A09432:628
A godly and learned exposition of Christs Sermon in the Mount
A godly and learned exposition of Christs Sermon in the Mount: preached in Cambridge by that reverend and judicious divine M. William Perkins. Published at the request of his executors by Th. Pierson preacher of Gods word. Whereunto is adjoined a twofold table: one, of special points here handled; the other, of choice places of Scripture here quotedA godly and learned exposition of Christs Sermon in the Mount: preached in Cambridge by that reuerend and iudicious diuine M. William Perkins. Published at the request of his exequutors by Th. Pierson preacher of Gods word. Whereunto is adioyned a twofold table: one, of speciall points here handled; the other, of choise places of Scripture here quoted
Cambridge : Printed by Thomas Brooke and Cantrell Legge, printers to the University of Cambridge, 1608Cambridge : Printed by Thomas Brooke and Cantrell Legge, printers to the Vniuersitie of Cambridge, 1608
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Secondly, observe the word translated Alms: it is very pithy, signifying mercy and pity; whence we may learn: first, what it is that1 makes our giving to the poor to be Alms: it is not the thing given, but the merciful and pitiful heart of the giver, be the thing never so small, as was the poor widows mite: and therefore all our alms must proceed from a pitiful heart. Secondly, it showeth what a one that party must be that is to be relieved, namely, such a one as is to be pitied, not our lusty beggars, but infants, orphans, the lame, blind, weak, maimed, and aged persons.
Secondly, obserue the word translated Almes: it is very pithie, signifying mercie and pitie; whence we may learne: first, what it is that1 makes our giuing to the poore to be Almes: it is not the thing giuen, but the mercifull and pitifull heart of the giuer, be the thing neuer so small, as was the poore widows mite: and therefore all our almes must proceede from a pitifull heart. Secondly, it sheweth what a one that partie must be that is to be releeued, namely, such a one as is to be pitied, not our lustie beggers, but infants, orphanes, the lame, blind, weake, maimed, and aged persons.
- 1What makes giving to be alms.What makes giuing to be almes.
Thus much for the words: now followeth the commandment it self. Take heed that you give not your Alms before men to be seen of them. This commandment tendeth to this end, to teach men how to1 avoid the unlawful manner of giving Alms: for a good thing may be done in an ill manner, and usually men offend this way in their good deeds. Now this commandment prescribes a double circumspection in giving Alms: first, touching the ground: secondly, touching the end of alms giving. The ground of our Alms must not be the pride