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…

There is a wronging of our neighbour without a compensation, and there is a wronging him with a pretended compensation, that is, either when the thing is not so good in it self, or not so good ⟨p. 409⟩to him; thus A •hab, 1 Kings 17. was guilty in desiring Naboths Vineyard, even though he offered him as good, yet it was not so good to Naboth, because this was his Fathers, and he esteemed it more: Thus also there is a stealing of another mans contentment, although that in which he placeth it may be a matter of very little or no worth at all, but yet if therein he hath an interest of affection, as they call it, such as a man may have for some petty Jewel, a Hawk, a Hound, or the like, so that it please him, or delight him, the wronging of him in that, is not only a sin against the sixth Command, in grieving him, but against this in prejudicing him of his contentment, which as to him, in some respect, is a sorer wrong, then the taking from him of that which in it self were of far greater worth, would have been. 21. There is a failing by unskilfulness; as, when one taketh on him some office, and receiveth wages or hire for it, and is not qualified for, nor suitable to the place and employment; thus Physicians, Lawyers, and Judges, often steal from men, through their ignorance: As also Ministers, who supply Charges they are unfit for, and consume that which should entertain others; but this sin in Ministers is oftentimes more through unfaithfulness, when being sustained for the good of the people, they turn rather to be hurtful. Thus Christ, John 10.1. calleth false Prophets, Thieves and Robbers: And indeed it is the worst gain in the world, that utterly unskilful and unfaithful Ministers get by starving and murdering the immortal souls of men. 22. We wrong others when we communicate not to them when they are in need, and we in a capacity to help them, yea, when by idleness and prodigality we incapacitate our selves to communicate to the necessities of others, as Ephes. 4.28. is clear. 23. Beside, there cometh in here all selling and buying of what should not be sold or bought, as public places in Church or State; this first from Simon Magus,