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Richard Baxter
A Christian Directory
Part 4
Chapter 18
Tit. 2. Certain Cases of Conscience about Theft and Injury.
p. 111

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,I. CHRISTIAN ETHICS (or private Duties.)II. CHRISTIAN OECONOMICKS (or Family Duties.)III. CHRISTIAN ECCLESIASTICS (or Church Duties.)IV. CHRISTIAN POLITICS (or Duties to our Rulers and Neighbours.)By RICHARD BAXTER.Mal. 2. 7▪ 8.The Priests lips should keep Knowledge, and they should seek the Law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of Hosts. But ye are departed out of the way: Ye have Caused many to stumble at the Law; ye have corrupted the Covenant of Levi—Matth. 13. 52.Every SCRIBE which is instructed unto the Kingdom of Heaven, is like unto a man that is an Householder, which bringeth forth out of his Treasure things New and Old.Heb. 5. 13, 14.For every one that useth Milk is unskilful in the Word of Righteousness: for he is a Babe: But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age: Those who by reason of USE, have their senses exercised to discern both Good and Evil.2 Tim. 2. 14, 15, 16.Of these things put them in remembrance; charging them before God, that they STRIVE not about WORDS, to no profit, but to the subverting of the Hearers: Study to show thy self approved UNTO GOD, a Workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING the word of Truth. But shun profane and vain Babblings; for they will increase unto more Ungodliness, and their Word will eat as doth a Canker.2 Pet. 3. 16.In which (Pauls Epistles) are some things hard to be understood: which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures to their own destruction.LONDON, Printed, by Robert White, for Nevill Simmons, at the Sign of the Princes Arms in St. Pauls Church-yard. 1673.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,I. CHRISTIAN ETHICKS (or private Duties.)II. CHRISTIAN OECONOMICKS (or Family Duties.)III. CHRISTIAN ECCLESIASTICKS (or Church Duties.)IV. CHRISTIAN POLITICKS (or Duties to our Rulers and Neighbours.)By RICHARD BAXTER.Mal. 2. 7▪ 8.The Priests lips should keep Knowledge, and they should seek the Law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of Hosts. But ye are departed out of the way: Ye have Caused many to stumble at the Law; ye have corrupted the Covenant of Levi—Matth. 13. 52.Every SCRIBE which is instructed unto the Kingdom of Heaven, is like unto a man that is an Housholder, which bringeth forth out of his Treasure things New and Old.Heb. 5. 13, 14.For every one that useth Milk is unskilful in the Word of Righteousness: for he is a Babe: But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age: Those who by reason of USE, have their senses exercised to discern both Good and Evil.2 Tim. 2. 14, 15, 16.Of these things put them in remembrance; charging them before God, that they STRIVE not aboutTitle page of A Christian Directory, London, 1673

A26892:8748

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.

Richard Baxter 1615–1691London: printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons, 1673

[35], 929, [5], 214 p., [1] leaf of plates : port. · 1.2M words · Wing B1219 · ESTC R21847

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.

[ Earlier:8745–8760 of 9,947

:8745p. 111

§. 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.

:8746p. 111

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.

:8747p. 111

§. 15. Quest. 8. May not a Wife or Child or Servant take more than a cruel Husband or Parent or¹ Master doth allow? Suppose it be better meat or drink?

1Quest. 8.

:8748p. 111

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Whole work: 9,947 passages

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Richard Baxter, A Christian Directory (London, 1673), pt. 4, ch. 18, p. 111. EEBO-TCP A26892.

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The book

Title as printed: 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.
Author: Richard Baxter 1615–1691
Place: London
Printer: Robert White
Bookseller: Nevill Simmons
Year: 1673
Size: [35], 929, [5], 214 p., [1] leaf of plates : port.
Words: 1,175,050
Catalogue: Wing B1219 · ESTC R21847
Text: EEBO-TCP A26892

Passages: 9,947
Sections: 502

The author

Richard Baxter 1615–1691

The Reformers and Puritans in their own words, with every quotation checked against the page.

Texts transcribed from the original printings by the Text Creation Partnership (EEBO-TCP and Evans-TCP) and dedicated to the public domain (CC0).

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WORDS,

to no profit, but to the subverting of the Hearers: Study to shew thy self approved

UNTO GOD,

a Workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

RIGHTLY DIVIDING

the word of Truth. But shun profane and vain Bablings; for they will increase unto more Ungodliness, and their Word will eat as doth a Canker.

2 Pet. 3. 16.In which (Pauls Epistles) are some things hard to be understood: which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures to their own destruction.

LONDON, Printed, by Robert White, for Nevill Simmons, at the Sign of the Princes Arms in St. Pauls Church-yard. 1673.

Answ. How far the Wife hath a true propriety her self, and therefore may take it, dependeth on the Contract and the Laws of the Land; which I shall not now meddle with. But for Children and Servants, they may take no more than the most cruel and unrighteous parents; or masters do allow them; except to save their lives upon the conditions in the first case: But the servant may seek relief of the Magistrate: and he may leave such an unrighteous Master: And the Child must bear it patiently as the cross by which it pleaseth God to try him: Unless that the Government of the Parent be so bad, as to tend to his undoing: And then I think he may leave his Parents for a better condition: (except it be when their own necessity obligeth him to stay and suffer for their help and benefit).¹ For it is true that a Child oweth as much to his Parents as he can perform, by way of gratitude, for their good: But it is true also, that a Parent hath no full and absolute propriety in his Child, as men have in their Cattle: But is made by nature, their guardian for their benefit: And therefore when Parents would undo their Children's souls or bodies, the Children may forsake them, as being first forsaken by them; further than as they are obliged in gratitude to help them, as is aforesaid.

Answ. How far the Wife hath a true propriety her self, and therefore may take it, dependeth on the Contract and the Laws of the Land; which I shall not now meddle with. But for Children and Servants, they may take no more than the most cruel and unrighteous parents; or masters do allow them; except to save their lives upon the conditions in the first case: But the servant may seek relief of the Magistrate: and he may leave such an unrighteous Master: And the Child must bear it patiently as the cross by which it pleaseth God to try him: Unless that the Government of the Parent be so bad, as to tend to his undoing: And then I think he may leave his Parents for a better condition: (except it be when their own necessity obligeth him to stay and suffer for their help and benefit).¹ For it is true that a Child oweth as much to his Parents as he can perform, by way of gratitude, for their good: But it is true also, that a Parent hath no full and absolute propriety in his Child, as men have in their Cattle: But is made by nature, their guardian for their benefit: And therefore when Parents would undoe their Childrens souls or bodies, the Children may forsake them, as being first forsaken by them; further than as they are obliged in gratitude to help them, as is aforesaid.

1Whether Children may forsake their Parents?

:8749p. 111

§. 16. Quest. 9. If a man do deserve to lose somewhat which he hath, by way of punishment, may I¹ not take it from him?

1Quest. 9.

:8750p. 111

Answ. Not, unless the Law either make you a Magistrate or Officer to do it, or allow and permit it at the least: Because it is not to you that the forfeiture is made: Or if it be, you must execute the Law according to the Law, and not against it; For else you will offend in punishing offences.

:8751p. 111

§. 17. Quest. 10. But what if I fully resolve, when I take a thing in my necessity, to repay the owner,¹ or make him satisfaction if ever I be able?

1Quest. 10.

:8752p. 111

Answ. That is some extenuation of the sin, but no justification of the fact; which is otherwise unjustifiable: Because it is still without his consent.

:8753p. 111

§. 18. Quest. 11. What if I know not whether the owner would consent, or not?

:8754p. 111

Quest. 11.

:8755p. 111

Answ. In a case where common custom and humanity alloweth you to take it for granted that he would not deny you (as to pluck a ear of Corn, or gather an herb for Medicine in his field) you need not scruple it: unless you conjecture that he is a Nabal and would deny you. But otherwise if you doubt of his consent, you must ask it, and not presume of it without just cause.

Answ. In a case where common custome and humanity alloweth you to take it for granted that he would not deny you (as to pluck a ear of Corn, or gather an herb for Medicine in his field) you need not scruple it: unless you conjecture that he is a Nabal and would deny you. But otherwise if you doubt of his consent, you must ask it, and not presume of it without just cause.

:8756p. 111

§. 19. Quest. 12. What if I take a thing from a friend but in a way of jest; intending to restore¹ it?

§. 19. Quest. 12. What if I take a thing from a friend but in a way of jeast; intending to restore¹ it?

1Quest. 12.

:8757p. 111

Answ. If you have just ground to think that your friend would consent if he knew it, you will not be blameable: But if otherwise, either you take it for your own benefit and use, or you take it only to make sport by: The former is their, for all your jest: The later is but an unlawful way of jesting.

Answ. If you have just ground to think that your friend would consent if he knew it, you will not be blameable: But if otherwise, either you take it for your own benefit and use, or you take it only to make sport by: The former is their, for all your jeast: The later is but an unlawful way of jeasting.

:8758p. 111

§. 20. Quest. 13. What if I take it from him but to save him from hurting his body with it: As If I¹ steal poison from one that intended to kill himself by it: or take a sword from a drunken man, that would hurt himself; or a knife from a melancholy man! or what if it be to save another, as to take a mad mans sword from him, who would kill such as are in his way, or an angry mans that will kill another.

§. 20. Quest. 13. What if I take it from him but to save him from hurting his body with it: As If I¹ steal poyson from one that intended to kill himself by it: or take a sword from a drunken man, that would hurt himself; or a knife from a melancholy man! or what if it be to save another, as to take a mad mans sword from him, who would kill such as are in his way, or an angry mans that will kill another.

1Quest. 13.

:8759p. 112

Answ. This is your duty according to the sixth Commandment, which bindeth you to preserve your Neighbours life: So be it these conditions be observed: 1. That you keep not his sword for your benefit and advantage, nor claim a propriety in it: but give it his friends, or deliver it to the Magistrate. 2. That you do nothing without the Magistrate, in which you may safely stay for his Authority and help: But if two be fighting, or thieves be robbing or murdering a man, or another's life be in present danger, you must help them without staying for the Magistrates authority. 3. That you make not this a pretence for the usurping of Authority, or for resisting or deposing your lawful Prince or, Magistrate, or Parent, or Master, or of exercising your own will and passions against your Superiors; pretending that you take away their swords to save themselves or others from their rage, when it is indeed but to hinder justice.

Answ. This is your duty according to the sixth Commandment, which bindeth you to preserve your Neighbours life: So be it these conditions be observed: 1. That you keep not his sword for your benefit and advantage, nor claim a propriety in it: but give it his friends, or deliver it to the Magistrate. 2. That you do nothing without the Magistrate, in which you may safely stay for his Authority and help: But if two be fighting, or thieves be robbing or murdering a man, or anothers life be in present danger, you must help them without staying for the Magistrates authority. 3. That you make not this a pretence for the usurping of Authority, or for resisting or deposing your lawful Prince or, Magistrate, or Parent, or Master, or of exercising your own will and passions against your Superiours; pretending that you take away their swords to save themselves or others from their rage, when it is indeed but to hinder justice.

:8760p. 112

§. 21. Quest. 14. May I not then much more take away that by which he would destroy his own or other¹ mens souls: As to take away Cards or Dice from Gamesters; or heretical or seditious books; or Play-books and Romances, or to pull down Idols which the Idolaters do adore; or are instruments of Idolatry?

§. 21. Quest. 14. May I not then much more take away that by which he would destroy his own or other¹ mens souls: As to take away Cards or Dice from Gamesters; or heretical or s•di•ious books; or Play-books and Romances, or to pull down Idols which the Idolaters do adore; or are instruments of Idolatry?

1Quest. 14.

PuritansEngland

Pastor at Kidderminster and prolific nonconformist author.

Transcription key

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