Of Alms-Deeds, Or Charity T IS the Direction of the the Order for the Vifitation of the Sick, That The Minifter fhould not omit, earnestly to Move fuch Sick Perfons as are of Ability, to be Liberal to the Poor. Whence Obferve, 1. That it is the Duty of the Clergy, to Move Sick and Dying Perfons to Remember the Poor. 2. If fuch Sick and Bequeathing Perfons are of Ability, they are then to Move them to be Liberal in their Gifts and Legacies to the Poor. 3. They are not only to Move them, but earnestly and with importunity to Move them. If therefore the Covetous Mifers of this. World, who value their Bags more than their Souls, fhall be offended at this Freedom, (as if this Part of our Office were a Pragmatical Encroachment; as if herein we did tranfgrefs the Limits of our Calling, and were as Bufy-bodies in other mens Matters; I fhall for the Conviction of fuch Perfons, and the juft Vindication of my Profeffion, fuggeft the Reasons of fuch Charitable Diftributions. And from thence fhail fhew them, why we of the Clergy do think our felves obliged, with fuch repeated Plainnefs, to remind them of this Duty. The Clergy by their Office and Calling, are the Ambafadors of Christ. Or, if that may seem a Title of too much State, they are the Stewards of his Houfbold; who who are to distribute to the Family their feveral Portions. Now St. Paul, who was not only a faithful Pastor of the Flock, but also a Governor of the Pastors themselves, hath left this Apoftolical Injunction to his Son Timothy; and in him to all other Paftors and Minifters of God's Word. Charge them that are Rich in this World, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain Riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to en joy. That they do Good, that they be Rich in good Works, ready to Diftribute, willing to Communicate. Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay bold on eternal life. 1 Tim. 6. 17, 18, 19. It appears from this Injunction of St. Paul, that Rich men, as as well as Others, are to be Admonished of their Duty. Charge them that are Rich in this World. And if their Loftiness shall think scorn to be thus Tutor'd by the Clergy, they are then Advised, That they be not highminded. Not to be proud and infolent; not to flight and despise their meaner Brethren. And the more effectually to abate their Confidence, they are further to be Admonished; That their Riches are uncertain, and therefore 'tis the highest Folly, To truft in uncertain Riches. Solomon's Obfervation, That Riches make themselves wings, and flee away as an Eagle towards Heaven. Prov. 23. 5. (that is, they are gone with a swift and imperceptible Motion) is fully confirmed by daily experience. Fire, Robbery, Suretyship, the Falfenefs of a Friend, a Sinking Ship, a Treasonable Word, the Tragical Excelles of Wine and Paffron, with many other fuch like Accidents, have funk and ruined the Greatest in a Moment. Now these poffible Events, which may happen to the Richeft, and level them with the Pooreft, do seasonably Admonish the Rich men of this World, not to be high-minded, nor to trust in uncertain Riches. And therefore, fince Riches are fuch uncertain Poffeffions, and may and will fo unexpectedly leave them; 'tis Charity to direct these Rich men where to put their Trust. Even in the living God: Who is not only a Sure and Certain Comfort, (for he is a living God, and a living Comfort ;) but all other Comforts do flow from him. Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. And |