Graphautarkeia, or, The Scriptures sufficiency practically demonstrated wherein whatsoever is contain'd in Scripture, respecting doctrine, worship or manners is reduced to its proper head, weighty cases resolved, truths confirmed, difficult texts illustrated and explained by others more plain.

Of the relief of the poor of the Churches, and their contributions to the necessity of other Churches, and the order of it.

And the multitude of them who believed, were of one heart, &c. Neither said any of them, that ought of the things which he possessed, was his own: but they had all things common, &c. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands, or houses, sold them, and brought the prises, &c. and laid them down at the Apostles feet: and distributi∣on was made unto every man according as he had need, Act. 4. 32, 34, 35.

—The price of thy land? While it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou, &c? Act. 5. 1, 2, 3, 4.

When the number of the disciples were multiplied, there arose a murmuring against the Hebrews, by the Grecians, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Whereupon the Church chose Deacons to look to this matter, Act. 6. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

The Disciples, every one according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren, &c. Act. 11. 28, 29, 30.

These hands have administred to my necessities, and to them who were with me. I have shewed you all things, how that ye so labouring, ought to sup∣port the weak, and to remember the words of our Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give, than to receive, Act. 20. 34, 35.

It hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia, to make a certain contri∣bution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem, Rom. 15. 25, 26.

Now concerning the collection for the Saints, as I have given order to the Churches of Galatia, so do ye; upon the first day of the week, let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no ga∣thering when, &c. 1 Cor. 16. 1, 2.

—By the occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love: for ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, &c. Not that other men be eased, and you burdened: but by an equality, &c. 2 Cor. 8. 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14.

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver, &c. The administration of this Service, not only supplieth the want of the Saints, but it is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God, &c. They glorifie God for your professed sub∣jection to Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 9. 7, 12, 13.

If any would not work, neither should he eat, &c. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well-doing, &c. 2 Thess. 3. 10, 11, 12, 13.

If any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew pity at home, and to requite their parents, &c. If any provide not for his own, &c. If any man or woman who believeth, have widows, let them relieve them: and let not the Church be charged, that it may relieve them who are widows indeed, 1 Tim. 5. 4, 8, 16.

See the Duty of distributing to the Saints necessity at large, Chap. 17.