The Morning exercise [at] Cri[ppleg]ate, or, Several cases of conscience practically resolved

Now the giving of Alms being a duty so expressly commanded in the holy Scriptures, it cannot therefore be accounted a matter merely arbitrary, left to a mans own will, to give or not to give. But it is a bounden duty, which they that in any competent measure can do, must not omit, which consideration cannot but be a strong incitation unto us, to make conscience of this duty of Alms-giving, as occasion is offered, and not to over-slip opportunities, that by the divine providence are offered unto us. Should we neglect that which our Lord hath expressly commanded? that whereunto by virtue of that command we are bound? that whereof we are to give an account? Let us upon th• Lords commands do what in this kind we can: And when we have done what we can say,¹ We are unprofitable servants, we have done what was our duty to do.

Now the giving of Alms being a duty so expresly commanded in the holy Scriptures, it cannot therefore be accounted a matter meerly arbitrary, left to a mans own will, to give or not to give. But it is a bounden duty, which they that in any competent measure can do, must not omit, which consideration cannot but be a strong incitation unto us, to make conscience of this duty of Alms-giving, as occasion is offered, and not to over-slip opportunities, that by the divine providence are offered unto us. Should wee neglect that which our Lord hath expresly commanded? that whereunto by vertue of that command wee are bound? that whereof wee are to give an account? Let us upon th• Lords commands do what in this kinde wee can: And when wee have done what wee can say,¹ Wee are unprofitable servants, wee have done what was our duty to do.

1. 1Luk. 17.10.