A practical exposition of the X. Commandments with a resolution of several momentous questions…A practical exposition of the X. Commandements with a resolution of several momentous questions…

If it be asked here, Whether or not a wicked man hath a right to any thing in the world? Answ. 1. There is a threefold right, the first is, a creature-right, whereby any of Gods creatures have a right to any thing in his creation that is useful for them, when it is simply necessary, and not occupied by another under the like need; and after the similitude of this right, Crows, and so of other living creatures, may take their ⟨p. 331⟩meat on the field of any man; thus a man starving, may for himself, or his brother (if in the like condition) when the proper owner of any Corn cannot be gotten, put to his hand and take of them for preventing of death by hunger; and so likewise it may be in other things, all things being made for the use of man at the first, and committed to him; and the orderly dividing of mens lots and portions, having been but the better to further that end, and not to mar it, is not to take place when it thwarteth with it; thus the Disciples did pluck and eat the ears of Corn when they were an hungered, though the corn was not their own: God also, who hath the absolute dominion, hath so given to man a property, that he hath reserved a right to himself to make use of it (when need requireth) for the good of other creatures; thus he provideth for Crows, Ravens, &c. out of one mans stock or other. 2. There is a positive or Civil right amongst men, so that one man hath right to such a piece of Land, another not; both these rights a wicked man may have, and both Land and such right to it good men may often want in particular cases? So that if there were a civil contest betwixt a good man and a wicked for some Land or other such thing, the qualifications of the persons would neither make the right of the one better, or more valid, nor of the other, worse or less valid, as we may see Lev. 19.15. 3. There is a right by grace which sanctifieth the former rights, and putteth a man in case not only warrantable before men, but also before God, to make use of the creatures, so th •t he may see and visit his Tabern eccle, and take the moderate use of any lawful refreshment, and not sin, Job 5.24. The man hath not only his daily bread, but hath it by Gods promise, and upon this ground we pray, Give us this day our daily bread;