3. The union whereinto we are brought in Christ, with the common
he his in particular intrusted, is unquestionable. The very precepts for free distribution and communication are enough to prove it. But that these things are altogether given to men for themselves and their own use is denied; friends are to be made of mammon. Christ needs in some what he bestows on others. If he hath given thee thine own and thy brother's portion also to keep, wilt thou be false to thy trust, and defraud thy brother? Christ being rich, became poor for our sakes; if he make us rich, it is that we may feed the poor for his sake. Neither doth this duty lie only (though chiefly) on those who are greatly increased; those who have nothing but their labour should spare out of that for those who cannot work, Eph. 4:28. The two mites are required as well as accepted. Now, the relief of the poor brethren in the church hath a twofold rule:—
First, Their necessity; Secondly, Others' abilities.
Unto these two must assistance be proportioned, provided that those which are poor walk suitably to their condition, 2 Thess. 3:10, 11.
And as we ought to relieve men in their poverty, so we ought by all lawful means to prevent their being poor. To keep a man from falling is an equal mercy to the helping of him up when he is down.
Motives to this duty are:— 1. The love of God unto us, 1 John 3:16.
2. The glory of the gospel, exceedingly exalted thereby, Titus 3:8, 14; Matt. 5:7.
3. The union whereinto we are brought in Christ, with the common inheritance promised to us all.