A37049:1334
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…
A practical exposition of the X. Commandments with a resolution of several momentous questions and cases of conscience.A practical exposition of the X. Commandements with a resolution of several momentous questions and cases of conscience.
London: printed for Dorman Newman, 1675
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
4. Hence there should be some wise mutual way of inquiring into folks necessities, and the fairest way taken of conveying our Charity to them, such as may be least burdensome to their ingenuity, as Boaz did with Ruth, in private commanding his Servants to let fall some handfuls; this some may do, who may have more access to, and dexterity in, doing things of that nature, then others; therefore friendly associations for this end, that some might give, and others distribute, would be suitable.
4. Hence there should be some vvise mutual vvay of inquiring into folks necessities, and the fairest vvay taken of conveying our Charity to them, such as may be least burthensom to their ingenuity, as Boaz did vvith Ruth, in private commanding his Servants to let fall some handfuls; this some may do, vvho may have more access to, and dexterity in, doing things of that nature, then others; therefore friendly associations for this end, that some might give, and others distribute, vvould be sutable.
If it should be here more particularly inquired, What may be the quota of this that is to be bestowed? which must be understood of ordinary cases (for extraordinary cannot be stinted) It is hard to fix particular rules, because it must vary, 1. according to the givers estate, 2. according to their need who receive, 3. according to the several burdens of the ⟨p. 423⟩givers, who are to extend their Charity less or more accordingly; for it may be that they have their own poor children or friends, whom they must furnish, and so cannot give so much as others, who are free of the like burdens. Look therefore to these general Rules; 1. That Charity be liberal and in bounty, not in covetousness; too little is a fault, and too much also may be one, though not so great as the other; see 2 Cor. 8.12. 2. Let it be by Christian prudence, in a conscientious deliberation determined, as