In the same respect, almsgiving is in the Scripture compared to lending; yea, to such a loan, whereby we have not only the principal restored, but with great increase. For whereas if we lend our money unto men, we shall have but ten in the hundred, if for Gods sake we lend unto the poor, we shall have an hundred for ten, yea, an hundred for one, and eternal life to boot. Neither 1need we to doubt of the payment, for ⟨p. 202⟩though the poor be never so unable, yet they have an all-sufficient surety, even GOD himself, 2who hath undertaken in this bountiful manner to repay whatsoever is thus laid out. 3The which should make us cheerful in doing works of mercy, seeing we our selves are sure of the largest gain, for not the taker, but the putter out to usury hath the greatest profit. And not to give readily upon this consideration, is to proclaim, either that we do not believe Gods promises, nor give that credit unto him on his word, which we would give to a Turk or Infidel dwelling among us; or that we do not esteem the payment of his spiritual grace or heavenly glory for currant money, or of equal value to these transitory trifles which we impart unto the poor. For if a man of any credit should promise for the laying out of an hundred pound, that we should have a yearly annuity of so much for term of life, how eagerly would we catch at such an offer, though the quick approach of death might make us losers by the bargain? But God promiseth, that if we will lay out our money on these uses, we shall have an hundred for one, & for these earthly trifles, heavenly and everlasting treasures; and who then would not willingly listen to such a motion, if he believeth him that maketh it, or valueth the bargain that is offered unto him? when Alchemists promise great sums of gold for the disbursing of a little money, though they never fail to deceive those that believe them, yet they find many, who, to the utter ruin ⟨p. 203⟩of their estates, will give credit unto them, being deluded with these golden hopes;
In the same respect, almesgiuing is in the Scripture compared to lending; yea, to such a loane, whereby we haue not onely the principall restored, but with great encrease. For whereas if wee lend our money vnto men, we shall haue but ten in the hundred, if for Gods sake wee lend vnto the poore, we shall haue an hundred for ten, yea, an hundred for one, and eternall life to boote. Neither 1neede wee to doubt of the payment, for ⟨p. 202⟩though the poore bee neuer so vnable, yet they haue an all-sufficient surety, euen GOD himselfe, 2who hath vndertaken in this bountifull manner to repay whatsoeuer is thus laid out. 3The which should make vs cheerefull in doing workes of mercy, seeing we our selues are sure of the largest gaine, for not the taker, but the putter out to vsurie hath the greatest profit. And not to giue readily vpon this consideration, is to proclaime, either that we doe not beleeue Gods promises, nor giue that credit vnto him on his word, which we would giue to a Turke or Infidell dwelling among vs; or that wee doe not esteeme the payment of his spirituall grace or heauenly glory for currant money, or of equall value to these transitory trifles which we impart vnto the poore. For if a man of any credit should promise for the laying out of an hundred pound, that wee should haue a yeerely annuitie of so much for tearme of life, how eagerly would we catch at such an offer, though the quicke approch of death might make vs losers by the bargaine? But God promiseth, that if wee will lay out our money on these vses, wee shall haue an hundred for one, & for these earthly trifles, heauenly and euerlasting treasures; and who then would not willingly listen to such a motion, if hee beleeueth him that maketh it, or valueth the bargaine that is offered vnto him? when Alchymists promise great summes of gold for the disbursing of a little money, though they neuer faile to deceiue those that beleeue them, yet they finde many, who, to the vtter ruine ⟨p. 203⟩of their estates, will giue credit vnto them, being deluded with these golden hopes;
- 1Mark. 10. 30:
- 2Prou. 19 17.
- 3Luk. 6. 35.
