to his eternal interest, and by the help of God diligently implored.
That the necessity of this vigilance may be more strongly recommended, it is fit that we consider,
Secondly: How much the practice of fraud is contrary to religion, and how much it obstructs the happiness of the world.
The great rule, by which religion regulates all transactions between one man and another, is, that every man "should do to others what he would expect that others," in the same case, "should do to him." This rule is violated in every act of fraud. For, however the "children of the world" may forgive, or applaud, themselves, when they practise fraud, they complain very loudly, when they suffer it. They then can clearly discern its baseness, and its mischief; and discover, that nothing deserves praise but purity and goodness.
The crime of fraud has this aggravation, that it is generally an abuse of confidence. Robberies of violence are committed commonly upon those, to whom the robber is unknown. The lurking thief takes indiscriminately what comes by chance within his reach. But deceit cannot be practised, unless by some previous treaty, and gradual advance, by which distrust is dissipated, and an opinion of candour and integrity excited. Fraud, therefore, necessarily disguises life with solitude and suspicion. He that has been deceived, knows not afterwards whom he can trust, but grows timorous, reserved, afraid alike of enemies and friends; and loses, at least, part of that benevolence which is necessary to an amiable and virtuous character.
Fraud is the more to be suppressed by universal detestation, as its effects can scarcely be limited. A thief seldom takes away what can much impoverish the loser; but by fraud, the opulent may at once be reduced to indigence, and the prosperous distressed; the effects of a long course of industry may be suddenly annihilated, the provision made for age may be withdrawn, and the inheritance of posterity intercepted.
