As for the giving of our alms at our doors to common beggars, though I do not utterly condemn ⟨p. 140⟩this manner of giving, whilst sufficient order is not taken, and accordingly duly executed by the Magistrate, for the reformation of this disorder; especially when the whole stream of mens charity doth not run this way, but some small rivulet, or as it were some little pipe or quill; and when this is given to those who are in apparent misery, as the aged and decrepit, the lame, sick and blind, for the relief of their present necessity; yet can I in no wise approve it, if after this manner only we exercise our mercy and charity giving without difference to all that come to the door, as unto loose and idle persons, who are strong and able to labour, & common beggars and vagabonds, who live by the sweat of other mens brows. And my reasons are, because they who are truly poor shall by these means be neglected, whilst these lazy drones devour that which of right belongeth unto them. Secondly, those who are bold, impudent, and most importunate, will oftentimes speed better then those who are modest and shamefast. Thirdly, our alms shall by this means be distributed without equality, some having all and some nothing; and without discretion, because being given thus at random, they cannot be fitted to the quantity or quality of their wants. Fourthly, this kind of giving, nourisheth and increaseth the number of vagrants and inordinate persons, encouraging and heartening them to continue in their idle, lewd, and wicked courses, without any fear of God or subjection unto men. Fifthly, the allowance ⟨p. 141⟩of this custom crosseth Gods ordinance, 1who would not have a common beggar in Israel, and proclaimeth to the world both the mis-government of Magistrates who do not reform this disorder, and the hard-heartednes of private men, who through their want of mercy, bounty, and compassion, thrust their neighbours into these base and inordinate courses. And lastly, those excellent laws, which have lately been made among us, for the reforming this abuse, are disobeyed and transgressed;
As for the giuing of our almes at our dores to common beggers, though I doe not vtterly condemne ⟨p. 140⟩this maner of giuing, whilest sufficient order is not taken, and accordingly duely executed by the Magistrate, for the reformation of this disorder; especially when the whole streame of mens charitie doth not runne this way, but some small riuulet, or as it were some litle pipe or quill; and when this is giuen to those who are in apparent miserie, as the aged and decerepit, the lame, sicke and blinde, for the reliefe of their present necessitie; yet can I in no wise approue it, if after this maner only we exercise our mercy and charitie giuing without difference to all that come to the dore, as vnto loose and idle persons, who are strong and able to labor, & common beggers and vagabonds, who liue by the sweat of other mens browes. And my reasons are, because they who are truly poore shall by these meanes be neglected, whilest these lazie drones deuoure that which of right belongeth vnto them. Secondly, those who are bold, impudent, and most importunate, will oftentimes speed better then those who are modest and shamefast. Thirdly, our almes shall by this meanes be distributed without equalitie, some hauing all and some nothing; and without discretion, because being giuen thus at random, they cannot be fitted to the quantitie or qualitie of their wants. Fourthly, this kinde of giuing, nourisheth and increaseth the number of vagrants and inordinate persons, incouraging and heartning them to continue in their idle, lewd, and wicked courses, without any feare of God or subiection vnto men. Fiftly, the allowance ⟨p. 141⟩of this custome crosseth Gods ordinance, 1who would not haue a common begger in Israel, and proclaymeth to the world both the mis-gouernment of Magistrates who doe not reforme this disorder, and the hard-heartednes of priuate men, who through their want of mercy, bountie, and compassion, thrust their neighbours into these base and inordinate courses. And lastly, those excellent lawes, which haue lately beene made among vs, for the reforming this abuse, are disobeyed and transgressed;
- 1Deut. 15. 4.
