The hand-maid of repentance. Or, A short treatise of restitution. Written by Arth

If thou confess thy self an offender, in taking and detaining an other mans goods, and thereof outwardly repent thee: yet if, having it in thy power to make restitution, thou still detain them; thy repentance, howsoever thou makest show thereof, is not true, but ⟨image 17⟩feigned. But without true repentance there is no remission: and his repentance is good indeed, which restores the cause thereof to the right owners; always provided that the Penitent have the ability to perform it.

If thou confesse thy selfe an offender, in taking and detaining an other mans goods, and thereof outwardly repent thee: yet if, hauing it in thy power to make restitution, thou still detaine them; thy repentance, howsoeuer thou makest shew thereof, is not true, but ⟨image 17⟩fained. But without true repentance there is no remission: and his repentance is good indeede, which restores the cause therof to the right owners; alwaies prouided that the Penitent haue the abilitie to performe it.

Many account it no sin at all, to detain an other mans goods if they chance to find them: upon this ground, That GOD hath sent them; and therefore to whom should they restore them? But let such men know, That it is a sin not much differing from theft, to withhold from the Owner even that which they find.

Many account it no sinne at all, to detaine an other mans goods if they chance to finde them: vpon this ground, That GOD hath sent them; and therefore to whome should they restore them? But let such men know, That it is a sinne not much differing from theft, to withhold from the Owner euen that which they finde.