A practical exposition of the X. Commandments with a resolution of several momentous questions…A practical exposition of the X. Commandements with a resolution of several momentous questions…

Let us see then 1. wherein it consisteth? 2. who is the object of it, 3. who is to give, 4. how for manner and measure it is to be given? 1. Alms, is not every giving, for that may be of debt, or it may be to a rich man, or one that hath no need, out of pride, or for the fashion; but 1. there is a needy object from which we can expect nothing again, to this we are to give alms; 2. There is a doing it upon the account of the Command, as thereby honouring our maker, and testifying our love to Christ, which is to do it to a Disciple, in the name of a Disciple, Matth. 10.41, 42. it taketh ⟨p. 420⟩in all supply, as meat, drink, visiting them, vindicating them, comforting them, by lending, giving, forgiving of any thing that is owing, &c. 2. The object, neighbour, is large, but it is the needy one only that is to be looked to, Ephes. 4.28. and Deut. 15.11. And the poor ones, who may be considered, 1. As to the degree of their need three ways, 1. Need that is common, and such as folks may fend with it; 2. that is pinching, when they fend with difficulty; 3. that is extreme, when they cannot subsist; In the first case, men are to give out of their abundance ▪ 2 Cor. 8.14. and need not straiten themselves for the supply of such poor; In the second they ought to straiten themselves, that they may be in case to supply others, as when they have two coats, give one, Luke 3.11. In the third, they would straiten themselves, though it were to sell all, and divide it, which the Apostle calleth, 2 Cor. 8.3. a doing beyond power, which is not always called for.

Let us see then 1. wherein it consisteth? 2. who is the object of it, 3. who is to give, 4. how for manner and measure it is to be given? 1. Alms, is not every giving, for that may be of debt, or it may be to a rich man, or one that hath no need, out of pride, or for the fashion; but 1. there is a needy object from which we can expect nothing again, to this we are to give alms; 2. There is a doing it upon the account of the Command, as thereby honouring our maker, and testifying our love to Christ, which is to do it to a Disciple, in the name of a Disciple,