A20764:442
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 3. That God will be merciful to those that show mercy.
Sect 3. That God will be mercifull to those that shew mercy.
The promises also of spiritual blessings are ⟨p. 215⟩many and divers. In which respect Chrysostom 1compareth alms-deeds unto good corn sown in a fertile soil, which every year bringeth forth fruit in due season: saving that herein they differ, namely whereas, this fruit in the richest ground cometh but once a year, the spiritual fruit of alms-deeds springeth every day, as confidence in God, assurance of the remission of sins, a good conscience, spiritual gladness, joyful hope, and other good things which God hath prepared for those that love him. But among these innumerable spiritual blessings we will observe some few. As first, they who are merciful to the poor, shall find mercy at the hands of God; according to that Math. 5. 7. Blessed are the merciful, 2for they shall obtain mercy. Now what an excellent thing is this, to have the treasures of Gods mercy in our own keeping, and to have the key in our hand, by which we may go in to & enjoy them our own pleasure; for if we be merciful to the poor, and impart unto them some of our small store, the Lord will be merciful to us, and communicate unto us abundance of pity and compassion, out of the infinite treasures of his love and goodness.