A20764:138
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 11. That almsdeeds are only rightly done by those who are merciful.
Sect 11. That almesdeedes are only rightly done by those who are mercifull.
And surely then alone these works of mercy are rightly and throughly performed, when as the outward work proceedeth from the inward habit. Then do we communicate to the necessities of the poor, liberally, freely, lovingly, and cheerfully, when by our pity and compassion we make their case our own, and so not only suffer with them in their wants, but also be cheered and refreshed in their fullness. Then do we touch these sores of poverty with the softest hand, when as our selves have a feeling of them. Then (like good Physicians) we take most care in curing their diseases of want and penury, when we our selves are affected, and through compassion afflicted with their griefs and pains. And then our heat of brotherly love will be much the warmer and kindlier, when it is redoubled with some reflection from our selves, and hath the flame of self love to reinforce and strengthen it.
And surely then alone these workes of mercy are rightly and throughly performed, when as the outward worke proceedeth from the inward habite. Then doe we communicate to the necessities of the poore, liberally, freely, louingly, and cheerefully, when by our pitty and compassion we make their case our owne, and so not only suffer with them in their wants, but also bee cheared and refreshed in their fulnesse. Then doe we touch these sores of pouertie with the softest hand, when as our selues haue a feeling of them. Then (like good Physitians) we take most care in curing their diseases of want and penurie, when we our selues are affected, and through compassion afflicted with their griefes and paines. And then our heate of brotherly loue will be much the warmer and kindelier, when it is redoubled with some reflexion from our selues, and hath the flame of selfe loue to reenforce and strengthen it.