of a mans condition which renders all his life uneasie, and ve [...] atious. There may be a sorry kind o [...] pleasure in scratching, but a painful soreness is consequent upon it; as a well taste [...] poison, which for all its pleasing tincture on the palate, ends in death; 'tis a pra­ctice fertile in nothing so much as in beg­gery, blasphemy, and confusion. So scan­dalous were common Carders amongst the Greeks, [...] Ethic ad Nichom c. 1. that the Philosopher ranks them with Thieves and Villains; and with whom shall an Evangelical Guide place them who has beheld the bitter, and il [...] boding Fruits of this profuse idleness, a­bounding with irreligion, profaneness, vanity, fraud, peevishness, contention, [Page 119] and most irksom clamours. But prodiga­ [...]ity breaks out, not only in such Tumors which have now been glanced at: 'Tis not only seen in taking pleasure to riot [...]n the day, or in the Night time; in fur­nishing Tables, or filling ward-robes, in following chargeable sports, or phancying hazardous Games: But sometimes in matters that seem less liable to blame, but are no less burdensom to a Family: As costly Buildings or large gifts which have nothing but humour, or phancy to justi­fie the stateliness of the one, or excess of [...]he other. He that erects a Babel to re­ [...]st the fury of an imaginary deluge, can­not save himself, and Family from con­fusion: and that Son of M. Antony who gave a Cupboard of rich Plate to Philotas, only for the pleasure he had by a Sophism wherewith a loquacious Physitian was si­ [...]enced in his presence,Plut. in Antonio p. 928. might give away Kingdoms had they been in his Power to please his phancy. He that intends to [...]aise a Structure should first sit down, and [...]ount the cost, least he leave it to be a Monument of his own folly, and an Eye- [...]ore to all he is related to. And he that be­ [...]tows a gift should consider, whether by [...]is largess he shall purchase the Honour of generosity, or undergo the disgrace­ful [Page 120] imputation of lessening his powe [...] when he might have kept the staff in [...] own hand. It is not safe to strike han [...] for any one, whose hand is commonly ope [...] ed more by phancy, than discretion; [...] hath he a right to be esteemed generou [...] whose fond Humour is the only Stewa [...] of his Treasure. He may be lavish of [...] own, till he hath need of others help support his inclination, and then the [...] mage will probably fall heavy upon [...] Friend who brought in auxiliary For to his assistance. And further yet, it to be noted, that some of the Nobl [...] rank have dissipated vast revenues; a [...] other considerable degrees of men (wh [...] expences have been heavier than th [...] Fortunes would bear) have entailed more than an empty Name upon their P [...] sterity. It is well observed by Camb [...] that as vertue laid the foundation of ge [...] rous ‘Families in the North of Englan [...] and elsewere,Cambden Brittannia p. 748. and provident mo [...] ration with simplicity rendring th [...] contented with their own Estate, be preserved, and increased them; so the South parts, riotous expence, a [...] superfluity, usurious contracts, voluptuo [...] and vitious Life, together with indire [...] courses, and crafty dealings have in sh [...] [Page 121] time overthrown most flourishing Hou­ses.’ Time was that Livius Drusus was thought a well poised Roman, who would have his house pervious that the regulari­ty of his Domestick affairs might be seen;Water­house of the rise and decay of Men and Families. Sect. 7. p. 61. whose furniture, diet, clothes, equipage were all such as his Fortune would bear, his degree answer, and his reputation not be impeached by. But a profuse spirit ranges over the World; disdains all Vertue that is thrifty, and chargless; contemns health, reputation, counsel, and preser­vation, to satiate the rude importunity of a delicate Palate, a wanton eye, an extravagant brain, a credulous humour, or a costly levity: All which as so many hungry Dogs tear the surprized Carkass of an over driven Prodigal; whose breaking out far beyond the modest bounds of Vertue, renders him a prey to the extorting Usurer, the cunning Broker, the harpy Cook, the cozening Taylor, the deluding Steward, the fawn­ [...]ng Tenant, the crafty Devil; till at last [...]he become Lord and Master of nothing but a Prison; and be denied pity even [...]f those on whom he hath wasted his sub­ [...]ance; or if he descend not so low, yet [...]e leaves his posterity miserable, and un­ [...]rofitable to the Kingdom. Thus Gen­tlemen [Page 122] swollen big with the flattery o [...] great Fortune, a free House-keeping, numerous retinue, full, and chargeable creations, and often with notable sucki [...] Vices, are so beleaguered and over powe [...] with a multitude of excrescent expenc [...] that they breeding their Younger So [...] and Daughters in proportion to, and love of these their treacherous diversio [...] leave them when they die, a great stock Ignorance and idleness, shame and sorr [...] It is also a great Vanity in this age, t [...] men commonly exceed the bounds of th [...] degree. Nobles would be as petty Prin [...] Gentlemen as Nobles, whose Houses [...] so full of excess and Luxury, that they [...] ready to spue out their own Maste [...] Merchants and Mechanicks strive to in common with them, yea very low [...] grees would be as the gentile form; a [...] though in building, and diet they can be equal; yet in rayment they must [...] as gay: And now reason, and prude [...] have taken wing, it is almost become [...] cessary that there should be some sump [...] ary Laws, and sanctions of the Supre [...] Power, to restrain Men to their Ra [...] and limit them within the compass of th [...] degree: For charitable reproofs of th [...] Vanity are Weak, and ineffectual; in th [...] [Page 123] [...]ch who are so Proud as to affect a Gal­ [...]ntry unbecoming their degree, are like­ [...]ise so insolent as to affront the Counsels [...]at would bound their extravagance. This [...]am afraid is one main cause of the pre­ [...]nt general complaint of want, and po­ [...]ity, that Men are not contented with [...]eir condition, and cannot maintain such [...]gh living as they are ambitious of; and [...]nnot be clothed with as rich Robes, and [...]rnaments as they have a phancy for [...] [...]ould they learn to restrain their desires, [...]ey might be better pleased with their [...]wn Fortunes; and their undertakings [...]ope [...] to their particular callings might [...]ing in a better encrease. But prudent [...]gality, and vertue are now cast into a [...]ep Lethargy: For most strive to raise their [...]ort in proportion to their self conceipt, [...]d are of opinion that nothing is fashio­ [...]ble, but what is wasteful. Men have [...]nds above their professions. The piti­ [...] underling, and the Vulgar Subject af­ [...]ts height and State of Life: The Law­ [...]r scorns to carry his Bag, though it hold [...]e Deity which he adores: The Citizen [...]rns to wear his Apron, though proba­ [...] his shop be held up only by the Apron [...]ings: The Peasant casts away his frock, [...]hich possibly is his best defence against [Page 124] the Cold; and the Vallet kecks at hi [...] very when he is forced to put it on: [...] thus all degrees are distempered wi [...] Tumor which makes them impertine [...] vain, or intolerable. And the time is most gone, when some of the greatest not disdain to be at one end of their fairs; and would permit as little to done by Servants as may be; and wo [...] do as much themselves as possibly t [...] could, to pen up all the ways of gett [...] that the stream of their Estates might and encrease upon them. This they in their Generation wisely, and throv [...] [...] cordingly; but since men are so dai [...] and choice that all Pristine diligenc [...] grown low-rated, and forms of Pride, garb are introduced. Gentlemen for their Rural Seats where they might both thriftily, and charitably; and f [...] to London and Westminster, where the [...] riety of idle diversions allures the [...] sensual delicacies, and costly Vices, wh [...] render them effeminate, and unservi [...] ble both to their King, and Coun [...] there they must comply with the folly fashions, and the witty contempts of Ancient Modesty, and Vertue. The [...] their persons are disliked, they are [...] voked to miscarriages which render th [...] [Page 125] [...]le to be punished with large Fines, [...] disgraceful confinements, if not more [...]er sufferings. There, they are wound [...] a multitude of acquaintance, and [...]n the cunning conduct of fraud, and [...]d ventings of passion; by all which [...]y burthen their Fortunes with needless [...] insupportable charges, contract great [...]bts, and leave their most intimate [...]ends in danger of Arrests, and troubles. [...]t least this may be thought a bold cen­ [...]e, for a private person to blame so [...]at a conflux of Country Gentlemen, may be seen in the City: I shall re­ [...]mber the judgment of two of the wi­ [...] Kings that ever sate in the Imperial [...]rone of this Realm.

King James the First,An. Dom. 1614. before Christmas [...]s year, issued forth a Proclamation for [...]s cause, that all Gentlemen of Quality [...]uld depart to their own Countries and [...]uses to maintain Hospitality amongst [...]ir Neighbours; and his meaning was [...]t this should always continue, as he [...]erprets himself, in his speech in the [...]r-Chamber; wherein he declares; [...]t it was wont to be the old fashion of [...]gland, and the Honour of the English [...]bility, and Gentry to live in the Country, An. Dom. 1616. [...]d keep Hospitality, for which they were [Page 126] famous above all the Countries in the W [...] which they might the better do, having a [...] abundantly fertile to live in: but by the [...] moderate resort of the Gentry to the City, their dwelling there: P. 167. of his Works in Folio. the Country was [...] desolate, and besides divers other misch [...] would arise upon it. First if insurrecti [...] should fall out, the Country would be unfur [...] ed with Gentlemen to take Order the [...] Next the poor would want relief missing t [...] Hospitality at home. Thirdly my Service neglected, and the good Government of [...] Country for lack of the principal Gentlem [...] presence that should perform it: And l [...] the Gentlemen lose their own thrift, for [...] of their own presence in seeing to their [...] business at home. Therefore as every [...] lives in his own place, some in the fresh, s [...] in the salt some in the Mud: So let every [...] live in his own place; some at Court, som [...] the City, some in the Country. Thus the lear [...] King James whose judgment not be [...] so dutifully observed as it should have b [...] by good Subjects; his Meek and Pi [...] Son King Charles the Glorious Mar [...] sent out his Proclamation concern [...] this matter. The Kings most Excel [...] Majesty taking it into his Royal considerati [...] the present State of the times, together [...] the great decay of good Hospitality, and g [...] [Page 127] [...]use keeping, Proclamation An. Dom. 1627. 3. Caroli dated November 28. 1627. Entituled A Proclamati­on Commanding the repair of Noblemen, Knights, and Gen­tlemen of quality, unto their Mansion Houses in the Coun­try, there to attend their Ser­vices, and keep Hospitality. which in [...]er Ages was the [...]nour of this Nation; [...] too frequent resort, [...]d ordinary residence of [...]rds spiritual, and tem­ [...]ral: Knights and Gen­ [...]men of Quality, unto [...]ies and Towns; espe­ [...]lly in, or near our Cities of London, and [...]estminster, and the many inconveniences [...]ich ensue upon the absence of so many per­ [...]s of Quality and Authority, from their [...]ountries; whereby those parts are left desti­ [...]e, both of relief, and Government; and [...] Cities and Towns, especially those of Lon­ [...]n and Westminster, are over burthened [...]th inhabitants, and residants, hath thought to renew the course formerly begun by his [...]r Father of blessed Memory, and therefore [...]mands them to their homes under penalty his displeasure. And because this Pro­ [...]mation did not find a ready Obedi­ [...]ce, his Majesty was pleased, with ad­ [...]e of his Council, to command Infor­ [...]tions against some to be exhibited in [...] Star-Chamber; where they were sen­ [...]ced, and fined. Here are no mean [...]thorities to justifie a charge against [...]h Gentlemen who desert their Rural [Page 128] Mansions for their phancy, and plea [...] And would they consider that they the love of the Country, and their i [...] rest therein; that their absence le [...] room for many contentions, which their presence might be prevented; [...] many who act under them, serve the [...] selves more than their Masters, and greedy Cormorants devour all they [...] and it is rare to find so faithful a Stewa [...] who either can or will keep up an Es [...] to its true dimensions: Would they co [...] der how they are accommodated to in the Country handsomly, and with g [...] Credit upon small expences; and [...] their immoderate staying in the City [...] cessitates them to become Projector [...] pressures, and wild ways to maintain t [...] Luxury; to press and wrack their [...] nants to provide, and return their R [...] at all disadvantages: And if this proo [...] ing will not suffice some part of the state must be sold; then the diminu [...] of the income, and the continuanc [...] the same, or greater expences makes th [...] subject to the Usurer upon hard Ter [...] and there may be no stop till the Es [...] be utterly gone, and Surety undone shall leave them to make the infere [...] This has been the Case of some Gen [...] [...]en [Page 129] who would strive to live bravely out [...]f their own Element. And though it [...]ay be objected, that some have met [...]ith great Fortunes by doing so, yet for [...]e who hath caught a Lark, by the fal­ [...]ng of the Skie, there are Thousands who [...]ve missed their Game, and fallen into [...] Ditch by their too high gazing; and [...]hen as I have the Authority of Princes [...] justifie the blame that is laid upon those [...]ho forsake the Seats of their Honoura­ [...]e Ancestors, to pamper and indulge [...]emselves with all the delicacies of the [...]ity: With good Reason, I may reckon [...]em among Prodigals, and mark them [...]r such who go astray. But they would [...] as Gods, and their Will must be done; [...]d while they are ridden, and spurred [...] still by their own phancies, no won­ [...] that they run to the Devil; but let [...]y sober man take heed that he do [...]t bear them Company. Again there another Generation for whom it is dan­ [...]erous to engage, who being of no great [...]k, or power themselves, are wont to [...]sociate with men of the highest quality, [...] whom their Wit, and boldness armed [...]h their experience in some gentile [...]orts may commend them for a time; [...] some that are more prudent than o­thers [Page 130] of the same degree, are not a little jealous over this sort of men, and esteem such who think themselves great enough to be their Companions, worthy to bea [...] equal shares with them in all occasional expences, yea sometimes to return the en­tertainments they have received, [...] chargeable presents must keep up the co [...] respondence in Heart, and Lustre: S [...] that let such cast up the whole charg [...] of their company, and add thereto the loss of time together with the hindrance of their own secular concerns they may discern a great dreyn made i [...] a small Estate in a short tract of time and if necessity drive them to squee [...] Wax for some drops of refreshment, [...] will suddenly harden upon them, an [...] remain a sure mark of their own trouble and Misery. I need not say much of th [...] or any other kind of Prodigality which the Reader without a perspective ma [...] discern as a Sea-mark to warn his Pinna [...] of the danger of Shipwrack. That A [...] vice (were it well observed) would pr [...] vent much unhappiness, which is give [...] by the Son of Sirach. Ecclesia­sticus 18.30, 31, 32, 33. Go not after t [...] Lusts, but refrain thy self from thine Ap [...] tites; if thou givest thy Soul the desires th [...] please her, she will make thee a Laugh [...] [Page 131] stock to thine Enemies that malign thee: Take not pleasure in much good chear, nei­thir be tied to the expence thereof: Be not made a Beggar by banqueting upon borrow­ing, when thou hast nothing in thy purse; Chap. 25.3. for thou shalt lie in wait for thy own Life, and be talked on. If thou hast gathered no­thing in thy youth: How canst thou find a­ny thing in thine Age? I have read that at Padua in Italy, they have a Stone called the Stone of turpitude, which is placed near the Senate house, whither all spend­thrifts, and such as disclaim the payment of their debts are brought,Burt. Mel. part 1. § 2. p. 112. and they are enforced to sit upon this stone with their thinder parts bare, that by this note of pub­lick infamy and disgrace others may be terrified from all such vain expences, or borrowing more than they know they are able to pay. Great pity it is, that there is not such a stone in all the Countries of the World; or at least some other happy invention whereby it might be provided that there should be no followers of such pernitious Examples, nor any great suffe­rers upon the score of their Prodigality: For all places are now too full of some sort of spend thrifts, whose fork merrily scatters: all that their rake can gather by any means. And I am apt to suspect [Page 132] that the easiness of obtaining Sureties, far­thers prodigals in borrowing more than otherwise they could: As if there were not so many Retainers, their would be fewer Thieves: So if the Number of improvident Sureties were less, the Ca­talogue of proffligate, and Licentious unthrifts would not be so great.

Fifthly, Be not Surety for any bad Man, for he that palpably transgresses the Rules of Religion, or is a Notorious of­fender in any point thereof, breaks the strongest Sinews of Justice in all Civil concerns. The Royal Psalmist observes that the Wicked borroweth, Psal. 37.21. and payeth not again. And he doubtless was a Wise Man, who hath told us,Ecclesia­sticus 29.16, 17. that A Sinner will over throw the good Estate of his Surety; and he that is of an unthankful mind, will leave him in danger, that delivered him. The greatest Arguments for good dealings with Men, are fetched from a clear Conscience of our Duty to God: And if men run con­trary to their greatest Obligations, they will not Walk uprightly in respect of the smallest. They that can dare to break Covenant with God, can have no good Will to keep Contracts with Men. He that can destroy a Temple, may soon pull down a Cottage: And he that strikes at [Page 133] the Throne of God, will not strain at the Violation of the Rights of his Bre­thren. If we search the Nature of that heart which is hardened for Wicked pra­ctices, we cannot but discern that such who can dare to be Irreligious towards: God, will be unrighteous towards Men: For where the greatest Devil Reigns, the lesser can take their Rang. And though there may be some appearance to the contrary, when such who Violate the first Table of Divine Commandements seem to have some regard for the Second; yet their respect thereto rises not from a Con­science informed therewith, which can have no Power in those, who are poiso­ned with an Evil disposition against God: And had they the strongest Arm, they would be altogether Arbitrary in all that they do: But Civil Laws, and constituti­ons hold their hands, though they cannot [...]ound their Wills. The fear of being o­ [...]er-matched by others, bows their Bo­ [...]ies, though it cannot restrain their minds. The Veneration they have for their own Credit, Masters the Ceremonies of their [...]eportment, but cannot moderate the affections that grow in their Nature: If [...]hey could tread down the sanctions of [...]unicipal Laws: if there were no power [Page 134] in their way greater than theirs; and i [...] they could either disdain the opinions o [...] all about them, or conceal their proceedings from their knowledge; I see no [...] what Wickedness they would strain at in their conversation with men, who ca [...] swallow down any kind of Impiety against God. He that willfully sins in any point, says in effect, that he will not hav [...] God to Rule over him, and he that ca [...] affront the Divine Authority which is th [...] most Supreme, and most absolute, can b [...] no Voluntier in his submission to an inferiour Magistracy, unless such instrumen [...] are set before him, that can give him su [...] cient warning of an Execution: And ye [...] these are sometimes weak, and ineffectu [...] al as to the stopping of his career who [...] heart is set upon that which is Evil. Th [...] he may be under some confinement b [...] outward means, yet if he can discern, o [...] devise a way to break loose: He is read [...] to run out with a swift foot; and becom [...] deaf to the Voice, that declares the n [...] cessity of his returning back to his Du [...] This being the case of bad Men, whoev [...] considers it, shall have little Heart [...] plight his Faith for the satisfaction of [...] necessities: He cannot vouch for his h [...] nesty who is destitute of the main sprin [...] [Page 135] and principle thereof: And what he therefore promises in his behalf, he him­self must probably take care to per­form.

Or suppose a bad man be so powerful in the World, that he can bear the Bur­then of his own Debts; yet he may be guilty of such delays, and of so many tricks, and spiteful contrivances which shall be as Thorns in the side of his Friend, who in his pecuniary contract is Surety for him: For the hand of the bad is commonly stretched forth to receive; but shut when he should repay. He therefore that minds his own peace, must give Ear to the Wis­dom of the Son of Sirach. Ecclesia­sticus 13.2, 3.4. Burden not thy self above thy power while thou livest, and have no fellowship with one that is mightier, and Richer than thy felf; for how agree the Kettle, and the Earthen pot together; for if the one be smitten against the other, it shall be broken. The rich man hath done wrong, and yet he threatneth withal. The poor is wronged, and he must intreat also. If thou be for his profit, he will use thee; but if thou have nothing, he will forsake thee. In like proportion the mighty man who is possest with bad Principles, when he hath need of anothers Suretiship, will entertain him with lightsome smiles, sweet complements, [Page 136] endearing Caresses, and plentiful Ba [...] quets: But this fair day may end in thi [...] darkness, and a tempestuous Storm: F [...] though the mighty Principal can answe [...] the Obligation; yet when this Wor [...] should be done he may neglect it, eithe [...] he cannot, or will not be spoken with▪ So that the Creditor provoked by th [...] slight, will not fail to make frequent Applications to the Surety, to whom h [...] hath a more easie access. And if thei [...] Addresses succeed not, he will add greate [...] Weights until he hath pressed all fro [...] him, he hath a right to.

And now the Surety must bear such like repulses, and slights which the Creditor sustained, or the great man is hid from him, and there is no Reparation to be had for the damage he hath suffered without sharp vexation, and tedious trou­ble.

If an Estate can be so setled, as that it shall not be liable to the payment of any Debts, the bad man shall not stick at the fraud, that is serviceable to his interest▪ There is many times a shew made of a fair inheritance, which being charged with many, and great encumbrances is worth nothing, and in some cases such an Estate may be offered to indemnifie a [...] [Page 137] [...]urety, which by many unseen premort­ [...]ges is so far exhausted, that he shall not [...]e able to obtain any benefit from it. The [...]itles of Lands are now more uncertain [...]an in times past they have been; for [...]ey may be conveyed by Lease, and Re­ [...]ase; or disposed of by private Settle­ [...]ents; or past away by Bonds given to [...]e King; and while there is no publick [...]egister of Lands established by Statute, [...]ad men may make use of all possible de­ [...]ces to deceive their Creditors, and op­ [...]ess their Sureties. So that though some [...]ho take up considerable Sums of Mony [...]e possessors of apparent Estates, yet [...]hile Men have cause to be jealous of [...]heir Honesty, they have no Reason to [...]ut any great confidence in their Power: [...]or an Estate in appearance should be no [...]ighty Temptation, when an Integrity [...] substance cannot be found. When we [...]ok about us, and observe that the Gal­ [...]nts of our time appear like men that [...]ve put on all the Armour of the Devil, [...] fight against the great God of Heaven: [...]hat raging Blasphemies, and most hor­ [...]d execrations smoke out of the Furnace [...] their most foolish passions; that their [...]actice consists of Bacchanalian Jovial­ [...]s, monstrous Amours, subtle frauds, [Page 138] furious quarrels, and infamous shifts; a [...] that they are Armed with a stout, a [...] haughty resolution to justifie themselv [...] and their courses against the most H [...] Word of God, the righteous Comma [...] of Superiours, the wise Counsels of [...] quals, and the modest Exceptions of [...] feriours: It is no Wonder that their [...] midable manner of Life, be a real T [...] ror to all sober Men, and that their [...] baucheries lessen them to a needy Gen [...] tion. For the upshot of their exorbit [...] ces not only proves a scandal to their [...] gree, and worse than a Battoon of ab [...] ment to their Honour, but a back d [...] to their Estates which are wasted by th [...] Vices; and if impiety be so destruct [...] to great Fortunes, (of which there [...] sundry instances in the World) what s [...] become of the prophane, whose con [...] on is already Weak to such a degree [...] they can make no other Figure am [...] Men, than what is drawn by their o [...] Impiety. And if such who seem to [...] Masters of Estates are not to be trust [...] because of the Naughtiness of their Li [...] what encouragement can Men have confide in the meaner sort who are no [...] impious than they. If the prophane [...] of the great should set us at a conveni [...] [Page 139] [...]ance from such their concerns for [...]ch they seem to have sufficient pow­ [...] of their own; we should shun all fa­ [...]arity with Men of a lower Rank who [...] infected, with the same Plague.

[...] have Read and heard some com­ [...]nts in this Age against the too Gneral [...]lect of the right Government of the [...]ngue, that it is a very common thing [...] one Man to speak Evil of another, I [...] there were not too much Reason for [...] offence by the almost Universal wick­ [...]ess that hath covered the Land, Mens [...]es being so loose, and irregular, that [...] almost as impossible to fear them [...]se, as improbable to hope them bet­ [...]: And let it not be strange then, that [...]re is so epidemical a cry of want, when [...]h a Flood of ungodliness hath deluged [...] Kingdom, for God turneth Rivers into [...]ilderness, Psalm. 10 [...], 33, 34. and the Water Springs into dry [...]bund. A fruitful Land into Barrenness [...] the Wickedness of them that dwell there­ [...]

They who have first cast God out of [...]eir thoughts are justly ejected out of [...]eir possessions; and they who live with­ [...]t God in the World, must go without [...] Blessing. Never any Standard was set [...] against God but lost itself, and all that [...]hered to it; and no Mans either saga­cious [Page 140] Wit, or prodigious Valour can [...] him from the blast of a provoked God was well said by on [...] who was a very c [...] siderable person in his time. ‘Spanish [...] mado's and Invasions he changes i [...] Morrice Dances upon the Waves of [...] lustre,Sr. Hen. Wotton, p. 23. and makes the very Engineer [...] them to confess that Vertues though th [...] are within the chance; yet they [...] not ever within the Power of ill [...] tune.’

Whence is it that some who purpo [...] hope for, and promise themselves g [...] matters (when they have many seemi [...] probabilities of a good event) yet find t [...] their undertakings are unsuccessful, th [...] Projects abortive, that their great Pre [...] rations miscarry, and their expectan [...] perish: There is most certainly such a [...] Nemesis in the World, as a Divine M [...] diction, the force whereof no huma [...] Arm can resist, or repel. This (as it we [...] sometimes pours Hell out of Heave [...] upon the Heads of the ungodly: T [...] puts out the light, and consumes the Te [...] of Wi [...]ked men: This assaults their E [...] cellency [...]n the high Meridian of it, a [...] scatters them as dust before the Storm [...] Wind: This strikes the Arms, and brea [...] the Jaws of the Enemies of all righteousne [...] [Page 141] [...]is darts Terrors into their imaginati­ [...]s; pierces their hearts with Sorrows; [...]ubles the Circumstances of their State; [...]d leaves them discontented, and un­ [...]e.

It must be granted that there are ma­ [...] Mysteries in Divine Providence suffi­ [...]nt to assoil the rash and uncharitable [...]sures of all private Tribunals usurped [...] blind Envy, or Malice: Yet it is not [...]ly consistent with the Notion we ought [...] have of a most perfect Governour of [...] World, but with the sense of the Sa­ [...]d Canon, whereby the Will of the [...]hest Sovereign is revealed to Mankind; [...]t we believe, that he blesses the State [...] the just, and curses the Familes that [...]ve not the Knowledge of his Name.

If God be in our Adventures, and his [...]ory rest upon small things, Aarons dry [...]d shall flourish, Sarahs dead Womb [...]ll spring forth a Son; and Davids in­ [...]cernibleness shall encrease into a King­ [...]m. But all our Strivings are as Babel [...]thout God: We do no better than [...]rite upon Dust, or Sow upon a Rock; [...] Role up a Stone that will retreat [...]th Fury upon us. And if in our course [...] Life we stand against God, our bright­ [...] Glories shall vanish into contempt, [Page 142] our Wisdome into foolishness, our po [...] into Weakness, and our possessions i [...] Beggery. The Crown of true Glory [...] dorned with the sweet Flowers, and p [...] cious Gems of plentiful Blessings, was [...] ver made for the hairy Scalp of such one who goeth on in withstanding [...] Will of his Maker: But rather the fly [...] Roll of Curses shall rest upon his Br [...] When Zachariah the Prophet had a Vi [...] of a flying Roll, an Angel gave him Interpretation thereof. saying, This is Curse that goeth forth over the Face of whole Earth, Zecha. 5.3, 4. for every one that stealeth [...] be cut off as on this side according to it, every one that Sweareth shall be cut off a [...] that side according to it. I will bring it f [...] saith the Lord of Hosts, and it shall enter to the House of the Thief, and into the H [...] of him that Sweareth falsly by my Na [...] and it shall remain in the midst of his H [...] and shall consume it with the Timber the [...] and the Stones thereof.

The Prophet Jeremiahs Heart was [...] ken, his Bones did shake, he was stra [...] ly transported, and as it were intox [...] ted with astonishment: When he co [...] dered the Wickedness of the Land, [...] and the judgment that should be Ex [...] ted upon the Inhabitants thereof.

[Page 143] [...] Land (saith he) is full of Adulterers; Jerem. 23.10, 11, 12. [...]r because of Swearing, the Land Mourn­ [...]h; the pleasant Places of the Wilderness are [...]ied up, and their course is Evil, and their [...]rce is not right: For both Prophet and [...]iest are prophane; yea, in my House have found their Wickedness saith the Lord. Therefore their way shall be unto them, as [...]opery ways in the darkness: They shall be [...]iven on, and fall therein: For I will bring [...]vil upon them, even the year of their Visi­ [...]tion saith the Lord.

The Prophet Hosea proclaims a Con­ [...]oversie which God had with the Inhabi­ [...]nts of the Land; because there was no [...]uth, nor Mercy▪ Hosea 4.1, 2, 3. nor Knowledge of God [...]erein: But by Swearing, and Lying, and [...]illing, and Stealing, and committing A­ [...]ltery; they broke out, and Blood touched [...]ood. Therefore shall the Land mourn, and [...]ery one that dwelleth therein shall languish, [...]ith the Beasts of the Field, and with the [...]wls of Heaven, yea, the Fishes of the Sea so shall he taken away.

Remember also how Tyrus is threatned [...] the Pride, and violence that was in [...]e midst of it. The Glory thereof is [...]st described, to give the clearer pros­ [...]ct of the greatness of Her fall: Her [...]ince was as an Anointed Cherub in [Page 144] the Holy Mountain of God, walki [...] up, and down in the midst of bright, an [...] pretious Stones: His place as Eden t [...] Garden of God. But when iniquity w [...] found therein,Ezek. 28.16, 17, 18. and when by the Multitu [...] of Merchandise, they had filled the midst her with Violence, and She had sinne▪ Therefore (saith the Lord) I will cast th [...] as prophane out of the Mountain of Go [...] and I will destroy thee, O covering Cheru [...] from the midst of the Stones of Fire. Th [...] heart was lifted up because of thy Beauty thou hast corrupted thy Wisdom by reason thy Brightness: I will cast thee to t [...] Ground, I will lay thee before Kings, th [...] they may behold thee. Thou hast defiled t [...] Sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniq [...] ties, by the iniquity of thy Traffick; the [...] fore will I bring forth a Fire from the mi [...] of thee, it shall devour thee, and I w [...] bring thee to Ashes upon the Earth, in the sig [...] of all them that behold thee.

The same Prophet tells us, that he h [...] a Vision of a hand sent unto him; an [...] Roll of a Book was therein, which w [...] designed against the Children of Isra [...] for their Rebellion against God. A [...] there was Written therein Lamentations, [...] Mourning, Ezek 2.10. and Wo. And it is Record [...] that the Metropolitan of the Holy La [...] [Page 145] was made A Reproach to the Heathen, Ezek. 2 [...].4. and [...] mocking to all Countries. For the abo­minations that were committed therein. And there being many more instances of Divine Justice in Gods Government of Humane affairs (though there are divers [...]romiscuous dispensations and Mysterious Cases, as they are represented to an out­ward Eye yet) we have sufficient Evi­ [...]ence to conclude that God Rules the World; and as he Blesses the good in a wise and merciful moderation of all [...]ings for their either present, or future [...]dvantage; so he Curses the Bad, and Writes bitter things against them: For [...]hen as they have put themselves out of [...]is protection, and by walking contrary [...]o his Laws, have in effect despised his [...]avour, he justly forsakes them; and [...]hough he defer their punishment, yet [...]e time for the Execution of it will cer­ [...]inly come. There is a just Vengeance [...]ue to Sin which will not rot in the Skies; [...]nd no Man knows how soon the Vials [...]f Divine Wrath may be poured forth: [...]t is expedient therefore, for all who will [...]e safe, to take such measures, as that [...]hey may not be involved in the Calami­ [...]es, and Miseries which shall come upon [...]rophane, and irreligious Souls. It hath [Page 146] been observed alr [...] dy,Si Lysias ademptâ parte bono­rum exulare jussus est, non nisi pro parte quam retinuerit creditoribus obligatus est. Verum qui pro eo­fidem suam astrinxerunt, jure pri­stino conveniri possunt. Cod. l. 8. Lex. 1. f. 394. that a Surety re [...] ders himself liable make payment of t [...] whole Debt (wha [...] ver it be) for whi [...] he is obliged. A [...] though the princi [...] in some circumstances may be spared, y [...] the Surety hath no favour thereby, I finds himself oppressed by his own A [...] and Deed: And what he feels to be oppression upon himself was genera [...] esteemed a part of great Friendship another; but there is neither Piety, [...] Prudence in shewing so much love to th [...] who are Enemies to God, and liable the stroke of his Almighty curse, and [...] dignation. Be it most freely remembe [...] that God, who made all things hath [...] ven us a Commandement to love Neighbours as our selves; Yet an in [...] cent, and prudential self love will rest [...] us from burthening our selves above [...] power; and from all such acts which prejudicial to our lawful interest: And we would not overl [...] our selves by any [...] of our own,Fidejussor seu mandator si in u­suras quoque obligatus est justam causam recusandi solvere eas non ha­bet. Cod. l. 8. Lex 10. f. 394. neit [...] should we put it [...] [Page 147] anothers power to leave such an heavy yoke upon us which our condition cannot well bear.

If then a just, and innocent self love be the Rule of our love to others, we are not thereby obliged to enter into any Contracts greatly detrimental to our selves. The Law requires our good Will to men of all Characters, and Nations; but layes no engagement upon us to part with that circumspect prudence; and ne­cessary justice which we owe to our selves. In bad Men there is nothing but their manhood that hath right to our love; and while this is strangely deformed, and di­ [...]honoured by their own practice we can take no delight therein. Men can have [...]o complacence in themselves, upon a conviction of their own sinfulness, and fol­ [...]y: Nor can they then justly delight in [...]thers, whose degeneration in their Mo­ [...]als is manifest to the World. Moreover [...]t is inconsistent with a just love to our Neighbour, to add fewel to the flame of [...]is inordinate affection. While any man [...]akes a bad course, it is improbable that [...]e will be a good Steward of any Trea­ [...]ure; and he that shall be instrumental to [...]ut it into his hands, may be accessary to [...]he Wickedness he shall be enabled to [Page 148] commit by the power of it. It is good Advice of the Son of Sirach, Ecclesiasti­cus 8.10. Ch. 12.5 6, 7. Kindle not the Coals of a sinner, least thou be burnt with the Flame of his Fire. Do well to him that is lowly, but give not to the ungodly; hold back thy Bread, and give it not unto him, least he over master thee thereby: For (else) thou shalt receive twice, as much Evil for all the good thou shalt have done unto him. For the most high hateth sinners, and will repa [...] Vengeance unto the ungodly, and keepeth them against the mighty day of their punishment give unto the good, and help not the Sinner. For all that an Evil Man can by any means compass, shall probably be wasted in the indulgence of his Lusts, and b [...] Sacrificed to the Dalilahs he is most fond of: The greater help you give him, the more Wicked he grows; and certainly i [...] can be no act of true love to furnish hi [...] with matter wherewith to encrease hi [...] Damnation. Withdraw that great assistance from him which he craves, and hi [...] necessity may prove an expedient to reform his course, and quicken him to such labour and honesty, as shall render him worthy to be trusted in all such matter which are are needful for his subsistence.

CHAP. IV. Describeth the proper means to be used in Conformity to the Caution against Suretiship.

HE that wisely considers the Nature of Suretiship, and mournfully ob­ [...]erves the bad Morals that are in the World will doubtless Study the means of [...]is own safety with great application. And [...] the first place he must Religiously re­ [...]ember his Creator, and Walk in the way [...]f Life which is above: This Advice, as to the Wisdom of this World) may [...]em remote to the subject matter of the [...]esent Caution:Ecclesiasti­cus 29.19. But when I read that a Wicked man transgressing the Commandement [...]f the Lord shall fall into Suretiship. Tho' [...]e word be Apocryphal, and therefore [...]ort of a Canonical Proverb, yet I am [...]t to believe there is a great Truth in the [...]ery Letter of it, and that God in his [...]ost Wise and Righteous Government of [...]e World may bring this, as well as o­ [...]her punishments upon a Wicked Man [...] is none of the least disasters incident to [Page 150] this Life to be a Surety in a dangero [...] Case, and therefore it may have a place [...] mong such judicial, and penal visitatio [...] wherewith God afflicts the Enemies of h [...] Kingdom; not that it is a certain mark [...] Divine Vengeance upon all that are tro [...] bled with it: For the same providenti [...] Acts are capable of different interpreta [...] ons, and may be a savour of Death [...] some, but of Life to others, according [...] the predominant qualifications of th [...] minds.Eccle. 9.1. No man knows either good, or ev [...] love, or hatred by all that is before the [...] ▪ But must learn this Knowledge from T [...] picks of a more sublime consideratio [...] even from the dispositions, and Temp [...] of Souls, as being either agreeable with or discordant to the perfect mind of in [...] nite Goodness and Truth. But this i [...] Mystery which needs not my present [...] cussion; it is sufficient for my purpose o [...] ly to note, that any Temporal Evil may [...] an instance of Divine Justice to some, [...] in respect of others, may be over-ruled incomprehensible moderation, and me [...] and made instrumental to a comforta [...] effect. I make no question, but that [...] blackest Waters may be changed into [...] [...]uest Wine, and Oyl, to make glad [...] Hearts of good Men, and to make th [...] [Page 151] countenances cheer­ful;Adversity never hurteth where no Iniquity Reigneth. Ro. Win­chelsea Archbishop. but shall remain bitter to men of a con­trary Nature, and in­clination: And now if Suretiship may be inflicted upon bad men as a punishment of their Wickedness, then on the contrary, a firm, and constant Vertue is a probable means to save men from this trouble. And if Religion were rightly understood, and as duly observed, all might soon be convinced, that it is the best expedient for their Temporal happiness in all re­spects, as well as for their everlasting per­fection, and Glory. But Men have vast­ly different minds about Religion, and all are prone to attribute the main Excel­lences thereof to their own parties; and many therefore come short of the happi­ness which it promises, because they mi­stake the thing.

I will not strive to rifle Mens mistakes in this matter, for such a task belongs not to my present business. But I am perswa­ded that a real likeness to God, in re­spect of his communicable Attributes is the best disposition that can be in a Soul endowed with intellectual faculties, and a profound submission to him in respect of the Prerogatives of his Heavenly [Page 152] Crown, is the best qualification that can be in a thinking Creature: And there is good ground to believe that this constitution of mind can be wrought by nothing but a Divine Spirit forming the likeness, and imprinting the submission: And being God is clearly revealed to us by his infinitely beloved, and only begotten Son Christ Jesus, who has made all necessary preparation for this effect in our Souls, we cannot draw near to God by any way better, than by minding him with the strongest application, who can bestow the Divine Spirit upon us, whereby we are made partakers of the Divine Nature and quickned to receive that Heavenly Do­ctrine of his Gospel which is most wisely Calculated for the utmost improvement of our Nature, and the building of us up in all goodness, which can better all Re­lations, and sweeten all conditions. I cannot pretend that this Brief, is a full Description of the best course, but I can­not think any way well worthy of the Name of Religion that comes short of it. And by this small pointing the Christian Reader may guess at the whole body of practical Divinity. But when I look up­on the Genuine Excellences of true Re­ligion, the manifold advantages, and most [Page 153] comfortable priviledges that grow upon it, or are annexed thereto: Methinks I am descending very low, when I would bow this great and Sacred thing to my present undertaking: Yet tho' it be but a small Benefit (if a real truth) I may represent Religion as a means to preserve men from Suretiship. For First, This gives them the true measures of that Justice which respects themselves, and their Families, which being timely thought on, and kept in remembrance, can make a Strong De­fence against all the solicitations of needy Borrowers, who would make their Friends great Debtors for them.

He that gave being to the World hath made his Wisdom, and Goodness mani­fest, by implanting Laws in the things which he hath made for their well being. He hath built our Nature with an instinct for our own preservation, and this Law which (as it were) is incorporated in our [...]rame is not abrogated, but highly impro­ved by our Religion; and as Nature prompts us to a vigilant care of our [...]elves, so it propagates this care to the [...]ranches that issue from us. The very [...]ame natural principle which obliges us [...]o our own good, diffuses it self propor­sionably to the encrease and extent of our [Page 154] Families; in consideration whereof we must avoid whatever may be damageable to our selves, or to those we have a na­tural influence upon, and therefore should not consent to the Imposition of any such Yoke upon us, the bearing whereof i [...] inconsistent with the Dictates of that principle our Nature is furnished with.

Secondly, Religion teaches us to be wise as Serpents, as well as harmless a [...] Doves, and allows us to avoid all thing [...] hurtful to our selves, so far as we can with safety to our innocence, which justly claims our principal care. When no contract is concluded, or promise made, w [...] have our Liberty, and in prudence should shun all such Contracts, and promise which are either apparently detrimenta [...] or suspicious, as to our lawful interest▪ But when we have freely contracted with others in matters prejudicial to our selves and within our power, and have mad [...] promises to our own hurt, we cannot r [...] treat with safety to our integrity: Fo [...] we have given away a right which wa [...] once in our power, and they, to who [...] the right is given, may justly demand wha [...] is their due. That Wisdom which is without innocence; may be injurious to othe [...] that innocence which is without Wisdo [...] [Page 155] [...]ay be hurtful to our selves. If we hurt [...]ur selves we must bear it; if we injure [...]thers we must make satisfaction. It is [...]uch better to suffer harm than to do wrong, but best of all to be clear from [...]oth, and so to save our selves as to keep [...] pure Conscience still: And the Wisdom [...]f the Serpent is a good preservative of [...]he innocence of the Dove, as fencing Mens condition from such difficulties and [...]reights, whereby many are tempted to [...]he practice of frauds, and immoralities. A prudent conduct of all concerns might [...]ave them the trouble of contriving many [...]hifting tricks, which their rash and heed­ [...]ess fol [...]y makes them guilty of. Had A­ [...]anias (of whom we read in the Acts of [...]he Apostles) been wise for himself,Acts 5.1. &c. he might have kept the possession that was in his own power, and saved himself from a sudden Death: But willing to reserve part of the Price for which it was sold, [...]nd yet to appear as generously kind to the Church as other Christian Disciples [...]n his time; he was tempted to lie unto God, upon which he was immediately struck with a fatal judgment. Such who will act well for themselves, should con­sider what they are going to do: For it is a true saying, that delay hath undone [Page 156] multitudes for the other World; and hast hath undone many for this: But seasonable consideration, and time well manage [...] saves all in both: The neglect whereof b [...] trays them, either to a pensive remembrance of their foolish rashness, or to remediless Misery. That Wisdom is be [...] placed, which is at the head of all bu [...] ness, that which comes after, either degenerates into craft, or sinks into Repentance▪ For dear bought experience is a very dry Seed, that can yield little Fruit, unless i [...] be bathed in Tears; and then it ma [...] grow up for anothers use, but rarely ripen time enough for him that sowed it. I [...] all matters of moment, a precipitant setting out commonly runs down to a sorrowful conclusion. Better then be Wis [...] at First, and always prosperous, than t [...] learn Knowledge by the amazing ligh [...] which flashes out of a sad miscarriage. I [...] is much more healthful, and pleasant to walk out into the clear Air, when the Sun begins to gild the Mountains with hi [...] cheerful Beams, than to catch our way (when the day is gone) by the lightening which is darted from a Terrible Cloud▪ That Light is most seasonable which shews us the safe, and right Path when we begin to move: The greatest Lustre [Page 157] [...]ines too late when by a tedious wan­ [...]ing we are quite gone out of our own [...]owledge. Being we are made capable [...] deliberation, it well becomes us to [...]ink over the matters that are before us, [...]nd never to undertake any thing of im­ [...]ortance without such consideration [...]hich is proper thereto; for so doing [...]ell suites with the honour of that reason [...]e are endowed with.

Thirdly, True and Right Religion a­ [...]ounds with Graces that are of a thriving [...]ertue, as Faith in God, and Devotion [...]his Name: Temperance in the use of [...] things, accommodate to our Natural [...]ecessities, or suitable to our politick ca­ [...]acities: Discretion, and diligence in all [...]siness: Justice, and equity in all civil [...]ansactions: Meekness, Peace, and sweet [...]oncord in Society: Loyal submission to [...]overnment: Patience, and Fortitude in [...] such difficulties and afflictions, which [...]e common to mankind: Contentedness [...] every condition: In Sum a most taking [...]imility, and an Universal Love breath­ [...]g in all words, and stirring in all actions. [...]hese are Vertues that can win Fortunes, [...]d when obtained can keep them in sub­ [...]ction. A firm perswasion that God is a [...]ost bountiful Rewarder of those that [Page 158] diligently seek him, makes frequent Addresses to the Throne of his Grace whereby men are rendered capable of hi [...] Blessing; and consequently are filled with hope of success in all good undertakings▪ Temperance cuts off all luxuriant suckers all inordinate excesses, and vain superfluities, and gives fair limits to all expences▪ Discretion finds out the most advantagious Methods in business: And diligence improves an handful of Seed to a grea [...] encrease. Justice links us with all person whose faculties may be useful to us; and equity Adorns our conversation with a [...] acceptable presence. Meekness moderate the passions which are excessively wasteful in their extravagance, and the Su [...] can rise to his comfort, which has never gone down upon his Wrath. Peace is the common Original of plenty, and keep [...] Men out of all such Contentions, and Brawls which prove costly to those that follow them. A Loyal submission to su­periour powers, renders Men worthy of their protection, that they may safely go about their own business; and enjoy their rights, and properties in Peace. Patience hath the best command over all troubles; makes them easie while they last, and gives them the best remove. Contentment of [Page 159] mind keeps all mens powers in life, and action warms their Vitals, and distends their Sinews, so that they are fit for a la­borious continuance in their profitable Em­ploys. Humility takes deep Root for a great growth, and by stooping low, finds the Key of Paradice it self full of most delicious Fruits: And an Universal Love streaming out of Mens Breasts procures reciprocal kindness from others, whereby Men reap no small advantage. Thus these ingredients are of so strong a Spirit, as to turn all things (as it were) into Gold. It were a large task to Discourse so fully of the advantage of every particular Ver­tue as it deserves: But this brief account may satisfie the attentive Reader, that a truly Religious, is a very profitable course of Life; and upon this ground it is a good fensure from Suretiship. For they that are sincere therein shall enjoy the sundry advantages of the Graces thereof, and so taking the best way to thrive, ei­ther shall have no need to borrow, or if an urgent occasion happen, they shall pro­bably be trusted without a Surety: And so they are free from one cause of Sureti­ship very common in the World, which is that Men needing Sureties for them­selves, must return that civility and kind­ness [Page 160] whenever it shall be desired.

That peculiar people (named Israel) upon their due observance of, and obedi­ence to all Divine Commandements had good assurance of this Blessing,Deuter. 15.6. Chap. 28.12. That they should lend to many Nations, but should not borrow. Though their Encouragements to a course of Life conformable to Di­vine Rules, consisted much of promises of this Nature which cannot be equally extended to all Nations: Yet since true Religion is full of thriving Vertues, they that are Faithful therein shall probably be Lenders rather than Borrowers; and so shall be free from that exigence which commonly craves Sureties: And there­fore shall be out of the reach of one great, and almost irresistible Temptation to be­come Sureties for others. True Religion needs not any private mans Letters of commendation: It is in all respects most acceptable, giving Men the best, and most valuable comfort in this, as a Pledg, and earnest of the highest Glory, and most transporting fullness of joy in the other World. That present benefit I have spoke of is one of the smallest fruits that grow upon it: But whoever shall consider what is suggested in these few lines, will readily allow that right Religion is a means to [Page 161] save men from the trouble of Suretiship; as making them just to themselves, and Families; Wise, Circumspect, and Pru­dent in all their affairs; and preserving them from the indigency of borrowing, whereby many are drawn to give their security in compensation for anothers, which they themselves have been compel­led to make use of.

Secondly, Another means to prevent the danger of Suretiship, is a careful shun­ning of the customary Temptation to ex­cess and idleness, commonly called good Fellowship: For some have no greater device to catch the unwary, than to li­quor them to such a degree as to make them flexible to any design; and to fill [...]hem with so much moisture, that they [...]ay take their opportunity to mold them according to their pleasure. In this viti­ous practice many trains are layed to blow [...]p the Fortunes of easie, and compliant [...]ools, particularly Suretiship; and that which is most dangerous is set forward, whereby too many are merrily undone. We need not Study much to read their destiny, who make stout and jovial drink­ [...]ng the great pleasure of their Lives: For besides the Treasure that is wasted, the health that is impaired, the business that [Page 162] is neglected, and the time that is lost by this folly; Men that follow it are over reached in bargains, and taken in sundry traps and snares which they do not di [...] cern before they are caught. It is th [...] opinion of good fellows who are might [...] men at Wine, and Ale; that such cor [...] of Love are best twisted that are first we moistened therewith. There is a Generation whose temper enclines them to b [...] mighty loving in their Drink, and wi [...] then readily yield to any thing that shal [...] be desired; or if they seem to be som [...] what cautious, it is but alluring them t [...] take the other Glass, and that will mak [...] them bend. This is monstrous Low which is pregnant with nothing more tha [...] Frauds, and delusions. This is most ridiculous Friendship, that invites Men to d [...] stroy their Estates.

The modest, and venerable Autho [...] of the whole Duty of Man tells us ‘That some Men say it is necessary for them to drink in this one respect of Trading with their Neighbours Bargains being most conveniently to be struck up at such meetings; bu [...] the bottom of it is an aim of cheating and defrauding others; For when Me [...] are in drink,’ they shall the better be able [Page 163] to over-reach them, and so they [...]dd the sin of cozenage, and defraud­ [...]ng to that of drunkenness. Now that this is indeed the intent is ma­nifest, for if it were only the dispatch of bargains were aimed at, they should choose to take Men with their Wits a­bout them, therefore the taking them when Drink hath distempered them, can be for nothing but to make advan­ [...]age of them.

It is as a most false, so a most absurd [...]retence of the drunken Clubs of this in­ [...]mperate Age, that meeting at the Pot [...]most convenient for business; as if it [...]ere necessary that they should become [...]easts, that they might act as Men: And [...]xpedient for them to besot, distemper, [...]r drown their understandings that they [...]ight come off with Honour in every [...]ing they undertake. By the same Rea­ [...]on a man may lame himself that he may [...]n well, and the Labourer may wound [...]is hands, that he may the better fulfil [...]is daily task. So far is business from justi­ [...]ing intemperance, that it rather obliges Men to be sober. But there is just cause [...] suspect that many carry on the Trade of [...]xcessive drinking upon fraudulent de­ [...]igns, for they can indulge their purposes [Page 164] by the compliance of others distempered and clouded brains; which they could n [...] ver effect by any service, which their s [...] rene, and clear Reason would afford. S [...] they heap iniquity upon drunkenness, an [...] (as it were) put out their Neighbou [...] Eyes, that they may pick their Pockets and cast a mist before their understandin [...] that their Leger-Demain might not b [...] discovered; and though this Project dot [...] not always answer expectation, becau [...] some notable suck-spigots are over-matched, and thrown into the Pit which the [...] digged, or taken in the snare which the [...] layed for others: Yet as the High-Way [...] Gallant follows on his petty conquest [...] though he be sometimes put to flight, [...] these Pot-companions are obstinate i [...] their vitious custom, and the subtle An [...] of improving it, though they are som [...] times out-witted in their own device, o [...] plotted in their contrivance, and mastere [...] with their own Weapons. It is confess [...] that some have more skil in this Myster [...] of Wickedness than others; but they wh [...] have least, may put great cheats upon suc [...] who neither think Evil themselves, n [...] suspect danger from others. It hath bee [...] an ordinary complaint with many: Th [...] they have paid great debts for others, and [Page 165] never were made drink for their Mony. [...] cannot think their condition in any re­ [...]ect more happy, who by too much [...]rinking, are tempted to bear the same [...]rouble; unless by the strength of their [...]toxicated imaginations they can turn [...]e guilt of intemperance, into a cause of [...]ejoycing. But though they came of free [...]ost at their merry meeting, and went [...]ut pleasantly having nothing to pay, yet [...]hen time brings them to an after recko­ [...]ing, the guilt of their excess, added to [...]e account of their Suretiship, lies heavy [...]pon them; and the weight of both for­ [...]s a confession of their folly, if not pres­ [...]s them to Death. Wherefore since the [...]o common practice of good fellows [...]ives men reason to be jealous that one [...]me or other they may conspire in fra­ [...]ing stratagems for their undoing, it is [...]ighly convenient to keep at a distance [...]om the haunts of such Wicked Men; [...]hose loose, lavish, riotous, and expensive [...]urse of Life melts their own, and makes [...]em desirous of anothers Treasure; and [...] their own Credit will not avail for the [...]ctual possession, they must find Sureties [...]mong their Companions, who must give [...]eir consent at the first motion, least ma­ [...]ing them suspicious of their Friendship, [Page 166] they lose all the pleasure of their acquai [...] tance, and be expelled this self applaudi [...] Society with disgraceful Taunts, and sladers. One mans security for another thought but a common courtesie, an [...] therefore must not be denied by those w [...] are dearly united in a Licentious fellowship; and cannot be refused least the sweet correspondence, and merry famili [...] rity should utterly vanish.

The wise man describes their mirth b [...] a very significant Metaphor, when [...] says, As the crackling of Thorns under a P [...] so is the laughter of a Fool. Eccl. 7.6. Let their joyalty be like the noise of flaming Thorn [...] which soon flee away in Clouds of smo [...] The troubles they bring upon themselv [...] by their drunken bargains are as the pric [...] of Thorns which tear and wound the [...] till they bleed, not for their own health but anothers both profit and pleasure, an [...] their own damage, and misery. Th [...] same Author puts questions respectin [...] this practice, and Answers them, sayin [...] Who hath wo? Pro. 23.29, 30, 31, 32. Who hath sorrow? Who ha [...] contentions? Who hath babling? Who ha [...] Wounds without cause? Who hath redness Eyes? They that tarry long at the Wine; th [...] that go to seek mixt Wine. Look [...] thou upon the Wine when it is Red, wh [...] [Page 167] [...]t giveth his Colour in the Cup, when it mo­ [...]eth it self aright, at the last it biteth like a Serpent, and stingeth like an Adder. And [...]robably the Contract that was consum­mated at the compotation hath harder seeth, a sharper, and a longer sting. The Death that was in the Pot, was not dis­ [...]cerned till after the dregs thereof were [...]oured out.

Thirdly, They who would not be Sure­ [...]ies for others; to their own trouble must [...]ot affect a numerous acquaintance, tho' [...]en are framed for Society, yet there be­ [...]ng a great variety in Constitutions, Tem­ [...]ers, Inclinations, Qualities, Affections, Educations and Customs, it cannot be [...]xpected that any man should readily [...]ashion himself to the humour of all kind [...]f Company, or procure any considera­ [...]le benefit to himself, by a free conversa­ [...]ion with all sorts of Men. Happy are [...]hey who are endowed with a prudent sa­ [...]acity, and blest with a favourable op­ [...]ortunity to fit themselves with company [...]greeable to their G [...]nius, and accommo­ [...]ate to their business, and interest in the World: Wherein the Heart of Man an­wereth to man, as in Water, Face to Face. [...]uch Friendships must needs have the greatest efficacy, which in all respects are [Page 168] most agreeable. The Light of that Soc [...] ety is warm, and pleasant wherein all affec [...] and possess each other as themselves, an [...] mutually tender their concerns as the [...] own, exercising their affections, desires hopes, fears, joys, and sorrows, as abou [...] their own near and peculiar interests Whose minds are enlarged beyond private considerations, and whose facultie are employed for others good as for thei [...] own, compassing all their concerns within the Verge of their affectionate Car [...] Their Fellowship must needs be desirabl [...] who well understand the full Vertue of Divine Charity, and know how to practice it. Their presence is freely access [...] ble, their countenances are affable, the Tempers tractable, their humour sociable their behaviour respectful, their comun [...] cations plain and profitable, their heart are transparent, and their hands benefic [...] al, their correspondence is amicable and their continual conversation kind, familiar, and pleasant. They warmly lod [...] themselves in each others hearts, and tak [...] a sweet repose in each others embrace When men as Jonathan, and David ar [...] knit together in that love which is th [...] bond of perfectness, and are inspired with one Soul. When they continually entertain [Page 169] each other with wise, and edifying Communications, with lovely and char­ [...]ing occurrences, with consolatory and fervent endearments, heartily endeavou­ring to promote each others prosperity, [...]cting as faithfully for them in their ab­sence, as before their Eyes, walking not only without offence in the meekness of [...] Lamb, and the innocence of a Dove, cut in the Bowels of most ready Benefa­ctors; Striving who shall love most, and [...]ive best, and do most good; not being dishearten'd at any difficulties, but still go­ [...]ng on in a constant course of fervent [...]ove: When Society is thus actuated eve­ry way, it is a real happiness to make one [...]herein, and a mans dear acquaintance [...]hall yield him very valuable advantages: For true Friendship is no less than the [...]ure of melancholly, the relief of solitude, the support of weakness, the Light of ig­norance, the refuge of trouble, the reco­very of losses, the comfort of sorrows, the supply of necessities, the digestion of crosses, the ease of Burthens, the mitiga­tion of cares, the cover of Secrets, the extinction of discontents, and the help of all infirmities: and as the black side of mens condition is much mended, so the bright parts thereof are wonderfully illu­strated [Page 170] thereby: For Friendship makes the best paraphrase upon the prosperity of its Members, doubles their joys, Tri­umphs in their good success, encreases their Fruits, improves their Talents, mul­tiplies their Advantages, quickens their parts, betters their Morals, enriches their understandings and experiences, enlarges all their comforts, and is the Ornament, the Glory, and the pleasure of their con­versation; but a Society Animated with this sweet, and strong spirit of love is a rare sight in the World. Wherefore men must choose their Company the best that they can, that which is freest from selfish designs, and comes nearest to the most Vertuous, most ingenuous, most faithful, most wise, and sober Society: And 'tis prudent to take up with few Friends well tryed, and approved, whose company is the Glass in which the Beauty, or defor­mity of every mans mind is transparent; the crucible in which the Loyalty, or A­dulterations of their addictions are try­ed, and the Mint that Coins Treasures for all uses. Where Vertue is regent it herds with those only who are Eminent therein, and such who observe, and fol­low the best, may be the wisest of all their contemporaries, We see that all [Page 171] such Animals, with whom there is an Har­mony of Nature, and Union of tenden­cy, associate together; neither Birds, nor Beasts consort with their Enemies, but keep as well as they can out of their reach. If our Reason will not be concerned in the choice of our company, their Natu­ral instinct should prompt us to take heed to our selves; that we fall not into that which is the Seminary of Mischief, the Gulph of all Good Hopes, the bane of preferment, the loss of Credit, and the broad way to ruin. He can be no Bird of Paradice, who is a Brother to Dragons, and a Companion to Owles. Nothing is more usual than for some to keep com­pany at all Rates, and with all persons. It may be they are confident of the strength of their commanding Vertue, that they know what to take, and leave, and how to extract sweetness out of all Flowers: And are wise enough to distin­guish between the date and the Stone; the Gold and the Dross, the benefit and the danger of Company. But Vice is deceitful above all things, and hath many devices and Wiles to insinuate it self into mens affections, and sometimes by merry and witty Stratagems, entices the well-parted, and self-confident Vertuoso into [Page 172] a deplorable State. In all mixtures the composition rellishes much of the most bitter ingredients, and that Field is com­monly unfruitful where Tares are Sowed together with good Seed. How near was an Apostle to great danger, who in the High Priests Hall came almost to be one of those Fanaticks, who cryed out against the Son of God, let him be Crucified. They that use any sort of company, may by the power of Wit, or other bait suited to the gratification of sense, be allured to delight in it; and then the company is so impressive, that they are soon transformed into the likeness of it; and as Plants taste of the Soil in which they grow, so they savour of their manners with whom they joyn in conversation. Hence their minds are corrupted, their Lives are shamed, their Credits are blasted, and their pros­perity is overturned. For bad company is the very sink and lurch not only of all Sobriety, and good morature, but of all thrift and preferment, rendring all re­lations uncomfortable, by bringing down their cares with sorrow, frustrating their endeavours, contradicting their Counsels, and defeating their Hopes. Few are so well armed against the infection of bad Livers, but by familiarity with them they [Page 173] may be led into a conformity with their manners: For constant Fellowship is full of Charms and Pleasures, which steal a­way Mens Hearts by indiscernible de­grees: For which reason as we should cherish great thoughts of the good; so we should strengthen an aversion from E­vil company. The great efficacy of a familiar converse is so well known, that men commonly raise conjectures, and make probable guesses concerning others Fortunes, by that kind of Fellowship they list themselves in. We have good Rea­son to believe that Piety and Vertue make the best Friendships: ‘Which are as the Sun-shine in the Cold, and as the shade in the Heat, as the Mine of all supply, and as the Womb of all Fertility; for the Sea is not fuller of drops, the Skie not more infinite in breaths of Air, and blasts of Wind; the Sun not more re­plete with Rays, nor the Earth more sto­red with particles of dust, than good Companions are of delight, of comfort, of profit and praise.’ But the best friend­ships are rare Jewels, because that Ver­tue is too much excluded out of Mens cares which should bring them to effect: and they who will run indifferently into all Companies, take not right measures [Page 174] to compass the Friendship that is most worthy of Esteem, Courtship, and Ve­neration; but betray their own interest by a heedless embarquing of themselves too far in unfortunate acquaintance. The greatest part of the World is vitious, and therefore indigent, so that they who are ready to commence a familiarity with all sorts of persons, are soon tainted with their Vices, and consequently become partakers with them in their decayed Fortunes: For experience is full of in­stances of the danger of Suretiship upon this account, that an easie correspondence with the vitious and needy sort, abounds with plausible Arguments to perswade those who are entered into it, to be yo­ked with them in their concerns. No man knows how his affections may be en­tangled in his Company, and when his heart is once taken, they who have won the prize, may desire what they will, and they shall be gratified; and this point is gained of the heedless by any casual cir­cumstance that pleases their phancy. The habit, the demeanour, the Features, the Looks, the Voice, the Songs, the merry Jests, the witty Repertees, the fluant and pleasant Discourses of their Associates; or any thing that may render them good com­pany [Page 175] in their opinion catches their Af­fections whereby they themselves are ta­ken, and their Fortunes too: For such a matter as Suretiship which may do their business shall not be denied. When a mans company is become the most rel­ [...]ishing pleasure, and sweetest entertain­ment of his Life; he must not be guilty of any disgust by denying any request, least the whole matter of his delight be utterly lost, by such a defect in courtesie which will be resented as a provocation. I wish men were not so easily caught by their company, as the World knows they have been, and I am afraid ever will, un­less they learn more Wisdom, and foster no luxuriant inclination for all kind of acquaintance: For if they indulge this i­dle humour, though they should be so prudent as to withhold their security from him that needs it; yet they shall be troubled with Solicitations, and Tempta­tions thereto; and upon their refusal shall be censured as men of an hard ill Na­ture that have Mammon to be their God. It is easie to procure a multitude of ac­quaintance, but not so cheap to entertain them according to their necessities, Appe­tites, and Desires; among whom more hungry Wasps are found, than laden Bees, [Page 176] which is the Reason that wise men ha [...] a Rule to know, and be known not [...] much to the many, and most, as to th [...] few, and best of men, upon whose stoc [...] all the delight, and profit of Societ [...] thrives apace. They chuse them Friend who are Cordial, an [...] cheap to keep,Generosissima res est bonus a­micus: Non verbis, non carminibus, magicis, movetur: Non auro, aut gemmis, non ad extremum ferro fle­ctitur amando vincitur; colendoque. Petr. l. 1. dial. 59. who can love as they ar [...] beloved, and whil [...] they adhere to suc [...] they admit others only so far as civility requires, or commerce constrains; and keep them at such a convenient distance as rather obviates, than encourages such near approaches which may be costly and troublesome. But they who are addicted to be familiar with all they can come at may be surprized with those who wil [...] practice their ends upon them: So that besides the great expences they are at to make an acceptable shew, and appearance to all men (which must be reckoned a­mong extravagances) they are liable to be foiled by sundry Temptations, and subjected to others designs upon them▪ For no Moths are more injurious to Clothes, no Worms to Vegetables, no Traytors to Princes, no Diseases to Bo­dies, [Page 177] than multititude of acquaintance to Mens Temporal conditions: For hereby [...]hey contract Amities, which produce [...]irst charge, than trouble, and at last [...]uin; or what is little better, irregular Gamings; fretting and litigious quarrels; expensive entertainments; vile incontin­gences, and wasting Suretiships; all which [...]re back doors to thrift, and quicksands [...]o Estates. So that they who covet to [...]e known to many increase their sorrow, [...]s they increase their knowledge. They [...]robably aim at a great esteem, and re­putation among Men, and their humour [...]eing known, they may meet with Para­ [...]ites who shall feed their phancies with ap­plauses, which they shall not long enjoy without paying for them; for these Trum­peters will not spend their Breath for [...]ought: And there are great odds Men [...]annot come off only with wetting their whistles; for if they are not ready to offer [...]hem the courtesies which they need, they will be confident to solicite for them, and when the request is granted, and they [...]re once deeply engaged, they shall be [...]eft by those who sounded a March to [...]heir generosity, and must be constrain'd [...]o sound their own Retreat to their loss [...]nd shame. So they that gape for popu­lar [Page 178] Air, are often forced to swallow Ga [...] and Wormwood; and whatever designs Men have in seeking familiarity with all sorts of Men, there are some who will spie out their intentions, and will make their advantage of them; or if they move without design, as not being capa­ble to project any thing for themselves, but are led by meer Vanity; their case is the more extravagant and dange­rous, and within a short time may be be­yond all Salve miserable; for he that is hurried blind-fold through all ways, may either fall into a deep Pit from whence there is no recovery, or shall rush into a Wood of Briars and Thorns which shall tear him in pieces. Were men wise to know many, and yet to keep such a con­venient distance, as may help them to a good prospect of all the best uses that are to be made of their acquaintance; the more numerous it is, the more experience, skill and knowledge they might obtain [...] But they who will go too near, and sud­denly contract a familiarity with any face, may soon put their Necks under a yoke too heavy for them. They that in this wise will venture at all, shall lose all The itch of too great, or too much com­pany, proves to be such a sore in Families, [Page 179] [...]s corrupts all Relations therein: For Pa­rents by being too fond of many, be­come unnatural to their own issue: Chil­dren by running into Temptations of di­vers sorts, are so foiled thereby, that they become disobedient to their Parents: Husbands in taking their pleasure this way, either forget their Wives, or grieve their hearts with a churlish rudeness, or a scant provision: Wives, by wandring from House to House and tattling with all sorts, are either Tempted to be dis­loyal to their Husbands, or neglect the business proper for them within their own Doors: Servants also by this kind of wantonness, become Lazy and Licen­tious, if not grosly perfidious and wick­ed. And all that are guilty of this loose­ness darken their Credit, lessen their Treasure, weaken their power, and possibly are soon reduced to such scant­ness, as that they are forced to pra­ctice shifts, which hasten their Disgrace and Ruin. But I need not make a large Declamation concerning all the bitter Fruits, and lamentable consequences of this prodigious Folly: The common mischiefs whereof have forced thus much from me, and the danger of Suretiship upon this account, is (I suppose) sufficient­ly [Page 180] plain to every Attentive Observe [...] Wherefore I shall trouble the Reader no longer, presuming that the consideration of these few things which have, been sugge­sted to him, will be an effectual means to preserve him from the snare, which his own interest will oblige him to pass by with a swift foot. If he learn to be Religious to­wards God, he will find himself bound to be just to himself and his Family, prudent in all business; and highly concerned in the acts and exercises of all Graces, which are of a thriving Vertue. If he shun a drunken fellowship, and by a constant so­briety keep a clear and serene understand­ing, he shall not subject himself to the de­signs of mighty drinkers, whose crafty bar­gains are extreamly chargeable to such persons whose hearts are easily over-char­ged with surfeiting and drunkenness. If he have a watchful eye to his company, and do not affect a supernumerary acquaintance, his affections shall not, (nor therefore his Treasure) be caught by those who watch and wait for a favourable occasion to pra­ctice their ends upon him. If he be careful in these things, I do not question, but by walking thus uprightly, he shall walk sure­ly, and keep himself from danger.