A commentary or exposition upon the four Evangelists, and the Acts of the Apostles: wherein the text is explained, some controversies are discussed, divers common places are handled, and many remarkable matters hinted, that had by former interpreters been pretermitted. Besides, divers other texts of Scripture which occasionally occur are fully opened, and the whole so intermixed with pertinent histories, as will yeeld both pleasure and profit to the judicious reader. / By John Trapp M. A. Pastour of Weston upon Avon in Gloucestershire.

And from him that would borrow of thee, turn not away.]

Some are ashamed to beg and take alms, who yet, being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with great necessity, could be glad to borrow. And a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 kindenesse it might be, to lend them a bigger summe, then to give them a lesser. Here therefore a good man is mercifull and* 1.1 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he will lend, looking for nothing again: not looking that a poor neighbour should earn it out, or doe as much for him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 other way. Nay, we ought not in this case so to look for our own again, as that that be the chief thing we aim at, but to obey Christ, and to doe a poor man a pleasure. And what if the wicked bor∣roweth,* 1.2 and paieth not again: let not others fare the worse for their fault. The godly make great conscience of paying that they owe, as the sonne of the Prophets that was so sorry for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.3 of the axe, Alas, master, it was but borrowed. And Elisha 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the widow first pay her debts with her oil, and then live of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Now from such borrowers turn not away: plead not excuse, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 when it is in thy hand to help them presently. He 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.4 hideth his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (in this case) shall have many a curse. Not 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.5 doe good (in this kinde) is to doe hurt; not to save a life, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a poor mans declining estate, is to destroy it. Carnall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will here stand up and plead, as Nabal did, Shall I take my 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.6 and my fl sh, that I have provided for my shearers, and give it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 strangers? So, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I take my money or my means, which I have provided for my children, and give it or lend it to such and such? Here then you must silence your reason and exalt your faith. Con∣sider how great an honour it is to be Almoner to the King of hea∣ven; that by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 out upon such, you lay hold upon eternall life;* 1.7 that the Apostle, 2 Cor. 8. 2. setteth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 liberality by a word 〈◊〉〈◊〉 signifieth simplicity, in opposition to that crafty wilinesse, that is in the covetous, to defend themselves from the danger (as they think) of liberality: that, the liberall man deviseth 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.8 things, and by liberall things he shall stand: When a man would thinke he should fall rather, he takes a right 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to stand and thrive: He laies up for himself a sure foun∣dation.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 112.
• * 1.2

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 37. 21.
• * 1.3

  2 King. 6. 5.
• * 1.4

  Prov. 28. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.5

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 6. 9. with Mark 3. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.6

  1 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 25 11.
• * 1.7

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.8

  1 Cor. 6. 18.