The main principles of Christian religion in a 107 short articles or aphorisms, generally…

Expl. 81. This Command forbiddeth all manner of lust or concupiscence, whereby the nature or heart of men is polluted and defiled, so that original lust or concupiscence which Paul had not known to be sin but by this Law, is plainly forbidden by this Law, Thou shalt not covet, Rom. 7.7. Neither is only the fountain-lust, or the depraved inclination of corrupt nature here forbidden, but also all the streams that proceed from it; as the lusts of the flesh, as luxury, or the lust of the eye as gain, or the pride of life as glory, scil. vain-glory. Yet further, here is forbidden (1st,) Discontentedness of mind, when men repine and murmur at Gods providence, as if he did wrong, those complainers, when he gives either more or better of this worlds goods to others than he does to them; which wicked temper doth arise, (1) From mens covetousness. (2) From ⟨p. 135⟩pride, which would pull down other mens estates to a mans own level; but these two levelling principles being destructive to propriety as well as society, are here forbidden. (3) From a double mistake: As (1) concerning the nature of these things, as if a mans happiness did consist in the abundance of these things. (2) Concerning Gods government of the World, as if he did not govern the World in wisdom and righteousness. Qu. But may not a man lawfully desire more of this Worlds goods than he has already? Answ. Yes; Provided (1) his desire of what he wants be without murmuring and repining. (2) With cheerful submission to the will of God. And (3) with subordination to Gods glory; neither is contentment of mind, at all inconsistent with such regular desires. (2dly,) Envying at the prosperity of others is here forbidden: For (1) This is against charity, which requires we should love our Neighbours as our selves, and which should rather rejoice than grieve at the good of others. (2) And that golden Rule of Righteousness, Do as you would be done unto. (3) Against the example of God himself, who rejoiceth in the prosperity of his servants. (3dly,) Here is forbidden all inordinate motions and affections towards worldly objects; as love, delight, zeal, &c. in or for the enjoyment; and impatience, vexation, immoderate grief for loss or disappointments.

Expl. 81. This Command forbiddeth all manner of lust or concupiscence, whereby the nature or heart of men is polluted and defiled, so that original lust or concupiscence which Paul had not known to be sin but by this Law, is plainly forbidden by this Law, Thou shalt not covet,