A20764:478
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. 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 ⟨p. 234⟩with nothing for their relief. But herein commonly they think themselves rich enough, and contrariwise they pretend that they are poor in worldly wealth, wherein they have not only sufficiency, but also superfluity & abundance. For these who have nothing for the poor wch crave relief, have plenty & too much to bestow upon idle, unprofitable and wicked uses. They have not for the poor a few scraps to preserve them from perishing with hunger, but they have enough for themselves to pamper their bellies, and with the rich glutton to fare delicately every day. They have enough to entertain their rich friends with superfluous pomp and plenty; and they who will not leave them to their own appetite, but press them with their importunity to eat still more, when already they have eaten enough and too much, will not allow some small pittance to the poor to keep them from famishing. They who make no spare of their most costly wines, but swallow them down themselves with great excess; and provoke, yea even compel others to drink of them unto drunkenness, will not give a little small drink to the poor members of Jesus Christ to quench their thirst.