Philemon 1:7 For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by you, brother. I. IT IS NOT ENOUGH FOR US TO GIVE GOOD WORDS, OR TO UTTER FROM OUR MOUTHS GOOD WISHES, BUT WE MUST, IN OUR SEVERAL PLACES AND PARTICULAR CALLINGS, DO OUR UTMOST ENDEAVOUR THAT RELIEF MAY EVEN BE SEALED TO OUR POOR. It is not enough to give to those that ask and crave the fruit of our liberality, but we must learn to inquire of the wants of the saints, and to search what is their condition. It belongeth unto us, not only to have ears prepared to hear but to have mouths opened, to ask of the welfare of those that are in necessity. We would desire to be so dealt withal ourselves; and therefore let us be so minded toward our brethren. This we see in Abraham: he stayed not till those strangers came into his house, till they desired to be received and have lodging; but be went out of his tent of his own accord, to see whom he could espy, that he might bring them to his house. So did Lot, so dealt all the fathers. Thus did Nehemiah, when he saw some of his brethren that were come from Jerusalem; he asked then concerning the state of the Church, and of the residue of the captivity. We must not always wait till we be entreated and urged to show mercy, but offer it to ourselves to testify the willingness of our hearts. As Christ hath loved us, so let us love one another. There have ever been poor that make not their wants openly known, and are so dejected and rejected of many, that they are ashamed to show their necessity. II. IT REPROVETH THOSE THAT DO NOT RIGHTLY CONSIDER WHAT POOR THE APOSTLE MEANETH, AND SETTETH BEFORE US AS OBJECTS OF OUR COMPASSION. He doth not understand the idle beggar, or sturdy rogue, or vagrant companion, who, not applying himself in any lawful calling, maketh a profession of beggary, and liveth altogether upon the spoil of other men's goods. Neither doth he mean such manner of persons as are continual haunters of ale houses, spend-alls, carders, dicers. These are excluded and wiped out of the register of the poor saints spoken of in this place, being worse than infidels, and denying the faith. But the apostle pointeth out such unto us, to be holpen and comforted, as it hath pleased God not to bestow so great a portion of worldly blessings upon them, as upon others, as the artificer, the handicraftsman, and day labourer, yet labour diligently. III. IT REPROVETH SUCH AS NEVER OPEN THEIR MOUTHS TO KNOW THE ESTATE OF THE POOR SAINTS, OR TO INQUIRE HOW THEY FARE. Alas! how should they offer their help of their own accord, and open the bowels of pity before they be entreated, that will depart from nothing, but urged and constrained by force of law, or taxation of others? Or how should they extend their compassion to the poor that are absent? It is noted to the great commendation of David, that after the death of Saul, his enemy, he sought not revenge upon his issue and posterity, but did good to his children's children, and said — "Is there any left of the house of Saul, that I may shew mercy for Jonathan's sake?" So ought we to seek out the servants of God, and to find out the poor, and to inquire after the distressed saints, and say, Is there any of the poor yet left, to whom we may show mercy for the Lord's sake? (W. Attersoll.) Parallel Verses KJV: For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. |
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