to_o show_v mercy_n upon_o such_o yea_o even_o the_o mercy_n and_o blessing_n of_o this_o present_a life_n furthermore_o psalm_n 41._o ver_fw-la 1._o etc._n etc._n the_o same_o holy_a prophet_n of_o god_n pronounce_v those_o bless_a who_o shall_v judge_v wise_o of_o the_o poor_a and_o afflict_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v in_o appearance_n less_o than_o to_o deal_v kind_o and_o merciful_o towards_o they_o nevertheless_o how_o little_a so_o ever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o principal_a grace_n great_o serve_v to_o all_o external_a exercise_n of_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n how_o secret_a and_o hide_a soever_o it_o be_v for_o where_o there_o be_v first_o of_o all_o a_o charitable_a judgement_n conceive_v of_o those_o that_o be_v humble_v by_o any_o affliction_n there_o will_v follow_v comfortable_a counsel_n hearty_a prayer_n and_o every_o other_o good_a fruit_n of_o compassion_n and_o mercy_n in_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v in_o due_a time_n deliver_v and_o save_v they_o out_o of_o all_o their_o affliction_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o psalm_n the_o lord_n will_v deliver_v he_o in_o time_n of_o trouble_n the_o lord_n will_v keep_v he_o and_o preserve_v he_o alive_a he_o shall_v be_v bless_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o thou_o o_o god_n will_v not_o deliver_v he_o unto_o the_o will_n of_o his_o enemy_n the_o lord_n will_v strengthen_v he_o upon_o the_o bed_n of_o sorrow_n thou_o he_o turn_v his_o speech_n again_o to_o god_n as_o before_o haste_v turn_v all_o his_o bed_n in_o his_o sickness_n or_o have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o his_o disease_n or_o sickness_n thus_o as_o the_o holy_a prophet_n give_v to_o understand_v will_v such_o as_o judge_v wise_o and_o charitable_o of_o the_o afflict_a bemoan_v their_o estate_n and_o comfort_v they_o all_o they_o can_v and_o that_o with_o as_o much_o cheerfulness_n as_o they_o can_v encourage_v their_o heart_n unto_o from_o such_o good_a and_o comfortable_a reason_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o psalm_n and_o now_o in_o all_o this_o what_o do_v this_o prophet_n say_v or_o any_o other_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n affirm_v which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v not_o confirm_v in_o that_o he_o say_v mat._n 5.7_o bless_a be_v the_o merciful_a for_o they_o shall_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o ch_z 25.34_o etc._n etc._n the_o king_n say_v he_o speak_v of_o himself_o even_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v say_v to_o they_o on_o his_o right_a hand_n at_o the_o last_o day_n come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v you_o the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o i_o be_v hungry_a and_o you_o give_v i_o meat_n i_o thirst_v and_o you_o give_v i_o drink_v etc._n etc._n and_o verse_n 40._o in_o so_o much_o as_o you_o have_v do_v it_o to_o the_o least_o of_o these_o my_o brethren_n you_o have_v do_v it_o to_o i_o o_o how_o great_a and_o incomprehensible_a shall_v this_o comfort_n be_v to_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v attain_v unto_o it_o see_v it_o shall_v be_v the_o everlasting_a seal_v up_o of_o all_o comfort_n and_o of_o most_o glorious_a happiness_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o also_o how_o worthy_a the_o obtain_n of_o this_o be_v all_o the_o care_n of_o forecast_v and_o preparation_n that_o may_v be_v i_o mean_v that_o we_o may_v according_a to_o the_o holy_a advice_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n make_v ourselves_o such_o friend_n by_o the_o well_o employ_v of_o the_o uncertain_a râ—ches_n of_o this_o world_n that_o when_o we_o shall_v want_v we_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o everlasting_a habitation_n luk._n 16.9_o man_n usual_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o little_a vaiâ—e_a pleasure_n or_o earthly_a profit_n &_o glory_n will_v do_v very_o much_o and_o shall_v we_o refuse_v to_o do_v so_o small_a a_o thing_n as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n require_v â—t_z 〈…〉_o â—â—r_fw-fr the_o great_a advantage_n and_o most_o durable_a â—râ—fiâ—_n 〈…〉_o glory_n that_o may_v be_v for_o thus_o in_o effect_n our_o saviour_n speak_v unto_o we_o be_v you_o merciful_a a_o little_a while_n to_o the_o poor_a afflict_a member_n of_o my_o church_n for_o my_o sake_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v bless_v for_o ever_o give_v of_o your_o small_a earthly_a commodity_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v recompense_v with_o great_a spiritual_a &_o heavenly_a riches_n comfort_v you_o they_o with_o your_o temporal_a refresh_n &_o your_o joy_n shall_v be_v eternal_a and_o glorious_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o this_o purpose_n well_o serve_v that_o which_o s._n john_n write_v revel_v 14.13_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v unto_o i_o write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a even_o henceforth_o which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n even_o so_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o that_o their_o work_n may_v follow_v they_o of_o the_o which_o work_v no_o doubt_n these_o of_o mercy_n which_o we_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o chief_a and_o principal_a part_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 57.1.2_o merciful_a man_n be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v they_o enter_v into_o peace_n and_o rest_n in_o their_o grave_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o let_v it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o we_o to_o think_v it_o too_o great_a a_o matter_n to_o part_v with_o a_o small_a portion_n of_o our_o worldly_a good_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o our_o poor_a brethren_n that_o we_o may_v rather_o esteem_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v mind_v to_o give_v unto_o we_o luke_n 12.33.34_o though_o we_o shall_v sell_v all_o that_o we_o have_v if_o need_v so_o require_v &_o give_v it_o out_o for_o alm_n for_o thus_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v in_o the_o same_o place_n we_o shall_v in_o steed_n of_o rot_a bag_n make_v we_o bag_n which_o shall_v not_o wax_v old_a and_o in_o steed_n of_o uncertain_a riches_n obtain_v that_o treasure_n which_o shall_v never_o fail_v in_o heaven_n where_o no_o thief_n come_v neither_o moth_n corrupt_v nor_o canker_n fret_v and_o in_o steed_n of_o moil_a here_o about_o earthly_a thing_n our_o heart_n shall_v be_v free_a to_o mind_n heaven_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n as_o have_v already_o send_v our_o treasure_n thither_o before_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n let_v we_o willing_o hearken_v to_o that_o holy_a insruction_n which_o the_o same_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n teach_v we_o in_o the_o 14._o chap._n of_o the_o same_o gospel_n say_v when_o thou_o make_v a_o dinner_n or_o a_o supper_n call_v not_o thy_o friend_n nor_o thy_o brethren_n nor_o thy_o kinsman_n nor_o thy_o rich_a neighbour_n lest_o they_o also_o bid_v thou_o again_o and_o a_o recompense_n be_v make_v thou_o but_o when_o thou_o make_v a_o feast_n call_v the_o poor_a the_o maim_a the_o lame_a and_o the_o blind_a and_o thou_o shall_v be_v recompense_v because_o they_o can_v recompense_v thou_o for_o thou_o shall_v be_v recompense_v at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a not_o that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v simple_o condemn_v or_o forbid_v all_o civil_a invite_v and_o feast_v of_o one_o rich_a friend_n by_o another_o in_o a_o mutual_a and_o answerable_a course_n of_o kindness_n so_o it_o be_v sober_o practise_v but_o he_o mind_v only_o to_o show_v in_o these_o word_n that_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v much_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o rich_a special_o of_o the_o good_a and_o godly_a poor_a in_o so_o much_o as_o this_o kind_n of_o feast_v be_v both_o more_o necessary_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o guest_n which_o do_v stand_v in_o need_n to_o be_v this_o way_n refresh_v as_o also_o because_o it_o be_v less_o chargeable_a to_o the_o feast-maker_n in_o that_o a_o more_o mean_a diet_n will_v content_v the_o poor_a and_o final_o because_o it_o be_v more_o gainful_a in_o that_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n do_v belong_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o merciful_a feast_n and_o not_o to_o that_o other_o feast_n of_o the_o rich_a which_o be_v continual_o recompense_v by_o one_o to_o the_o other_o here_o in_o this_o world_n as_o our_o saviour_n give_v to_o understand_v now_o further_o if_o we_o will_v use_v but_o a_o little_a more_o diligence_n to_o peruse_v the_o holy_a proverbe_n of_o king_n solomon_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o that_o one_o little_a book_n so_o many_o and_o the_o same_o so_o excellent_a sentence_n tend_v this_o way_n as_o may_v worthy_o confirm_v we_o great_o in_o the_o sure_a hope_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n while_o we_o do_v walk_v in_o this_o bless_a way_n of_o mercy_n towards_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a of_o these_o excellent_a sentence_n therefore_o let_v we_o here_o call_v to_o mind_n
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
conscience_n of_o humane_a office_n and_o duty_n which_o he_o will_v have_v preserve_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o such_o also_o as_o he_o have_v use_v for_o his_o more_o holy_a and_o honourable_a instrument_n for_o the_o direction_n and_o instigation_n of_o his_o people_n from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o walk_v not_o only_o in_o humanity_n but_o even_o in_o christian_a mercy_n &_o compassion_n towards_o their_o brethren_n in_o a_o holy_a communion_n of_o saint_n before_o he_o not_o for_o necessity_n of_o proof_n or_o for_o power_n of_o persuasion_n as_o if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o alone_o sufficient_a to_o every_o holy_a use_n both_o of_o doctrine_n reprehension_n comfort_n and_o exhortation_n but_o that_o every_o one_o that_o will_v not_o shut_v his_o eye_n may_v more_o clear_o perceive_v that_o he_o shall_v stand_v every_o way_n convict_v and_o condemn_v before_o god_n and_o in_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o before_o the_o world_n if_o he_o do_v not_o mind_n and_o practice_v the_o duty_n herein_o contain_v and_o that_o especial_o in_o more_o than_o ordinary_a hard_a time_n such_o as_o of_o late_o have_v continue_v for_o sundry_a year_n together_o and_o be_v like_o again_o to_o renew_v upon_o we_o if_o we_o call_v not_o the_o more_o earnest_o upon_o god_n for_o mercy_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v not_o more_o unfeigned_o repent_v of_o our_o most_o grievous_a sin_n which_o have_v as_o it_o be_v arm_v his_o justice_n and_o kindle_v his_o wrath_n against_o us._n and_o in_o this_o respect_n i_o trust_v such_o addition_n of_o sentence_n shall_v not_o be_v ungrateful_o accept_v either_o of_o the_o learned_a who_o will_v take_v a_o honest_a and_o scholarlike_a delight_n in_o the_o elegancy_n of_o the_o speech_n wherein_o the_o author_n express_v their_o grave_n and_o weighty_a meditation_n of_o these_o matter_n or_o of_o the_o unlearned_a for_o who_o sake_n i_o will_v english_a at_o the_o least_o the_o more_o brief_a and_o principal_a of_o they_o and_o the_o rather_o have_v i_o this_o trust_n because_o they_o will_v wise_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v more_o liberty_n allowable_a this_o way_n in_o a_o course_n of_o writing_n then_o in_o a_o usual_a order_n and_o custom_n of_o preach_v and_o again_o because_o in_o no_o other_o argument_n may_v this_o be_v to_o better_a purpose_n perform_v then_o in_o that_o which_o be_v present_o in_o hand_n give_v excellency_n of_o give_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o treatise_n chap._n 1._o what_o give_v be_v in_o so_o much_o as_o in_o this_o argument_n of_o give_v &_o receive_v give_v as_o be_v observe_v in_o part_n before_o have_v the_o first_o place_n in_o order_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v by_o birth_n and_o course_n of_o nature_n before_o receive_v but_o much_o rather_o in_o so_o much_o as_o it_o be_v of_o great_a pre-eminence_n and_o worth_n in_o dignity_n to_o the_o which_o also_o belong_v the_o chief_a fruit_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o first-bornes_a double_a portion_n in_o the_o blessing_n according_a to_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n will_v have_v very_o diligent_o remember_v of_o all_o christian_n in_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 act._n 20.35_o reason_n therefore_o strong_o challenge_v that_o we_o begin_v with_o give_v as_o with_o the_o principal_a and_o more_o worthy_a part_n of_o that_o prize_n which_o now_o be_v strive_v for_o and_o how_o i_o pray_v you_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n remember_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n that_o give_v be_v a_o more_o bless_a thing_n than_o receive_v see_v that_o by_o how_o much_o man_n of_o god_n be_v more_o bountiful_o mind_v and_o more_o liberal_o hand_v by_o so_o much_o do_v they_o more_o lively_a both_o in_o disposition_n of_o mind_n &_o also_o in_o practice_n of_o action_n represent_v and_o resemble_v the_o likeness_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o by_o no_o other_o thing_n be_v better_a manifest_v and_o make_v know_v either_o for_o his_o own_o honour_n and_o glory_n or_o to_o our_o comfort_n then_o by_o the_o bounty_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n in_o give_v and_o bestow_v his_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n upon_o we_o his_o poor_a and_o unworthy_a servant_n this_o doubt_n the_o lord_n himself_o give_v clear_o to_o understand_v in_o his_o holy_a scripture_n where_o he_o have_v of_o purpose_n most_o full_o reveal_v himself_o in_o that_o he_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o shine_v out_o most_o bright_o among_o the_o reâ—â—_n of_o his_o most_o noble_a &_o divine_a virtue_n as_o we_o may_v perceive_v by_o a_o few_o testimony_n cull_v out_o of_o many_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v good_a for_o we_o to_o allege_v before_o we_o proceed_v any_o further_a as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o so_o warm_a a_o sunshine_n the_o prophet_n moses_n tell_v we_o that_o at_o what_o time_n it_o please_v god_n at_o his_o request_n to_o proclaim_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n exod._n chap._n 34._o verse_n 6.7_o that_o he_o use_v more_o word_n in_o number_n and_o large_a in_o sense_n to_o express_v his_o mercy_n then_o any_o divine_a property_n else_o yea_o than_o the_o wrath_n of_o his_o justice_n which_o be_v there_o mention_v with_o it_o the_o word_n of_o mercy_n which_o exceed_v in_o number_n be_v these_o merciful_a gracious_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n compare_v with_o not_o make_v the_o wicked_a innocent_a and_o visit_v of_o iniquity_n four_o or_o five_o to_o two_o the_o word_n which_o exceed_v in_o largeness_n of_o sense_n be_v these_o reserve_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n &_o transgression_n and_o sin_n that_o be_v infinite_a sin_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o great_a and_o grievous_a sin_n compare_v with_o these_o word_n visit_v the_o inquitie_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n &_o upon_o the_o child_n child_n to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o generation_n but_o mark_v i_o pray_v you_o that_o i_o do_v not_o lessen_v or_o diminish_v god_n justice_n to_o enlarge_v his_o mercy_n for_o that_o be_v most_o impious_a sacrilege_n see_v both_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a above_o all_o unequal_a comparison_n but_o i_o speak_v as_o moses_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o lord_n himself_o speak_v compare_v the_o displeasure_n or_o anger_n of_o his_o justice_n with_o the_o favour_n of_o his_o mercy_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o covenant_n make_v in_o respect_n of_o christ_n by_o who_o satisfaction_n this_o wrath_n of_o justice_n be_v wonderful_o contract_v yea_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o elect_a make_v temporal_a yea_o be_v clean_o divert_v and_o abolish_v for_o otherwise_o perfect_a that_o be_v infinite_z both_o mercy_n and_o justice_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a god_n account_v it_o just_a to_o save_v the_o unjust_a for_o christ_n sake_n who_o be_v the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o some_o other_o testimony_n wherein_o god_n have_v in_o singular_a manner_n renown_a his_o mercy_n the_o lord_n say_v the_o holy_a psalmist_n be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a mercy_n the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n psal_n 145.8.9_o and_o psalm_n 136._o he_o repeat_v this_o foot_n of_o the_o song_n as_o often_o as_o there_o be_v verse_n in_o the_o psalm_n that_o be_v 26_o time_n one_o after_o the_o other_o for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o he_o make_v this_o as_o the_o chief_a reason_n of_o all_o his_o work_n yea_o even_o of_o his_o most_o fearful_a and_o heavy_a judgement_n upon_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o which_o he_o propound_v to_o himself_o not_o so_o much_o the_o confusion_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o his_o justice_n as_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n as_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o read_n of_o that_o psalm_n according_a also_o to_o that_o isaiah_n 43.4_o because_o thou_o be_v precious_a in_o my_o sight_n &_o be_v honourable_a &_o i_o love_v thou_o say_v the_o lord_n therefore_o will_v i_o give_v man_n for_o thou_o and_o people_n for_o thy_o sake_n this_o singular_a care_n of_o the_o lord_n over_o his_o people_n be_v every_o where_o repeat_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n read_v psalm_n 9.9_o and_o psal_n 10.17_o and_o 18.27_o and_o 34.6_o and_o 40.17_o and_o 113.5_o and_o 146.7.8.9_o god_n will_v be_v a_o refuge_n to_o his_o poor_a people_n he_o will_v hear_v they_o he_o will_v save_v they_o he_o will_v destroy_v their_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n and_o for_o what_o other_o cause_n also_o do_v god_n at_o any_o time_n advance_v any_o of_o his_o servant_n from_o poor_a estate_n to_o high_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
the_o same_o thing_n that_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v enlarge_v to_o a_o more_o liberal_a contribution_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a in_o all_o collection_n make_v to_o that_o purpose_n o_o that_o landlord_n will_v well_o think_v of_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v move_v to_o deal_v favourable_o with_o their_o poor_a tenant_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o hard_a rack_a and_o inpron_v of_o rent_n take_v away_o of_o their_o commons_o of_o frustrate_v of_o their_o good_a lease_n by_o captious_a advantage_n etc._n etc._n o_o that_o officer_n and_o governor_n in_o corporation_n and_o other_o town_n where_o money_n or_o land_n have_v be_v give_v for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a will_v so_o mind_v these_o fearful_a punishment_n against_o unmerciful_a man_n that_o they_o may_v in_o no_o wise_n divert_v the_o merciful_a gift_n of_o other_o from_o that_o good_a use_n &_o end_n wherefore_o they_o have_v give_v it_o o_o that_o every_o one_o to_o who_o at_o any_o time_n the_o holy_a legacy_n of_o the_o last_o will_v and_o testament_n of_o any_o beneficial_a christian_n decease_v will_v so_o look_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v serious_o admonish_v to_o deal_v well_o and_o faithful_o according_a to_o that_o trust_n which_o be_v commit_v unto_o they_o because_o otherwise_o their_o sin_n must_v needs_o be_v double_a if_o they_o shall_v be_v covetous_a and_o unmerciful_a in_o withhold_v another_o man_n liberality_n beside_o their_o own_o yea_o and_o because_o they_o do_v herein_o sacrilegious_o conceal_v and_o frustrate_v the_o glorious_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v wrought_v as_o his_o last_o work_n here_o in_o this_o life_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o spirit_n of_o his_o good_a and_o faithful_a child_n final_o will_v to_o god_n that_o all_o whosoever_o be_v by_o any_o kind_n of_o unmercifulnesse_n in_o danger_n of_o god_n heavy_a plague_n may_v by_o the_o premeditation_n thereof_o come_v to_o repentance_n in_o sure_a trust_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o so_o happy_o prevent_v they_o yea_o that_o enter_v into_o the_o way_n and_o practice_v of_o mercy_n they_o may_v proceed_v and_o go_v forward_o therein_o till_o they_o may_v be_v bless_v partaker_n of_o god_n everlasting_a mercy_n amen_n who_o i_o beseech_v you_o will_v not_o think_v that_o it_o have_v be_v happy_a for_o such_o rich_a man_n as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o gospel_n luke_n 12_o 16_o etc._n etc._n and_o again_o chap._n 16._o verse_n 19_o etc._n etc._n if_o the_o one_o in_o steed_n of_o pull_v down_o his_o barn_n to_o make_v they_o big_a and_o both_o of_o they_o in_o steed_n of_o delicious_a pamper_n of_o their_o belly_n have_v make_v the_o belly_n of_o poor_a christian_n the_o bare_a &_o empty_a house_n of_o widow_n &_o fatherless_a child_n to_o be_v the_o barn_n and_o belly_n of_o their_o overplus_n and_o superfluity_n have_v it_o not_o i_o pray_v you_o even_o in_o every_o reasonable_a man_n judgement_n be_v far_o better_o for_o they_o to_o have_v learn_v from_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o their_o field_n and_o all_o the_o bountiful_a provision_n of_o god_n both_o for_o their_o back_n and_o for_o their_o belly_n to_o yield_v their_o own_o bind_a fruit_n of_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n &_o for_o his_o sake_n the_o fruit_n of_o love_n to_o his_o poor_a child_n then_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v like_o barren_a ground_n to_o yield_v no_o good_a fruit_n and_o so_o to_o make_v themselves_o near_o to_o curse_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 6.8_o yea_o even_o to_o pull_v down_o sudden_a destruction_n and_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n everlasting_a wrath_n upon_o they_o i_o will_v pull_v down_o my_o barn_n faith_n one_o i_o will_v pour_v into_o my_o belly_n say_v another_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n they_o altogether_o neglect_v the_o right_a way_n of_o build_v their_o head-house_n neither_o once_o consider_v they_o that_o the_o use_n of_o abundance_n consist_v rather_o in_o pour_v out_o to_o the_o hungry_a then_o in_o pour_v into_o the_o full_a belly_n in_o relieve_n and_o supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n then_o in_o follow_v a_o voluptuous_a course_n of_o life_n as_o have_v be_v already_o declare_v that_o course_n therefore_o which_o every_o man_n judge_v will_v have_v prove_v happiness_n to_o they_o if_o they_o have_v in_o due_a time_n seek_v after_o it_o before_o extreme_a and_o endless_a misery_n fall_v upon_o they_o let_v we_o while_o we_o have_v time_n be_v thus_o forewarn_v by_o their_o lamentable_a example_n labour_n for_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v lay_v hold_n of_o it_o and_o so_o through_o the_o endless_a mercy_n of_o god_n be_v for_o ever_o happy_a and_o bless_a man_n to_o the_o which_o end_n even_o with_o full_a purpose_n of_o our_o heart_n let_v we_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n &_o in_o trust_n of_o his_o grace_n hearten_v &_o harness_v ourselves_o against_o all_o the_o let_v and_o hindrance_n answer_v objection_n answer_v which_o either_o our_o own_o corrupt_a heart_n or_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o any_o of_o his_o instrument_n shall_v cast_v in_o our_o way_n what_o the_o vice_n natural_o settle_v in_o we_o be_v the_o which_o we_o must_v avoid_v we_o have_v see_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o they_o be_v brief_o gather_v together_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n we_o be_v now_o to_o answer_v the_o objection_n and_o pretend_a reason_n which_o from_o the_o same_o evil_a disposition_n of_o our_o nature_n flesh_n and_o blood_n use_v thereby_o to_o dissuade_v the_o liberal_a practice_n of_o christian_a beneficence_n whereunto_o be_v appoint_v the_o next_o chap._n which_o be_v the_o last_o of_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o our_o treatise_n chap._n v._n contain_v answer_n to_o such_o objection_n as_o flesh_n and_o blood_n make_v and_o the_o devil_n sugge_v to_o the_o hinder_v of_o christian_a beneficence_n the_o objection_n or_o pretend_a reason_n whereby_o many_o will_v glad_o excuse_v &_o respite_v themselves_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_a beneficence_n they_o be_v either_o take_v from_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o estate_n or_o from_o the_o care_n they_o have_v of_o their_o child_n and_o posterity_n or_o from_o the_o unworthiness_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v beneficial_a or_o else_o they_o will_v excuse_v one_o charge_n by_o another_o that_o be_v contribution_n to_o the_o poor_a by_o the_o greatness_n of_o other_o charge_n to_o god_n and_o the_o prince_n and_o charge_n towards_o the_o church_n and_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n by_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o poor_a but_o whatsoever_o reason_n they_o pretend_v they_o show_v in_o the_o end_n that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o unmerciful_a and_o wilful_a hard_a heart_n which_o bear_v all_o the_o sway_n in_o they_o as_o will_v partly_o appear_v by_o the_o objection_n and_o answer_n follow_v objection_n 1._o concern_v man_n their_o own_o state_n be_v not_o the_o good_n which_o i_o have_v my_o own_o say_v the_o covetous_a and_o unmerciful_a man_n why_o then_o may_v i_o not_o keep_v and_o dispose_v they_o to_o my_o own_o like_n and_o for_o my_o own_o entire_a and_o only_a profit_n and_o pleasure_n answer_n be_v it_o that_o they_o be_v thy_o own_o in_o as_o lawful_a and_o justifiable_a a_o title_n as_o may_v be_v yet_o thou_o must_v remember_v from_o who_o divine_a providence_n and_o dispensation_n thou_o have_v receive_v they_o and_o on_o what_o condition_n and_o to_o what_o end_n &_o purpose_n for_o god_n who_o have_v give_v they_o to_o thou_o indeed_o for_o thy_o own_o proper_a use_n and_o comfort_n he_o have_v make_v thou_o also_o his_o steward_n to_o bestow_v a_o meet_a and_o convenient_a portion_n more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o thy_o ability_n for_o the_o relief_n &_o benefit_n of_o such_o as_o stand_v in_o need_n whereof_o thou_o must_v one_o day_n give_v a_o faithful_a reckon_v and_o account_n unto_o he_o moreover_o see_v they_o be_v thy_o good_n as_o thou_o say_v and_o they_o be_v indeed_o the_o good_a gift_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n thou_o must_v have_v great_a care_n that_o good_a thing_n be_v use_v well_o yea_o even_o to_o the_o best_a end_n that_o possible_o may_v be_v if_o thou_o do_v otherwise_o apply_v they_o thou_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o the_o worst_a will_v be_v thy_o own_o in_o the_o end_n thy_o good_n will_v change_v their_o good_a nature_n like_o sour_a wine_n and_o prove_v as_o thorn_n in_o thy_o side_n and_o snare_n to_o entangle_v thy_o soul_n to_o most_o bitter_a destruction_n objection_n 2._o though_o i_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o i_o have_v those_o help_n to_o uphold_v my_o estate_n which_o many_o thousand_o do_v want_n yet_o i_o can_v tell_v how_o all_o be_v little_a enough_o to_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
favour_n show_v and_o all_o conceal_n of_o benefit_n bestow_v but_o that_o unthankfulnes_n pass_v all_o say_v a_o three_o which_o make_v the_o good_a will_n of_o he_o that_o have_v deserve_v well_o the_o occasion_n of_o his_o unthankfulness_n for_o as_o experience_n show_v some_o be_v so_o wicked_a that_o they_o delight_v to_o speak_v the_o worst_a of_o those_o that_o have_v deserve_v best_a of_o they_o so_o true_a be_v it_o that_o a_o other_o say_v it_o be_v more_o safe_a to_o offend_v some_o then_o to_o deserve_v well_o at_o their_o hand_n more_o safe_a i_o say_v for_o the_o avoid_v of_o their_o ill_a tongue_n in_o so_o much_o as_o they_o seek_v to_o make_v proof_n by_o their_o hateful_a deal_n that_o they_o be_v nothing_o behold_v to_o a_o man_n but_o leave_v all_o other_o writer_n let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o and_o from_o they_o learn_v what_o judgement_n the_o lord_n god_n who_o in_o all_o thing_n judge_v most_o righteous_a judgement_n have_v of_o this_o sin_n and_o consequent_o what_o punishment_n he_o have_v award_v against_o the_o fame_n and_o first_o let_v we_o begin_v with_o unthankefulnes_n to_o his_o own_o most_o bounteous_a and_o divine_a majesty_n see_v unthankfulnes_n to_o god_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o unthankfulnes_n to_o man_n and_o again_o unthankfulnes_n to_o good_a man_n redound_v from_o man_n upon_o god_n himself_o who_o work_n only_o both_o the_o work_n and_o also_o all_o affection_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n be_v for_o see_v as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n affirm_v none_o be_v good_a save_o one_o which_o be_v god_n matth._n 19.17_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o who_o soever_o have_v any_o sparkle_n of_o true_a goodness_n or_o inclination_n to_o goodness_n in_o he_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o as_o a_o grace_n from_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n wherefore_o i_o do_v willing_o suppose_v that_o how_o soever_o it_o may_v seem_v not_o so_o proper_o pertinent_a to_o this_o treatise_n to_o speak_v of_o unthanfulnes_n to_o god_n that_o yet_o i_o shall_v not_o perform_v altogether_o a_o thankless_a office_n to_o begin_v herewithal_o and_o so_o proceed_v to_o that_o unthankfulness_n which_o be_v in_o man_n towards_o man_n first_o therefore_o to_o lay_v forth_o the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o unthankfulness_n to_o god_n the_o only_a fountain_n of_o goodness_n that_o one_o place_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o paul_n epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n verse_n 21.22.23_o may_v abundant_o suffice_v the_o gentile_n say_v the_o holy_a apostle_n be_v leave_v without_o excuse_n because_o that_o when_o they_o know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n neither_o be_v thankful_a but_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n when_o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a they_o become_v fool_n for_o they_o turn_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o the_o similitude_n of_o the_o image_n of_o corruptible_a man_n and_o of_o bird_n and_o of_o four_o footed_a beast_n and_o of_o creep_a thing_n etc._n etc._n behold_v here_o what_o a_o great_a palpable_a darkness_n follow_v upon_o the_o put_v out_o of_o the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n by_o miserable_a unthankfulness_n and_o also_o what_o a_o flood_n of_o wickedness_n break_v in_o by_o the_o pull_n up_o of_o this_o sluice_n as_o it_o be_v for_o no_o doubt_n if_o the_o gentile_n have_v be_v thankful_a to_o god_n in_o any_o measure_n of_o truth_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v consider_v the_o lord_n leave_v not_o himself_o without_o witness_n among_o they_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n testify_v act._n 14._o verse_n 17._o in_o that_o he_o do_v good_a and_o give_v they_o rain_n from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v their_o heart_n with_o joy_n and_o gladness_n they_o have_v sure_o prevent_v all_o that_o extremity_n and_o outrage_n of_o iniquity_n which_o for_o want_v hereof_o they_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o thing_n do_v the_o same_o apostle_n give_v again_o to_o understand_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n chap._n 5._o verse_n 4._o in_o that_o he_o oppose_v it_o unto_o many_o sin_n that_o be_v to_o fornication_n and_o all_o uncleanness_n and_o covetousness_n and_o filthiness_n and_o foolish_a talk_n and_o jest_v all_o which_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v christian_n be_v thing_n not_o comely_a in_o that_o i_o say_v to_o all_o these_o vice_n he_o oppose_v this_o one_o singular_a virtue_n of_o thanksgiving_n as_o though_o he_o shall_v say_v this_o aught_o to_o be_v as_o a_o strong_a bar_n against_o all_o they_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n be_v want_v and_o no_o due_a consideration_n have_v of_o his_o mercy_n the_o door_n be_v set_v wide_o open_a unto_o they_o not_o without_o great_a cause_n therefore_o do_v the_o lord_n by_o his_o holy_a prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 2.3_o etc._n etc._n so_o vehement_o reprove_v his_o people_n for_o their_o unthankfulness_n unto_o he_o hear_v o_o heaven_n &_o hearken_v o_o earth_n say_v isaiah_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v i_o have_v nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o child_n but_o they_o have_v rebel_v against_o i_o the_o ox_n know_v his_o owner_n and_o the_o ass_n his_o master_n crib_n but_o isarael_n have_v not_o know_v my_o people_n have_v not_o understand_v ah_o sinful_a nation_n a_o people_n lade_v with_o iniquity_n etc._n etc._n so_o then_o we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o this_o sin_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o heinous_a sin_n which_o traitorous_o let_v in_o so_o huge_a a_o host_n of_o enemy_n to_o trouble_v heaven_n and_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v what_o shall_v we_o therefore_o make_v less_o of_o unthankefulnes_n to_o god_n then_o to_o be_v a_o utter_a trample_n of_o all_o god_n gracious_a benefit_n blessing_n and_o mercy_n under_o our_o foot_n what_o shall_v we_o make_v it_o less_o then_o as_o a_o whirlpool_n or_o bottomless_a pit_n to_o sink_v &_o swallow_v up_o &_o consume_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o no_o good_a use_n how_o infinite_o soever_o they_o be_v yea_o how_o can_v we_o make_v it_o less_o than_o to_o be_v a_o most_o contemptuous_a lift_v up_o of_o the_o heel_n against_o god_n himself_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o pamper_a beast_n which_o very_o mischievous_o strike_v his_o master_n from_o who_o he_o have_v all_o his_o provender_n deut._n 32.13_o etc._n etc._n he_o that_o shall_v have_v be_v upright_o when_o he_o wax_v fat_a spurn_v with_o his_o heel_n etc._n etc._n final_o what_o can_v any_o man_n make_v less_o of_o it_o then_o a_o most_o rebellious_a arm_n of_o man_n even_o like_o giant_n to_o fight_v against_o god_n in_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v with_o his_o own_o artillery_n and_o weapon_n here_o upon_o earth_n the_o sin_n therefore_o be_v so_o heinous_a how_o think_v we_o can_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o perfect_a justice_n of_o god_n that_o the_o punishment_n shall_v not_o according_o be_v very_o sharp_a god_n the_o punishment_n of_o unthankefulnes_n to_o god_n yea_o manifold_a and_o most_o grievous_a and_o heavy_a and_o very_o so_o it_o be_v upon_o all_o israel_n as_o follow_v in_o that_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o isaiah_n for_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o sundry_a &_o great_a plague_n which_o fall_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o same_o their_o unthankfulness_n to_o god_n they_o be_v compare_v as_o it_o be_v to_o some_o spittle-house_n man_n who_o have_v no_o part_n sound_v in_o he_o for_o as_o the_o prophet_n frame_v his_o description_n of_o their_o pitiful_a estate_n from_o the_o sole_n of_o the_o foot_n unto_o the_o head_n there_o be_v nothing_o whole_a but_o wound_n and_o swell_a and_o sore_n full_a of_o corruption_n &_o that_o also_o without_o wrap_v and_o bind_v up_o and_o without_o mollify_a with_o oil_n etc._n etc._n read_v also_o psal_n 78._o and_o psal_n 106._o the_o apostle_n paul_n also_o in_o that_o his_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o epist_n to_o the_o rom._n allege_v before_o show_v how_o horrible_o the_o gentile_n be_v punish_v for_o their_o unthankfulnes_n he_o write_v thus_o of_o they_o from_o the_o 24._o verse_n of_o the_o chapter_n wherefore_o also_o say_v the_o apostle_n god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o heart_n lust_n unto_o uncleanness_n to_o defile_v their_o own_o body_n between_o themselves_o etc._n etc._n and_o ver_fw-la 28._o he_o open_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o for_o say_v he_o as_o they_o regard_v not_o to_o know_v god_n even_o so_o god_n deliver_v they_o up_o into_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o convenient_a they_o be_v full_a of_o all_o unrighteousness_n fornication_n wickedness_n covetousness_n maliciousness_n etc._n etc._n this_o very_o be_v a_o most_o grievous_a punishment_n when_o one_o sin_n of_o the_o wicked_a
unto_o it_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o consider_v likewise_o of_o unthankfulness_n to_o man_n both_o how_o grievous_a the_o sin_n be_v and_o also_o who_o severe_o god_n will_v punish_v it_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o holy_a scripture_n as_o be_v propound_v and_o determine_v before_o concern_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o unthankfulness_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n that_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o tim._n 3.1_o among_o sundry_a other_o place_n man_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o unthankfulness_n to_o man_n may_v justly_o be_v one_o where_o the_o apostle_n rehearse_v it_o among_o those_o heinous_a and_o noisome_a sin_n by_o the_o abound_v whereof_o the_o time_n shall_v grow_v very_o perilous_a in_o the_o last_o day_n for_o man_n say_v the_o apostle_n paul_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a boaster_n proud_a curse_a speaker_n disobedient_a to_o parent_n unthankful_a etc._n etc._n unthankfulnes_n therefore_o be_v one_o special_a sin_n whereby_o the_o time_n will_v grow_v perilous_a or_o grievous_a and_o tedious_a yea_o even_o to_o good_a &_o merciful_a man_n while_o they_o shall_v see_v all_o beneficence_n tread_v under_o foot_n and_o pervert_v by_o the_o which_o they_o will_v glad_o draw_v many_o to_o the_o love_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n it_o can_v not_o be_v less_o esteem_v then_o for_o a_o very_a heinous_a sin_n and_o the_o rather_o also_o because_o not_o only_o the_o beneficence_n of_o other_o good_a christian_n can_v prevail_v to_o draw_v they_o to_o the_o love_n of_o godliness_n but_o even_o the_o beneficence_n and_o all_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o parent_n be_v easy_o despise_v of_o unthankful_a person_n for_o if_o child_n shall_v despise_v their_o parent_n and_o all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v for_o they_o in_o the_o care_n and_o cost_v of_o their_o education_n who_o then_o will_v they_o regard_v to_o who_o can_v they_o be_v ingenuouslie_o thankful_a and_o therefore_o be_v it_o also_o that_o in_o his_o divine_a wisdom_n our_o s._n christ_n do_v so_o vehementlie_o inveigh_v and_o cry_v out_o against_o the_o pharisy_n who_o by_o their_o blind_a and_o covetous_a tradition_n hinder_v the_o thankfulness_n and_o remuneration_n and_o recompense_n which_o child_n owe_v to_o their_o poor_a parent_n they_o thereby_o make_v the_o law_n of_o god_n namely_o the_o five_o commandment_n honour_v thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n of_o no_o authority_n as_o our_o saviour_n charge_v they_o mat._n 15.3.4.5_o etc._n etc._n and_o john_n ch_n 10.31.32_o and_o before_o that_o ch_n 8.44_o he_o convict_v many_o of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o not_o of_o god_n because_o they_o go_v about_o to_o stone_n he_o who_o have_v wrought_v many_o good_a work_n among_o they_o and_o very_o infinite_a be_v the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n &_o beneficence_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n wrought_v above_o all_o other_o man_n that_o ever_o be_v both_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o also_o to_o the_o body_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o man_n while_o he_o be_v in_o his_o humanity_n here_o upon_o the_o earth_n though_o indeed_o he_o distribute_v no_o great_a sum_n of_o money_n among_o they_o and_o yet_o behold_v all_o be_v not_o able_a to_o subdue_v this_o fury_n of_o unthankfulness_n which_o have_v bereave_v they_o of_o all_o dutiful_a regard_n of_o his_o good_a work_n wrought_v among_o they_o see_v therefore_o the_o strange_a nature_n of_o this_o sin_n which_o where_o it_o take_v place_n breed_v the_o great_a trouble_n and_o disquietment_n yea_o the_o great_a malice_n and_o outrage_n that_o may_v be_v further_a than_o it_o be_v curb_v and_o restrain_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n which_o only_o be_v able_a to_o suppress_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o wicked_a here_o therefore_o we_o be_v again_o to_o observe_v that_o albeit_o unthankfulness_n to_o man_n do_v rest_n only_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o thanks_n yet_o be_v it_o to_o be_v condemn_v much_o more_o among_o christian_n then_o among_o the_o heathen_a who_o great_a hatred_n against_o it_o we_o have_v see_v testify_v before_o and_o so_o we_o find_v it_o note_v to_o the_o reproof_n of_o pharaoh_n butler_n gen._n ch_n 40.23_o because_o he_o do_v so_o long_o forget_v joseph_n who_o have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o comfort_n to_o he_o while_o he_o remain_v in_o prison_n with_o he_o yea_o because_o he_o forget_v he_o although_o joseph_n have_v entreat_v the_o butler_n to_o show_v he_o mercy_n and_o to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o pharaoh_n that_o he_o may_v be_v deliver_v out_o of_o his_o unjust_a imprisonment_n but_o we_o see_v that_o unthankfulness_n to_o man_n go_v not_o alone_o likewise_o as_o we_o see_v before_o that_o unthankfulness_n to_o god_n go_v not_o without_o a_o unruly_a train_n and_o therefore_o also_o it_o make_v itself_o so_o much_o the_o more_o heinous_a and_o troublesome_a or_o grievous_a as_o the_o other_o have_v show_v itself_o to_o be_v whereupon_o let_v this_o now_o be_v note_v for_o a_o grave_n and_o weighty_a admonition_n to_o all_o that_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o heart_n cease_v to_o be_v thankful_a for_o benefit_n receive_v of_o good_a and_o merciful_a man_n so_o soon_o do_v it_o begin_v to_o grow_v hurtful_a and_o pernicious_a against_o man_n the_o which_o admonition_n that_o it_o may_v the_o rather_o take_v place_n with_o we_o let_v we_o consider_v of_o the_o warning_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o god_n give_v we_o against_o this_o most_o wicked_a practice_n both_o by_o precept_n and_o by_o the_o discovery_n and_o rebuke_n of_o those_o that_o have_v wicked_o practise_v the_o same_o and_o so_o will_v we_o come_v to_o the_o punishment_n of_o this_o sin_n for_o precept_n of_o admonition_n against_o it_o we_o may_v well_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o which_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o rom._n ch_n 12.17_o etc._n etc._n and_o 1._o thes_n 5_o 15._o where_o the_o holy_a apostle_n according_a to_o the_o instruction_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n matth._n 5_o 44._o charge_v all_o christian_n to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o recompense_v good_a with_o evil_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o recompense_v one_o evil_a turn_n with_o another_o but_o contrariwise_o that_o they_o shall_v overcome_v evil_a with_o goodness_n but_o that_o it_o do_v not_o seldom_o fall_v out_o otherwise_o it_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n against_o example_n of_o contrary_a evil_a practice_n and_o also_o by_o common_a experience_n of_o these_o evil_a example_n of_o most_o unthankful_a practice_n we_o have_v the_o special_a complaint_n of_o job_n david_n &_o the_o prophet_n jeremie_n of_o job_n complaint_n we_o read_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 30._o chap._n of_o his_o book_n for_o after_o that_o he_o have_v protest_v his_o kind_n and_o merciful_a course_n of_o life_n all_o the_o time_n of_o his_o prosperity_n as_o have_v be_v allege_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n out_o of_o the_o 29._o ch_z he_o break_v into_o this_o speech_n but_o now_o say_v he_o they_o that_o be_v young_a than_o i_o mock_v i_o yea_o they_o who_o father_n i_o may_v have_v despise_v to_o set_v with_o the_o dog_n of_o my_o flock_n that_o be_v to_o give_v they_o a_o place_n among_o my_o poor_a shepherd_n and_o other_o herdsman_n to_o have_v part_n of_o that_o which_o they_o cast_v to_o their_o dog_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o it_o follow_v verse_n 9_o etc._n etc._n now_o i_o be_o their_o song_n and_o i_o be_o their_o talk_n they_o abhor_v i_o and_o fly_v far_o from_o i_o and_o spare_v not_o to_o spit_v in_o my_o face_n because_o that_o god_n have_v loose_v my_o cord_n and_o humble_v i_o they_o have_v loose_v the_o bridle_n before_o i_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o complaint_n of_o job._n the_o complaint_n of_o david_n be_v set_v down_o in_o diverse_a place_n namely_o psal_n 7.4_o where_o he_o say_v he_o be_v vex_v without_o cause_n of_o he_o who_o he_o have_v deliver_v and_o psal_n 35.12_o they_o reward_v i_o evil_a for_o good_a to_o have_v spoil_v my_o soul_n he_o have_v not_o only_o one_o such_o a_o principal_a adversary_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o ringleader_n or_o captain_n but_o he_o have_v many_o other_o that_o join_v with_o that_o chief_a adversary_n against_o he_o though_o they_o have_v no_o more_o just_a cause_n to_o do_v so_o than_o their_o leader_n have_v and_o psal_n 38.20_o they_o also_o that_o reward_n evil_a for_o good_a be_v my_o adversary_n because_o i_o follow_v goodness_n and_o psal_n 109.4.5_o for_o my_o friendship_n they_o be_v my_o adversary_n but_o i_o give_v myself_o to_o prayer_n and_o they_o have_v reward_v i_o evil_a for_o good_a and_o hatred_n for_o my_o friendship_n and_o psal_n 120.7_o i_o seek_v peace_n but_o when_o i_o speak_v
thereof_o they_o be_v bend_v to_o war_n hitherto_o of_o the_o complaint_n of_o david_n now_o how_o the_o prophet_n jeremie_n complain_v against_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o most_o unthankful_a man_n we_o read_v in_o his_o pprophecy_n chap._n 18.20_o and_o he_o put_v up_o his_o complaint_n to_o god_n appeal_n from_o such_o unequal_a adversary_n to_o the_o most_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v evil_a be_v recompense_v for_o good_a say_v the_o prophet_n for_o they_o have_v dig_v a_o pit_n for_o my_o soul_n remember_v that_o i_o have_v stand_v before_o thou_o to_o speak_v good_a for_o they_o and_o to_o turn_v away_o thy_o wrath_n from_o they_o where_o it_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v mark_v that_o prayer_n be_v reckon_v for_o a_o singular_a benefit_n to_o those_o that_o be_v pray_v for_o even_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n high_a court_n of_o heaven_n how_o light_o soever_o they_o through_o their_o own_o wickedness_n esteem_v of_o it_o and_o frustrate_v the_o effect_n thereof_o such_o be_v the_o complaint_n of_o the_o prophet_n jerimiah_n whereby_o together_o with_o the_o former_a complaint_n of_o job_n and_o david_n they_o all_o be_v very_o good_a and_o merciful_a man_n we_o may_v perceive_v what_o be_v the_o intolerable_a unthankfulness_n of_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n against_o the_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n who_o do_v every_o way_n seek_v to_o procure_v the_o great_a and_o best_a good_a they_o can_v unto_o they_o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o in_o comparisone_n of_o that_o unthankfulness_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o our_o saviour_n christ_n mention_v before_o who_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v infinite_o above_o all_o other_o whether_o david_n or_o jerimiah_n or_o any_o other_o or_o all_o both_o prophet_n king_n and_o priest_n most_o tender_a in_o all_o compassion_n and_o most_o bounteous_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o goodness_n towards_o they_o and_o all_o man_n they_o be_v nevertheless_o most_o ingrateful_a yea_o most_o malicious_a and_o spiteful_a against_o he_o to_o the_o death_n as_o we_o see_v from_o the_o 10._o chap._n of_o the_o evangelist_n john_n and_o as_o the_o effect_n itself_o confirm_v by_o experience_n and_o most_o devilish_a practice_n in_o the_o end_n and_o touch_v experience_n who_o be_v it_o even_o to_o speak_v general_o that_o exercise_v himself_o in_o do_v good_a whether_o to_o the_o body_n and_o outward_a state_n of_o man_n or_o to_o their_o soul_n and_o true_a welfare_n thereof_o special_o if_o they_o make_v that_o the_o end_n of_o all_o their_o kindness_n to_o draw_v they_o from_o sin_n to_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n as_o all_o right_n good_a &_o godly_a man_n do_v who_o have_v not_o i_o say_v some_o uncomfortable_a experience_n of_o unthankfulness_n yea_o of_o bad_a requital_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o benefit_n and_o salvation_n they_o seek_v the_o good_a use_n now_o both_o of_o experience_n and_o of_o example_n of_o unthankful_a person_n must_v not_o be_v thereby_o to_o discourage_v the_o mind_n of_o any_o from_o do_v good_a that_o their_o love_n shall_v be_v quench_v by_o the_o unkinknesse_n or_o hatred_n and_o malice_n of_o other_o but_o according_a to_o those_o former_a good_a example_n of_o well_o do_v we_o look_v principal_o to_o the_o unweariablenesse_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o most_o constant_a continuance_n of_o do_v the_o great_a good_a though_o he_o be_v requite_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o most_o part_n with_o the_o most_o bitter_a and_o worst_a requital_n that_o may_v be_v we_o also_o every_o one_o in_o his_o measure_n may_v confirm_v ourselves_o in_o a_o good_a and_o merciful_a course_n against_o all_o offence_n whatsoever_o yea_o though_o they_o do_v at_o any_o time_n a_o rise_n from_o such_o at_o who_o hand_n we_o shall_v least_o look_v for_o they_o even_o such_o as_o any_o have_v repute_v to_o be_v most_o faithful_o affect_v towards_o they_o for_o doubtless_o the_o work_n of_o all_o such_o shall_v be_v of_o special_a account_n with_o the_o lord_n who_o assure_o will_v so_o much_o the_o more_o abundant_o requite_v the_o constant_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o his_o servant_n by_o how_o much_o they_o be_v worse_o recompense_v in_o this_o wicked_a world_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o touch_v all_o unthankeful_a one_o by_o how_o much_o they_o render_v the_o great_a evil_n for_o the_o great_a good_a man_n the_o punishment_n of_o unthankefulnes_n to_o man_n they_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v so_o much_o the_o great_a portion_n of_o the_o great_a punishment_n and_o vengeance_n that_o may_v be_v from_o the_o just_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o challenge_v vengeance_n to_o belong_v unto_o he_o and_o will_v certain_o and_o full_o repay_v needy_a note_v also_o the_o sin_n of_o unthankfulness_n be_v great_a even_o in_o this_o that_o in_o dscourage_v many_o from_o liberality_n &_o cause_v the_o love_n of_o many_o to_o wax_v cold_a as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n teach_v matt._n chap._n 24.12_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o but_o experience_n show_v it_o to_o be_v true_a by_o reason_n of_o man_n infirmity_n wherefore_o not_o without_o cause_n have_v even_o the_o heathen_a condenned_a unthankful_a person_n as_o common_a enemy_n to_o the_o poor_a &_o needy_a as_o he_o himself_o protest_v rom._n 12.19_o and_o heb._n 10.30_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o this_o punishment_n of_o unthankfulness_n therefore_o let_v we_o now_o henceforth_o come_v to_o consider_v here_o first_o of_o all_o the_o holy_a proverb_n offer_v itself_o for_o a_o plain_a and_o familiar_a confirmation_n for_o he_o that_o reward_v evil_a for_o good_a as_o say_v king_n solomon_n speak_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n evil_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o his_o house_n chap._n 17._o verse_n 13._o and_o in_o that_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o ungracious_a or_o mischievous_a unthankful_a man_n which_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o unthankfulnes_n it_o be_v more_o than_o if_o the_o holy_a proverb_n have_v affirm_v that_o evil_o shall_v rest_v upon_o his_o own_o person_n alone_o for_o hereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o so_o much_o as_o usual_o the_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o unthankful_a man_n be_v wrap_v in_o his_o sin_n for_o natural_o we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o unthankful_a and_o will_v easy_o be_v draw_v into_o it_o therefore_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o punishment_n with_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n unless_o happy_o they_o shall_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n wind_n themselves_o out_o of_o the_o guiltiness_n of_o his_o sin_n like_v as_o that_o godly_a wise_a abigail_n and_o her_o servant_n do_v from_o partake_v with_o nabal_n her_o husband_n in_o his_o sin_n and_o so_o escape_v the_o punishment_n haste_v towards_o they_o all_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o same_o wherefore_o to_o say_v no_o more_o of_o nabal_n that_o great_a and_o rich_a churl_n save_v only_o this_o that_o in_o so_o much_o as_o david_n be_v with_o his_o four_o hundred_o man_n in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o paran_n be_v very_o good_a to_o the_o servant_n of_o nabal_n so_o that_o his_o man_n take_v nothing_o from_o they_o but_o be_v as_o a_o wall_n of_o defence_n both_o night_n and_o day_n thereupon_o nabal_n own_o servant_n tell_v their_o mistress_n that_o they_o fear_v some_o evil_n will_v surly_a come_v upon_o their_o master_n and_o upon_o all_o his_o family_n because_o of_o his_o churlishness_n 1._o sam._n 25._o verse_n 14.15_o etc._n etc._n let_v we_o take_v a_o further_a view_n of_o some_o other_o example_n how_o god_n have_v punish_v this_o wicked_a unthankfulness_n and_o how_o also_o he_o have_v arm_v and_o authorise_v many_o menace_n and_o threaten_n against_o the_o same_o which_o shall_v sure_o in_o their_o due_a time_n and_o season_n take_v place_n against_o all_o offender_n whether_o particular_a person_n or_o whole_a people_n and_o nation_n our_o first_o example_n to_o this_o purpose_n shall_v be_v the_o egyptian_n who_o because_o they_o forget_v that_o great_a preservation_n which_o god_n give_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o joseph_n against_o their_o seven_o year_n of_o scarcity_n dearth_n and_o famine_n and_o for_o that_o they_o deal_v very_o cruel_o against_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n for_o who_o cause_n god_n vouchsafe_v to_o bless_v they_o they_o be_v afterward_o destroy_v both_o they_o and_o their_o king_n by_o the_o mighty_a and_o high_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o they_o despise_v the_o more_o gentle_a correction_n of_o the_o lord_n whereby_o he_o call_v they_o to_o repentance_n exod._n 1.8_o etc._n etc._n and_o chap._n 7._o etc._n etc._n and_o ch_n 14.16_o the_o ammonits_n moabit_n &_o edomit_n who_o be_v favourable_o deal_v withal_o by_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n when_o they_o come_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o pass_v by_o they_o towards_o