Christianismus primitivus, or, The ancient Christian religion, in its nature, certainty, excellency, and beauty, (internal and external) particularly considered, asserted, and vindicated from the many abuses which have invaded that sacred profession, by humane innovation, or pretended revelation comprehending likewise the general duties of mankind, in their respective relations : and particularly the obedience of all Christians to magistrates, and the necessity of Christian-moderation about things dispensible in matters of religion : with divers cases of conscience discussed and resolved / by Thomas Grantham ...

SECT. I.

DId not the Inhumanity of some, the too much Scrupulosity, and perhaps the Superstition of others give occasion, we would not have put these things to the Question, which so fairly carry their own Evi∣dence along with them. The Laws of this Land, and particularly those which concern the Poor, are the just Inheritance of every Free-born Subject: And who knows how soon he may, by various Accidents, be exposed to a state which requires the kindness of the Law in this case, or else his Calamity to be insupportable? Now this Law knows no Man by his being a Paedo-Baptist, or a Baptized Believer of such or such a Pa∣rish, but as he is a poor indigent Member of such a Place, and according∣ly provides that he perish not; and yet leaves room enough for any to shew particular kindnesses to the Fatherless and Widows, &c. so that when we will we may do them good; as also our Saviour hath required us, Matth. 26. 11. But now that any Christian should be debar'd the be∣nefit

of the Law in this case, is altogether irrational; because all acknow∣ledg that we are bound to pay towards the maintainance of the Poor of the Parish where we live, if we be able; and good reason we should do so: But then, even from thence, it's as reasonable that we should receive, when not able to support our selves.

It is true, God hath ordained that his People should be mindful of the Poor; Deacons were ordained to take care of them, fore-seeing, no doubt, that in many Nations small care would be taken for poor Chri∣stians; yea, that they should rather be exposed to such Sufferings as should make them poor, even by those that should relieve them, Luke 21. 16, 17. Their Parents, Kinsfolks, and Neighbours, thinking them so unfit to be fed or nourished, as that they would rather betray them to be put to Death: And where this Spirit worketh, there can no relief be ex∣pected. Yet,

This taketh not away the Reason and Equity of the thing: and either we must say it is unlawful to provide for the relief of the Poor by humane Laws, or grant it lawful for all that are Poor to receive the courtesie of that Law. And truly our Divisions are too great in things which cannot be avoided, as things stand, till God shall graciously enlighten those that are out of the way; let us not then, in this common Office of Humani∣ty, make more difference than needs must. Now this I speak not as be∣ing desirous to lessen the Charity of the Baptized Churches, either to∣wards the Poor among them or others; For they are strictly obliged, as they have opportunity, to do good to all, and especially to the Houshold of Faith. But my Design is, to shew the Injury that is offered to the Poor, to the Law, and to all good Reason; In that the Widows and Fa∣therless of these that own some Truths of the Gospel, which our Nation hath not yet received, are cast out of their Birth-Priviledges, as if they were not Subjects of this Realm, when yet both the Law, and every Faithful Magistrate stands ready to shew them equal favours with others. If ye fulfil the Royal Law, according to the Scripture, Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self, ye do well; but if ye have respect to Persons, ye com∣mit sin, Jam. 2. 8, 9.