The plea of the poore. Or A treatise of benificence and almes-deeds teaching how these Christian duties are rightly to be performed, and perswading to the frequent doing of them. Necessary for these times, wherein the workes of mercy are so much neglected, or so vndiscreetly practized. Published by Iohn Downame Bachelour in Diuinitie.

Sect. 5. 1 Generall do∣ctrine That blessed∣nesse consists as much in gra∣ces and virtu∣ous actions, as in priuiledges and rewards.

But before we come to intreate of these parts particularly, we may generally obserue that the holy Ghost shewing the blessednesse of a godly man, doth make it to consist as much in his gra∣ces and vertuous actions, as in his priuiledges and rewards. From whence we learne, that we are as happy in our graces and good workes, as in the prerogatiues and rewards which doe ac∣company them. The which is manifest both by plaine testimonies of Scriptures, and by euident reasons, grounded vpon them. For the first, he is pronounced blessed in this Psalme, who feareth the Lord, and delighteth greatly in his commandements, vers. 1. and Psal. 119. 1. Blessed are the vndefiled in the way, who walke in the law of the Lord. 2. Blessed are they that keape his testimonies, and that seeke him with the whole heart. So our Sauiour pronounceth * 1.1 them blessed, who heare the word of God and keepe it.

Luk. 11. 28. and saith vnto his Disciples, if ye know * 1.2 these things, happy are ye if you doe them. Yea this vertue and obedience vnto Gods law make vs blessed, not onely in the time when they are re∣warded with prosperitie and worldly benefits, * 1.3 but euen in our greatest afflictions and persecuti∣ons, according to that, Psame. 94. 12. Blessed is the * 1.4 man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Psal. 119. 1. 2.
• * 1.2

  Pro. 29. 18.
• * 1.3

  Luk. 11. 28.
• * 1.4

  Ioh. 13. 17. Pro. 29. 18.