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

What must be given, not words, but deeds: a charitable heart hath a helpful hand. The good mans charity should dwell, as it is said of the Dutch-mans wit, at his ⟨p. 159⟩finger-ends. They for exquisite works, we for merciful works. To good deeds only stands open the gates of Heaven.

What must be given, not words, but deeds: a charitable heart hath a helpfull hand. The good mans charity should dwell, as it is said of the Dutch-mans wit, at his ⟨p. 159⟩finger-ends. They for exquisite workes, we for mercifull workes. To good deeds onely stands open the gates of Heaven.

To whom extends our charity; this munificent part of it to the poor. We §3favour and feast those who are recommended to us by their own greatness: Who feasts those that are recommended by CHRIST?ⁱ When thou makest a feast, call the poor, lame, blind; and thou shalt be blessed, for they cannot recompense thee: but God will, at the resurrection of the just. To do good to them that do good to us, Luke 6.33 Such kindness a man may take up in the streets of Turkey. But how if they be vagrants and lewd persons? yet be charitable to them, for these reasons: 1. It is better one unworthy creature should receive, than ten worthy should miss. The gracelessness of some beggars is too true, but many make this a general excuse to spare their purses. Thy own conscience in this is thy best guide. 2. Thy reward is not lost, though thy gift be fallen like good seed upon bad ground. Thy harvest is not in the man, but in Christ; not on earth, but in heaven. As our Saviour said,