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…

For general rules to direct in this matter, I propose these: 1. Lay by such a quota of your estate or gain, and let that be dedicated to the use of Charity, that ye may have it to bring forth when particular occasions shall offer; men would not always stay till it be sought, but would have, as it were, a poor's box, or a box for the poor by them; so the Lords appointing a certain Tithe under the Law for widows, fatherless, &c. Deut. 14.22. &c. and Deut. 16.12. with Numb. 18.21. insinuateth that there should be a proportion of our estate laid aside for charitable uses; and that direction of the Apostles, 1 Cor. 16.1. for every man to lay buy him, &c. doth confirm this, the doing of this would help a man to discern the proportion best of what he is able to spare, to be thus employed, ⟨p. 420⟩[…] ⟨p. 421⟩[…] ⟨p. 422⟩which he cannot do in particular occasions, because he knoweth them not; but in the general he may proportion what he may spare to all in common, and thereafter subdivide wisely upon considerations and after-emergents; yet so, as when necessity is extreme, he go beyond that which is his ordinary allowance; this also would prevent all temptations having any tendency to the dissuading of us from any thing for that use, if somewhat were set apart for it, and it would also ease the mind and conscience of such who were tender, if in some particulars they failed, to be clear that they did not hold it in for their own advantage, but that they were forth-coming according to their ability.

For general rules to direct in this matter, I propose these: 1. Lay by such a quota of your estate or gain, and let that be dedicated to the use of Charity, that ye may have it to bring forth vvhen particular occasions shall offer; men vvould not alvvayes stay till it be sought, but vvould have, as it vvere, a poors box, or a box for the poor by them; so the Lords appointing a certain Tythe under the Lavv for widows, fatherless, &c.