Vert. 27. the Epi1le to the Romans. forwards on their way, namely when they are CO travaile through, unknown and dangerous wayes : it the people muff lay down their necks, much more tread three or foure fleps for their Mini - tiers. Howbeit, it is like Paulexpeftcd this kindneffe from t he Romans, not. fo much for his owne copdution and fafety, as to impart holy and whole - fome things to filch as went along in his company,which they might communi- cate at their returne to their brethren at Rome, for the greater benefit of the Church : which fhould advertife Teach- ers to take all occafions of profiting their people, and to convert received kindneffes to their good which {hew and do them. T t M. What may we learn from The 25. verfe? S a L. It affords us thefe two in- flruaions : Firl}, he calleth the poor (not any kinde or fpeciall fort, as fuch which had forfaken all for Chrift,) but generally fuels Gospellers as were at- flitted with want, and lived in worldly neceflicy, thefe he called[ [ Saints ] becaufe they were fuch by profeffion. Secondly,by the Sacrament of holineffe; to wit, Baptifine, which dedicated them (as holy to Chrift. Thirdly, by fanai- fication of the Spirit, purging their confciences by thebloud of Chrift, and renewing their hearts to fanaimony and godly pureneffe by his Spirit : All, rich and poor, which beleeve in Chrill, be Saints while they live in earth,and muff mindeand pratife fanaity as ever they will fee heaven . Secondly, that it is a good and holy duty to minifter and be helpfull to fuch poor Saints,either in giving, colleting, or carrying acmes to the godly poor, which are ever to be relieved, and with our belt affeaions,Gal.6.so. The hone' and holy poor which follow godlineffe and their vocation, have moll intereft in our mercy. T t M. What may we learn out of the 26. verte ? S t L. Seeing the Grecian Churches (Inch as were planted in Macedonia and Achaia) did fuccour the needy bre- tlrren at jerujalnn, we ought by this example to extend our charity, ( when ability fiafrereth) beyond the leas to forain Churches, when they need us ; as our Englifh Chin ch have often and liberally done, both to diverlè afflited Grecian!, and chiefly to the Saints at Geneva, being affli&ed and difireffed through wars between them and Slavoy. The reafon is, the ftraight conjunillion which isbetnecn the faithful' ( as be- tween brethren, fellowes , members, coheires, &c.) which no difference of language, no diflancc of place can di; folve;fuch then liraightc n their charity too much,which reffrain it to their own parifh or Nation, &c. Again learn,that contributions muff not be extortions and compulfions, as coming of nceeffiry or for any by oä linifter refpeas, bût voluntary oblati- ons,[it pleafed them,] they gave bccaufe they would, they were not forced, fee Aa. 11. 29, 30. 2 Cor.9. 5.and 8.9. To give becaufe we are asked, or for that they would not be held niggards, or out of fear of danger if we deny a floue beg - ger, or only to difcharge feffe, may pro- fit receivers, but Both not benefit the giver , who bath no fruit of his gift ex -, cept k come of benevolence and good will. T M. TJ"hat learn we out of the 2i. ver fc ? S r L. There things: Firfl,it behoveth toretetrne thankfulnelfe where we re= ceive a benefit:for a good turne hath the force of an obligation, and bindeth to a recompence; debters they were to the Jewes by the Law of charity and equity, it is very equal that few and fmal things' be repaid for grcat,and many kindneffes temporal' for fpirituall things, their goods for the Gofpell,comforts to their bodies from whom their foules receive food of cternall life.This infinuated to the Romans, that being inrichcd as much" as the Grecians, and indi bted no leffe to the Jews, from whom they received the doetrineofChriff by the Apeflles;there fore they ought to follow the example of Macedonia and Achaia, of whom Paul witneffed, 2 Cor. 8. i, 2, 3. that G g g their
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