The Morning exercise [at] Cri[ppleg]ate, or, Several cases of conscience practically resolved

Quest. Which are the most seasonable times of doing works of mercy?

Ans. 1. When accidentally thou meetest with any fit objects of mercy,¹ thou must not then pass them by with the Priest and Levite, but with the good Samaritan, presently pour the Oil and Wine of thy charity into the wounds of thy Brother, forthwith contributing somewhat to his relief; For misery being the proper object of mercy, thou shouldest then extend thy mercy unto such as are in want and misery.

1. 1Luk. 10.31, 32, 33, 34.

2. When God by his providence hath any way blessed and increased thy stock and store, by prospering thy adventure at Sea, or thy trading at home, or by some great Legacy bequeathed thee by some of thy friends, that is a seasonable time for thee to give out freely and liberally to the relief of the poor, in testimony of thy thankfulness unto God for his bounty towards thee. I know it is usual with most men upon the increase of their stock and store, to sacrifice to their own nets, to ascribe their wealth to their own wit and policy, and to say in their hearts,¹ Their power, and the might of their hand hath gotten them this wealth. But mark what Moses saith in the next verse, 18. Thou shalt remember the Lord thy God, it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth. Seeing therefore what thou hast, thou hast received from God, whatsoever the means and instruments were of conveying it unto thee, is it not most just and equal, that in way of thankfulness, thou shouldest set apart some portion thereof for the poor and needy?