abundant_o sufficient_a to_o evidence_n the_o truth_n in_o hand_n and_o to_o encourage_v and_o provoke_v we_o in_o imitation_n of_o those_o worthy_n to_o a_o more_o ready_a and_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n so_o essential_a to_o christianity_n so_o well_o please_v to_o god_n so_o creditable_a to_o our_o profession_n so_o beneficial_a not_o only_o in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o our_o present_a gain_n comfort_n and_o prosperity_n here_o on_o earth_n the_o point_n be_v thus_o prove_v by_o scripture_n and_o example_n come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o reason_n for_o the_o further_a confirmation_n thereof_o 1._o reason_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n which_o be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o work_n of_o charity_n show_v to_o any_o of_o his_o minister_n or_o child_n to_o pass_v away_o unrewarded_a without_o a_o full_a recompense_n whereupon_o say_v david_n psal._n 62._o 12._o unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n belong_v mercy_n for_o thou_o rendre_v to_o every_o man_n according_a his_o work_n though_o god_n do_v not_o render_v a_o reward_n to_o any_o man_n for_o his_o work_n do_v yet_o do_v he_o render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n yea_o god_n do_v always_o exceed_v in_o his_o remuneration_n to_o give_v evidence_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o bounty_n god_n will_v not_o be_v in_o any_o man_n debt_n long_o but_o what_o he_o have_v dis-bursed_n upon_o his_o account_n he_o will_v speedy_o return_v into_o his_o bosom_n with_o advantage_n 2._o reason_n 2._o may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o faithfulness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v in_o his_o word_n gracious_o promise_v abundant_o to_o recompense_v and_o reward_v our_o beneficence_n his_o faithfulness_n and_o righteousness_n engage_v he_o to_o make_v good_a what_o he_o have_v promise_v so_o that_o he_o can_v but_o be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n man_n may_v be_v forward_o in_o promise_v but_o slow_a in_o perform_v but_o with_o god_n who_o be_v the_o true_a and_o faithful_a one_o dictum_fw-la et_fw-la factum_fw-la say_v and_o do_v be_v both_o alike_o all_o his_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o in_o christ_n jesus_n heb._n 6._o 10._o say_v the_o apostle_n god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a 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_n here_o the_o apostle_n argue_v a_o certainty_n of_o reward_n to_o those_o who_o minister_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o saint_n from_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n even_o because_o he_o be_v righteous_a and_o therefore_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o do_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v he_o be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v that_o be_v he_o will_v righteous_o remember_v and_o god_n remember_v signify_v the_o same_o as_o recompense_v as_o he_o will_v remember_v sinner_n by_o recompense_v their_o evil_a way_n upon_o their_o own_o head_n so_o he_o will_v remember_v his_o saint_n by_o return_v the_o good_a that_o they_o have_v do_v into_o their_o own_o bosom_n the_o more_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o such_o kind_n of_o remembrance_n from_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n mention_v certain_a book_n or_o roll_n of_o remembrance_n write_v before_o god_n wherein_o the_o merciful_a deed_n of_o his_o servant_n be_v record_v so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o possible_a that_o such_o as_o be_v charitable_o benign_a and_o helpful_a to_o the_o poor_a minister_n and_o people_n of_o god_n shall_v lose_v their_o reward_n than_o that_o god_n himself_o shall_v cease_v to_o be_v righteous_a or_o be_v forgetful_a of_o his_o word_n 3._o reason_n may_v be_v take_v from_o several_a metaphorical_a expression_n use_v in_o scripture_n by_o which_o almsgiving_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o all_o which_o imply_v not_o only_o a_o certain_a return_n but_o that_o with_o increase_n as_o sow_v and_o lend_v and_o that_o upon_o usury_n 1._o we_o find_v it_o set_v forth_o in_o scripture_n by_o sow_v 2_o cor_fw-la 9_o 6._o he_o which_o sow_v spare_o shall_v reap_v spare_o and_o he_o which_o sow_v bountiful_o shall_v reap_v bountiful_o this_o proverbial_a speech_n the_o apostle_n appli_v to_o the_o disperse_v of_o alm_n now_o as_o husbandman_n who_o sow_v their_o corn_n with_o a_o liberal_a hand_n do_v usual_o reap_v a_o crop_n answerable_o thereunto_o in_o like_a manner_n such_o christian_n as_o shall_v sow_v their_o feed_n of_o charity_n with_o a_o open_a plentiful_a hand_n shall_v reap_v according_o a_o plentiful_a crop_n they_o shall_v find_v their_o seed_n sow_v come_v up_o with_o increase_n yield_v thirty_o if_o not_o sixty_o or_o a_o hundred_o fold_v here_o beside_o eternal_a life_n hereafter_o it_o may_v be_v thou_o may_v not_o present_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o seed_n and_o what_o wonder_n who_o be_v there_o that_o sow_n who_o expect_v to_o reap_v the_o same_o day_n the_o husbandman_n wait_v for_o his_o harvest_n wait_v thou_o on_o the_o lord_n and_o doubt_v not_o but_o a_o harvest_n will_v come_v that_o will_v pay_v thou_o both_o for_o thy_o sow_v and_o thy_o wait_n 2._o the_o second_o metaphor_n whereby_o almsgiving_n be_v setforth_a in_o scripture_n be_v lend_v and_o that_o upon_o use_n pro._n 19_o 17._o he_o that_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 will_v he_o pay_v he_o again_o man_n that_o lend_v to_o man_n receive_v their_o own_o with_o increase_n what_o they_o lie_v up_o lie_v dead_a and_o possible_o the_o thief_n may_v break_v in_o and_o steal_v it_o away_o but_o what_o they_o lend_v if_o to_o sure_a hand_n come_v in_o with_o advantage_n how_o rich_a do_v some_o usurer_n grow_v by_o this_o trade_n of_o lend_v and_o though_o it_o be_v a_o paradox_n that_o give_v be_v a_o rich_a trade_n than_o lend_v even_o upon_o use_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n for_o this_o give_v be_v lend_v and_o he_o that_o lend_v to_o the_o lord_n will_v find_v a_o great_a income_n at_o the_o year_n end_n than_o he_o that_o lend_v to_o the_o best_a of_o man_n therefore_o as_o one_o well_o say_v eleemosyna_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la divitiarum_fw-la dispendium_fw-la sed_fw-la dite_fw-fr scendi_fw-la potius_fw-la compendium_n quaestusque_fw-la omnium_fw-la uberrimus_fw-la giving_n to_o the_o poor_a be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o waste_v our_o wealth_n but_o the_o art_n of_o thrive_a and_o the_o most_o compendious_a course_n to_o attain_v unto_o riches_n though_o our_o alms-deed_n seem_v as_o the_o seed_n sow_o to_o perish_v and_o rot_v yet_o believe_v what_o we_o see_v not_o we_o shall_v assure_o see_v what_o we_o believe_v and_o find_v even_o here_o such_o a_o fruitful_a increase_n as_o we_o shall_v conclude_v that_o give_v to_o charitable_a use_n be_v the_o sure_a and_o safe_a way_n of_o get_v and_o thrive_a in_o the_o world_n thus_o have_v you_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o point_n confirm_v by_o scripture_n example_n and_o reason_n come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o application_n 1._o use_v of_o reproof_n of_o all_o unmerciful_a man_n who_o notwithstanding_o the_o many_o charge_v god_n have_v lay_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n ready_a to_o distribute_v willing_a to_o communicate_v to_o draw_v forth_o our_o soul_n to_o the_o hungry_a to_o open_v our_o bowel_n to_o the_o needy_a and_o the_o manifold_a encouragement_n he_o have_v give_v we_o in_o his_o word_n hereto_o yet_o do_v shut_v up_o their_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n from_o they_o refuse_v to_o afford_v they_o any_o succour_n or_o relief_n sure_o such_o have_v no_o love_n to_o christ_n for_o who_o can_v say_v he_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n when_o he_o suffer_v his_o minister_n &_o member_n to_o want_v necessary_n even_o food_n and_o raiment_n be_v this_o thy_o love_n to_o christ_n to_o suffer_v he_o to_o starve_v it_o be_v evident_a thou_o love_v thy_o money_n more_o than_o christ_n and_o so_o come_v under_o that_o fearful_a anathema_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 22._o if_o any_o love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v he_o be_v anathema_n maranatha_n these_o two_o word_n though_o both_o deno_v a_o curse_n be_v of_o two_o several_a language_n the_o former_a word_n anathema_n be_v a_o greek_a word_n signify_v accurse_v so_o it_o be_v use_v rom._n 9_o 3._o gal._n 1._o 8._o the_o latter_a be_v a_o syriack_n word_n as_o beza_n observe_v in_o his_o annotation_n on_o 1_o cor._n 16._o 22._o yet_o frequent_o use_v by_o the_o jew_n it_o signify_v our_o lord_n come_v maran_n be_v our_o lord_n and_o atha_fw-mi come_v intimate_v that_o such_o as_o be_v under_o this_o curse_n be_v to_o expect_v no_o mercy_n but_o to_o look_v for_o the_o dreadful_a come_n of_o christ_n to_o take_v vengeance_n of_o they_o so_o that_o as_o st._n
they_o not_o sufficient_a or_o not_o honest_a how_o vile_a a_o affront_n be_v it_o then_o to_o god_n thus_o to_o distrust_v he_o nay_o indeed_o how_o horrid_a blasphemy_n to_o doubt_v the_o security_n of_o that_o for_o which_o he_o have_v thus_o express_o past_o his_o word_n who_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o all_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v insufficient_a and_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n let_v not_o then_o that_o infidel-fear_a of_o future-want_n contract_n and_o shut_v up_o thy_o bowel_n from_o thy_o poor_a brother_n for_o though_o he_o be_v never_o like_a to_o pay_v yet_o god_n become_v his_o surety_n and_o enter_v bond_n with_o he_o and_o will_v most_o assure_o pay_v thou_o with_o increase_n therefore_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v damage_n to_o thou_o thus_o to_o give_v that_o it_o be_v thy_o great_a advantage_n any_o man_n will_v rather_o choose_v to_o put_v his_o money_n in_o some_o sure_a hand_n where_o he_o may_v both_o improve_v and_o be_v certain_a of_o it_o at_o his_o need_n than_o to_o let_v it_o lie_v unprofitable_a by_o he_o especial_o if_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o thief_n or_o other_o accident_n by_o which_o he_o may_v probable_o lose_v it_o now_o alas_o all_o that_o we_o possess_v be_v in_o emminent-danger_n of_o lose_v innumerable_a accident_n there_o be_v which_o may_v in_o a_o instant_n bring_v a_o rich_a man_n to_o beggary_n he_o that_o doubt_v this_o let_v he_o but_o read_v the_o story_n of_o job_n and_o he_o will_v there_o find_v a_o example_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o what_o so_o prudent_a course_n can_v we_o take_v for_o our_o wealth_n as_o to_o put_v it_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o those_o accident_n by_o thus_o lend_v it_o to_o god_n where_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v it_o ready_a at_o our_o great_a need_n and_o that_o too_o with_o improvement_n and_o increase_v in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n compare_v alm_n to_o seed_n 2_o cor._n 9_o 10._o we_o know_v it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_v to_o multiply_v and_o increase_v and_o so_o do_v all_o our_o act_n of_o mercy_n they_o return_v not_o single_a and_o naked_a to_o we_o but_o bring_v in_o their_o sheaf_n with_o they_o a_o most_o plenteous_a and_o bountiful_a harvest_n god_n deal_v not_o with_o our_o alm_n as_o we_o too_o often_o do_v with_o his_o grace_n wrap_v they_o up_o in_o a_o napkin_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o bring_v in_o any_o advantage_n to_o we_o but_o make_v we_o most_o rich_a return_v and_o therefore_o we_o have_v all_o reason_n most_o cheerful_o yea-joyful_o to_o set_v to_o this_o duty_n which_o we_o have_v such_o invitation_n to_o as_o well_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o own_o interest_n as_o our_o neighbour_n needs_o thus_o have_v you_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o point_n prove_v both_o by_o divine_a and_o humane_a testimony_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o give_v you_o some_o instance_n for_o the_o far_a confirmation_n thereof_o but_o i_o must_v beseech_v you_o first_o to_o take_v these_o two_o caution_n 1._o not_o to_o ascribe_v the_o reward_n to_o any_o merit_n of_o your_o good_a work_n but_o only_o to_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o rich_a mercy_n of_o god_n it_o be_v his_o rich_a mercy_n that_o we_o have_v wherewithal_o to_o give_v and_o his_o free_a grace_n that_o we_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o give_v and_o his_o abundant_a goodness_n that_o he_o accept_v our_o work_n of_o charity_n and_o reward_v they_o with_o all_o sort_n of_o blessing_n both_o temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a but_o we_o can_v merit_v any_o thing_n at_o his_o hand_n by_o give_v he_o that_o which_o be_v his_o own_o 2._o though_o our_o alms-deed_n be_v sacrifice_n acceptable_a and_o welpleasing_a unto_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o though_o he_o have_v bind_v himself_o by_o many_o gracious_a promise_n to_o reward_v the_o same_o both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o yet_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o perform_v they_o mere_o out_o of_o hope_n of_o reward_n but_o rather_o for_o conscience-sake_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n who_o have_v require_v they_o at_o our_o hand_n and_o in_o testimony_n of_o our_o thankfulness_n unto_o he_o for_o what_o he_o have_v gracious_o bestow_v on_o we_o as_o we_o be_v command_v to_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n not_o so_o much_o for_o fear_v of_o punishment_n and_o hope_v of_o reward_n as_o for_o conscience-sake_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n rom._n 13._o 5._o so_o ought_v we_o to_o distribute_v our_o alm_n not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o reward-sake_n as_o out_o of_o conscience_n for_o the_o lords-sake_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o christian_n in_o their_o well-doing_n may_v for_o their_o encouragement_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n but_o not_o only_o and_o chief_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a end_n we_o shall_v aim_v at_o in_o all_o our_o good_a work_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n our_o respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n ought_v to_o be_v subordinate_a unto_o these_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o temporal_a reward_n shall_v not_o so_o much_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o give_v but_o as_o a_o answer_n of_o a_o objection_n against_o give_v thou_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v i_o may_v want_v it_o myself_o or_o i_o may_v want_v it_o but_o do_v but_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v repay_v thou_o and_o with_o overplus_n and_o then_o that_o doubt_n will_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n these_o two_o caution_n premise_v i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o point_n from_o the_o example_n of_o many_o charitable_a person_n who_o have_v in_o temporal_a mercy_n be_v abundant_o recompense_v for_o the_o kindness_n they_o have_v show_v to_o the_o minister_n and_o member_n of_o christ._n the_o widow_n of_o sareptah_n nourish_v the_o prophet_n elijah_n in_o her_o house_n during_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o famine_n and_o how_o do_v the_o lord_n abundant_o recompense_v this_o her_o charity_n by_o his_o miraculous_a preserve_n and_o increase_a her_o meal_n and_o oil_n whereby_o her_o family_n be_v nourish_v as_o also_o by_o restore_v her_o son_n to_o life_n again_o after_o his_o soul_n be_v depart_v 1_o king_n 17._o 22._o and_o by_o cause_v the_o prophet_n to_o continue_v with_o she_o many_o month_n to_o feed_v her_o soul_n with_o spiritual_a as_o she_o have_v his_o body_n with_o carnal_a food_n how_o abundant_o be_v the_o shunamite_n kindness_n to_o the_o prophet_n elisha_n recompense_v 1._o by_o the_o gift_n of_o a_o son_n after_o long_a barrenness_n 2._o by_o restore_v her_o son_n to_o life_n again_o when_o he_o be_v dead_a 2_o king_n 16._o 3._o by_o forewarn_v she_o of_o a_o famine_n approach_v 2_o king_n 8._o 1_o 4._o 4._o by_o the_o restore_n of_o her_o house_n and_o land_n lose_v in_o her_o long_a absence_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o famine_n 2_o king_n 4._o 28._o notable_a be_v the_o instance_n of_o job._n what_o a_o merciful_a man_n he_o be_v we_o may_v read_v chap._n 29._o 12_o 13_o 15._o i_o deliver_v the_o poor_a that_o cry_v and_o the_o fatherless_a and_o he_o that_o have_v none_o to_o help_v he_o the_o blessing_n of_o he_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v come_v upon_o i_o and_o i_o cause_v the_o widow_n heart_n to_o sing_v for_o joy_n i_o be_v eye_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o foot_n i_o be_v to_o the_o lame_a i_o be_v a_o father_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o chap._n 31._o 16_o &_o 22_o if_o i_o have_v withhold_v the_o poor_a from_o their_o desire_n or_o have_v cause_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o widow_n to_o fail_v or_o have_v eat_v my_o morsel_n alone_o and_o the_o fatherless_a have_v not_o eat_v thereof_o if_o i_o have_v see_v any_o perish_a for_o want_v of_o clothing_n or_o any_o poor_a without_o cover_v if_o his_o loin_n have_v not_o bless_v i_o and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o warm_v with_o the_o fleece_n of_o my_o sheep_n then_o let_v my_o arm_n fall_v from_o my_o shoulder-blade_n and_o my_o arm_n be_v break_v from_o the_o bone_n i_o have_v transcribe_v his_o own_o word_n thus_o at_o large_a that_o i_o may_v set_v this_o worthy_a pattern_n before_o the_o reader_n eye_n but_o you_o will_v say_v what_o become_v of_o this_o merciful_a man_n do_v he_o prosper_v do_v he_o flourish_v and_o grow_v great_a who_o so_o poor_a as_o poor_a job_n after_o all_o these_o act_n of_o mercy_n how_o long_o after_o be_v it_o that_o we_o find_v this_o merciful_a man_n a_o miserable_a man_n stripe_v naked_a of_o all_o that_o ever_o he_o have_v but_o first_o it_o be_v not_o his_o own_o mercy_n but_o satan_n malice_n that_o bring_v he_o down_o it_o
rom._n 15._o 4._o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n and_o for_o our_o admonition_n the_o most_o that_o i_o have_v hear_v or_o read_v of_o who_o have_v take_v this_o course_n to_o consecrate_v unto_o god_n a_o certain_a portion_n of_o their_o estate_n to_o charitable_a use_n have_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o jacob_n in_o give_v a_o ten_o part_n unto_o god_n and_o as_o god_n do_v exceed_o bless_a jacob_n after_o his_o vow_n so_o have_v he_o likewise_o bless_v very_o many_o other_o after_o their_o like_a vow_n unto_o god_n mr._n stock_n in_o his_o funeral_n sermon_n at_o the_o burial_n of_o the_o lord_n harrington_n speak_v of_o his_o charity_n declare_v that_o in_o his_o life_n time_n he_o give_v the_o ten_o part_n of_o his_o yearly_a revenue_n to_o the_o poor_a mr._n gataker_n in_o his_o funeral_n sermon_n at_o the_o burial_n of_o mr._n john_n parker_n merchant_n and_o citizen_n of_o london_n speak_v of_o his_o charity_n say_v that_o at_o his_o first_o effectual_a call_n among_o other_o thing_n he_o then_o resolve_v upon_o this_o be_v one_o to_o set_v apart_o every_o year_n a_o ten_o of_o his_o gain_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a and_o that_o god_n from_o that_o time_n abundant_o advance_v his_o estate_n and_o questionless_a if_o such_o merchant_n who_o usual_o ensure_v their_o good_n upon_o their_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n at_o sea_n will_v sincere_o promise_v unto_o god_n in_o testimony_n of_o their_o thankfulness_n unto_o he_o the_o ten_o of_o what_o shall_v come_v safe_a into_o their_o hand_n they_o may_v receive_v far_o great_a return_n than_o they_o do_v in_o the_o life_n of_o dr._n hammond_n write_v by_o dr._n fell_n i_o find_v this_o expression_n the_o rate_n and_o sum_n of_o what_o the_o doctor_n devote_v be_v the_o ten_o of_o all_o his_o income_n wherein_o he_o be_v so_o strict_o punctual_a that_o common_o the_o first_o thing_n he_o do_v be_v to_o compute_v and_o separate_v the_o poor_a man_n share_n and_o how_o his_o stock_n increase_v notwithstanding_o his_o abundant_a give_v out_o to_o the_o relief_n of_o other_o the_o history_n at_o large_a declare_v the_o like_a i_o read_v in_o the_o life_n of_o mr._n william_n wheatly_n minister_n of_o banbury_n how_o for_o many_o year_n he_o set_v apart_o the_o ten_o of_o his_o yearly_a come_n in_o both_o out_o of_o his_o temporal_a and_o ecclesiastical_a mean_n and_o that_o his_o estate_n prosper_v the_o better_a after_o he_o take_v that_o course_n to_o these_o i_o can_v add_v many_o more_o out_o of_o the_o life_n of_o good_a and_o charitable_a man_n and_o out_o of_o several_a funeral_n sermon_n which_o be_v print_v and_o publish_v and_o can_v name_v multitude_n of_o man_n now_o live_v who_o have_v devote_v the_o like_a and_o great_a portion_n out_o of_o their_o estate_n for_o charitable_a use_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o they_o be_v no_o loser_n but_o great_a gainer_n in_o temporal_n by_o what_o they_o have_v give_v to_o the_o poor_a mr._n richard_n baxter_n in_o his_o learned_a and_o useful_a piece_n call_v a_o christian_a directory_n part_v the_o four_o fol._n 195._o of_o the_o quotapar_v what_o proportion_n be_v meet_v for_o most_o man_n to_o devote_v for_o charitable_a use_n whether_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o their_o increase_n be_v not_o ordinary_o a_o fit_a proportion_n have_v this_o expression_n though_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o ten_o part_n be_v too_o much_o for_o some_o and_o much_o too_o little_a for_o other_o yet_o for_o the_o most_o part_n i_o think_v it_o as_o likely_a a_o proportion_n as_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o another_o to_o prescribe_v in_o particular_a yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o impose_v this_o as_o a_o proportion_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o for_o all_o man_n heart_n be_v not_o alike_o enlarge_v with_o love_n and_o bounty_n and_o some_o there_o be_v who_o have_v no_o more_o than_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o comfortable_a support_n of_o themselves_o and_o family_n from_o who_o less_o be_v require_v for_o the_o relief_n of_o other_o but_o i_o will_v advise_v such_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v with_o a_o plentiful_a estate_n so_o that_o their_o necessary_a expense_n be_v or_o may_v be_v far_o less_o than_o their_o income_n to_o devote_v a_o ten_o part_n of_o their_o whole_a yearly_a income_n to_o charitable_a use_n i_o say_v of_o their_o whole_a yearly_a income_n without_o first_o deduct_v any_o part_n thereof_o for_o diet_n clothes_n or_o other_o necessary_a expense_n for_o the_o ten_o of_o the_o remainder_n will_v be_v a_o very_a inconsiderable_a proportion_n for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o devote_v to_o charity_n and_o far_o short_a of_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o call_v for_o and_o know_v assure_o that_o this_o course_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o diminish_v your_o stock_n and_o store_n that_o if_o it_o be_v manage_v as_o it_o ought_v according_a to_o the_o forementioned_a rule_n and_o direction_n it_o be_v the_o sure_a and_o safe_a mean_n the_o most_o compendious_a course_n of_o increase_v it_o through_o the_o secret_a blessing_n of_o god_n which_o accompany_v the_o same_o which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n 2._o be_v careful_a on_o who_o thou_o bestow_v thy_o alm_n for_o by_o give_v to_o such_o common_a beggar_n who_o be_v able_a to_o work_v and_o yet_o be_v so_o lazy_a that_o they_o will_v not_o work_v but_o will_v live_v by_o the_o sweat_n of_o other_o man_n brow_n i_o say_v by_o relieve_v such_o we_o shall_v both_o maintain_v they_o in_o their_o idle_a and_o wicked_a life_n and_o they_o who_o be_v true_o poor_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o charity_n will_v be_v neglect_v or_o at_o least_o scant_v of_o that_o which_o of_o right_n belong_v to_o they_o i_o be_o not_o against_o the_o relieve_n of_o all_o beggar_n some_o of_o they_o i_o know_v be_v blind_a other_o lame_a age_a and_o past_o their_o work_n these_o impotent_a poor_a in_o regard_n of_o their_o present_a condition_n be_v object_n of_o charity_n but_o not_o the_o impudent_a poor_a who_o have_v strength_n enough_o to_o work_v and_o will_v not_o those_o cant_a vagrant_n who_o be_v the_o burden_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o shame_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o these_o i_o have_v no_o charity_n neither_o have_v the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n who_o towards_o god_n poor_a be_v full_a of_o compassion_n but_o for_o the_o devil_n be_v poor_a he_o give_v this_o command_n 2_o thes._n 3._o 10._o that_o if_o any_o will_v not_o work_v neither_o shall_v he_o eat_v that_o hunger_n and_o necessity_n may_v drive_v they_o to_o labour_n erasmus_n mention_n a_o kind_n of_o mercy_n meet_a for_o such_o '_o it_o be_v misericordia_fw-la puniens_fw-la sure_o the_o whip_n be_v more_o their_o due_n than_o food_n bridewell_n to_o entertain_v they_o than_o a_o alms-house_n iii_o another_o mean_n for_o the_o attain_v this_o grace_n of_o christian_a charity_n be_v this_o be_v earnest_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o bestow_v upon_o thou_o that_o adorn_v and_o enrich_a grace_n of_o charity_n and_o accept_v thy_o offering_n this_o sacrifice_n as_o it_o must_v be_v offer_v up_o to_o heaven_n so_o it_o must_v be_v fetch_v from_o heaven_n the_o gift_n of_o a_o merciful_a and_o charitable_a heart_n be_v one_o of_o those_o gift_n that_o come_v down_o from_o above_o even_o the_o father_n of_o light_n jam._n 1._o 17._o if_o thou_o receive_v not_o this_o gift_n from_o god_n thy_o poor_a brother_n be_v like_a to_o have_v no_o gift_n from_o thou_o now_o it_o must_v be_v thy_o prayer_n that_o must_v fetch_v down_o this_o gift_n from_o god_n lift_v up_o thy_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o beg_v a_o merciful_a and_o compassionate_a soul_n beg_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v make_v thou_o ready_a to_o every_o good_a work_n willing_a to_o communicate_v to_o the_o poor_a member_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o thy_o ability_n and_o their_o necessity_n that_o thereby_o thou_o may_v lay_v up_o in_o store_n for_o thyself_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o so_o lie_v hold_v on_o eternal_a life_n pray_v for_o a_o willing_a heart_n and_o pray_v for_o acceptance_n of_o thy_o gift_n that_o thy_o alm_n may_v be_v such_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o so_o offer_v up_o that_o therewith_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v well_o please_v have_v thus_o show_v you_o the_o mean_n on_o our_o part_n to_o be_v perform_v for_o attain_v and_o exercise_v this_o grace_n of_o charity_n i_o shall_v close_v this_o discourse_n with_o answer_v two_o or_o three_o objection_n object_n 1._o some_o object_n the_o greatness_n of_o their_o
themselves_o so_o for_o other_o yea_o the_o very_a work_n of_o charity_n do_v bespeak_v a_o blessing_n from_o god_n as_o the_o blood_n of_o abel_n be_v say_v to_o cry_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o curse_n or_o vengeance_n upon_o cain_n so_o every_o act_n of_o charity_n cry_v to_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o charitable_a our_o very_a act_n of_o charity_n in_o relieve_v the_o want_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o refresh_v their_o bowel_n do_v pray_v and_o cry_v to_o god_n for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o we_o and_o we_o reas._n vi_o your_o charity_n to_o they_o will_v be_v hereafter_o reward_v with_o everlasting_a glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n this_o reason_n our_o saviour_n himself_o give_v in_o these_o word_n he_o that_o recieve_v a_o prophet_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n shall_v receive_v a_o prophet_n reward_n whereby_o be_v mean_v that_o surpass_a and_o excellent_a weight_n of_o glory_n which_o can_v be_v express_v by_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n yea_o by_o the_o reward_n of_o a_o prophet_n seem_v to_o be_v employ_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o heavenly_a glory_n for_o daniel_n 12_o 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a that_o be_v the_o righteous_a who_o be_v endow_v with_o true_a spiritual_a wisdom_n be_v lighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n but_o they_o that_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o prophet_n shall_v shine_v as_o the_o star_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o now_o by_o your_o bounty_n to_o the_o prophet_n of_o god_n you_o may_v come_v to_o partake_v of_o their_o reward_n so_o that_o it_o be_v your_o own_o concernment_n to_o contribute_v liberal_o towards_o their_o relief_n not_o that_o your_o charity_n to_o they_o do_v merit_v that_o glorious_a reward_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v to_o all_o those_o who_o do_v exercisethe_v same_o towards_o his_o minister_n it_o shall_v be_v true_o give_v unto_o they_o for_o a_o word_n of_o application_n oh_o how_o shall_v the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n stir_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o especial_o such_o as_o have_v a_o blessing_n in_o their_o hand_n a_o estate_n to_o give_v to_o draw_v forth_o their_o soul_n and_o reach_v forth_o their_o hand_n to_o the_o supply_n of_o these_o want_a servant_n of_o god_n sure_o this_o be_v a_o time_n wherein_o christ_n be_v try_v your_o love_n to_o he_o by_o your_o charity_n to_o they_o be_v you_o not_o concern_v to_o make_v proof_n of_o your_o love_n to_o christ_n have_v you_o not_o a_o opportunity_n before_o you_o and_o a_o loud_a call_n from_o heaven_n to_o prove_v it_o in_o this_o way_n can_v you_o not_o hear_v he_o that_o say_v once_o to_o peter_n john_n 21._o 16._o love_v thou_o i_o feed_v my_o sheep_n can_v you_o not_o hear_v the_o same_o voice_n call_v to_o you_o love_v thou_o i_o feed_v my_o shepherd_n sure_o thou_o be_v very_o deaf_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o this_o day_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o hear_v this_o call_n and_o will_v you_o prove_v that_o you_o have_v no_o love_n to_o christ_n what_o do_v you_o else_o if_o you_o suffer_v he_o to_o starve_v when_o you_o have_v wherewith_o to_o feed_v they_o belove_a it_o be_v through_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o rich_a bounty_n that_o you_o enjoy_v such_o plenty_n of_o outward_a good_a thing_n when_o many_o of_o his_o minister_n be_v in_o great_a want_n what_o you_o have_v you_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o be_v it_o not_o than_o most_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o you_o shall_v return_v back_o some_o part_n of_o your_o estate_n unto_o god_n by_o relieve_v his_o minister_n in_o testimony_n of_o your_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n unto_o he_o for_o what_o you_o have_v have_v god_n give_v you_o hundred_o and_o thousand_o and_o will_v not_o you_o part_v with_o a_o few_o pound_n or_o shilling_n when_o he_o call_v aloud_o unto_o you_o for_o the_o same_o as_o now_o he_o do_v in_o these_o day_n though_o the_o earth_n be_v he_o and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o yet_o in_o a_o sense_n he_o have_v sometime_o need_v of_o your_o estate_n matth._n 25._o 35._o christ_n tell_v you_o of_o his_o want_n and_o show_v you_o how_o and_o when_o he_o be_v relieve_v if_o you_o have_v any_o spiritual_a wisdom_n to_o discern_v time_n and_o season_n you_o may_v know_v that_o now_o christ_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o your_o help_a hand_n now_o that_o so_o many_o of_o his_o minister_n be_v in_o want_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o shall_v you_o now_o deny_v he_o in_o his_o minister_n i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o if_o christ_n be_v now_o upon_o earth_n as_o when_o he_o first_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o and_o in_o his_o own_o person_n shall_v crave_v your_o relief_n you_o will_v turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n unto_o he_o though_o for_o the_o present_a you_o enjoy_v manifold_a blessing_n yet_o how_o easy_o can_v he_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o your_o mouth_n and_o if_o you_o will_v not_o perform_v your_o duty_n thrust_v you_o down_o from_o among_o the_o giver_n to_o take_v your_o place_n among_o the_o receiver_n certain_o the_o communicate_v a_o part_n be_v your_o best_a way_n to_o secure_v the_o remainder_n and_o to_o season_n and_o sanctify_v it_o to_o your_o more_o comfortable_a use_n luke_n 11._o 41._o say_v our_o saviour_n give_v alm_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o you_o have_v and_o behold_v all_o thing_n be_v clean_a unto_o you_o that_o be_v lawful_a to_o be_v use_v the_o metaphor_n be_v take_v from_o the_o law_n whereby_o many_o thing_n be_v count_v unclean_a and_o so_o unlawful_a for_o use_v they_o may_v not_o be_v touch_v or_o meddle_v with_o yea_o by_o the_o inference_n of_o the_o apostle_n give_v alm_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o you_o have_v and_o behold_v all_o thing_n be_v clean_a unto_o you_o he_o seem_v to_o allude_v to_o another_o rite_n of_o the_o law_n about_o first-fruit_n tithe_n and_o free_a offering_n by_o give_v which_o to_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o rest_n which_o they_o have_v be_v secure_v sanctify_a and_o make_v clean_o so_o that_o charitable_a man_n be_v they_o who_o may_v with_o the_o more_o freedom_n quietness_n and_o comfort_n use_v what_o they_o have_v who_o that_o have_v any_o desire_n to_o be_v accept_v and_o approve_v of_o god_n will_v not_o have_v his_o person_n and_o the_o action_n which_o he_o do_v and_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v to_o be_v clean_a whatsoever_o be_v unclean_a be_v odious_a and_o abominable_a in_o god_n sight_n unclean_a person_n may_v not_o approach_v to_o god_n sanctuary_n nor_o meddle_v with_o sacred_a matter_n if_o they_o be_v not_o cleanse_v they_o be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o god_n people_n numb_a 19_o 20._o levit._fw-la 7._o 20._o and_o every_o unclean_a thing_n be_v a_o abomination_n this_o thereforé_fw-it must_v needs_o be_v a_o strong_a persuasive_a to_o put_v in_o practice_v the_o counsel_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o give_v alm_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v that_o so_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v clean_a and_o sanctify_v unto_o we_o what_o be_v clean_a you_o may_v use_v with_o god_n good_a leave_n and_o allowance_n clean_a thing_n may_v be_v eat_v and_o where_o you_o have_v god_n good_a leave_n you_o may_v expect_v his_o blessing_n it_o be_v sin_n to_o eat_v where_o god_n portion_n be_v among_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v the_o great_a mistake_n of_o many_o to_o think_v that_o all_o their_o good_n be_v their_o own_o and_o that_o they_o be_v absolute_a lord_n and_o owner_n of_o all_o which_o they_o possess_v whereas_o indeed_o they_o be_v rather_o steward_n than_o lord_n and_o owner_n of_o this_o world_n good_n all_o be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v commit_v to_o some_o a_o great_a portion_n of_o they_o than_o to_o other_o yet_o not_o to_o be_v impropriate_v to_o themselves_o but_o they_o must_v give_v he_o his_o special_a part_n to_o which_o his_o have_v as_o good_a a_o right_a as_o themselves_o unto_o the_o rest_n save_v only_o that_o they_o may_v not_o lay_v hand_n on_o it_o themselves_o until_o you_o put_v it_o into_o their_o hand_n but_o as_o they_o may_v not_o take_v it_o out_o of_o you_o so_o you_o may_v not_o keep_v it_o out_o of_o their_o hand_n therefore_o solomon_n speak_v of_o the_o right_n which_o the_o poor_a have_v to_o a_o part_n of_o rich_a man_n estate_n say_v prov._n 3._o 27._o withold_n not_o good_a from_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v due_a when_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o thy_o hand_n to_o do_v it_o so_o that_o relieve_v the_o poor_a be_v not_o only_o a_o act_n of_o mercy_n leave_v to_o our_o choice_n