2. Mans state is so variable, as he who now hath, may quickly want; and in want desire to be succoured by such as have. It is thereupon most equal, that they who would be succoured in their need, should be willing to succour the need of others. This equity doth Christ himself press;1 all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them. And as a ground to enforce this the further, he addeth, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Hereby implying, that this doctrine is contained in the Law and the Prophets; but that is not all, these words, this is the Law and the Prophets, intend that the sum of the law and the prophets consisteth therein; and the main scope of them tendeth thereunto; namely so far as they contain the duties of man to man. So evident is the equity hereof even by the light of nature, as the very heathen who wanted the light of Gods word, discerned it. Well therefore might the Apostle enforce this duty of charity upon this ground thus, Remember them that are in bonds, 2rebound with them, that is, be helpful to others which cannot help themselves, as you would have others afford succour unto you, if you were succourless.
2. Mans state is so variable, as hee who now hath, may quickly want; and in want desire to be succoured by such as have. It is thereupon most equal, that they who would be succoured in their need, should bee willing to succour the need of others. This equity doth Christ himself press;1 all things whatsoever yee would that men should do to you, do yee even so to them. And as a ground to enforce this the further, he addeth, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Hereby implying, that this doctrine is contained in the Law and the Prophets; but that is not all, these words, this is the Law and the Prophets, intend that the sum of the law and the prophets consisteth therein; and the main scope of them tendeth thereunto; namely so far as they contain the duties of man to man. So evident is the equity hereof even by the light of nature, as the very heathen who wanted the light of Gods word, discerned it. Well therefore might the Apostle enforce this duty of charity upon this ground thus, Remember them that are in bonds, 2rebound with them, that is, bee helpful to others which cannot help themselves, as you would have others afford succour unto you, if you were succourless.
- 1Matth. 7.12.
- 2Heb. 13.3.
