God forbids not only those thefts, [320] and robberies, [321] which are punishable by the magistrate; but he comprehends under the name of theft all wicked tricks and devices, whereby we design to appropriate to ourselves the goods which belong to our neighbour: [322] whether it be by force, or under the appearance of right, as by unjust weights, ells, measures, fraudulent merchandise, [323] false coins, usury, [324] or by any other way forbidden by God; as also all covetousness, [325] all abuse and waste of his gifts. [326]

[320] 1:Cor. 6:10.

[321] 1:Cor. 5:10; Isa. 33:1.

[322] Luke 3:14; 1:Thess. 4:6.

[323] Prov. 11:1; Prov. 16:11; Ezek. 45:9-12; Deut. 25:13-16.

[324] Ps. 15:5; Luke 6:35.

[325] 1:Cor. 6:10.

[326] Prov. 23:20, 21; Prov. 21:20.