A20764:31
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. 8. 2. Doctrine. That it is a property of a godly man to be beneficent.
Sect. 8. 2. Doctrine. That it is a propertie of a godly man to be beneficent.
The second general point to be observed is; that it is a property of a godly and blessed man, to be beneficent, ready to all good works, and liberal towards the poor. For so far forth are we godly, as we are imitators of the godly nature; but in nothing do we more resemble God, then when we imitate the goodness of his nature, and be bountiful and beneficial to all that need our help, which who so do, are blessed, and none but they. So Pro. 14. 21. He that 1hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. And thus they are blessed in the work it self, according to that Act. 20. 35. It is a more blessed thing to give, then to receive: and blessed also in their reward, as our 2saviour telleth us. Math. 5. 7. Blessed are the merciful, 3for they shall obtain mercy, and be also received into the place of blessedness, according to that Mat. 25. 34. Come ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the