among them,
and freely contribute to them according to their ability and _their_
necessity. They are indispensably bound to impart their help and
assistance to the poor, and to give them a little of their estates. It
is a debt which they owe to God, and a duty to them. They will comfort
them thereby; but they will much more profit themselves than them. It is
a more blessed thing to give than to receive. Wealthy persons are
stewards for the poor, and a part of what God hath given those was
designed for these, 1 Pet. iv. 10, and therefore, says God, Deut. xv. 7,
8, "Thou shalt not shut thine hand from thy poor brother, but shalt open
it wide unto him." The rich must not only give to keep the poor alive in
misery, but make comfortable provisions for them, that they may have
enough to keep them from the temptations of poverty and pressing wants,
and to fit them for, and encourage them in, their work and duty, to God
and man.

13. Church members ought carefully, watchfully, diligently, and
conscientiously to beware of and avoid whatever may give any just
offence or scandal to one another. For we are charged to "give none
offence neither to Jew nor Gentile, nor to the Church of God," 1 Cor. x.
32. And our Saviour tells us, that "wo to them by whom the offence
cometh," Matt, xviii. 7.

You must take heed of such evils as the following, and avoid them,
because they all carry scandal in their nature to your own and others'
souls: as, 1. Proud, disdainful, and haughty words conduct, and
conversation; for these are grievous and provoking evils, which will
justly offend all the observers of them. 2. Sullen, sour, and churlish
language and behavior, which is offensive unto all sorts of persons; for
this is an evil altogether unbecoming the followers of Jesus Christ. 3.
A cross, captious, and contradictive spirit and conduct, delighting in
opposition to the judgment of the church and her rulers. This is very
scandalous to the brethren, and very reproachful unto themselves. 4.
Speaking evil of one another behind their backs; backbiting or
publishing their real or supposed evils, before they have been spoken to
in secret. 5. Speaking lightly or contemptibly of one another, either to
themselves or to others in their absence, as few men can bear patiently
to be despised by the slighting carriages of their brethren. 6. Vain,
foolish, and frothy discourses, which are very offensive to gracious
saints. 7. Earthly-mindedness and greedy pur