Question 74

What doth the eighth Commandment respect?

The wealth and outward estate of our selves and others.

What doth this Commandment require in reference unto our own and others wealth and outward estate?

The lawful procuring and furthering thereof.^a

How is this to be done?

By diligence and fugality, seeking unto the Lord for his blessing upon all our endeavours;^b by preventing loss to others,^c and relieving them in case of necessity, giving or lending freely according to our ability,^d &c.

Are Iustice and Charity the chief vertues and graces required to be exercised in this Commandment?

Yes. Isa. 56. 1. Psal. 82. 3, 4. Isa. 33. 15. Prov. 14. 21. Lev. 19. 9, 10, 11. Deut. 24. 19.

Doth not this Commandment require that men should make restitution of what they have unjustly taken, and kept from the right owners thereof, and in case that cannot be done, to give it to the poor?

Yes. Lev. 6. 2, 3, 4, 5. Numb. 5. 6, 7, 8. Luke 19. 8. Dan. 4. 27.

Is there any one precept which you think will secure all the Duties of this Commandment, and the rest of the second Table?

Yes, that of our Saviours; Whatsoever you would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them. Mat. 7. 12. Luke 6. 3.