A20764:188
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 9. That a certain quantity is not determined.
Sect 9. That a certaine quantitie is not determined.
The second point to be considered in the matter of our alms, is the quantity or measure of them; the which is not particularly determined in the Scriptures, because there are so many circumstances which alter the case that no certain rule could be given; but it is left to the discretion of the prudent Christian, to give according to the occasion offered, more or less, as he thinketh good. And therefore the Apostle exhorting the Corinthians to abound in this grace, addeth that he speaketh not this by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others. 2. Cor. 8. 7. 8. 1and afterwards. 2. Cor. 9. 7. Every man according 2as he purposeth in bis heart, so let him give, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver. And this the nature of the work requireth; for giving is a free and liberal action, and therefore is to be done freely and willingly, and consequently cannot be done by all in the like proportion because their hearts are not alike enlarged ⟨p. 90⟩with love and bounty.
The second point to be considered in the matter of our almes, is the quantitie or measure of them; the which is not particularly determined in the Scriptures, because there are so many circumstances which alter the case that no certaine rule could be giuen; but it is left to the discretion of the prudent Christian, to giue according to the occasion offered, more or lesse, as he thinketh good. And therefore the Apostle exhorting the Corinthians to abound in this grace, addeth that he speaketh not this by commandement, but by occasion of the forwardnesse of others.