e the less a work that gives pleasure, in which we shall have
our comfort and satisfaction. For they who think they make an end of
temptation by yielding to it, only set themselves on fire the more; and
although for a time it is quiet, it comes again with more strength
another time, and finds the nature weaker than before.

Thou shalt not steal.

This Commandment also has a work, which embraces very many good works,
and is opposed to many vices, and is called in German Mildigkeit,
"benevolence;" which is a work ready to help and serve every one with
one's goods. And it fights not only against theft and robbery, but
against all stinting in temporal goods which men may practise toward
one another: such as greed, usury, overcharging and plating wares that
sell as solid, counterfeit wares, short measures and weights, and who
could tell all the ready, novel, clever tricks, which multiply daily in
every trade, by which every one seeks his own gain through the other's
loss, and forgets the rule which says: "What ye wish that others do to
you, that do ye also to them." If every one kept this rule before his
eyes in his trade, business, and dealings with his neighbor, he would
readily find how he ought to buy and sell, take and give, lend and give
for nothing, promise and keep his promise, and the like. And when we
consider the world in its doings, how greed controls all business, we
would not only find enough to do, if we would make an honorable living
before God, but also be overcome with dread and fear for this perilous,
miserable life, which is so exceedingly overburdened, entangled and
taken captive with cares of this temporal life and dishonest seeking of
gain.

II. Therefore the Wise Man says not in vain: "Happy is the rich man,
who is found without blemish, who does not run after gold, and has not
set his confidence in the treasures of money. Who is he? We will praise
him, that he has done wondrous things in his life." As if he would say:
"None such is found, or very few indeed." Yea, they are very few who
notice and recognise such lust for gold in themselves. For greed has
here a very beautiful, fine cover for its shame, which is called
provision for the body and natural need, under cover of which it
accumulates wealth beyond all limits and is never satisfied; so that he
who would in this matter keep himself clean, must truly, as he says, do
miracles or wondrous things in his life.

Now see, if a man wish not o