A guide to godliness or a Treatise of a Christian life showing the dutiesA guide to godlynesse or a Treatise of a Christian life shewing the duties

THE eighth Commandment, expressed in these words, Thou shalt not steal, enjoineth us to preserve and increase by all good means, as much as in us lieth, our own and neighbours good, respecting goods and possessions; and not only forbiddeth all those vices and sins whereby they are any way hindered or impaired, but also requireth all virtues and good duties, whereby they are preserved and advanced. And these duties are either more general or special. The general duties stand in these degrees. First, that we be not hurtful to our neighbours, in hindering or impairing their estate, by doing them any wrong or injury; or if ¹we have, that we make them satisfaction and amends. Secondly, that we preserve, as much as in us lieth, our own and neighbours goods from all waste and damage. Thirdly, that we be beneficial and helpful to all, as far as we are able, and their necessity requireth, and employ our goods as we ought, to our own and others good. The special duties respect either the just and honest possession of our goods, unto which is required that we both get and keep them in a good manner, & by just and lawful means; or the lawful and laudable use of those goods, which we have thus lawfully gotten. Unto the just getting of our goods, four virtues ²are required. First, that we do not immoderately love money, which is the root of all evil, nor set our hearts upon riches and the earthly Mammon. Secondly, contentedness with that condition, which God in his wise, just and Fatherly providence hath allotted unto us; for discontent disposeth men to covet and seek more then is needful, though it be by unlawful means; to which vice they make themselves subject, who have