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…

Also by suretyship many are bowed and brought low, which although it is not simply to be condemned, more then to give freely, yet it is to be well regulated by charity and prudence, directing so to assist our neighbour in his present exigence, as we may also be sure of our after relief, lest for the debts of others, our own families be made to moan for want. 2. We may consider a mans failing in reference to this Command, as he wrongeth and stealeth from himself the free and comfortable use of his own estate; of this man Solomon speaketh, Eccles. 4.6, 8. and 6.1, 2. and he stewardeth not the world well when he hath it, who cannot find in his heart to live on his own, and who liveth heartlessly as if he had nothing at all; in this respect a man wrongeth himself, and particularly these ways: 1. By coveting too ⟨p. 412⟩great a measure of riches, so that he will not be content with enough, but he will and must be rich, this is avaritia, or greed, even though the means be lawful which he useth for acquiring of riches. 2. By the vexing anxious manner of seeking after even what is necessary: Thus a man may be diffidently and vexingly solicitous for his to morrows dinner, and be vexed about it, as it is Matth. 6.31. Caring for the morrow, what he shall eat or drink, or taking thought about it; this is carking carefulness. 3. There is a failing in keeping any thing of the world that we have gotten, when we cannot bestow it, cannot twin or part with it, for charitable, either public or private, uses, nay, not for honest uses, this is niggardliness: And when it is universal, both in reference to our selves and others, it is Durities, or extreme hardness. 4. Some may spend on themselves liberally, but they can part with nothing for charitable supply of others, such a one was Nabal, 1 Sam. 25. and this is churlishness. 5. Some cannot even bestow on themselves what is sufficient, either for meat, drink, or clothing, as we may see Eccles. 6.1, 2. and chap. 4.8. that the man hath much, and yet can neither sleep nor eat heartily, because the comfortable use of creature enjoyments is Gods gift, this is sordidness. Over all these persons the world prevaileth, it mastereth and overcometh them, and they do not master and overcome it as Christians ought to do.