A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…

But it may be said, That if this were their state, how could any of them, or how could the Church in general thus labour in Love, by administering unto the wants of others, when they themselves were even overwhelmed with their own? I answer, (1) We do not I fear sufficiently understand what was the frame and spirit of those first Believers; and out of how very little of their own they would administer unto the greater necessities of others, that there might be no lack in the Body. So the Apostle tells us that in the Church of Macedonia, when they were under Trials, Afflictions, Persecutions, their deep Poverty abounded with the Riches of Liberality, 2 Cor. 5. 2. In their own great Poverty and under Persecution they contributed largely unto the necessity of others. For us who are apt to think that there are so many things necessary that we may minister unto the poor Saints, as so much wealth at least, so much provision for our own Families, peace and some kind of quietness in what we enjoy, it is no wonder if we cannot so easily understand what is affirmed of that labour of Love which was among the Primitive Believers. They gave freely and liberally out of their Poverty and amidst their Troubles, we can scarce part with superfluities in Peace. (2) It is not improbable but that there might be some in the Church who escaping the common calamities of the most, were able to contribute bountifully to the necessity of others; and their discharge of Duty is reckoned by the Apostle unto the whole Church, whilst in the rest there was a willing mind, whence they were judged and accepted according to what they had, and not according to what they had not. And those who have Ability in any Church should do well to consider the Honour and Reputation of the whole Church in the sight of God and man depends much on their Diligence and Bounty in the discharge of this Duty. Hence is that peculiar direction of our Apostle unto Timothy with respect unto this sort of persons; Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, or trust in uncertain Riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy, that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate, 1 Tim. 6. 17, 18. (3) The contribution of outward things is but one way of ministration unto the Saints, but one part of this Duty.

But it may be said, That if this were their state, how could any of them, or how could the Church in general thus labour in Love, by administring unto the wants of others, when they themselves were even overwhelmed with their own? I answer, (1) We do not I fear sufficiently understand what was the frame and spirit of those first Believers; and out of how very little of their own they would administer unto the greater necessities of others, that there might be no lack in the Body. So the Apostle tells us that in the Church of Macedonia, when they were under Trials, Afflictions, Persecutions, their deep Poverty abounded with the Riches of Liberality,