N01223:195
Bonifacius. An essay upon the good, that is to be devised and designed, by…
Bonifacius. An essay upon the good, that is to be devised and designed, by those who desire to answer the great end of life, and to do good while they live. A book offered, first, in general, unto all Christians, in a personal capacity, or in a relative. Then more particularly, unto ministers, unto physicians, unto lawyers, unto schoolmasters [sic], unto wealthy gentlemen, unto several sorts of officers, unto churches, and unto all societies of a religious character and intention. With humble proposals, of unexceptionable methods, to do good in the world. : [Two lines from Ephesians]Bonifacius. An essay upon the good, that is to be devised and designed, by those who desire to answer the great end of life, and to do good while they live. A book offered, first, in general, unto all Christians, in a personal capacity, or in a relative. Then more particularly, unto ministers, unto physicians, unto lawyers, unto scholemasters [sic], unto wealthy gentlemen, unto several sorts of officers, unto churches, and unto all societies of a religious character and intention. With humble proposals, of unexceptionable methods, to do good in the world. : [Two lines from Ephesians]
printed by B. Green for Samuel Gerrish, 1710
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
And think on this. The Wind feeds no body, yet it may turn the Mill, which will grind the Corn, that may Feed the Poor. In Talking with the Rich; you may do this for the Poor in your List.
But then, in Visiting the Poor, you will take occasion to dispense your Alms among them. These Alms you will, with as much contrivance as may be, make the Vehicles, to Convey the Admonitions of Piety unto them; yea, the Methods and Machines of obtaining from them, some Engagements to perform certain Exercises of Piety. All Ministers are not alike furnished for Alms; they should all be disposed for them. They that have Small Families, or Large Interests, ought to be Shining Examples of Liberality to the Poor, and pour down their Alms like the Showers of Heaven upon them. Yet All should Endeavour to Do what they can this way. What says Nazianzen of his Reverend Fathers Alms-Deeds? They will find, That the more they do (provided it be done with Discretion,) the more they may; The Loaves will multiply in the Distribution. Sirs, This Bounty of yours to the Poor, will procure a mighty Esteem and Success to your Ministry. Suadet Lingua, Jubet Vita. 'Twill be an ungain-sayable Demonstration, that you Believe what you Speak, about all the Duties of Christianity, but particularly of Liberality, and a Faithful discharge of our Stewardship, and a Mind weaned from the Love of this World; It will demonstrate your Belief of a Future State. It will Vindicate you ⟨p. 102⟩from the Imputation of, A Worldly Man; It will Embolden you, and Fortify you, with a great Assurance, when you call upon others, To Do Good, and abound in the Sacrifices which God is well-pleased withal. Et sic Exempla Parantur!
But then, in Visiting the Poor, you will take occasion to dispense your Alms among them. These Alms you will, with as much contrivance as may be, make the Vehicles, to Convey the Admonitions of Piety unto them; yea, the Methods and Machines of obtaining from them, some Engagements to perform certain Exercises of Piety. All Ministers are not alike furnished for Alms; they should all be disposed for them. They that have Small Families, or Large Interests, ought to be Shining Examples of Liberality to the Poor, and powre down their Alms like the Showres of Heaven upon them. Yet All should Endeavour to Do what they can this way. What sayes Nazianzen of his Reverend Fathers Alms-Deeds? They will find, That the more they do (provided it be done with Discretion,) the more they may; The Loaves will multiply in the Distribution. Sirs, This Bounty of yours to the Poor, will procure a mighty Esteem and Success to your Ministry. Suadet Lingua, Jubet Vita. T'will be an ungain-sayable Demonstration, that you Believe what you Speak, about all the Duties of Christianity, but particularly of Liberality, and a Faithful discharge of our Stewardship, and a Mind weaned from the Love of this World; It will demonstrate your Belief of a Future State. It will Vindicate you