A20764:343
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. 2. That they differ in their ends.
Thirdly, they differ in their ends; for the main end at which the Christian aimeth in his alms, is, that God by them may be glorified; and the subordinate ends are the good of his neighbours, the adorning of his profession with these works of mercy, the edification of others by his Christian example, his own present good in the assurance of Gods favour, and his future glory in the life to come. But the hypocrite aimeth chiefly at his own glory and good, either for the obtaining of some worldly benefits, or the avoiding of some temporal or everlasting punishment; or finally, that he may satisfy Gods justice for his sins, make him beholding unto him, and merit at his hands everlasting happiness.
Thirdly, they differ in their ends; for the main end at which the Christian aimeth in his almes, is, that God by them may be glorified; and the subordinate ends are the good of his neighbours, the adorning of his profession with these workes of mercie, the edification of others by his Christian example, his owne present good in the assurance of Gods fauour, and his future glorie in the life to come. But the hypocrite aimeth cheifely at his owne glorie and good, either for the obtaining of some worldly benefits, or the auoiding of some temporall or euerlasting punishment; or finally, that hee may satisfie Gods iustice for his sinnes, make him beholding vnto him, and merit at his hands euerlasting happinesse.