But it is said--he
commended him for having acted wisely. Now that word "wisely" may merely
mean prudently, sensibly, and with common sense. But if the master
thought that to cheat, or to teach others to cheat, was acting either
wisely or prudently, then he was a very foolish and short-sighted man,
and altogether mistaken. For be sure and certain, and settle it in your
minds, that neither falsehood or dishonesty is ever either wise or
prudent, but short-sighted, foolish, certain to punish itself. Such
teaching is totally contrary to our Lord's own teaching. Agree with
thine adversary quickly, He says, while thou art in the way with him,
lest he deliver thee to the Judge. If thou hast done wrong, right it
again as soon as possible; for your sin will surely find you out, and
avenge itself. Give the devil his due, says the good old proverb. Pay
him at once and be done with him: but never think to escape out of his
clutches, as too many wretched and foolish sinners do, by running up a
fresh score with him, and trying to hide old sins by new ones.
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