A26892:8747
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.
Answ. No: because God hath appointed the means of just propriety; and what is not gotten by those means, is none of yours by his approbation. He is the giver of Riches; and he intendeth not to give to all alike: If he give more to others he will require more of them. And if he give less to you, it is the measure which he seeth to be meetest for you; and the condition in which your obedience and patience must be tried: And he will not take it well, if you will alter your measure by forbidden means, and be carvers for your selves, or level others.
Answ. No: because God hath appointed the means of just propriety; and what is not gotten by those means, is none of yours by his approbation. He is the giver of Riches; and he intendeth not to give to all alike: If he give more to others he will require more of them. And if he give less to you, it is the measure which he seeth to be meetest for you; and the condition in which your obedience and patience must be tryed: And he will not take it well, if you will alter your measure by forbidden means, and be carvers for your selves, or level others.
§. 14. Quest. 7. There are certain measures which humanity obligeth all men to grant to those in want,1 and therefore men take without asking: As to pluck an Apple from a tree, or as Christs disciples, to rub the ears of Corn to eat: If a Nabal deny me such a thing, may I not take it?
- 1Quest. 7.
Answ. If the Laws of the Land allow it you, you may: Because mens propriety is subjected to the Law for the common good. But if the Law forbid it you, you may not: except when it is necessary to save your life, upon the terms expressed under the first question.