Serm. s z. that they may be Acceptable unto God? 264 fucT t had not enough. The which the Apollle applieth to the giving a Cor.8.14. of Alms out of our abundance to thofe who want ; which he f+ileth equality. 2. Mans (late is fo variable, as he who now bath, mayquickly want ; and in want delre to be fuccoured by fuck as have. It is there- upon mot+ equal, that they who would be fuccoured in their need, fhould be willing to fuccour the need of others. This equity loth Chrif+ himfelf prets ; a6 things whatfoever ye would that men fhould do to Mat.7,12. you, do ye even fo to them. And as a ground to enforce this the fur- ther, he adderh, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Hereby imply- ing, that this doatri a is contained in the Law and the Prophets ; but that is not all, chefe words, this is the Law and the Prophets, intend that the rum of the Law and the Prophets confifleth therein ; and the main fcope of them tendeth thereunto ; namely fo far as they contain the duties of man to man. So evident is the equity hereof even by the light of nature, as thevery heathen who wanted the light ofGods word, difcerned it. Well therefore might the Apoflle enforce this duty of charity upon this ground thus, Remember them that are in bonds, as Hcb.13.3. bound with them, that is, be helpful to others which cannot help them- felves, as you wouldhave others afford fuccour untoyou, if you were fuccouriefs. 3.Meditate ofthemanifoldangular benefits whichdo follow and accompa- ny aconfcionable performance of this duty ; For thereby we difcharge our duty to God, who requireth it at our hands, and as a conCequent there- ofwe (hall glorifie God, for it tends much to his praife andglory ,when in fuch works as himfelf bath commanded, his children tetlifie their obedience and thankfulnefs ; and therefore faith our Saviour, Herein is -1 re.8. my Fatherglorified, ifye bringforth muchfruit. And by our Charity,as we (hall grace and adorn our holy profellìon, fowe (hall flop the mouths of wicked men from fpeaking any evil of us or of our profeilïon ; for how are men apt to fpeak of us, and of our profeion, according to the fruits webring forth, and the good works which we do. And as we {hall thereby comfort, and make glad the hearts of the poor and diflreffed ; fo we thall refrefh our own fouls, in that our works of Charity will evidence our fruits to be found and faving,lively and effeau al ; for as Rachel Paid to Ticob, give me Children or elre d dye in like manner faith Faith to the foul of a Chriflian, Give me Children, let me bring forth good works, eire 1 dye, and have no life in me, according to that of chc Apofilc fames, Faithwithout works Jart,2.24.
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