upon their minds which is hurtful, and tends to interfere with the course of Divine Providence in regard to them.
The selling of any article of merchandise, whether forbidden by law or not, which tends to injure men instead of benefiting them, may be regarded as stealing, both in a natural sense and in a spiritual; for thereby not only is the neighbor's money taken from him without a fair equivalent, but he is also robbed of his spiritual and moral wealth; and to make gains by such means is a sin against God.
"Usuries and exactions, also." To lend money at an exorbitant rate of interest is stealing, because it is taking from another, without rendering a just equivalent. It is the same to take advantage of a neighbor's necessities, to exact from him all you can. Selling at very high prices, in times of scarcity, and thereby making immense profits, I must class under the same head. This is, indeed, the common way of the world; but I cannot look upon it as a Christian way. No man who truly loves his neighbor, can thus take advantage of the needs of individuals or of society at large. His profits should be moderate and reasonable, and no more at any time.
To exact from workmen more than a fair amount of labor is also to be regarded as stealing. Their wealth lies in their strength and skill; and to exact the exercise of these to excess, or without a fair equivalent, is to steal. On the other hand, workmen who perform their work unfaithfully and without thoroughness, break this Commandment; for they receive the money
