whom he injured. So also in the case of money. He that takes it secretly, does him honor in
this respect, that he does it secretly; but he who robs publicly and openly, together with the
loss adds also the shame.
Let us therefore, both poor and rich, cease from taking the property of others. For my
present discourse is not only to the rich, but to the poor also. For they too rob those who
are poorer than themselves. And artisans who are better off, and more powerful, outsell the
poorer and more distressed, tradesmen outsell tradesmen, and so all who are engaged in
the market-place. So that I wish from every side to take away injustice. For the injury consists
not in the measure of the things plundered and stolen, but in the purpose of him that steals.
And that these are more thieves and defrauders, who do not despise little gains, I know and
remember that I have before told you, if you also remember it. But let us not be over exact.
Let them be equally bad with the rich. Let us instruct our mind not to covet greater things,
not to aim at more than we have. And in heavenly things let our desire of more never be
satiated, but let each be ever coveting more. But upon earth let every one be for what is
needful and sufficient, and seek nothing more, that so he may be able to obtain the real
goods, by the grace and lovingkindness of our Lord Jesus Christ, with whom to the Father,
together with the Holy Spirit, be glory, strength, honor, now and always, and world without
end. Amen.
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1 Thessalonians 5:12,13