A Christian Library, Chapter 26
CHAP. XXVI.
Seaventhly, the spiritual blessings and benefits which accompany these works of mercy, and thereby accrew to the soul even in this life: as they are inestimable, so they are innumerable, Ile nominate so many as may satisfie, and not cloy.
First, it is the onelyonly meanes to have the soul prosper, kept safe and preserved, Psal. 86. Preserve my soul (saith David) for I am mercifull. Verse 2. The liberall soul shall be made fat, and he that watereth shall also be watred himself, Prov. 11.25. The mercifull man doth good to his own soul, Verse 17.
Secondly, it is rewarded with illumination and conversion, The two Disciples that went to Emaus, were rewarded with illumination, for entertaining our Saviour as a stranger, Luke 24.45. Whence St. Austin observes, that by the duty of Hospitality, we come to the knowledge of Christ. Loe saith St. Gregory, the Lord was not known while he spake, and he vouchsafes to be known while he is fed. And then St. Albone the first Martyre, that ever in England suffered death for the name of Christ, was converted from Paganism to Christianity by a certain Clark, whom he had received into his house, fleeing from the persecutors hands.
Thirdly, works of mercy are infallible signes of a lively faith; whereby we may prove it to our selves, and approve it unto men. Iam. ….18. which fruits, if our faith beare not, it is dead, & not a living body, but a carcass that breatheth not, verse 26. They are signes of a lively faith, for no man easily parteth with his worldly goods to these uses, unless by faith he be assured that he shall have in lieu of them heavenl…y and everlasting treasures. The merciful man is ever a faithfull man.
Fourthly, it testifies our unfeigned repentance, whereof it is that Daniel saith to Nebuchadnezer; Wherefore O King, break off thy sins by repentance, and thine iniquities, by shewing mercy unto the poore, Dan. 4:27. The which Zacheus practised, Luke 19. For no sooner was he converted unto God, but to testifie his unfeigned repentance, he giveth half his goods unto the poore, Verse 8.
Fifthly giving much, is an infallible signe that many sins are forgiven us: as our Saviour speaketh of the woman, Luke 7.47.
Sixthly, by it we may know our selves to be the children of God 1 Iohn 3.14. Yea and others may also know it, Iohn 13.34, 35. And hereby we know the unmercifull to be none of Gods children: …or the Father of Mercies hath no children but the mercifull.
Seventhly, it is said that Obadia feared God greatly: for when Iesabel destroied the Prophets of the Lord, he took an hundred Prophets and hid them by fifty in a cave, and he fed them with bread and water, 1 Kings 18.3.4. Therefore it is a sure signe of the fear of God.
Eightly, they are undoubted signes of our love towards God. When as we so love the poore for his sake, as that we be content to spare somewhat, even from our own backs and bellies, that we may the more liberally communicate unto their necessities. But this a wicked man will never do: the onelyonly loves the Lord is … did … onelyonly … riches by him; Or as Saul loved Samuel, to gain honour by him. True they will say they love God, and perhaps think so too: but let them say what they will, if unmercifull, I will never believe against Scripture, that they love God whom they have not seen: that love not their brother whom they have seen; if we love him, we will love one another, 1 Iohn 4.20, 21. If any man (saies the Apostle) have these worlds goods, and seeth his Brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 1 Iohn 3.17. And as they are manifest signes of our love to God, so also of our love towards our Neighbours: when as we carry our selves in all Christian bounty towards them, as unto Children of the same Father, and members of the same body: suffering with them in their wants; through compassion and fellow-feeling, and rejoycing with them in their fulness and prosperity. Hereby we know that we love the brethren: because our hearts and hands are open to them, for love is bountifull. For otherwise it is but an unprofitable, counterfeit, and hypocriticall love, to make shew of kindness and compassion in word, and to perform nothing in deed; as Saint Iames plainly affirmeth, Iames …:15. But that this alone is the best touchstone, to shew the sincerity and truth of our love; many places demonstrate, as 2 Cor. 8.8, 24. 1 Iohn 3.18.