A20764:194
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. 12. That in case of extreme necessity we must strain our selves above our ability.
Sect. 12. That in case of extreame necessity we must straine our selues aboue our abilitie.
Notwithstanding in cases of urgent necessity and great extremity, men are to strain themselves, and to rack their estates above the reach of their ability, to preserve their brethren from being tortured in their persons upon the rack of necessity: for which the Apostle magnifieth the Christian bounty of the Macedonians, who even above their ability contributed and communicated to the relief of the poor Saints. And this our Saviour requireth, Luk. 12. 33. Sell that you have and give alms. And John the Baptist. Luk. 3. 11. 1He that hath two coats, let him impart unto him that hath none, and he that hath meat let him do likewise. Whereby is meant that he who hath more then is sufficient for the sustentation of life, must communicate it unto those who are in extreme necessity, and in imminent danger to perish; as we see it practised by the faithful in the time of persecution. Acts 2. 45. where they that had possessions 2and goods, sold them, and parted them to all, as every man had need, otherwise unless it be in ⟨p. 72⟩these cases of extremity, it is lawful to possess not only those things which are necessary to nature, but also to a mans state and person. For we read that Paul had a spare cloak at Troas.