respect_n the_o case_n of_o the_o needy_a minister_a bountiful_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o poor_a brethren_n which_o receive_v the_o faith_n and_o pretermit_v none_o of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v require_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o needy_a whereby_o oftentimes_o the_o heathen_a adversary_n be_v move_v both_o to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v our_o religion_n whereupon_o the_o wicked_a julianus_n vehement_o envy_v that_o good_a report_n of_o the_o christian_n will_v as_o witness_v sozomemenus_n hiss_v tripertitae_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 29._o that_o his_o pagan_n bishop_n shall_v build_v hospital_n and_o alm_n house_n and_o provide_v for_o the_o needy_a according_a as_o our_o bishop_n have_v do_v before_o they_o many_o bishop_n be_v renown_a for_o sell_v the_o golden_a and_o silver_n vessel_n and_o other_o rich_fw-fr ornament_n of_o the_o church_n to_o sustain_v their_o poverty_n when_o time_n require_v in_o which_o number_n be_v reckon_v by_o socrates_n constinopolitanis_n hiâ—_z tripe_n li._n 10._o ca._n 6._o acacius_n bishop_n at_o amidenum_n by_o possidonius_fw-la calamensis_fw-la augustine_n by_o hierome_n exuperius_n bishop_n at_o tolossa_n by_o many_o writer_n ambrose_n bishop_n of_o milan_n and_o germanus_n of_o alciodeon_n and_o of_o other_o writer_n sundry_a other_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o bishop_n be_v report_v even_o to_o have_v abridge_v themselves_o of_o many_o thing_n and_o bestow_v they_o on_o such_o as_o be_v oppress_v with_o scarcity_n which_o we_o read_v be_v note_v by_o certain_a writer_n of_o ciprianus_fw-la epiphanius_n lupus_n senovensis_n etc_n etc_n but_o wherefore_o serve_v all_o these_o testimony_n sure_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v manifest_o that_o all_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v profess_v always_o that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o foster_a of_o the_o poor_a do_v chief_o appertain_v to_o they_o and_o that_o they_o true_o be_v not_o constitute_v to_o be_v possessor_n and_o owner_n but_o only_a steward_n and_o disposer_n of_o the_o church_n good_n which_o self_n thing_n in_o time_n paste_v induce_v the_o king_n prince_n noble_n &_o each_o rich_a man_n to_o confer_v and_o bestow_v yearly_a revenue_n land_n and_o ferme_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o to_o bequeath_v they_o in_o their_o write_a testament_n for_o when_o they_o mark_v that_o the_o alm_n be_v faithful_o distribute_v unto_o the_o poor_a they_o choose_v rather_o to_o commit_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o mind_v to_o deal_v in_o alines_n to_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o trusty_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n who_o know_v best_o the_o state_n of_o the_o poor_a than_o to_o do_v it_o by_o themselves_o so_o great_o do_v that_o untyred_a diligence_n of_o the_o church_n in_o relieve_v the_o poor_a heap_v up_o great_a riches_n to_o that_o same_o use_n neither_o be_v it_o obscure_a or_o unknown_a by_o how_o many_o mean_v the_o king_n prince_n and_o civil_a magistrate_n after_o they_o once_o begin_v to_o reverence_v the_o christian_n religion_n &_o to_o be_v haptise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o chryst_n do_v deelare_v that_o they_o will_v with_o like_a endeavour_n further_o the_o cause_n of_o foster_a and_o cherish_v the_o poor_a for_o very_o many_o of_o they_o disburse_v royal_a charge_n towards_o the_o building_n of_o hospital_n alines_n house_n house_n for_o age_a people_n and_o spital_n which_o eusebius_n hist_n eccl._n lib._n 9_o cap._n 10._o report_v of_o constantinus_n theodosia_n and_o valentinianus_n who_o be_v wont_a as_o it_o appear_v tripe_a histo_n lib._n 12.2_o to_o exercise_v a_o admirable_a liberality_n towards_o the_o poor_a by_o atticus_n bishop_n of_o constantinople_n but_o the_o wife_n of_o valentinianus_n as_o be_v declare_v tripart_n hist_n lib._n 9_o cap._n 31._o go_v from_o hospital_n to_o hospital_n to_o minister_v unto_o the_o needy_a take_v as_o much_o pain_n as_o any_o hire_a servant_n will_v the_o writer_n have_v not_o leave_v in_o silence_n but_o have_v with_o great_a consent_n advance_v justinianus_n the_o first_o tiberius_n the_o second_o constantinus_n who_o be_v call_v iconomacus_n carolus_n surname_v magnus_n lodovicus_n piperollo_n '_o the_o first_o otho_n the_o first_o second_o and_o thyrd_o henricus_n the_o first_o and_o second_o lotharius_n the_o second_o sigismundus_n and_o other_o emperor_n for_o their_o readiness_n in_o help_v the_o poor_a and_o in_o building_n conserve_n and_o vewtissy_v the_o common_a hospital_n of_o the_o needy_a but_o the_o french_a king_n have_v seem_v to_o excel_v in_o this_o behalf_n &_o especial_o childebertus_fw-la the_o founder_n of_o the_o hospital_n at_o lion_n whereof_o mention_n be_v make_v in_o the_o council_n of_o aurelian_a the_o five_o dagabertus_n glotarius_n robertus_fw-la the_o son_n of_o hugo_n capetis_n ludovicus_n who_o do_v feed_v daily_o 120._o needy_a soul_n and_o besides_o build_v a_o noble_a hospital_n at_o paris_n ludovicus_n crassus_n and_o other_o the_o king_n of_o england_n also_o do_v at_o length_n not_o slack_o seek_v renown_n by_o liberalitis_n towards_o the_o poor_a oswaldus_n alfredus_fw-la eccarus_n guntho_n the_o henry_n and_o edward_n among_o the_o boemians_n vuenzeslaus_n be_v extol_v in_o spain_n alfonsus_n the_o ten_o among_o the_o venetian_n petrus_n vrseolus_fw-la and_o to_o be_v short_a there_o be_v no_o kingdom_n no_o province_n no_o signiory_n no_o common_a wealth_n which_o do_v not_o even_o with_o glory_n advance_v their_o king_n prince_n and_o magistrate_n careful_o procure_v &_o decrée_v thing_n deem_v profitable_a for_o the_o succour_n of_o the_o needy_a for_o christian_n have_v always_o acknowledge_v but_o especial_o the_o magistrate_n the_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o whole_a civil_a society_n and_o in_o it_o not_o only_o the_o rich_fw-fr but_o also_o the_o poor_a which_o be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o society_n be_v enjoin_v they_o by_o almighty_a god_n whereunto_o that_o apertain_v when_o we_o see_v that_o renown_a prince_n have_v add_v many_o decree_n unto_o the_o roman_a law_n where_o they_o command_v the_o all_o magistrate_n shall_v apply_v their_o mind_n whole_o to_o further_a the_o cause_n of_o the_o poor_a for_o so_o it_o be_v command_v codicis_fw-la lâ—â—_n de_fw-la sacrosanctis_fw-la ecelesâ—s_fw-la et_fw-la earum_fw-la privilegus_fw-la l._n priuslegia_fw-la l._n generali_fw-la l._n sancim_o ei_fw-la again_o de_fw-fr episcopis_fw-la et_fw-la clericis_fw-la l._n oina_fw-la privilegia_fw-la l._n si_fw-la quis_fw-la ad_fw-la declinandun_v where_o we_o may_v observe_v many_o thing_n wise_o &_o religious_o ordain_v for_o the_o common_a utility_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o maintenance_n of_o hospital_n alm_n house_n spital_n and_o house_n for_o age_a people_n and_o the_o right_a dispose_n of_o the_o church_n good_n morcover_v the_o la_o which_o be_v extant_a codicis_fw-la l._n two_o de_fw-fr validis_fw-la mendicanticus_fw-la be_v make_v for_o the_o sustenance_n of_o the_o true_a poverty_n in_o the_o autentikes_n you_o may_v observe_v certain_a thing_n repeat_v &_o inculcate_v to_o the_o like_o effect_n to_o conclude_v we_o may_v behold_v throughout_o many_o college_n of_o the_o poor_a or_o alm_n house_n endue_v not_o only_o with_o great_a riches_n but_o also_o singular_a privilege_n above_o those_o which_o their_o charter_n have_v give_v they_o &_o also_o defend_v by_o all_o strength_n of_o law_n right_a &_o equity_n by_o the_o magistrate_n in_o who_o circuit_n they_o be_v situate_a which_o thing_n sith_o they_o be_v such_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o judge_v that_o it_o most_o of_o all_o behove_v such_o as_o do_v sit_v to_o govern_v the_o helm_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n with_o all_o study_n and_o diligence_n to_o foresee_v how_o the_o poverty_n which_o be_v disperse_v in_o their_o city_n do_v live_v whether_o they_o beg_v which_o may_v by_o other_o mean_n provide_v for_o themselves_o whether_o the_o true_a poverty_n &_o feeble_a people_n be_v neglect_v and_o whether_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o alm_n house_n be_v faithful_o dispose_v or_o not_o final_o all_o these_o tend_v to_o this_o end_n &_o for_o this_o intent_n very_o we_o have_v in_o this_o present_a place_n heap_v they_o together_o that_o before_o we_o proceed_v far_o and_o consult_v more_o plentiful_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o relieve_v the_o poor_a it_o may_v be_v manifest_a to_o who_o chief_o all_o our_o whole_a oration_n be_v direct_v and_o who_o be_v they_o who_o will_v have_v to_o regard_v that_o which_o we_o will_v set_v forth_o for_o this_o true_o be_v a_o business_n very_o necessary_a and_o pro_fw-la fitable_o but_o yet_o hard_a and_o difficile_a and_o require_v the_o furtherance_n not_o of_o one_o or_o few_o but_o of_o many_o neither_o of_o each_o man_n but_o of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o power_n and_o authority_n whereof_o also_o it_o come_v that_o although_o it_o be_v of_o good_a intent_n propound_v yet_o all_o man_n do_v what_o they_o can_v utter_o to_o reject_v it_o from_o themselves_o for_o thing_n be_v grow_v to_o this_o point_n and_o alas_o all_o charity_n be_v
wax_v so_o cold_a in_o man_n mind_n that_o as_o often_o as_o the_o poor_a man_n case_n be_v call_v to_o mind_n no_o man_n think_v that_o it_o be_v his_o part_n to_o understand_v it_o but_o one_o turn_v it_o on_o a_o other_o shoulder_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n complain_v that_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o in_o so_o great_a a_o business_n alone_o and_o in_o some_o place_n the_o whole_a right_n of_o dispose_v the_o church_n good_n be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n in_o some_o place_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o rule_v the_o multitude_n to_o forbid_v valiant_a beggar_n to_o reduce_v the_o idle_a person_n to_o a_o order_n and_o to_o perform_v other_o thing_n of_o like_a fort_n contrariwise_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n pretend_v that_o this_o whole_a matter_n be_v always_o commit_v to_o the_o church_n on_o who_o great_a riches_n and_o large_a privilege_n be_v therefore_o bestow_v because_o it_o be_v their_o proper_a office_n to_o nourish_v the_o poor_a &_o other_o such_o thing_n those_o which_o be_v willing_a to_o draw_v backward_o do_v allege_v but_o when_o by_o this_o mean_v all_o man_n do_v put_v from_o they_o this_o godly_a work_v innumerable_a poor_a people_n must_v needs_o perish_v and_o by_o neglect_v or_o more_o true_o to_o be_v say_v contempt_n of_o these_o miserable_a creature_n or_o rather_o of_o christ_n himself_o who_o have_v ordain_v the_o the_o poor_a shall_v remain_v always_o with_o we_o in_o his_o stead_n in_o finite_a evil_n must_v needs_o daily_o spring_v up_o in_o man_n society_n but_o believe_v i_o these_o man_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a thus_o to_o satisfy_v their_o duty_n all_o such_o exception_n be_v empty_a and_o barren_a it_o be_v but_o vain_a to_o seek_v such_o start_a hole_n for_o this_o cause_n of_o the_o poverty_n be_v not_o lay_v on_o a_o few_o man_n shoulder_n only_o but_o it_o apertain_v equal_o to_o as_o many_o as_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o chryst_n the_o divine_a promise_n and_o precept_n of_o liberlalitie_n towards_o the_o poor_a which_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o sacred_a bible_n yea_o &_o the_o threaten_n or_o punishment_n against_o those_o which_o despise_v the_o poverty_n and_o in_o they_o christ_n himself_o be_v propose_v to_o all_o man_n which_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o that_o behalf_n and_o be_v to_o be_v embrace_v as_o well_o of_o the_o politic_a magistrate_n as_o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n and_o in_o deed_n a_o great_a and_o worthy_a work_n can_v never_o be_v finish_v by_o a_o few_o therefore_o it_o behove_v all_o man_n joint_o to_o lay_v to_o their_o help_v and_o band_n and_o to_o labour_n together_o for_o the_o same_o stout_o which_o we_o wish_v may_v redound_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o utility_n of_o the_o whole_a multitude_n that_o thing_n can_v long_o eudure_v which_o be_v not_o establish_v by_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o public_a consent_n of_o all_o man_n final_o we_o see_v by_o daily_o experience_n that_o the_o godly_a preacher_n in_o the_o church_n do_v lay_v their_o foundation_n in_o deign_v as_o long_o as_o the_o magistrate_n do_v not_o vouch_v safe_a to_o lay_v to_o their_o healp_a hand_n to_o make_v up_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o build_n therefore_o on_o the_o one_o side_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o be_v gauderobearer_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n must_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o consult_v together_o how_o be_v they_o may_v honest_o provide_v for_o the_o poverty_n within_o their_o circuit_n chapter_n 2._o how_o many_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o these_o wretched_a time_n which_o ought_v to_o move_v we_o to_o help_v the_o poor_a but_o i_o hope_v that_o all_o man_n of_o what_o so_o ever_o degree_n but_o especial_o they_o which_o have_v the_o chiese_z rule_v in_o the_o city_n will_v then_o more_o cheerful_o take_v pain_n in_o deliberate_v for_o the_o public_a liberality_n towards_o the_o poor_a when_o i_o shall_v have_v set_v before_o their_o eye_n how_o many_o thing_n be_v offer_v in_o these_o wretched_a time_n which_o ought_v of_o good_a right_a to_o draw_v &_o compel_v man_n thereto_o first_o i_o mind_n to_o explicate_v how_o needful_a it_o be_v the_o all_o mê_n but_o espectay_o they_o the_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o common_a wealth_n be_v as_o diligent_a as_o possible_a they_o may_v in_o further_a the_o poor_a people_n cause_n the_o apostle_n paul_n go_v about_o to_o exhore_n the_o corinthian_n to_o send_v reléese_n to_o the_o brethren_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v oppress_v with_o scarcity_n in_o the_o latter_a epistle_n chap._n 8._o speak_v to_o they_o in_o this_o wise_a therefore_o as_o you_o abound_v in_o every_o thing_n in_o faith_n and_o word_n in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o diligence_n and_o in_o your_o love_n towards_o we_o even_o so_o see_v that_o you_o abound_v in_o this_o grace_n also_o forsooth_o the_o apostle_n will_v signify_v that_o in_o they_o which_o be_v commend_v for_o their_o faith_n and_o other_o worthy_a gift_n and_o virtue_n a_o singular_a liberality_n towards_o the_o poor_a aught_o also_o to_o shine_v neither_o can_v these_o former_a virtue_n consist_v without_o this_o wherefore_o it_o like_v i_o now_o to_o use_v the_o same_o reason_n almost_o and_o to_o speak_v thus_o to_o all_o godly_a magistrate_n there_o be_v none_o of_o you_o all_o most_o worthy_a magistrate_n which_o doths_z not_o profess_v before_o all_o man_n that_o he_o repose_v his_o faith_n uó_n his_o whole_a heart_n in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o saviour_n and_o will_v be_v reckon_v among_o such_o as_o reverence_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n if_o therefore_o you_o have_v faith_n and_o desire_n that_o other_o shall_v account_n you_o so_o then_o true_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o you_o declare_v that_o faith_n in_o she_o wing_v forth_o all_o manner_n duty_n of_o charity_n but_o especial_o liberality_n towards_o your_o domestical_a poverty_n it_o can_v not_o be_v choose_v but_o that_o such_o fruit_n must_v needs_o follow_v a_o true_a and_o lively_o say_v beside_o this_o there_o be_v no_o subject_n which_o do_v not_o full_o account_v that_o you_o do_v sufficient_o know_v what_o you_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o your_o trust_n and_o special_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o innocent_a and_o that_o both_o you_o can_v and_o will_v cheerful_o perform_v those_o thing_n which_o appertain_v to_o your_o office_n which_o be_v both_o just_o command_v and_o straight_o exact_v by_o the_o law_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o whereof_o you_o make_v a_o inviolable_a promise_n at_o such_o time_n as_o by_o oath_n and_o certain_a usual_a ceremony_n you_o be_v open_o admit_v to_o your_o office_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o that_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o master_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v fore_o with_o many_o stripe_n wherefore_o make_v your_o account_n that_o your_o iutegritie_n and_o diligence_n in_o do_v your_o office_n shall_v never_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n or_o godly_a man_n before_o you_o have_v provide_v a_o mean_n in_o your_o common_a wealth_n to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a which_o be_v always_o the_o great_a part_n in_o any_o society_n man_n may_v be_v deceive_v and_o moke_v but_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v delude_v neither_o be_v there_o believe_v i_o any_o more_o commodious_a way_n whereby_o you_o may_v which_o also_o of_o duty_n you_o ought_v to_o provide_v for_o withhold_v from_o your_o own_v head_n and_o your_o subject_n the_o punish_v nent_n which_o god_n offend_v with_o our_o sin_n daily_o threaten_v yea_o &_o which_o we_o do_v present_o see_v and_o foele_v then_o if_o you_o by_o you_o counsel_n and_o example_n as_o with_o a_o watch_n word_n do_v excitate_a all_o other_o to_o a_o readiness_n to_o lighten_v the_o misery_n of_o the_o poor_a certes_o the_o same_o counsel_n which_o that_o wise_a daniel_n give_v long_o since_o to_o nabuchadnezar_n the_o king_n of_o babylon_n to_o wit_n that_o when_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n do_v hang_v over_o he_o he_o shall_v endeavour_n to_o redeem_v his_o sin_n with_o give_v alm_n &_o his_o iniquity_n with_o compassion_n on_o the_o poor_a so_o shall_v his_o fault_n be_v saul_v or_o heal_v let_v all_o magistrate_n think_v that_o the_o same_o counsel_n be_v now_o give_v they_o and_o if_o they_o desire_v to_o turn_v god_n wrath_n from_o they_o then_o let_v they_o follow_v that_o without_o delay_n how_o many_o complaint_n of_o honest_a citizen_n be_v every_o where_o daily_o hear_v tend_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n some_o complain_v that_o they_o be_v molest_v at_o their_o door_n with_o the_o importunate_a and_o shameless_a petition_n and_o perpetual_a
work_v with_o they_o they_o shall_v find_v they_o much_o more_o ready_a than_o before_o for_o filthy_a idleness_n shall_v after_o a_o fort_n be_v banish_v out_o of_o the_o whole_a city_n the_o use_n also_o of_o many_o honest_a art_n which_o seem_v before_o to_o be_v neglect_v shall_v now_o flourish_v again_o to_o conclude_v all_o man_n will_v endeavour_n to_o get_v their_o live_n by_o some_o handy_a labour_n which_o be_v honest_a and_o acceptable_a before_o god_n moreover_o the_o citizen_n will_v contribute_v to_o the_o common_a alm_n more_o willing_o and_o liberal_o because_o they_o know_v that_o what_o soever_o be_v bestow_v be_v faithful_o deal_v to_o such_o as_o be_v poor_a in_o deed_n and_o when_o linen_n or_o woollen_a cloth_n or_o make_v garment_n leather_n or_o shoe_n and_o such_o thing_n necessary_a for_o this_o life_n must_v particular_o be_v distribute_v then_o doubtless_o many_o of_o the_o citizen_n of_o who_o those_o thing_n must_v be_v buy_v shall_v gain_v thereby_o where_o otherwise_o they_o shall_v not_o last_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o mean_a and_o competent_a estate_n will_v follow_v their_o calling_n with_o more_o cheerful_a and_o quiet_a mind_n than_o before_o and_o cast_v all_o their_o cogitation_n &_o care_n upon_o god_n alone_o will_v conceive_v undoubted_a hope_n that_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o child_n shall_v want_v thing_n necessary_a for_o this_o life_n although_o they_o shall_v be_v decay_v by_o any_o sudden_a casualty_n this_o also_o shall_v cause_v one_o neighbour_n with_o mutual_a love_n to_o embrace_v a_o other_o the_o rich_fw-fr man_n without_o offence_n or_o disdain_n will_v salute_v the_o poor_a man_n and_o again_o the_o poor_a neighbour_n will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o resalute_v the_o rich_fw-fr and_o to_o wish_v he_o well_o brief_o the_o whole_a city_n shall_v be_v as_o one_o house_n in_o which_o all_o man_n be_v join_v together_o in_o most_o perfect_a friendship_n and_o knit_v with_o a_o knot_n which_o can_v not_o be_v dissolve_v and_o believe_v i_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n shall_v be_v much_o more_o bless_a than_o plato_n or_o any_o other_o philosopher_n in_o his_o solitary_a contemplation_n can_v describe_v in_o paper_n but_o it_o can_v not_o be_v know_v till_o we_o have_v have_v experience_n a_o while_n what_o plentiful_a commodity_n will_v rise_v to_o the_o common_a wealth_n and_o the_o whole_a civil_a society_n by_o this_o godly_a order_n wherefore_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o to_o procéde_v to_o explicate_v how_o the_o poor_a both_o may_v and_o ought_v in_o every_o city_n to_o be_v provide_v for_o chapter_n 3._o that_o every_o parish_n and_o city_n must_v take_v advice_n how_o they_o may_v best_o provide_v for_o their_o poverty_n as_o place_n and_o time_n require_v no_o man_n may_v suppose_v that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o prescribe_v such_o a_o way_n for_o the_o relieve_v of_o the_o poor_a as_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o every_o place_n and_o time_n and_o may_v satistle_v every_o man_n wit_n for_o that_o be_v as_o hard_a to_o be_v do_v as_o to_o make_v one_o politic_a law_n which_o may_v serve_v in_o every_o civil_a society_n a_o like_a without_o any_o exception_n or_o interpretation_n to_o be_v construe_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o equity_n therefore_o when_o we_o have_v propound_v a_o general_a example_n in_o these_o matter_n than_o it_o be_v expedient_a that_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o and_o the_o magistrate_n in_o every_o their_o city_n do_v provident_o deliverate_a how_o they_o may_v ordain_v the_o like_a to_o be_v apply_v to_o their_o people_n for_o it_o be_v meet_v to_o consult_v far_o otherwise_o in_o a_o large_a &_o populous_a city_n than_o in_o one_o the_o be_v small_a &_o little_a inhabit_v one_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v where_o the_o church_n have_v a_o rich_fw-fr treasury_n a_o other_o where_o it_o be_v but_o poor_a that_o counsel_n may_v serve_v where_o the_o citizen_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n wealthy_a &_o charge_n of_o expense_n great_a which_o will_v not_o serve_v where_o the_o citizen_n be_v poor_a and_o do_v live_v hardly_o a_o order_n may_v be_v take_v in_o the_o time_n of_o a_o common_a dearth_n and_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v dear_o sell_v in_o the_o land_n which_o may_v be_v alter_v whon_fw-mi all_o thing_n be_v plenty_n and_o cheap_a to_o conclude_v sundry_a circumstance_n do_v require_v several_a consideration_n whereunto_o appertain_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n wise_o admonish_v we_o of_o 2._o cor._n 8._o that_o alm_n shall_v be_v deal_v according_a to_o the_o ability_n of_o the_o citizen_n in_o due_a proportion_n &_o equality_n perform_v you_o inquit_fw-la that_o good_a work_n as_o far_o forth_o as_o you_o can_v for_o it_o there_o be_v first_o a_o willing_a mind_n it_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o that_o which_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v not_o neither_o be_v it_o that_o other_o man_n shall_v be_v ease_v and_o you_o gréeve_v but_o upon_o like_a condition_n at_o this_o present_a time_n that_o your_o abundance_n may_v supply_v their_o lack_n and_o also_o their_o abundance_n may_v be_v for_o your_o lack_n that_o there_o may_v be_v equality_n as_o it_o be_v write_v he_o that_o gather_v much_o have_v nothing_o over_o and_o he_o that_o gather_v little_a have_v not_o that_o less_o but_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o our_o ancestor_n in_o the_o primative_a church_n have_v a_o great_a care_n to_o invent_v a_o certain_a order_n that_o every_o city_n may_v feed_v their_o needy_a people_n for_o if_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v so_o earnest_o stir_v up_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o gentile_n throughout_o achata_fw-la especial_o at_o corinthun_n in_o macedonia_n galatia_n in_o italy_n and_o rome_n and_o all_o abroad_o to_o send_v relief_n to_o their_o brethren_n who_o they_o know_v not_o but_o dwell_v far_o off_o in_o judaea_n who_o do_v not_o conceive_v hereby_o that_o it_o be_v ordain_v and_o ratify_v before_o in_o every_o of_o these_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v relieve_v the_o poverty_n that_o dwell_v among_o they_o and_o even_o unto_o the_o time_n of_o pelagius_n the_o first_o the_o 60._o bishop_n of_o rome_n that_o be_v till_o the_o year_n of_o the_o lord_n 560._o all_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o magistrate_n in_o every_o place_n do_v labour_n diligent_o in_o that_o matter_n as_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o diverse_a argument_n for_o under_o pelagius_n be_v hold_v the_o second_o synod_n at_o turon_n in_o which_o can._n 5._o we_o read_v it_o be_v decree_v that_o every_o city_n shall_v feed_v according_a to_o their_o hability_n all_o their_o poor_a and_o needy_a inhabitant_n with_o competent_a food_n so_o shall_v they_o not_o need_v to_o wander_v in_o other_o city_n and_o as_o well_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n near_o adjoin_v as_o the_o citizen_n shall_v relieve_v their_o own_o poverty_n those_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o canon_n tiberius_n the_o second_o that_o right_a godly_a emperor_n do_v great_o advance_v that_o age_n who_o liberality_n towards_o the_o poor_a be_v celebrate_v to_o be_v such_o that_o many_o historiagrapher_n have_v report_v that_o he_o be_v accuse_v of_o some_o as_o a_o waster_n of_o the_o imperial_a treasure_n because_o he_o bestow_v all_o the_o revenue_n and_o tribute_n exaction_n which_o his_o antecessor_n justinus_n a_o covetous_a man_n have_v gather_v together_o and_o the_o treasure_n of_o narsete_n which_o be_v find_v in_o a_o certain_a well_o in_o italy_n on_o the_o poor_a volateranus_fw-la &_o other_o more_o report_n no_o less_o john_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n be_v famous_a at_o the_o same_o time_n who_o for_o his_o untired_a diligéce_n in_o help_v the_o poor_a be_v common_o honour_v even_o to_o this_o day_n by_o the_o name_n eleemosinatius_n or_o almoner_n childebert_n 9_o the_o french_a king_n &_o german_a 9_z bishop_n of_o paris_n be_v incident_a to_o the_o same_o time_n who_o do_v not_o doubt_v to_o côtend_v together_o of_o liberality_n towards_o the_o poor_a as_o the_o author_n fasciculi_fw-la tempotum_fw-la &_o certain_a other_o witness_n alter_v pelagius_n 250._o year_n under_o the_o empire_n of_o carolus_n magnus_n who_o govern_v in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 814._o the_o poverty_n cause_n be_v so_o diligent_o look_v unto_o by_o certain_a godly_a man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o enjoin_v to_o every_o city_n and_o parish_n that_o they_o shall_v cherish_v their_o poverty_n according_a to_o the_o old_a custom_n but_o also_o search_n be_v make_v in_o every_o family_n and_o private_a house_n &_o charge_v give_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o emperor_n that_o in_o every_o great_a family_n or_o kindred_n they_o which_o be_v rich_fw-fr shall_v honest_o provide_v for_o the_o poverty_n belong_v to_o that_o
family_n or_o kindred_n for_o when_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o daily_a allowance_n of_o alm_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o sustain_v all_o those_o which_o seek_v to_o be_v relieve_v of_o the_o common_a liberality_n then_o necessity_n enforce_v the_o godly_a man_n to_o bethink_v they_o of_o a_o new_a advice_n to_o ease_v the_o burden_n of_o the_o parish_n and_o city_n by_o induce_v the_o rich_fw-fr man_n after_o this_o fort_n to_o relieve_v they_o in_o their_o family_n we_o read_v that_o it_o be_v decree_v of_o this_o matter_n in_o the_o synod_n at_o arelas_n hold_v at_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o emperor_n carolus_n in_o the_o can._n 14._o it_o be_v thus_o set_v forth_o that_o every_o one_o in_o the_o time_n of_o famine_n or_o any_o necessity_n shall_v relieve_v according_a to_o his_o power_n such_o as_o appertain_v to_o they_o because_o it_o be_v write_v blessed_a be_v the_o merciful_a for_o they_o shall_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o again_o give_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o you_o remit_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v remit_v etc_n etc_n again_o in_o the_o synod_n at_o turon_n under_o the_o same_o carolus_n can._n 36._o it_o be_v common_o enjoin_v to_o all_o that_o every_o one_o shall_v endeavour_n to_o nourish_v &_o refresh_v all_o the_o poverty_n appertain_v to_o their_o family_n accord_v to_o the_o season_n of_o the_o year_n because_o it_o be_v ungodly_a and_o odious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o they_o which_o abound_v in_o riches_n &_o exceed_v in_o wealth_n shall_v not_o help_v the_o miserable_a and_o needy_a people_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o late_a canon_n of_o this_o synod_n the._n 10.11.16_o do_v plain_o testisse_n that_o the_o poor_a be_v provide_v for_o in_o every_o city_n and_o parish_n of_o the_o common_a treasury_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o daily_a collection_n among_o the_o faithful_a christian_n for_o in_o those_o cannon_n it_o be_v straight_o command_v that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v have_v a_o great_a care_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o shall_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o deacon_n assemble_a for_o to_o confer_v of_o other_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n circumspect_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n dispose_v and_o deal_v they_o to_o the_o poor_n of_o the_o same_o parish_n as_o every_o one_o have_v need_n according_a to_o the_o meaning_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o cannon_n and_o without_o doubt_n this_o great_a fidelity_n and_o diligence_n of_o the_o church_n ruler_n in_o the_o poverty_n behalf_n do_v move_v charles_n the_o great_a at_o that_o time_n and_o many_o other_o after_o he_o that_o partly_o in_o france_n and_o partly_o in_o germany_n they_o do_v erect_v many_o house_n of_o religion_n and_o many_o fraternity_n which_o be_v no_o other_o at_o that_o time_n but_o harbourehouse_n for_o the_o poor_a and_o they_o endue_v they_o with_o great_a riches_n therefore_o that_o order_n which_o be_v in_o time_n paste_v so_o constant_o keep_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o wit_n that_o every_o city_n and_o parish_n do_v foster_v their_o domestical_a and_o home_o dwell_v poverty_n the_o same_o will_v now_o be_v well_o put_v in_o ure_n again_o and_o every_o city_n with_o one_o consent_n must_v consult_v thereof_o accord_v to_o their_o state_n and_o ability_n chapter_n 4._o that_o certain_a fit_a man_n must_v be_v choose_v by_o voice_n to_o take_v charge_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n before_o all_o thing_n it_o behove_v to_o choose_v in_o every_o parish_n and_o circuit_n certain_a man_n of_o try_a honesty_n who_o fidelity_n piety_n gravity_n and_o integrity_n be_v well_o know_v by_o who_o it_o shall_v be_v foresee_v how_o all_o the_o poverty_n ascribe_v to_o their_o civil_a society_n or_o circuit_n may_v be_v bring_v in_o order_n which_o man_n must_v be_v choose_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n as_o well_o of_o the_o church_n governor_n as_o the_o magistrate_n under_o which_o name_n i_o comprehend_v all_o those_o which_o be_v put_v in_o trust_n in_o any_o office_n in_o city_n borough_n or_o village_n for_o it_o be_v always_o meet_a the_o every_o of_o these_o in_o any_o weighty_a or_o godly_a business_n shall_v lay_v to_o their_o help_a hand_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o in_o a_o village_n or_o street_n three_o or_o four_o be_v appoint_v for_o this_o purpose_n accord_v as_o time_n and_o place_n serve_v but_o in_o great_a city_n it_o be_v meet_v that_o in_o every_o parish_n or_o ward_n as_o many_o overseer_n be_v choose_v and_o if_o necessity_n require_v in_o a_o populous_a city_n it_o shall_v be_v well_o that_o four_o other_o be_v set_v over_o the_o rest_n as_o of_o a_o high_a dignity_n and_o have_v the_o chief_a rule_n over_o the_o rest_n to_o who_o the_o other_o four_o which_o be_v elect_v in_o every_o parish_n shall_v have_v recourse_n sometime_o to_o consult_v with_o they_o and_o to_o open_v unto_o they_o the_o hard_a case_n which_o happen_v to_o come_v in_o question_n to_o who_o also_o the_o poverty_n themselves_o may_v resort_v and_o if_o they_o have_v any_o complaint_n may_v open_v they_o unto_o they_o by_o who_o also_o if_o need_v require_v the_o other_o overseer_n may_v be_v admonish_v and_o the_o disobedient_a poverty_n may_v be_v correct_v and_o punish_v to_o conclude_v before_o they_o shall_v be_v plead_v and_o discuss_v all_o matter_n which_o appertain_v to_o good_a order_n in_o the_o poverty_n behalf_n this_o manner_n of_o elect_a approve_a man_n to_o take_v charge_n of_o the_o poverty_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o primative_a church_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o for_o all_o the_o faithful_a do_v by_o all_o mean_v labour_n for_o that_o that_o none_o among_o they_o may_v be_v see_v to_o lack_v so_o that_o such_o as_o possess_v land_n and_o house_n sell_v they_o &_o lay_v the_o price_n down_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n which_o be_v expedient_a at_o that_o time_n to_o be_v do_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o not_o else_o where_o partly_o for_o the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o ungodly_a magistrate_n who_o enterprise_v then_o eachwhere_o to_o rob_v the_o christian_n good_a from_o they_o violent_o and_o partly_o because_o the_o faithful_a by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n not_o long_o after_o shall_v fleet_n from_o thence_o to_o seek_v other_o dwelling_n and_o to_o preach_v and_o plant_v the_o gospel_n in_o sundry_a coast_n which_o be_v afterward_o distribute_v faithful_o to_o echo_v man_n and_o woman_n as_o they_o have_v need_n act._n 4._o but_o when_o that_o office_n of_o receive_v and_o lay_v ou_fw-fr again_o of_o the_o daily_a charge_n be_v so_o trouble_v some_o to_o the_o apostle_n that_o for_o it_o they_o do_v intermit_v often_o time_n a_o better_a work_n to_o wit_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o besides_o many_o controversy_n do_v rise_v about_o the_o daily_a wait_a the_o apostle_n call_v the_o multitude_n together_o give_v this_o counsel_n act._n 6_o it_o like_v we_o not_o inquiunt_fw-la that_o we_o shall_v leave_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o serve_v table_n wherefore_o brethren_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n and_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n which_o we_o may_v appoint_v to_o this_o business_n and_o we_o will_v give_v ourselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o this_o say_n please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v seven_o man_n which_o be_v there_o name_v the_o corinthian_n also_o 1._o cor._n 16._o be_v bid_v by_o paul_n to_o appoint_v who_o they_o will_v have_v to_o bring_v their_o liberality_n unto_o jerusalem_n and_o again_o 2._o cor_fw-la 8._o &_o 9_o he_o say_v that_o he_o have_v send_v situs_fw-la a_o worthy_a and_o diligent_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o with_o he_o a_o other_o brother_n who_o praise_n be_v in_o the_o gospel_n who_o some_o geasse_n to_o be_v luke_n some_o barnabas_n &_o a_o three_o man_n also_o who_o he_o have_v often_o prove_v trusty_a &_o diligent_a in_o many_o thing_n these_o be_v appoint_v by_o paul_n to_o prefer_v to_o the_o corinthian_n the_o cause_n of_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v appress_v with_o extreme_a penury_n at_o jerusalem_n therefore_o let_v it_o not_o grieve_v we_o to_o consider_v the_o example_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o as_o time_n and_o place_n will_v bear_v follow_v they_o but_o whether_o more_o or_o less_o than_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o must_v be_v choose_v to_o see_v to_o this_o business_n we_o will_v not_o great_o strive_v see_v the_o regard_n of_o the_o place_n &_o number_n of_o poverty_n will_v teach_v we_o what_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v in_o it_o much_o less_o will_v we_o contend_v of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o officer_n for_o the_o primative_a church_n call_v they_o
deacon_n which_o appear_v not_o only_o out_o of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o out_o of_o eusebius_n hiss_v eccl._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 1._o in_o the_o history_n of_o d._n laurentius_n the_o martyr_n they_o be_v call_v levites_n therefore_o whether_o you_o do_v call_v they_o by_o that_o name_n or_o by_o any_o other_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o great_a as_o if_o they_o be_v call_v master_n of_o the_o poor_a overseer_n viewer_n visiter_n steward_n or_o disposer_n almner_n etc_o etc_o we_o will_v easy_o agree_v in_o the_o name_n when_o we_o have_v determine_v of_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o these_o man_n must_v be_v great_o have_v in_o estimation_n of_o all_o man_n and_o also_o sometime_o must_v be_v admonish_v or_o rather_o entreat_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o magistrate_n that_o upon_o certain_a set_a day_n and_o hour_n they_o will_v willing_o join_v some_o godly_a pain_n with_o their_o honourable_a function_n for_o keep_v of_o order_n not_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v incomparable_a and_o eternal_a reward_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o that_o commendation_n wherewith_o to_o the_o apostle_n set_v forth_o those_o three_o man_n which_o he_o send_v to_o corinthum_n to_o gather_v the_o alm_n which_o shall_v be_v carry_v to_o the_o brethren_n in_o judaea_n do_v belong_v to_o they_o also_o which_o do_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o office_n of_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a &_o have_v a_o care_n faithful_o to_o perform_v the_o same_o in_o these_o day_n chapter_n 5._o what_o belong_v to_o the_o office_n of_o they_o which_o be_v choose_v to_o oversee_v the_o poor_a as_o we_o have_v say_v that_o this_o office_n deserve_v great_a estimation_n so_o we_o must_v all_o need_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v not_o free_a from_o a_o great_a toil_n for_o the_o office_n of_o the_o overseer_n be_v manifold_a and_o weighty_a which_o for_o more_o plainness_n and_o order_n sake_n may_v be_v fit_o bring_v to_o five_o principal_a point_n first_o that_o they_o search_v diligent_o throughout_o every_o city_n &_o parish_n the_o number_n of_o those_o which_o desire_v to_o be_v relieve_v of_o the_o public_a alm_n and_o the_o they_o can_v wise_o discern_v the_o true_a poverty_n and_o those_o that_o deserve_v to_o be_v pity_v from_o the_o counterfeit_v &_o unworthy_a second_o that_o they_o wise_o can_v cast_v how_o the_o money_n and_o necessary_a charge_n may_v be_v levy_v and_o collect_v honest_o and_o without_o overcharge_v the_o citizen_n &_o inhabitant_n three_o how_o they_o shall_v right_o distribute_v the_o alm_n collect_v to_o the_o needy_a according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o person_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o equity_n four_o that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o render_v a_o accompt_n of_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o lay_v out_o either_o to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o certain_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n at_o a_o time_n appoint_v or_o else_o before_o all_o man_n in_o a_o public_a place_n and_o session_n so_o to_o maintain_v and_o approve_v unto_o all_o man_n both_o their_o authority_n and_o their_o trust_n inesse_fw-la five_o they_o shall_v labour_n what_o they_o can_v to_o bring_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o order_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v once_o well_o determine_v and_o begin_v to_o be_v observe_v may_v always_o after_o be_v retain_v continue_v and_o keep_v to_o these_o five_o point_n of_o this_o whole_a business_n they_o which_o shall_v be_v choose_v to_o this_o office_n shall_v be_v whole_o bend_v and_o shall_v direct_v all_o their_o care_n and_o cogitation_n to_o perform_v they_o but_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v the_o soon_o easy_o and_o without_o hindrance_n accomplish_v whatsoever_o they_o shall_v handsome_o determine_v 07_o it_o be_v very_o needful_a that_o as_o well_o the_o churchs_n ruler_n as_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n do_v without_o delay_n aid_n and_o assist_v they_o and_o that_o they_o ready_o by_o their_o public_a authority_n do_v charge_n prohibit_n constitute_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n what_o soever_o be_v think_v necessary_a and_o profitable_a to_o the_o set_v forth_o of_o the_o liberality_n towards_o the_o poor_a the_o help_v of_o many_o neighbour_n and_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v strong_a be_v require_v at_o the_o raise_n or_o erect_v of_o any_o ample_a or_o magnifical_a frame_n of_o building_n neither_o may_v we_o hope_v that_o the_o deacon_n be_v they_o never_o so_o godly_a or_o prudent_a can_v do_v any_o thing_n worthy_a of_o commendation_n among_o the_o rude_a multitude_n which_o always_o carp_n and_o murmur_v against_o good_a law_n except_o the_o magistrate_n also_o do_v prudent_o intermeddle_v their_o authority_n and_o declare_v open_o that_o they_o will_v and_o decree_v the_o same_o that_o the_o deacon_n do_v now_o we_o will_v show_v in_o order_n how_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v reckon_v to_o appertain_v to_o this_o office_n may_v be_v accomplish_v chapter_n 6._o how_o the_o poverty_n must_v be_v search_v and_o those_o that_o be_v in_o deed_n to_o be_v discern_v from_o the_o counterfeiter_n and_o dissembler_n before_o any_o certain_a form_n to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o necessity_n be_v appoint_v it_o be_v needful_a as_o we_o have_v say_v that_o the_o number_n of_o those_o which_o desire_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o poverty_n and_o to_o be_v nourish_v of_o the_o public_a liberality_n in_o the_o city_n or_o village_n be_v know_v and_o that_o this_o may_v be_v do_v it_o be_v meet_v first_o that_o the_o deacon_n or_o viewer_n do_v diligent_o view_v all_o place_n in_o the_o city_n and_o that_o they_o go_v into_o the_o homely_a cottage_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o search_v narrow_o and_o to_o set_v it_o down_o in_o book_n make_v for_o the_o same_o purpose_n how_o many_o live_v under_o one_o roof_n of_o what_o age_n ability_n or_o strength_n what_o charge_n of_o child_n or_o disease_a person_n they_o have_v what_o store_n of_o substance_n or_o household_n stuff_n they_o be_v furnish_v with_o they_o may_v send_v beadle_n to_o call_v they_o all_o in_o order_n out_o of_o every_o house_n to_o some_o one_o place_n where_o every_o one_o of_o the_o poverty_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o the_o deacon_n or_o viewer_n may_v profess_v in_o what_o state_n they_o be_v but_o the_o other_o be_v the_o safe_a way_n for_o many_o cause_n for_o no_o doubt_n it_o may_v better_o be_v discern_v by_o eye_n sight_n than_o by_o their_o talk_n how_o they_o be_v affect_v in_o bodily_a strength_n or_o health_n how_o many_o and_o what_o manner_n child_n and_o what_o household_n stuff_n they_o have_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o disease_v in_o their_o house_n &_o what_o their_o disease_n be_v etc_n etc_n neither_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o hear_v the_o poverty_n themselves_o declare_v their_o own_o estate_n but_o it_o be_v expedient_a afterward_o to_o receive_v the_o report_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o neighbour_n that_o dwell_v near_o by_o who_o also_o the_o good_a conversation_n of_o each_o of_o the_o poverty_n may_v be_v know_v more_o narrow_o but_o in_o the_o entrance_n to_o this_o place_n i_o must_v overthrow_v the_o fiend_n cavillation_n of_o certain_a which_o hold_v that_o the_o poverty_n ought_v not_o thus_o curious_o to_o be_v search_v we_o may_v give_v our_o alm_n say_v they_o to_o who_o we_o list_v so_o that_o we_o deal_v it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n on_o who_o we_o bestow_v it_o yet_o no_o man_n i_o suppose_v be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v discretion_n to_o be_v use_v in_o our_o liberality_n and_o regard_n to_o be_v have_v not_o only_o of_o the_o matter_n and_o cause_n but_o also_o of_o person_n as_o touch_v the_o matter_n when_o it_o be_v expedient_a to_o give_v to_o every_o one_o alike_o as_o we_o see_v their_o need_n and_o not_o to_o give_v all_o to_o one_o as_o touch_v the_o person_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o ought_v rather_o to_o give_v to_o those_o that_o be_v honest_a &_o godly_a than_o to_o sinner_n and_o evil_a liver_n and_o one_o have_v more_o need_n a_o other_o be_v content_a with_o less_o of_o which_o matter_n both_o s._n augustine_n in_o many_o place_n &_o ambrose_n in_o his_o book_n of_o office_n or_o duty_n have_v wise_o define_v who_o word_n we_o see_v recite_v by_o gratianus_n distinct_a 86._o neither_o be_v that_o search_n fault_n worthy_a which_o be_v make_v to_o help_v the_o poor_a not_o to_o hurt_v any_o man_n and_o which_o be_v ordain_v to_o procure_v the_o common_a safety_n of_o all_o aswell_o such_o as_o be_v poor_a in_o deed_n as_o such_o as_o be_v not_o so_o for_o their_o private_a necessity_n when_o it_o be_v know_v do_v make_v
out_o that_o this_o care_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a must_v be_v cast_v aside_o again_o therefore_o we_o will_v show_v how_o sufficient_a exhibition_n may_v be_v levy_v for_o to_o bear_v the_o charge_n chapter_n 7._o how_o the_o money_n and_o necessary_a charge_n may_v be_v collect_v without_o any_o great_a burden_n to_o the_o citizen_n we_o understand_v that_o the_o holy_a father_n of_o the_o first_o church_n yea_o of_o all_o age_n have_v be_v very_o careful_a to_o invent_v how_o to_o increase_v the_o allowance_n which_o be_v by_o they_o to_o be_v distribute_v to_o the_o poor_a in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n god_n command_v every_o one_o that_o possess_v land_n vineyard_n or_o olive_n tree_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o reap_v down_o every_o corner_n of_o his_o field_n nor_o gather_v the_o scatter_a ear_n of_o corn_n nor_o the_o fall_v cluster_n of_o grape_n nor_o the_o olive_n leave_v on_o the_o bough_n after_o the_o gather_n but_o what_o soener_z hereof_o remain_v shall_v be_v free_a for_o the_o poor_a the_o widow_n and_o stranger_n to_o glean_v up_o levi._n 19_o 23._o deuter._n 24._o he_o charge_v the_o rich_fw-fr man_n also_o to_o lend_v unto_o the_o poor_a as_o often_o as_o their_o need_n require_v without_o oppress_v or_o delay_v they_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o may_v take_v no_o pledge_n of_o they_o neither_o ask_v again_o that_o which_o they_o have_v lend_v importunate_o or_o rigorous_o deu._n 24.25_o leut._n 23._o many_o other_o law_n to_o the_o same_o effect_n be_v ordain_v by_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a which_o it_o be_v to_o long_o to_o recite_v in_o the_o act_n apost_n every_o one_o that_o believe_v the_o gospel_n bring_v their_o money_n which_o either_o before_o they_o have_v get_v or_o then_o have_v receive_v for_o thing_n which_o they_o sell_v unto_o the_o apostle_n foot_n to_o be_v distribute_v to_o each_o man_n for_o his_o daily_a relief_n acts._n 4._o but_o we_o have_v show_v before_o that_o example_n not_o to_o serve_v for_o every_o place_n and_o time_n that_o which_o i_o will_v now_o utter_v be_v rather_o to_o be_v approve_v and_o follow_v at_o such_o time_n as_o christ_n teach_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o the_o sinagoge_n of_o other_o city_n there_o be_v place_v a_o chest_n mark_n 12._o luke_n 21._o name_v gazophylatium_n into_o the_o which_o all_o man_n be_v exhort_v to_o cast_v some_o money_n by_o the_o which_o money_n as_o report_v theophilactus_fw-la the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o widow_n and_o poverty_n be_v refresh_v which_o chrisost_o seem_v also_o to_o affirm_v expound_v those_o word_n mar._n 24._o nonlicet_fw-la mittere_fw-la in_o corbonam_fw-la quia_fw-la precium_fw-la sanguinis_fw-la est_fw-la it_o may_v not_o be_v put_v into_o the_o treasury_n because_o it_o be_v the_o price_n of_o blood_n the_o apostle_n paul_n desire_v to_o have_v the_o brethren_n which_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n relieve_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o corinthian_n that_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o some_o one_o day_n in_o the_o week_n every_o man_n shall_v put_v aside_o by_o himself_o and_o lay_v up_o as_o god_n have_v prosper_v he_o some_o portion_n to_o be_v afterward_o deal_v to_o she_o poor_a 1._o corinth_n 16._o tertullianus_n apolog._n cap._n 39_o tell_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o his_o time_n in_o collect_v the_o alm_n say_v when_o we_o meet_v in_o our_o holy_a assembly_n every_o man_n lay_v down_o a_o small_a portion_n on_o the_o monthly_a day_n or_o when_o he_o will_v and_o if_o he_o be_v able_a for_o no_o man_n be_v compel_v but_o bestow_v what_o he_o be_v willing_a of_o his_o own_o accord_n haec_fw-la quasi_fw-la deposit_v a_o pietatis_fw-la sunt_fw-la these_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o pledge_n of_o devotiou_n moreover_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o testify_v that_o the_o supper_n call_v agape_n that_o be_v love_n be_v wont_v on_o set_v and_o appoint_v day_n to_o be_v celebrate_v at_o the_o holy_a meeting_n and_o certain_o as_o he_o say_v to_o help_v the_o poor_a with_o that_o refresh_n which_o manner_n of_o feast_v together_o be_v common_a in_o all_o congregation_n but_o when_o the_o corinthian_n do_v soon_o degenerate_a unto_o riotous_a feast_n it_o be_v in_o that_o place_n abrogate_v by_o the_o apost_n 1._o corinth_n 11._o in_o process_n of_o time_n vessel_n and_o precious_a ornament_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n which_o if_o any_o great_a necessity_n grow_v or_o invade_v be_v bring_v forth_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o liberal_o bestow_v on_o the_o poor_a moreover_o and_o above_o their_o ordinary_a allowance_n for_o so_o cyrillus_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o report_v sozemenus_fw-la tripart_n hist_n 5_o c._n 27_o when_o a_o dearth_n be_v in_o the_o province_n and_o the_o needy_a people_n for_o necessity_n of_o meat_n look_v for_o succour_v of_o he_o as_o of_o their_o bishop_n and_o money_n there_o be_v none_o to_o ease_v their_o penury_n he_o take_v the_o vessel_n and_o sacred_a veil_n to_o relieve_v the_o people_n necessity_n moreover_o in_o those_o time_n wherein_o the_o prince_n themselves_o begin_v to_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o church_n receive_v land_n enclosure_n vineyard_n tithe_n etc_n etc_n of_o the_o frank_a liberality_n of_o noble_a and_o wealthy_a man_n as_o witness_v the_o ecclesiastical_a bistory_n item_n chrysostome_n hierome_n augustine_n and_o other_o in_o diverse_a place_n for_o she_o rich_fw-fr man_n note_v the_o faith_n and_o readiness_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o other_o church_n ruler_n in_o help_v the_o poor_a do_v willing_o commit_v unto_o they_o the_o dispose_n of_o all_o the_o treasure_n and_o when_o they_o have_v he_o ape_v great_a riches_n together_o they_o then_o build_v public_a alm_n house_n hospital_n spital_n noursery_n orphanhouse_n house_n for_o the_o age_a free_a school_n and_o whatsoever_o such_o first_o in_o the_o great_a and_o populous_a city_n and_o then_o in_o the_o less_o at_o length_n whether_o because_o peradventure_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n begin_v in_o some_o place_n to_o be_v slack_a in_o the_o office_n of_o stewardship_n for_o the_o poor_a or_o that_o in_o some_o place_n the_o number_n of_o poverty_n increase_v and_o house_n of_o relief_n can_v not_o eke_v where_o be_v build_v for_o they_o cannon_n be_v make_v in_o diverse_a place_n &_o several_a time_n for_o the_o diviston_fw-mi of_o the_o church_n good_n into_o four_o portion_n whereof_o the_o first_o shall_v remain_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o elder_n the_o second_o to_o the_o clerk_n and_o minister_n the_o three_o to_o build_v and_o repair_v the_o church_n edifice_n the_o four_o to_o the_o public_a relief_n of_o the_o poor_a i_o have_v make_v mention_n of_o these_o cannon_n before_o final_o in_o such_o place_n as_o the_o good_n will_v not_o reach_v to_o foster_v the_o poor_a many_o citiren_n be_v admonish_v entreat_v &_o persuade_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n have_v bequeath_v something_o by_o their_o testament_n many_o also_o have_v assign_v rent_n and_o yearly_a pension_n out_o of_o their_o land_n garden_n or_o house_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o write_n instrument_n and_o evidence_n which_o be_v keep_v for_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o the_o archive_n and_o treasury_n of_o the_o say_a church_n and_o alm_n house_n by_o these_o mean_n chief_o the_o holy_a and_o prudent_a man_n assure_o think_v that_o in_o every_o city_n or_o parish_n sufficient_a may_v be_v provide_v for_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o same_o trade_n many_o age_n after_o be_v happy_o observe_v as_o long_o as_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o church_n stand_v in_o safety_n now_o therefore_o let_v we_o see_v among_o the_o example_n of_o the_o old_a father_n mention_v what_o device_n may_v honest_o be_v use_v in_o this_o our_o time_n for_o to_o raise_v a_o sufficient_a collection_n for_o necessary_a charge_n 1_o according_a to_o the_o manner_n which_o be_v usual_a among_o the_o jew_n as_o report_v theophilactus_fw-la there_o may_v well_o be_v set_v in_o every_o church_n certain_a chest_n or_o box_n with_o a_o inscription_n or_o note_n declare_v that_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o poor_a into_o which_o chest_n every_o one_o may_v privy_o cast_v as_o much_o money_n as_o he_o will_v and_o when_o he_o will_v be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o lay_v up_o privy_o there_o for_o the_o poor_a without_o desire_n of_o vain_a glory_n and_o so_o that_o the_o left_a hand_n shall_v not_o know_v what_o the_o right_a hand_n do_v two_o mite_n of_o copper_n or_o never_o so_o small_a a_o piece_n of_o money_n than_o to_o bestow_v certain_a groat_n on_o they_o that_o beg_v common_o and_o at_o every_o door_n 2_o moreover_o nothing_o let_v
why_o the_o overseer_n of_o the_o poor_a in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o poverty_n commit_v to_o they_o may_v not_o once_o in_o a_o week_n go_v about_o to_o every_o citizen_n house_n to_o receive_v a_o stipend_n of_o every_o man_n as_o we_o see_v the_o corinthian_n be_v admonish_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o do_v the_o like_a 3_o on_o such_o day_n as_o holy_a assembly_n be_v make_v and_o when_o the_o people_n meet_v all_o together_o at_o the_o church_n to_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o mystical_a supper_n than_o the_o say_a officer_n may_v well_o receive_v the_o oblation_n of_o the_o faithful_a either_o go_v about_o the_o church_n or_o stand_v in_o some_o convenient_a place_n for_o see_v now_o we_o celebrate_v no_o agapas_fw-la that_o be_v feast_n of_o lous_o after_o the_o old_a manner_n to_o refresh_v the_o poor_a what_o may_v better_a supply_v the_o place_n of_o they_o than_o a_o godly_a distribution_n of_o alm_n which_o will_v no_o doubt_n prove_v as_o available_a for_o the_o refection_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o let_v not_o the_o collector_n for_o the_o poor_a be_v slack_a or_o disdain_v to_o do_v this_o sith_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o by_o this_o labour_n they_o shall_v do_v unto_o god_n a_o acceptable_a service_n and_o a_o very_a spiritual_a worship_n 4_o and_o true_o to_o further_a happy_o this_o whole_a business_n the_o willingness_n and_o endeavour_n of_o the_o preacher_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o will_v help_v very_o much_o to_o wit_n if_o they_o often_o appoint_v to_o speak_v of_o charity_n &_o liberality_n towards_o the_o poor_a in_o their_o public_a sermon_n to_o the_o multitude_n and_o often_o in_o their_o private_a exhortation_n to_o they_o which_o ask_v their_o advice_n in_o doubtful_a case_n for_o nothing_o can_v more_o effectual_o bring_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o officer_n themselves_o may_v cheerful_o take_v pain_n to_o gather_v and_o all_o other_o with_o prompt_a &_o ready_a mind_n to_o bestow_v their_o liberality_n than_o may_v the_o grave_n &_o learned_a sermon_n of_o the_o preacher_n 5_o the_o minister_n also_o of_o the_o church_n shall_v help_v not_o a_o little_a if_o sometime_o out_o of_o the_o open_a pulpit_n and_o sometime_o private_o when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o such_o as_o be_v sick_a or_o otherwise_o they_o advertise_v they_o that_o such_o as_o be_v mind_v to_o make_v their_o will_n do_v bequeath_v some_o thing_n to_o the_o needy_a people_n but_o especial_o when_o their_o heir_n that_o succeed_v they_o have_v no_o great_a need_n or_o be_v perhaps_o unworthy_a or_o ingrat_n or_o prodigal_a waster_n 6_o furthermore_o in_o some_o place_n often_o time_n be_v ordain_v funeral_n pomp_n with_o great_a charge_n to_o provoke_v mourn_n or_o rather_o for_o ostentation_n especial_o at_o the_o burial_n of_o some_o noble_a or_o rich_fw-fr citizen_n but_o who_o be_v so_o gross_a witted_a which_o understand_v not_o that_o it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o commendable_a and_o more_o acceptable_a before_o god_n if_o this_o manner_n of_o superfluous_a funeral_n charge_n be_v abridge_v and_o bestow_v on_o the_o naked_a member_n of_o chryst_n which_o almost_o all_o the_o year_n do_v mourn_v &_o languish_v for_o lack_n of_o relief_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o those_o sumptuous_a burial_n &_o exequy_n be_v utter_o unknown_a to_o the_o old_a christian_n we_o read_v in_o deed_n in_o certain_a writer_n that_o there_o be_v offering_n and_o oblation_n make_v to_o be_v distribute_v to_o the_o poor_a but_o of_o any_o gorgeous_a preparation_n or_o magnifical_a pomp_n we_o do_v not_o read_v 7_o and_o if_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n certain_a prodigious_a and_o unnecessary_a ornament_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o we_o see_v in_o many_o place_n of_o picture_n table_n of_o sign_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v sell_v when_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a require_v who_o will_v think_v it_o any_o sin_n sith_o in_o time_n pass_v so_o godly_a church_n ruler_n and_o bishop_n doubt_v not_o in_o such_o necessity_n to_o alienate_v even_o the_o necessary_a vessel_n 8_o neither_o do_v any_o thing_n hinder_v but_o that_o there_o may_v honest_o &_o civil_o inquiry_n be_v make_v as_o touch_v the_o church_n good_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v whether_o the_o four_o part_n thereof_o to_o go_v to_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a according_a to_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o cannon_n and_o in_o some_o place_n the_o church_n have_v have_v of_o long_a continuance_n a_o treasury_n for_o the_o poor_a into_o the_o which_o not_o only_o the_o alm_n here_o and_o there_o daily_o collect_v but_o also_o the_o money_n that_o rise_v of_o yearly_a rent_n and_o annual_a pension_n be_v lay_v up_o but_o this_o be_v often_o find_v to_o be_v so_o much_o that_o if_o all_o the_o good_n of_o the_o say_a church_n be_v value_v they_o will_v amount_v to_o be_v more_o than_o the_o four_o part_n therefore_o where_o there_o be_v so_o rich_fw-fr a_o treasury_n the_o magistrate_n have_v good_a cause_n to_o endenour_n to_o bring_v to_o pass_v that_o thereby_o due_a relief_n may_v be_v provide_v for_o the_o poor_a again_o in_o some_o place_n the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o church_n good_n be_v send_v to_o the_o alm_n house_n but_o what_o become_v of_o it_o there_o be_v to_o be_v see_v alm_n house_n but_o no_o poor_a people_n be_v admit_v unto_o they_o or_o percase_o only_o two_o or_o three_o or_o four_o well_o fat_v hog_n of_o epicure_n hear_v which_o scarce_o can_v bear_v the_o ballast_n of_o their_o paunch_n for_o fatness_n must_v be_v admit_v in_o thither_o there_o be_v which_o we_o term_v pospital_n but_o none_o come_v at_o they_o they_o be_v shut_v up_o from_o all_o stranger_n there_o be_v spital_n and_o house_n for_o the_o age_a but_o they_o be_v only_o frequent_v with_o sound_n &_o strong_a and_o people_n of_o lusty_a year_n and_o such_o as_o take_v their_o pleasure_n there_o so_o may_v we_o say_v of_o the_o rest_n therefore_o herein_o also_o some_o diligent_a labour_n will_v be_v employ_v that_o accord_v to_o the_o cannon_n of_o divers_a counsel_n which_o for_o brevity_n i_o cease_v to_o reckon_v and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o emperor_n whereof_o some_o be_v extant_a codice_fw-la de_fw-la episcopis_fw-la &_o clericis_fw-la other_o be_v extant_a in_o novellis_fw-la that_o all_o the_o steward_n of_o those_o place_n shall_v yield_v a_o account_n of_o the_o receipt_n and_o expense_n either_o to_o the_o bishop_n or_o their_o substitute_n or_o before_o some_o other_o magistrate_n and_o let_v they_o all_o take_v advice_n for_o the_o lay_v out_o of_o the_o good_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o poor_a for_o who_o sake_n each_o man_n know_v they_o be_v first_o collect_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o doubt_n but_o that_o by_o this_o mean_n even_o abundance_n of_o substance_n may_v be_v gather_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o poor_a 9_o after_o all_o these_o if_o so_o be_v that_o in_o some_o certain_a place_n of_o the_o city_n on_o set_a day_n or_o some_o appoint_a season_n of_o the_o year_n meat_n drink_n garment_n fuel_n or_o money_n be_v usual_o distribute_v and_o peradventure_o to_o a_o few_o and_o a_o certain_a number_n choose_v none_o may_v lawful_o mislike_v if_o the_o same_o be_v commit_v to_o be_v dispose_v by_o the_o common_a overseer_n of_o the_o poor_a or_o at_o the_o least_o that_o they_o may_v have_v liberty_n to_o nominate_v to_o what_o poor_a or_o how_o much_o they_o think_v meet_v to_o be_v distribute_v all_o the_o which_o thing_n do_v agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o order_n of_o the_o old_a church_n as_o we_o can_v if_o it_o be_v needful_a more_o full_o teach_v 10_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o invent_v many_o such_o fit_n mean_v to_o raise_v the_o charge_n especial_o at_o such_o time_n as_o there_o be_v great_a dearth_n of_o yearly_a provision_n and_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v extreme_a necessity_n for_o than_o it_o may_v be_v ordain_v and_o the_o preacher_n themselves_o for_o good_a cause_n shall_v speak_v of_o such_o constitution_n and_o shall_v exhort_v the_o people_n to_o grant_v unto_o they_o to_o wit_n that_o in_o bargain_v especial_o in_o buy_v and_o sell_v hire_v and_o let_v and_o in_o make_v of_o marriage_n the_o people_n shall_v use_v to_o give_v somewhat_o better_a earnest_a penny_n than_o before_o and_o shall_v forthwith_o put_v the_o same_o into_o the_o poverty_n chest_n or_o box_n stand_v ready_a in_o the_o church_n whosoever_o do_v take_v on_o they_o any_o public_a office_n or_o function_n of_o their_o free_a will_n shall_v bestow_v some_o thing_n to_o the_o poor_a man_n box_n as_o wish_v thereby_o of_o almighty_a god_n a_o joyful_a success_n moreover_o when_o a_o mulcte_n or_o fine_a be_v by_o the_o magistrate_n set_v on_o