Sermons upon Deuteronomy

Howbeit, for common orders sake, because there are revenues appointed to the Church, as I have touched afore: let us beware that they be not abused by being devoured I wot not §50how, or that they be not misspent about worldly matters. For men are always given to cantle out the poor folks morsels as short as can be, and it seemeth to them that whatsoever is bestowed in hospitality, is lost. O (say they) we must lock up, we must spare, we must play the good husbands: but cursed be that good husbandry which regardeth not the well-bestowing of a mans goods. Therefore let us have an eye to the disposing of the things which §60GOD offereth unto us, and whereas there have bin abuse and superstition, let us understand that all ought to be brought back again to their right use: and that although the ceremonies continue not still; yet notwithstanding GOD will not be mocked: but that this principle must always stand in force, namely, that whatsoever hath bin dedicated to GOD, must be distributed accordingly. Now there was also a tithing of the tithes, whereof I cannot but say some what. For after that the general tithes were taken up, the high priests took their tenths thereof, and afterward laid out a tenth part for the poor. Forasmuch as this third tithing was not intended by God, but proceeded of the covetousness of the Levites who could have found in their hearts to have •aked all to themselves: it was meet that they should be restrained. And after the same manner, the Popes Canons that I spake of, were made of purpose because men saw the Church goods devoured by the Priests, by reason whereof it behooved them to be bridled. The tithes therefore were parted in such sort, as the poor might have their portion, and not be defrauded of the right that was assigned unto them. But (as I said) we need not as now to stand sifting of these things by piecemeal: it is enough for us that we have the meaning of the Law▪ and that we know wherein the abuse rested, to the end we may retain the right use of them still.

Howbeit, for common orders sake, because there are reuenewes appointed to the Church, as I haue touched afore: let vs beware that they bee not abused by beeing deuowred I wote not §50how, or that they be not misspent about worldly matters. For men are alwayes giuen to cantle out the poore folkes morsels as short as can be, and it seemeth to them that whatsoeuer is bestowed in hospitalitie, is lost. O (say they) we must locke vp, wee must spare, wee must play the good husbandes: but cursed bee that good husbandrie which regardeth not the welbestowing of a mans goods. Therefore let vs haue an eye to the disposing of the thinges which