248 After what manner mil wegive Alas, Scram i. Rllev.ii.. Cri.zz.I . z Cor.i 3.3. z Cor.9.7. Çhap.S.i z P1v1.4.I c. I Claron.zS. 13)14. z Cor.g.z. & z. Rom. I z 8. Mat.6.3. prove the freenefs of the gift. But further he exprefly faith concerning the freenefs of his gift, 1 willgiveunto him that is athirfl, of the fountain of the water of lifefreely. And again, whafoever will, let bin,: take of the water of life freely. 2. A fecond Motivemay be taken from the nature of Charity, which unle(?it I'sfree, is not true andfound. Thus much the Apolile implyech under this phrafe, Though I bellow aline), goods to feed the poor, and have not charity, it profitetk me nothing. By Charity he meane:h a free giving of that which is given, meetly out of love and pity to him, unto whom he giveth. 3. Free giving makes that which is given toman acceptable to God; for God loveth a chearful giver. Yea, God bath more refpe& to this manner of giver, than to the greatnefs of the gift. For if there be firf a willing mind, it is acceptedaccording to that a man hath,and nor according to that he hallo not. 4 A free manner of giving, quakes the gift the more acceptable to him that is madepartaker thereof. As the gift fuppliech his want, fo the man - ner of giving reviveth his fpirir. The Apollle rejoyceth in the Lord greatly, upon that care which the Philippians (hewed to him in his ne- cefíity. 5. A free andchearfulgivingr much redoundeth to the glory of God,in that others are Rifled up to praife God for fuch gifts. David praifed Gods glorious name, when he law his people offer willingly unto the Lord. And in this refpeC1 he Apofile faith of fuch benevolence, that it is abundant by many thanksgivings unto God. III. With fznaplicity and fincertty; according to that of the Apoftfe, He thatgiveth, let himdo it with fimplicity; that is, with an honetl,plain, and hncere hears, not aiming therein at his own praìfe,or applaufe, but at thegloryof God, doing it in o`)edience to his command. This Gm- pliciry ingiving, our Saviour hinteth unto us, where he faith,whenthou doll Alms, let not thy left hand knowwhat thy right hand doth : that is, let not thenearer that may be unto thee know what thou giveff.The right hand is that hand wherewith we ordinarilygive, yet the left hand isof- ten aflìflant to ir. Now though there thould be any fo near unto thee, as to be helpful and afhftanr, or at hand, yet let them not know it; make known thy charity to none. uen.. May we not give Alms if others be by ? Anfw. Yea, if need fo require, as at publick Collehions, or when in publick we feeone hand in need. But we may not do it with a mind to have it known, our mind mull be free from all fuch conceit, and we muff
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