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For the rich men thereof are ful of crueltie, and the inha∣bitants thereof haue spoken lyes, and their tongue is deceitfull in their mouth.
* 1.1THe second member or part of the law of God, the which vers. 8. before, was placed in the exercising of mercy toward their bre∣thren:
the which in like maner, God proueth to be shamefully and in euery respect broken by them. And because that this kinde of mercie is due especially from the rich vnto the poore and needie, therefore God directeth or bendeth his speech against them also. For these he sheweth in euery citie, to haue been deceitfull, oppres∣sors, and lyars. This verse therefore hath three kinde of vices,* 1.2 the which are contrarie vnto that same mercie which is commaunded by God. The one, robberie or pillage, when as by violence a thing is taken from him, the which oweth not the same,* 1.3 whether it bee done by open violence, as theeues doe in the woods: or whether it be done by secrets or priuie violence, as when one that is of more might getteth or taketh away any thing from a poore bodie for feare of his power and authoritie. The other is lying,* 1.4 wherewith they beguile the simple sort, as for example, when as in buying and selling they praise their wares, in bargaining they promise one thing, and performe, or would haue another thing to be brought to passe & done. The third is Deceit, wherewith euen without words,* 1.5 with wonderfull fetches and crafts they get into their hands the goods of their neighbours, and that not one or two of them doth this: but the inhabitants, that is, all of them, and in euerie citie and towne. Yea, and moreouer they doe these things in such sort, that they shew themselues most skilfull, and their crafts-masters in these sleights and suttleties. And therefore their tongue is sayd to be full of deceit, to be readie and nimble vnto such wickednes, and that it is in their mouth. So Dauid speaketh of the wicked Psal 52. ver. 2. Thy tongue imagineth mischiefe, and is like a sharpe rasor that cutteth deceitfully. And Psal. 57. ver. 4. My soule is among lyons: I lye among the children of men, that are set on fire: whose teeth are as speares and errowes, and their tongues a sharpe sword.
The second branch of the law of God.
Three vices contrarie vnto mercie.
1. Robberie or pillage.
2 Lying.
3. Deceit.