Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Corinthians 6:7

7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another : why do ye not rather take wrong ? why do ye not rather suffer your selves to be defrauded? .

Not that it is simply unlawful for men to make use of humane Laws, and Courts, and methods of Judicature; for even the Laws of men are good, if they be lawfully used: and the word here used by the Apostle is [non-Latin text not transcribed], which signifieth rather an impotency or weakness of mind and affections, a defect or diminution from perfection, than any scandalous sin. Going to Law with brethren (though lawful in it self) may be made unlawful by circumstances: 1. When it is before Judges that are Unbelievers, so as mens going to Law before them, tends to the reproach of Religion, the credit and reputation of the Gospel ought to be dearer to us than any little secular concern. This was the case in this place. 2. When it is for little matters, such as a Coat or a Cloak It is against the Law of Charity to do another a great wrong to recover to our selves a little that is our right. 3. When we cannot do it without wrath, anger, impatience, covetousness, or desire of revenge. It is a thing possible to go to Law without sin, but what very few do, through that corruption which cleaveth to corrupt Nature.

It is therefore far more becoming conscientious Christians to take a little wrong,

and to suffer themselves to be cheated of their right, especially under such circumstances, where the credit of the Gospel and Religion must lose more than they can get. And to do otherwise speaks [non-Latin text not transcribed], a defect or imperfection in Christians, and is not without its guilt. If by their contentiousness, they do not shew themselves so bad, as some would make them who hold all contendings at Law amongst Christians unlawful, yet they do not shew themselves so good as the Rule of Christianity requireth them to be, Matt. 5.39, 40. Luke 6.29. Rom. 12.19.

Marginal references: Rom. 12.17▪ 1 Thess. 5.15▪