Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Ver. 36. Naked, and ye clothed me] Darius, before he came to the kingdom, received a garment for a gift of one Syloson. And when he became king he rewarded him with the command of his country Samus. Aelian, l. 4. c. 5. 1:187 Who now will say that Syloson merited such a boon for so small a courtesy? A gardener, offering a rape root (being the best present the poor man had) to the Duke of Burgundy, was bountifully rewarded by the duke, which his steward observing, thought to make use of his bounty, presenting him with a very fair horse. The duke (ut perspicaci erat ingenio, saith mine author) being a very wise man, perceived the project, received the horse, and gave him nothing for it. Right so will God deal with our merit mongers, that by building monasteries, &c., think to purchase heaven.
I was sick, and ye visited me] Our King Henry III, the same day that he set sail for France, himself did in person visit the poor and feeble, and dealt large alms; not refusing to kiss the sick and leprous. (Speed. 603.) This was well done, if without opinion of merit; and with the like mind that Dr Taylor, martyr, usually visited the alms houses and hospitals, there to see what the poor and sick lacked, to procure them supplies, and to give them good counsel.
I was in prison, and ye came to me] Many Papists have hence concluded that there are only six works of mercy, Visito, poto, cibo, &c., to visit, feed, drink &c, whereas indeed there are many more. But it is remarkable out of this text, that the last definitive sentence shall pass upon men, according to their forwardness and freeness in showing mercy to the family of faith. And that the sentence of absolution shall contain a manifestation of all their good works, and that with such fervency of affection in Christ, that he will see and remember nothing in them but the good they have done. See my Common-place of Alms.