Section 16: Of the Excellency of Christian Doctrine about earthly Substance, above what other Laws prescribe.

Book 1 Section 16 (p. 24-25):
Of the Excellency of Christian Doctrine about earthly Substance, above what other Laws prescribe.

To come to the use of such things, as are commonly called Goods. We know Thefts were permitted by some Pagan Nations, namely the Egyptians, Diod. Sic. i. 1. first Licurgo, as also the Spartans; and they that permitted not the like to private Persons, made it their imployment in publick; as the Roman Orator once said, If they did restore to every one their own, &c.

The Hebrews indeed did not such things, yet were they permitted to take Use of Strangers, their disposition being favoured by their Law that promised Riches, Lev. 26.5. Deut. 28. to the due observer of it.

But the Christian Law, not only prohibits all kind of Injustice, and that with respect to all Persons, whether Friends, or Enemies; but also forbids us to place our study in those perishing things, Mat. 6.24. Because our mind is not able with sufficient diligence to attend the care of two severals, that do each require the whole Man, and oft-times distract us divers ways. And again, both in getting and keeping Riches, there is a Sollicitude, that draws with it a kind of Servitude, and Vexation, and so corrupteth the delight we hope for out of Riches. And the things wherewith Nature is contented are but few, and to be obtained without much Labour and Expence: Nevertheless if God shall indulge us more than is necessary, we are not commanded to throw it into the Sea, as some Philosopher have unwisely done, nor to detain it without use; but to supply the needs of other Men, either by giving or lending to them that ask, Mat. 5.42. Luke 6.35. 1 Tim. 6.17. as it best becomes Men who believe themselves to be Procurators and Stewards of God Almighty, their Father. For a Benefit well bestowed, is Treasure full of good Hope, and is neither subject to the violence of Theives, nor to variety of other Accidents. Of this true and sincere Liberality, an admirable Example is left us by the Primitive Christians, when even from Macedonia and Achaia, was sent relief to Palestine, Rom. 15.25, 26. just as if the whole World, of those professing the Name and Doctrine of Christ, were but one Family. And there is added in the Law of Christ that Caution also, that are Beneficence be not defloured by any expectation of recompence, or glory from Men, Mat. 6.1, 2. The Gift loseth its reward from God, if beside God it look at any other representation: Now that no man may (as the manner is) covery his Tenacity, or withholding his hand from good Works, with this pretext, a fear left himself in old Age, ovetaken with some Calamity, should have need of what he is required to give in Alms; our Law promiseth a special care of such as keep those Precepts, Mat. 6.32. and to cherish their Confidence, reminds them of God's Providence, Mat. 7.26. conspicuous in feeding wild Beasts and Cattel, and in adorning the Herbs and Flowers. Now it were an unworthy thing to disbelieve so Good, so Powerful a God, as an ill Debtor, nor to trust him longer than we hold posession of a Pledg.