A20764:475
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.
CHAP. 21. Certain objections and excuses answered and taken away, whereby men are hindered from doing the works of mercy.
CHAP. 21. Certaine obiections and excuses answered and taken away, whereby men are hindred from doing the workes of mercy.
Sect. 1. Their objection answered, who excuse their not giving alms by their poverty.
Sect. 1. Their obiectiō answered, who excuse their not giuing almes by their pouertie.
AND thus have I propounded many and weighty reasons, whereby we may be induced to exercise our selves in the works of mercy, and to be bountiful in relieving the poor members of Jesus Christ. Now it only remaineth that we answer some objections, which we have not met with in the former discourse, and which, like blocks in the way, hinder men from entering into, or going forward in this christian course. And of these some respect the giver, and some the poor who are the receivers. Concerning the former; some will give no alms, pretending that they are poor themselves, and have nothing for them when they crave relief. And surely many of them speak more truly than they are aware, for though they abound with earthly riches, yet are they bare and beggarly in respect of the chief riches and spiritual treasures; though they are rich in goods, yet they are poor in grace, poor in love towards God and their neighbours, poor in faith and in obedience, and poor in pity, mercy and compassion towards their brethren, which maketh them so niggardly and close-handed, that they will part