return_v unto_o we_o a_o fruitful_a harvest_n sect._n 7._o that_o we_o must_v give_v alm_n constant_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o object_n of_o our_o alm_n the_o time_n of_o perform_v this_o duty_n be_v daily_o continual_o and_o constant_o as_o our_o ability_n will_v bear_v and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a shall_v require_v according_a 6_o eccles_n 11_o 6_o to_o that_o eccles_n 11._o 6._o in_o the_o morning_n sow_v thy_o seed_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n hold_v not_o thy_o hand_n and_o this_o assiduity_n in_o the_o action_n be_v employ_v in_o the_o object_n for_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o the_o godly_a man_n give_v to_o the_o poor_a he_o impli_v thus_o much_o that_o he_o continue_v give_v so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o poverty_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o his_o bounty_n till_o he_o see_v a_o end_n of_o their_o want_n neither_o do_v he_o upbraid_v the_o poor_a man_n with_o remembrance_n of_o former_a benefit_n when_o he_o renu_v his_o suit_n as_o though_o it_o be_v too_o great_a boldness_n in_o he_o to_o crave_v often_o and_o superfluous_a for_o himself_o to_o give_v often_o to_o the_o same_o person_n but_o remember_v that_o his_o heavenly_a father_n renu_v his_o mercy_n unto_o he_o every_o morning_n and_o harkn_v gracious_o to_o his_o suit_n so_o often_o as_o he_o want_v and_o crave_v he_o imitate_v his_o unwearied_a goodness_n &_o give_v often_o to_o the_o same_o poor_a man_n according_a to_o his_o own_o ability_n and_o the_o other_o necessity_n if_o he_o see_v that_o his_o want_n be_v not_o cause_v through_o his_o idleness_n and_o negligence_n but_o through_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n lie_v heavy_a upon_o he_o or_o if_o god_n have_v provide_v otherwise_o for_o those_o who_o we_o have_v former_o relieve_v this_o must_v not_o put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o charity_n and_o almesdeede_n see_v the_o godly_a man_n give_v to_o the_o poor_a that_o be_v so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o poor_a so_o long_o he_o give_v his_o liberality_n not_o be_v appropriate_v unto_o any_o person_n but_o extend_v itself_o to_o the_o same_o estate_n and_o condition_n of_o poverty_n when_o as_o he_o find_v it_o in_o new_a subject_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o fountain_n send_v forth_o it_o stream_n first_o fill_v one_o empty_a hole_n as_o it_o run_v and_o then_o go_v into_o another_o and_o never_o cease_v till_o it_o have_v fill_v all_o so_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o righteous_a man_n bounty_n never_o cease_v to_o communicate_v the_o stream_n of_o his_o beneficence_n but_o after_o he_o have_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o one_o and_o many_o he_o still_o seek_v after_o more_o and_o never_o think_v himself_o so_o rich_a in_o good_a work_n and_o almesdeede_n that_o now_o he_o may_v give_v over_o and_o spend_v upon_o the_o stock_n blessing_n himself_o in_o his_o former_a bounty_n but_o still_o he_o continue_v his_o spiritual_a trade_n and_o never_o faint_v until_o the_o great_a paimaister_n have_v give_v he_o a_o everlasting_a reward_n and_o because_o god_n have_v so_o ordain_v that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v poor_a according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o poor_a you_o shall_v always_o have_v 11._o math._n 26._o 11._o with_o you_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o of_o rich_a man_n bounty_n and_o obedience_n that_o so_o both_o be_v approve_v both_o may_v also_o be_v rich_o reward_v therefore_o he_o resolve_v to_o be_v constant_a in_o his_o beneficence_n and_o that_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n who_o have_v command_v it_o according_a to_o that_o deut._n 15._o 11._o the_o poor_a shall_v never_o cease_v out_o of_o the_o land_n therefore_o i_o command_v thou_o say_v thou_o shall_v open_v 11._o deut._n â—5_n 11._o thy_o hand_n wide_a unto_o thy_o brother_n to_o thy_o poor_a and_o thy_o needy_a in_o the_o land_n the_o which_o perseverance_n in_o well_o do_v have_v the_o promise_n of_o reward_n appropriate_v unto_o it_o gal._n 6._o 9_o let_v we_o not_o say_v the_o apostle_n 9_o gal._n 6_o 9_o be_v weary_a of_o well_o do_v for_o in_o due_a season_n we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o and_o therefore_o as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n let_v we_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o man_n especial_o to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n chap._n 5._o what_o almesdeede_n be_v and_o of_o the_o true_a cause_n from_o which_o they_o arise_v sect._n 1_o that_o man_n be_v grow_v cold_a in_o these_o work_n of_o mercy_n we_o have_v entreat_v according_a to_o our_o order_n propound_v of_o the_o action_n and_o object_n of_o almesdeede_n several_o &_o now_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o join_v they_o together_o he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o poor_a in_o which_o word_n he_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o virtue_n or_o property_n of_o a_o godly_a and_o righteous_a man_n to_o be_v liberal_a in_o almesdeede_n and_o in_o those_o special_a work_n of_o mercy_n and_o beneficence_n whereby_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a be_v comfort_v and_o relieve_v the_o which_o duty_n in_o this_o freeze_a age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v much_o neglect_v by_o reason_n that_o self_n love_n and_o covetousness_n do_v so_o abound_v and_o man_n be_v grow_v so_o cold_a and_o careless_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o charitable_a action_n that_o their_o heart_n seem_v freeze_v unto_o such_o a_o icy_a if_o not_o flinty_a hardness_n that_o the_o deep_a sigh_n and_o scald_a tear_n of_o the_o distress_a poor_a can_v thaw_n or_o supple_a they_o and_o their_o hand_n stiff_a and_o benumb_a be_v forsake_v of_o the_o kindly_a heat_n of_o charity_n and_o devotion_n that_o they_o can_v stretch_v they_o out_o to_o perform_v these_o christian_a duty_n yea_o this_o utter_a neglect_n or_o slack_a performance_n of_o the_o work_n of_o mercy_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v and_o even_o with_o tear_n of_o blood_n to_o be_v lament_v not_o only_o among_o carnal_a worldling_n who_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o thing_n have_v no_o show_n or_o semblance_n of_o any_o goodness_n in_o they_o but_o even_o among_o professor_n of_o religion_n by_o reason_n that_o covetousness_n pride_n and_o self-love_n do_v so_o reign_v and_o rule_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o most_o that_o rhi_v christian_a duty_n which_o be_v so_o often_o commend_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o magnify_v so_o much_o in_o the_o writing_n of_o antiquity_n be_v grow_v almost_o so_o out_o of_o use_n that_o now_o if_o ever_o it_o need_v urge_v sect._n 2._o what_o almsdeed_n be_v in_o which_o regard_n i_o will_v the_o more_o large_o insist_v upon_o it_o and_o first_o i_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o duty_n itself_o and_o then_o of_o the_o reason_n which_o may_v enforce_v it_o the_o duty_n itself_o be_v almesdeede_n or_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a which_o be_v a_o good_a work_n or_o work_v of_o mercy_n whereby_o a_o christian_a out_o of_o faith_n obedience_n charity_n and_o compassion_n communicate_v and_o give_v something_o necessary_a for_o the_o sustentation_n of_o life_n unto_o the_o poor_a for_o their_o relief_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o their_o want_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o their_o mutual_a good_a by_o which_o description_n it_o appear_v that_o howsoever_o any_o man_n may_v give_v gift_n yet_o only_o the_o christian_n and_o godly_a man_n can_v right_o perform_v this_o duty_n of_o almesdeede_n for_o it_o be_v a_o good_a work_n and_o there_o be_v none_o do_v good_a but_o those_o that_o be_v good_a neither_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o 33._o math._n â—_o 18_o and_o 12._o 33._o there_o shall_v be_v good_a fruit_n unless_o it_o spring_v from_o a_o good_a tree_n it_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n unto_o god_n which_o none_o can_v offer_v but_o those_o that_o serve_v he_o yea_o a_o christian_a sacrifice_n which_o not_o any_o can_v offer_v in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n unless_o they_o themselves_o in_o christ_n be_v first_o accept_v sect._n 3_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o almesdeede_n from_o which_o they_o arise_v 1._o faith_n but_o this_o will_v more_o plain_o appear_v by_o that_o which_o follow_v in_o the_o description_n which_o show_v the_o true_a fountain_n out_o of_o which_o almesdeede_n flow_v as_o faith_n obedience_n charity_n mercy_n all_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o godly_a christian_a it_o follow_v that_o these_o work_n of_o mercy_n be_v also_o peculiar_a unto_o he_o first_o then_o our_o alm_n be_v to_o arise_v from_o a_o lively_a faith_n which_o formalize_v all_o the_o christian_n action_n and_o put_v the_o main_a difference_n between_o their_o work_n and_o the_o same_o work_v do_v by_o worldling_n for_o first_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n be_v good_a unto_o we_o before_o we_o can_v show_v any_o goodness_n towards_o our_o brethren_n that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o all_o we_o have_v before_o we_o will_v part_v with_o
vanity_n will_v call_v necessary_a and_o shall_v they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o lay_v up_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n nor_o to_o send_v some_o small_a part_n of_o their_o wealth_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o those_o eternal_a mansion_n if_o their_o husband_n do_v not_o give_v allowance_n who_o care_v not_o to_o have_v any_o store_n lay_v up_o in_o that_o country_n because_o they_o mean_v never_o to_o travail_v thither_o let_v divine_n than_o be_v ashamed_a of_o make_v such_o a_o limitation_n and_o restraint_n which_o so_o much_o tend_v to_o god_n dishonour_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o charitable_a and_o christian_n duty_n sect._n 15._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o former_a point_n let_v this_o then_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o point_n that_o the_o chief_a authority_n over_o the_o person_n of_o the_o wife_n and_o their_o common_a estate_n be_v in_o the_o husband_n and_o that_o the_o wife_n have_v also_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o all_o he_o have_v both_o in_o respect_n of_o propriety_n and_o use_n take_v it_o in_o the_o large_a signification_n for_o all_o employment_n which_o may_v bring_v good_a either_o to_o her_o soul_n or_o body_n the_o which_o both_o of_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o further_a in_o one_o another_o by_o all_o good_a mean_n it_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o common_a duty_n of_o marriage_n to_o advance_v their_o mutual_a good_a and_o therefore_o the_o good_a woman_n of_o who_o we_o read_v 2._o king_n 4._o 10._o join_v both_o these_o together_o 10._o 2._o king_n 4._o 10._o and_o make_v suit_n unto_o her_o husband_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o acknowledge_v his_o superior_a authority_n but_o yet_o attribute_v a_o part_n of_o the_o action_n to_o be_v do_v unto_o herself_o see_v it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o those_o good_n in_o which_o she_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o she_o say_v not_o i_o will_v make_v he_o a_o chamber_n to_o infringe_v her_o husband_n authority_n nor_o do_v you_o make_v he_o a_o chamber_n to_o impair_v she_o own_o right_a but_z let_v we_o i_o pray_v thou_o make_v he_o a_o chamber_n neither_o let_v any_o man_n here_o say_v that_o this_o make_v against_o i_o because_o she_o will_v not_o do_v it_o of_o herself_o without_o her_o husband_n consent_n see_v no_o man_n ever_o dream_v that_o the_o wife_n shall_v take_v upon_o she_o so_o to_o do_v if_o she_o can_v possible_o by_o any_o good_a mean_n obtain_v her_o husband_n allowance_n sect._n 16._o the_o first_o reason_n that_o all_o good_a work_n be_v enjoin_v unto_o the_o wife_n as_o well_o as_o unto_o the_o husband_n and_o thus_o have_v untie_v the_o hard_a knot_n in_o this_o controversy_n and_o remove_v the_o main_a block_n which_o do_v lie_v in_o the_o way_n the_o reason_n which_o may_v further_o be_v produce_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o point_n will_v find_v a_o fair_a and_o easy_a entrance_n and_o first_o all_o good_a action_n and_o work_n of_o mercy_n be_v charge_v as_o well_o upon_o the_o wife_n as_o the_o husband_n and_o where_o any_o commandment_n require_v they_o be_v propound_v it_o extend_v as_o well_o to_o the_o woman_n as_o the_o man_n as_o namely_o relieve_n the_o poor_a feed_v the_o hungry_a visit_v the_o sick_a clothing_n the_o naked_a &_o such_o like_a and_o therefore_o the_o wife_n be_v no_o less_o bind_v to_o do_v they_o than_o the_o husband_n and_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o punishment_n if_o she_o do_v neglect_v they_o yea_o not_o only_o these_o good_a work_n be_v general_o command_v to_o all_o mankind_n but_o especial_o to_o this_o sex_n as_o appear_v 1._o tim._n 2._o 10._o where_o the_o apostle_n 10._o 1._o tim._n 2._o 10._o forbid_v woman_n braid_a hair_n gold_n pearl_n and_o costly_a array_n and_o require_v that_o instead_o of_o they_o they_o shall_v as_o become_v woman_n profess_v godliness_n adorn_v themselves_o with_o good_a work_n now_o if_o any_o say_v that_o they_o must_v do_v work_n of_o mercy_n out_o of_o that_o which_o be_v their_o own_o and_o not_o out_o of_o their_o husband_n good_n to_o this_o i_o have_v answer_v that_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o marriage_n they_o have_v to_o all_o good_a purpose_n the_o lawful_a use_n of_o that_o which_o be_v in_o their_o possession_n and_o if_o they_o affirm_v that_o she_o be_v inferior_a to_o her_o husband_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o do_v any_o of_o these_o work_n without_o his_o consent_n i_o answer_v that_o as_o she_o be_v inferior_a to_o her_o husband_n so_o both_o he_o and_o she_o to_o the_o supreme_a sovereign_n and_o therefore_o though_o she_o be_v to_o show_v subjection_n and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o her_o husband_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o indifferent_a yet_o not_o where_o god_n command_v the_o contrary_a see_v here_o the_o apostle_n rule_n take_v place_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n then_o man_n for_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a 5._o act._n 5._o lord_n of_o all_o and_o the_o husband_n but_o a_o steward_n and_o inferior_a officer_n under_o he_o to_o dispose_v of_o his_o good_n as_o he_o command_v and_o to_o give_v unto_o his_o fellow-servant_n their_o portion_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o now_o if_o he_o neglect_v this_o duty_n and_o convert_v all_o to_o his_o own_o use_n like_o a_o miser_n or_o misspend_v his_o master_n good_n in_o excess_n and_o riot_n the_o wife_n who_o be_v join_v in_o commission_n with_o he_o as_o a_o inferior_a officer_n be_v not_o to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o these_o course_n and_o so_o make_v herself_o partaker_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o punishment_n but_o to_o employ_v that_o which_o be_v under_o her_o hand_n in_o her_o master_n service_n and_o to_o perform_v those_o good_a duty_n to_o her_o fellow-servant_n which_o he_o neglect_v sect._n 17._o a_o objection_n answer_v yea_o but_o the_o husband_n have_v such_o authority_n over_o his_o wife_n that_o though_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n she_o shall_v make_v a_o vow_n unto_o god_n to_o consecrate_v any_o thing_n unto_o his_o service_n it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o disannul_v and_o make_v it_o void_a to_o which_o i_o answer_v 30._o num._n 30._o that_o vow_n be_v either_o of_o thing_n absolute_o command_v or_o of_o thing_n indifferent_a either_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o circumstance_n the_o former_a vow_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o general_a vow_n which_o we_o make_v unto_o god_n in_o baptism_n as_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o circumcision_n and_o such_o no_o power_n of_o man_n can_v make_v void_a and_o disannul_v but_o these_o be_v improper_o call_v vow_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v absolute_o bind_v to_o perform_v &_o be_v not_o at_o all_o leave_v at_o our_o choice_n but_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o vow_n which_o be_v of_o thing_n indifferent_a at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o wife_n may_v be_v make_v void_a by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o husband_n and_o of_o these_o that_o place_n in_o the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v for_o example_n if_o the_o wife_n vow_v unto_o god_n that_o she_o will_v bestow_v some_o part_n of_o her_o good_n in_o do_v work_n of_o mercy_n the_o husband_n authority_n can_v make_v it_o void_a because_o god_n himself_o have_v require_v it_o but_o if_o she_o vow_v that_o she_o will_v give_v such_o and_o so_o great_a a_o sum_n to_o these_o use_n the_o husband_n by_o his_o authority_n may_v disannul_v it_o when_o as_o it_o be_v more_o than_o his_o estate_n will_v well_o bear_v or_o that_o it_o be_v otherwise_o unfit_a in_o respect_n of_o other_o circumstance_n be_v wise_o and_o religious_o consider_v sect._n 18._o that_o work_v of_o mercy_n be_v commend_v in_o the_o wife_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o husband_n the_o second_o reason_n be_v that_o almsdeed_n and_o the_o work_n of_o mercy_n be_v no_o less_o commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o wife_n then_o in_o the_o husband_n for_o as_o it_o be_v here_o make_v a_o sign_n or_o property_n of_o a_o bless_a man_n that_o he_o disperse_v and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a so_o elsewhere_o of_o a_o virtuous_a and_o good_a woman_n as_o pro._n 31._o 20._o she_o stretch_v out_o her_o hand_n to_o 20._o pro._n 31._o 20._o the_o poor_a yea_o she_o reach_v out_o her_o hand_n to_o the_o needy_a by_o which_o phrase_n of_o stretch_v and_o reachidg_n out_o the_o hand_n be_v signify_v not_o only_o that_o she_o give_v somewhat_o but_o liberal_o and_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o her_o ability_n and_o not_o without_o good_a cause_n be_v it_o make_v a_o note_n of_o a_o gracious_a wife_n because_o alm_n deed_n be_v ordinary_o do_v out_o of_o household_n store_n and_o provision_n the_o administration_n and_o dispose_n
be_v not_o hypocritical_a and_o counterfeit_a in_o which_o regard_n the_o apostle_n paul_n bring_v the_o corinthian_n to_o this_o touchstone_n of_o almesdeed_n to_o prove_v the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o 24._o 2._o cor._n 8._o 8._o 24._o love_n 2._o cor._n 8._o 8._o and_o again_o verse_n 24._o show_v you_o to_o they_o and_o before_o the_o church_n the_o proof_n of_o your_o love_n and_o the_o apostle_n james_n also_o plain_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o unprofitable_a and_o hypocritical_a love_n to_o make_v show_n of_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n in_o word_n and_o to_o perform_v nothing_o in_o deed_n jam._n 2._o 15._o five_o these_o almesdeede_n be_v notable_a sign_n 15._o jam._n 2._o 15._o whereby_o we_o may_v be_v comfortable_o assure_v of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n for_o though_o they_o be_v not_o cause_n of_o pardon_n by_o satisfy_v god_n justice_n as_o the_o papist_n absurd_o teach_v yet_o be_v they_o testimony_n unto_o we_o that_o they_o be_v pardon_v for_o our_o mercy_n towards_o the_o poor_a arise_v from_o the_o assurance_n which_o we_o first_o have_v of_o god_n mercy_n towards_o we_o &_o as_o our_o give_v much_o to_o christ_n poor_a member_n for_o his_o sake_n do_v show_v that_o we_o love_v much_o for_o if_o we_o do_v this_o to_o the_o foot_n how_o much_o more_o will_v we_o do_v it_o to_o our_o head_n himself_o so_o our_o love_v much_o be_v a_o infallible_a sign_n that_o many_o sin_n be_v forgive_v we_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v to_o the_o woman_n luk._n 7._o 27._o last_o by_o these_o almesdeede_n 47._o luk._n 7._o 47._o and_o work_n of_o mercy_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v godly_a and_o bless_a man_n sound_a christian_n and_o true_a citizen_n of_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n for_o here_o in_o this_o psalm_n it_o be_v make_v a_o note_n and_o property_n of_o a_o bless_a &_o good_a man_n not_o as_o the_o world_n speak_v to_o have_v good_n in_o possession_n for_o dives_fw-la in_o the_o parable_n be_v such_o a_o good_a man_n and_o yet_o afterward_o cast_v into_o hell_n but_o to_o do_v good_a by_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a &_o relieve_v the_o poor_a member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o that_o prou._n 14._o 21._o he_o that_o have_v mercy_n 21._o prou._n 14._o 21._o on_o the_o poor_a happy_a be_v he_o and_o without_o the_o do_n of_o these_o work_n of_o mercy_n we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n that_o we_o be_v now_o good_a man_n and_o subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n or_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v citizen_n of_o heaven_n for_o how_o can_v there_o be_v any_o goodness_n in_o we_o and_o we_o not_o exercise_v it_o in_o do_v good_a unto_o other_o how_o be_v we_o subject_n of_o god_n kingdom_n if_o we_o will_v not_o yield_v he_o obedience_n in_o one_o of_o his_o chief_a commandment_n how_o be_v we_o stranger_n here_o and_o citizen_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n if_o we_o mind_n only_o worldly_a wealth_n and_o have_v our_o heart_n fast_o nail_v to_o the_o earth_n how_o can_v we_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o continue_v still_o vassal_n unto_o the_o earthly_a mammon_n not_o part_v with_o the_o least_o part_n of_o it_o to_o approve_v our_o love_n unto_o he_o final_o how_o have_v christ_n our_o heart_n if_o it_o still_o remain_v fasten_v to_o riches_n or_o how_o be_v heaven_n our_o country_n when_o as_o we_o will_v send_v none_o of_o our_o wealth_n thither_o before_o we_o sect._n 4._o that_o by_o these_o work_n of_o mercy_n we_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o interest_n unto_o god_n promise_n the_o four_o main_a argument_n to_o persuade_v we_o with_o cheerfulness_n to_o the_o exercise_v these_o work_n of_o mercy_n be_v because_o hereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o right_n and_o title_n unto_o god_n most_o gracious_a promise_n the_o which_o be_v either_o general_a or_o more_o special_a general_o god_n make_v this_o promise_n that_o if_o we_o cast_v our_o bread_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o water_n 1._o eccles_n 11._o 1._o we_o shall_v after_o many_o day_n find_v it_o eccles_n 11._o 1._o and_o in_o this_o text_n that_o if_o we_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a our_o righteousness_n that_o be_v the_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n of_o these_o work_n of_o mercy_n shall_v remain_v for_o ever_o so_o our_o saviour_n promise_v that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n see_v our_o almesdeede_n which_o we_o do_v in_o secret_a will_v reward_v we_o open_o matth._n 6._o 4._o and_o lest_o any_o shall_v be_v discourage_v from_o perform_v these_o duty_n because_o he_o be_v able_a to_o give_v but_o little_a our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o that_o whosoever_o give_v but_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a 4._o matth_n 6_o 4._o water_n unto_o a_o disciple_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n he_o shall_v in_o no_o wise_n lose_v his_o reward_n matth._n 10._o 42._o for_o 42._o matth._n 10._o 42._o this_o reward_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o excellency_n and_o merit_n of_o the_o work_n but_o upon_o god_n righteousness_n and_o truth_n in_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n according_a ding_o to_o that_o heb._n 6._o 10._o for_o god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a 10._o heb._n 6._o 10._o to_o forget_v your_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n which_o you_o have_v show_v towards_o his_o name_n in_o that_o you_o have_v minister_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o do_v minister_v whereby_o he_o impli_v it_o that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o possible_a that_o those_o who_o in_o love_n and_o obedience_n have_v exercise_v themselves_o in_o these_o work_n of_o mercy_n shall_v lose_v their_o reward_n then_o that_o god_n himself_o shall_v lose_v his_o righteousness_n and_o these_o with_o such_o like_a be_v the_o general_a promise_n in_o which_o be_v comprehend_v all_o particular_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n respect_v this_o life_n or_o the_o life_n to_o come_v beside_o which_o there_o be_v many_o special_a promise_n which_o may_v encourage_v we_o to_o exercise_v ourselves_o daily_o in_o these_o work_n of_o mercy_n as_o first_o that_o whatsoever_o we_o give_v in_o this_o kind_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v lose_v but_o we_o shall_v sure_o have_v it_o restore_v unto_o we_o again_o for_o though_o there_o appear_v no_o more_o possibility_n of_o have_v those_o good_n return_v unto_o we_o then_o of_o receive_v the_o bread_n which_o we_o cast_v into_o the_o sea_n yet_o be_v thus_o cast_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o water_n they_o be_v not_o cast_v away_o for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assure_v we_o that_o after_o many_o day_n even_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o long_o lose_v that_o they_o be_v quite_o forget_v than_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o for_o so_o the_o faithful_a be_v put_v in_o mind_n by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n of_o their_o work_n of_o mercy_n when_o they_o seem_v utter_o to_o have_v forget_v they_o as_o appeareth_z by_o their_o question_n when_o see_v we_o thou_o a_o hungry_a and_o feed_v 44._o matth._n 25._o 44._o thou_o or_o thirsty_a and_o give_v thou_o drink_v etc._n etc._n so_o our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o give_v it_o shall_v be_v give_v unto_o we_o again_o luk._n 6._o 38._o and_o the_o wiseman_n 58._o luk._n 6._o 58._o tell_v we_o that_o he_o who_o have_v pity_n on_o the_o poor_a dare_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o which_o he_o have_v give_v he_o will_v repay_v he_o again_o prou._n 19_o 17._o neither_o in_o 17._o prou._n 19_o 17._o truth_n can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o for_o if_o mercy_n &_o bounty_n be_v in_o god_n as_o in_o a_o inexhaustible_a and_o ever-springing_a fountain_n and_o in_o we_o as_o in_o a_o little_a stream_n that_o flow_v from_o it_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o our_o small_a and_o shallow_a riwlet_n of_o mercy_n shall_v flow_v to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o that_o the_o everliving_a spring_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n shall_v be_v dry_a unto_o we_o or_o how_o shall_v the_o stream_n flow_v and_o the_o fountain_n and_o wellhead_n be_v dry_v up_o yea_o let_v we_o assure_v 7._o quemadmodum_fw-la qâ—â—unque_fw-la putei_fw-la scaturiant_a exhausti_fw-la in_fw-la pristinam_fw-la mensuram_fw-la â—â—â—ertuntur_fw-la ita_fw-la etiam_fw-la clargitio_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la bone_fw-la fons_fw-la bâ—nigâ—â—tatis_fw-la potum_fw-la sitâ—entiâ—us_fw-la communicans_fw-la rursus_fw-la augetur_fw-la &_o repletur_fw-la clemens_n alexan._n padagog_o l._n 3._o c._n 7._o ourselves_o that_o we_o can_v no_o fast_o in_o a_o wise_a and_o discreet_a manner_n empty_a ourselves_o of_o these_o water_n of_o god_n blessing_n for_o the_o satisfy_n &_o quench_v of_o the_o poor_a man_n thirst_n and_o relieve_v of_o his_o want_n but_o we_o shall_v again_o be_v replenish_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n and_o if_o like_v kind_a nurse_n we_o let_v these_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n suck_v the_o breast_n of_o our_o bounty_n for_o their_o comfort_n and_o nourishment_n that_o which_o be_v thus_o
hebrew_n have_v two_o name_n to_o express_v they_o by_o the_o one_o be_v חסד_n which_o signify_v also_o mercy_n or_o those_o tender_a affection_n in_o parent_n which_o the_o grecian_n call_v â—οÏγαὶ_n imply_v thus_o much_o that_o the_o inward_a infection_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v to_o be_v join_v with_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o the_o hand_n so_o likewise_o the_o greek_a word_n á¼Î»ÎµÎ·Î¼Î¿ÏƒÏ…νή_n derive_v from_o ἔλεος_n signify_v mercy_n be_v indifferent_o translate_v mercy_n or_o almesdeede_n to_o note_v unto_o we_o that_o as_o they_o be_v join_v in_o the_o word_n so_o they_o must_v not_o be_v disjoin_v in_o the_o work_n sect_n 10._o that_o they_o only_o be_v bless_v who_o join_v with_o their_o almesdeede_n mercy_n and_o compassion_n which_o if_o we_o do_v we_o shall_v assure_o be_v those_o bless_a man_n which_o the_o psalmist_n describe_v and_o not_o otherwise_o for_o the_o bless_a man_n of_o who_o he_o speak_v not_o only_o disperse_v and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a but_o be_v also_o gracious_a and_o full_a of_o compassion_n verse_n 5._o so_o not_o simple_o he_o that_o give_v but_o he_o that_o give_v out_o of_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n dare_v unto_o the_o lord._n pro._n 19_o 17._o and_o he_o alone_o be_v bless_v according_a 21._o pro_fw-la 19_o 17._o and_o 14._o 21._o to_o that_o pro._n 14._o 21._o he_o that_o have_v mercy_n on_o the_o poor_a happy_a be_v he_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v attain_v unto_o blessedness_n we_o must_v have_v in_o give_v our_o alm_n not_o only_o a_o liberal_a hand_n but_o a_o merciful_a and_o pitiful_a heart_n imitate_v our_o saviour_n god_n bless_v for_o ever_o who_o as_o he_o exceed_v all_o in_o bounty_n for_o though_o he_o be_v rich_a yet_o for_o our_o sake_n he_o become_v poor_a that_o we_o by_o his_o poverty_n may_v be_v make_v rich_a as_o it_o be_v 2._o cor._n 8._o 9_o so_o also_o in_o pity_n &_o compassion_n for_o we_o have_v not_o a_o high_a priest_n who_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n but_o be_v content_v in_o our_o flesh_n to_o suffer_v many_o misery_n that_o by_o his_o own_o experience_n he_o may_v the_o rather_o extend_v unto_o we_o his_o mercy_n and_o pity_n when_o as_o he_o see_v we_o plunge_v into_o the_o like_a affliction_n as_o we_o may_v see_v heb._n 16._o heb._n 2._o 17._o 13._o and_o 4_o 15._o 16._o 2._o 17._o 18._o and_o 4._o 15._o 16._o the_o experience_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o when_o he_o give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a heal_v the_o sick_a and_o feed_v the_o hungry_a it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v affect_v with_o compassion_n and_o even_o earn_v in_o his_o bowel_n in_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o misery_n and_o affliction_n as_o appear_v math._n 14._o 14._o 15._o 32._o 20._o 34._o math._n 14._o 14._o &_o 15._o 32._o 20_o 34._o 34._o and_o in_o many_o other_o the_o like_a place_n sect_n 11._o that_o almesdeede_n be_v only_o right_o do_v by_o those_o who_o be_v merciful_a and_o sure_o then_o alone_o these_o work_n of_o mercy_n be_v right_o and_o thorough_o perform_v when_o as_o the_o outward_a work_n proceed_v from_o the_o inward_a habit_n then_o do_v we_o communicate_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a liberal_o free_o love_o and_o cheerful_o when_o by_o our_o pity_n and_o compassion_n we_o make_v their_o case_n our_o own_o and_o so_o not_o only_o suffer_v with_o they_o in_o their_o want_n but_o also_o be_v cheer_v and_o refresh_v in_o their_o fullness_n then_o do_v we_o touch_v these_o sore_n of_o poverty_n with_o the_o soft_a hand_n when_o as_o ourselves_o have_v a_o feel_n of_o they_o then_o like_o good_a physician_n we_o take_v most_o care_n in_o cure_v their_o disease_n of_o want_n and_o penury_n when_o we_o ourselves_o be_v affect_v and_o through_o compassion_n afflict_v with_o their_o grief_n and_o pain_n and_o then_o our_o heat_n of_o brotherly_a love_n will_v be_v much_o the_o warm_a and_o kindelier_n when_o it_o be_v redouble_v with_o some_o reflection_n from_o ourselves_o and_o have_v the_o flame_n of_o self_n love_n to_o reinforce_v and_o strengthen_v it_o sect._n 12._o pity_v without_o almesdeede_n unprofitable_a but_o as_o we_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o bare_a alm_n without_o mercy_n so_o much_o more_o of_o naked_a mercy_n without_o alm_n which_o be_v that_o false_a vizard_n and_o counterfeit_n of_o mercy_n wherewith_o hypocrite_n disguise_v themselves_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n james_n speak_v 15._o jam._n 2._o 15._o chap._n 2._o 15._o if_o a_o brother_n or_o sister_n say_v he_o be_v naked_a and_o destitute_a of_o daily_a food_n and_o one_o of_o you_o say_v unto_o he_o depart_v in_o peace_n be_v you_o warm_v and_o fill_v notwithstanding_o you_o give_v they_o not_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o body_n what_o do_v it_o profit_n for_o if_o we_o have_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o inward_a habit_n of_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n it_o will_v sure_o exercise_v itself_o not_o only_o by_o the_o tongue_n in_o fair_a word_n but_o also_o by_o the_o hand_n in_o charitable_a work_n the_o which_o also_o the_o apostle_n require_v 1._o joh._n 3._o 18._o let_v we_o not_o love_v in_o word_n neither_o in_o tongue_n only_o but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o this_o be_v employ_v by_o the_o other_o name_n 18._o 1._o joh._n 3._o 18._o צדקה_n which_o the_o hebrew_n use_v to_o signify_v almesdeede_n thedhakah_n thedhakah_n and_o work_n of_o mercy_n whereby_o be_v also_o signify_v justice_n which_o be_v such_o a_o grace_n or_o virtue_n as_o rest_v not_o only_o in_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o proceed_v to_o the_o act_n and_o work_v so_o that_o by_o both_o these_o name_n together_o the_o nature_n of_o almesdeede_n be_v full_o express_v the_o one_o signify_v the_o inward_a habit_n of_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n seat_v in_o the_o heart_n the_o other_o the_o outward_a exercise_n of_o it_o by_o the_o hand_n whereby_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o in_o these_o work_n of_o mercy_n we_o must_v join_v the_o affection_n with_o the_o action_n and_o the_o action_n with_o the_o affection_n the_o one_o be_v the_o fountain_n the_o other_o the_o stream_n the_o one_o the_o root_n the_o other_o the_o fruit_n that_o flow_v and_o spring_v from_o it_o chap._n 6._o that_o we_o ought_v to_o visit_v the_o poor_a that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o perform_v these_o work_n of_o mercy_n sect._n 1_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o visit_v the_o poor_a now_o that_o this_o compassion_n may_v the_o more_o affect_v our_o heart_n and_o both_o exercise_n and_o manifest_v itself_o in_o the_o work_n of_o mercy_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o not_o only_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o misery_n and_o want_n of_o the_o poor_a by_o the_o ear_n and_o report_n of_o other_o but_o also_o that_o we_o often_o visit_v they_o and_o so_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o their_o calamity_n for_o this_o the_o apostle_n james_n make_v a_o note_n and_o badge_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n not_o only_o to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a but_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a 27._o jam._n 1._o 27._o and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n jam._n 1._o 27._o and_o our_o saviour_n number_v it_o among_o those_o work_n of_o mercy_n which_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n 43_o mat._n 25._o 36_o &_o 43_o he_o will_v reward_v with_o everlasting_a blessedness_n mat._n 25._o 36._o and_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o among_o those_o sin_n which_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o everlasting_a damnation_n verse_n 43._o so_o that_o if_o no_o more_o can_v be_v say_v to_o incite_v we_o to_o this_o duty_n this_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a sect._n 2._o reason_n which_o may_v move_v we_o to_o visit_v the_o poor_a 1._o reason_n but_o yet_o consider_v further_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o which_o be_v so_o great_a and_o manifold_a that_o almesdeede_n can_v convenient_o be_v do_v without_o it_o for_o first_o by_o visit_v the_o poor_a we_o shall_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o make_v good_a choice_n and_o to_o discover_v who_o be_v true_o poor_a from_o those_o who_o be_v counterfeit_a as_o also_o who_o be_v religious_a honest_a and_o painful_a in_o their_o calling_n from_o those_o who_o be_v profane_a wicked_a and_o idle_a drone_n sect._n 3._o 2._o reason_n second_o hereby_o we_o shall_v the_o better_o know_v how_o to_o fit_v our_o alm_n to_o their_o necessity_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o proportion_n and_o also_o the_o special_a kind_n of_o their_o want_n and_o so_o when_o we_o not_o only_o give_v good_a but_o fit_a thing_n unto_o they_o the_o benefit_n hereby_o be_v much_o increase_v if_o therefore_o the_o husband_n man_n for_o the_o well_o sow_v of_o his_o seed_n which_o will_v bring_v but_o a_o