A37046:1293
The law unsealed
The law unsealed: or, A practical exposition of the Ten Commandments With a resolution of several momentous questions and cases of conscience. By the learned, laborious, faithful servant of Jesus Christ, Mr. James Durham, late minister of the Gospel at Glasgow.
Glasgow: printed by Robert Sanders, 1676
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.
3. It would be qualified by the right means, there would be righteousness in the way of purchasing or conqueishing our estate; and it supposeth, 1. That it be by a lawful occupation, which excludeth what is gained by cards, dice, wodding, or wagering, &c. 2. By an occupation useful to others, as well as profitable to us, gain must not only nor chiefly sway; but, we should aim at that wherein we may be ⟨p. 250⟩useful to Church or State in our Generation, then it is lawful to make gain, as the wages of that service. All Trades-men, and men in place, would be as Officers to Church or State, and upon that ground they have a right to make gain. These tradings in Wines, in such quantities at least, that wrong the Country, and in other things subservient to vanity. I know not well what to say of them. only I think, I may say it had been good for Common-wealths, some Trades had never been: It is the thing that is condemned Rom. 13. 13, 14. Ephes. 4. 23. 3. We would have a care that neither deceit, lying, or any other unlawful shift be used in a lawful calling, which may wrong it, Leci•. 19. 1•.
3. It would be qualified by the right means, there would be righteousness in the way of purchasing or conqueishing our estate; and it supposeth, 1. That it be by a lawful occupation, which excludeth what is gained by cards, dice, wodding, or wagering, &c. 2. By an occupation useful to others, as well as profitable to us, gain must not only nor chiefly sway; but, we should aim at that wherein we may be ⟨p. 250⟩useful to Church or State in our Generation, then it is lawful to make gain, as the wages of that service. All Trades-men, and men in place, would be as Officers to Church or State, and upon that ground they have a right to make gain. These tradings in Wines, in such quantities at least, that wrong the Country, and in other things subservient to vanity. I know not well what to say of them. only I think, I may say it had been good for Common-wealths, some Trades had never been: It is the thing that is condmned