THE SCHOOL & FAMILY CATECHIST
by Rev. William Smith (1834)

The Westminster Shorter Catechism, Questions 73 & 74.

Q. 73. Which is the eight commandment?

A. The eighth commandment is, “Thou shalt not steal,” Exod. xx. 15.

Q. 74. What is required in the eight commandment?

A. The eight commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of ourselves and others.

EXPLICATION.

Lawful procuring and furthering the wealth, &c. –Using every just and honorable means in our power, for increasing the worldly comfort of ourselves and others ; such as diligence and honesty in business, praying for the blessing of God upon our labors, giving to the poor,  &c.

ANALYSIS.

The duties required in the eight commandment, are of four kinds:

1. The procuring of our own wealth and outward estate. Rom. xii. 17. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
2. The furthering of our own wealth and outward estate. –Prov. xxvii. 23. Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flicks, and look well to thy herds.
3. The procuring and furthering also, of the wealth and outward estate of others. –Lev. xxv. 35. If thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee, then thou shalt relieve him. Phil. ii. 4. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
4. That only lawful means are to be used for this purpose. –Jer. xvii. 11. He that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.