Two sermons preached by Master Henry SmithTvvo sermons preached by Master Henry Smith

and as the widows oil was increased in the ¹cruse, because she relieved the Lords Prophet, so shall this precious oil bestowed upon the poor, be returned upon our heads in great measure. Thus is Zaccheus liberal as you see: for he giveth a way half his goods, but he gives it not to the rich, that might give to him again, but he gives it to the poor that cannot requite him: to teach us upon whom we should bestow our alms. As God that is rich in mercy, giveth all things ⟨image 17⟩unto us that cannot requite him: so the rich men of this world (if they have any spark of mercy in them) should give unto the poor that cannot requite them. But amongst us in every place almost, it is far otherwise: for if any thing be to be given, not they that are poorest and stand in greatest need, but they that can make best friends are best preferred. Thus Dives is still enriched, and Lazarus is still rejected. If we send to a great man, we send an ox for a present, but if we send to a poor ²man, we send a crust for an alms. Therefore as Christ ³said to the Jews, that the Ninevites should rise in Judgement against them, because they repented at Jonah preaching: so it may be said unto us, that Zaccheus shall rise in judgement against us, and condemn us: for he showed great mercy upon the poor, but we are void of all compassion.

and as the widdowes oyle was encreased in the ¹cruse, because she releeued the Lords Prophet, so shall this pretious oyle bestowed vpon the poore, bee returned vpon our heads in great measure. Thus is Zaccheus liberall as you see: for he giueth a way halfe his goods, but he giues it not to the rich, that might giue to him againe, but he giues it to the poore that cannot requite him: to teach vs vpon whom we should bestow our almes. As God that is rich in mercy, giueth all things ⟨image 17⟩vnto vs that cannot requite him: so the rich men of this world (if they haue any spark of mercy in them) should giue vnto the poore that cannot requite them. But amongst vs in euery place almost, it is farre otherwise: for if any thing be to be giuen, not they that are poorest and stand in greatest need, but they that can make best friends are best preferred. Thus Diues is still enriched, and Lazarus is still reiected. If wee send to a great man, we send an oxe for a present, but if we send to a poore