A Christian Library, Chapter 35 – Chapter 36
CHAP. XXXV.
Thus I might go on, and inlarge my selfe upon this, and add thereunto many other reasons.
First, in regard of God. Secondly, in regard of Christ. Thirdly▪ in regard of the poore. Fourthly, in regard of others. I should also according to the order first proposed, shew what are the ends to be propounded in our giving almes, and lastly the severall impediments that hinder men from giving. but I finde (which when I fell upon it, I did not foresee) matter representing it selfe, like those waters in Ezekiel, Chap. 47. which at the first were but anckle deep, and then kn…e deep, and then up to the loynes; which afterwards did so rise and flow, that they were as a River which could not be passed over. Or like that little cloud which Elias his servant saw, 1 Kings 18. Much hath been said of this subject, bnt much more might be said; for I could carry you a great way further, and yet leave more of it before then behind. But I am loth to tire my Reader, or cause any to make an end, before they begin, as not seldome doth Addition in this case bring …orth substraction, and more writ, cause lesse to be read. Wherefore I will onelyonly give you the sum of some few particulars briefly, and leave the rest.
That little which I intend to deliver is: First, the neer communion that is between the poor and us with our head Christ. For besides the civill communion that is between all men, as being of one f…sh ▪ the offspring and generation of God, Act. 1… 28, 9. The sen…es of the same Father Adam, and Noah, and so brethren one with another, and proceeding as so many flowers from one root, many Rivers from one fountain; many arteries from one heat, many veines from one liver, and many sinews from one braine. And likewise of the same Country & Common-wealth, yea of the same City and Corporation, yea perhaps neer Neighbours and parishioners, (every of which the Holy Ghost maketh a sufficient argument to move us to do these works of mercy in relieving the poor, Isa. 5.8.6, 7.) There are many spirituall respects, and divine relations which make a more neer communion between Christians one with another: for we are elected to the same eternall life and happinesse, we are not onelyonly Gods workmanship, created in Adam according to his owne glorious image, but re created and restored unto the divine Image (lost by Adam) in Christ the second Adam: we are redeemed in our soules and bodies, with the same precious blood of Iesus Christ, we are partakers of the same calling, whereby we are chosen out of the world, and gathered into the Church and communion of Saints, that we may inheri… eternall glo…y together, and that out of darknesse into ma…vellous light, and out of a desperate condition, to be partakers of the same precious promises. And by vertue of this Calling, we serve one and the same God, are of one Church and family, and have one Religion, one faith, one baptisme, are invited guests to the same Table and Supper of our Lord, are all Heirs and Co-heires of the same heavenly kingdome, and therein annexed also with Christ our elder brother.
Finally, we are brethren of the same Father, the onelyonly Spouse of the same heavenly Bridegroom, and members of the same mystical body▪ whereof Iesus Christ is the head; so that the neerest, and strongest communion that can be imagined, is between Christians one with another, and all of them with their head Iesus Christ: And should not all this move us to relieve them? Yea, more then all this, If we do good to our fellowmembers, the benefit will r…dound unto our selves, who are of the same body; even …s the hand giving nourishment to the mouth, and the mouth preparing it for the stomacke, do in nourishing it provide nourishment for themselves also. Yea more then all this, there is such a neare and strong union and communion with the poor, together with us, and with our head Christ our Saviour: That he esteemeth that as do… to himselfe which is done unto them, even as the head acknowledgeth the benefit done unto it, which the meanest member of the body receiveth. Yea, in truth, that is much more acceptable which we do for his poor members, then if we should do it to his owne person, as being a signe of greater love: For it is but an ordinary kindnesse to confer benefits upon our dearest friends, but to extend our bounty to the poorest and meanest that belong unto them, is a signe of much greater love. For if for their sakes onelyonly, we do good unto these,how much more would we be ready to do it unto themselves, if they had occasion to crave our help. And as in this regard, he much esteemeth this Christian bounty, so he will richly reward it also at the day of Iudgemeut. For then these mercifull men, who have relieved the poor for Christs sake, shall with ravishing joy heare that sentence; Come ye blessed of my Father▪ because the works of mercy which they have done to the poor, Christ will acknowledge as done unto himselfe. And this will more rejoyce thy soule hereafter, then it doth now refresh the others body, when Christ shall say unto thee. Come thou blessed; and inherit the Kingdome. Nor will it then repent thee, that thou hast parted with a small part of what God hath given thee to the poor.
CHAP. XXXVI.
And indeed what can be a more forcible reason to make our hearts relent, though they be never so stony? and our bowels to yearn with pity and compassion towards the poor; though they were of brasse, and iron. Then to consider, that our dear Lord and Saviour in them doth crave reliefe: for who is so more then brutishly ungratefull, that can turne him away empty handed? Who being infinitely rich in all glory and happinesse, was contented for our sakes to become poore, that by his poverty he might communicate unto us his heavenly riches. Who would not give Christ lodging? Yea even (if need should require) the use of his own bed, if hee remember, that Christ was content so far to abase himselfe for our sakes, as to make a stable his chamber, and a manger his lodging, that we might be admitted into his heavenly, and everlasting mansions ▪ Who would deny to cloath him being naked? who hath c…hed our nakedness, and covered our filthinesse with the precious robe of his righteousnesse, in which we stand accepted before God, and receive the blessing of eternall happinesse. Who would not spare food out of his owne belly to relieve poore Christ, who hath given unto us his blessed body to be our meat, and his precious blood to be our drinke, whereby our soules and bodies are nourished unto everlasting life? Who would not leave all pleasure and profit to go and visit him in his sicknesse and imprisonment, that left heaven, and his Fathers bosome, that he might come to visit and redeem us with the inestimable price of himselfe? Yea, if wise, we will count it an honour, whereof we are very unworthy. As most unworthy we are of such an honour as to relieve hungry, thirsty, and naked Christ in his poor members. whence the Macedonians counted, and called it a favour that they might have their hand in so good a worke, 2 Cor. 8.1, 2, 3, 4. And that David thanks God, that of his owne he would take an offering, 1 Chron. 29.9. And this is another reason to convince men, that it is most just and equall they should be liberall to the poor members of Iesus Christ.
And so much touching the reasons and motives to this Christian duty. Then which, there cannot be either more, or clearer, or st…onger, or weightier inducements, to perswade to any one thing in the world, then there is to this, if men have either hearts or braines.