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I. THIS DUTY IS URGED UPON US BY DIVERS EXAMPLES IN THE HOLY SCRIPTURES.

1. It is to be practised of us because it is the commandment of God that we should love and lodge strangers, and show all pity and compassion toward them, to succour them in their necessity. This it is which Moses saith, "Love ye the stranger, for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt" (Deuteronomy 10). Hereunto cometh the rule of the apostle, "Distribute to the necessities of the saints, give yourselves to hospitality" (Romans 12). This is the precept of the apostle Peter, "Be ye harbourers one towards another without grudging" (1 Peter 4:9). Seeing, therefore, God commandeth, it is our part to obey, and submit ourselves to His will and pleasure.

2. As God requireth this duty of us, so we have His own example to teach it unto us. It is a property of God to love strangers, and therefore to be imitated and followed of all that belong unto Him. This reason is expressed in Deuteronomy 10:18.

3. God doth greatly honour such as honour strangers. They have been so far honoured by God as that angels have entered into their houses, been entertained by them, and have blessed them.

II. THE DOCTRINE BEING THUS CLEARED, THE USES REMAIN TO BE SHOWED.

1. This declareth that hospitality is a commendable virtue, and a worthy fruit of love; yea, an excellent ornament in the children of God, whereby they receive good report of the Church.

2. Secondly, this doctrine serveth for reproof. Of all, of such as think that hospitality consisteth in feasting and keepeth great cheer, and bidding the rich to their tables; whereas the Scripture understandeth by it a courteous entertainment of such poor Christians as are banished out of their countries.

2. This meeteth with the corruption of our times, we cannot abide those that are strangers, but are enemies to the very name when we hear of it. But all neglect of them and injurious dealing towards them is a great sin, and such as are haters of strangers are grievous sinners.

3. It is our duty to take the opportunity offered unto us of God; nay, it is required of us to seek the opportunity to express our obedience to God, and our love to our people, in doing all good to such as stand in need.

4. Lastly, it is a great comfort and peace to a man's conscience that God will in His Son Christ regard him, when with a single heart he hath been careful to testify his love toward distressed strangers for the truth's sake. Let us rejoice in this consolation, that we shall be assured that God will pity us when we have thus pitied others.

(W. Attersoll.)

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KJV: But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

WEB: Also, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.