A03549:340
The second tome of homilies of such matters as were promised, and entitled in…The second tome of homilees of such matters as were promised, and intituled in…
The second tome of homilies of such matters as were promised, and entitled in the former part of homilies. Set out by the authority of the Queens Majesty: and to be read in every parish church agreeably.The second tome of homilees of such matters as were promised, and intituled in the former part of homilees. Set out by the aucthoritie of the Queenes Maiestie: and to be read in euery parishe church agreeably.
Imprinted at London : In Poules Churchyarde, by Richard Jugge, and John Cawood, printers to the Queens Majesty, 1571Imprinted at London : In Poules Churchyarde, by Richarde Iugge, and Iohn Cawood, printers to the Queenes Maiestie, 1571
No title page in the transcription: set from the catalogue record.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The third part of the Homily of alms deeds.
The thirde parte of the Homilee of almes deedes.
YE have already heard two parts of this treatise of alms deeds. The first how pleasant and acceptable before God the doing of them is, the second, how much it behoveth us, and how profitable it is to apply ⟨p. 332⟩our selves unto them. Now in the third part will I take away that let that hindereth many from doing them. There be many, that when they hear how acceptable a thing in the sight of God the giving of alms is, and how much God extendeth his favour towards them that are merciful, and what fruits and commodities doth come to them by it, they wish very gladly with them selves that they also might obtain these benefits, and be counted such of God as whom he would love or do for. But yet these men are with greedy covetousness, so pulled back that they will not bestow one half penny, or one shive of bread, that they might be thought worthy of Gods benefits, and so to come into his favour. For they are evermore fearful, and doubting, least by often giving, although it were but a little at a time, they should consume their goods, and so impoverish them selves, that even them selves at the length should not be able to live, but should be driven to beg, and live of other mens alms. And thus they seek excuses to withhold them selves from the favour of God, and choose with pinching covetousness, rather to lean unto the devil, then by charitable mercifulness, either to come unto Christ, or to suffer Christ to come unto them. Oh that we had some cunning and skilful physician that were able to purge them of this so pestilent an humour, that so sore infecteth, not their bodies, but their minds, and so by corrupting their souls, bringeth their bodies and souls into danger of hell fire. Now least there be any such among us ⟨p. 333⟩