Opening of the Ten Commandments, Commandment 8
Thou ſhalt not ſteale.
ANd it takes order for the right cariage of our ſelues, in regard of riches or goods of this world.
The things herein are,
1. Inward.
2. Outward.
1. Inward, a well ordering of the inward man towards theſe outward goods in regard of
1. The iudgement, by eſteeming meanely of riches, in contemning it, or counting it dung or droſſe in compariſon of heauen, and of little value ſimply, becauſe it can doe no good, but in this baſe and worthleſſe life.
2. In regard of the thoughts, that they bee but ſparingly beſtowed in thinking of worldly buſineſſe, euen no more then the neceſſity of our calling induceth.
3. In regard of the affections, which are chiefly ſix.
1. LoueLove,
2. Deſire,
3. Truſt,
4. Ioy,
5. Feare,
6. Griefe; that muſt not be at all, or ſcarſe any whit at all exerciſed about the goods of this life, for S. Iohn ſaith, LoueLove not the world, and be contented with that you hauehave; and truſt not in riches; and let the rich man not reioyce in his riches; and care not for to morrow, and let vsus vſe the world as though we vſed it not.
2. The outward things commanded, are
1. In regard of our owne eſtate or goods.
2. In regard of the eſtates and goods of others.
1. In regard of our own eſtate or goods.
1. By a due care of maintaining our eſtate.
2. Of enioying and vſing the ſame.
1. By a due care of maintaining our eſtate: and that is,
1. By due getting.
2. By due keeping.
1. By due getting, to which end
1. We muſt hauehave a lawfull calling, ſomething to imploy our ſelues in for our owne aduantage by the common good.
2. We muſt vſe it lawfully, viz.
1. To the right end, the intereſting of our ſelues into Gods bleſſings according to his will.
2. In a right manner, with practiſe of three vertues.
1. Diligence.
2. Prudence.
3. Cheerefulneſſe.
2. By due keeping, which is thrift.
1. Diligence, is a vertue whereby men doe duly apply themſelues to the workes of their particular callings: it hath two parts.
1. Painfulneſſe and laboriouſneſſe, whereby a man doth earneſtly performe the workes of his calling whilſt he is at them, ſetting his head and hand and all to worke therein to ſome purpoſe.
2. Conſtancy, whereby a man continues cloſe at them, till there bee a iuſt cauſe of intermiſſion offered.
The iuſt cauſes of intermitting our callings are,
1. Spirituall.
2. Naturall.
1. Spirituall,
1. For the ſanctifying of the Sabbath day.
2. For performing religious duties on the weeke day, either
1. Priuate.
2. Publike.
1. Priuate, as
1. Prayer.
2. Meditation of Gods word.
1. Praier.
1. Alone.
2. With the family.
2. Publique, the hearing of the word of God preached, vnleſſe ſome extraordinary or ſpeciall occaſion of our calling hinder.
2. Naturall cauſes of intermitting our calling, and theſe are
1. Neceſſary.
2. Indifferent.
1. Neceſſary, reſpecting
1. Others.
2. Ourſelues.
1. Others, to doe ſeruice,
1. In the workes of an higher calling, as in publique meetings, &c.
2. In the workes of mercy, viſiting the afflicted.
3. In workes of courteſie, viſiting of friends and feaſting, &c. ſo that it bee moderate, not hurting ones eſtate, and with choyce of fit times.
2. Reſpecting our ſelues.
1. In ſickneſſe, when God doth force vsus to ceaſe from them.
2. In health.
1. For feeding our ſelues.
2. For refreſhing our bodies with fit ſleepe.
2. Naturall cauſes indifferent for ſports and paſtimes: and that we may lawfully vſe paſtimes or ſports, we muſt,
1. Aime at the right ends, which are
1. Principall, Gods glory, by fitting our ſelues the better to ſerue him in our callings.
2. Inferiour, which are
1. Refreſhing of the minde in dulneſſe.
2. Exerciſing of the body for health.
2. That we may lawfully vſe ſports, we muſt obſerue the right rules for attaining of theſe ends, for
1. Our affections to ſports, that we louelove them not, that is, ſuffer not our hearts to be ſo ſet vponupon them, that wee cannot quietly want them; becauſe we hauehave brought our ſelues in ſubiection to them.
2. The ſports themſelues, concerning
1. The matter of them.
2. The manner of vſing them.
1. Concerning the matter of them, three rules muſt be followed in choyce of ſport.
Rule 1.
1. That the thing vſed for ſport, be a thing lawfull and indifferent.
1. In regard of it ſelfe and its owne nature, as not being forbidden by God.
2. In regard of other conſiderations, taken
1. From the Magiſtrate.
2. From our ſelues.
3. From our brethren.
1. From the Magiſtrate, that it be not by his lawes prohibited.
2. From our ſelues, that it be not
1. Ouer-coſtly.
2. Ouer-dangerous.
1. Ouer-coſtly for our eſtates, as taking vp more expence then wee can vſually allow,
1. For Gods worſhip to maintaine it.
2. For workes of mercy to the poore.
3. For workes of mercy to our brethren.
2. Ouer-dangerous to our bodies, as hazarding life or limme in the following of it, as ſome ſports doe.
3. From our brethren, in that it doth not treſpaſſe and dammage them.
Rule 2. for choyce of ſports.
2. That the thing vſed to ſport be ſomeway beneficiall in it ſelfe, not barely ſeruing to content the fancy, elſe its worſe then an idle word, and ſo a ſinne.
Rule 3. for choyce of ſports.
3. That it be a matter ſo meane and low, as may be abaſed to ſo meane an vſe as ſporting, for ſerious and waighty things muſt be handled ſeriouſly.
2. The manner of vſing ſports, in regard of the principall circumſtances.
1. Time.
1. Not beginning before the vſe of body or minde doe require them.
2. Continuing, and that muſt bee but a little time, euen leſſe then vſually is ſpent vponupon duties of religion.
2. Circumſtance is company, with whom wee ioyne in them, that they bee at leaſt ciuilly and morally honeſt men, not notorious and ſcandalous ſinners.
3. Circumſtance is of place, that it be
1. Somwhat retired, not ouer-publique, for feare of offence and inconueniences.
2. Of honeſt note, not infamous.
4. Circumſtance is price, that we play for nothing, ſeeing ſports are not appointed by God to transferre the right of goods from one to another, but acts of our calling, and becauſe this is the procurer of moſt abuſes committed in ſporting through the ſetting of a greater edge vponupon a mans deſires to them then they ſhould hauehave to things ſportfull, or if wee will needes play for ſomething, the ſumme muſt needs bee of ſuch a nature,
1. As the players both of them can well ſpare without any apparant detriment to their eſtates.
2. As for the quantity of it, is not fit to ſtirre vp couetous paſſions.
3. As in other caſes a man of diſcretion would make none account, nor be no whit at all moued with the gaining or loſing of it.
Hitherto diligence in our callings: the next vertue to be practiſed in our callings is prudence or diſcretion.
2. Prudence is a vertue of ordering our affaires in ſuch a manner, as we may attaine good and proſperous ſucceſſe therein, or if we be croſſed, it befall not through any default of our owne.
The rules of wiſdome tend to two heads.
1. To meet with loſſes.
2. To make our buſineſſe thriue.
1. To meet with loſſes and indammagements.
1. By preuenting them.
2. By mitigating them.
1. By preuenting them ſo farre as may bee.
1. By taking good ſecurity of thoſe with whom we deale: Take a pledge of his hand, for a ſtranger, ſaith Salomon.
2. By ſecrecy: Keepe thy ſelfe ſecret for the wife of thy boſome, ſaith the Prophet.
3. By a good boldneſſe, to denie vnfit requeſts, chiefly of thoſe that enter into bonds, or bee ſureties for them, vnleſſe it be
1. For honeſt men, and ſufficient to our knowledge.
2. For our friends and familiars.
3. For ſuch ſummes as we can well pay our ſelues, without feeling a great burden to our eſtates.
4. By dealing plainly and ſquarely with all men, leſt it fall out that crafty ſnares take his foot that laid them.
Hitherto of preuenting loſſes, now followes
2. By mitigating loſſes, and making them as eaſie as may be, which cannot be totally preuented, as by reuealing ones debts, &c. to his friends, and crauing their helpe, afore it be too late, as Salomon aduiſeth in caſe of ſuretiſhip.
2. Rule of wiſdome is to make ones buſineſſe thriue and proue gainfull, for which end ſome generall rules are giuen in Scripture.
1. Obſerue and take fit times and ſeaſons, that nature or other occaſions offer, as the Ant that laboureth in Summer, for that is a ſeaſon for all things, as in youth and health to get for age and ſickneſſe, &c.
2. To know our eſtate, and keepe all our affaires, bargaines, &c. within the compaſſe of it, as Salomon bids, Know the face of thy flocke, Pro. 27.23.
3. To doe things chiefly of importance in ones eſtate, with deliberation and counſell, for in the multitude of counſellers is peace.
4. To feare the worſt as well as hope the beſt, for ſuſpecting what ill may come, and not only what muſt needs come.
5. To put all things to ſuch vſe, as much as may be, that a man may liue of his owne and not be euer buying, as Salomon aduiſeth, Pro. 27. laſt.
3. Duty. Hitherto of wiſdome in our callings; cheerefulneſſe followes, and it is a vertue whereby a man goes forward in the works of his calling with an vndiſcouraged heart, euen though croſſes come, out of the conſideration of Gods good prouidence in all things, and a dependance vponupon his truth to cauſe all worke for the beſt. And ſo much for that part of maintaining ones eſtate which conſiſts in getting. That followes that conſiſts in keeping, and here comes to be practiſed the vertue of thrift.
Thrift is the vertue of obſeruing due meaſure in expences, and it is done by two things.
1. By cutting off vnfit expences.
2. By moderating needfull expences.
1. By cutting off vnfit expences, which are of two ſorts.
1. Vnlawfull, ſuch as when the matter whereupon they are beſtowed is repugnant to Gods will, as maintaining of Harlots, Bauds, &c. and an hundred ſuch like.
2. Needleſſe, ſuch as come not within the limits of a mans vocation, and wherein he followes not God (ſpending becauſe hee ſees God would hauehave him ſpend) but his owne luſts, ſpending becauſe for ſome carnall end he hath a will to ſpend, whereof the moſt vſuall are theſe.
1. By vaine iourneys from place to place.
2. By vaine feaſtings, and merry meetings.
3. By vaine ſutes in law to vndoe another, or ſeeke reuenge of him.
4. By vaine gifts to ones greater, in hope of aſpiring.
5. By vaine vndertaking in oſtentation to pay for all when he comes in company, &c.
2. By moderating needfull and vertuous expences, in meate, drinke, apparell, building, houſhold ſtuffe, ſports and the like to theſe, framing them
1. To the naturall vſe appointed of God.
2. To a mans owne meanes, gettings, and reuenues, for if more come out then in, there will be emptineſſe at laſt.
3. To a mans owne eſtate and place, in regard of gouernment, and authority, and ranke where hee dwels: a gentleman muſt not affect to be like a Lord, a Lord like a King, in building and ſuch like.
Hitherto of maintaining ones eſtate:
2. Now ſecondly of enioying and vſing the ſame by applying our ſelues to reape thoſe benefits from them whereto naturally they ſerue, and which God would hauehave vsus to reape by the practiſe of the vertue of liberality or bounty, or in a great eſtate munificence, both in reſpect,
1. Of our ſelues, by taking a comfortable portion for our perſons and families, in meat, drinke, cloth, &c. according as God ſhall bleſſe vsus.
2. To others, and that both
1. Publique.
2. Priuate.
1. Publique, in being at charges for the common benefit in building, bridges, hie-waies, free-ſchooles, colledges, almes-houſes, hoſpitals, &c. which is right munificence and a being rich in good workes.
2. Priuate, and particular.
1. In mercy.
2. In kindneſſe.
1. In mercy to the diſtreſſed.
1. By lending freely to them that neede.
2. By giuing to them that want.
2. In kindneſſe to neighbours and friends, and all men in the practiſe of the vertue of hoſpitality (by a louing and moderate entertainment of honeſt men that ſhall hauehave occaſion to come vntounto vsus) and other like courteſies, onelyonly know that mercy muſt take the vpper hand of theſe curteſies, for Chriſt ſaith, call not thy rich friends to dinner, but the poore, meaning call the poore rather.
Hitherto of the duties required in regard of our owne eſtate. That followes ſecondly which concerneth▪
2. The eſtate and goods of other men, called particular iuſtice, which is the vertue of giuing to eueryevery man his owne, of which we muſt conſider,
1. The generall rules.
2. The diuers kinds.
1. The generall rules, which in Scripture are two.
1. Doe to eueryevery man, at ye would they ſhould doe to you.
2. Serue each other in louelove, not looking altogether to ſerue your ſelues.
2. The diuers kinds: iuſtice is
1. Of words, called truth,
1. In aſſertions, denying or affirming as the thing is.
2. Promiſes, faithfully reſoluing and endeuouring to the vtmoſt of our power to keepe them.
2. Iuſtice is of dealings and affaires conſiſting of many words and actions, and this is
1. Commutatiue.
2. Diſtributiue.
1. Commutatiue, that concerneth affaires that paſſe betwixt man and man in regard of the goods of this world: Inioyning vsus
1. For parting with that that it in our hands to others.
2. For taking from others.
1. For parting with that that is in our hand to others.
1. To make them ſatisfaction for all treſpaſſes wittingly or vnwittingly done to them in their goods, by our ſelues or beaſts, &c.
2. To make reſtitution to them of whatſoeuer we hauehave vnlawfully gotten into our hands, or if the right owner bee vnknowne or gone, we muſt reſtore it to God for the maintenance of his worſhip.
2. Wee are inioyned for taking any thing into our owne hands of others. Of which conſider,
1. The generall rule.
2. The moſt eminent and vſuall kindes.
1. The generall rule, which is this, Let no man take any thing but that, nor any more but that, to which hee hath ſure and plaine right and title.
Right is a reſpect depending betwixt ſome perſons, and ſome good, out of ſome due conſideration, in reaſon, whereby the poſſeſſing of that wealth becomes lawfull for thoſe perſons. Right is of two ſorts.
1. Diuine.
2. Humane.
1. Diuine, ariſing from ſome ſpeciall inſtitution of God in his word, as that of the Miniſters of the law to tithes, and ſo now of the Miniſters of the Goſpell too, which ſucceeding in the worke of attending Gods worſhip, cannot but ſucceed them in the reward of taking Gods portion, that is, the tenth, which hee hath challenged as his owne, of all men increaſe.
2. Humane, ariſing from the common inſtitution of God, founded vponupon ſome ſpeciall things conſiderable in men, and this is alſo double.
1. Naturall.
2. Ciuill.
1. Naturall, that is grounded vponupon the light of nature going alone, and that in things of two ſorts.
1. Such as hauehave no knowne and certaine owner.
2. Such as hauehave a certaine and knowne owner.
1. Such as hauehave no certaine and knowne owner, as
1. Publique things, the right whereto muſt be taken from tranſaction of publique perſons.
2. Common things, as wild-fowle, and which are his that by honeſt labour without treſpaſſing the lawes or ones neighbours, ſhall get them.
3. Loſt things, which are his that findes them, vnleſſe the owner ſhall bee knowne, or the lawes diſpoſe otherwiſe.
2. Such as hauehave a certaine and knowne owner, and in theſe right ariſeth either
1. From the perſon that departeth with goods.
2. From both parties ioyntly.
1. From the perſon that departeth with goods onelyonly and alone, and that is either
1. By free will, I ſay, will free from error, deceit, compulſion or force, open or ſecret, compoſition or conditioning, ſecret or open, and that that is ſo paſſed is gift.
2. By iniury offered by him to the perſon, goods, name, &c. of the other, according to the quantity or quality of the wrong for matter or circumſtance, and this is ſatisfaction.
2. From both parties ioyntly, viz. him that parteth with goods, and him that receiueth the ſame too, and that is either
1. Some ſpeciall obligation paſſing betwixt them, of neereneſſe of bloud, or duty, or the like, whereupon are grounded inheritances, and the deſcent of lands and goods, and diuers payments and dues to princes and officers.
2. Some exchange of one beneficiall thing for another of proportionable value, I ſay beneficiall in it ſelfe, and in it owne nature, as
1. Seruice.
2. Stuffe.
1. Seruice, for Stuffe, and ſeruice.
2. Stuffe, for ſeruice and ſtuffe, according to that ſpeech, do vt des, do vt facias, facio vt des, facio vt facias. And here is the ground of lawfull contracts and bargaines, a lawfull bargaine being nothing elſe, but the expreſſing of an agreement vponupon ſuch an exchange.
2. Ciuill, humane right, ariſing from the laws of each kingdome, ſtate and ſocietie, (which doe ſo far forth, and no further warrant conſcience, and giuegive right before God, as they are built vponupon the fore-mentioned, either naturall or diuine rights) which are referrable to two heads.
1. Rewards, priuiledges, fees, &c.
2. Penalties, mulcts, puniſhments.
Hitherto the generall rule of commutatiue iuſtice, now followes
2. The moſt eminent and vſuall kinds, which are fiue paire.
1. Paire.
1. Buying.
2. Selling.
2. Paire.
1. Setting or letting.
2. Taking.
3. Paire.
1. Borrowing.
2. Lending.
4. Paire.
1. Hiring.
2. Working for hire.
5. Paire.
Partnerſhip.
In buying and ſelling,
1. The buyer is bound.
2. The ſeller.
1. The buyer is bound to ſome things.
1. In regard of the thing bought, that he buy alone, that that is free for him to buy: no man elſe being intereſſed into it by any precedent cheapning or bargaine.
2. In regard of the manner of the buying.
1. For reckonings, that he make ſtraight and true.
2. For price, that he giuegive as much as the thing is worth, in his owne eſteeme.
3. For paiment, that he make it with currant money, and in the appointed time.
4. For meaſure, that he ſatisfie himſelfe with the due meaſure, and ſeeke no tricks, for procuring an ouer-plus.
2. The ſeller is bound to ſome things reſpecting
1. The thing ſold, that it be ſaleable for ſubſtance and qualitie, the ſame that he would hauehave it taken for, not worſe.
2. The manner of ſelling.
1. For reckoning, that he make it iuſt and ſquare.
2. For price, that he take no more then the worth of a thing, that is, ſo much as it is vſually ſold for, and as may make him a ſufficient gainer in his calling, euen ſo much as he would giuegive, all things conſidered, if he were to buy.
3. For the meaſure and waight, that he vſe true ones truly.
3. The ſeller is bound to ſome things, reſpecting the perſon to whom he ſelleth, that he ſatisfie himſelfe with cuſtomes duly gotten, not by tricks and deuices drawing in any one.
In ſetting, letting, and taking, the duties
1. Of the ſetter.
2. Of the taker.
1. Of the ſetter or Land-lord (for the chiefe ſetting is of land, though there be a ſetting alſo of other things.)
1. That he ſet things at a reaſonable rate, euen as himſelfe would giuegive, and as the taker may be a gainer.
2. That he ſet things good and ſufficient for the vſe whereto they be ſet, not ſecretly faultie, as houſes or land, in whom ſome other hath ſome title, or the like.
3. That he afford to the taker, a quiet vſe, fruition, and enioyment of the things ſet, according to the conditions agreed vponupon, without any oppreſſing him with other ſeruices.
4. That in caſe of Lands and houſes and the like, he renew the leaſe of his Tenant, (or his eſtate, as it falls our) vponupon reaſonable termes, rather then ſet it to any other, ſuppoſing the Tenant to hauehave beene a carefull and faithfull Tenant.
2. The taker muſt
1. Take that is free from others.
2. Keepe that he taketh without ſpoile, or waſte, or hauocke, and vſe it well whatſoeuer it be, horſe or other thing.
3. Paie his rent or hire in due time.
4. He muſt redeliuer it to him that ſet it, according to conditions, ſafely kept and preſerued.
In borrowing and lending, the duties
1. Of the borrower.
2. Of the lender.
1. Of the borrower are,
1. To borrow but for his need and vſe, when he cannot make any other ſhift, not otherwiſe, for why ſhould hee make himſelfe a ſlaue?
2. But reſolue, and care to repay in due ſeaſon.
3. Muſt vſe the thing borrowed ſo well, ſuppoſing it to be a thing to be repaid in the ſame indiuiduall thing, as if it were his owne.
2. The lenders duties are
1. To lend freely to the poore (that are honeſt, and conſcionable of repayment) ſo much as they can ſpare.
2. To lend, but for a moderate gaine, (in caſe they lend to a ſufficient man, that ſhall imploy it to his gaine) at moſt, but for ſo much as that ſumme of money laid out in the purchaſe of Land or an houſe, would yeeld (or if any more, very little, in conſideration of the greater caſualties of money, then an houſe) with the like eaſe. and freedome from all trauell and expence.
3. To vſe moderation, in the taking of morgages and forfeitures.
4. To be as much as may be, without too much detriment, forbearant in ſuits of Law.
In partnerſhip, the duties of partners are
1. To make indifferent and equall conditions of their partnerſhip.
2. To vſe due care and diligence in the things that are betwixt them, as their owne proper goods.
3. To purloine, and diuert nothing from the common ſtocke without agreement, but to giuegive vp an euen reckoning, and make a iuſt diuiſion, according to their couenants.
So much for commutatiue iuſtice. Now
2. Of diſtributiue iuſtice, ſo farre as concernes the iuſt deciſion of controuerſies about meum and tuum, and the iuſt ſatisfaction of dammages and wrongs in ones goods, in matters
1. Ciuill.
2. Eccleſiaſticall.
1. Ciuill, ſo farre as concernes
1. Priuate perſons.
2. Publique perſons.
1. Priuate perſons, that hauehave cauſes in courts of iuſtice.
1. That they commence not cauſeleſſe ſuits, grounded on ſpight, or quiddities of law.
2. That they vſe no diſhoneſt ſhifts nor delaies, to wearie out an aduerſarie, and by name not briberie.
2. Which concerne publique perſons.
1. All, in regard of publique lands, &c. committed to them, that they imploy them faithfully to the publique good.
2. Thoſe that hauehave to doe in ſentencing cauſes.
1. That they content themſelues with lawfull and moderate fees.
2. That they further the right, each to his vtmoſt knowledge and power.
2. In matters eccleſiaſticall.
1. By beſtowing of holy goods on holy things and perſons.
2. By a free bringing in of fit men to the miniſtery, and the places of charge, which we call benefices, for if the Iudge muſt take no gift, I pray you may the Patron? Will it not alſo blinde his eies?
So much for the affirmatiue part of this commandement. The negatiue followes, which is broken two waies,
1. By omiſſion of any of the things commanded.
2. By doing things contrarie thereto, and that
1. Inwardly.
2. Outwardly.
1. Inwardly, in the diſorder of the inward man about wealth, viz.
1. In the iudgement, in high eſteeming of riches, which is, laying vp treaſure on earth.
2. In the thoughts, in minding earthly things, beſtowing many, yea the moſt of our thoughts vponupon them, leauing none, or the fewer number, for things celeſtiall.
3. The affections to wealth.
1. Simplie.
2. Reſpectiuely.
1. Simply, and in it ſelfe: louelove, when a man loues the world for the louelove of money, is the root of all euill.
2. Reſpectiuely.
1. To our hauing them.
2. To our wanting them.
1. To our hauing them.
1. Already.
2. Hereafter.
1. Alreadie.
1. Of confidence, when we truſt in riches, .i. promiſe our ſelues to liue happily, or to ſcape miſerie for them.
2. Of ioy, when wee are very glad, of hauing gotten much.
2. Hereafter, deſire, when we couet wealth inordinately,
1. For degree of deſiring, in ſuffering the deſire to be earneſt.
2. For quantitie of the things deſired, when we deſire more then enough for neceſſarie vſes.
3. For the end of deſiring, when we wiſh them, either only to looke vponupon, or to ſet vp our ſelues.
2. Reſpectiue, wanting them
1. For the preſent, in carnall ſorrow, whereby we ouer-grieue croſſes and loſſes.
2. For the time to come, in carking and caring, which is a mixture of griefe and feare for wants doubted of that they will come.
2. By doing things outwardly contrarie thereto.
1. In regard of our owne eſtate.
2. In regard of others.
1. In regard of our owne eſtate or goods, concerning
1. The maintaining of our eſtates.
2. The vſing of them.
1. In regard of maintaining our eſtates.
1. By getting.
2. By keeping.
1. By getting, where are two maine ſinnes.
1. Liuing without a calling, as vagrants, and moſt Gentlemen and Vſurers.
2. Abuſing a calling.
1. For the matter of it, when it is either ſinful or vſeleſſe, as the Beareward, the keepers of cock-pits, dicing houſes, &c.
2. For the end of following it, when one labours to be rich, propounding a falſe end to himſelfe in his labours.
3. For the manner of proſecuting it.
1. In exceſſe.
2. In defect.
1. In exceſſe.
1. By toileſomneſſe, that is, to eager ſetting to the workes of ones calling, that one hath no time for comfortable refreſhing, or exerciſes of pietie.
1. For himſelfe.
2. For his people and familie.
2. By craft and worldly wiſdome, when a man is ſo attentiue to his gaine, that he neglects iuſtice and honeſty, at leaſt the things of a better life.
3. By too much iollitie and liuelineſſe, when a man hath no life, but for his worldly buſineſſe, becauſe he ſees proſperitie comming.
2. In defect, by three vices.
1. Idleneſſe.
2. Folly.
3. Dulneſſe and lumpiſhneſſe.
1. Idleneſſe is the ſinne of ſlackneſſe in doing the workes of his calling, and hath two parts.
1. A careleſſe doing of them, whilſt we tarie at them, working as the Prophet ſaith, till one be cold.
2. A cauſeleſſe departing from ones buſineſſe, and beſtowing the time in things vnprofitable, that are ſo
1. Simply.
2. Accidentally.
1. Simplie: as
1. Vaine twattle, and talke of the lips.
2. Vaine bookes and Pamphlets.
3. Vaine thoughts and conceits.
2. Accidentally.
1. In regard of their quantitie.
2. In regard of their impertinencie.
1. In regard of their quantitie, becauſe they be vſed too much, as
1. Sports, which is ſportfulneſſe.
2. Sleepe, which is, ſluggiſhneſſe.
2. In regard of impertinencie, in that they concerne not ones ſelfe, as being a buſie body in others matters.
2. Vice, folly is the vice of doing things in ſuch an vntowardly manner, as that one hinders himſelfe, and brings croſſes vponupon himſelfe, and that foure waies.
1. By raſhneſſe.
2. Heedleſneſſe.
3. Too much openneſſe.
4. Credulitie.
1. By raſhneſſe, venturing vponupon things haſtilie, and of ones owne head.
2. By heedleſneſſe, in caſting off the conſideration
1. Of a mans owne eſtate, how farre it can reach, or cannot reach.
2. Of the perils and dangers that may come, in all dealings.
3. Of the fit ſeaſons, of doing and getting things.
3. By too too much openneſſe and blabbing.
4. By credulitie and too much beleeuing, where the maine fault is, ſuretiſhip and careleſſe lending.
3. Vice, dulneſſe in following ones calling, which is a vice of being heauie, and troubled in ones calling, and vnwilling to follow it, in regard of diſcouragement by croſſes, and wanting of ſucceſſe.
Hitherto of the faults in getting: now for keeping it, and likewiſe of vſing, for they are neere of a nature, and coincident, the ſame vices croſſing the two vertues of thrift and liberalitie, viz.
1. In defect.
2. In exceſſe.
1. In defect, nigardice, which is a ſparing more then is fit, both
1. From ones ſelfe and family, when he cannot afford himſelfe and them fit food and attire for his place and meanes.
2. From others.
1. By churliſhneſſe, againſt kindneſſe and hoſpitalitie, when one refuſeth to giuegive fit entertainment, and performe fit curteſies.
2. Hard heartedneſſe, when one refuſeth to releeue the neceſſities of the poore, and to doe other workes of mercy according to his place.
2. In exceſſe, which is twofold.
1. Waſtefulneſſe, in letting thoſe, as bread, drinke meat, &c. goe careleſly to loſſe.
2. Prodigalitie in expences.
1. Sinfull, as riot, gaming.
2. Superfluous.
1. Exceeding ones place, when he ſtriues to be as hie as any of his ranke, yea, as ſome of an hier ranke.
2. Ones meanes, in that his expence procures
1. Indebtedneſſe, that he goes into the bookes and bonds, more then he can well pay.
2. Bareneſſe, in that nothing remaines
1. For himſelfe.
2. For workes of mercy.
1. For himſelfe,
1. To beſtow on his children.
2. To beare out ſickneſſe or croſſes.
2. Bareneſſe, for workes of merciemercy, ſuch as his eſtate well husbanded would afford.
So much of the ſinnes againſt ones owne eſtate: thoſe follow, that are committed againſt the eſtates
2. Of others, our neighbours, by the practiſe of vniuſtice: vniuſtice is the ſin of deſiring and taking that that is another mans, or of hindering another man from that that is his owne. Vniuſtice is practiſed
1. Palpably.
2. Colourably.
1. Palpably and plainly, when there is no colour of any cauſe alledged, why a man ſhould hauehave that that is anothers, yet he will hauehave it without any, ſo much as a ſeeming right, and that
1. By taking.
2. Keeping.
1. By taking,
1. In ones owne perſon.
2. In his beaſt.
1. In ones owne perſon.
1. By fraud and couſenage, whereof the deuill and men hauehave inuented a thouſand tricks.
2. By force and violence, carrying away our neighbours good, cleane againſt his good liking, as in robberies and thefts of all kindes.
2. In his beaſt, by wilfull treſpaſſing ones neighbour, in cauſing ones horſe or oxe to feed of his graſſe or corne, vnleſſe in caſe of neceſſitie, to releeue a tired beaſt by the way, or ſuch like indammagement witting or vnwitting.
2. Iniuſtice is practiſed by keeping or detaining things that our neighbour hath right vntounto, as
1. Things ſtolne by another, where the receiuer is truly accounted worſe then the theefe.
2. Things loſt, when the owner is knowne or might be knowne, if one would vſe any fit meanes to finde him out.
3. Legacies, or any other thing committed to ones truſt, to beſtow vponupon another.
4. Ill gotten goods or lands, that ones ſelfe or predeceſſors hauehave ſinfully come by.
5. Due ſatisfaction of dammages and treſpaſſes, wherein one hath wronged his neighbour.
2. Vniuſtice is practiſed colourably, when the vniuſtice is hidden ouer with ſome ſhew of right, whereof
1. Generally.
2. Particularly.
1. Generally, the maine points are,
1. Falſhood.
2. Rigor.
1. Falſhood.
1. In words, by lying in all kinde of dealing, to bring one gaines.
2. In deeds, when they be not agreeable to ones promiſes and vndertakings.
2. The ſecond generall rigor or extremitie, when a man will take all that he can make any ſhift, by any quirke or quidditie of law, in extremitie to get or to keepe, for extreme right is extreme wrong.
2. Particularly. The ſpeciall points are
1. In dealings leſſe eminent.
2. In dealings more eminent.
1. In dealings leſſe eminent, or the ordinarie paſſages of buſineſſe, betwixt priuate men in bargaining, whereof there are fiue moſt remarkable kindes, viz.
1.
Buying.
Selling.
2.
Setting and Letting.
Taking.
3.
Borrowing.
Lending.
4.
Hiering.
Working for hire.
5. Partnerſhip.
2. In dealings more eminent and publique.
1. Ciuill.
2. Eccleſiaſticall.
1. Ciuill.
1. By priuate men.
2. By publique perſons.
1. By priuate men,
1. Betwixt buyers and ſellers.
2. Betwixt ſetters and letters.
2. Publique perſons.
1. Betwixt buyers and ſellers, the faults are
1. Of the buyer.
2. Of the ſeller.
1. Of the buyer.
1. In regard of the thing that he doth buy.
2. In regard of the manner of buying.
1. In regard of the thing that he doth buy.
1. For quantitie, ingroſſing, when he buyes vp the ſtore that God ſends, and forceth a ſcarcitie, to enrich himſelfe.
2. For the intereſt ſome other hath vntounto it, when he buyes it out of another mans hands.
2. The manner of buying.
1. In regard of price.
2. In regard of reckoning.
3. In regard of paiment.
4. In regard of weighing.
1. In regard of price, when becauſe of the ſimplicitie or neceſſitie of the ſeller, he gets it for leſſe then he knowes it to be worth, that is, then other who knew it, and had not ſuch need, but yet were willing to ſell, would vſually ſell the ſame.
2. In regard of reckoning, when he miſreckons the ſeller, becauſe of his ſimplicitie or forgetfulneſſe.
3. In regard of paiment, when he paies him falſe coine, or out of the appointed ſeaſon agreed vponupon betwixt them.
4. In regard of weighing or meaſuring, when by ſome deuices he gets more then his due.
2. The faults in regard of the ſeller, are
1. For the matter.
2. For the manner.
3. For the perſon.
1. For the matter ſold, if it be inſufficient and vnſaleable, as ſtuffe that is not the ſame for matter and goodneſſe, which it is made to appeare, or land that is intangled by ſome former bargaine.
2. For the manner of ſelling.
1. In regard of weights and meaſures, when they be not the ſame for heft, content, and extent, that law doth appoint, and vſually men in dealing doe expect.
2. In regard of the manner of vſing waights and meaſures, when a man makes ſhew to giuegive waight and meaſure, but by iogging and other trickes doth cut the matter ſhorter, as in meaſuring three quarters of an Ell for a yard, which lacks about a naile of a yard in meaſure.
3. In regard of the price, when the ſeller abuſeth the buyers neceſſitie or ſimplicitie, to ſell a thing dearer then he knowes it to be worth.
4. In regard of reckonings, when the ſeller ouer-reckoneth the buyer, becauſe of his careleſneſſe, forgetfulneſſe, or ignorance.
3. The ſeller is in fault, in regard of the perſon with whom he dealeth, when he labours by odde tricks to get away another mans cuſtomer, as by ſelling for a while better cheape then he can afford, that after he may fetch it out againe, when he hath gotten the cuſtomer to credit him.
2. Faults betwixt them that ſet and let things, and them that take, the faults are
1. Of the ſetter.
2. Of the taker.
1. Of the ſetter, whether he ſet or let
1. Lands.
2. Other things.
1. Lands and tenements, and that
1. By depopulating of townes and villages.
2. By thruſting out tenants cauſeleſly in anger.
3. By grinding his tenants.
1. By racking rents to exceſſiue prices.
2. By letting vponupon hard conditions.
3. By miſconſtruing conditions, ſpecially to depriue him of his bargaine.
4. By exacting hard ſeruices aboue the conditions, as that a poore labourer muſt worke with him all harueſt for a pennie or two pence a day leſſe then other men would giuegive.
2. In regard of other things, which are of other natures, as horſes, apparell, and the like, and that
1. By ſetting ſuch things, as are knowne to be naught and vnſufficient for his vſe that hireth the ſame.
2. By taking too hard a rate for them, becauſe of the takers need.
3. By turning the loſſe, (if any come by Gods hand, not the takers abuſing the thing let) vponupon the taker, by any tricks, for the thing hired is loſt to the hirer, if it miſcarie without the fault of the taker.
2. The faults of the taker are
1. Taking lands or houſes ouer another mans head, or any other thing out of another mans hand, that is, when he is about to take it, and hath will and meanes, then by offering more then he is in price for, or by preuenting the tenant with offering before him, to get it from him.
2. Neglecting to pay the rent, or hire of a thing in due time and quantitie.
3. Making waſte in land by cutting the woods, or letting it goe out of heart, or the like.
4. Suffering houſes and tenements to goe out of repaire.
5. Abuſing other things hired, as horſes by ouer-riding them, and not affording them ſuch prouender, and hay or graſſe as is ſufficient, and as wontedly men doe giuegive to their owne horſes.
3. Betwixt the borrower and lender, there are ſinnes
1. Of the borrower.
2. Of the lender.
1. Of the borrower.
1. If he run in debt careleſly, or through greedineſſe, he that is bold to borrow, dealeth fooliſhly and vniuſtly too.
2. If he be careleſſe to pay in due time, putting the lender to ſeeke and ſue for his owne.
3. If he breake and play the banckerupt, only to beguile men, and compound for leſſe then the ſummes which he doth owe.
4. If he abuſe the thing lent, it being ſuch a thing as may be abuſed, as an horſe, &c.
5. If he winde others into danger, by drawing them to be ſureties for him, and then leauing them in the lurch.
2. The lender ſinneth,
1. If he rigorouſly exact debts of poore men, and ſuch as Gods hand by loſſes and croſſes hath brought low.
2. If he tranſgreſſe in pledges, and in morgages.
1. By taking a pledge of the poore, Iob. 24.9.
2. By taking of any mans things of preſent neceſſarie vſe for liuing.
3. By taking forfeitures with rigor.
4. By abuſing and making worſe the things pawned.
4. Betwixt thoſe that hire, and thoſe that worke for wages, there are ſins,
1. In the hirer.
2. In the hired.
1. In the hirer.
1. If he pay nothing at all.
2. Too little, that the hired cannot liue of it.
3. If he pay grumblingly and vnwillingly.
4. Vnſeaſonably, and with many delaies.
2. The hireds ſinnes,
1. If he loyter and worke by the halfes.
2. If he bungle or doe his worke vnskilfully.
3. If he purloigne any of the ſtuffe, or matter whereon he is to worke.
5. Partners ſinne,
1. If the one put the other to hard conditions.
2. If they miſreckon at parting.
3. If afore the parting, either peruert any of the common goods to his particular vſe, without priuitie and conſent of the reſt.
4. If either be ſlacke and negligent in their endeuours for the common profit.
Hitherto of colourable vniuſtice in dealings, leſſe eminent againſt commutatiue iuſtice: Now of that vniuſtice, which is in more eminent dealings againſt diſtributiue iuſtice in things
1. Ciuill.
2. Eccleſiaſticall.
1. Ciuill.
1. Of priuate men.
2. Of publike perſons.
1. Of priuate men, in abuſing of law and the courts of Iuſtice.
1. On the Plaintifes part.
2. On the defendant.
1. On the Plaintifes part,
1. If he commence wrongfull ſuits, to vexe another, out of hope to beare it out by money and friends.
2. If he vſe bribing, and like tricks to beare out his cauſe whatſoeuer.
2. On the defendant, if he doe
1. Stand in a wrongfull cauſe, by friends, or trickes of law and delaies.
2. If hee vſe bribing and ſhifting deuices.
2. Publike perſons.
1. Generally.
2. Particularly.
1. Generally, by abuſing of publique lands and moneys to their owne or friends priuate aduantage, againſt the true meaning of them that gaue ſuch lands or moneys.
2. Particularly, in caſes of adminiſtring iuſtice betwixt party and party.
1. By extortion, in exacting ouerabundant fees.
2. By bribery, in taking gifts.
3. By peruerting iuſtice: either
1. In hindring a right ſentence.
2. In furthering a wrong ſentence.
2. Againſt diſtributiue iuſtice, in things eccleſiaſticall.
1. By ſacriledge.
2. Simony.
1. By ſacriledge, turning to common vſes goods ſacred, either
1. By mans donation.
2. By Gods ſpeciall inſtitution.
2. Simonie, in taking money for preſenting any to benefices, ſpecially vnfit men, or in buying aduowſons.
Hitherto of the eighth commandement concerning goods: the ninth followeth.