16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.



Ver. 16. Have widows] That are widows indeed, that have neither children nor nephews to relieve them, 1Ti_5:3, of whom by the law of nature they may require èñåðôçñéá , aliment and assistence.



And let not the church be charged] How then will church robbers answer it, if church chargers be in fault? let them give us a just commentary upon Pro_20:25, and remember Cardinal Wolsey, and his sacrilegious instruments; five of whom came to fearful ends, as Scultetus recordeth, and concludeth with this wish, Utinam his et similibus exemplis edocti discant homines res semel Deo consecratas timide attrectare, I would that men would be warned by these examples, and better advise how they meddle with church maintenance, thereby to enrich themselves. (Scultet. Annal.)