A20764:355
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. 6. 2. In respect of humility.
Sect. 6. 2. In respect of humilitie.
Secondly, the Christian doth these works of mercy with great humility, remembering that whatsoever he giveth to the poor for Gods sake, he hath first received it from God with all other blessings which he enjoyeth; In which respect when he doth the most, he acknowledgeth that he doth far less then his duty, and that with much infirmity and weakness; and therefore in this regard he humbly confesseth that his alms are sufficiently rewarded if they be graciously pardoned; the which, as it maketh him to carry himself humbly before God, so also meekly and gently towards the poor. But the worldling when he doth these works of mercy, is puffed up with pride, thinking that thereby he satisfieth for his sins, meriteth heaven, and maketh God beholding unto him forsooth, by giving him a feather of his own foul, and an handful of corn of his own harvest. And as he is proud towards God, so arrogant, superstitious and insolent towards his poor neighbour, the which he showeth in his lofty and overtopping looks, his insulting speeches, and severe examinations; which so leaveneth and soureth his gifts, that oftentimes they are more distasteful to the receiver, then wrongs and injuries, if at least they be sweetened with outward complements and shows of humanity.
Secondly, the Christian doth these workes of mercie with great humilitie, remembring that whatsoeuer he giueth to the poore for Gods sake, he hath first receiued it from God with all other blessings which hee enioyeth; In which respect when he doth the most, hee acknowledgeth that he doth farre lesse then his dutie, and that with much infirmitie and weakenesse; and therefore in this regard he humbly confesseth that his almes are sufficiently rewarded if they bee gratiously pardoned; the which, as it maketh him to carry himselfe humbly before God, so also meekly and gently towards the poore. But the wordling when he doth these workes of mercie, is puffed vp with pride, thinking that thereby hee satisfieth for his sinnes, meriteth heauen, and maketh God beholding vnto him forsooth, by giuing him a feather of his owne foule, and an handfull of corne of his owne haruest. And as he is proud towards God, so arrogant, superstitious and insolent towards his poore neighbour, the which hee sheweth in his loftie and ouertopping lookes, his insulting speaches, and seuere examinations; which so leaueneth and sowreth his gifts, that oftentimes they are more distastfull to the receiuer, then wronges and iniuries, if at least they be sweetned with outward complements and shewes of humanitie.