XV. LAWFUL STEALTH.

I FIND two (husband and wife) both stealing, and but one of them guilty of felony. And Rachel had stolen the images that were her father’s, [Gen. xxxi. 19.] and Jacob stole away unawares 118to Laban the Syrian. In the former a complication of theft, lying, sacrilege, and idolatry; in the latter no sin at all. For what our conscience tells us is lawful, and our discretion dangerous, it is both conscience and discretion to do it with all possible secrecy. It was as lawful for Jacob in that case privately to steal away, as it is for that man who finds the sunshine too hot for him, to walk in the shade.

God keep us from the guilt of Rachel’s stealth. But for Jacob’s stealing away, one may confess the fact, but deny the fault therein. Some are said to have gotten their life for a prey, if any, in that sense, have preyed on (or, if you will, plundered) their own liberty, stealing away from the place where they conceived themselves in danger, none can justly condemn them.