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. 2. What is to be thought of gi∣uing our almes at our dores to common beg∣gers.

As for the giuing of our almes at our dores to common beggers, though I doe not vtterly con∣demne

this maner of giuing, whilest sufficient or∣der is not taken, and accordingly duely executed by the Magistrate, for the reformation of this disorder; especially when the whole streame of mens charitie doth not runne this way, but some small riuulet, or as it were some litle pipe or quill; and when this is giuen to those who are in appa∣rent miserie, as the aged and decerepit, the lame, sicke and blinde, for the reliefe of their present ne∣cessitie; yet can I in no wise approue it, if after this maner only we exercise our mercy and cha∣ritie giuing without difference to all that come to the dore, as vnto loose and idle persons, who are strong and able to labor, & common beggers and vagabonds, who liue by the sweat of other mens browes. And my reasons are, because they who are truly poore shall by these meanes be negle∣cted, whilest these lazie drones deuoure that which of right belongeth vnto them. Secondly, those who are bold, impudent, and most impor∣tunate, will oftentimes speed better then those who are modest and shamefast. Thirdly, our almes shall by this meanes be distributed with∣out equalitie, some hauing all and some nothing; and without discretion, because being giuen thus at random, they cannot be fitted to the quantitie or qualitie of their wants. Fourthly, this kinde of giuing, nourisheth and increaseth the number of vagrants and inordinate persons, incouraging and heartning them to continue in their idle, lewd, and wicked courses, without any feare of God or subiection vnto men. Fiftly, the allow∣ance

of this custome crosseth Gods ordinance, * 1.1 who would not haue a common begger in Israel, and proclaymeth to the world both the mis-go∣uernment of Magistrates who doe not reforme this disorder, and the hard-heartednes of priuate men, who through their want of mercy, bountie, and compassion, thrust their neighbours into these base and inordinate courses. And lastly, those excellent lawes, which haue lately beene made among vs, for the reforming this abuse, are disobeyed and transgressed; and so the christian Magistrate iustly offended, whom we are bound to obey in all things lawfull or indifferent, and much more requiring such things as are godly and commendable, as tending to Gods glory, the prosperous estate of the Church and common-wealth, and the great good of all particular per∣sons.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Deut. 15. 4.