§. 69.
Digr. 1. Of the much abused Text. 1. Tim. 5.8. spoken concerning Childrens maintaining at home (and not obtruding upon the Church) their aged infirm Parents with necessaries: (comp. 1. Tim. 5.4.16.) And being in general a duty no further, than providing only for ne∣cessaries sooner for Relations nearer: because none are bound to provide more than these for themselves; which is the rule and measure of our duty, and obligation for o∣thers. 'Tis a lawful thing to provide for our posterity ac∣cording to, or also beyond the degree, and quality, of their Ancestors, but far from a duty; and, whosoever's Family is not poor, he doth better, who maketh further provision for the poor, than he, who for his family. And doubtless rich Zacheus did no injustice to his children, in giving half his goods to the poor; nor yet they, Act. 4.34. Nor they, Matt. 19.29. Whose Relatives having necessaries, they were not further careful for their wealth; and minded more their own eternal Salvation, than the temporal abundance of theirs; which abundance also happens most commonly for mens hurt; and the want of which, if it be convenient for me, is so also, for my child.
Digr. 2. Of the ordinary faulty obstructions to Cha∣rity. As maintaining our selves according to our quality. Our being comparatively poor, though we are not necessi∣tous, See Luk. 21.4. —2. Cor. 8.2, 3. Necessary provision, for old age;—for uncertain times;—many children;—many poor kindred; —provision for our Family; —chargeable re∣creations; —false named hospitality, and (truly uncharita∣ble