berm, z t. that they maybe Acceptable unto God ? 247 and charitable difpolition, above their outward condition and ability ; That they ufe the bell diligence they can, by all lawful and warranta- ble means, to get fomething co bellow upon charitable ufes. Let poor labouringmen take fo much themore pains, that they may have fome- whatto give ; lei fervants fpare out of their wages ; let fuch as have no Ehh. }.ao. propriety in any thing, but are wholly maintained by themunder whom they live, as Children, A;pprentices,and ochers,do what they can to obtain fomechingof their Parents, or other Governours, even for this very end, that theymay have Comething cogive. Lec f,;ch as are in debt,firtt pay their Debts, and then give Alms. Let fuch as have any waydefrauded others, firft make retliuccion,and then relieve them that are in need. Finally, let fuch as live at the extent of their &lace, and much more, fuch as live beyond their means, well weigh wherein they may cut off fo.ne of their expences to bellow on the Poor. II. Alms-giving mull be with freedom, and chearfulneß, and not grudgingly ; The phrafe of giving Alms, frequently mentioned in Scripture tmplyeth as much, for togive, is freely to bellow: In the Law this propriety of giving, is plainly exprefied, and by the contrary thus explained, rhos (halt freelygive him, and thine heart (hall not be Detct.i 5.to; grieved when thougivet unto him. It i.> alto implyed under chis phrafe, rhos fhalt open thy hand wide. Alms mutt not be wrefled and wrung out Verf u. of a mans hand, but he mutt of himfelf open his hand, that is, freely give. The wordwide addeth emphafs. And in the Gofpel ve find it commanded by the Apoftle, Every man according as he prtrpofeth in his a Cor9 7. heart,fo let himgive, not grudgingly, or ofPiece/Tity, for God loveth a chear- falgiver. Many motives may be produced to induce us hereunto: as, 1. The pattern ofGod or Heavenly Father,and of his Son Jefaes Chrfl, or Redeemer. All the good chat the FatherBoth, he doth moll freely ; Who bath firll given unto him ? The word which is tiled to fer out that whichRom.5.i5,t6. God givech, fgnifieth at free gift. ; and he is Paid to love au freely, Hofea Ti ,iú=ivicew Rom.8 3o .iwft flee!), Rom.3.24. and freely togive rs all things, d good grti- Cando ali ins This Reafon of Gods love, the Lordfethis love uponyos; becars e he lo- cío-zar. f lovedyou, doch clearly demonlirate the freenefs of it. Thegood allo which the Son of God, Jefus Chritl our Saviour doch for us,_ he Both moil freely upon his own love, without any defert of ours . in this refpe9 it is faid that he hath lovedus, and hathgivenhim- V153'1 5-. felf for tt. The conjunction of theft two, love, and giving, plainly prove
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