Theologicall questions, dogmaticall observations, and evangelicall essays, vpon the Gospel of Jesus Christ, according to St. Matthew Wherein, about two thousand six hundred and fifty necessary, and profitable questions are discussed; and five hundred and eighty speciall points of doctrine noted; and five hundred and fifty errours confuted, or objections answered: together with divers arguments, whereby divers truths, and true tenents are confirmed. By Richard VVard, sometimes student in the famous vniversities of Cambridge in England: St. Andrews in Scotland: and Master of Arts of both the kingdoms; and now a preacher in the famous city of London.

VERS. 21. His Lord said unto him, [Vers. 21] well done thou good and faithfull servant, thou hast beene faithfull over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

§. 1. Well done thou good and faithfull servant.] [Sect. 1]

Wherein doth the fidelity of a servant consist, [Quest.] or, what is required of a faithfull servant?

First, it is required of him not to wast, or scatter, [Answ. 1] or disperse his Masters goods committed to his charge and care, Luke 16. And therefore we must take heed that we doe not mis-spend any of the Lords Talents betrusted unto us, whether spiritual, corporall, or externall.

Secondly, it is required of him not to take unto him the goods of his Master; that is, not to defraud [Answ. 2] robbe, or steale from him, to spend upon himselfe, or any of his family or friends; as Iudas did who carried the bag and was a Thiefe. And therefore we must take heed that we rob not God of his honour, by arrogating and ascribing any thing un∣to our selves which is good, and derogating from him, who is the Author and Fountaine of every good gift, and every perfect being, Iames 1.17. For we have nothing which we have not received from him, and therefore we ought not to boast of it; as is cleare from this Parable, none of the ser∣vants having any thing of themselves, but recei∣ving all their Talents from the Lord.

Thirdly, it is required of a faithfull servant not [Answ. 3] onely to keepe his Masters goods committed unto him, but also to improve them, and increase them, he was held as an unprofitable servant and con∣demned, who hid his Talent in a Napkin, but he that exercised the gift of God, and increased the number of the Talents is here pronounced to be a good and faithfull servant. And therefore we must labour to grow up from one degree of grace unto another, and strive to increase both in the quantity and quality of graces, that so our Master may re∣ceive advantage and glory by us.

§. 2. Thou hast beene faithfull over a few things.] [Sect. 2]

Because Riches (as was shewed before) is one of the Lords Talents betrusted unto men, it may be (and that not unfitly) demanded;

How Riches may be aright possessed? [Quest.]

Because this hath beene largely handled before, [Answ.] Chap. 6.19, 24. J therefore briefly answer it here with Antoninus (Part 4. Titul. 5. Cap. 17. §. 1.) A man useth his Talent aright

First, when he gives to every man his right, pay∣ing his debts, and keeping his covenants, con∣tracts, bargaines, and promises with all men.

Secondly, when he is liberall and mercifull unto all that stands in need, and upon every occasion.

Thirdly, when he is magnificent in the effecting of great workes, when he is able to goe through with them; as the building of Schooles, Hospitals, Churches, or the like.

Fourthly, when he is hospitable and helpefull unto strangers, captives, and incarcerated persons.

Fifthly, when he is charitable, and bountifull to his poore friends and kindred,