A20764:55
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. 9. The second property is alacrity.
Sect. 9. The second propertie is alacritie.
The second property is alacrity and cheerfulness; the which is also implied by the metaphor. For the husbandman casteth his seed into the ground, not only willingly, but also cheerfully and joyfully; not in respect of his present parting with his seed, but because he expecteth a fruitful harvest. And this the Lord requireth in all good works, according to that Eccles. 9. 10. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do 1it with thy might; and that of the Apostle. Tit. 3. 1. Put them in mind to be ready to every good work. 2And especially in our beneficence and works of mercy; because it is not so much the outward act of the hand, as the inward service of the hart wherein he delighteth. So 2. Cor. 9. 7. Every man 3according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver, and Rom. 12. 8. the Apostle requireth, 4that he who showeth mercy, do it with cheerfulness. And this the Lord chiefly respecteth and rewardeth; for so it is said, Pro. 11. 25. The liberal soul shall be made fat; not the hand, 5