Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Timothy 5:10

10 Well reported of for good works, if she hath brought up children , if she have lodged strangers , if she have washed the saints feet , if she have relieved the afflicted , if she have diligently followed every good work .

If she be a person of repute for actions concerning others which are consonant to the Will and Commandment of God.

If she hath brought up children well in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

If when persons that are Christians have come from other places either driven from them, or upon their occasion, and could not amongst Pagans find a convenient Inn, her house hath been open to them.

If she hath been ready to do the meanest Offices for the Servants of God, of which this washing of feet was one, in great use in those hot Countryes, wh[illegible: 1 letter]re they had not the benefit of shoos, either to cool or refresh, or cleanse them.

If to her ability she hath relieved such as have been in any kind of distress.

If though it may be she hath not had ability, or opportunity, to do all the good works she would, yet she hath diligently followed them, doing what she could, let such a one be put into the Catalogue of those whom the Church will relieve, and honour and imploy.

Marginal references: 1 Pet. 4.9.; Gen. 18.4. [illegible: 1 word] 19.2. [illegible: 1 word] 7.38, 44.