The art of giuing Describing the true nature, and right vse of liberality: and prouing that these dayes of the gospell haue farre exceeded the former times of superstition in true charitie and magnificence. By Thomas Cooper.

CHAP. XV. (Book 15)

Obserue we the punishments that are due and haue beene inflicted vpon such as haue fayled in this duty of Beneficence, and exercised the contrary sinne of Cruelty and Vnmerci∣fulnesse.

1 THe neglect of this duety hath been punished with famine. Hag. 2. Esr. 7. 23. Mal, 3. 8. 9. 11. Pro. 20. 25.

2 The vnmercifull man is vtterly de∣priued of all comfort in his soule, from God, of all his riches. Eccl. 6. 1. & 59.

3 God esteemeth these as vsurpers of such blessings which they doe not san∣ctifie through liberality.

4 God takes away riches when they are not thus imployed. Pro. 11. 24.

5 Yea, when they are in need he re∣fuseth to succour them. Pro. 13. 21. Zac. 7. 8. Mich. 3. 1. 2. 3. 4.

6 If we doe not hinder what we may the cruelty of others, there is grieuous punishment threatned. Pro. 24. 10. 11. 12. 1 Sam. 14. 45.

7 This want of bounty is a meanes to shorten the dayes of men, as Pro. 55. 23. Psal. 140. 11. 12. Psal. 11. 26.

8 Heereby men doe expose them∣selues to the curses of the poore. Pro. 11. 26. Exod. 22. 23. 24. which God will take notice of and auenge.

9 Yea, this is the meanes to bring a curse, not onely on themselues, but on their posteritie. Psalm. 109. 6. Ne∣hem. 5.

10 Sodaine death is likewise a fruit of this sinne. 1 Sam 25. 9. Psal. 73. 19. 20.

11 Yea, it is the cause of a most shame∣full and dishonourable death. Ierem. 22. 13. Esay. 14. 3. 4. 5. 6. and that such shall become a prouerbe, and by-word to all posterity. Abac▪ 2. 6.

12 This was one of the sinnes, for which Sodom was so destroyed. Ezec. 16. 49. & the old world drowned. Gen. 6. 13.

13 The vnmercifull person is no bet∣ter then a rotten braunch cut off from the true Communion of Christ, how∣soeuer hee be in the Church, and in shew a member thereof. 1 Cor. 11. 1 Tim. 6. 5

14 The couetous person shall not in∣herit the Kingdome of heauen. 1 Cor. 6. 10. Ephes. 5. 5. Psal. 17. 14. 1 Tim. 6. 9. 10. Psal. 69. 22. Iam. 2. 13. iudgement merci∣lesse. Math. 25. 41. 42.

15 Hereby a wicked man doth most resemble his father the diuell; Iohn 8. and so hath his condemnation already.

16 It transformes men into bruite beasts: so the holy Ghost calls oppres∣sors. Amos 4. Psal. 10. to a Lion, &c.