A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...

§. 50. Of the practise of Covetousnesse in getting wealth.

COvetousnesse is practised three waies;

• 1. In getting.
• 2. In keeping.
• 3. In spending what a man hath.

1. When wealth is gotten unconscionably, or immoderately, it is a sign of a covetous heart.

That is said to be unconscionably gotten which is gotten against any duty where∣unto* 1.1 conscience is bound: As

• 1. Against any particular precept. Therein Acan covetously transgressed, Iosh. 7. 21.
• 2. Against piety, as they which buy and fell on the Sabbath day for gain, Neh. 13. 16.
• 3. Against justice, as Ahab who by Naboth's unjust death got his Vineyard, 1 King. 21. 19.
• 4. Against charity, as the rich man that took the poor mans sheep to entertain his friend, 2 Sam. 12. 6.
• 5. Against equity, as Gehazi who got that which his Master refused, 2 King. 5. 20.
• 6. Against verity, as Ananias and Saphira with a lie kept back part of that which was devoted to the Church, Act. 5. 2.
• 7. Against all these, which was Iudas his sin in betraying his Master for thirty pieces of silver, Matth. 26. 15.

Whatsoever is by force or fraud, by stealing, lying or any other indirect course gotten, is an effect of covetousnesse. It argueth an over-greedy desire. If it were not so, no means would be used but that which is lawfull: and in the use of them men would depend on God, and be content with that portion which he by his pro∣vidence affords them.

An immoderate getting is, when men spend their wit, pains and time in getting* 1.2 the goods of this world: and rather then fail, lose their meals meat, and sleep, and other refreshments, yea and neglect the means of getting heavenly treasure. They are only and wholly for the things of this world. If spirituall and temporall blessings cannot stand together, temporals shall be preferred, and spirituall neg∣lected: as the Gadarens for fear of losing more swine, prayed Christ to depart from their Coast, Mark 5. 17. And they who for their Farm and Oxen sake refused to come to the Lords Supper, Luke 14. 18, &c.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Unconsciona∣ble getting.
• * 1.2

  Immoderate getting.