A26892:9013
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 19 › Section 6: Tit. 6. Cases of Conscience about Losing and Finding.
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. You should first be unwilling that your neighbour should lose it; and be sorry that he hath lost it: But supposing that it be lost, you may moderately desire that you may find it rather than another: Not with a covetous desire of the gain; but that you may faithfully gratify the owner in restoring it; Or if he cannot be found may dispose of it as you ought. And you should be more sorry that its lost, than glad that you find it, except for the owner.
Answ. You should first be unwilling that your neighbour should lose it; and be sorry that he hath lost it: But supposing that it be lost, you may moderately desire that you may find it rather than another: Not with a covetous desire of the gain; but that you may faithfully gratifie the owner in restoring it; Or if he cannot be found may dispose of it as you ought. And you should be more sorry that its lost, than glad that you find it, except for the owner.
§. 4. Quest. 4. If no Owner can be found, may I not take it and use it as mine own?
Quest. 4.
Answ. The Laws of the Land do usually regulate claims of propriety in such matters: where the Law giveth it to the Lord of the Manor, it is his, and you must give it him. Where it giveth it to no other, it is his that findeth it; and occupancy will give him propriety. But so as it behoveth him to judge, if he be poor, that Gods providence ordered it for his own supply; but if he be rich, that God sent it him but as to his Steward, to give it to the poor.