Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God

3. It would make us charitable to others. Since he is our Lord, the great proprietor of the World, 'tis sit he should have a part of our goods, as well as our time: he being the Lord both of our goods and time. The Lord is to be honoured with our substance; Prov. 3.9. Kings were not to be approached to without a present; Tribute is due to Kings: but because he hath no need of any from us, to bear up his state, maintain the charge of his wars, or pay his Military Officers and Host, 'tis a debt due to him, to acknowledge him in his poor, to sustain those that are a part of his substance; Though he stands in no need of it himself, yet the poor, that we have always with us, do; As a 7th. part of our weekly time, so some part of our weakly gains are due to him. There was to be a weekly laying by in store somewhat of what God had prospered them, for the relief of others. 1 Cor. 16.1, 2. the quantity is not determined, that is left to every man's Conscience, according as God hath prospered him that week. If we did consider God as the donor and proprietor, we should dispose of his gifts according to the design of the true owner, and act in our places as Stewards entrusted by him, and not purse up his part as well as our own in our coffers. We should not deny him a small quit rent, as an acknowledgement that we have a greater income from him; We should be ready to give the inconsiderable pittance, he doth require of us, as an acknowledgement of his propriety, as well as liberality.

3. It would make us charitable to others. Since he is our Lord, the great proprietor of the World, 'tis sit he should have a part of our goods, as well as our time: he being the Lord both of our goods and time. The Lord is to be honour'd with our substance; Prov. 3.9. Kings were not to be approached to without a present; Tribute is due to Kings: but because he hath no need of any from us, to bear up his state, maintain the charge of his wars, or pay his Military Officers and Host, 'tis a debt due to him, to acknowledge him in his poor, to sustain those that are a part of his substance; Though he stands in no need of it himself, yet the poor, that we have alwayes with us, do; As a 7th. part of our weekly time, so some part of our weakly gains are due to him. There was to be a weekly laying by in store somewhat of what God had prosper'd them, for the relief of others.