Methods of paying one’s debts

Chapter IX Methods of paying one’ s debts If one aspires to be a good collector of debts and a perfect trader, one must also be reliable as a payer. The following proverb was certainly thought of by a knowledgeable trader: “Good with money, good in everything else.” Personally, I find this proverb to be praiseworthy and I indeed approve of the idea expressed. It is also very highly regarded in Catalunya, especially in that glorious city of Barcelona where it is customary to commend the person they intend to elect for town council on account of being a good payer. Hence, everybody is intent on having such a reputation, and as a result, most people do. Many follow the example of our Lord, who warned against withholding your employees’ earnings, by which he implied that employees must be paid without unnecessary delay. This is also the thought of St. Augustine when he defined justice as follows: “When justice is served everyone is given what is rightfully his.” Remember that paying one’s dues regularly earns one a good reputation and trust among friends. A mention of this truth is made in the proverb saying that a good payer is the master of another man’s wallet. More than men in any other trade, a trader must aspire to deserve praise of this kind. Moreover, when your payment is due, seek your creditor and pay what you owe him even if he does not press you. Make a record in your book of every payment you make and indicate the creditor. If you are ever asked to serve as a judge, and if you observe that

it is indicated in the books and records submitted that someone “must pay” (owes), and there is no note that someone “must receive” (outstanding debts), openly proclaim this person as evil, deceitful and mean, and deserving the harshest treatment. Y ou should regard people in this same way if they received money or goods but made no note of this, and if they did, it is contained in letters written by other people who did not testify that they really did write them. Again, you are dealing with treacherous men who undoubtedly intend to deceive someone, to some degree at least. It is better to avoid such people, these disgraceful criminals, no less than you would a plague. They are unworthy of belonging to the society of good, honest and reputable traders, who must not allow any frauds among themselves or even a shred of doubt that such an act could be committed. Make a habit of noting everything you receive from others, issuing receipts and marking each item in order to avoid being tempted to deny that any such dealings took place, or that your successors would have to deal with this in the case you died unexpectedly. If they yield to such temptation, the sin would be on your soul. Always promptly record in your creditor’s book the debtor and the debt he paid. There are some who avoid this practice only to deceive the debtor, in case it proves advantageous. T rust should not be placed in these people, as it is not placed in thieves. Pay the money you owe, and if you are not indebted, offer your apologies because he who is not burdened with a debt, has no debt to settle, unlike the one who in fact did incur it.