A Christian Library, Chapter 28
CHAP. XXVIII.
Thirteenthly, another no small benefit that we have thereby is, by our bounty towards the poor, we have the benefit of their prayers unto God, the which are very available for the obtaining of all good things for us, the which argument the Apostle useth to incite the Corinthians to a liberal contribution, … Cor. 9, 11. to 1…. insomuch that when we hold our peace, or are sleeping in our beds, the loynes of the poore shall bless us, as it is Iob 31.20. and 29.12, 13. Whereas on the contrary, he that giveth not to the poore, shall lie open to their curse, according to that Prov. 28.27. and Deut. 15.9, and 14, 15. the which curses of the poore, he will hear and ratifie, according to that, Iob 31.16 to 29.
Fourteenthly, By the same meanes also, we give them and others occasion of praising, and glorifying God: whilest by the experiment of this ministration, they see our professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ, as the Apostle speaketh, … Cor. 9.…3. Wherefore let us strive to abound in this duty, that whiles they injoy our bounty, we may injoy their prayers; 2 Tim. 1.18. and God may have their praises, 2 Cor 9.15. And so much the rather, for that of all men, seldom is any great sin, shame or punishment fastned on the charitable: for how should he speed ill that hath the prayers of so many?
Fifteenthly, it is no small pleasure, and …oy which a Christian taketh in performing these works of … for … actions in themselves, do even for the present fill their hearts with joy, who rightly perform them. But much more do they fill our hearts with joy, as they are evident signes to assure us, that we are indued with Gods saving graces, and as they do, being fruits of a lively faith, ascertaine us of our future reward, and the fruition of Gods presence, where there is fulnesse of joy for ever more. Yea the godly man, gives with more joy and thankfulness of heart, then the other receives the same, as enough can bear me witness; Yea Seneca an Heathen can testifie the same: for he defines a benefit, to be an action proceeding from love, yeilding joy both to him that receiveth it, and much more to him that yeildeth it.
Sixteenthly, The inward habit of goodnesse and mercy in our hearts, exercised in the outward actions of liberality & bounty by our hands, makes us to resemble God himself; and that in such an attribute, as he delighteth above all others to stile himself withall. For howsoever he is infinite in glory, power, and all perfections: yet most usually in the Scriptures, he is called a God of mercy and compassion, and hereby principally, he maketh himself known unto Moses, desiring to see him, Exod. 34.6. Nor can we in any thing resemble God more, then in this grace: and therefore it is our Saviours exhortation, that we be mercifull, as our heavenly Father is mercifull, Luke 6.36. Now God gives to all richly to injoy, 1 Tim. 6.17. Yea, blessed be God, saies the Church, that daily ladeth us with benefits, that crowneth us with loving kindness, and compasseth us about with new songs of deliverance, Psalm 103. and 36
Therefore seeing mercy and goodness do make us above all other graces to resemble God, and then the creature attaineth to greatest perfection and blessednesse, when he is the likest, and cometh nearest unto the excellency of the Creator. And seeing we professe our selves to be children of our gracious and glorious God: and we can no way grace our selves so much, as by resembling our heavenly Father, in those attributes wherein he most shineth and excelleth: and nothing maketh us more like him, then mercy and compassion: let us hearken unto our Saviours injunction, and imitate our Father in being bountifull as he is. These are some of the spirituall blessings and benefits which God hath promised for reward to the mercifull in this life: it would take up too much time to mention the many more that might be added; therefore I will leave them, and so proceed to those that are eternall, & concern the life to come, which I would have you especially mind: yea if it be possible, pluck up all your senses into your Ears, that you may the more mind, and better remember; for it is enough to ravish any Christian soul, and to make him to stretch his estate upon the …enters, that he may be the more liberall, in relieving Christs poore members; for the greater the liberality, the greater the recompence of reward, Phil. 4.17.18.