that like the soldier surrounded
with enemies, he must be killed; so the debtor must sink, it cannot be
prevented.

It is true, also, the man that thus struggles to the last, brings upon
him an universal reproach, and a censure, that is not only unavoidable,
but just, which is worse; but when a man breaks in time, he may hold up
his face to his creditors, and tell them, that he could have gone on a
considerable while longer, but that he should have had less left to pay
them with, and that he has chosen to stop while he may be able to give
them so considerable a sum as may convince them of his integrity.

We have a great clamour among us of the cruelty of creditors, and it is
a popular clamour, that goes a great way with some people; but let them
tell us when ever creditors were cruel, when the debtor came thus to
them with fifteen shillings in the pound in his offer. Perhaps when the
debtor has run to the utmost, and there appears to be little or nothing
left, he has been used roughly; and it is enough to provoke a creditor,
indeed, to be offered a shilling or half-a-crown in the pound for a
large debt, when, had the debtor been honest, and broke in time, he
might have received perhaps two-thirds of his debt, and the debtor been
in better condition too.

Break then in time, young tradesman, if you see you are going down, and
that the hazard of going on is doubtful; you will certainly be received
by your creditors with compassion, and with a generous treatment; and,
whatever happens, you will be able to begin the world again with the
title of an honest man--even the same creditors will embark with you
again, and be more forward to give you credit than before.

It is true, most tradesmen that break merit the name of knave or
dishonest man, but it is not so with all; the reason of the difference
lies chiefly in the manner of their breaking--namely, whether sooner or
later. It is possible, he may be an honest man who cannot, but he can
never be honest that can, and will not pay his debts. Now he, that,
being able to pay fifteen shillings in the pound, will struggle on till
he sees he shall not be able to pay half-a-crown in the pound, this man
was able to pay, but would not, and, therefore, as above, cannot be an
honest man.

In the next place, what shall we say to the peace and satisfaction of
mind in breaking, which the tradesman will always have when he acts the
honest part, and breaks betimes, compared to that guil