Some

(which marks the labours and offerings of penitents, who endeavour to make what satisfaction they can for their injuries to GoD or man). Some sow that by the expected crop they may increase their wealth; (which represents the good works of more innocent persons, who aspire to a great reward and a glorious crown). sow that they may have something wherewith to express their gratitude, and make presents to their kind landlord or benefactor; (whereby is signified the best of Christians, who in all things seek and design the glory of their LORD). And others sow that they may be thought diligent, and receive commendations by the passers-by: (these are an emblem of the most imperfect Christians, who in GoD's service seek their own glory, and of whom our blessed SAVIOUR says that they "have their reward"). (S. Johan, Clim, Grad.) However all must sow; and every one as he doth it, sparingly or bountifully, so shall he reap at last. But Heaven is a cheap purchase, give we never so dear for it. "The Gospel reveals and offers a glorious kingdom, and eternal felicities; but he that expects

ir great possession, because he reads and

believes them, is like him that should fancy the whole world shall be his, because he hath the history or map thereof." (Decay of Christian Piety.)

CHAPTER XIV.

The true notion of Free-will Offerings vindicated; with an Exhortation to abound in the Work of the LORD.

ERE it may be proper to insert the caution

of an ancient rule:-" Be sure thou first observe that which is commanded, before thou dost aim at counsels." (S. Athanasius.) Neglect not a duty because thou dost offer freely, and art over-zealous in other things. Thus the covetous worldling gripes and niggardly detains, because he designs to build alms-houses at last: and thus the factious zealot breaks the second, with the first Table of the Divine law; making religion an excuse for his uncharitableness and disobedience. But if we love JESUS with hearty affection, we shall be far enough from mocking GOD, and deceiving ourselves; for love that doubles upon us all obligations of duty doth also oblige us to these free-will offerings. They are

not amends for our omissions, or exchanges in lieu of our obedience; but they are the fulfilling of that law of gratitude we now live under. The infinite mercies of the Gospel put upon us in

finite obligations to do in that possibly we are able.

requital for God all But the Gospel is a

law of liberty; all its extent and measures are not in all particulars minutely and expressly defined.

So then by these free-will offerings we must not understand anything like supererogations, or things to which we are no ways obliged; or that exceed what God hath done for us, or what He will reward; or that are done without His help, "without Whom we can do nothing:" any of these notions is impious, and implies a contradiction But by them is to be understood the expression of our acknowledgments, and of that love we owe infinitely, in things not expressly commanded, and not under necessity. Of such, (saith the Apostle,) "I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love." 2 Cor. viii., 8. They that like the Macedonians have first given themselves to the

LORD, may well with them be willing to offer to GOD, to their power and beyond their power. To this purpose, S. Paul saith of himself, that his preaching the Gospel of CHRIST was altogether his duty, and woe unto him if he fulfilled it not but his doing it willingly for nothing, in the regions of Achaia, for that he had a reward, and that was his boasting and his glorying, of which no man should rob him. To this purpose also the ancient Fathers have said many things. That some good works we do rather by a free choice and love, than by precept. That "thus to do things for GOD, beyond express commandments, was highly acceptable and highly rewarded." (S. Chrysostom.) That to abstain from that which is evil, is absolutely required: and further to deny ourselves, for religion's sake, is a free oblation. And much more to the same purpose is frequently to be met with in those true and devout lovers of the blessed JESUS, whose affection and gratitude to Him nothing could fully express or confine.

And now by these, and first by Holy Scripture, it manifestly appears that the true notion of Free-will offerings in nothing favours human