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. II. (Book 2)

Obserue we the diuers kindes of Liberality, and that to good ends.

THe first and speciall worke of Cha∣rity is to prouide for the saluation of the soule.* 1.1

To this end serue,

1 Prouision, that it be instructed by the word of God. Rom 10. 10.

2 Reproofe for sinne, and plucking it out of the fire. Iud. 2. 2.

3 Comfort, and consolation, raising it vp out of the deepe and pit of despayre. Gal. 6. 1. Iam. 5.

4 Chastisement, and humbling of the flesh, that the soule may be saued. 1 Cor. 5.

5 To this end serues the mainte∣nance of the Ministry, as a speciall worke of bounty, as also 1 Cor. 9. 2. Cor. 11.

6 The erecting and maintayning of the Vniuersities, and Free-schooles, for the instructing of youth, &c.

A second and next worke of Beneficence is,* 1.2 to relieue the body of our poore Bro∣ther: And this is properly cal∣led Almes: this is done;

1 By giuing freely vnto him to sup∣ply his want. Hebr. 13. Math. 5.

2 We must also lend vnto him, which steeds him more sometime then giuing. Deut. 5. 8. Luke 6. 35. Exod. 22. 25.

3 We must remit due debt, or mo∣ney lent, if the party be not able to repay. Exod. 22. 26. Nehem. 5, 11.

4 We are to hinder and put off such wrongs as may be done vnto him. Pro. 24 10. 11. 12. As also, as our callings will al∣low, to right him therein, and to be auen∣ged of those that offer them.

6 Yea, to this end we are to prouoke o∣thers to tender his case, by making it knowne.

7 Hitherto serue set contributions, and treasuries for the poore.

8 By conscionable selling, we performe true bounty.

A third kinde of Beneficence is where gifts are giuen betweene parties for ciuill respects.* 1.3

1 Are gratulatory, such as Gen. 45. 23

2 Or placatory to appease wrath, as Iacob to Esau, Gen. 34.

3 Some for reward, as those of the Prince to the Subiect. Dan. 2. 48. Hest. 6. 2.

4 Or to procure fauour of those of the meaner to the superiour.* 1.4 Pro. 21. 14.

5 Some to helpe and promote iust causes as Iacob to his sonne Ioseph. Gen. 43. 11.

6 And also to maintayne mutuall loue and friendship. Nehem. 8. 1 Reg. 10▪ 11. 12.

7 To the aduancing of the worship of God. 1 Chron. 19. Exod. 35. 20.

8 By thankfulnesse we are giuen vn∣to God.

9 Also gifts are giuen in signe of ho∣mage and subiection. 1 Sam. 10. 27.

Secondly some are to euill ends.* 1.5

1 As to the erecting of Idolatry. Exod. 32.

2 To the coruprting and enthral∣ling

of the soule. Reuel. 17.

3 To the corrupting of iudgement and iustice. Pro. 17. 23. 2 Sam. 16. Pro. 17. 8.

4 To the ensnaring, and entrapping into danger. 1 Sam. 18.

5 To the enthralling and abasing of men to serue the worlds turne.

6 To obtaine greater benefits againe, fishing with a Gudgeon to catch a Pipe.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Sect. 1.
• * 1.2

  Sect. 2.
• * 1.3

  Sect. 3.
• * 1.4

  1 Sam. 15.
• * 1.5

  Sect. 4.