A20764:161
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.
CHAP. 7. Of the right ends of giving alms.
CHAP. 7. Of the right ends of giuing almes.
Sect. 1. The principal▪ end is Gods glory.
AND thus have we seen the fountain from which our alms should spring; let us consider also in a word the main ends where to they tend, which are the glory of God, our own and our neighbours good. The principal end at which we must aim is Gods glory; which as it is to be the chief motive of all Christian duties, according to that, Matth. 5. 16. Let your light so 1shine before men, that they seeing your good works, may glorify your father which is in heaven: so especially of these works of mercy. Which motive the Apostle useth to stir the Corinthians unto a liberal contribution, not only that hereby the 2wants of the Saints might be supplied, but chiefly that God might be glorified by this bountiful distribution. For as the Lord and master of the family is much honoured, in his wise and gracious government, when as the steward obeying his commandment, giveth every one of his fellow-servants his allowance and portion in due season; so is our great Lord glorified in the Church, when as the richer sort yielding subjection unto the Gospel of Christ, do like faithful stewards, thus employ Gods wealth & riches committed unto their dispensation, to the relief of those in the family that stand in need.