A20764:438
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 God rewardeth our almsdeeds with corporal and earthly blessings.
Sect. 2. That God rewardeth our almesdeeds with corporall and earthly blessings.
The temporal benefits which respect our own persons are either corporal or spiritual. For the Lord, to encourage us in these works of mercy, doth repay and reward us, not only with the true treasures of his spiritual graces; but stooping to our infirmity, he payeth us with our own money also, even with the coin of worldly blessings which is so current among us. According to that Pro. 3. 9. 10. Honour the Lord with thy 1substance, so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. And because by this liberal giving, men doubt lest they themselves should come unto poverty; he assureth us, that he who giveth to the poor shall not lack, Pro: 28. 27. So that if we sow the seed of our ⟨p. 213⟩2beneficence it will return unto us a double harvest; the crop of temporal benefits in this life, and of everlasting blessedness in the life to come. Yea but thou seest not this increase in thy worldly estate by giving alms. And if thou believest no more than thou seest, why dost thou take upon thee the name of a Christian, who liveth by faith rather than by sense? For by how many secret passages can God convey unto thee the reward of thy almsdeeds, though he writeth no superscription upon them, to certify thee for what it is sent? it is sufficient that thou hast it, and that thou knowest that he sent it, as for the reasons which moved him to give these benefits unto thee, he will acquaint thee with them more particularly, when as he shall call thee to make up thy