A26892:8734
A Christian Directory
A Christian directory, or, A sum of practical theology and cases of conscience directing Christians how to use their knowledge and faith, how to improve all helps and means, and to perform all duties, how to overcome temptations, and to escape or mortify every sin : in four parts ... / by Richard Baxter.A Christian directory, or, A summ of practical theologie and cases of conscience directing Christians how to use their knowledge and faith, how to improve all helps and means, and to perform all duties, how to overcome temptations, and to escape or mortifie every sin : in four parts ... / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons, 1673
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Part 4 › Chapter 18 › Tit. 2. Certain Cases of Conscience about Theft and Injury.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
§. 6. 1. Whensoever the preservation of the life of the taker, is not in open probability, like to be more serviceable to the common good, than the violation of the right of Propriety will be hurtful, the taking of another mans goods is sinful, though it be only to save the takers life. For the common good is to be preferred before the good of any individual.
§. 7. 2. In ordinary cases, the saving of a mans life will not do so much good, as his stealing will do hurt. Because the lives of ordinary persons are of no great concernment to the common good: And the violation, of the Laws, may encourage the poor to turn thieves, to the loss of the estates and lives of others, and the overthrow of public peace and order. Therefore ordinarily it is a duty, rather to dye, than take another mans goods against his will, or without his consent.
§. 7. 2. In ordinary cases, the saving of a mans life will not do so much good, as his stealing will do hurt. Because the lives of ordinary persons are of no great concernment to the common good: And the violation, of the Laws, may encourage the poor to turn thieves, to the loss of the estates and lives of others, and the overthrow of publick peace and order. Therefore ordinarily it is a duty, rather to dye, than take another mans goods against his will, or without his consent.
§. 8. 3. But in case that the Common good doth apparently more require the preservation of the persons life, than the preservation of propriety and keeping of the Law in that instance, it is then no sin (as I conceive): which may fall out in many instances.