A20764:125
The plea of the poor. Or A treatise of beneficence and alms-deeds teaching how…The plea of the poore. Or A treatise of benificence and almes-deeds teaching how…
The plea of the poor. Or A treatise of beneficence and alms-deeds teaching how these Christian duties are rightly to be performed, and persuading to the frequent doing of them. Necessary for these times, wherein the works of mercy are so much neglected, or so undiscreetly practiced. Published by John Downame Bachelor in Divinity.The plea of the poore. Or A treatise of benificence and almes-deeds teaching how these Christian duties are rightly to be performed, and perswading to the frequent doing of them. Necessary for these times, wherein the workes of mercy are so much neglected, or so vndiscreetly practized. Published by Iohn Downame Bachelour in Diuinitie.
London: printed by Edward Griffin for Ralph Mabbe, 1616
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.
Sect. 4. The second cause is obedience unto God.
Sect. 4. The second cause is obedience vnto God.
Secondly, the godly mans alms is given in obedience to God, because he hath commanded it. In which regard he putteth no difference between friend or enemy, nor respecteth his own praise or profit, to be thereby swayed in doing these works of mercy; but always hath God before his eyes, and chiefly intendeth in his alms to do him service. And therefore such alms as are given, without any respect to Gods commandment, out of mere humanity, and natural pity, or for worldly ends, as profit and vainglory, are no badges of christianity, nor any infallible properties of a blessed man.1
Secondly, the godly mans almes is giuen in obedience to God, because hee hath commanded it. In which regard he putteth no difference betweene friend or enemie, nor respecteth his owne praise or profit, to be thereby swaied in doing these workes of mercie; but alwaies hath God before his eyes, and chiefely intendeth in his almes to doe him seruice. And therefore such almes as are giuen, without any respect to Gods commandement, out of meere humanity, and naturall pittie, or for worldly ends, as profit and vaineglory, are no badges of christianity, nor any infallible properties of a blessed man.1