Chap, 42. Expofition upon theBoofLpfJ o a. Vert. i z . 973 Hence Note, Firft ; To fend or bring gifts in many cafes, id not only lawfoil, but ne- cefary, and a duty. Thoughboth the giving and taking of gifts, heareth ill,in Scrip- ture and common language, yet there are fix forts of gifts which may lawfullybe given and taken ; and there is a feventh fort, which none ought either co give or take. Fitft, Gifts of pure charity, or Eleemofsnary gifts, fuch as are bellowed upon, and diftribured among the poor,are a duty. We fhouldbe much in gifts of charity for this very realen; becaufe to give them is not fomuch a bounty, as a duty : A part of all we have,is due to thofe that have nothing. Secondly, Thereare gifts of re-pea to thole who are not in want,yea,to thofe who abound ; there are honorarygifts.' Tis law- ful, and a duty alfo to bring gifts to Kings and Princes, as was Chewed in opening the words. When Chrill is fpoken of as a King, the Scripture faith, TheKings ofTarfhifh, and of the Ifles pall bring prefents the Kings' of Shçba and Seba Pall offer gifts (Pfal, 7z, so.) And as that holy Prophetie faith it should be fo, fo the holy Hitlory faith it was fo ; the wife men of the Eafl came with gifts to Chrill, as loon as he was born (Mat.z. ) Thirdly, There are gifts of courtefie fromequals. One friend fends a gift to another, in teltimuny of love and kindnefs, or as rejoycing in the goodnefs and kipdnefs of God CO them, in deli- vering them from any evil (as Jobs cafealfowas)Thefe.are conga-- tulatory gifts. Fourthly, There are gifts of bounty, fuch are from fuperiors to inferiors, to tefiiñe their greatnefsand magnificence. Fifthly, Thereare gratulatory . gifts, its token of ,thankfulnefs for benefits and favours received, Sixthly, There are gifts of incouragetnent,tirthole that are in- dullrious and deferve well, which we may call,remtsnerativegifts; Thefe are as oil to the wheel of ingenuous fpirits in a good work; it is lawful at any time, and fometimes neceífary, tobtho fuch gifts. Seventhly, There are gifts of bribery, which pervert j if+ice, and put out the eyes:áfrJudges ; They are nor the rewards of in- duflry, but the wages of unrrghteou;oefs ; fuch PS Polack would have.
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