A20764:93
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. 7. Cheerfulness in our words and speeches.
Sect. 7. Cheerefulnesse in our words and speeches.
Secondly, the alacrity in the heart appeareth in the mildness and sweetness of our speeches, which the Apostle would have ever conjoined with our almsdeeds; whereof it is that he calleth them εὐλογία. 2. Cor. 9. 5. to note unto us, that 1as these good works and good words are comprehended under the same name, so in the action they should never be severed. And surely these cheerful and kind words are very necessary to be joined with those works of mercy; for poverty and want dejecteth the mind, and the discovery of it affecteth the heart of those that sue and crave, not only with shame, but also with fear and jealousy, least they be thought of their benefactors to be too bold and troublesome; in which respects there is great need, that they should not only speak to their suites, but to ⟨p. 31⟩their hearts, and by kind and loving language apply unto them such cordials of comfort, as may preserve them from fainting in their fears. And this the son of Sirach requireth, chap. 4. v. 8. Let 2it not grieve thee to bow down thine ear to the poor, and give him a friendly answer with meekness. Contrary whereunto is the practise of those, who join with their alms proud expostulations, harsh words, and upbraiding speeches: feeding the poor, as they feed their untaught dogs which they would have at command, for when they offer them meat, they do withal so sneap and rebuke them, that they dare scarcely take it, but are ready to let it fall out of their hands and mouths, for fear of beating. Of which kind of men one speaketh fitly. There are 3