necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o reverend_a decency_n of_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v require_v and_o first_o concern_v the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v we_o not_o power_n to_o eat_v and_o to_o drink_v to_o wit_n at_o the_o cost_n &_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 9.4_o etc._n etc._n and_o vers_n 7._o etc._n etc._n who_o go_v on_o warfare_n any_o time_n at_o his_o own_o cost_n who_o plant_v a_o vineyard_n and_o eat_v not_o of_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o or_o who_o feed_v a_o flock_n and_o eat_v not_o of_o the_o milk_n of_o the_o flock_n say_v i_o these_o thing_n according_a to_o man_n say_v not_o the_o law_n the_o same_o also_o for_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n thou_o shall_v not_o nousell_n the_o mouth_n of_o the_o ox_n which_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n do_v god_n take_v care_n for_o ox_n either_o say_v he_o it_o not_o altogether_o for_o our_o sake_n for_o our_o sake_n no_o doubt_n it_o be_v write_v that_o he_o which_o ear_v shall_v ear_n in_o hope_n and_o that_o he_o who_o thresh_v in_o hope_n shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o hope_n if_o we_o have_v sow_v unto_o you_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v it_o a_o great_a matter_n if_o we_o reap_v your_o carnal_a thing_n and_o verse_n 13.14_o do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o they_o which_o minister_v about_o the_o holy_a thing_n eat_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o they_o which_o wait_v at_o the_o altar_n be_v partaker_n with_o the_o altar_n so_o also_o have_v the_o lord_n ordain_v that_o they_o which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n this_o point_n we_o see_v be_v exceed_o labour_v and_o not_o only_o confirm_v by_o excellent_a weight_n and_o number_n of_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o god_n himself_o but_o also_o garnish_v by_o a_o figurative_a course_n of_o speech_n sharpen_v as_o it_o be_v with_o often_o renew_a question_n or_o interrogation_n so_o as_o it_o can_v be_v but_o it_o must_v needs_o enter_v and_o prevail_v with_o every_o one_o that_o have_v any_o sparkle_n of_o true_a spiritual_a understanding_n and_o life_n of_o affection_n in_o he_o and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n though_o the_o same_o apostle_n set_v it_o down_o for_o a_o law_n to_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n that_o he_o who_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o word_n shall_v make_v he_o that_o have_v teach_v he_o partaker_n of_o all_o his_o good_n chap._n 6._o vers_fw-la 6._o nevertheless_o he_o know_v the_o disposition_n of_o man_n to_o be_v overbold_a in_o elude_v and_o trisle_a away_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n in_o this_o behalf_n he_o admonish_v all_o man_n to_o beware_v that_o they_o deceive_v not_o themselves_o assure_v they_o that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v nor_o dally_v withal_o and_o thereupon_o also_o the_o holy_a apostle_n take_v further_a occasion_n to_o exhort_v earnest_o to_o willing_a liberal_a conscionable_a and_o constant_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n without_o weariness_n neither_o do_v he_o only_o exhort_v to_o this_o duty_n of_o contribution_n and_o allowance_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n for_o the_o commodious_a and_o comfortable_a maintenance_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o likewise_o he_o do_v in_o the_o same_o place_n earnest_o exhort_v all_o of_o the_o rich_a sort_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v beneficial_a to_o all_o that_o stand_v in_o need_n special_o to_o the_o poor_a christian_n the_o household_n servant_n or_o rather_o child_n of_o the_o same_o family_n with_o they_o as_o have_v be_v observe_v before_o howbeit_o notwithstanding_o the_o holy_a apostle_n do_v thus_o link_v the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a we_o be_v nevertheless_o to_o admit_v that_o difference_n betwixt_o one_o kind_n of_o provision_n or_o allowance_n and_o the_o other_o which_o the_o lord_n god_n himself_o have_v put_v by_o the_o determination_n of_o his_o own_o word_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v a_o mere_a alm_n and_o as_o one_o may_v say_v a_o grace_n or_o gratuity_n of_o mercy_n as_o touch_v those_o that_o be_v relieve_v who_o see_v they_o perform_v no_o special_a service_n towards_o the_o church_n they_o can_v challenge_v nothing_o but_o as_o of_o good_a will_n &_o for_o the_o lord_n sake_n who_o become_v surety_n for_o they_o but_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v due_a as_o a_o reward_n or_o wage_n of_o a_o worthy_a service_n according_a to_o that_o proverbial_a say_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n apply_v to_o this_o purpose_n the_o laborer_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o wage_n luk._n 10.7_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o no_o man_n either_o minister_v of_o the_o word_n or_o any_o other_o can_v plead_v worthiness_n or_o desert_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o any_o service_n they_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v for_o we_o be_v all_o unprofitable_a servant_n to_o he_o &_o infinite_o fail_v in_o that_o wherein_o we_o stand_v bind_v to_o he_o but_o in_o that_o reckon_v &_o account_v which_o god_n allow_v betwixt_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o people_n our_o saviour_n christ_n give_v plain_o to_o understand_v that_o as_o every_o poor_a labour_a man_n when_o he_o have_v do_v his_o day-worke_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o wage_n at_o night_n for_o he_o do_v not_o receive_v his_o hire_n as_o a_o alm_n but_o as_o a_o debt_n and_o duty_n belong_v to_o he_o even_o for_o the_o work_n which_o he_o have_v do_v so_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n worthy_a of_o his_o maintenance_n and_o that_o in_o a_o liberal_a and_o comely_a manner_n as_o may_v well_o beseem_v that_o honourable_a account_n which_o the_o people_n of_o god_n do_v make_v of_o the_o gospel_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n do_v the_o apostle_n paul_n speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n note_v out_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o title_n of_o honour_n and_o not_o of_o alm_n or_o mercy_n signify_v thereby_o with_o what_o kind_n of_o dutiful_a affection_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v yield_v unto_o they_o even_o for_o the_o honour_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o the_o lord_n himself_o yea_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o widow_n allowance_n for_o her_o inferior_a service_n to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o name_n of_o honour_n it_o be_v to_o mark_v that_o he_o say_v by_o a_o increase_n of_o speech_n that_o the_o elder_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n whosoever_o labour_v in_o that_o work_n be_v special_o worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n as_o 1._o tim._n 5.2_o honour_n widow_n which_o be_v widow_n indeed_o but_o verse_n 17.18_o the_o elder_n which_o rule_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n special_o they_o which_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o mousell_n the_o mouth_n of_o the_o ox_n that_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n and_o the_o labourer_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o wage_n christian_n thus_o do_v shall_v perform_v that_o which_o belong_v to_o they_o according_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o king_n solomon_n prou._n chap._n 3.9_o honour_n the_o lord_n with_o thy_o riches_n and_o with_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o thy_o increase_n hitherto_o of_o the_o end_n of_o give_v it_o follow_v now_o that_o we_o consider_v of_o that_o which_o be_v make_v the_o second_o point_n of_o the_o last_o branch_n of_o our_o definition_n give_v the_o rule_n of_o give_v namely_o what_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o squire_n to_o direct_v the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o all_o gift_n to_o their_o right_a end_n for_o as_o have_v be_v already_o affirm_v allour_n give_v both_o the_o one_o way_n and_o the_o other_o as_o well_o towards_o the_o religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o his_o people_n it_o must_v be_v in_o such_o manner_n as_o god_n himself_o will_v and_o prescribe_v now_o itself_o christian_n beneficence_n and_o liberality_n be_v the_o will_n &_o commandâ—ment_n of_o god_n as_o well_o touch_v the_o manner_n and_o measure_n as_o the_o duty_n itself_o what_o this_o will_n of_o god_n be_v we_o must_v learn_v out_o of_o his_o own_o most_o holy_a and_o sacred_a word_n and_o herein_o we_o be_v to_o be_v the_o more_o willing_a and_o teachable_a scholar_n because_o if_o we_o shall_v give_v place_n to_o our_o own_o will_n we_o shall_v easy_o fall_v into_o such_o extremity_n on_o either_o hand_n as_o all_o chr_n stian_n ought_v to_o avoid_v in_o so_o worthy_a a_o action_n as_o christian_a beneficence_n be_v for_o this_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o as_o filthy_a covetousness_n with_o all_o unthankful_a
the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n even_o as_o they_o will_v answer_v the_o matter_n before_o god_n who_o will_v not_o be_v dally_v with_o therein_o as_o we_o have_v see_v before_o he_o do_v therewithal_o assure_v all_o such_o as_o shall_v deal_v christianly_o herein_o that_o they_o shall_v reap_v a_o plentiful_a fruit_n from_o the_o same_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n sow_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o shall_v he_o also_o reap_v for_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n shall_v of_o the_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n that_o be_v he_o that_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n without_o regard_n of_o god_n kingdom_n and_o religion_n and_o his_o own_o salvation_n he_o shall_v perish_v with_o they_o but_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v he_o which_o do_v liberal_o contribute_v to_o the_o maintenance_n and_o advancement_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a let_v we_o not_o therefore_o as_o the_o holy_a apostle_n exhort_v be_v weary_a of_o welldoing_a for_o in_o due_a season_n we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o answerable_a hereunto_o be_v that_o charge_n which_o the_o same_o apostle_n give_v unto_o timotheus_n and_o so_o to_o all_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o that_o his_o first_o epistle_n charge_v those_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n say_v he_o that_o they_o be_v not_o high_a mind_v and_o that_o they_o trust_v not_o in_o uncertain_a riches_n but_o in_o the_o live_a god_n who_o give_v we_o abundant_o all_o thing_n to_o enjoy_v that_o they_o do_v good_a and_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n and_o ready_a to_o distribute_v and_o communicate_v lay_v up_o in_o store_n for_o themselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n read_v also_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n verse_n 8._o go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n and_o bring_v wood_n and_o build_v this_o house_n and_o i_o will_v be_v favourable_a in_o it_o and_o i_o will_v be_v glorify_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o again_o chap._n 2._o verse_n 19.20_o consider_v i_o pray_v you_o in_o your_o mind_n from_o this_o day_n and_o afore_o from_o the_o four_o and_o twentieth_o day_n of_o the_o nine_o month_n even_o from_o the_o day_n that_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o lord_n temple_n be_v lay_v consider_v it_o in_o your_o mind_n be_v the_o seed_n yet_o in_o the_o barn_n as_o yet_o the_o vine_n and_o the_o fig_n tree_n and_o the_o pomegranet_n and_o olive_n tree_n have_v not_o bring_v forth_o from_o this_o day_n will_v i_o bless_v you_o likewise_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o malachi_n verse_n 10.11.12_o bring_v you_o all_o the_o tithe_n into_o the_o store-house_n that_o there_o may_v be_v meat_n in_o my_o house_n and_o prove_v i_o now_o herewith_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n if_o i_o will_v not_o open_v the_o window_n of_o heaven_n unto_o you_o and_o pour_v you_o out_o a_o blessing_n without_o measure_n and_o i_o will_v rebuke_v the_o devourer_n for_o your_o sake_n and_o he_o shall_v not_o destroy_v the_o fruit_n of_o your_o ground_n neither_o shall_v your_o vine_n be_v barren_a in_o the_o field_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o all_o nation_n shall_v call_v you_o bless_v for_o you_o shall_v be_v a_o pleasant_a land_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o i_o pray_v you_o let_v we_o mark_v how_o when_o the_o lord_n jer._n 32._o from_o the_o 17._o verse_n and_o throughout_o the_o whole_a 33._o chapter_n and_o likewise_o ezek._n chap._n 36.25.26_o etc._n etc._n speak_v of_o restore_v his_o people_n israel_n from_o their_o captivity_n to_o their_o own_o land_n that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o fruitful_a blessing_n thereof_o as_o in_o former_a time_n he_o make_v the_o renew_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o his_o fear_n and_o worship_n the_o forerunner_n of_o the_o same_o and_o this_o blessing_n to_o be_v a_o consequent_a of_o that_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a promise_n of_o blessing_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v true_o worship_v god_n levit._n 26.3_o etc._n etc._n and_o deut._n 28.1.2_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o 15._o verse_n but_o this_o promise_n of_o blessing_n be_v not_o make_v only_o to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n under_o the_o law_n upon_o condition_n they_o will_v perform_v faithful_a service_n and_o worship_n to_o god_n but_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o nation_n and_o people_n whosoever_o be_v at_o any_o time_n call_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n shall_v yield_v themselves_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n true_a worshipper_n of_o he_o as_o we_o be_v sweet_o teach_v and_o assure_v in_o the_o 67._o psalm_n for_o this_o be_v the_o prayer_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v the_o church_n to_o pray_v in_o that_o psalm_n that_o all_o nation_n may_v know_v god_n and_o joyful_o praise_v and_o worship_v he_o the_o conclusion_n follow_v with_o this_o most_o gracious_a and_o bounteous_a promise_n of_o god_n then_o shall_v the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o her_o increase_n and_o god_n even_o our_o god_n shall_v bless_v us._n god_n shall_v bless_v we_o and_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v fear_v he_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v matth._n 6.33_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v cast_v unto_o you_o to_o wit_n as_o a_o overplus_n or_o income_n to_o make_v up_o more_o than_o measure_n or_o tale_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o small_a reckon_v in_o so_o great_a a_o account_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v the_o same_o also_o which_o the_o faithfiull_n apostle_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n affirm_v 1._o timoth._n 4.8_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n present_a and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v for_o no_o man_n can_v true_o and_o hearty_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o so_o be_v a_o right_n godly_a man_n indeed_o but_o the_o same_o must_v and_o will_v be_v to_o his_o power_n a_o willing_a maintainer_n and_o furtherer_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n the_o public_a minister_n thereof_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o promise_n of_o blessing_n the_o example_n do_v now_o follow_v concern_v the_o same_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o such_o as_o have_v have_v such_o a_o zealous_a care_n of_o further_a his_o worship_n as_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o example_n which_o we_o mind_n to_o bring_v forth_o they_o be_v partly_o of_o such_o person_n as_o show_v that_o they_o have_v a_o persuasion_n in_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n that_o god_n will_v in_o mercy_n recompense_v their_o service_n this_o way_n do_v to_o he_o and_o his_o church_n &_o partly_o they_o be_v such_o upon_o who_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n actual_o pour_v down_o upon_o they_o be_v more_o express_o testify_v and_o record_v in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n we_o may_v take_v david_n in_o his_o prayer_n of_o faith_n for_o a_o worthy_a example_n psalm_n 86.2_o preserve_v my_o soul_n for_o i_o be_o merciful_a save_v thou_o thy_o servant_n that_o trust_v in_o thou_o be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o o_o lord_n etc._n etc._n likewise_o godly_a nehemia_n that_o zealous_a furtherer_n of_o god_n true_a worship_n and_o religion_n be_v another_o most_o worthy_a example_n as_o we_o may_v porceive_v by_o his_o most_o humble_a &_o faithful_a prayer_n chap._n 13._o vers_fw-la 14._o in_o these_o word_n rememember_v i_o o_o my_o god_n herein_o and_o wipe_v not_o out_o my_o kindness_n that_o i_o have_v show_v on_o the_o house_n of_o my_o god_n and_o on_o the_o office_n thereof_o and_o again_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n verse_n 22._o after_o that_o he_o have_v reform_v the_o abuse_n and_o profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n sabbath_n remember_v i_o o_o my_o god_n concern_v this_o say_v he_o and_o pardon_v i_o according_a to_o thy_o great_a mercy_n the_o honourable_a good_a man_n pray_v as_o we_o see_v for_o god_n blessing_n as_o one_o have_v a_o lively_a faith_n in_o his_o promise_n but_o he_o as_o well_o as_o david_n show_v by_o their_o prayer_n that_o they_o be_v far_o rmove_v from_o the_o pride_n of_o the_o justiciarie_a who_o presume_v upon_o his_o merit_n and_o so_o make_v himself_o in_o his_o best_a work_n abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n in_o like_a manner_n with_o david_n and_o nehemiah_n have_v king_n hezekiah_n a_o comfortable_a persuasion_n that_o god_n will_v show_v he_o mercy_n because_o he_o have_v show_v kindness_n to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o to_o his_o servant_n the_o minister_n thereof_o yea_o it_o be_v as_o a_o sweet_a refuge_n and_o sanctuary_n to_o
perform_v in_o this_o worthy_a service_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a such_o as_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v so_o indeed_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o like_a cause_n 1._o tim._n 5.3.5_o and_o the_o same_o god_n grant_v that_o every_o one_o to_o his_o power_n small_a or_o great_a may_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o pleasure_n of_o our_o high_a power_n and_o chief_o of_o god_n himself_o not_o only_o endeavour_v the_o prevent_n of_o every_o mischief_n not_o beseem_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o by_o all_o mean_n labour_v the_o furtherance_n &_o advancement_n of_o so_o worthy_a a_o work_n as_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o mercy_n to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o justice_n which_o be_v well_o dispose_v and_o employ_v together_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o goodly_a brazen_a pillar_n of_o the_o porch_n of_o salomon_n temple_n juicy_a &_o boaz_n to_o the_o establish_n &_o confirm_v of_o the_o prince_n throne_n &_o of_o the_o common_a wealth_n and_o of_o all_o lawful_a calling_n trade_n &_o traffic_n therein_o as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o zion_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o great_a &_o tender_a care_n have_v the_o lord_n that_o the_o poor_a of_o his_o people_n shall_v for_o his_o sake_n be_v merciful_o &_o liberal_o provide_v for_o now_o therefore_o for_o the_o issue_n of_o this_o speech_n may_v it_o please_v you_o right_o honourable_a so_o far_o to_o favour_v the_o present_a endeavour_n of_o your_o humble_a orator_n that_o this_o treatise_n follow_v dedicate_v to_o your_o honour_n &_o intend_v for_o a_o gratulatory_a monument_n of_o the_o above_o name_v act_n of_o parliament_n which_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o idleness_n &_o all_o unthriftie_a &_o wasteful_a misplace_n of_o alm_n do_v open_v the_o gate_n to_o the_o bless_a practice_n of_o true_a liberality_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o true_a thankfulness_n also_o may_v therewithal_o be_v let_v in_o which_o before_o go_v a_o rogue_a with_o those_o that_o regard_v no_o home_n may_v by_o the_o allowance_n &_o acceptation_n of_o your_o honour_n be_v some_o furtherance_n to_o the_o work_n even_o to_o the_o best_a that_o this_o so_o weak_a a_o hand_n can_v attain_v unto_o and_o thus_o most_o humble_o &_o hearty_o beseech_v god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n &_o mercy_n even_o for_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n sake_n to_o bless_v &_o preserve_v you_o long_o in_o your_o right_a honourable_a healthful_a &_o comfortable_a estate_n here_o in_o this_o present_a life_n to_o his_o own_o glory_n &_o to_o the_o service_n of_o her_o excellent_a majesty_n for_o the_o just_a &_o peaceable_a government_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n to_o the_o joy_n &_o comfort_n of_o all_o that_o do_v well_o &_o to_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o rest_n so_o long_o as_o they_o shall_v continue_v in_o their_o ungracious_a &_o uncivil_a course_n and_o likewise_o beseech_v god_n that_o after_o this_o life_n end_v when_o you_o have_v seâ—ued_v your_o time_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n you_o may_v have_v your_o part_n in_o the_o inheritance_n of_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o most_o honourable_a saint_n i_o crave_v of_o your_o honour_n all_o favourable_a pardon_n of_o my_o boldness_n in_o present_v and_o dedicate_a these_o my_o poor_a labour_n unto_o you_o under_o the_o credit_n and_o protection_n of_o your_o name_n from_o culford_n in_o suffolk_n the_o 13_o of_o may_n 1600._o your_o honour_n in_o all_o humble_a and_o christian_n duty_n to_o command_v robert_n allen_n a_o general_n inscription_n of_o the_o treatise_n follow_v to_o all_o beneficial_a christian_n who_o love_n and_o practice_v goodness_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o relieve_n of_o their_o poor_a and_o distress_a brethren_n and_o to_o all_o that_o do_v receive_v the_o holy_a and_o christian_a beneficence_n of_o their_o good_a &_o merciful_a reliever_n in_o any_o time_n of_o their_o need_n for_o a_o token_n of_o thanks_n to_o the_o one_o and_o for_o a_o admonition_n and_o spur_n of_o thankfulness_n to_o the_o other_o with_o all_o dutiful_a and_o hearty_a desire_n that_o through_o the_o blessing_n of_o our_o bounteous_a good_a god_n it_o may_v be_v a_o helpefull_a encouragement_n to_o all_o for_o continuance_n and_o increase_n in_o all_o well-doing_n r._n a._n a_o minister_n of_o the_o holy_a word_n and_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o one_o great_o indebt_v to_o all_o offer_v this_o poor_a mite_n which_o as_o touch_v this_o shot_n and_o reckon_v be_v even_o all_o which_o for_o the_o present_a he_o have_v crave_v herewithal_o that_o see_v by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n there_o be_v first_o a_o willing_a mind_n it_o may_v be_v accept_v according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v and_o not_o prejudice_v for_o any_o want_n of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o according_a to_o the_o privilege_a rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2._o cor._n 8.12_o the_o equity_n whereof_o as_o well_o agree_v to_o thankfulness_n for_o benefit_n as_o to_o beneficence_n itself_o crave_v furthermore_o no_o other_o reward_n than_o the_o benefit_n of_o your_o faithful_a prayer_n that_o he_o together_o with_o yourselves_o may_v have_v all_o meet_a and_o convenient_a sufficiency_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o abound_v in_o every_o good_a work_n through_o the_o rich_a grace_n of_o god_n mighty_o abound_v towards_o we_o all_o even_o for_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n sake_n who_o though_o he_o be_v most_o rich_a yet_o willing_o become_v most_o poor_a that_o through_o his_o poverty_n all_o of_o we_o may_v be_v make_v rich_a to_o he_o therefore_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n one_o only_a true_a god_n be_v all_o praise_n honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o treatise_n of_o christian_a beneficence_n and_o of_o that_o like_a christian_a thankfulness_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o same_o see_v the_o whole_a argument_n of_o this_o our_o intend_a treatise_n be_v call_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n the_o matter_n of_o give_v and_o receive_v philip._n 4.15_o by_o a_o similitude_n borrow_v from_o the_o use_n of_o book_n of_o account_n wherein_o be_v diligent_o enter_v and_o keep_v in_o record_n what_o each_o party_n have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n deliver_v or_o receive_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o till_o the_o day_n of_o reckon_v do_v come_v we_o will_v therefore_o according_a to_o the_o same_o his_o holy_a direction_n speak_v of_o it_o under_o those_o plain_a and_o familiar_a term_n follow_v also_o therein_o the_o same_o his_o order_n and_o distribution_n concern_v the_o part_n or_o branch_n thereof_o in_o the_o former_a part_n which_o be_v of_o give_v gift_n or_o benefit_n endeavour_v as_o great_a plainness_n as_o we_o can_v we_o will_v in_o the_o first_o place_n consider_v what_o give_v be_v secondlie_o what_o sundry_a virtue_n be_v require_v to_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o give_v and_o therewithal_o on_o the_o contrary_a what_o be_v the_o vice_n which_o do_v either_o altogether_o hinder_v or_o at_o the_o least_o corrupt_v the_o same_o if_o they_o be_v not_o shun_v &_o avoid_v thirdlie_o what_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o right_a christian_n give_v fourthlie_o what_o the_o punishment_n of_o illiberalitie_n and_o not_o give_v be_v last_o of_o all_o certain_a answer_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o such_o objection_n as_o satan_n and_o man_n own_o corrupt_a &_o covetous_a or_o distrustful_a and_o unbeteem_v affection_n do_v mighty_o suggest_v to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o holy_a beneficence_n yea_o even_o to_o the_o utter_a suppress_n of_o it_o if_o possible_o the_o devil_n can_v achieve_v &_o win_v the_o same_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o order_n and_o content_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o treatise_n concern_v give_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n which_o be_v of_o receive_v gift_n or_o benefit_n we_o will_v likewise_o in_o as_o plain_a a_o order_n &_o manner_n as_o we_o can_v attain_v unto_o declare_v first_o what_o that_o receive_v be_v whereof_o we_o speak_v secondlie_o what_o grace_n or_o virtue_n be_v requisite_a to_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o receive_v gift_n and_o benefit_n and_o there_o with_o also_o which_o be_v the_o contrary_a vice_n and_o in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o purpose_v to_o show_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o unthankfulnes_n and_o accord_o how_o grievous_a punishment_n belong_v to_o all_o unthankful_a &_o irreligous_a receiver_n whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o shall_v unchristianly_a waist_n &_o consume_v that_o which_o be_v christianlie_a give_v &_o bestow_v upon_o they_o final_o we_o will_v add_v a_o certain_a florilegie_n if_o we_o may_v so_o call_v it_o that_o be_v a_o collection_n of_o choice_n sentence_n out_o of_o the_o best_a sort_n of_o writer_n both_o former_a &_o latter_a christian_n and_o philosophical_a such_o as_o god_n use_v among_o the_o heathen_a to_o cherish_v that_o light_n of_o natural_a understanding_n and_o
or_o description_n of_o christian_a give_v that_o all_o whatsoever_o be_v give_v give_v the_o end_n of_o give_v must_v tend_v to_o the_o maintenance_n and_o furtherance_n of_o god_n true_a worship_n and_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o or_o to_o the_o relief_n of_o poor_a christian_n especial_o and_o that_o all_o must_v be_v do_v according_a to_o god_n own_o will_n as_o he_o have_v in_o either_o respect_n make_v the_o same_o know_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n as_o we_o have_v already_o see_v in_o some_o part_n and_o be_v henceforth_o upon_o the_o occasion_n so_o justly_o renew_v further_o to_o consider_v of_o it_o once_o again_o hence_o therefore_o two_o thing_n follow_v to_o be_v more_o purposed_o and_o distinct_o declare_v of_o us._n first_o what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o christian_a and_o religious_a bestow_n of_o gift_n and_o second_o what_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o squire_n to_o direct_v the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o they_o first_o therefore_o concern_v the_o end_n of_o give_v diverse_a time_n already_o touch_v we_o must_v of_o most_o bind_a duty_n to_o god_n allow_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a place_n in_o this_o care_n and_o provision_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o faithful_a minister_n thereof_o together_o with_o school_n of_o good_a learning_n as_o necessary_o appertain_v to_o the_o nursery_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o same_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o ministry_n thereof_o be_v most_o direct_o to_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o further_o without_o it_o we_o can_v neither_o be_v sanctify_v ourselves_o not_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o enjoy_v nor_o have_v any_o poor_a saint_n at_o all_o to_o be_v relieve_v and_o then_o what_o great_a thing_n be_v it_o for_o any_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o relieve_v the_o frail_a and_o corruptible_a body_n of_o man_n if_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n their_o most_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n shall_v be_v suffer_v for_o evermore_o to_o perish_v and_o decay_v first_o therefore_o touch_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o holy_a exercise_n thereof_o we_o have_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o contribution_n of_o his_o people_n thereunto_o deut._n 16.16_o they_o shall_v not_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n empty_a every_o man_n shall_v give_v according_a to_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o acding_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n which_o he_o have_v give_v thou_o and_o chapter_n 12._o verse_n 19_o beware_v that_o thou_o forsake_v not_o the_o lâ—uite_n as_o long_o as_o thou_o live_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o touch_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o this_o his_o commandment_n we_o have_v already_o see_v what_o their_o zeal_n have_v be_v under_o the_o law_n first_o in_o contribute_v to_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ministry_n belong_v unto_o it_o and_o after_o that_o likewise_o to_o the_o holy_a temple_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o service_n thereof_o the_o charge_n whereof_o amount_v to_o so_o great_a expense_n that_o if_o every_o man_n have_v not_o come_v with_o a_o full_a hand_n in_o free_a offering_n moreover_o &_o beside_o the_o former_a ordinary_a allowance_n it_o can_v neither_o have_v be_v build_v nor_o maintain_v in_o such_o manner_n as_o beseem_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n this_o practice_n of_o contribution_n to_o this_o special_a end_n and_o purpose_n remain_v as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o all_o posterity_n as_o we_o may_v perceive_v by_o that_o which_o we_o read_v act._n 21.24_o where_o the_o disciple_n say_v to_o paul_n thou_o shall_v purify_v thyself_o &_o contribute_v with_o they_o and_o as_o for_o the_o poor_a to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v see_v how_o merciful_o lovingelie_o and_o liberal_o the_o lord_n require_v and_o the_o same_o very_o earnest_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v deal_v withal_o it_o be_v good_a that_o every_o one_o shall_v in_o his_o best_a earnest_n read_v the_o 25._o ch_z of_o leviticus_fw-la and_o the_o 15._o ch_z of_o deuteronomie_n the_o which_o law_n albeit_o they_o be_v now_o long_o since_o expire_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v for_o a_o time_n fit_v to_o the_o external_a policy_n of_o israel_n yet_o the_o equity_n of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o the_o charge_n which_o the_o lord_n give_v touch_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v moral_a duty_n who_o date_n be_v equal_a with_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o world_n and_o stretch_v itself_o as_o far_o as_o there_o be_v any_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n if_o say_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o 15._o chap._n of_o deut._n from_o the_o 7._o verse_n one_o of_o thy_o brethren_n with_o thou_o be_v poor_a within_o any_o of_o the_o gate_n of_o thy_o land_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n give_v thou_o thou_o shall_v not_o harden_v thy_o heart_n nor_o shut_v thy_o hand_n from_o thy_o poor_a brother_n but_o thou_o shall_v open_v thy_o hand_n unto_o he_o &_o shall_v lend_v he_o sufficient_a for_o his_o need_n which_o he_o have_v beware_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o wicked_a thought_n in_o thy_o heart_n for_o to_o say_v the_o seven_o year_n the_o year_n of_o freedom_n be_v at_o hand_n therefore_o it_o grieve_v thou_o to_o look_v on_o thy_o poor_a brother_n and_o thou_o give_v he_o nought_o and_o he_o cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n against_o thou_o so_o that_o sin_n be_v in_o thou_o thou_o shall_v give_v he_o and_o let_v it_o not_o grieve_v thy_o heart_n to_o give_v unto_o he_o for_o because_o of_o this_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v bless_v thou_o in_o all_o thy_o work_n and_o in_o all_o that_o thou_o put_v thy_o hand_n unto_o because_o there_o shall_v ever_o be_v some_o poor_a in_o the_o land_n therefore_o i_o command_v thou_o say_v thou_o shall_v open_v thy_o hand_n unto_o thy_o brother_n to_o thy_o needy_a and_o to_o thy_o poor_a in_o thy_o land_n read_v also_o eccles_n 11.1.2.6_o cast_v thy_o bread_n upon_o the_o water_n etc._n etc._n give_v to_o seven_o and_o also_o to_o eight_o etc._n etc._n and_o isai_n 58.6.7_o the_o fast_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v be_v it_o not_o to_o loose_v the_o band_n of_o wickedness_n to_o take_v off_o the_o heavy_a burden_n and_o to_o let_v the_o oppress_v go_v free_a and_o that_o you_o break_v every_o yoke_n be_v it_o not_o to_o deal_v thy_o bread_n to_o the_o hungry_a and_o that_o thou_o bring_v the_o poor_a that_o wander_v into_o thy_o house_n when_o thou_o see_v the_o naked_a that_o thou_o cover_v he_o and_o not_o hide_v thyself_o from_o thy_o own_o flesh_n then_o shall_v thy_o light_n break_v forth_o as_o the_o morning_n etc._n etc._n thus_o we_o see_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n we_o see_v also_o his_o promise_n of_o blessing_n of_o the_o which_o more_o afterward_o now_o very_o howsoever_o it_o be_v more_o to_o man_n natural_a like_n to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a he_o do_v as_o a_o will-worship_n at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n where_o and_o when_o he_o listen_v to_o serve_v his_o own_o vain_a glory_n and_o other_o his_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o lust_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o to_o the_o good_a like_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o his_o glory_n yea_o and_o to_o our_o own_o benefit_n also_o that_o we_o perform_v every_o good_a thing_n in_o conscience_n of_o our_o bind_a duty_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a law_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o to_o such_o kind_n of_o duty_n and_o namely_o to_o such_o beneficence_n only_o do_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n blessing_n belong_v and_o furthermore_o see_v the_o lord_n god_n have_v so_o gracious_a care_n for_o the_o poor_a of_o his_o people_n as_o we_o see_v even_o now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v think_v that_o he_o be_v less_o careful_a for_o the_o poor_a of_o his_o christian_a church_n now_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n nay_o rather_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o his_o care_n be_v rather_o more_o fatherly_a and_o tender_a according_a to_o the_o more_o clear_a revelation_n of_o his_o own_o bowellike_a compassion_n and_o mercy_n by_o the_o appearance_n of_o his_o son_n no_o doubt_n but_o both_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v most_o tender_o love_v and_o precious_o esteem_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o also_o the_o gospel_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o most_o bright_a shine_a wisdom_n &_o the_o most_o gracious_a power_n of_o god_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o his_o people_n both_o poor_a &_o rich_a they_o ought_v more_o mighty_o to_o allure_v and_o draw_v we_o all_o to_o so_o much_o the_o more_o willing_a and_o bountiful_a contribution_n so_o far_o as_o the_o
nabal_n for_o a_o notorious_a example_n but_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v also_o other_o vice_n of_o this_o former_a sort_n as_o distrust_v in_o god_n providence_n trust_v in_o a_o man_n own_o forecast_n self-love_n pride_n voluptuousness_n and_o such_o like_a second_o the_o vice_n which_o corrupt_a and_o pervert_v christian_a beneficence_n they_o be_v in_o the_o worse_a sort_n of_o man_n hypocrisy_n join_v with_o colourable_a covetousness_n under_o pretence_n of_o frank_a and_o free_a liberality_n like_v to_o that_o of_o ananias_n &_o sapphira_n his_o wife_n act._n 5._o and_o together_o with_o hypocrisy_n vain_a glory_n in_o hunt_v after_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n and_o proud_a conceit_n of_o worthiness_n and_o merit_n even_o before_o god_n himself_o also_o when_o beneficence_n if_o so_o it_o may_v be_v call_v be_v apply_v to_o countenance_n and_o advance_v idolatrous_a religion_n or_o superstitious_a tradition_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n furthermore_o when_o alm_n be_v give_v of_o ill_o get_v good_n special_o if_o they_o be_v give_v with_o a_o mind_n to_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n for_o the_o fraud_n which_o have_v be_v do_v to_o man_n last_o of_o all_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v give_v with_o a_o mind_n expect_v and_o long_v after_o a_o like_a or_o great_a worldly_a recompense_n these_o be_v then_o corrupt_v vice_n in_o the_o worse_a sort_n of_o man_n and_o in_o the_o better_a sort_n they_o may_v be_v these_o which_o follow_v first_o indiscreet_a and_o wasteful_a give_v as_o to_o counterfeit_v poor_a or_o to_o vagrant_a and_o inordinate_a person_n with_o neglect_n of_o such_o as_o be_v poor_a honest_a inhabitant_n and_o householder_n second_o a_o secure_a presumption_n in_o god_n providence_n with_o neglect_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o the_o uphold_v of_o our_o estate_n and_o without_o due_a regard_n of_o use_v diligence_n in_o the_o labour_n of_o our_o calling_n and_o without_o thrifty_a employ_v of_o commodity_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n such_o as_o be_v honest_a &_o lawful_a or_o when_o any_o do_v put_v forth_o themselves_o above_o their_o ability_n final_o neglect_v of_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o former_a blessing_n and_o prosperity_n all_o which_o vice_n partly_o as_o open_v &_o profess_a adversary_n and_o destroyer_n and_o partly_o as_o secret_a &_o undermine_v conspirator_n they_o must_v be_v both_o mighty_o and_o also_o wary_o resist_v and_o prevent_v of_o all_o such_o as_o mind_v not_o only_o to_o enter_v but_o also_o hold_v out_o constant_a in_o the_o right_a christian_a course_n of_o this_o excellent_a and_o noble_a virtue_n of_o godly_a beneficence_n the_o which_o god_n have_v so_o gracious_o command_v and_o commend_v to_o we_o and_o which_o his_o servant_n have_v obedient_o track_v and_o tread_v forth_o before_o us._n thus_o finish_v this_o second_o chapter_n let_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o treatise_n worship_n the_o reward_n of_o give_v to_o god_n worship_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o reward_n of_o right_a christian_n give_v see_v god_n who_o be_v of_o infinite_a mercy_n most_o rich_a and_o bountiful_a in_o all_o good_a gift_n and_o grace_n command_v all_o such_o as_o have_v god_n plenty_n as_o it_o be_v common_o and_o right_o term_v that_o they_o be_v liberal_a in_o give_v and_o see_v he_o promise_v also_o that_o he_o will_v of_o his_o divine_a bounty_n reward_v the_o same_o it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o he_o will_v indeed_o plentiful_o recompense_v all_o such_o as_o shall_v obey_v the_o same_o his_o holy_a commandment_n and_o will_v believe_v that_o gracious_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v in_o this_o behalf_n this_o therefore_o let_v we_o now_o henceforth_o consider_v in_o this_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n that_o hereby_o through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n we_o may_v both_o help_v forward_o this_o virtue_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o hand_n of_o those_o that_o be_v over-slack_a &_o negligent_a and_o also_o that_o we_o may_v comfort_v and_o encourage_v both_o heart_n and_o hand_n of_o all_o which_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v already_o prompt_a and_o diligent_a that_o they_o may_v never_o wax_v faint_a and_o weary_a till_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o full_a recompense_n of_o that_o most_o gracious_a and_o free_a reward_n which_o from_o the_o bounteous_a &_o never_o weary_v heart_n and_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v thereunto_o promise_v and_o assure_v in_o speak_v of_o which_o free_a blessing_n of_o reward_n let_v we_o hold_v the_o same_o order_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o treat_v of_o the_o duty_n first_o therefore_o concern_v those_o which_o be_v liberal_a in_o such_o manner_n as_o have_v be_v describe_v to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o god_n pure_a religion_n and_o worship_n and_o for_o the_o same_o cause_n have_v any_o special_a care_n to_o encourage_v and_o further_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o their_o holy_a ministry_n or_o any_o other_o of_o god_n faithful_a servant_n let_v we_o see_v how_o the_o reward_n of_o such_o be_v assure_v unto_o they_o first_o from_o those_o promise_n which_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o all_o that_o seek_v he_o have_v make_v unto_o they_o &_o then_o from_o such_o example_n in_o who_o he_o have_v give_v experience_n and_o testimony_n to_o his_o church_n in_o the_o faithful_a performance_n of_o the_o same_o and_o first_o of_o all_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o who_o and_o by_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o ten_o chap._n of_o matth._n verse_n 40_o 41_o 42._o he_o that_o receive_v you_o say_v our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n who_o he_o mind_v to_o employ_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o his_o gospel_n receive_v i_o and_o he_o that_o receive_v i_o receive_v he_o that_o send_v i_o he_o that_o receive_v a_o prophet_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n shall_v receive_v a_o prophet_n reward_n and_o he_o that_o receive_v a_o righteous_a man_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n shall_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v give_v unto_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o to_o drink_v a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n only_o in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o he_o shall_v not_o loose_v his_o reward_n in_o the_o which_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n two_o thing_n be_v principal_o to_o be_v observe_v first_o what_o every_o one_o be_v chief_o to_o respect_v in_o his_o christian_a beneficence_n towards_o the_o special_a servant_n of_o god_n yea_o towards_o any_o of_o the_o least_o of_o those_o that_o bear_v and_o profess_v his_o name_n that_o be_v that_o in_o give_v unto_o they_o or_o in_o show_v any_o other_o kindness_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o respect_v their_o person_n as_o the_o gospel_n and_o christ_n himself_o and_o those_o goodly_a gift_n of_o godliness_n wherewith_o he_o have_v grace_v and_o adorn_v his_o servant_n for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n for_o that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n mean_v by_o give_v to_o a_o prophet_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o to_o a_o righteous_a man_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n and_o to_o a_o little_a one_o in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n as_o though_o he_o shall_v say_v even_o for_o the_o love_n that_o a_o man_n bear_v they_o because_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v either_o prophet_n as_o in_o a_o principal_a place_n of_o service_n or_o a_o rigteous_a man_n as_o one_o more_o ancient_a and_o approve_a in_o his_o profession_n or_o a_o disciple_n as_o it_o be_v a_o novice_n or_o new_o convert_v and_o more_o weak_a christian_a this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o these_o word_n second_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o any_o perform_v in_o that_o former_a respect_n the_o reward_n of_o god_n free_a bounty_n shall_v be_v proportionable_a that_o be_v he_o will_v fit_v the_o crown_n answerable_a to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o according_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o occasion_n which_o he_o himself_o vouchsafe_v to_o give_v whether_o great_a or_o lesser_a and_o according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a measure_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n wherein_o the_o same_o duty_n be_v perform_v and_o continue_v in_o yet_o so_o as_o the_o least_o kindness_n do_v in_o truth_n shall_v be_v requite_v with_o manifold_a advantage_n in_o the_o 6._o ch_z of_o the_o epistle_n to_o to_o the_o galathian_o from_o the_o 6._o verse_n etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n give_v charge_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o they_o provide_v for_o
his_o soul_n when_o he_o be_v in_o that_o deep_a distress_n which_o the_o bitterness_n of_o his_o sickness_n have_v bring_v upon_o he_o as_o we_o read_v 2._o king_n chap._n 20.2.3_o i_o beseech_v thou_o o_o lord_n say_v that_o godly_a king_n remember_v now_o how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n and_o hezekiah_n weep_v sore_o now_o what_o this_o goodness_n be_v the_o remembrance_n whereof_o be_v so_o comfortable_a to_o his_o conscience_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o distress_n it_o appear_v at_o large_a in_o the_o 29._o 30._o and_o 31._o chap._n of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o holy_a chronicle_n and_o more_o brief_o be_v the_o same_o comprise_v in_o the_o two_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o 31._o ch_z after_o this_o manner_n and_o thus_o do_v hezekiah_n through_o out_o all_o jadah_n and_o he_o do_v well_o and_o upright_o &_o true_o before_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n and_o in_o all_o the_o work_n which_o he_o begin_v for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n both_o in_o the_o law_n &_o in_o the_o commandment_n to_o seek_v his_o god_n he_o do_v it_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o prosper_v the_o like_a remembrance_n of_o beneficence_n to_o the_o lord_n prophet_n give_v obadiah_n a_o strong_a persuasion_n to_o plead_v with_o the_o prophet_n elijah_n that_o he_o will_v deal_v well_o with_o he_o &_o not_o endanger_v his_o life_n to_o the_o wrath_n of_o his_o master_n king_n ahab_n and_o elijah_n deal_v with_o he_o according_o as_o with_o one_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n worthy_a to_o be_v tender_v for_o the_o lord_n cause_n 1._o king_n 18.13_o etc._n etc._n be_v it_o not_o tell_v my_o lord_n say_v obadiah_n what_o i_o do_v when_o jezabel_n slay_v the_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n how_o i_o hide_v a_o hundred_o of_o the_o lord_n prophet_n by_o fifty_o in_o a_o cave_n and_o feed_v they_o with_o bread_n and_o water_n and_o now_o thou_o say_v go_v tell_v thy_o lord_n behold_v elijah_n be_v here_o that_o he_o may_v slay_v i_o for_o obadiah_n fear_v lest_o elijah_n will_v have_v convey_v himself_o away_o and_o so_o king_n ahab_n think_v himself_o mock_v shall_v be_v enrage_v against_o obadiah_n whereupon_o elijah_n assure_v he_o verse_n solemn_o by_o oath_n that_o he_o will_v show_v himself_o to_o ahab_n that_o day_n yea_o further_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o beneficence_n be_v so_o notable_a a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n that_o just_o do_v it_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o other_o to_o expect_v mercy_n from_o god_n upon_o they_o that_o exercise_v the_o same_o as_o we_o see_v how_o from_o the_o same_o encouragement_n the_o apostle_n paul_n pray_v for_o onesiphorus_n his_o most_o kind_a and_o constant_a benefactor_n the_o lord_n give_v mercy_n to_o the_o house_n of_o onesiphorus_n say_v paul_n for_o he_o oft_o refresh_v i_o and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o my_o chain_n but_o when_o he_o be_v at_o rome_n he_o seek_v i_o up_o diligent_o and_o find_v i_o the_o lord_n grant_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o my_o find_a mercy_n with_o the_o lord_n at_o that_o day_n 2._o tim._n 1.16.17.18_o now_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o set_v paul_n on_o work_n to_o pray_v thus_o for_o onesiphorus_n mind_v also_o to_o grant_v the_o same_o his_o request_n both_o for_o he_o &_o his_o house_n the_o like_a be_v to_o be_v conceive_v of_o his_o prayer_n for_o the_o philippian_n upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n he_o nothing_o doubt_v but_o that_o their_o contribution_n to_o his_o maintenance_n be_v a_o odour_n that_o smell_v sweet_a a_o sacrifice_n acceptable_a and_o pleasant_a to_o god_n chap._n 4.17.18.19.20_o but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o open_v and_o confirm_v this_o point_n by_o a_o few_o more_o express_a and_o plain_a example_n such_o as_o god_n have_v make_v by_o evident_a effect_n of_o his_o mercy_n upon_o they_o famous_a spectacle_n of_o his_o bounty_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o kind_n and_o beneficial_a deal_n either_o towards_o his_o worship_n or_o any_o minister_n thereof_o for_o his_o sake_n yea_o though_o they_o have_v not_o so_o hearty_o mind_v the_o same_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v the_o widow_n of_o zarephath_n who_o give_v entertainment_n to_o the_o prophet_n elijah_n receive_v this_o great_a blessing_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o mean_n that_o the_o small_a quantity_n of_o her_o oil_n and_o meal_n do_v not_o diminish_v all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o dearth_n and_o scarcity_n continue_v in_o israel_n and_o beside_o that_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o same_o prophet_n she_o receive_v again_o he_o son_n from_o death_n to_o life_n 1._o king_n 17.15_o the_o honourable_a shunamite_n also_o who_o give_v entertainment_n to_o the_o prophet_n elisha_n as_o be_v rehearse_v before_o be_v barren_a at_o the_o prayer_n of_o elisha_n god_n give_v her_o power_n to_o conceive_v and_o afterward_o also_o at_o his_o prayer_n she_o receive_v the_o same_o her_o son_n from_o death_n to_o life_n as_o the_o widow_n of_o zarephath_n have_v do_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o elijah_n 2._o king_n chap._n 4._o vers_fw-la 8._o etc._n etc._n in_o the_o 39_o chap._n of_o gen._n we_o read_v that_o the_o lord_n bless_a potiphar_n house_n though_o a_o heathen_a man_n for_o joseph_n sake_n even_o from_o the_o time_n that_o he_o prefer_v he_o to_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o it_o and_o afterward_o he_o be_v also_o a_o blessing_n to_o pharaoh_n and_o all_o his_o people_n by_o reason_n that_o he_o advance_v he_o to_o the_o chief_a honour_n of_o his_o kingdom_n next_o under_o himself_o for_o by_o that_o occasion_n god_n make_v joseph_n their_o foster-father_n in_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o famine_n yea_o and_o the_o foster-father_n of_o his_o church_n the_o family_n of_o his_o own_o father_n which_o also_o be_v joseph_n own_o blessing_n in_o so_o much_o as_o he_o be_v find_v faithful_a to_o god_n therein_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o doubt_n but_o the_o lord_n show_v great_a mercy_n to_o nabuchadnezzar_n because_o he_o favour_v and_o advance_v his_o holy_a prophet_n daniel_n and_o some_o other_o the_o very_a faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o be_v his_o captive_n in_o babel_n publius_z also_o the_o chief_a man_n of_o the_o i_o will_v melita_n of_o the_o which_o we_o read_v before_o he_o give_v the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o the_o evangelist_n luke_n courteous_a entertainment_n for_o three_o day_n through_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n he_o receive_v a_o apostle_n reward_n for_o by_o paul_n his_o father_n be_v heal_v of_o a_o grievous_a fever_n and_o of_o the_o bloody_a flux_n yea_o &_o diverse_a other_o of_o that_o place_n be_v heal_v of_o their_o disease_n act._n 28.7_o 8_o 9_o see_v therefore_o the_o lord_n bless_v heathen_a man_n for_o their_o prefer_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o prophet_n to_o honour_n therein_o they_o chief_o respect_v their_o own_o pleasure_n &_o contentment_n shall_v we_o not_o much_o rather_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o whosoever_o among_o christian_n shall_v for_o the_o love_n and_o honour_n which_o they_o unfeigned_o bear_v to_o god_n and_o his_o pure_a religion_n deal_v honourable_o with_o his_o servant_n the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o his_o word_n and_o gospel_n shall_v much_o rather_o be_v bless_v and_o prosper_v of_o he_o it_o be_v out_o of_o question_n that_o we_o may_v do_v we_o not_o read_v that_o the_o lord_n great_o bless_a obed_n edom_n and_o all_o that_o have_v because_o he_o religious_o receive_v and_o keep_v the_o ark_n in_o his_o house_n by_o the_o space_n of_o that_o three_o month_n wherein_o david_n be_v discourage_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o strange_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o vzziah_n as_o the_o holy_a story_n show_v more_o at_o large_a 1._o chron._n 13_o and_o again_o 2._o chron._n 11.13.14.15.16.17_o do_v we_o not_o read_v that_o when_o rehoboam_n give_v entertainment_n to_o the_o holy_a levite_n &_o godly_a mind_a israelite_n who_o from_o among_o the_o other_o tribe_n of_o israel_n leave_v their_o suburb_n and_o pâ—ssessions_n and_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o avoid_v that_o idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a worship_n which_o jeroboam_fw-la have_v set_v up_o they_o set_v their_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o offer_v to_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n do_v we_o not_o read_v i_o say_v that_o hereby_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n be_v strengthen_v and_o that_o rehoboam_n the_o son_n of_o solomon_n be_v make_v mighty_a three_o year_n long_o that_o be_v even_o so_o long_o as_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n as_o the_o text_n affirm_v a_o experiment_n also_o hereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o same_o book_n chap._n 31.4_o etc._n etc._n king_n hezekiah_n command_v the_o people_n which_o dwell_v in_o
so_o many_o as_o for_o the_o present_a god_n shall_v bring_v to_o hand_n and_o first_o that_o offer_v itself_o which_o we_o do_v read_v chapter_n 11._o verse_n 17._o he_o that_o be_v merciful_a say_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o the_o wise_a king_n reward_v his_o own_o soul_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o do_v so_o gracious_a and_o acceptable_a a_o duty_n before_o god_n when_o it_o be_v do_v in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n that_o god_n of_o his_o rich_a and_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n will_v sure_o reward_v it_o unto_o he_o and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n verse_n 24.25.26_o there_o be_v that_o scatter_v and_o be_v more_o increase_v the_o liberal_a person_n shall_v have_v plenty_n and_o he_o that_o water_v shall_v have_v rain_n he_o that_o withdraw_v corn_n the_o people_n will_v curse_v he_o but_o blessing_n shall_v be_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o he_o that_o sell_v corn_n that_o be_v of_o he_o that_o exercise_v mercy_n in_o his_o prise_v and_o sell_v of_o it_o labour_v in_o hard_a time_n to_o mitigate_v and_o be_v down_o that_o extreme_a price_n which_o unmerciful_a man_n strive_v to_o bring_v it_o unto_o for_o as_o touch_v dear_a seller_n such_o of_o who_o the_o common_a proverb_n may_v be_v affirm_v that_o the_o more_o they_o heap_v to_o wit_n to_o themselves_o the_o worse_o they_o cheap_a to_o other_o such_o can_v in_o truth_n be_v ever_o right_o good_a and_o liberal_a dealer_n they_o pull_v down_o that_o with_o their_o left_a hand_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o build_v with_o their_o right_n and_o so_o they_o frustrate_v their_o reward_n whereupon_o also_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n of_o the_o holy_a proverbe_n he_o that_o seek_v good_a thing_n get_v favour_n but_o he_o that_o seek_v evil_a it_o shall_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o in_o the_o 19_o chap._n vers_fw-la 17._o thus_o we_o read_v he_o that_o have_v mercy_n upon_o the_o poor_a dare_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o lord_n will_v recompense_v he_o that_o which_o he_o have_v give_v and_o who_o can_v wish_v or_o desire_v any_o more_o sufficient_a surety_n or_o better_a paymaster_n than_o he_o again_o chap._n 21._o vers_fw-la 21._o he_o that_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n that_o be_v he_o which_o be_v diligent_a in_o pursue_v and_o take_v hold_v of_o all_o good_a occasion_n to_o practice_v the_o duty_n of_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n shall_v find_v life_n righteousness_n and_o glory_n and_o again_o chap._n 22.9_o he_o that_o have_v a_o good_a eye_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o merciful_a eye_n which_o will_v behold_v and_o therewithal_o tender_a the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a shall_v be_v bless_v for_o he_o give_v of_o his_o bread_n to_o the_o poor_a likewise_o ch_z 28.27_o he_o that_o give_v unto_o the_o poor_a shall_v not_o lack_v thus_o much_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a proverbe_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o preacher_n ch_n 11.1_o etc._n etc._n cast_v thy_o bread_n upon_o the_o water_n say_v the_o same_o most_o wise_a king_n a_o prophet_n of_o god_n for_o after_o many_o day_n thou_o shall_v find_v it_o give_v a_o portion_n to_o seven_o and_z and_o also_o to_o eight_o etc._n etc._n in_o the_o which_o word_n king_n solomon_n like_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n also_o have_v do_v as_o we_o see_v before_o compare_v the_o action_n of_o christian_a liberality_n and_o benficence_n to_o a_o seed_n time_n after_o the_o which_o follow_v in_o due_a season_n the_o increase_n of_o the_o harvest_n and_o in_o the_o same_o place_n he_o prosecute_v this_o similitude_n in_o very_o excellent_a manner_n thereby_o to_o provoke_v to_o the_o diligent_a speedy_a and_o constant_a follow_v of_o this_o most_o husbandly_a plow_n for_o he_o that_o observe_v the_o wind_n say_v king_n solomon_n shall_v not_o sow_v and_o he_o that_o regard_v the_o cloud_n shall_v not_o reap_v that_o be_v he_o that_o will_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v hinder_v from_o do_v good_a by_o cast_v of_o doubt_n through_o unbelief_n or_o by_o any_o other_o stumble_a block_n which_o the_o devil_n shall_v cast_v in_o his_o way_n he_o shall_v miss_v the_o harvest_n because_o he_o have_v lose_v the_o seed_n time_n to_o the_o prevent_n of_o which_o so_o great_a a_o damage_n king_n solomon_n exhort_v as_o follow_v in_o the_o morning_n sow_v thy_o seed_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n let_v not_o thy_o hand_n rest_n for_o thou_o know_v not_o which_o shall_v prosper_v this_o or_o that_o or_o whether_o both_o shall_v be_v alike_o good_a in_o the_o 18._o chap._n of_o ezek._n vers_fw-la 7.8.9_o and_o again_o verse_n 16.17_o the_o lord_n do_v very_o earnest_o assure_v his_o people_n that_o whether_o a_o man_n be_v the_o father_n of_o a_o wicked_a son_n or_o the_o son_n of_o a_o wicked_a father_n such_o be_v the_o equity_n of_o his_o gracious_a deal_n that_o if_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o a_o oppressor_n but_o have_v restore_v the_o pledge_n to_o his_o debtor_n have_v spoil_v none_o by_o violence_n but_o have_v give_v his_o bread_n to_o the_o hungry_a and_o have_v cover_v the_o naked_a with_o a_o garment_n and_o have_v not_o give_v forth_o upon_o usury_n neither_o have_v take_v any_o increase_n but_o have_v withdraw_v his_o hand_n from_o iniquity_n and_o have_v execute_v true_a judgement_n between_o man_n and_o man_n and_o have_v walk_v in_o my_o statute_n and_o keep_v my_o judgement_n to_o deal_v true_o he_o be_v just_a he_o shall_v sure_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n and_o yet_o moreover_o and_o beside_o all_o the_o testimony_n hitherto_o rehearse_v we_o have_v a_o notable_a place_n in_o the_o 58._o chap._n of_o isaiah_n verses_z 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o the_o word_n be_v very_o mighty_a to_o encourage_v and_o draw_v on_o every_o good_a and_o faithful_a man_n both_o jew_n &_o gentile_n to_o exercise_v the_o action_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n for_o after_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v by_o his_o holy_a prophet_n rehearse_v what_o he_o require_v to_o be_v do_v namely_o that_o every_o heavy_a burden_n be_v take_v of_o that_o the_o oppress_v be_v let_v go_v free_a and_o that_o every_o yoke_n be_v break_v that_o bread_n be_v deal_v to_o the_o hungry_a that_o the_o poor_a which_o wander_v he_o mean_v not_o voluntary_a beggar_n and_o wander_a rogue_n but_o such_o as_o be_v enforce_v to_o leave_v their_o place_n by_o some_o urgent_a calamity_n be_v bring_v to_o man_n house_n when_o a_o man_n see_v the_o naked_a to_o cover_v he_o and_o not_o to_o hide_v a_o man_n self_n from_o his_o own_o flesh_n after_o this_o rehearsal_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o that_o in_o more_o press_a manner_n than_o be_v here_o repeat_v then_o follow_v the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o god_n in_o these_o word_n then_o shall_v thy_o light_n break_v forth_o aâ—_n the_o morning_n and_o thy_o health_n shall_v grow_v speedy_o thy_o righteousness_n shall_v go_v before_o thou_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v embrace_v thou_o then_o shall_v thou_o call_v and_o the_o lord_n will_v answer_v thou_o shall_v cry_v and_o he_o will_v say_v here_o be_o i_o if_o thou_o take_v away_o from_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o that_o be_v out_o of_o thy_o heart_n the_o yoke_n or_o the_o tie_n wherewith_o the_o heavy_a burden_n be_v as_o it_o be_v fasten_v to_o the_o back_n the_o put_v out_o of_o the_o finger_n and_o wicked_a speak_n that_o be_v every_o inhumanity_n and_o grievance_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v on_o the_o contrary_a if_o thou_o pour_v out_o thy_o soul_n to_o the_o hungry_a and_o refresh_a the_o trouble_a soul_n then_o say_v the_o lord_n shall_v thy_o light_a spring_n out_o in_o the_o darkness_n and_o thy_o darkness_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o noon_n day_n and_o the_o lord_n will_v guide_v thou_o continual_o and_o he_o will_v satisfy_v thy_o soul_n in_o drought_n and_o make_v fat_a thy_o bone_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v like_o a_o water_a garden_n and_o like_o a_o spring_n of_o water_n who_o water_n fail_v not_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v of_o thou_o which_o shall_v build_v the_o old_a waist_n place_n thou_o shall_v raise_v up_o foundation_n form_n many_o generation_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o repairer_n of_o the_o breach_n and_o a_o restorer_n of_o the_o path_n to_o dwell_v in_o now_o what_o man_n though_o of_o his_o own_o disposition_n unmerciful_a and_o illiberal_a as_o all_o of_o we_o be_v if_o he_o shall_v du_o consider_v this_o manifold_a and_o bounteous_a promise_n of_o god_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v gather_v but_o one_o sparkle_n of_o faith_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o his_o word_n true_a can_v choose_v but_o he_o must_v be_v affect_v at_o the_o least_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o king_n agrippa_n act._n chap._n 26._o vers_fw-la 28._o to_o confess_v that_o almost_o it_o persuade_v he_o to_o become_v
these_o be_v to_o be_v join_v together_o though_o sundry_a title_n to_o note_v out_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o black_a coal_n one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o wicked_a man_n even_o such_o as_o the_o holy_a apostle_n make_v as_o it_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o also_o the_o period_n of_o wicked_a one_o rom._n 1.29.30_o be_v full_a of_o all_o unrighteousness_n fornication_n wickedness_n covetousness_n etc._n etc._n without_o natural_a affection_n such_o as_o can_v never_o be_v appease_v merciless_a and_o further_a also_o because_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o displeasure_n and_o indignation_n of_o god_n against_o this_o kind_n of_o man_n may_v be_v both_o good_a for_o the_o comfort_n of_o those_o who_o make_v christian_a and_o conscioble_a practice_n of_o mercy_n and_o liberality_n when_o as_o they_o shall_v see_v how_o great_a a_o sin_n and_o therewithal_o how_o manifold_a &_o fearful_a a_o danger_n they_o have_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n escape_v and_o also_o for_o that_o through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v a_o profitable_a help_n worship_n the_o punishment_n of_o not_o give_v to_o god_n worship_n to_o withdraw_v such_o as_o be_v not_o already_o past_a recovery_n from_o the_o neglect_n of_o so_o bless_a a_o exercise_n as_o the_o practice_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n be_v let_v we_o therefore_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o sundry_a punishment_n which_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a scripture_n threaten_v and_o which_o he_o will_v sure_o inflict_v upon_o all_o profane_a and_o illiberal_a covetous_a and_o merciless_a people_n whosoever_o will_v not_o repent_v thereof_o and_o take_v the_o contrary_a course_n and_o first_o let_v we_o consider_v how_o god_n have_v punish_v the_o neglect_n of_o further_a his_o worship_n whereunto_o well_o serve_v that_o which_o we_o read_v hagg._n chap._n 1._o verse_n 2._o etc._n etc._n in_o these_o word_n thus_o speak_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n say_v this_o people_n say_v the_o time_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v that_o the_o lord_n house_n shall_v be_v build_v then_o come_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n say_v be_v it_o time_n for_o yourselves_o to_o dwell_v in_o your_o siel_v house_n and_o this_o house_n he_o waste_v now_o therefore_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n consider_v your_o own_o heart_n you_o have_v sow_v much_o and_o bring_v in_o little_a you_o eat_v but_o you_o have_v not_o enough_o you_o drink_v but_o you_o be_v not_o fill_v you_o clothe_v yourselves_o but_o you_o be_v not_o warm_a and_o he_o that_o earn_v wage_n put_v the_o wage_n into_o a_o break_a bag_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n consider_v your_o own_o way_n in_o your_o heart_n go_v you_o up_o to_o the_o mountain_n and_o bring_v wood_n and_o build_v this_o house_n and_o i_o will_v be_v favourable_a in_o it_o and_o i_o will_v be_v glorify_v in_o it_o say_v the_o lord_n you_o look_v for_o much_o but_o lo_o it_o come_v to_o little_a and_o when_o you_o bring_v it_o home_o i_o do_v blow_v upon_o it_o and_o why_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n because_o of_o my_o house_n that_o be_v waste_v and_o you_o run_v every_o man_n to_o his_o own_o house_n therefore_o the_o heaven_n over_o you_o stay_v itself_o from_o dew_n and_o the_o earth_n stay_v her_o fruit_n and_o i_o call_v for_o a_o drought_n upon_o the_o land_n and_o upon_o the_o mountain_n and_o upon_o the_o corn_n and_o upon_o the_o wine_n and_o upon_o the_o oil_n even_o upon_o all_o that_o the_o ground_n bring_v forth_o both_o upon_o man_n and_o upon_o cattle_n and_o upon_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o hand_n and_o again_o chap._n 2._o verse_n 16._o etc._n etc._n and_o now_o i_o pray_v you_o consider_v in_o your_o mind_n from_o this_o day_n and_o before_o even_o before_o a_o stone_n be_v lay_v upon_o a_o stone_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n before_o these_o thing_n be_v when_o one_o come_v to_o a_o heap_n of_o twenty_o measure_n there_o be_v but_o ten_o when_o one_o come_v to_o the_o wine_n press_v to_o draw_v out_o fifty_o measure_n out_o of_o the_o press_n there_o be_v but_o twenty_o i_o smite_v you_o with_o blast_v and_o with_o mildewe_v and_o with_o hail_n in_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o your_o hand_n yet_o you_o turn_v not_o to_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n worthy_a therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v that_o admonition_n of_o the_o heathen_a king_n artashasht_v to_o be_v well_o observe_v and_o well_o have_v it_o be_v for_o the_o jew_n if_o they_o have_v attend_v to_o it_o who_o after_o that_o he_o have_v together_o with_o his_o princely_a and_o bountiful_a gift_n for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n give_v commandment_n that_o whatsoever_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n have_v command_v shall_v be_v do_v speedy_o he_o allege_v the_o reason_n for_o it_o as_o we_o read_v ezra_n 7.23_o for_o why_o say_v the_o king_n shall_v god_n be_v wroth_a against_o the_o realm_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o child_n but_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o prophet_n malachi_n deal_v yet_o more_o round_o &_o severe_o according_a to_o the_o great_a neglect_n yea_o contempt_n of_o his_o holy_a worship_n in_o the_o time_n that_o he_o prophesy_v will_v a_o man_n spoil_v his_o god_n say_v the_o lord_n by_o his_o holy_a prophet_n yet_o you_o have_v spoil_v i_o but_o you_o say_v wherein_o have_v we_o spoil_v thou_o in_o tithe_n and_o offering_n you_o be_v curse_v with_o a_o curse_n for_o you_o have_v spoil_v i_o this_o whole_a nation_n and_o even_o therefore_o as_o we_o may_v understand_v by_o that_o which_o follow_v the_o devourer_n have_v destroy_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o ground_n and_o their_o vine_n be_v barren_a in_o the_o field_n chap._n 3.8.9.11_o but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o we_o christian_n will_v some_o peradventure_o say_v very_o the_o same_o in_o effect_n and_o substance_n which_o it_o be_v unto_o the_o jew_n in_o so_o much_o as_o the_o lord_n be_v as_o zealous_a for_o his_o worship_n to_o this_o day_n as_o ever_o he_o be_v in_o former_a time_n and_o the_o lively_a stone_n also_o of_o that_o spiritual_a temple_n whereof_o the_o son_n of_o god_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n they_o be_v every_o way_n as_o great_o regard_v of_o he_o yea_o rather_o much_o more_o precious_o esteem_v then_o be_v the_o dead_a and_o cold_a stone_n or_o whole_a build_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o as_o well_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o spiritual_a worship_n as_o of_o the_o poor_a of_o those_o that_o do_v true_o worship_v he_o we_o be_v just_o to_o look_v for_o the_o like_a if_o not_o great_a plague_n and_o punishment_n than_o the_o jew_n sustain_v if_o we_o shall_v in_o like_a manner_n contemn_v and_o neglect_v the_o same_o and_o even_o already_o no_o doubt_n because_o of_o our_o great_a error_n and_o fayling_n either_o way_n it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o king_n david_n in_o israel_n so_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o our_o own_o queen_n god_n have_v of_o late_o visit_v england_n though_o in_o great_a mercy_n with_o a_o dearth_n not_o only_o of_o three_o year_n but_o almost_o of_o twice_o three_o together_o and_o must_v we_o not_o needs_o acknowledge_v it_o very_o equal_a that_o as_o we_o have_v be_v very_o unfruitful_a to_o god_n in_o his_o service_n and_o worship_n and_o exceed_v slack_a in_o the_o advancement_n of_o it_o as_o also_o too_o scant_o and_o niggardly_o yea_o rather_o hard_a and_o heavy_a against_o our_o poor_a brethren_n lo_o many_o year_n together_o that_o therefore_o our_o field_n and_o all_o other_o our_o endeavour_n and_o labour_n shall_v be_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a unto_o we_o very_o we_o may_v just_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n mercy_n only_o that_o we_o have_v not_o be_v altogether_o consume_v even_o because_o his_o compassion_n fail_v not_o lament_n 3.22_o thus_o we_o may_v perceive_v as_o in_o a_o more_o general_a view_n how_o god_n punish_v the_o profane_a and_o illiberal_a neglect_n of_o the_o furtherance_n and_o advancement_n of_o his_o true_a religion_n and_o therewithal_o also_o the_o neglect_n of_o relieve_n the_o poor_a of_o his_o people_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o will_v more_o severe_o punish_v this_o kind_n of_o people_n then_o with_o temporal_a punishment_n here_o in_o this_o world_n if_o they_o repent_v not_o for_o the_o wicked_a shall_v turn_v into_o hell_n and_o all_o nation_n that_o forget_v god_n psalm_n 9.17_o and_o prou._n 20.25_o it_o be_v destruction_n for_o a_o man_n to_o devour_v that_o which_o be_v sanctify_v and_o after_o the_o vow_n to_o inquire_v to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o howsoever_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o dedication_n of_o every_o man_n
whole_a increase_n of_o outward_a blessing_n by_o offer_v up_o a_o first_o fruit_n unto_o god_n command_v in_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n be_v now_o cease_v yet_o see_v the_o very_a moral_a commandment_n of_o god_n which_o be_v perpetual_a require_v exact_o that_o god_n true_a religion_n and_o worship_n be_v maintain_v and_o advance_v &_o also_o that_o the_o poor_a of_o his_o people_n be_v liberal_o relieve_v by_o the_o contribution_n of_o the_o rich_a sort_n of_o his_o servant_n as_o have_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v before_o it_o may_v true_o be_v infer_v that_o no_o man_n can_v enjoy_v his_o good_n &_o possession_n what_o soever_o he_o have_v as_o sanctify_v unto_o he_o with_o approbation_n &_o blessing_n from_o god_n unless_o he_o do_v of_o zeal_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n bestow_v a_o just_a and_o meet_a portion_n this_o way_n for_o as_o the_o lord_n do_v in_o his_o own_o right_n just_o challenge_v all_o to_o be_v entire_o he_o as_o psal_n 24_o 1._o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o all_o that_o be_v therein_o the_o world_n and_o they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o and_o again_o psalm_n 50.10.11.12_o and_o 1._o chron._n 29.11.12_o all_o that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n both_o riches_n &_o honour_n come_v of_o he_o likewise_o hag._n 2.9_o silver_n be_v i_o &_o gold_n be_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n so_o he_o have_v as_o a_o homage_n to_o himself_o from_o the_o rich_a interest_v the_o poor_a as_o in_o his_o steed_n to_o the_o liberal_a alm_n &_o contribution_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n good_n whereupon_o the_o charge_n be_v straight_o give_v pro._n 3.27_o that_o none_o withhold_v his_o goodness_n or_o beneficence_n from_o the_o owner_n thereof_o that_o be_v from_o such_o as_o stand_v in_o present_a need_n thereof_o the_o like_a charge_n be_v give_v in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o see_v in_o some_o orderly_a course_n the_o more_o particular_a and_o distinct_a punishment_n of_o all_o profane_a and_o illiberal_a covetous_a and_o merciless_a people_n the_o manifold_a punishment_n of_o they_o be_v comprehend_v under_o these_o two_o head_n first_o those_o which_o belong_v to_o this_o life_n second_o that_o which_o appertain_v to_o the_o world_n to_o come_v which_o one_o contain_v all_o and_o be_v eternal_a be_v as_o the_o seal_n up_o and_o fullness_n of_o all_o the_o temporal_a of_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v these_o which_o follow_v first_o of_o all_o the_o profane_a illiberal_a covetous_a and_o merciless_a man_n neither_o have_v neither_o possible_o can_v have_v in_o his_o soul_n any_o comfort_n from_o god_n of_o all_o his_o riches_n how_o great_a abundance_n soever_o he_o do_v enjoy_v the_o which_o punishment_n consist_v in_o the_o privation_n or_o withhold_a of_o comfort_n and_o blessing_n king_n solomon_n as_o a_o holy_a preacher_n and_o prophet_n of_o god_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o six_o chap._n of_o ecclesiastes_n do_v notable_o observe_v poor_a the_o punishment_n of_o not_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a among_o many_o other_o the_o great_a vanity_n of_o this_o vain_a and_o sinful_a world_n of_o the_o which_o also_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v much_o among_o man_n there_o be_v a_o evil_n say_v he_o which_o i_o see_v under_o the_o sun_n and_o it_o be_v much_o among_o man_n a_o man_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v riches_n and_o pleasure_n and_o honour_n and_o he_o want_v nothing_o for_o his_o soul_n of_o all_o that_o it_o desire_v but_o god_n give_v he_o not_o power_n to_o eat_v thereof_o but_o a_o strange_a man_n shall_v eat_v it_o up_o this_o be_v vanity_n and_o this_o be_v a_o evil_a sickness_n and_o again_o chap._n 5._o verse_n 9_o he_o that_o love_v silver_n shall_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o silver_n and_o he_o that_o love_v riches_n shall_v be_v without_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o this_o also_o say_v the_o holy_a preacher_n be_v vanity_n and_o how_o i_o pray_v you_o shall_v profane_v and_o covetous_a man_n have_v any_o true_a and_o sound_a comfort_n from_o the_o hand_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n concern_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v god_n esteem_v they_o as_o usurper_n and_o not_o right_a owner_n of_o they_o they_o may_v well_o enough_o have_v a_o civil_a title_n allowable_a among_o man_n according_a to_o the_o receive_a course_n and_o determination_n of_o humane_a law_n and_o constitution_n but_o they_o can_v hold_v they_o as_o a_o portion_n sanctify_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o lord_n until_o they_o shall_v thankful_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v his_o free_a gift_n and_o according_o shall_v dedicate_v and_o apply_v they_o to_o such_o holy_a use_n as_o he_o have_v by_o his_o sacred_a word_n appoint_v they_o unto_o this_o then_o be_v the_o first_o punishment_n even_o the_o want_n of_o true_a comfort_n and_o blessing_n second_o god_n do_v many_o time_n for_o this_o their_o wickedness_n take_v away_o their_o riches_n and_o cast_v miserable_a poverty_n upon_o they_o for_o so_o the_o holy_a proverb_n teach_v chap._n 11.24_o he_o that_o spare_v more_o than_o be_v right_a sure_o come_v to_o poverty_n this_o brief_o be_v a_o second_o punishment_n thirdlie_o god_n refuse_v to_o succour_v the_o unmerciful_a when_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n yea_o he_o leave_v they_o in_o their_o misery_n when_o they_o call_v and_o cry_v to_o he_o in_o their_o distress_n because_o they_o refuse_v to_o help_v and_o succour_v such_o of_o their_o poor_a brethren_n as_o crave_a help_n of_o they_o so_o we_o read_v prou._n 13.21_o he_o that_o stop_v his_o ear_n at_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o poor_a he_o shall_v also_o cry_v and_o not_o be_v hear_v likewise_o zech._n chap._n 7._o verse_n 8._o etc._n etc._n thus_o speak_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n say_v execute_v true_a judgement_n and_o show_v mercy_n and_o compassion_n every_o man_n to_o his_o brother_n and_o oppress_v not_o the_o widow_n nor_o the_o fatherless_a nor_o the_o stranger_n nor_o the_o poor_a and_o let_v none_o of_o you_o imagine_v evil_a against_o his_o brother_n in_o your_o heart_n but_o they_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v say_v the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o pull_v away_o the_o shoulder_n &_o stop_v their_o ear_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o hear_v yea_o they_o make_v their_o heart_n as_o a_o adamant_n stone_n lest_o they_o shall_v hear_v the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n send_v in_o his_o spirit_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o former_a prophet_n wherein_o mark_n by_o the_o way_n the_o mighty_a increase_n and_o obdurate_a obstinacy_n which_o sin_n quick_o grow_v unto_o where_o it_o be_v not_o resist_v in_o the_o beginning_n therefore_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o text_n there_o come_v a_o great_a wrath_n from_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o again_o as_o it_o follow_v immediate_o therefore_o say_v the_o prophet_n it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o he_o cry_v and_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v so_o they_o cry_v and_o i_o will_v not_o hear_v say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n but_o i_o scatter_v they_o among_o all_o the_o nation_n who_o they_o know_v not_o thus_o the_o land_n be_v desolate_a after_o they_o that_o no_o man_n pass_v through_o nor_o return_v for_o they_o lay_v the_o pleasant_a land_n waste_v the_o prophet_n micah_n also_o the_o three_o chap._n of_o his_o prophecy_n verse_n 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o hear_v i_o pray_v you_o say_v he_o o_o head_n of_o jaakob_n and_o you_o prince_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n shall_v not_o you_o know_v judgement_n but_o they_o hate_v the_o good_a and_o love_n the_o evil_a they_o pluck_v off_o their_o skin_n from_o they_o and_o their_o flesh_n from_o their_o bone_n and_o they_o eat_v also_o the_o flesh_n of_o my_o people_n and_o flay_v off_o their_o skin_n from_o they_o and_o they_o break_v their_o bone_n and_o chop_n they_o in_o piece_n as_o for_o the_o pot_n and_o as_o flesh_n within_o the_o cauldron_n thus_o heinous_a be_v the_o sin_n of_o unmercifulnesse_n and_o cruelty_n according_a to_o this_o so_o doleful_a a_o description_n special_o it_o it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o bloody_a hand_n of_o the_o prince_n or_o in_o any_o of_o chief_a place_n and_o power_n under_o he_o who_o shall_v be_v most_o tender_a foster-fathers_n over_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o chief_o over_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o flock_n for_o neglect_v whereof_o the_o punishment_n follow_v then_o shall_v they_o cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n to_o wit_n in_o their_o misery_n but_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o he_o will_v even_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o they_o at_o that_o time_n etc._n read_v also_o god_n fearful_a woe_n against_o cruel_a &_o unmerciful_a man_n isai_n 5.8.9.10_o amos_n 6.1_o etc._n etc._n &_o ch_n 8.4_o etc._n etc._n micah_n 2.1_o etc._n etc._n because_o they_o
lap_n say_v he_o to_o wit_n after_o that_o he_o have_v obtain_v of_o the_o rich_a sort_n who_o have_v deal_v cruel_o before_o that_o they_o promise_v thenceforth_o to_o deal_v merciful_o towards_o their_o poor_a brethren_n and_o i_o say_v so_o let_v god_n shake_v out_o every_o man_n that_o will_v not_o perform_v this_o promise_n from_o his_o house_n and_o from_o his_o labour_n that_o be_v that_o be_v thrust_v out_o of_o house_n and_o home_n he_o may_v also_o be_v unprosperous_a in_o all_o his_o affair_n even_o thus_o say_v nehemiah_n let_v he_o be_v shake_v out_o and_o empty_v and_o all_o the_o congregation_n say_v amen_o and_o praise_v the_o lord_n yea_o and_o the_o rich_a sort_n fear_v the_o imprecation_n which_o be_v thus_o denounce_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n &_o consent_v unto_o of_o all_o they_o perform_v that_o which_o they_o have_v promise_v a_o bless_a and_o sweet_a fruit_n of_o a_o heavy_a and_o bitter_a curse_n though_o utter_v without_o all_o bitterness_n in_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o temperate_a zeal_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n as_o be_v observe_v before_o and_o now_o further_o for_o our_o present_a purpose_n to_o show_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n watch_v over_o unmerciful_a man_n for_o evil_a and_o not_o for_o good_a we_o have_v ready_a at_o hand_n the_o example_n of_o nabal_n that_o churl_n who_o god_n cut_v off_o as_o a_o unprofitable_a branch_n short_o after_o he_o have_v deal_v so_o like_o himself_o that_o be_v like_o a_o profane_a and_o sottish_a miser_n against_o david_n the_o good_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o he_o not_o only_o deny_v to_o send_v he_o any_o relief_n but_o also_o very_o contemptuous_o reproach_v and_o revile_v he_o for_o about_o ten_o day_n after_o he_o have_v deal_v thus_o the_o lord_n smite_v nabal_n that_o he_o die_v 1._o sam._n 25.9_o etc._n etc._n 38._o wherefore_o when_o david_n hear_v that_o nabal_n be_v dead_a he_o say_v as_o one_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n in_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n bless_v be_v the_o lord_n who_o have_v judge_v the_o cause_n of_o my_o rebuke_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o nabal_n and_o have_v keep_v his_o servant_n from_o evil_a for_o the_o lord_n have_v recompense_v the_o wickedness_n of_o nabal_n upon_o his_o own_o head_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n jer._n 22.13_o etc._n etc._n god_n do_v by_o his_o prophet_n threaten_v shallum_n a_o wicked_a son_n of_o the_o good_a king_n josiah_n altogether_o degenerate_v from_o his_o father_n example_n and_o give_v himself_o to_o pleasure_n without_o all_o regard_n of_o relieve_n the_o oppress_v yea_o execute_v cruelty_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o wicked_a man_n woe_n say_v the_o lord_n to_o he_o that_o build_v his_o house_n by_o unrighteousness_n and_o his_o chamber_n without_o equity_n he_o use_v his_o neighbour_n without_o wage_n and_o give_v not_o he_o for_o his_o work_n he_o say_v i_o will_v build_v i_o a_o wide_a house_n with_o large_a chamber_n so_o he_o will_v make_v himself_o large_a window_n and_o siel_v with_o cedar_n and_o paint_v they_o with_o vermelion_n shall_v thou_o reign_v say_v the_o lord_n to_o shallum_n because_o thou_o close_a thyself_o in_o cedar_n etc._n etc._n no_o but_o as_o it_o follow_v thy_o eye_n be_v only_o for_o thy_o covetousness_n and_o for_o to_o shed_v innocent_a blood_n and_o for_o oppression_n and_o for_o destruction_n even_o to_o do_v this_o therefore_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n against_o jehoiakim_n the_o son_n of_o josiah_n king_n of_o judah_n who_o before_o be_v call_v by_o a_o other_o name_n shallum_n they_o shall_v not_o lament_v he_o say_v alas_o my_o brother_n or_o alas_o my_o sister_n neither_o shall_v they_o mourn_v for_o he_o say_v alas_o lord_n or_o alas_o for_o his_o glory_n he_o shall_v be_v bury_v as_o a_o ass_n be_v bury_v even_o draw_v and_o cast_v forth_o without_o the_o gate_n jerusalem_n this_o judgement_n fall_v upon_o he_o in_o babel_n the_o like_a dishonour_n even_o for_o the_o like_a cause_n befall_v the_o king_n of_o babel_n himself_o namely_o belshazzar_n dan._n ch_n 5._o according_a to_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o isaiah_n against_o that_o whole_a cruel_a and_o bloody_a monarchy_n ch_z 14._o verse_n 3.4.5.6_o in_o that_o day_n say_v the_o prophet_n to_o the_o faithful_a among_o the_o jew_n when_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v thou_o rest_n from_o thy_o sorrow_n and_o from_o thy_o fear_n and_o from_o the_o sore_a bondage_n wherein_o thou_o do_v serve_v then_o shall_v thou_o take_v up_o this_o proverb_n against_o the_o king_n of_o babel_n and_o say_v how_o have_v the_o oppressor_n cease_v and_o the_o gold-thirsty_a babel_n rest_v the_o lord_n have_v break_v the_o rod_n of_o the_o wicked_a etc._n etc._n and_o then_o verse_n 18._o etc._n etc._n all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o nation_n they_o all_o sleep_n in_o glory_n every_o one_o in_o his_o own_o house_n but_o thou_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o thy_o grave_n like_o a_o abominable_a branch_n like_o the_o raiment_n of_o those_o that_o be_v slay_v and_o thrust_v through_o with_o a_o sword_n which_o go_v down_o to_o the_o stone_n of_o the_o pit_n as_o a_o carkâ—sse_n tread_v under_o foot_n thou_o shall_v not_o be_v join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o grave_n because_o thou_o have_v destroy_v thy_o own_o land_n and_o slay_v thy_o people_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o be_v renown_v for_o ever_o prepare_v a_o slaughter_n for_o his_o child_n for_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n let_v they_o not_o rise_v nor_o possess_v the_o land_n nor_o fill_v the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n with_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n and_o chap._n 31.1_o wo_n to_o thou_o that_o spoyl_v and_o be_v not_o spoil_v and_o do_v wicked_o but_o they_o do_v not_o wicked_o against_o thou_o when_o thou_o shall_v cease_v to_o spoil_v thou_o shall_v be_v spoil_v when_o thou_o shâ—lt_v make_v a_o end_n to_o do_v wicked_o they_o shall_v do_v wicked_o against_o thou_o whereunto_o also_o let_v we_o add_v pprophecy_n of_o habbakuk_n for_o another_o witness_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 6._o etc._n etc._n shall_v not_o all_o these_o say_v the_o holy_a prophet_n take_v up_o a_o parable_n against_o he_o and_o a_o taunt_a proverb_n against_o he_o and_o say_v ho_o he_o that_o increase_v that_o which_o be_v not_o he_o how_o long_o and_o he_o that_o lade_v himself_o with_o thick_a clay_n or_o dirt_n for_o no_o better_a be_v ill_o get_v treasure_n then_o a_o troublesome_a burden_n or_o as_o a_o miry_a pool_n to_o fasten_v and_o overwhelm_v the_o covetous_a therein_o shall_v they_o not_o rise_v up_o sudden_o that_o shall_v bite_v thou_o and_o awake_v that_o shall_v vex_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v be_v their_o prey_n or_o trample_v on_o by_o they_o continual_o as_o it_o be_v clay_n in_o the_o street_n because_o thou_o have_v spoil_v many_o nation_n all_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o people_n shall_v spoil_v thou_o because_o of_o man_n blood_n and_o for_o the_o wrong_n do_v in_o the_o land_n in_o the_o city_n and_o unto_o all_o that_o dwell_v therein_o ho_o he_o that_o covet_v a_o evil_a covetousness_n to_o his_o house_n that_o he_o may_v set_v his_o nest_n on_o high_a to_o escape_v from_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a thou_o have_v consult_v shame_n to_o thy_o own_o house_n by_o destroy_v many_o people_n and_o thou_o have_v sin_v against_o thy_o own_o soul_n for_o the_o stone_n shall_v cry_v out_o of_o the_o wall_n and_o the_o beam_n or_o knurle_v of_o the_o timber_n shall_v answer_v it_o or_o give_v witness_n to_o it_o wo_n unto_o he_o that_o build_v a_o town_n with_o blood_n and_o erect_v a_o city_n by_o iniquity_n behold_v be_v it_o not_o of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n that_o the_o people_n that_o be_v such_o a_o wicked_a people_n shall_v labour_v for_o fire_n and_o that_o the_o nation_n shall_v weary_v themselves_o for_o mere_a vanity_n now_o according_a to_o the_o threaten_v contain_v in_o these_o prophecy_n against_o the_o king_n of_o babel_n and_o their_o monarchy_n the_o lord_n have_v make_v they_o that_o lift_v themselves_o up_o in_o the_o great_a height_n of_o pride_n and_o of_o covetous_a and_o merciless_a deal_n the_o most_o evident_a spectacle_n to_o all_o the_o world_n of_o his_o glorious_a judgement_n execute_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o same_o for_o all_o this_o be_v confirm_v in_o that_o overthrow_n which_o god_n give_v they_o once_o for_o ever_o by_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n who_o he_o raise_v up_o and_o send_v in_o battle_n against_o they_o so_o then_o let_v this_o kind_n of_o merciless_a and_o cruel_a people_n be_v never_o so_o strong_o root_v let_v they_o be_v grow_v up_o never_o so_o high_a let_v they_o be_v maintain_v and_o uphold_v never_o so_o strong_o even_o with_o the_o power_n of_o a_o mighty_a monarchy_n yet_o shall_v neither_o they_n nor_o their_o
henceforth_o to_o gather_v out_o of_o the_o same_o his_o most_o holy_a word_n let_v we_o therefore_o search_v out_o so_o well_o as_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o give_v we_o grace_n what_o manner_n of_o receive_v that_o must_v be_v receive_v therefore_o in_o such_o sense_n as_o we_o be_v here_o to_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v a_o sober_a reverend_a and_o thankful_a accept_n of_o that_o which_o be_v christianly_o give_v with_o a_o mind_n to_o employ_v it_o conscionable_o and_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o the_o same_o end_n whereunto_o it_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a and_o godly_a benefactor_n intend_v and_o give_v this_o do_v general_o and_o brief_o comprehend_v all_o whatsoever_o be_v further_o to_o be_v open_v concern_v the_o particular_a virtue_n which_o be_v necessary_o to_o concur_v and_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o christian_a heart_n to_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o receive_v a_o benefit_n of_o these_o virtue_n therefore_o and_o of_o the_o contrary_a vice_n to_o be_v avoid_v in_o receive_v of_o benefit_n let_v we_o now_o more_o particular_o inquire_v by_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o former_a description_n and_o so_o come_v we_o to_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o this_o latter_a part_n of_o our_o treatise_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o virtue_n require_v to_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o receive_v christian_a beneficence_n and_o of_o the_o contrary_a vice_n therein_o to_o be_v shun_v so_o many_o virtue_n and_o grace_n be_v require_v to_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o give_v a_o gift_n as_o we_o have_v see_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o book_n yea_o though_o the_o gift_n be_v give_v of_o the_o rich_a and_o most_o honourable_a to_o the_o poor_a and_o base_a of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v by_o any_o light_n of_o reason_n but_o the_o gift_n be_v so_o to_o be_v qualify_v the_o receive_n must_v of_o duty_n be_v answerable_a that_o be_v mind_n a_o gift_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o a_o sober_a mind_n accompany_v with_o grace_n &_o virtue_n proportionable_a thereunto_o it_o be_v as_o we_o know_v in_o a_o civil_a course_n the_o manner_n of_o receive_v gift_n or_o other_o thing_n that_o honourable_a person_n reach_v forth_o unto_o we_o to_o kiss_v the_o hand_n before_o we_o take_v they_o as_o though_o we_o will_v profess_v thereby_o that_o we_o take_v they_o with_o no_o more_o ready_a hand_n then_o with_o a_o thankful_a full_a and_o ready_a mind_n hearty_o glad_a of_o that_o which_o come_v from_o they_o as_o a_o token_n of_o that_o favourable_a good_a will_n which_o they_o bear_v we_o will_v also_o to_o perform_v any_o good_a service_n unto_o they_o howsoever_o in_o receve_v the_o gift_n of_o christian_a beneficence_n special_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o mean_a person_n that_o courtlike_a courtesy_n be_v not_o use_v nor_o look_v for_o nevertheless_o in_o so_o much_o as_o they_o be_v the_o most_o honourable_a kind_n of_o gift_n which_o can_v be_v give_v see_v they_o be_v give_v for_o the_o lord_n cause_n and_o with_o a_o holy_a and_o sanctify_a affection_n it_o be_v very_o meet_v that_o they_o who_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o they_o shall_v in_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o religious_a manner_n receive_v they_o even_o as_o from_o the_o most_o holy_a hand_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o work_n only_o it_o be_v to_o frame_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o servant_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o bestow_v the_o same_o upon_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n therefore_o let_v we_o i_o beseech_v you_o consider_v first_o of_o all_o more_o full_o of_o that_o which_o stand_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o forefront_n of_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o receive_v a_o christian_a gift_n namely_o that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o modest_a and_o sober_a receive_n whereby_o even_o in_o the_o first_o onset_n not_o only_o all_o flattery_n and_o counterfeit_n of_o poverty_n for_o the_o procure_n of_o gift_n be_v prevent_v but_o also_o even_o the_o very_a root_n hereof_o which_o be_v a_o covetous_a or_o greedy_a and_o linger_a desire_n after_o a_o gift_n be_v pluck_v up_o both_o which_o be_v very_o servile_a vice_n utter_o unbeseeming_a that_o holy_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o mind_n which_o the_o poor_a of_o god_n servant_n and_o chief_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n aught_o to_o retain_v in_o this_o behalf_n and_o hereof_o we_o have_v the_o apostle_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o other_o of_o his_o servant_n set_v forth_o unto_o we_o for_o most_o worthy_a pattern_n and_o example_n and_o namely_o saint_n paul_n together_o with_o silvanus_n and_o timotheus_n as_o we_o read_v 1_o thes_n chap._n 2.5_o where_o the_o apostle_n thus_o write_v we_o do_v never_o use_v flatter_a word_n as_o you_o know_v nor_o colour_a covetousness_n god_n be_v record_n and_o again_o 2._o cor._n 2.17_o we_o be_v not_o as_o many_o which_o make_v merchandise_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o as_o of_o sincerity_n but_o as_o of_o god_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n speak_v we_o in_o christ_n and_o more_o particular_o concern_v himself_o he_o solemn_o protest_v before_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n &_o other_o christian_n act._n 20.33.34.35_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v i_o have_v covet_v no_o man_n silver_n say_v he_o nor_o gold_n nor_o apparel_n yea_o you_o know_v that_o these_o hand_n have_v minister_v to_o my_o necessity_n and_o to_o they_o that_o be_v with_o i_o and_o he_o add_v further_a for_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o i_o have_v show_v you_o all_o thing_n how_o that_o so_o labour_v you_o ought_v to_o support_v the_o weak_a and_o to_o remember_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n how_o that_o he_o say_v it_o be_v a_o bless_a thing_n to_o give_v rather_o than_o to_o receive_v in_o the_o which_o word_n beside_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n worthy_a all_o imitation_n of_o every_o servant_n of_o god_n upon_o like_a occasion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v attain_v unto_o we_o have_v furthermore_o two_o notable_a reason_n to_o dissuade_v covetousness_n and_o every_o evil_a fruit_n thereof_o first_o because_o every_o one_o stand_v by_o general_a bond_n of_o christian_a duty_n straight_o bind_v to_o support_v the_o weak_a and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v above_o measure_n chargeable_a second_o because_o as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v affirm_v it_o be_v a_o more_o bless_a thing_n to_o give_v then_o to_o receive_v and_o therefore_o consequent_o that_o every_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v more_o desirous_a in_o his_o hart_n and_o according_o more_o provident_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o order_n of_o all_o his_o affair_n that_o he_o may_v rather_o be_v able_a to_o give_v to_o other_o then_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n to_o receive_v relief_n himself_o not_o that_o any_o through_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n of_o mind_n or_o of_o any_o other_o nice_a or_o scrupulous_a conceit_n shall_v disdain_v or_o make_v over_o much_o dainty_a to_o take_v a_o gift_n in_o time_n of_o his_o need_n as_o be_v touch_v in_o the_o beginning_n for_o even_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o receive_v and_o accept_v earthly_a benefit_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o disciple_n who_o receive_v more_o excellent_a gift_n even_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o the_o most_o rich_a gift_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n from_o he_o and_o beside_o he_o that_o be_v not_o a_o humble_a man_n can_v neither_o be_v true_o thankful_a to_o god_n nor_o yet_o to_o man_n the_o meaning_n therefore_o of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n as_o also_o of_o his_o apostle_n paul_n guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n be_v no_o doubt_n that_o no_o man_n through_o sluggishness_n and_o desire_n of_o ease_n or_o through_o covetousness_n in_o seek_v to_o enrich_v himself_o shall_v grow_v overburthensome_a and_o so_o discourage_v weak_a christian_n from_o continue_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o excessive_a charge_n of_o contribution_n special_o in_o such_o time_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v impoverish_v by_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n behold_v therefore_o how_o it_o be_v a_o bless_a thing_n to_o give_v rather_o than_o to_o receive_v that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o be_v diligent_a bee_n every_o one_o in_o his_o vocation_n and_o calling_n rather_o then_o idle_a and_o devour_a drone_n to_o comfort_n and_o refresh_v the_o heart_n of_o other_o rather_o than_o to_o seek_v to_o satisfy_v our_o own_o unsatiable_a desire_n to_o be_v rich_a to_o godward_o in_o the_o good_a work_n of_o mercy_n which_o he_o require_v and_o will_v plentifullie_o reward_v rather_o then_o to_o heap_v up_o a_o superfluous_a mass_n of_o riches_n to_o ourselves_o to_o the_o impoverish_n or_o rather_o to_o the_o utter_a destruction_n of_o our_o soul_n final_o by_o do_v good_a to_o other_o to_o gather_v people_n
unto_o god_n rather_o then_o by_o be_v overcheargable_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o by_o withhold_v beneficence_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v to_o discourage_v and_o scatter_v the_o flock_n to_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o many_o soul_n that_o may_v stumble_v and_o fall_v hereby_o moreover_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o borrower_n so_o may_v we_o say_v of_o he_o that_o hunt_v after_o gift_n that_o he_o be_v a_o servant_n yea_o seruy_z mind_v towards_o he_o that_o give_v such_o a_o one_o be_v not_o his_o own_o man_n as_o we_o may_v say_v much_o less_o be_v he_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o free_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v in_o the_o high_a way_n to_o grow_v quick_o a_o flatterer_n &_o a_o man_n pleaser_n to_o prove_v a_o hypocrite_n rather_o than_o a_o sincere_a &_o true_a professor_n but_o let_v we_o return_v to_o the_o excellent_a example_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o in_o that_o he_o write_v to_o the_o philip._n chap._n 4.10_o etc._n etc._n be_v likewise_o a_o notable_a precedent_n unto_o we_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o keep_v our_o mind_n sober_a and_o free_a against_o the_o inordinate_a and_o covetous_a desire_n of_o gift_n he_o rejoice_v indeed_o and_o singular_o commend_v the_o christian_n of_o philippi_n in_o so_o much_o as_o they_o have_v a_o singular_a care_n in_o communicate_v with_o he_o as_o he_o there_o write_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o give_v and_o receive_v nevertheless_o he_o rejoice_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o supply_n of_o his_o own_o want_n as_o to_o enjoy_v the_o precious_a fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o to_o think_v of_o that_o most_o excellent_a fruit_n which_o be_v redound_v to_o they_o from_o the_o lord_n again_o for_o say_v he_o as_o touch_v himself_o i_o have_v learn_v in_o what_o estate_n soever_o i_o be_o to_o be_v therewith_o content_a i_o can_v be_v abase_v and_o i_o can_v abound_v every_o where_o in_o all_o thing_n i_o be_o instruct_v both_o to_o be_v full_a and_o to_o be_v hungry_a and_o to_o abound_v and_o to_o have_v want_n i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o the_o help_n of_o hcrist_n who_o strengthen_v i_o notwithstanding_o as_o he_o further_o add_v you_o have_v well_o do_v that_o you_o do_v communicate_v to_o my_o affliction_n etc._n etc._n not_o that_o i_o desire_v a_o gift_n but_o i_o desire_v the_o fruit_n which_o may_v further_o your_o reckon_v etc._n etc._n and_o again_o 1._o cor._n 9.15_o though_o he_o mighty_o press_v the_o equity_n and_o morality_n of_o ordinary_a provision_n and_o allowance_n for_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o people_n yet_o he_o profess_v in_o regard_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a call_n of_o apostleship_n &_o because_o of_o certain_a extraordinary_a occasion_n in_o respect_n of_o certain_a false_a apostle_n that_o he_o use_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n neither_o write_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o do_v to_o he_o thus_o then_o if_o we_o lie_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o we_o may_v evident_o perceive_v both_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o of_o other_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n as_o also_o from_o those_o weighty_a reason_n wherewith_o he_o have_v instruct_v we_o how_o sober_o the_o mind_n special_o of_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v say_v aught_o to_o be_v prepare_v and_o affect_v touch_v the_o receive_n of_o a_o gift_n according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v express_o require_v in_o every_o one_o that_o be_v to_o be_v account_v meet_a to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n that_o he_o be_v not_o desirous_a of_o filthy_a lucre_n nor_o have_v his_o affection_n set_v upon_o silver_n 1._o tim._n 3.3_o and_o tit._n 1.7_o read_v also_o jer._n 5.30.31_o and_o very_o if_o we_o do_v not_o look_v diligent_o to_o our_o heart_n that_o they_o besobe_a yea_o very_a wary_a and_o circumspect_a this_o way_n both_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o also_o all_o other_o be_v not_o only_o in_o great_a danger_n to_o fault_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o holy_a beneficence_n and_o liberality_n of_o the_o good_a servant_n of_o god_n which_o they_o give_v to_o a_o right_n and_o even_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o walk_v on_o chearfullie_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o offend_v much_o more_o grievoslie_o in_o accept_v and_o entertain_v the_o gift_n of_o such_o at_o who_o hand_n we_o ought_v not_o at_o all_o to_o receive_v they_o either_o because_o they_o give_v they_o with_o a_o profane_a and_o corrupt_a mind_n desirous_a thereby_o to_o bind_v we_o to_o unlawful_a gratification_n or_o else_o for_o that_o other_o weighty_a circumstance_n may_v make_v it_o altogether_o in_o expedient_a to_o admit_v of_o any_o gift_n from_o they_o as_o for_o example_n for_o want_v of_o this_o grace_n gehazi_n take_v gift_n of_o naaman_n the_o syrian_a notwithstanding_o his_o master_n the_o prophet_n elisha_n have_v upon_o very_o holy_a and_o just_a consideration_n refuse_v the_o same_o as_o namely_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v the_o rather_o leave_v he_o to_o consider_v the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o that_o great_a cure_n which_o be_v so_o miraculous_o wrought_v upon_o he_o and_o also_o that_o elisha_n may_v thereby_o approve_v himself_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o that_o noble_a syrian_a that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n seek_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o true_a god_n of_o israel_n and_o not_o one_o that_o be_v lead_v by_o a_o covetous_a and_o earthly_a affection_n for_o want_v of_o this_o grace_n as_o also_o because_o he_o love_v and_o linger_v after_o gift_n which_o the_o apostle_n peter_n call_v the_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n balaam_n that_o covetous_a prophet_n be_v willing_a as_o a_o hireling_n to_o have_v serve_v king_n balaak_v malicious_a desire_n that_o he_o shall_v curse_v and_o practice_v his_o sorcery_n against_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v not_o the_o lord_n himself_o against_o the_o will_n of_o balaam_n false_a &_o deceitful_a heart_n restrain_v he_o and_o fear_v he_o from_o it_o for_o the_o want_n of_o this_o garce_a and_o likewise_o for_o the_o love_n of_o the_o same_o unrighteous_a wage_n judas_n first_o play_v the_o thief_n yea_o even_o of_o that_o holy_a beneficence_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o most_o holy_a use_n that_o may_v be_v to_o wit_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o such_o seemly_o manner_n as_o be_v meet_v for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o humiliation_n john_n 12.6_o &_o short_o after_o he_o betray_v his_o master_n the_o same_o our_o lord_n &_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o most_o heinous_a treason_n that_o ever_o be_v wrought_v for_o want_v of_o this_o grace_n the_o magistrate_n be_v easy_o draw_v to_o pervert_v justice_n exod._n 28.21_o and_o deut._n 16_o 19_o final_o covetousness_n and_o desire_n of_o money_n whether_o by_o gift_n from_o other_o or_o by_o self_n inordinate_a practice_n it_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n teach_v 1._o tim._n 6.10_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o apostle_n peter_n according_a to_o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v before_o in_o the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v arm_v with_o this_o spiritual_a sobriety_n &_o have_v his_o mind_n set_v on_o heavenly_a thing_n when_o he_o be_v tempt_v this_o way_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o accept_v the_o gift_n which_o simon_n the_o magician_n one_o of_o like_a disposition_n to_o balaam_n offer_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o defy_v it_o thy_o money_n perish_v with_o thou_o say_v peter_n because_o thou_o think_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n may_v be_v obtain_v with_o money_n act._n 8.20_o abraham_n also_o show_v a_o right_a noble_a mind_n in_o freedom_n this_o way_n gen._n 14.22.23_o for_o when_o the_o king_n of_o sodom_n will_v have_v give_v he_o much_o substance_n of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v recover_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o four_o king_n who_o he_o pursue_v and_o overcome_v he_o utter_o refuse_v say_v i_o have_v lift_v up_o my_o hand_n unto_o the_o lord_n the_o most_o high_a god_n possessor_n of_o heaven_n &_o earth_n that_o i_o will_v not_o take_v of_o all_o that_o be_v thou_o so_o much_o as_o a_o thread_n or_o shoolatchet_a lest_o thou_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v make_v abraham_n rich_a the_o holy_a patriarch_n have_v care_n that_o god_n may_v have_v his_o glory_n in_o the_o fulfil_n of_o that_o promise_n of_o blessing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v unto_o he_o without_o any_o help_n from_o the_o heathen_a among_o who_o he_o live_v likewise_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n chap._n 5.17_o answer_v king_n belshazzar_n who_o promise_v
he_o the_o creator_n this_o the_o creature_n he_o the_o glorious_a and_o almighty_a lord_n this_o the_o poor_a frail_a servant_n etc._n etc._n whereupon_o we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v how_o careful_o the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n be_v to_o abhor_v and_o avoid_v the_o gross_a and_o profane_a or_o rather_o the_o sacrilegious_a and_o blasphemous_a flattery_n of_o all_o wicked_a sycophant_n of_o the_o world_n for_o they_o be_v so_o lavish_a in_o extol_v the_o mean_n that_o they_o reserve_v nothing_o as_o proper_a and_o entire_a to_o the_o lord_n such_o be_v that_o blasphemous_a and_o execrable_a flattery_n of_o the_o people_n who_o give_v proud_a herod_n divine_a glory_n act._n 12.22_o they_o cry_v out_o with_o vehement_a acclamation_n and_o shout_v so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v end_v his_o oration_n the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n such_o also_o be_v the_o palpaple_n flattery_n of_o tertullus_n the_o orator_n in_o his_o fawn_a speech_n to_o felix_n against_o the_o apostle_n paul_n act._n 24._o who_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o jew_n ascribe_v all_o their_o peace_n whole_o &_o in_o all_o thing_n with_o all_o thanks_o to_o his_o providence_n for_o what_o in_o effect_n can_v he_o have_v sâ—â—d_v more_o if_o he_o have_v have_v a_o hart_n to_o profess_v he_o and_o their_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n himself_o there_o be_v great_a cause_n therefore_o why_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n shall_v abandon_v this_o kind_n of_o heathenish_a and_o sacrilegious_a gratulation_n both_o from_o their_o heart_n and_o also_o from_o their_o tongue_n for_o that_o which_o be_v ascribe_v to_o man_n yea_o even_o to_o caesar_n the_o chief_a among_o man_n it_o be_v so_o only_o to_o be_v ascribe_v and_o yield_v that_o in_o wise_a as_o be_v say_v a_o little_a before_o god_n be_v defraud_v of_o any_o part_n and_o parcel_n of_o his_o most_o just_a and_o sovereign_a due_a avoid_v excessive_a thanks_o to_o man_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v but_o not_o only_o heathen_a man_n have_v foul_o fault_v this_o way_n but_o much_o rather_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o boast_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a christian_a and_o catholic_a church_n in_o the_o world_n have_v run_v itself_o as_o it_o be_v over_o head_n and_o ear_n in_o this_o most_o grievous_a and_o unchristian_a sin_n for_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o heathen_a and_o they_o together_o we_o shall_v easy_o find_v that_o these_o do_v exceed_v they_o in_o most_o pernicious_a and_o deadly_a blasphemy_n lift_v up_o and_o advance_v creature_n above_o all_o measure_n not_o only_o in_o ascribe_v to_o they_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n concern_v all_o earthly_a thing_n as_o tertullus_n to_o felix_n but_o even_o a_o command_a power_n for_o the_o eternal_a peace_n &_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o that_o which_o they_o do_v attribute_n to_o the_o virgin_n marie_n who_o they_o have_v make_v the_o lady_n and_o queen_n of_o heaven_n and_o further_o as_o touch_v their_o more_o common_a or_o inferior_a benefactor_n here_o upon_o earth_n they_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v that_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o theâ—r_a beneficence_n and_o good_a desert_n towards_o their_o church_n together_o with_o the_o propitiatory_a help_n of_o their_o priest_n they_o shall_v not_o only_o escape_v purgatory_n but_o go_v straight_o on_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o draw_v other_o also_o by_o the_o surplusage_n of_o their_o work_n together_o with_o they_o yea_o further_o they_o never_o leave_v solemnize_n of_o their_o praise_n with_o a_o inferior_a kiâ—d_n of_o religious_a worship_n at_o the_o least_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v the_o rather_o allure_v and_o bewitch_v many_o other_o to_o do_v the_o like_a or_o rather_o if_o it_o can_v be_v more_o plentifullie_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o cunning_a beggar_n who_o at_o on_o door_n commend_v the_o alm_n which_o they_o have_v at_o a_o other_o to_o draw_v on_o their_o good_a dame_n to_o enlarge_v their_o good_a will_n and_o charity_n towards_o they_o but_o let_v we_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o &_o all_o their_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a commendams_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n as_o touch_v our_o own_o self_n according_a as_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n let_v we_o wise_o &_o discree_o determine_v our_o thanks_o unto_o â—eâ—_n as_o to_o the_o gracious_a instrument_n of_o god_n and_o not_o otherwise_o so_o that_o the_o chief_a glory_n yea_o the_o only_a praise_n and_o glory_n may_v be_v whole_o reserve_v and_o entierlie_o ascribe_v to_o his_o most_o bless_a majesty_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n alone_o to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n one_o true_a and_o everliving_a most_o gracious_a and_o merifull_a god_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o gory_a now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n hitherto_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n and_o to_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o definition_n of_o thankfulness_n itself_o whereinto_o the_o evil_a effect_n or_o fruit_n of_o excessive_a thanks_n have_v creep_v and_o as_o it_o be_v steal_v in_o before_o we_o be_v ware_n of_o it_o it_o follow_v now_o that_o we_o do_v further_o search_v out_o the_o difference_n from_o the_o good_a fruit_n which_o arise_v from_o well_o order_v thankfulness_n both_o unto_o god_n and_o also_o unto_o man_n first_o therefore_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n in_o experience_n of_o his_o most_o provident_a and_o fatherly_a care_n over_o we_o be_v so_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v our_o god_n and_o the_o sovereign_a fountain_n of_o our_o whole_a welfare_n that_o we_o do_v whole_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o depend_v upon_o he_o as_o one_o not_o only_o to_o be_v honour_v in_o the_o mean_n which_o it_o please_v he_o to_o use_v for_o our_o benefit_n but_o also_o above_o all_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o help_v yea_o contrary_a to_o all_o adversary_n and_o hurtful_a mean_n if_o need_v so_o require_v and_o for_o the_o same_o cause_n also_o that_o in_o all_o our_o need_n we_o run_v to_o he_o by_o faithful_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n as_o to_o our_o never-failing_a refuge_n and_o according_o to_o seek_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o even_o from_o the_o secret_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n before_o he_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o own_o most_o holy_a and_o perfect_a commandment_n we_o never_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o that_o measure_n of_o thanks_n which_o we_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n for_o the_o present_a attain_n unto_o but_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o thankfulness_n to_o man_n be_v not_o so_o but_o with_o the_o reverend_a acknowledgement_n of_o they_o to_o be_v the_o gracious_a and_o honourable_a instrument_n of_o god_n in_o all_o that_o they_o exhibit_v and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o we_o we_o be_v only_o to_o perform_v these_o duty_n follow_v first_o that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o live_v we_o do_v continue_v our_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o they_o for_o benefactor_n be_v to_o be_v pray_v for_o second_o that_o we_o retain_v a_o bless_a memory_n of_o they_o do_v also_o upon_o all_o meet_a occasion_n make_v honourable_a mention_n of_o they_o and_o of_o their_o beneficence_n so_o long_o as_o we_o live_v ourselves_o three_o that_o we_o be_v willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o recompense_v they_o to_o our_o power_n either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n to_o they_o or_o they_o yea_o even_o to_o exceed_v the_o benefit_n receive_v if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o make_v we_o able_a and_o to_o give_v we_o just_a occasion_n thereunto_o final_o that_o for_o want_v of_o occasion_n or_o necessity_n on_o their_o part_n that_o way_n that_o we_o have_v receive_v beneficence_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o other_o do_v learn_v from_o their_o example_n to_o be_v as_o beneficial_a to_o other_o as_o we_o may_v of_o these_o duty_n therefore_o let_v we_o henceforth_o treat_v a_o little_a for_o our_o further_a instruction_n see_v these_o also_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o duty_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_a receive_v of_o a_o gift_n and_o be_v our_o matter_n in_o hand_n still_o depend_v to_o be_v be_v further_o inquire_v of_o and_o first_o concern_v prayer_n the_o debt_n and_o conscience_n of_o this_o duty_n arise_v from_o hence_o that_o how_o rich_a sooner_o they_o may_v be_v and_o abound_v in_o all_o worldly_a wealth_n they_o do_v nevertheless_o stand_v in_o continual_a need_n of_o the_o daily_a blessing_n of_o god_n the_o factor_n whereof_o as_o it_o be_v faithful_a and_o fervent_a or_o laborious_a prayer_n be_v and_o that_o by_o assignment_n and_o letter_n of_o mart_n from_o god_n himself_o but_o what_o shall_v we_o entreat_v of_o the_o lord_n in_o our_o prayer_n and_o
i_o be_v stubborn_a that_o i_o will_v not_o be_v behind_o in_o benefit_n i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o to_o strive_v stout_o and_o though_o you_o be_v put_v to_o the_o worse_o come_v again_o a_o fresh_a in_o battle_n array_n they_o be_v happy_a who_o get_v the_o victory_n they_o be_v happy_a also_o who_o be_v overcome_v what_o young_a man_n be_v more_o noble_a than_o he_o that_o can_v say_v to_o himself_o for_o to_o another_o he_o may_v in_o no_o wise_a speak_v it_o i_o have_v vanquish_v my_o father_n by_o benefit_n who_o be_v more_o happy_a than_o such_o a_o ancient_a man_n who_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o tell_v it_o whithersoever_o he_o come_v that_o his_o son_n have_v be_v more_o beneficial_a or_o do_v more_o for_o he_o than_o he_o have_v do_v for_o his_o son_n and_o what_o be_v a_o more_o bless_a thing_n then_o for_o a_o man_n to_o overcome_v himself_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o philosopher_n dispute_v and_o how_o he_o determine_v the_o question_n of_o recompense_n betwixt_o the_o child_n and_o the_o father_n and_o he_o have_v speak_v as_o much_o and_o to_o as_o good_a purpose_n as_o any_o of_o the_o philosopher_n have_v speak_v in_o this_o point_n the_o which_o also_o i_o have_v be_v bold_a thus_o far_o forth_o to_o set_v down_o hope_v that_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v with_o some_o good_a profit_n by_o christian_n though_o from_o the_o pen_n of_o a_o heathen_a man_n but_o because_o we_o have_v a_o more_o certain_a and_o sure_a rule_n to_o go_v by_o both_o in_o this_o particular_a and_o general_o concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o recompense_n in_o all_o case_n let_v we_o now_o answer_v the_o question_n demand_v from_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o on_o lie_v perfect_a the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n out_o of_o holy_a scripture_n i_o answer_v therefore_o by_o a_o concession_n and_o grant_v of_o the_o question_n that_o a_o recompense_n through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n may_v be_v some_o other_o way_n then_o by_o benefit_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n abundant_o make_v as_o for_o example_n when_o for_o earthly_a blessing_n any_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o blessing_n the_o which_o unequal_a commutation_n or_o change_n of_o benefit_n the_o lord_n most_o usual_o work_v by_o the_o hand_n and_o ministry_n of_o such_o to_o who_o he_o have_v commit_v the_o preach_n of_o his_o word_n and_o gospel_n according_a as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v if_o we_o have_v â—owne_n unto_o you_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v it_o a_o great_a thing_n if_o we_o reap_v your_o carnal_a thing_n 1._o cor._n 9.11_o and_o again_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o philemon_n plead_v with_o he_o for_o his_o unfaithful_a and_o runaway_n servant_n onesimus_n that_o he_o will_v upon_o his_o repentance_n receive_v he_o again_o for_o his_o sake_n i_o will_v recompense_v it_o say_v paul_n albeit_o i_o do_v not_o say_v to_o thou_o that_o thou_o owe_v to_o i_o even_o thy_o own_o self_n yea_o further_n rom._n 15.27_o he_o treat_v about_o that_o great_a beneficence_n of_o many_o church_n send_v to_o the_o christian_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o in_o distress_n through_o the_o dearth_n he_o be_v more_o bold_a to_o tell_v the_o christian_a gentile_n that_o they_o be_v debtor_n unto_o the_o christian_n jew_n even_o for_o the_o inestimable_a benefit_n sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o come_v unto_o the_o gentile_n from_o they_o according_a as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o law_n shall_v go_v forth_o of_o zion_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n isai_n 2._o v._n 3._o and_o ps_n 110.2_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n conclude_v that_o in_o so_o much_o as_o the_o gentile_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o spiritual_a treasure_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o duty_n be_v also_o to_o minister_v to_o they_o in_o carnal_a thing_n but_o this_o point_n have_v be_v more_o full_o handle_v before_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o treatise_n let_v we_o therefore_o leave_v this_o point_n have_v forward_o very_o prayer_n itself_o from_o the_o faithful_a and_o fervent_a heart_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a though_o they_o be_v private_a person_n &_o no_o minister_n &_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v such_o a_o alm_n out_o of_o such_o a_o bless_a treasury_n and_o storehouse_n that_o it_o easy_o counteruail_v the_o outward_a value_n of_o that_o external_a alm_n which_o the_o rich_a man_n take_v out_o of_o his_o purse_n or_o coffer_n yea_o though_o he_o open_v the_o string_n of_o his_o purse_n wide_a and_o stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n very_o liberal_o nevertheless_o the_o wide_a open_v of_o the_o heart_n unto_o prayer_n must_v not_o shut_v out_o the_o care_n of_o retribution_n no_o not_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n whereby_o any_o stand_v indebt_v or_o not_o in_o the_o like_a measure_n if_o so_o there_o be_v need_n and_o if_o god_n give_v ability_n to_o cause_v the_o measure_n to_o be_v press_v down_o and_o to_o run_v over_o according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v affirm_v before_o neither_o must_v it_o shut_v out_o the_o care_n of_o benefit_v the_o posterity_n of_o those_o which_o have_v be_v good_a unto_o us._n and_o here_o also_o for_o want_v of_o a_o fit_a place_n let_v we_o consider_v from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o thankfulness_n to_o honour_v special_a good_a man_n with_o special_a honour_n even_o after_o their_o death_n beneficial_a benefit_a man_n even_o thereby_o stand_v bind_v to_o be_v beneficial_a in_o their_o burial_n for_o so_o it_o be_v write_v of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o their_o commendation_n that_o they_o bury_v jehoiada_n the_o high_a priest_n in_o the_o city_n of_o david_n among_o the_o king_n because_o he_o have_v do_v good_a in_o israel_n and_o towards_o god_n and_o his_o house_n 2_o chro._n ch_n 24.16_o now_o final_o as_o a_o help_n to_o this_o fruit_n of_o thankfulness_n by_o care_n of_o make_v recompense_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o every_o man_n heart_n be_v a_o faithful_a register_n of_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o beneficence_n which_o he_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o yea_o and_o because_o the_o memory_n of_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v less_o apt_a to_o remember_v what_o we_o owe_v than_o what_o we_o make_v reckon_v to_o be_v due_a unto_o we_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o every_o one_o shall_v have_v some_o book_n of_o record_n thereby_o to_o be_v holpen_v by_o the_o sight_n of_o white_a and_o black_a as_o they_o say_v to_o call_v to_o mind_n from_o a_o long_a repetition_n of_o the_o year_n and_o time_n that_o be_v past_a both_o from_o who_o &_o in_o what_o measure_n we_o have_v be_v succour_v by_o the_o beneficence_n &_o merciful_a relief_n of_o this_o and_o that_o good_a servant_n of_o our_o god_n whereunto_o well_o may_v that_o serve_v which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o treatise_n concern_v the_o similitude_n which_o the_o apostle_n allude_v unto_o philip._n 4.15_o we_o have_v be_v long_o in_o this_o three_o fruit_n of_o thankfulness_n the_o four_o be_v this_o that_o for_o want_v of_o occasion_n to_o make_v recompense_n to_o benefactor_n or_o for_o want_v of_o necessity_n on_o their_o part_n or_o their_o child_n that_o we_o learn_v from_o their_o example_n and_o by_o experience_n of_o god_n mercy_n by_o they_o to_o be_v ourselves_o the_o instrument_n of_o god_n to_o exercise_v as_o much_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n as_o we_o may_v and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o able_a from_o the_o purse_n yet_o by_o good_a counsel_n and_o holy_a instruction_n by_o faithful_a deal_n by_o that_o credit_n we_o have_v with_o other_o by_o earnest_a suit_n for_o they_o in_o good_a and_o honest_a cause_n &c_n &c_n for_o there_o shall_v doubtless_o never_o want_v occasion_n of_o beneficence_n one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o those_o that_o be_v beneficiallie_o and_o helpeful_o mind_v the_o poor_a say_v our_o saviour_n christ_n shall_v be_v always_o with_o us._n and_o so_o long_o as_o sin_n be_v in_o the_o world_n yea_o in_o the_o child_n of_o god_n though_o not_o reign_v and_o as_o long_o as_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v violent_a and_o deceitful_a to_o oppress_v and_o deceive_v special_o the_o true_a servant_n and_o child_n of_o god_n and_o as_o long_o as_o the_o devil_n their_o arch-enemie_n bear_v any_o sway_n in_o the_o world_n &_o rule_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o wicked_a to_o push_v they_o forward_o to_o malice_n and_o persecute_v the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n of_o blind_a zeal_n to_o their_o own_o false_a religion_n and_o superstition_n final_o so_o long_o as_o god_n himself_o see_v it_o meet_v yea_o good_a and_o profitable_a for_o his_o child_n to_o be_v humble_v and_o that_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n shall_v be_v exercise_v &_o
abomination_n all_o which_o blasphemous_a impiety_n and_o most_o filthy_a treacherous_a and_o cruel_a practice_n be_v find_v both_o in_o the_o chief_a city_n and_o also_o in_o all_o other_o place_n where_o this_o strumpet_n have_v bear_v any_o sway_n by_o make_v the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n drunken_a with_o the_o wine_n of_o her_o fornication_n for_o these_o cause_n therefore_o say_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v more_o at_o large_a in_o those_o two_o chapter_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o he_o make_v know_v by_o his_o angel_n to_o his_o servant_n john_n this_o most_o filthy_a whore_n shall_v be_v most_o wofullie_o judge_v and_o condemn_v of_o god_n god_n therefore_o i_o say_v yet_o once_o again_o of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o most_o bounteous_a goodness_n give_v all_o that_o be_v he_o both_o among_o they_o and_o among_o ourselves_o and_o in_o all_o church_n true_o profess_v and_o honour_v the_o most_o gracious_a and_o glorious_a name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o in_o this_o so_o great_a and_o weighty_a a_o matter_n of_o christian_a give_v and_o receive_v of_o holy_a beneficence_n which_o so_o general_o and_o so_o near_o concern_v and_o blind_v all_o to_o dutiful_a regard_n in_o either_o respect_n that_o we_o may_v avoid_v all_o the_o error_n and_o sin_n thereinto_o incident_a the_o which_o as_o have_v be_v declare_v be_v many_o and_o great_a and_o so_o escape_v the_o heavy_a plague_n and_o punishment_n of_o god_n due_a to_o the_o same_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o may_v be_v so_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o straight_a line_n and_o even_o and_o equal_a measure_n of_o his_o word_n both_o in_o give_v &_o receive_v here_o for_o a_o while_n that_o for_o ever_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o most_o precious_a and_o invaluable_a gift_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o glorious_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n through_o the_o only_a worthiness_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n three_o most_o glorious_a and_o distinct_a person_n one_o true_a eternal_a and_o everliving_a god_n only_o wise_a holy_a righteous_a gracious_a and_o merciful_a most_o bounteous_a lord_n god_n the_o only_a author_n and_o fountain_n and_o the_o only_o wise_a distributer_n and_o disposer_n of_o all_o good_a gift_n and_o grace_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n be_v all_o praise_n honour_n and_o glory_n majesty_n and_o thanksgiving_n ascribe_v and_o acknowledge_v of_o we_o and_o of_o all_o creature_n both_o visible_a and_o invisible_a both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o namely_o for_o his_o late_a gracious_a succour_n against_o the_o year_n of_o dearth_n among_o ourselves_o for_o renew_v of_o our_o plenty_n for_o the_o suppress_n of_o the_o roguish_a life_n and_o thereby_o for_o open_v of_o a_o door_n to_o the_o more_o orderly_a and_o comfortable_a practice_n of_o true_a liberality_n who_o also_o vouchsafe_v to_o give_v grace_n that_o on_o all_o hand_n it_o may_v be_v du_o practise_v and_o put_v in_o holy_a and_o christian_a execution_n amen_n a_o addition_n of_o choice_n sentence_n gather_v out_o of_o sundry_a writer_n both_o christian_n and_o heathen_a which_o may_v to_o good_a purpose_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o chapter_n of_o either_o part_n of_o the_o treatise_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n hereafter_o specify_v mvlta_fw-la delectant_fw-la pauca_fw-la vincunt_fw-la liberalite_n excellency_n of_o beneficence_n &_o liberalite_n though_o a_o few_o proof_n or_o precept_n bear_v the_o sway_n yet_o variety_n be_v delightsome_a and_o pleasant_a sen._n de_fw-fr benef._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 1._o beneficentia_fw-la ac_fw-la liberalitate_fw-la nihil_fw-la est_fw-la naturae_fw-la hominis_fw-la accommodatius_fw-la nothing_n be_v more_o beseem_a mankind_n then_o beneficence_n and_o liberality_n cicero_n off._n 1._o and_o lib._n 2._o summi_fw-la cuiusque_fw-la bonitas_fw-la common_a perfugium_fw-la est_fw-la omnibus_fw-la as_o every_o man_n be_v in_o more_o high_a estate_n so_o ought_v he_o to_o be_v a_o more_o common_a refuge_n for_o a_o any_o man_n to_o fly_v unto_o nihil_fw-la est_fw-la tantopere_fw-la expetendum_fw-la homini_fw-la inprimis_fw-la diviti_fw-la quà m_fw-la ut_fw-la ex_fw-la animo_fw-la benefaciat_fw-la nothing_o be_v so_o earnest_o to_o be_v desire_v of_o a_o man_n special_o of_o a_o rich_a man_n as_o that_o he_o may_v have_v grace_n to_o be_v hearty_o beneficial_o fr._n junius_n annot_fw-mi prou._n 19_o 22._o it_o be_v a_o special_a blemish_n to_o grave_n and_o learned_a man_n and_o of_o great_a judgement_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v also_o rich_a &_o wealthy_a if_o they_o shall_v be_v note_v to_o be_v nothing_o suitable_a in_o liberality_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a for_o such_o to_o abound_v in_o this_o duty_n it_o give_v they_o as_o great_a a_o grace_n in_o the_o eye_n both_o of_o god_n &_o man_n as_o any_o knowledge_n or_o speech_n or_o any_o other_o or_o all_o their_o gift_n put_v together_o for_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v of_o a_o man_n be_v his_o goodness_n prou._n 19.22_o read_v in_o the_o very_a godly_a and_o fruitful_a lecture_n of_o samuel_n bird_n of_o ypswidge_n upon_o the_o 8._o and_o 9_o chap._n 2._o epist_n cor._n pag._n 26._o 27._o 28._o and_o again_o pag._n 82._o kindness_n to_o other_o gift_n be_v as_o the_o face_n to_o other_o part_n of_o the_o body_n etc._n etc._n i_o pray_v read_v the_o place_n diligent_o and_o all_o other_o the_o godly_a instruction_n of_o that_o little_a book_n upon_o those_o two_o chapter_n for_o as_o he_o true_o say_v pag._n 33._o in_o hard_a time_n if_o man_n will_v know_v what_o regard_n they_o shall_v have_v of_o their_o poor_a brethren_n they_o shall_v consult_v with_o those_o chapter_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v of_o purpose_n set_v down_o his_o holy_a will_n and_o pleasure_n unto_o us._n sentence_n to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o first_o chap._n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o treatise_n apud_fw-la homines_fw-la moderatissimos_fw-la quosque_fw-la praestabilius_fw-la habetur_fw-la beneficium_fw-la dare_v quà m_fw-la accipere_fw-la give_v excellency_n of_o give_v atque_fw-la antiquior_fw-la est_fw-la misericordia_fw-la quà m_fw-la lucrum_fw-la among_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n such_o as_o have_v be_v of_o most_o discreet_a judgement_n it_o have_v be_v account_v a_o more_o excellent_a thing_n to_o give_v then_o to_o receive_v a_o benefit_n &_o more_o honourable_a to_o show_v mercy_n then_o to_o seek_v after_o lucre_n greg._n nazianz._n orat._n 27._o de_fw-la pauperum_fw-la amore_fw-la and_o again_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nihil_fw-la beneficentia_fw-la divinius_fw-la in_o hominem_fw-la cadit_fw-la naz._n orat._n 18._o ad_fw-la cive_v trep_n nulla_fw-la in_o re_fw-la magis_fw-la deo_fw-la simile_n sumus_fw-la quà m_fw-la beneficentia_fw-la we_o be_v in_o nothing_o more_o like_a to_o god_n then_o when_o we_o practise_v beneficence_n pliny_n and_o other_o among_o the_o heathen_a read_v calu._n harm_n euang._n upon_o the_o 45._o verse_n of_o the_o 5._o ch_z of_o matth._n generosi_fw-la animi_fw-la &_o magnifici_fw-la est_fw-la iunare_fw-la &_o prodesse_fw-la he_o have_v a_o right_a gentleman_n like_o and_o noble_a mind_n who_o be_v beneficial_a &_o helpefull_a seneca_n demosthenes_n be_v ask_v wherein_o man_n resemble_v god_n he_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v beneficial_a and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n quis_fw-la tam_fw-la miser_n tam_fw-la neglectus_fw-la qui_fw-la dei_fw-la munificentiam_fw-la non_fw-la senserit_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la quem_fw-la non_fw-la aliquid_fw-la ex_fw-la illo_fw-la benignissimo_fw-la fonte_fw-la manaverit_n who_o be_v so_o miserable_a or_o forlorn_a that_o he_o have_v no_o comfort_n of_o god_n bounty_n and_o to_o who_o nothing_o have_v issue_v from_o that_o most_o gracious_a founiaine_n seneca_n de_fw-fr benefic_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 4._o homo_fw-la nihil_fw-la tam_fw-la dei_fw-la habet_fw-la quà m_fw-la benefacere_fw-la ut_fw-la superius_fw-la dictum_fw-la est_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yet_o god_n in_o great_a matter_n man_n in_o small_a thing_n either_o of_o they_o according_a to_o their_o power_n dei_fw-la proprium_fw-la est_fw-la perpetuo_fw-la saluandi_fw-la study_v teneri_fw-la nec_fw-la hominum_fw-la indignitate_fw-la à _fw-la benefaciendo_fw-la absterreri_fw-la gualterus_n religionis_fw-la summa_fw-la est_fw-la imitare_fw-la quem_fw-la colis_fw-la it_o be_v a_o abridgement_n of_o religion_n for_o a_o man_n to_o imitate_v god_n who_o he_o worship_v aug._n de_fw-fr civit._n dei_fw-la lib._n 8._o cap._n 17._o magna_fw-la certè_fw-la beneficentiae_fw-la laus_fw-la quòd_fw-la teste_fw-la spiritu_fw-la sancto_fw-la piae_fw-la ac_fw-la perfectae_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la summam_fw-la in_o se_fw-la continet_fw-la it_o be_v very_o a_o great_a praise_n of_o beneficence_n in_o so_o much_o
to_o give_v unto_o basil_n serm._n 1._o in_o divites_fw-la avaros_fw-la nihil_fw-la est_fw-la inquit_fw-la ethnicus_fw-la tam_fw-la angusti_fw-la animi_fw-la tamque_fw-la parui_fw-la quà m_fw-la amare_fw-la divitias_fw-la cicero_n off._n 1._o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o say_v nihil_fw-la est_fw-la honestius_fw-la magnificentiusque_fw-la quà m_fw-la pecuniam_fw-la contemnere_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la hahea_n si_fw-la habeas_fw-la ad_fw-la beneficentiam_fw-la liberalitatemque_fw-la confer_v sentence_n to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o 3._o chapter_n the_o lord_n god_n be_v very_o just_o call_v even_o of_o the_o heathen_a reward_v they_o that_o be_v liberal_a &_o give_v as_o the_o aught_o shall_v be_v certain_o reward_v optimus_fw-la maximus_fw-la the_o best_a and_o the_o great_a optimus_fw-la i_o benignissimus_fw-la &_o beneficentissimus_fw-la the_o most_o gracious_a &_o bountiful_a maximus_n i_o maiestate_fw-la magnificentiaque_fw-la supremus_fw-la that_o be_v the_o most_o high_a and_o excellent_a in_o the_o supremacy_n of_o person_n and_o magnificencie_n of_o all_o his_o work_n dominus_fw-la ut_fw-la quam_fw-la plurimos_fw-la ad_fw-la bevenolentiam_fw-la discipulis_fw-la praestandam_fw-la invitet_fw-la in_fw-la svas_fw-la tabulas_fw-la acceptum_fw-la far_o non_fw-la gravatur_fw-la quicquid_fw-la istis_fw-la datum_fw-la fuerit_fw-la to_o the_o end_n the_o lord_n may_v move_v as_o many_o as_o may_v be_v to_o show_v good_a will_v and_o favour_n to_o his_o desciple_n he_o think_v not_o much_o to_o enter_v into_o his_o book_n of_o account_n whatsoever_o any_o shall_v give_v unto_o they_o caluinus_n in_o matth._n 10.40_o etc._n etc._n lucrum_fw-la est_fw-la pietatis_fw-la nomine_fw-la facere_fw-la sumptum_fw-la it_o be_v gain_v to_o to_o be_v at_o charge_n for_o godliness_n sake_n when_o the_o poor_a be_v refresh_v etc._n etc._n tertull._n apol._n adversus_fw-la gentes_fw-la cap._n 39_o deo_fw-la dare_v accipere_fw-la est_fw-la to_o give_v unto_o god_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o receive_v a_o gift_n from_o he_o greg._n naz._n orat._n de_fw-la pauperum_fw-la amore_fw-la beneficia_fw-la in_o alios_fw-la collata_fw-la in_o ipsum_fw-la beneficij_fw-la autorem_fw-la revertuntur_fw-la benefit_n bestow_v upon_o other_o do_v redound_v to_o the_o benefit_n of_o those_o that_o do_v bestow_v they_o theodoretus_n in_o psal_n 49._o si_fw-mi nudum_fw-la vestias_fw-la teipsum_fw-la indâ—is_fw-la iustitia_fw-la etc._n etc._n non_fw-la mediocris_fw-la est_fw-la ista_fw-la gratiae_fw-la corporalia_fw-la seminas_fw-la &_o recipis_fw-la spiritualia_fw-la when_o thou_o clothe_v the_o naked_a thou_o do_v apparel_v thyself_o with_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v no_o mean_a favour_n thou_o sowe_v corporal_a thing_n and_o thou_o receive_v spiritual_a blessing_n amb._n off._n lib_n 1._o cap._n 11._o sementis_fw-la nunc_fw-la tempus_fw-la dispergamus_n ut_fw-la congregemus_fw-la now_o be_v the_o seed_n time_n let_v we_o scatter_v abroad_o that_o we_o may_v gather_v together_o chrisost_n in_o 3._o cap._n joh._n hom._n 24._o ne_fw-fr parum_fw-la metamus_fw-la plurima_fw-la seminemus_fw-la let_v we_o sow_v much_o lest_o we_o reap_v little_a cyp._n serm._n 1_o de_fw-fr eleemo._n foecundus_fw-la est_fw-la agre_z pauperum_fw-la citò_fw-la reddit_fw-la dominantibus_fw-la fructum_fw-la the_o field_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v very_o fruitful_a it_o yeldee_v a_o quick_a return_n of_o profit_n to_o the_o owner_n of_o it_o aug._n serm._n 25._o de_fw-fr verbis_fw-la dom._n quisquis_fw-la voluerit_fw-la fieri_fw-la dive_v pauper_fw-la fiat_fw-la ut_fw-la sit_fw-la dive_v consumat_fw-la ut_fw-la colligat_fw-la spargat_fw-la ut_fw-la congreget_fw-la vide_fw-la agricolan_n etc._n etc._n seminemus_fw-la itaque_fw-la &_o nos_fw-la coelumque_fw-la velut_fw-la agrum_fw-la colamus_fw-la ut_fw-la magna_fw-la metamus_fw-la abundatia_fw-la aeternisque_fw-la bonis_fw-la fruamur_fw-la gratia_fw-la &_o benignitate_fw-la etc._n etc._n whosoever_o will_v grow_v to_o be_v a_o rich_a man_n let_v he_o be_v a_o poor_a man_n that_o he_o may_v be_v rich_a let_v he_o make_v a_o holy_a waist_n that_o he_o may_v increase_v let_v he_o scatter_v that_o he_o may_v gather_v behold_v the_o husbandman_n etc._n etc._n let_v we_o therefore_o sow_v also_o &_o till_o the_o field_n of_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v that_o we_o may_v reap_v very_o abundant_o and_o may_v enjoy_v eternal_a good_a thing_n even_o favour_n and_o bounty_n to_o wit_n from_o the_o merciful_a hand_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n chriso_v in_o rom._n cap._n 3._o in_o morali_fw-la exhort_v qui_fw-la pauperibus_fw-la benefaciunt_fw-la nihilominus_fw-la sibi_fw-la consulunt_fw-la ac_fw-la si_fw-la sva_fw-la praedia_fw-la irrigarent_fw-la eleemosynis_fw-la enim_fw-la tanquam_fw-la canalibus_fw-la dei_fw-la benedictionem_fw-la qua_fw-la locupletentur_fw-la in_fw-la se_fw-la dirivant_fw-fr they_o that_o be_v beneficial_a to_o the_o poor_a do_v no_o less_o benefit_v themselves_o then_o if_o they_o shall_v water_v their_o farme-grounde_n for_o by_o their_o almes-giving_a they_o do_v derive_v unto_o themselves_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v by_o conduit_n pipe_n which_o make_v they_o rich_a caluin_n in_o cap._n 9_o verse_n 8._o 2._o ep_n ad_fw-la cor._n beneficium_fw-la largientis_fw-la praebenti_fw-la magis_fw-la permanet_fw-la quam_fw-la suscipienti_fw-la sicut_fw-la frumentum_fw-la quod_fw-la seminatur_fw-la in_o terra_fw-la ad_fw-la seminantis_fw-la potius_fw-la quà m_fw-la ad_fw-la suscipientis_fw-la lucra_fw-la redit_fw-la sit_fw-la ergo_fw-la tibi_fw-la finis_fw-la agriculturae_fw-la huius_fw-la initium_fw-la coelestium_fw-la sationum_fw-la the_o benefit_n of_o the_o liberal_a giver_n remain_v rather_o with_o the_o giver_n then_o with_o the_o receiver_n like_a as_o the_o corn_n which_o be_v sow_v in_o the_o ground_n return_v to_o the_o gain_n of_o he_o that_o sow_v it_o rather_o than_o of_o the_o ground_n that_o receive_v it_o wherefore_o let_v the_o end_n of_o this_o tillage_n and_o husbandry_n be_v unto_o thou_o the_o beginning_n of_o thy_o heavenly_a sow_v ambros_n sermone_fw-la 81._o prout_n tibi_fw-la aderunt_fw-la facultates_fw-la in_fw-la multitudinem_fw-la facito_fw-la ex_fw-la eye_n eleemosynam_fw-la sin_n parum_fw-la tibi_fw-la fuerit_fw-la pro_fw-la paucitate_fw-la ne_fw-la metuas_fw-la facere_fw-la eleemosynam_fw-la if_o thou_o have_v great_a riches_n give_v much_o if_o thou_o have_v but_o little_a yet_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o give_v a_o little_a alm_n for_o so_o thou_o lay_v up_o a_o good_a treasure_n for_o thyself_o against_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o necessity_n tob._n ch_n 4.8.9_o and_o when_o thou_o give_v of_o that_o little_a which_o thou_o have_v do_v it_o in_o this_o manner_n say_v a_o learned_a father_n pray_v to_o god_n in_o these_o or_o such_o like_a word_n i_o have_v small_a store_n as_o thou_o konwe_v o_o lord_n yet_o see_v there_o be_v great_a need_n set_v before_o i_o thy_o commandment_n i_o give_v my_o needy_a brother_n of_o that_o little_a which_o i_o have_v give_v thou_o also_o to_o thy_o servant_n o_o lord_n whensoever_o i_o shall_v stand_v in_o need_n i_o have_v have_v good_a experience_n of_o thy_o goodness_n and_o i_o have_v good_a trust_n that_o thou_o will_v not_o long_a delay_n to_o help_v etc._n etc._n thus_o do_v thy_o seed_n no_o doubt_n will_v yield_v thou_o a_o harvest_n basilius_n 3_o concione_n in_o dinites_n avares_n quòd_fw-la deum_fw-la precatur_fw-la paulus_n ut_fw-la mercedem_fw-la rependat_fw-la onesiphoro_fw-la 2._o tim._n 1.16_o etc._n etc._n vim_o habet_fw-la promissionis_fw-la in_o that_o paul_n pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v render_v onesiphorus_n a_o reward_n it_o contain_v the_o warrant_n of_o a_o promise_n nisi_fw-la promssio_fw-la dei_fw-la ad_fw-la benignitatem_fw-la exercendam_fw-la acriter_fw-la nos_fw-la solicitet_fw-la ac_fw-la stimulet_n plusquam_fw-la stupidi_fw-la sumus_fw-la if_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v not_o forcible_o provoke_v and_o prick_v we_o forward_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o liberality_n we_o be_v more_o than_o senseless_a calu._n in_o 2._o tim._n 1.18_o and_o again_o upon_o matth._n 25.39_o plusquam_fw-la socordes_fw-la esse_fw-la oportet_fw-la nisi_fw-la ex_fw-la visceribus_fw-la nostris_fw-la misericordiam_fw-la exprimat_fw-la haec_fw-la sententia_fw-la christum_fw-la sc_n vel_fw-la negligi_fw-la vel_fw-la coli_fw-la in_o eorum_fw-la persona_fw-la qui_fw-la auxilio_fw-la nostro_fw-la indigent_a itaque_fw-la quoties_fw-la ad_fw-la miseros_fw-la iwandos_fw-mi pigrescimus_fw-la veniat_fw-la nobis_fw-la filius_fw-la dei_fw-la ante_fw-la oculos_fw-la cvi_fw-la aliquid_fw-la negare_fw-la immane_a sacrilegium_fw-la est_fw-la we_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o than_o sottish_a or_o heartless_a unless_o this_o sentence_n do_v draw_v mercy_n out_o of_o our_o bowel_n see_v christ_n himself_o be_v either_o neglect_v or_o regard_v in_o the_o person_n of_o they_o that_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o help_n wherefore_o so_o often_o as_o we_o wax_v sluggish_a in_o succour_v those_o that_o be_v distress_v let_v the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v before_o our_o eye_n unto_o who_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v any_o thing_n he_o shall_v commit_v horrible_a sacrilege_n pauperis_fw-la est_fw-la orare_fw-la &_o divitis_fw-la erogare_fw-la dei_fw-la est_fw-la pro_fw-la paruis_fw-la magna_fw-la pensare_fw-la it_o beseem_v the_o poor_a man_n to_o speak_v by_o way_n of_o entreaty_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n to_o disburse_v liberal_o but_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o god_n to_o recompense_v small_a thing_n with_o great_a aug._n serm._n 25._o