Making Reparation for Fraud
What shall those do who have wronged others in their deal? Particularly those who have not given good weight or measure in that which they have furnished? Of course reparation should be made to the parties who have been wronged. Zaccheus had the proper idea. Perhaps many could not go so far as he determined to go in bringing forth fruits for repentance. Luke 19:1–10. The excellent article in the REVIEW about two years since, taken from the Christian, entitled, “Capt. Ball’s Experience,” is exceedingly instructive and valuable on this subject. But what shall those do who cannot find the parties wronged by them? If they have no means of knowing who they are, and cannot by proper effort find them out, then let them, 1. Make confession of their sin before the people of God, and before any of the world who have seen the wrong act. We shall find it a terrible thing in the judgment to have been the means of stumbling others by our example. 2. Make a trespass offering to God. Add at least one-fourth part to the full value of all that was fraudulently withholden from the buyer, and give this to the Benevolent Association for the relief of the unfortunate and distressed. 3. Then ask God, for Christ’s sake to forgive your sin, and solemnly covenant with him never to do the like again.