A commentary or, exposition upon the divine second epistle general, writtenA commentary or, exposition vpon the diuine second epistle generall, written

2 To follow GODS example, in being evermore giving good things. Beneficence is munus regale, a royal office. It is a poor degree of comfort wherein many bless themselves, to do no ill: for Bonum in effectu, non in defectu: non virtus in non officiendo, sed in proficiendo: Goodness consists in the effect, not in the defect: nor is virtue glorious in being innocent from harm, but in being beneficial for good. I wonder what hope the oppressor hath to be saved; seeing he doth not imitate GOD in giving, but the Devil in extorting? There are that give something to the poor, that they may take away more: Haec venatio, non donatio: This is not a charitable giving, but a subtle hunting. It is foenerare beneficium, to put a good turn to usury. But give; this is GODS precept, and must be thy precedent. Yea, though thou have little, give of that little. GOD esteems the little gift of a poor righteous man, above the great alms of a wicked rich man. And that for two reasons; Quia de justo, quia de parvo. First, because it is of that, is justly gotten: so Zacheus; ⁿHalf my goods I give to the poor; and restore to them I have wronged fourfold. Observe his words; Do ex meis, reddo ex alienis: I restore other mens goods, but I give mine own. Secondly, because he gives of a little; as the poor Widow did her two Mites, even all her substance. When the Monks complained of want, and that their revenues fell too short for their maintenance; the Abbot replied, that two companions came once together, to sojourn in their Monastery; they were entertained: their names were Date, and Dabitur; Give, and It shall be given you. Whilst these two lived amongst you, you all thrived: now you have thrust out Date, Give; and Dabitur, (it shall be given) will not stay behind.

2 To follow GODS example, in being evermore giving good things. Beneficence is munus regale, a royall office. It is a poore degree of comfort wherein many blesse themselves, to doe no ill: for Bonum in effectu, non in defectu: non virtus in non officiendo, sed in proficiendo: Goodnesse consists in the effect, not in the defect: nor is vertue glorious in being innocent from harme, but in being beneficiall for good. I wonder what hope the oppressour hath to bee saved; seeing hee doth not imitate GOD in giving, but the Devill in extorting? There are that give something to the poore, that they may take away more: Haec venatio, non donatio: This is not a charitable giving, but a subtill hunting. It is foenerare beneficium, to put a good turne to usury. But give; this is GODS precept, and must bee thy precedent. Yea, though thou have little, give of that little. GOD esteemes the little gift of a poore righteous man, above the great almes of a wicked rich man. And that for two reasons; Quia de justo, quia de parvo. First, because it is of that, is justly gotten: so Zacheus;