CRAM. )(XV.] CHAISTIAN MORALITV, V12, )USTICE, áÇ, 423 some persons than he does of others for the same mer- chandize; for he may treat some of his customers fa- vourably, though he must deal righteously and justlywith them all. But-let hiin see to it that he use ingenuity to wards the poor, the necessitous, and the unskilful, as well as moderation towards all men. The circumstances of things are so various, that much of the practice ofjustice must be left to the court of equity in every man's breast, under the sacred influence of this rule, " Do that to others which you think reasonable that others should do to you." It is best in all-doubtful and difficult cases tó practise what is fair and honourable in the sight ofmen; and what is safe and innocent in the sight of God ; for a good conscience is better than the largest gain ; But where the sacred principles of virtue are over-borne by corrupt inclinations, the moral powers of the soul are stretched at first to the lengths of moderate iniquity, and conscience is strained to the indulgence of some smaller unrighteousness; but virtue-will die by degrees, and con- science will learn in time to allow bolder injustice. And then, though it may be stupified and senseless fora sea- son, yet let the `sinner know, that it will have its feeling return again, and the guilt of knavery and falsehood will torture the soul with unknown agonies here or hereafter. But the wretched influence of this vice of covetousness is not confined only to trafficand merchandize : It spreads its unrighteousness much farther and wider : It tempts the sons and daughters of men to with-hold due honour and necessary supplies from their aged parents, and ex- poses to great hardships in the latter end of life, those to whomwe owe our life itself, and the comforts of it inour younger years. It with-holds wages from the servant, and salary from him that has earned it. It forbids those who have received benefits to make a grateful return to their benefactors. It will teach a man to stop his ears at the cry of his neighbour in distress, lest it should cost some money for his relief. It refuses an alms to the starving poor, and finds an .excuse for the churl, lest he stretch out his hand of bounty to a perishing family. It is so wrapped up inself, that it never considers what is due to another; and ventures to break all the rules of righ- teousness rather than diminish its own estate, or part with any thin; it can call, MINE. It would suffer a
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=