







 
   
     
       
         Agape, or, The feast of love a sermon at the Oxford-shire feast, kept on Thursday Nov. 25, 1675 at Drapers-Hall in London : preached at St. Michael's Church in Cornhill / by Francis Gregory ...
         Gregory, Francis, 1625?-1707.
      
       
         
           1675
        
      
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         12814325
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             Agape, or, The feast of love a sermon at the Oxford-shire feast, kept on Thursday Nov. 25, 1675 at Drapers-Hall in London : preached at St. Michael's Church in Cornhill / by Francis Gregory ...
             Gregory, Francis, 1625?-1707.
          
           [5], 28 p.
           
             Printed by J. Macock for Richard Royston ...,
             London :
             1675.
          
           
             Title transliterated from Greek.
             Reproduction of original in Union Theological Seminary Library, New York.
             Marginal notes.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           Fasts and feasts -- Sermons.
           Sermons, English -- 17th century.
        
      
    
     
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           ΑΓΑΠΗ
           ,
           OR
           THE
           
             Feast
             of
             Love
          
           ,
           A
           SERMON
           AT
           THE
           OXFORD-SHIRE
           FEAST
           ,
           Kept
           on
           Thursday
           Nov.
           25.
           1675.
           at
           Drapers-Hall
           in
           LONDON
           .
           PREACHED
           At
           S
           t
           
           Michael's
           Church
           in
           Cornhill
           .
        
         
           By
           
             FRANCIS
             GREGORY
          
           ,
           D.
           D.
           Rector
           of
           Hambleton
           in
           the
           County
           of
           Bucks
           .
           and
           Chaplain
           in
           Ordinary
           to
           His
           SACRED
           MAJESTY
           .
        
         
           LONDON
           ,
           Printed
           by
           
             J.
             Macock
          
           ,
           for
           
             Richard
             Royston
          
           ,
           Bookseller
           to
           His
           Sacred
           Majesty
           ,
           1675.
           
        
      
       
         
         
           Imprimatur
           ,
        
         
           
             Antonius
             Saunders
             .
          
           
             
               Ex
               Aedibus
            
             Lambeth
             ,
             
               Decemb.
               
                 16
                 ,
                 1675.
              
               
            
          
        
      
       
         
         
           
             To
             my
             Dear
             Country-men
             ,
             and
             Worthy
             Citizens
             of
             LONDON
          
           ;
           
             
               Richard
               Wise
               .
            
             
               Peter
               Nash
               .
            
             
               Richard
               Bourne
               .
            
             
               John
               Sea.
               
            
             
               Thomas
               Whiteing
               .
            
             
               Charles
               Pinfold
               .
            
             
               Robert
               Biggs
               .
            
             
               George
               Clisby
               .
            
             
               Abraham
               Story
               .
            
             
               William
               Whitehill
               .
            
             
               Robert
               Applegate
               .
            
             
               William
               Goodwin
               .
            
             
               Benjamin
               Barnes
               .
            
          
           
             Stewards
             of
             the
          
           Oxford-shire
           Feast
           .
        
         
           
             Gentlemen
             ,
          
        
         
           HAving
           so
           far
           condescended
           to
           Your
           first
           desires
           ,
           as
           to
           Compose
           and
           Preach
           this
           Sermon
           ,
           I
           thought
           fit
           to
           Gratifie
           your
           second
           Request
           in
           Printing
           it
           too
           .
           The
           Penning
           of
           this
           Discourse
           (
           such
           as
           it
           is
           )
           was
           the
           work
           of
           several
           days
           ;
           the
           Preaching
           of
           this
           Sermon
           cost
           me
           a
           Journey
           of
           several
           miles
           ,
           but
           the
           Printing
           thereof
           will
           stand
           me
           in
           no
           more
           than
           an
           easie
           compliance
           with
           Your
           desires
           :
           Wherefore
           since
           you
           are
           pleased
           to
           esteem
           your selves
           somewhat
           gratified
           by
           my
           readiness
           to
           do
           the
           harder
           part
           of
           this
           service
           ,
           I
           thought
           it
           imprudence
           to
           disoblige
           any
           Person
           amongst
           You
           ,
           by
           refusing
           to
           do
           that
           other
           part
           ,
           which
           will
           be
           done
           with
           so
           much
           facility
           .
        
         
           But
           the
           truth
           is
           ,
           I
           have
           another
           design
           ,
           and
           that
           a
           Charitable
           one
           too
           ,
           in
           the
           Publication
           of
           this
           Discourse
           :
           I
           need
           not
           tell
           you
           ,
           that
           many
           of
           our
           Countrymen
           ,
           who
           are
           Persons
           of
           fair
           Estates
           ,
           and
           in
           a
           Capacity
           of
           being
           more
           bountiful
           to
           the
           Poor
           ,
           than
           most
           of
           us
           who
           met
           together
           ,
           were
           detained
           from
           our
           Feast
           by
           the
           importunity
           of
           their
           other
           Affairs
           .
           The
           absence
           of
           such
           Persons
           ,
           as
           it
           rendred
           our
           Meeting
           the
           less
           conspicuous
           ,
           so
           did
           it
           make
           our
           Collection
           the
           less
           Magnificent
           .
        
         
           Peradventure
           the
           putting
           of
           this
           Discourse
           into
           these
           
           Men's
           hands
           ,
           may
           at
           once
           open
           their
           hearts
           and
           purses
           too
           ;
           and
           excite
           their
           Charity
           to
           such
           a
           degree
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           Contribute
           towards
           our
           Poor
           somewhat
           more
           in
           private
           ,
           than
           they
           would
           have
           done
           in
           publick
           .
           For
           although
           Publick
           Acts
           of
           Charity
           ,
           especially
           if
           considerable
           and
           great
           ,
           do
           become
           exemplary
           ;
           yet
           through
           that
           hypocrisie
           ,
           which
           lieth
           deep
           in
           the
           heart
           of
           Man
           ,
           they
           are
           attended
           with
           this
           great
           inconvenience
           ,
           that
           they
           alone
           are
           exposed
           to
           the
           danger
           of
           ostentation
           ,
           which
           every
           good
           Man
           fears
           ,
           lest
           it
           corrupt
           the
           beauty
           ,
           and
           alter
           the
           nature
           of
           his
           Charity
           ,
           and
           render
           it
           a
           Sacrifice
           rather
           to
           himself
           than
           to
           his
           Maker
           .
        
         
           However
           ,
           if
           you
           please
           to
           convey
           one
           of
           these
           Discourses
           into
           the
           hands
           of
           such
           Gentlemen
           ,
           who
           had
           an
           Invitation
           to
           our
           Feast
           ,
           and
           would
           have
           come
           but
           could
           not
           :
           the
           very
           Title
           Page
           at
           first
           view
           will
           mind
           them
           of
           their
           Country
           and
           Duty
           too
           .
           And
           probably
           they
           will
           not
           think
           their
           Charity
           so
           far
           excused
           by
           their
           absence
           from
           our
           Feast
           ,
           as
           to
           contribute
           nothing
           to
           the
           Poor
           Man's
           Bason
           ,
           nor
           pay
           some
           few
           mites
           at
           least
           for
           the
           laying
           of
           their
           Trenchers
           .
        
         
           And
           although
           such
           a
           presenting
           of
           small
           Books
           to
           Persons
           of
           Quality
           ,
           hath
           ever
           been
           esteemed
           a
           kind
           of
           begging
           ;
           yet
           't
           is
           the
           most
           Gentile
           and
           Ingenuous
           way
           of
           doing
           so
           ,
           and
           if
           it
           be
           but
           tolerable
           in
           any
           other
           case
           ,
           't
           is
           highly
           commendable
           in
           this
           .
           Remember
           who
           they
           are
           for
           whom
           we
           begg
           ;
           the
           Poor
           Orphan
           ,
           who
           perhaps
           ,
           if
           we
           do
           it
           not
           for
           him
           now
           ,
           must
           beg
           for
           himself
           for
           ever
           .
           And
           if
           there
           be
           any
           imputation
           and
           dishonour
           in
           this
           begging
           of
           Ours
           ,
           being
           only
           designed
           to
           prevent
           that
           of
           other
           persons
           ,
           and
           perhaps
           whole
           Families
           too
           ,
           let
           it
           all
           be
           Charged
           ,
           and
           Rest
           upon
        
         
           
             Your
             Friend
             and
             Servant
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ,
             FRANCIS
             GREGORY
             .
          
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           
             JUDE
             12.
             
          
           
             
               These
               are
               spots
               in
               your
               Feasts
               of
               Charity
               —
            
          
        
         
           THE
           Persons
           Censured
           in
           the
           Text
           were
           the
           Gnosticks
           ;
           those
           cursed
           Disciples
           ,
           and
           Viperous
           Brood
           of
           that
           Early
           and
           Infamous
           Heretick
           Carpocrates
           ;
           A
           Man
           ,
           saith
           Tertullian
           ,
           
           that
           was
           ,
           
             paritèr
             Magus
             ,
             paritèr
             Fornicarius
          
           ,
           both
           a
           Conjurer
           and
           a
           Fornicator
           ;
           he
           had
           not
           so
           much
           brains
           as
           to
           set
           off
           and
           credit
           his
           Heresie
           with
           so
           much
           as
           a
           disguise
           and
           pretence
           of
           Sanctimony
           .
           Eusebius
           stiles
           him
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             the
             Father
             of
             the
             Gnosticks
          
           ;
           and
           Irenaeus
           
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           his
           Children
           were
           very
           like
           him
           .
           So
           Heterodox
           and
           Erroneous
           in
           their
           Opinions
           ,
           so
           Vicious
           and
           Vile
           in
           their
           Practices
           ,
           that
           their
           Converse
           was
           a
           great
           disparagement
           to
           every
           Christian
           ,
           that
           was
           Regular
           in
           his
           Life
           ,
           and
           sound
           in
           his
           Faith.
           
        
         
           Such
           Monsters
           of
           Men
           they
           were
           ,
           that
           even
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           Himself
           ,
           though
           he
           be
           like
           a
           Dove
           that
           hath
           no
           Gall
           ,
           doth
           notwithstanding
           fix
           upon
           them
           several
           brands
           of
           dishonour
           :
           By
           the
           guidance
           of
           this
           Blessed
           Spirit
           ,
           St.
           Peter
           calleth
           them
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           blemishes
           ;
           and
           St.
           Jude
           in
           
           the
           Text
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           spots
           ;
           what
           's
           that
           ?
           Christianismi
           
           dedecora
           ,
           saith
           Grotius
           ,
           the
           common
           Reproaches
           
           of
           the
           Christian
           Faith
           ,
           which
           had
           now
           gained
           much
           Credit
           in
           the
           World.
           And
           as
           their
           Society
           was
           such
           a
           disparagement
           to
           the
           Servants
           of
           Christ
           at
           all
           times
           and
           in
           all
           places
           ;
           so
           more
           especially
           in
           their
           Publick
           Meetings
           and
           Solemn
           Assemblies
           ;
           and
           particularly
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             in
             their
             Feasts
             of
             Charity
          
           ,
           where
           they
           fed
           like
           Beasts
           ,
           and
           talked
           like
           Pagans
           .
        
         
           Concerning
           which
           Feasts
           of
           Charity
           ,
           Three
           things
           may
           be
           considered
           ,
           1.
           
           Their
           Antiquity
           .
           2.
           
           The
           circumstances
           of
           their
           Celebration
           .
           3.
           
           Their
           Design
           and
           End.
           
        
         
           1.
           
           Consider
           we
           the
           Antiquity
           of
           these
           Feasts
           ,
           and
           that
           must
           needs
           be
           great
           :
           Blastaris
           stiles
           them
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             an
             old
             Vsage
          
           ;
           and
           Zonaras
           tells
           
           us
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           the
           Christians
           kept
           up
           these
           Feasts
           from
           an
           Ancient
           Custom
           :
           They
           
           are
           mentioned
           by
           St.
           
             Austine
             ,
             In
             Agapibus
             nostris
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           They
           are
           mentioned
           by
           St.
           Chrysostom
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             &c.
             
             They
             spread
             a
             Common
             Table
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           So
           that
           Father
           ,
           and
           long
           
           before
           him
           
             Tertullian
             ,
             Coena
             nostra
             vocatur
          
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           Our
           Supper
           is
           called
           a
           Feast
           of
           Love.
           But
           to
           prove
           the
           great
           Antiquity
           of
           these
           Christian
           Feasts
           ,
           we
           need
           not
           Humane
           Testimonies
           ,
           
           because
           we
           have
           Divine
           Ones
           :
           We
           find
           them
           mentioned
           by
           St.
           Paul
           ,
           who
           reproves
           their
           abuse
           in
           that
           Early
           Church
           of
           Corinth
           ;
           but
           ,
           had
           we
           no
           more
           ,
           the
           Text
           is
           a
           sufficient
           proof
           that
           these
           Christian
           Feasts
           were
           Celebrated
           even
           in
           our
           Apostles
           time
           ,
           and
           so
           may
           justly
           pretend
           to
           great
           Antiquity
           .
        
         
         
           2.
           
           Consider
           we
           the
           Circumstances
           of
           their
           Celebration
           ;
           and
           they
           are
           Three
           ,
           1.
           the
           Time
           when
           ,
           2.
           the
           Place
           where
           ,
           3.
           the
           Manner
           how
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Consider
           we
           the
           Time
           of
           their
           Celebration
           —
           And
           as
           to
           this
           ,
           that
           Account
           ,
           which
           Pliny
           
           gave
           the
           Emperour
           Trajan
           ,
           doth
           afford
           us
           some
           general
           Information
           ,
           
             Soliti
             sunt
             stato
             die
             convenire
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           The
           Christians
           are
           wont
           to
           Meet
           and
           Feast
           on
           a
           certain
           set
           and
           appointed
           day
           ;
           St.
           Chrysostom
           confirms
           it
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           &c.
           
           They
           spread
           their
           Table
           upon
           Solemn
           
           and
           wonted
           dayes
           ;
           such
           dayes
           ,
           in
           which
           the
           Eucharist
           was
           Celebrated
           ;
           so
           
             Grotius
             ,
             Ea
          
           
           
             Convivia
             claudi
             solebant
             sacramento
             Dominicae
             Passionis
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           These
           Feasts
           of
           Love
           were
           wont
           to
           conclude
           and
           end
           with
           another
           more
           Sacred
           Feast
           ,
           that
           of
           the
           Sacrament
           .
        
         
           Thus
           probably
           might
           it
           be
           at
           first
           ;
           but
           because
           several
           disorders
           did
           afterwards
           happen
           ,
           which
           St.
           Paul
           complains
           of
           in
           the
           Church
           of
           Corinth
           ;
           such
           disorders
           ,
           as
           did
           render
           the
           guilty
           persons
           unfit
           for
           the
           Holy
           Communion
           ;
           it
           was
           Decreed
           in
           process
           of
           Time
           ,
           that
           the
           Communion
           should
           be
           received
           fasting
           ,
           and
           these
           Feasts
           of
           Charity
           adjourned
           till
           the
           Sacrament
           was
           over
           :
           So
           St.
           Chrysostom
           tell
           us
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           all
           the
           Congregation
           ,
           which
           received
           the
           Sacrament
           ,
           did
           afterwards
           go
           and
           eat
           together
           .
        
         
           And
           so
           constant
           was
           this
           Custom
           for
           several
           Ages
           ,
           that
           Justellus
           makes
           this
           Feast
           of
           Charity
           
           an
           Appendix
           ,
           or
           part
           of
           the
           Eucharist
           ;
           for
           so
           he
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             Caenae
             Dominicae
             tres
             olim
             erant
          
           
           
             Partes
             ;
             The
             Lords
             Supper
             did
             of
             old
             consist
             of
             three
             parts
          
           ;
        
         
           
             1.
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ,
             
               the
               breaking
               of
               bread
            
             ;
          
           
             2.
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ,
             
               the
               Cup
               of
               blessing
            
             :
             And
             then
          
           
             3.
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ,
             
               the
               Feast
               of
               Charity
            
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           Consider
           we
           the
           place
           of
           their
           Celebration
           :
           I
           remember
           that
           Pliny
           ,
           in
           his
           forenamed
           
           Account
           to
           the
           
             Roman
             Emperour
          
           ,
           tells
           him
           thus
           ,
           
             Quibus
             peractis
             ,
             morem
             sibi
             discedendi
             fuisse
             ,
             rurfúsque
             coeundi
             ad
             capiendum
             Cibum
             ;
             When
             the
             whole
             service
             of
             God
             was
             over
             ,
             the
             Christians
             were
             wont
             to
             part
             asunder
             ,
             and
             within
             a
             short
             space
             they
             met
             together
             again
             to
             eat
          
           ;
           but
           in
           what
           place
           they
           met
           ,
           he
           doth
           not
           there
           inform
           us
           .
        
         
           But
           that
           these
           Feasts
           of
           Charity
           were
           of
           Old
           Celebrated
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           may
           well
           be
           guessed
           from
           that
           expression
           of
           St.
           
             Paul
             ,
             What
             ,
             have
          
           
           
             ye
             not
             houses
             to
             eat
             and
             drink
             in
             ?
             or
             despise
             ye
             the
             Church
             of
             God
             ?
          
           There
           were
           some
           amongst
           them
           so
           disorderly
           at
           this
           Feast
           ,
           that
           although
           it
           were
           called
           a
           Feast
           of
           Charity
           ,
           yet
           since
           it
           was
           no
           better
           managed
           ,
           he
           sharply
           reproves
           them
           for
           keeping
           it
           in
           the
           House
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           And
           that
           they
           kept
           it
           there
           indeed
           ,
           we
           have
           not
           only
           a
           probable
           conjecture
           from
           this
           Text
           ,
           but
           the
           express
           Testimony
           of
           Creditable
           Authours
           ;
           
             Epulas
             in
             Ecclefia
             faciebant
          
           ,
           saith
           St.
           
             Hierom
             ,
             they
             made
             a
             Banquet
             in
             the
             Church
             :
          
           
           So
           much
           is
           intimated
           by
           the
           Canons
           of
           several
           Councils
           ,
           which
           afterwards
           forbad
           this
           Practice
           ;
           so
           did
           the
           Council
           of
           Laodicea
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           
           
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           &c.
           And
           so
           the
           sixth
           General
           Council
           ,
           
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           &c.
           
           'T
           is
           not
           fit
           ,
           nor
           shall
           it
           hereafter
           be
           lawfull
           to
           Celebrate
           these
           Feasts
           of
           Charity
           in
           the
           House
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           if
           that
           were
           a
           place
           but
           Common
           .
           Certainly
           these
           Canons
           ,
           which
           do
           expresly
           forbid
           this
           Feasting
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           do
           necessarily
           suppose
           it
           ;
           because
           these
           Laws
           were
           established
           ,
           not
           to
           prevent
           an
           inconvenience
           ,
           that
           hereafter
           might
           be
           ,
           but
           to
           remove
           a
           profanation
           ,
           which
           already
           was
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Consider
           we
           the
           Manner
           of
           their
           Celebration
           ;
           and
           that
           comprehends
           in
           it
           these
           Three
           Particulars
           :
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           nature
           and
           kind
           of
           their
           Provision
           ;
           and
           that
           was
           but
           ordinary
           ,
           not
           delicate
           in
           its
           Quality
           ,
           nor
           over-much
           in
           its
           Quantity
           .
        
         
           So
           have
           some
           observed
           from
           that
           of
           the
           Evangelist
           ,
           
             They
             continuing
             daily
             in
             the
             Temple
             ,
             and
             breaking
             Bread
          
           ;
           which
           expression
           some
           
           understand
           of
           the
           Sacrament
           ,
           but
           others
           of
           this
           Feast
           of
           Charity
           ,
           which
           is
           here
           stiled
           ,
           a
           breaking
           of
           bread
           ;
           to
           intimate
           ,
           as
           Oecumenius
           words
           
           it
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           or
           ,
           as
           St.
           Chrysostom
           phraseth
           it
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             the
             frugality
          
           
           
             of
             their
             meal
             ,
             and
             the
             means
             of
             their
             Provision
             .
          
        
         
           But
           whether
           this
           Text
           doth
           prove
           it
           such
           or
           not
           ,
           the
           Testimony
           of
           several
           Authors
           doth
           ;
           Tertullian
           calls
           these
           Feasts
           ,
           
             Coenulas
             nostras
             ,
             our
             mean
             or
             little
             Suppers
          
           ;
           so
           mean
           ,
           that
           he
           
           
           stiles
           them
           again
           ,
           
             frugalitatis
             exempla
             ,
             examples
             of
             frugality
             .
             Cappellus
          
           calls
           them
           ,
           Coenas
           
           
             frugales
             &
             parcissimas
             ;
             Thrifty
             and
             slender
             Suppers
          
           ;
           and
           Calvin
           testifieth
           for
           them
           thus
           ,
           
           
             Erat
             illic
             summa
             frugalitas
             &
             moderatio
             ;
             there
             was
             used
             the
             greatest
             frugality
             and
             moderation
             that
             could
             be
             .
          
           And
           what
           were
           the
           usual
           Messes
           at
           these
           Feasts
           ?
           Balsamon
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             a
             little
             bread
             and
             fruits
          
           ;
           To
           which
           St.
           Austin
           adds
           yet
           another
           Dish
           ,
           
             Pauperibus
             etiam
          
           
           
             carnes
             erogantur
             ;
             there
             was
             some
             flesh
             also
             provided
             for
             the
             Poor
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           Their
           Temperance
           and
           Sobriety
           in
           the
           use
           of
           Meats
           and
           Drinks
           ;
           and
           perhaps
           it
           might
           be
           their
           Piety
           and
           Prudence
           to
           provide
           for
           themselves
           such
           fare
           ,
           as
           was
           but
           mean
           and
           course
           ,
           with
           this
           very
           design
           ,
           That
           no
           Man
           amongst
           them
           might
           have
           so
           much
           as
           a
           temptation
           to
           the
           least
           excess
           .
           But
           whatever
           their
           Provision
           was
           ,
           't
           is
           sure
           ,
           there
           was
           but
           here
           and
           there
           an
           untoward
           person
           ,
           that
           did
           abuse
           it
           ;
           't
           is
           not
           probable
           ,
           that
           any
           Man
           in
           his
           Wits
           ,
           that
           was
           just
           now
           preparing
           for
           ,
           or
           newly
           returned
           from
           the
           Holy
           Sacrament
           would
           so
           quickly
           forget
           himself
           and
           his
           Vowes
           ,
           as
           that
           he
           should
           immediately
           degenerate
           from
           a
           serious
           Christian
           into
           a
           luxurious
           and
           wanton
           Epicure
           .
           No
           ,
           St.
           Chrysostom
           and
           Oecumenius
           
           give
           us
           this
           Testimony
           of
           them
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             They
             eat
             ,
             but
             did
             not
             Gluttonize
             :
             Editur
             quantum
             esurientes
             capiunt
             ;
             bibitur
             quantum
             pudicis
             utile
             ,
          
           saith
           Tertullian
           ;
           
           
             They
             eat
             no
             more
             than
             hunger
             required
             ;
             and
          
           
           
             they
             drunk
             no
             more
             than
             Chastity
             would
             well
             permit
             .
          
           But
           ,
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           nature
           of
           their
           Discourse
           and
           Table-talk
           ;
           and
           what
           that
           was
           Tertullian
           tells
           us
           ,
           
           
             Ita
             fabulantur
             ,
             ut
             qui
             sciant
             Dominum
             audire
             ,
          
           &c.
           
           
             Their
             language
             was
             such
             ,
             as
             became
             those
             Persons
             ,
             who
             believed
             that
             God
             did
             hear
             them
          
           ;
           as
           their
           teeth
           were
           sparing
           ,
           so
           were
           their
           tongues
           chaste
           too
           :
           
             Nihil
             vilitatis
             ,
             nihil
             immodestiae
             ,
             Not
             an
             immodest
             word
             ,
             not
             one
             wanton
             syllable
          
           ;
           no
           drolling
           at
           Sacred
           Things
           ,
           or
           Holy
           Persons
           :
           No
           ,
           that
           's
           the
           dirty
           language
           of
           this
           Age
           ,
           wherein
           some
           beastly
           persons
           ,
           who
           invite
           us
           to
           their
           Tables
           ,
           do
           entertain
           their
           Guests
           with
           such
           unsavoury
           Discourse
           ,
           as
           doth
           not
           onely
           grate
           and
           foul
           the
           ear
           ,
           but
           even
           turn
           the
           stomach
           too
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Consider
           we
           the
           Design
           and
           End
           of
           their
           Celebration
           ;
           and
           what
           that
           was
           ,
           we
           may
           see
           distinctly
           in
           these
           Three
           Particulars
           :
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           First
           and
           Principal
           design
           of
           these
           Feasts
           in
           the
           Text
           ,
           was
           the
           Glory
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           bountifull
           God
           ,
           who
           furnished
           their
           Table
           for
           them
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           St.
           
           Paul's
           Command
           ,
           
             Whether
             ye
             eat
             or
          
           
           
             drink
             ,
             do
             all
             to
             the
             Glory
             of
             God
             :
          
           the
           Primitive
           Christians
           did
           so
           ;
           thus
           the
           Evangelist
           ,
           
           
             They
             continuing
             in
             the
             Temple
             ,
             breaking
             bread
             ,
             and
             praising
             God
             ,
          
           &c.
           
           Thus
           it
           continued
           in
           
           Tertullian's
           time
           ,
           who
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             Non
             priùs
             discumbitur
          
           ,
           
           
             quàm
             Oratio
             ad
             Deum
             praegustetur
             ;
             We
             sit
             not
             down
             ,
             till
             first
             we
             have
             prayed
             :
          
           and
           when
           their
           Meal
           was
           over
           ,
           
             Oratio
             convivium
          
           
           dirimit
           ,
           saith
           the
           same
           
             Tertullian
             ,
             They
             prayed
             again
             ,
             and
             so
             departed
          
           ;
           a
           practice
           ,
           which
           condemns
           the
           Atheists
           of
           these
           Times
           ,
           who
           fall
           to
           their
           meat
           ,
           as
           the
           Hog
           doth
           to
           his
           Acorns
           ,
           without
           the
           least
           respect
           to
           the
           kind
           Oak
           from
           which
           they
           fall
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           second
           design
           of
           these
           Feasts
           was
           to
           beget
           ,
           betwixt
           Christian
           and
           Christian
           ,
           a
           mutual
           correspondence
           ,
           acquaintance
           and
           friendship
           ,
           where
           as
           yet
           it
           was
           not
           ;
           and
           to
           confirm
           and
           increase
           it
           ,
           where
           it
           already
           was
           .
        
         
           The
           very
           name
           of
           these
           Feasts
           imports
           as
           much
           ,
           
             Coena
             nostra
             de
             nomine
             rationem
             sui
             ostendit
             ,
          
           saith
           
             Tertullian
             ,
             Our
             Suppers
             give
             an
          
           
           
             account
             of
             their
             Institution
             by
             their
             name
             ,
          
           and
           that
           's
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             Feasts
             of
             Love
          
           ;
           accordingly
           St.
           Austin
           renders
           the
           Text
           thus
           ,
           
             These
             are
             spots
             ,
             in
             dilectionibus
             vestris
             ,
             in
             your
             Loves
          
           ;
           intimating
           that
           the
           end
           of
           these
           Feasts
           was
           ,
           as
           Blastaris
           
           words
           it
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             to
             knit
             Christians
             in
             Love
          
           ;
           upon
           which
           score
           Balsamon
           
           calleth
           these
           Suppers
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           Fraternities
           or
           Brotherhoods
           ;
           and
           Cappellus
           stiles
           them
           ,
           
             Mutuae
             charitatis
             contesserationes
             ,
             the
             cements
             of
             mutual
             kindness
          
           ;
           as
           if
           their
           design
           of
           eating
           had
           been
           ,
           not
           onely
           to
           incorporate
           their
           food
           into
           their
           bodies
           ,
           but
           to
           assimilate
           and
           translate
           themselves
           into
           one
           anothers
           souls
           too
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           design
           of
           these
           Feasts
           was
           to
           extend
           and
           express
           their
           Love
           towards
           such
           Christians
           as
           were
           indigent
           and
           poor
           ;
           the
           former
           being
           an
           act
           of
           common
           friendship
           ,
           but
           this
           of
           proper
           Charity
           .
        
         
         
           The
           Provision
           of
           these
           Feasts
           ,
           whatever
           it
           were
           ,
           was
           prepared
           by
           the
           Rich
           Men's
           Purses
           ;
           who
           did
           it
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           saith
           Balsamon
           ;
           
           from
           their
           Mercy
           and
           Compassion
           to
           the
           Poor
           :
           So
           speaks
           
             Tertullian
             ,
             Inopes
             refrigerio
             isto
             juvamus
             ,
             Our
             Feast
             doth
             refresh
             the
             Indigent
             :
          
           
           Nor
           did
           they
           suffer
           their
           poor
           Brethren
           to
           stand
           as
           Beggars
           at
           the
           door
           ,
           but
           they
           freely
           admitted
           them
           to
           their
           Table
           ;
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           saith
           Zonaras
           ;
           the
           Poor
           were
           not
           then
           esteemed
           as
           Intruders
           ,
           but
           invited
           as
           proper
           
           Guests
           .
           And
           hence
           St.
           Chrysostom
           calls
           their
           Board
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             a
             Common
             Table
          
           ;
           and
           
           this
           Supper
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             a
             Common
             Banquet
          
           ;
           and
           so
           
             Pliny
             ,
             Cibum
             promiscuum
             ,
             promiscuous
          
           
           food
           ;
           both
           Poor
           and
           Rich
           being
           intermingled
           at
           the
           same
           Table
           ,
           and
           feeding
           on
           the
           self-same
           Dishes
           too
           .
        
         
           The
           Historical
           Account
           of
           these
           Feasts
           in
           the
           Text
           being
           thus
           dispatcht
           ,
           the
           Practical
           Part
           ,
           which
           is
           of
           present
           concern
           to
           this
           Assembly
           ,
           doth
           now
           succeed
           .
           That
           there
           is
           a
           Feast
           this
           day
           intended
           ,
           I
           need
           not
           tell
           you
           ;
           Only
           my
           request
           is
           ,
           That
           the
           Feast
           of
           this
           time
           may
           prove
           like
           the
           Feast
           in
           this
           Text
           ;
           an
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             a
             Feast
             of
             Charity
             indeed
          
           .
           And
           that
           it
           may
           be
           really
           such
           ,
           we
           are
           obliged
           to
           imitate
           the
           laudable
           Example
           of
           the
           Primitive
           Christians
           ,
           and
           to
           do
           at
           our
           Feast
           ,
           at
           least
           in
           some
           proportion
           ,
           what
           they
           did
           at
           Theirs
           .
           And
           here
           give
           me
           leave
           to
           recommend
           to
           your
           Practice
           these
           Three
           Particulars
           :
        
         
         
           1.
           
           Let
           us
           ,
           in
           this
           intended
           Feast
           of
           Ours
           ,
           imitate
           ,
           I
           will
           not
           say
           ,
           the
           Frugality
           ,
           but
           the
           Sobriety
           and
           Temperance
           of
           Theirs
           .
        
         
           True
           it
           is
           ,
           we
           are
           not
           obliged
           to
           feed
           upon
           a
           little
           Bread
           or
           Fruits
           ,
           as
           they
           did
           ;
           for
           ,
           whether
           the
           coursness
           of
           their
           Provision
           did
           arise
           from
           necessity
           and
           want
           of
           better
           ,
           or
           else
           from
           their
           own
           Election
           and
           Choice
           ,
           we
           cannot
           tell
           ;
           but
           this
           we
           know
           ,
           so
           bountiful
           is
           our
           God
           ,
           that
           he
           did
           never
           restrain
           either
           Them
           or
           Us
           from
           the
           sober
           use
           of
           his
           choisest
           Creatures
           .
           But
           although
           our
           indulgent
           Father
           do
           give
           us
           that
           Liberty
           ,
           which
           our
           elder
           Brethren
           did
           either
           want
           ,
           or
           would
           not
           use
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           Quality
           of
           our
           Food
           ;
           yet
           we
           have
           no
           permission
           to
           be
           Gluttons
           or
           Drunkards
           more
           than
           They.
           
        
         
           We
           may
           sometimes
           ,
           upon
           good
           occasions
           ,
           please
           our
           Palates
           ,
           and
           gratifie
           our
           Tast
           ;
           God
           is
           pleased
           now
           and
           then
           to
           allow
           us
           ,
           not
           only
           the
           bare
           nourishment
           ,
           but
           even
           the
           pleasure
           of
           His
           Creatures
           ;
           but
           withall
           ,
           we
           must
           never
           indulge
           our
           flesh
           so
           far
           ,
           nor
           pamper
           it
           so
           high
           ,
           as
           to
           render
           that
           the
           Governess
           of
           our
           Spirit
           ,
           which
           should
           and
           must
           be
           under
           its
           command
           .
           St.
           Hierom
           saith
           well
           in
           this
           Case
           ,
           
             That
             whosoever
             eats
             too
             little
             ,
             Civem
             enecat
             ,
             he
             starves
             a
             dear
             Citizen
             ,
          
           (
           i.
           e.
           )
           
             his
             own
             body
          
           ;
           but
           whosoever
           eats
           and
           drinks
           too
           much
           ,
           
             Hostem
             nutrit
             ,
             he
             nourisheth
             an
             Enemy
          
           ;
           the
           only
           Enemy
           ,
           which
           Christ
           would
           not
           have
           us
           feed
           ,
           
             (
             i.
             e.
          
           )
           our
           sinful
           flesh
           .
        
         
           There
           are
           indeed
           ,
           in
           this
           debauched
           Age
           of
           ours
           ,
           a
           Generation
           of
           Men
           ,
           that
           feed
           high
           ,
           and
           
           drink
           deep
           ,
           and
           that
           ,
           as
           may
           well
           be
           guessed
           ,
           with
           a
           design
           to
           nourish
           ,
           not
           themselves
           ,
           but
           their
           Vices
           ;
           their
           end
           is
           to
           excite
           and
           quicken
           their
           lusts
           ,
           and
           make
           themselves
           the
           more
           Gigantick
           ,
           sturdy
           and
           able
           sinners
           :
           the
           full
           Table
           is
           only
           designed
           to
           prepare
           them
           the
           better
           for
           the
           Adulterous
           Bed.
           Poor
           silly
           Men
           !
           who
           deserve
           our
           just
           indignation
           ,
           yet
           need
           our
           compassions
           too
           ;
           Men
           ,
           who
           with
           their
           own
           teeth
           dig
           themselves
           a
           way
           ,
           not
           only
           to
           the
           Grave
           ,
           but
           Hell
           ;
           for
           ,
           whereas
           other
           sinners
           do
           eat
           and
           drink
           damnation
           to
           themselves
           at
           God's
           Table
           ,
           these
           Men
           do
           it
           at
           their
           own
           .
        
         
           And
           should
           there
           be
           any
           such
           Persons
           found
           in
           this
           Assembly
           ,
           I
           must
           say
           as
           our
           Apostle
           doth
           ,
           
             These
             are
             spots
             in
             your
             Feasts
             of
             Charity
             .
          
           Spots
           indeed
           ,
           that
           deserve
           to
           be
           quite
           wiped
           off
           with
           shame
           ,
           scorn
           ,
           and
           just
           abhorrence
           ;
           persons
           ,
           that
           deserve
           to
           be
           excluded
           from
           all
           converse
           with
           men
           ,
           and
           numbred
           amongst
           those
           silly
           beasts
           ,
           who
           do
           best
           love
           ,
           and
           most
           devour
           that
           very
           food
           ,
           which
           fats
           them
           soonest
           ,
           and
           prepares
           them
           quickest
           for
           the
           slaughter
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Let
           us
           ,
           in
           this
           intended
           Feast
           of
           Ours
           ,
           imitate
           the
           Primitive
           Christians
           in
           those
           Feasts
           of
           Theirs
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           innocence
           of
           our
           Discourse
           and
           Table-talk
           .
        
         
           What
           our
           Elder
           Brethren
           did
           in
           this
           matter
           ,
           we
           have
           already
           seen
           ,
           and
           what
           St.
           Paul
           commands
           in
           this
           Case
           ,
           we
           cannot
           well
           be
           ignorant
           ,
           
             Let
             no
             corrupt
             communication
             proceed
             out
          
           
           
             of
             your
             mouth
          
           ;
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             Putrid
             ,
             rotten
             language
          
           .
           Pray
           ,
           tell
           me
           ,
           what
           should
           any
           thing
           ,
           
           that
           is
           corrupt
           and
           rotten
           ,
           do
           at
           a
           Feast
           ?
           Linnen
           ,
           that
           's
           nasty
           ;
           Trenchers
           ,
           that
           are
           foul
           ;
           a
           Dish
           ,
           that
           's
           dirty
           ;
           and
           Meat
           ,
           that
           stinks
           ,
           no
           man
           would
           away
           with
           :
           But
           alas
           ,
           what
           's
           all
           this
           to
           the
           Guest
           of
           an
           unclean
           and
           wanton
           Tongue
           ?
           There
           is
           no
           man's
           breath
           ,
           that
           stinks
           like
           his
           :
           What
           Tertullian
           told
           the
           drunken
           Pagans
           ,
           may
           we
           tell
           the
           scurrilous
           Christian
           ,
           Ructibus
           
           
             vestris
             Aer
             acescit
             ;
             He
             poisons
             the
             Air
             wherein
             he
             breaths
             ,
             and
             taints
             the
             Room
             wherein
             he
             stands
             :
          
           So
           noysom
           is
           the
           stench
           of
           unsavoury
           Discourses
           ,
           that
           the
           Grecians
           were
           wont
           ,
           as
           Athenaeus
           observes
           ,
           in
           the
           close
           of
           their
           Suppers
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           and
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           saith
           Homer
           ;
           to
           perfume
           and
           burn
           the
           Tongues
           of
           their
           Sacrifices
           ,
           thereby
           to
           expiate
           the
           extravagancies
           of
           their
           own
           .
           And
           to
           prevent
           ,
           not
           only
           the
           scurrility
           ,
           but
           even
           the
           impertinency
           of
           Table-talk
           .
           Some
           Pagans
           ,
           whom
           Plutarch
           mentioneth
           ,
           intending
           a
           solemn
           Invitation
           ,
           gave
           their
           Friends
           a
           whole
           years
           warning
           ,
           that
           so
           the
           Guests
           might
           provide
           themselves
           with
           matter
           for
           good
           Discourse
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           the
           Entertainer
           prepare
           his
           Feast
           .
           And
           if
           the
           poor
           Heathens
           were
           thus
           solicitous
           and
           jealous
           of
           their
           Language
           ,
           methinks
           the
           Christian
           stands
           more
           obliged
           to
           be
           considerate
           and
           chaste
           in
           His.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           Let
           us
           ,
           in
           this
           intended
           Feast
           of
           Ours
           ,
           imitate
           the
           Primitive
           Christians
           in
           those
           Feasts
           of
           Theirs
           ,
           as
           to
           their
           Design
           and
           End
           ;
           and
           that
           's
           double
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Let
           Our
           Feast
           be
           ,
           as
           Theirs
           was
           ,
           a
           Feast
           
           of
           Mutual
           Love
           ,
           Amity
           and
           Friendship
           .
           'T
           is
           St.
           
           Peter's
           Command
           ,
           
             Love
             as
             Brethren
          
           ;
           the
           
           Relation
           is
           Ours
           ,
           and
           consequently
           the
           Duty
           is
           so
           too
           .
           We
           are
           Brethren
           by
           Common
           blood
           ,
           as
           Men
           ;
           by
           our
           common
           Nation
           ,
           as
           English-men
           ;
           and
           by
           our
           common
           Religion
           ,
           as
           Christians
           :
           but
           if
           these
           General
           Considerations
           are
           not
           enough
           to
           oblige
           and
           endear
           us
           to
           one
           another
           ,
           there
           is
           yet
           a
           more
           particular
           Relation
           that
           should
           engage
           us
           ;
           We
           are
           Brethren
           as
           born
           in
           one
           and
           the
           same
           Shire
           ;
           for
           ,
           
             Patria
             est
             communis
             Parens
          
           ,
           saith
           the
           Roman
           Oratour
           ,
           
             Our
             Country
             is
             our
             common
             Mother
          
           ;
           and
           that
           Country
           is
           Oxford
           too
           ;
           for
           although
           we
           were
           not
           all
           born
           within
           that
           Cities
           Walls
           ,
           yet
           we
           were
           within
           its
           Precincts
           and
           Neighbourhood
           .
        
         
           And
           shall
           any
           Person
           ,
           that
           ever
           breathed
           within
           or
           near
           to
           Oxford
           Air
           ,
           prove
           unfriendly
           and
           unkind
           ?
           The
           University
           is
           usually
           stiled
           ,
           
             Alma
             Mater
             ,
             the
             Benign
             ,
             Courteous
             ,
             and
             Indulgent
             Mother
          
           ;
           so
           loving
           and
           tender-hearted
           ,
           that
           methinks
           Her
           Example
           should
           reach
           ,
           not
           her
           proper
           Children
           only
           ,
           but
           even
           the
           remotest
           of
           her
           Neighbours
           too
           :
           She
           doth
           not
           allow
           the
           least
           Disputes
           ,
           except
           it
           be
           those
           friendly
           ones
           within
           Her
           Schools
           ;
           She
           clothes
           all
           her
           Sons
           ,
           and
           many
           of
           her
           Citizens
           too
           ,
           with
           the
           Gown
           ,
           that
           Emblem
           of
           Peace
           ;
           Her
           Pulpits
           preach
           this
           Lesson
           ;
           and
           that
           blessed
           Bible
           ,
           which
           She
           bears
           in
           her
           Scutcheon
           ,
           doth
           require
           us
           to
           be
           kind
           and
           friendly
           ;
           not
           to
           bite
           like
           Dogs
           and
           Serpents
           ,
           not
           to
           push
           and
           gore
           like
           furious
           Bulls
           ;
           but
           to
           bear
           one
           anothers
           
           burdens
           ,
           like
           that
           kinder
           Oxe
           ,
           from
           whose
           courtesie
           ,
           I
           had
           almost
           said
           ,
           from
           whose
           Humanity
           ,
           our
           Mother
           did
           at
           first
           receive
           ,
           and
           still
           retains
           her
           Name
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Let
           Our
           Feast
           be
           as
           Theirs
           was
           ,
           a
           Feast
           of
           Charity
           to
           the
           Poor
           .
           What
           the
           Primitive
           Christians
           did
           ,
           Grotius
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             Divites
             &
             Pauperes
             pari
             victu
             utebantur
             ;
             there
             was
             the
             same
             Provision
          
           
           
             made
             for
             the
             Poor
             as
             for
             the
             Rich.
          
           But
           that
           's
           not
           all
           ;
           as
           we
           should
           admit
           the
           meanest
           of
           our
           Country-men
           that
           are
           present
           this
           day
           ,
           to
           our
           Table
           ,
           so
           let
           us
           feed
           some
           absent
           ones
           at
           their
           own
           ;
           let
           us
           relieve
           the
           one
           from
           our
           Trenchers
           ,
           and
           the
           other
           from
           our
           Purses
           ;
           and
           indeed
           amongst
           those
           many
           Dishes
           ,
           that
           are
           provided
           for
           our selves
           ,
           methinks
           there
           should
           be
           at
           least
           one
           Bason
           for
           the
           Poor
           ;
           that
           so
           such
           as
           are
           at
           a
           distance
           from
           us
           ,
           may
           feed
           upon
           our
           Bounty
           ,
           though
           they
           do
           not
           taste
           our
           Feast
           .
           And
           here
           three
           things
           must
           be
           shewed
           ;
           
             
               1.
               
               What
               must
               be
               the
               just
               measure
               of
               our
               Charity
               ?
            
             
               2.
               
               Who
               must
               be
               the
               objects
               of
               our
               Charity
               ?
            
             
               3.
               
               What
               are
               the
               Motives
               to
               it
               ?
            
          
        
         
           1.
           
           What
           must
           be
           the
           just
           measure
           of
           our
           Charity
           ?
           What
           must
           we
           give
           ,
           and
           how
           much
           ?
           We
           answer
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           certain
           Rule
           to
           be
           prescribed
           to
           every
           particular
           person
           in
           this
           Case
           ;
           but
           in
           General
           ,
           we
           must
           proportion
           our
           Charity
           by
           this
           double
           Measure
           :
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           first
           Measure
           of
           our
           Charity
           must
           be
           our
           own
           Ability
           ;
           true
           it
           is
           ,
           we
           should
           all
           be
           
           as
           Generous
           and
           Noble
           as
           they
           ,
           whom
           St.
           Paul
           doth
           thus
           commend
           ;
           
             They
             were
             willing
             beyond
          
           
           
             their
             Power
          
           .
           Our
           Soul
           should
           be
           larger
           than
           our
           Purse
           ,
           our
           Charity
           should
           be
           bigger
           than
           our
           Alms
           ;
           our
           Will
           should
           be
           above
           our
           Ability
           ,
           but
           our
           Deed
           according
           to
           it
           :
           So
           't
           is
           required
           ,
           
             Let
             every
             one
             lay
             by
             in
             store
             ,
             as
             God
          
           
           
             hath
             prospered
             him
          
           ,
           &c.
           
           Such
           was
           the
           practice
           of
           the
           Primitive
           Christians
           .
           
             The
             Disciples
             determined
          
           
           
             to
             send
             relief
             unto
             the
             Brethren
             :
          
           But
           how
           much
           was
           given
           by
           this
           and
           that
           particular
           Person
           ?
           the
           Text
           saith
           ,
           
             Every
             man
             according
             to
             his
             Ability
             :
          
           And
           thus
           it
           was
           in
           Tertullians
           time
           ,
           
             Vnusquisque
             stipem
             apponit
             ,
             si
             modò
             possit
             ,
          
           
           &c.
           
           
             Every
             man
             gave
             more
             or
             less
             ,
             as
             he
             was
             able
             .
          
           And
           the
           truth
           is
           ,
           whosoever
           giveth
           less
           ,
           than
           he
           is
           very
           well
           able
           ,
           is
           uncharitable
           to
           his
           Neighbour
           ;
           and
           whosoever
           giveth
           more
           is
           uncharitable
           to
           Himself
           and
           His.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           second
           Measure
           of
           our
           Charity
           must
           be
           our
           Brothers
           want
           :
           By
           this
           Rule
           did
           the
           Saints
           of
           old
           proportion
           their
           Charity
           too
           ;
           
             Distribution
             was
             made
             unto
             every
             man
             according
          
           
           
             as
             he
             had
             need
          
           .
           And
           here
           we
           should
           consider
           ,
           not
           only
           the
           degree
           of
           our
           Neighbours
           want
           ,
           but
           its
           occasion
           too
           :
           If
           a
           Man's
           Poverty
           do
           arise
           from
           his
           Idleness
           ,
           Debauchery
           ,
           and
           Vicious
           Courses
           ,
           though
           our
           Charity
           must
           not
           let
           him
           starve
           in
           hopes
           of
           his
           Reformation
           ;
           yet
           our
           Prudence
           ,
           to
           make
           him
           Exemplary
           ,
           may
           justly
           let
           him
           smart
           and
           pinch
           ;
           but
           where
           a
           man's
           wants
           are
           sore
           ,
           and
           occasioned
           either
           
           by
           the
           greatness
           of
           his
           charge
           ,
           or
           any
           sad
           accidents
           that
           were
           inevitable
           ;
           the
           expressions
           of
           our
           Charity
           ,
           and
           the
           measure
           of
           his
           Relief
           must
           be
           proportionable
           to
           his
           need
           .
        
         
           But
           why
           should
           I
           mention
           any
           Rules
           for
           the
           just
           Proportions
           of
           Charity
           in
           this
           Assembly
           ?
           't
           is
           observed
           to
           the
           just
           Honour
           of
           the
           Citizens
           of
           London
           ,
           That
           whatever
           good
           works
           they
           do
           ,
           they
           do
           them
           Nobly
           .
           If
           a
           Citizen
           Found
           a
           School
           ,
           probably
           he
           makes
           it
           like
           a
           College
           :
           If
           a
           Citizen
           builds
           an
           Alms-house
           ,
           he
           doth
           it
           with
           such
           Magnificence
           ,
           as
           if
           it
           were
           designed
           rather
           for
           a
           Prince
           than
           Beggars
           :
           If
           the
           City
           build
           a
           Church
           ,
           with
           what
           splendour
           't
           is
           done
           ,
           these
           very
           Walls
           ,
           and
           this
           very
           Pulpit
           would
           speak
           aloud
           ,
           even
           without
           a
           Preacher
           .
           Methinks
           the
           Old
           Churches
           of
           London
           ,
           lately
           burnt
           ,
           and
           newly
           Restored
           ,
           are
           like
           some
           Antient
           Plate
           ,
           melted
           down
           indeed
           ,
           but
           so
           Artificially
           made
           up
           again
           ,
           and
           so
           neatly
           burnish'd
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           become
           more
           Glorious
           through
           the
           fire
           ,
           and
           do
           only
           shine
           the
           brighter
           :
           So
           that
           whatever
           the
           City
           might
           lose
           by
           the
           late
           Conflagration
           ,
           the
           Church
           ,
           through
           their
           Magnificence
           ,
           hath
           proved
           a
           Gainer
           .
           Wherefore
           ,
           if
           any
           man
           demand
           what
           should
           be
           the
           Rule
           and
           Standard
           of
           your
           present
           Bounty
           ,
           we
           answer
           ,
           let
           it
           be
           your selves
           :
           What
           St.
           Paul
           once
           blamed
           in
           other
           Men
           ,
           will
           be
           no
           fault
           in
           you
           ,
           
             Measuring
             themselves
             by
             themselves
          
           ,
           &c.
           
           Do
           
           but
           you
           this
           day
           consult
           your selves
           ,
           your
           own
           bowels
           ,
           your
           own
           estates
           ,
           your
           own
           wonted
           generosity
           ;
           do
           but
           give
           like
           Citizens
           of
           London
           ,
           
           and
           then
           ,
           with
           a
           due
           respect
           to
           the
           difference
           of
           your
           Estates
           ,
           give
           meanly
           if
           you
           can
           :
           But
           ,
        
         
           2.
           
           Who
           must
           be
           the
           Objects
           of
           our
           Charity
           ?
           give
           we
           must
           ,
           but
           to
           whom
           ?
           Doubtless
           we
           must
           not
           exclude
           from
           our
           Charity
           any
           Soul
           ,
           that
           doth
           either
           deserve
           or
           need
           it
           ;
           but
           since
           our
           Ability
           cannot
           reach
           to
           all
           the
           world
           ,
           we
           may
           pick
           and
           chuse
           for
           our selves
           some
           such
           Objects
           ,
           on
           whom
           our
           Charity
           will
           be
           best
           bestowed
           .
           And
           who
           were
           the
           special
           Objects
           of
           the
           Christians
           Charity
           in
           their
           Ancient
           Feasts
           ,
           Tertullian
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             Pueris
             &
             Puellis
             re
             &
             Parentibus
          
           
           destitutis
           ,
           &c.
           
           
             Boys
             ,
             Girls
             ,
             poor
             Orpans
             ,
             that
             had
             neither
             Estates
             nor
             Friends
             .
          
           And
           here
           ,
           though
           I
           would
           by
           no
           means
           limit
           your
           Charity
           to
           such
           or
           such
           ,
           yet
           I
           would
           particularly
           recommend
           Two
           sorts
           of
           Children
           to
           your
           Consideration
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Such
           poor
           Children
           deserve
           to
           be
           recommended
           to
           your
           Charity
           ,
           as
           proper
           Objects
           indeed
           ,
           who
           are
           like
           to
           make
           good
           Men
           and
           good
           Scholars
           too
           .
        
         
           Should
           we
           but
           enquire
           from
           the
           Publick
           Schools
           of
           our
           own
           County
           ,
           or
           from
           the
           Colleges
           and
           Halls
           in
           our
           own
           University
           ,
           we
           should
           quickly
           hear
           of
           such
           and
           such
           Lads
           of
           slender
           Fortunes
           ,
           but
           Vertuous
           Inclinations
           and
           Rich
           Endowments
           ;
           industrious
           Youths
           ,
           that
           would
           be
           at
           Work
           ,
           but
           have
           no
           Tools
           ;
           Children
           ,
           that
           would
           be
           Scholars
           ,
           but
           cannot
           ,
           for
           want
           of
           a
           Tutour
           to
           instruct
           ,
           Books
           to
           read
           ,
           and
           perhaps
           bread
           to
           live
           .
        
         
         
           Doubtless
           ,
           there
           is
           scarce
           any
           greater
           object
           of
           Charity
           than
           such
           a
           Child
           as
           this
           ;
           a
           Child
           ,
           that
           's
           Pregnant
           and
           Promising
           ;
           to
           train
           up
           such
           a
           Child
           as
           this
           in
           a
           course
           of
           Religion
           and
           Learning
           is
           such
           a
           Service
           to
           God
           and
           his
           Church
           ,
           that
           't
           is
           scarce
           within
           the
           reach
           of
           any
           private
           Man's
           Charity
           to
           do
           a
           greater
           .
           For
           ,
           tell
           me
           ,
           who
           knoweth
           what
           a
           rare
           Man
           such
           a
           poor
           Child
           may
           prove
           hereafter
           ?
           Were
           it
           fit
           ,
           it
           were
           but
           easie
           ,
           to
           name
           some
           Persons
           ,
           that
           have
           been
           choice
           Instruments
           of
           Honour
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           Service
           to
           our
           Church
           ,
           who
           in
           their
           Minority
           lived
           on
           Alms.
           
        
         
           And
           if
           our
           bounty
           this
           day
           shall
           be
           placed
           on
           some
           such
           lucky
           Object
           ,
           who
           can
           tell
           ,
           but
           we
           may
           train
           up
           a
           Person
           of
           that
           Worth
           and
           Excellence
           ,
           for
           whom
           the
           whole
           Nation
           may
           be
           obliged
           to
           bless
           both
           God
           and
           Us
           ?
           Perhaps
           a
           few
           Books
           ,
           now
           bestowed
           on
           such
           a
           Child
           ,
           may
           render
           him
           hereafter
           a
           walking
           Library
           ;
           a
           little
           Money
           ,
           given
           him
           now
           ,
           may
           make
           him
           Rich
           hereafter
           ;
           our
           Cap
           may
           be
           changed
           one
           day
           into
           a
           Mitre
           ;
           our
           Cloth
           may
           be
           turned
           into
           Sattin
           ,
           and
           our
           Linnen
           may
           become
           Lawn-sleeves
           .
        
         
           And
           methinks
           there
           is
           no
           sort
           of
           Men
           more
           obliged
           to
           this
           kind
           of
           Charity
           than
           We
           ;
           doubtless
           ,
           we
           are
           more
           concerned
           to
           endeavour
           the
           promotion
           of
           Learning
           than
           other
           men
           ;
           this
           is
           the
           great
           Profession
           of
           that
           Famous
           University
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           Glory
           of
           that
           County
           ,
           whereunto
           we
           owe
           our
           birth
           .
           For
           ,
           whereas
           other
           Counties
           Glory
           in
           such
           and
           such
           
           Commodities
           and
           Manufactures
           ,
           't
           is
           Ours
           that
           Glorieth
           in
           Liberal
           Arts
           and
           Nobler
           Sciences
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           Glory
           of
           some
           Counties
           ,
           that
           they
           can
           furnish
           the
           Chimnies
           of
           this
           vast
           City
           with
           constant
           fire
           ,
           't
           is
           the
           Glory
           of
           other
           Counties
           ,
           that
           they
           can
           furnish
           your
           River
           and
           Cisterns
           with
           constant
           Water
           ;
           't
           is
           the
           Glory
           of
           some
           Shires
           ,
           that
           they
           furnish
           your
           Shambles
           with
           Meat
           ,
           and
           your
           Shops
           with
           Cloth
           ;
           Well
           ,
           and
           what
           's
           the
           Glory
           of
           our
           Shire
           ?
           Hath
           Oxford
           nothing
           to
           oblige
           London
           with
           ?
           Yes
           ,
           't
           is
           our
           Counties
           Happiness
           and
           Honour
           ,
           that
           it
           can
           furnish
           your
           Inns
           of
           Court
           with
           Learned
           Lawyers
           to
           secure
           your
           Estates
           ,
           your
           City
           with
           Learned
           Physicians
           to
           preserve
           your
           Lives
           ;
           and
           ,
           above
           all
           ,
           your
           Pulpits
           with
           Learned
           Preachers
           to
           save
           your
           Souls
           :
           And
           if
           so
           ,
           what
           Man
           amongst
           us
           ,
           that
           hath
           any
           Value
           for
           himself
           or
           his
           Native
           soil
           ,
           will
           not
           contribute
           something
           towards
           the
           Advancement
           of
           that
           Learning
           ,
           wherein
           the
           Honour
           of
           his
           Country
           ,
           and
           the
           safety
           of
           his
           own
           Estate
           ,
           Life
           and
           Religion
           are
           so
           much
           concerned
           ?
        
         
           2.
           
           Such
           poor
           Children
           deserve
           to
           be
           recommended
           to
           your
           Charity
           this
           day
           ,
           as
           are
           like
           to
           make
           Vertuous
           Men
           ,
           and
           good
           Citizens
           too
           ;
           if
           you
           train
           up
           some
           eminent
           Scholar
           ,
           you
           will
           do
           an
           Honour
           to
           the
           place
           of
           your
           Birth
           ;
           and
           if
           you
           breed
           up
           some
           eminent
           Citizen
           ,
           you
           will
           much
           oblige
           the
           Place
           of
           your
           Habitation
           .
        
         
           Past
           all
           peradventure
           ,
           there
           's
           many
           a
           Child
           to
           be
           found
           ,
           whose
           Natural
           Genius
           doth
           lead
           him
           rather
           to
           the
           Shop
           than
           to
           the
           Study
           ;
           their
           
           Parts
           do
           very
           well
           dispose
           them
           for
           Mechanical
           Trades
           ,
           but
           not
           at
           all
           for
           Nobler
           Arts
           ;
           your
           Scarlet
           Gown
           may
           become
           that
           back
           ,
           on
           which
           our
           black
           one
           would
           be
           ridiculous
           .
           'T
           is
           certain
           ,
           that
           many
           a
           Child
           may
           make
           a
           Golden
           Lord
           Mayor
           ,
           who
           would
           have
           made
           but
           a
           leaden
           Bishop
           .
        
         
           And
           is
           it
           not
           a
           thousand
           pities
           to
           see
           such
           poor
           Children
           stand
           at
           the
           door
           and
           beg
           ,
           who
           might
           have
           done
           so
           bravely
           within
           the
           Shop
           ?
           Were
           it
           not
           pity
           to
           see
           such
           persons
           in
           Rags
           and
           Tatters
           ,
           who
           ,
           with
           a
           little
           help
           ,
           might
           have
           worn
           a
           Chain
           of
           Gold
           ?
           Were
           it
           not
           pity
           to
           see
           such
           become
           the
           Nations
           shame
           and
           burden
           ,
           who
           ,
           with
           a
           little
           encouragement
           ,
           might
           have
           done
           a
           great
           deal
           towards
           its
           support
           and
           credit
           ?
           To
           prevent
           such
           a
           spectacle
           as
           this
           ,
           give
           me
           leave
           this
           day
           ,
           in
           their
           stead
           ,
           to
           become
           the
           Beggar
           ,
           though
           I
           would
           not
           be
           the
           Receiver
           of
           your
           Charity
           ,
           yet
           for
           once
           give
           me
           leave
           to
           ask
           it
           .
        
         
           Doubtless
           ,
           amongst
           the
           many
           poor
           Children
           of
           our
           County
           ,
           't
           is
           easie
           to
           pick
           out
           some
           that
           are
           promising
           and
           hopefull
           ,
           Lads
           of
           plodding
           heads
           and
           active
           hands
           ;
           Lads
           ,
           that
           might
           do
           far
           better
           in
           the
           Shop
           ,
           than
           at
           the
           Plow
           .
           To
           place
           out
           such
           Lads
           as
           these
           ,
           to
           find
           them
           Work
           and
           Wages
           ;
           an
           honest
           Employment
           ,
           a
           Religious
           Master
           ,
           and
           a
           fitting
           Maintenance
           ,
           is
           that
           great
           Act
           of
           Charity
           ,
           which
           I
           would
           beg
           this
           day
           .
        
         
           And
           for
           your
           Encouragement
           in
           this
           particular
           ,
           do
           but
           remember
           ,
           what
           brave
           Citizens
           
           have
           already
           been
           made
           even
           of
           Alms-boys
           ;
           to
           name
           Persons
           is
           needless
           ,
           and
           would
           be
           unhandsom
           too
           .
           Only
           consider
           ,
           what
           hath
           been
           the
           happy
           issue
           of
           other
           Mens
           Charity
           may
           as
           well
           be
           the
           blessed
           event
           of
           yours
           ;
           who
           knoweth
           ,
           but
           some
           poor
           Apprentice
           ,
           trained
           up
           by
           the
           bounty
           of
           this
           day
           ,
           and
           fed
           by
           your
           Feast
           of
           Charity
           ,
           may
           prove
           a
           man
           of
           those
           Parts
           ,
           that
           signal
           Prudence
           ,
           Estate
           and
           Honour
           ,
           as
           to
           become
           the
           Governour
           of
           this
           Great
           Metropolis
           ?
           Who
           can
           tell
           ,
           but
           a
           Lord
           Mayor
           of
           London
           may
           for
           once
           be
           made
           even
           at
           Drapers-Hall
           ?
           there
           by
           your
           private
           Purses
           now
           ,
           and
           elsewhere
           by
           Common
           Votes
           hereafter
           ?
        
         
           But
           notwithstanding
           all
           this
           ,
           lest
           any
           Man's
           Charity
           should
           yet
           prove
           more
           cold
           ,
           than
           the
           very
           dish
           ,
           that
           should
           receive
           it
           ,
           give
           me
           leave
           to
           propound
           some
           proper
           considerations
           ,
           that
           may
           revive
           ,
           warm
           ,
           and
           make
           it
           fresh
           ;
           and
           that
           's
           the
           business
           of
           our
           third
           and
           last
           Particular
           :
        
         
           3.
           
           Consider
           we
           what
           great
           Inducements
           man
           hath
           to
           be
           Charitable
           ;
           give
           we
           must
           ,
           and
           that
           considerably
           too
           ,
           but
           what
           's
           our
           incouragement
           ?
           surely
           ,
           the
           greatest
           that
           can
           be
           ;
           see
           what
           it
           is
           in
           Four
           Particulars
           :
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           Commands
           of
           God
           do
           oblige
           us
           ;
           Commands
           ,
           that
           are
           express
           ,
           frequent
           and
           urgent
           too
           ;
           so
           the
           Evangelist
           ,
           
             Be
             ye
             mercifull
             as
          
           
           
             your
             Heavenly
             Father
             is
             mercifull
          
           ;
           and
           so
           again
           ,
           
             Give
             to
             him
             that
             asketh
          
           ;
           and
           yet
           again
           ,
           Charge
           
           
             them
             that
             are
             rich
             in
             this
             world
             ,
             that
             they
             be
             rich
             in
             good
             works
             ,
          
           &c.
           
           We
           cannot
           be
           uncharitable
           
           to
           Man
           ,
           but
           we
           must
           be
           disobedient
           to
           God
           too
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           Example
           of
           Christ
           doth
           much
           oblige
           us
           :
           
             Learn
             of
             me
          
           ,
           saith
           our
           Blessed
           Saviour
           ;
           
           but
           what
           must
           we
           learn
           ?
           Certainly
           ,
           amongst
           other
           Lessons
           this
           of
           Charity
           is
           one
           ;
           so
           reasons
           great
           St.
           Paul
           ,
           who
           presseth
           the
           Corinthians
           to
           Acts
           of
           Mercy
           by
           this
           very
           Motive
           ,
           
             Ye
             know
             the
             Grace
             of
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             who
             ,
             though
          
           
           
             he
             were
             rich
             ,
             yet
             for
             your
             sakes
             he
             became
             poor
             ,
          
           &c.
           
           So
           charitable
           was
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           for
           our
           sakes
           to
           give
           himself
           ;
           and
           shall
           not
           we
           so
           far
           tread
           in
           his
           steps
           ,
           as
           for
           his
           sake
           to
           give
           a
           trifle
           ?
           But
           ,
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           great
           uncertainty
           of
           all
           Humane
           Affairs
           ,
           the
           mutability
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           and
           our
           own
           concerns
           therein
           ,
           doth
           much
           oblige
           us
           ;
           so
           various
           are
           the
           Providences
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           so
           changeable
           is
           the
           condition
           of
           Man
           ,
           that
           he
           ,
           who
           is
           now
           in
           a
           fair
           capacity
           to
           extend
           his
           Charity
           unto
           others
           ,
           may
           ,
           in
           some
           short
           space
           ,
           come
           to
           want
           and
           beg
           it
           for
           himself
           .
           'T
           is
           very
           possible
           ,
           that
           a
           dishonest
           or
           careless
           Servant
           ,
           a
           Thief
           ,
           or
           a
           Fire
           by
           night
           ,
           a
           storm
           ,
           a
           Rock
           ,
           or
           a
           Pirate
           by
           Sea
           ,
           a
           crack
           and
           flaw
           in
           a
           Title
           ,
           such
           or
           such
           a
           sad
           accident
           ,
           which
           easily
           and
           frequently
           happens
           ,
           may
           utterly
           undoe
           us
           .
           And
           if
           in
           such
           a
           case
           we
           should
           think
           our selves
           fit
           objects
           of
           other
           Men's
           Charity
           ,
           't
           is
           but
           reasonable
           that
           we
           should
           now
           esteem
           that
           poor
           Neighbour
           ,
           who
           is
           in
           a
           like
           condition
           ,
           to
           be
           a
           meet
           Object
           for
           our
           own
           :
           So
           argueth
           the
           Great
           Apostle
           ,
           
             Remember
             them
          
           
           
           
             which
             suffer
             adversity
          
           ;
           but
           what
           's
           his
           Motive
           ?
           
             as
             being
             your selves
             also
             in
             the
             body
             .
          
           The
           Text
           imports
           ,
           That
           so
           long
           as
           we
           are
           in
           this
           uncertain
           world
           ,
           we
           are
           exposed
           to
           the
           self
           same
           dangers
           ,
           losses
           and
           calamities
           with
           other
           men
           ;
           and
           consequently
           we
           stand
           obliged
           to
           extend
           Mercy
           whilst
           we
           are
           able
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           to
           expect
           it
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           ruined
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Those
           great
           Rewards
           ,
           which
           do
           attend
           our
           Charity
           ,
           do
           much
           oblige
           us
           .
           That
           there
           is
           a
           Reward
           for
           the
           Charitable
           Person
           ,
           our
           blessed
           Saviour
           doth
           thus
           secure
           him
           ,
           
             Thy
             Father
             himself
          
           
           
             shall
             reward
             thee
          
           ;
           the
           very
           lowest
           expressions
           of
           Charity
           God
           will
           not
           suffer
           to
           be
           unrewarded
           ,
           
             Whosoever
             shall
             give
             to
             one
             of
             these
          
           
           
             little
             ones
             a
             cup
             of
             cold
             water
             only
             ,
             he
             shall
             in
             no
             wise
             lose
             his
             reward
             :
          
           'T
           is
           sure
           ,
           a
           reward
           there
           is
           ,
           but
           what
           an
           one
           is
           it
           ?
           Is
           it
           such
           an
           one
           as
           will
           reimburse
           ,
           recompense
           ,
           and
           make
           us
           amends
           for
           what
           we
           part
           with
           ?
           Yea
           ,
           the
           Rewards
           of
           our
           Charity
           are
           of
           Two
           sorts
           ,
           Temporal
           and
           Eternal
           :
           What
           are
           these
           Temporal
           Rewards
           ,
           we
           may
           see
           distinctly
           in
           Four
           Particulars
           ;
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           Rewards
           of
           our
           Charity
           are
           such
           as
           concern
           the
           safety
           and
           welfare
           of
           our
           Persons
           :
           What
           is
           the
           Charitable
           Man's
           Privilege
           in
           this
           respect
           ,
           the
           Psalmist
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             The
             Lord
             will
             deliver
          
           
           
             him
             in
             time
             of
             trouble
             :
             The
             Lord
             will
             preserve
             him
             and
             keep
             him
             alive
             :
             The
             Lord
             will
             strengthen
             him
             upon
             the
             bed
             of
             languishing
             ,
          
           &c.
           
           The
           Text
           imports
           ,
           that
           the
           welfare
           of
           our
           Persons
           is
           much
           concerned
           in
           the
           right
           ordering
           
           of
           our
           Purses
           ;
           the
           way
           to
           secure
           our
           health
           ,
           and
           sweeten
           our
           sickness
           ,
           is
           to
           Fee
           ,
           not
           so
           much
           the
           Physician
           ,
           as
           the
           Poor
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           Rewards
           of
           our
           Charity
           are
           such
           as
           concern
           our
           common
           credit
           and
           reputation
           in
           the
           world
           :
           For
           although
           our
           Blessed
           Saviour
           forbids
           us
           to
           make
           our
           own
           honour
           and
           applause
           the
           design
           of
           our
           Charity
           ,
           yet
           the
           issue
           and
           event
           thereof
           it
           will
           be
           .
           Solomon
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             The
             memory
             of
             the
             Just
             shall
             be
             blessed
             :
          
           This
           
           Just
           Man
           is
           the
           man
           of
           Mercy
           ,
           the
           same
           man
           that
           David
           speaks
           of
           ,
           
             He
             hath
             dispersed
             ,
             he
          
           
           
             hath
             given
             to
             the
             poor
          
           :
           What
           then
           ?
           
             His
             Righteousness
             endures
             for
             ever
             ,
             his
             Horn
             shall
             be
             exalted
          
           
           
             with
             honour
          
           :
           The
           best
           way
           to
           eternize
           our
           memories
           is
           to
           be
           exemplary
           in
           doing
           good
           ;
           
             Do
             good
             ,
             and
             dwell
             for
             evermore
             .
          
           'T
           is
           Charity
           that
           Embalms
           a
           Man's
           name
           ,
           and
           keeps
           it
           fresh
           and
           sweet
           for
           ever
           ;
           there
           's
           no
           Tomb
           like
           an
           Alms-house
           ,
           no
           Monument
           like
           an
           Hospital
           ,
           no
           Marble
           like
           the
           Poor
           Man's
           Box.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           Rewards
           of
           our
           Charity
           are
           such
           as
           concern
           our
           present
           Interest
           and
           Estates
           even
           in
           this
           world
           :
           'T
           is
           one
           of
           
           Solomon's
           seeming
           Paradoxes
           ,
           
             There
             is
             that
             scattereth
             ,
             and
             yet
             increaseth
             :
          
           
           But
           who
           is
           this
           lucky
           Man
           ?
           the
           next
           Verse
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             The
             liberal
             Soul
             shall
             be
             made
             fat
             ,
             and
             he
             that
             watereth
             shall
             be
             watered
             again
             .
          
           A
           little
           water
           poured
           into
           a
           Pump
           ,
           fetcheth
           more
           ;
           and
           a
           little
           money
           put
           into
           the
           poor
           Man's
           Purse
           ,
           doth
           often
           bring
           much
           greater
           summs
           into
           our
           own
           .
           There
           is
           no
           man
           so
           good
           an
           Husband
           even
           for
           this
           world
           ,
           as
           the
           man
           of
           
           Mercy
           ;
           nor
           doth
           any
           person
           prove
           so
           sure
           a
           gainer
           ,
           as
           he
           that
           gives
           ;
           see
           that
           Command
           and
           Promise
           of
           Christ
           ;
           
             Give
             ,
             and
             it
             shall
             be
             given
             unto
             you
          
           ;
           but
           how
           much
           ,
           and
           in
           what
           quantity
           ?
           
           good
           measure
           ,
           pressed
           down
           ,
           shaken
           together
           ,
           and
           running
           over
           .
           Money
           rightly
           bestowed
           is
           not
           lost
           ,
           but
           rather
           lent
           out
           to
           use
           ;
           't
           is
           like
           Seed
           ,
           scattered
           indeed
           here
           and
           there
           ,
           but
           yet
           it
           groweth
           and
           multiplies
           even
           to
           admiration
           .
           St.
           Paul
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             He
             that
             sows
             bountifully
             ,
             shall
             reap
             bountifully
             :
          
           Indeed
           ,
           a
           common
           sower
           may
           possibly
           over-seed
           his
           Ground
           ,
           and
           by
           a
           lavish
           hand
           spoil
           his
           Crop
           ;
           but
           in
           our
           Case
           there
           is
           no
           danger
           ;
           the
           more
           Seed
           we
           can
           spare
           and
           sow
           ,
           the
           richer
           Harvest
           shall
           we
           reap
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           The
           Rewards
           of
           our
           Charity
           are
           such
           as
           concern
           our
           Posterity
           too
           :
           Thus
           the
           Psalmist
           ,
           
             He
             is
             ever
             mercifull
             and
             lendeth
          
           ;
           there
           's
           the
           property
           of
           a
           Charitable
           Man
           ;
           but
           what
           's
           his
           reward
           ?
           
           
             His
             Seed
             is
             blessed
          
           :
           And
           thus
           some
           expound
           that
           forenamed
           expression
           of
           
             Solomon
             ,
             The
             Memory
             of
             the
             Just
             shall
             be
             blessed
             :
          
           The
           
           Memory
           !
           what
           's
           that
           ?
           the
           Child
           ,
           the
           Son
           that
           bears
           his
           Fathers
           Name
           ,
           and
           keeps
           it
           up
           and
           alive
           in
           the
           world
           ;
           this
           Son
           shall
           be
           blessed
           ,
           this
           Child
           shall
           be
           so
           far
           from
           being
           injured
           by
           his
           Fathers
           Charity
           ,
           that
           it
           shall
           rather
           tend
           to
           his
           great
           advantage
           .
           And
           surely
           this
           consideration
           doth
           totally
           remove
           that
           vain
           pretence
           and
           scruple
           of
           men
           ,
           who
           are
           afraid
           to
           do
           any
           considerable
           acts
           of
           Charity
           ,
           lest
           thereby
           they
           impoverish
           their
           Families
           ,
           and
           leave
           their
           Children
           beggars
           :
           But
        
         
         
           2.
           
           There
           are
           such
           Rewards
           of
           our
           Charity
           ,
           as
           concern
           another
           world
           ;
           Our
           Saviour
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             Blessed
             are
             the
             mercifull
          
           :
           He
           doth
           not
           mean
           in
           
           this
           life
           only
           ,
           but
           in
           the
           next
           .
           'T
           is
           in
           order
           to
           this
           ,
           that
           he
           thus
           commands
           us
           ,
           
             Make
             to
             your
          
           
           
             selves
             friends
             of
             the
             Mammon
             of
             unrighteousness
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             receive
             you
             into
             everlasting
             habitations
             :
          
           and
           upon
           the
           same
           score
           he
           tells
           us
           ,
           He
           
           
             that
             receiveth
             a
             Prophet
             in
             the
             name
             of
             a
             Prophet
             ,
             shall
             receive
             a
             Prophets
             reward
             :
          
           but
           what
           's
           that
           ?
           certainly
           ,
           't
           is
           a
           Reward
           in
           Heaven
           .
        
         
           And
           that
           we
           may
           not
           doubt
           the
           certainty
           of
           these
           great
           Rewards
           ,
           and
           so
           our
           Charity
           grow
           chill
           :
           Solomon
           tells
           us
           what
           security
           we
           have
           ,
           and
           who
           it
           is
           that
           stands
           engaged
           ;
           
             He
             that
             hath
             pity
             on
             the
             poor
             lends
             to
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             that
          
           
           
             which
             he
             hath
             given
             will
             he
             repay
             :
          
           That
           we
           may
           be
           encouraged
           to
           supply
           the
           poor
           Mans
           wants
           ,
           God
           himself
           hath
           drawn
           a
           Bond
           ,
           and
           offers
           himself
           to
           be
           the
           poor
           Mans
           Surety
           ,
           and
           the
           rich
           Man's
           Debtor
           .
        
         
           And
           can
           our
           Charity
           expect
           any
           greater
           encouragement
           than
           this
           ?
           It
           's
           true
           ,
           when
           such
           or
           such
           a
           Man
           would
           borrow
           ,
           perhaps
           we
           suspect
           his
           Honesty
           ,
           perhaps
           we
           suspect
           his
           Ability
           ,
           perhaps
           we
           are
           jealous
           of
           his
           Security
           ,
           and
           that
           makes
           us
           loth
           to
           lend
           ;
           but
           doth
           the
           Case
           stand
           so
           with
           God
           ?
           When
           God
           would
           be
           our
           Debtor
           ,
           do
           we
           think
           ,
           that
           he
           will
           not
           be
           our
           Pay-master
           too
           ?
           Is
           not
           he
           to
           be
           trusted
           ,
           that
           is
           faithfull
           ,
           just
           and
           true
           ?
           Is
           not
           he
           to
           be
           credited
           for
           a
           few
           pence
           or
           shillings
           ,
           who
           is
           Lord
           of
           all
           that
           
           Heaven
           and
           Earth
           are
           worth
           ?
           'T
           is
           for
           securitie's
           sake
           ,
           that
           our
           blessed
           Saviour
           doth
           thus
           command
           us
           ,
           
             Lay
             up
             for
             your selves
             treasures
             in
             Heaven
             :
          
           the
           Text
           imports
           ,
           that
           Money
           given
           
           the
           poor
           is
           not
           idlely
           spent
           ,
           but
           secured
           in
           the
           Treasury
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           Exchequer
           of
           Heaven
           :
           And
           although
           the
           Most
           Just
           and
           best
           Natured
           Earthly
           Prince
           may
           sometimes
           be
           constrained
           by
           a
           necessity
           of
           State
           ,
           and
           against
           his
           own
           inclinations
           ,
           to
           shut
           up
           his
           Exchequer
           ;
           yet
           can
           we
           imagine
           that
           the
           Great
           God
           of
           Heaven
           will
           ever
           put
           a
           stop
           to
           his
           Treasury
           ,
           and
           the
           Bankers
           and
           Creditors
           there
           ruined
           too
           ?
           &c.
           We
           think
           great
           Summs
           sure
           enough
           in
           the
           Chamber
           of
           London
           ,
           and
           dare
           we
           not
           venture
           some
           small
           matter
           in
           the
           Star-Chamber
           of
           Heaven
           ?
           Doubtless
           our
           Principal
           will
           be
           safe
           ,
           and
           our
           Interest
           both
           sure
           and
           great
           ;
           if
           there
           be
           a
           Reward
           for
           the
           most
           inconsiderable
           Alms
           ,
           even
           a
           cup
           of
           cold
           water
           ,
           O
           what
           Reward
           will
           there
           be
           for
           higher
           Acts
           of
           Charity
           !
           Our
           Saviour
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             I
             was
             an
             hungred
             ,
             and
             ye
             gave
             me
             meat
             ,
          
           
           
             thirsty
             ,
             and
             ye
             gave
             me
             drink
             ,
          
           &c.
           
           Well
           ,
           and
           what
           then
           ?
           what
           's
           the
           Reward
           of
           this
           ?
           a
           great
           one
           sure
           !
           
             Come
             ye
             blessed
             of
             my
             Father
             ,
             inherit
             the
             Kingdom
             ,
          
           &c.
           Dear
           Lord
           !
           here
           's
           Principal
           and
           Interest
           indeed
           !
           a
           little
           meat
           given
           ,
           and
           a
           Kingdom
           received
           !
           a
           little
           drink
           lent
           ,
           and
           a
           Crown
           repaid
           !
           a
           little
           cloth
           bestowed
           ,
           and
           a
           Throne
           returned
           !
           Yea
           ,
           here
           's
           the
           fruit
           of
           Charity
           ;
           what
           the
           poor
           borroweth
           ,
           God
           payeth
           over
           and
           over
           ;
           well
           may
           Tertullian
           tells
           us
           ,
           Lucrum
           
           
             est
             Pietatis
             nomine
             facere
             sumptum
             ;
             to
          
           
           
             give
             thus
             and
             thus
             to
             pious
             uses
             is
             to
             gain
          
           ;
           to
           give
           so
           and
           so
           to
           the
           Poor
           ,
           is
           to
           become
           a
           Sacred
           Usurer
           ;
           because
           whatever
           man
           thus
           gives
           ,
           God
           refunds
           ,
           yea
           ,
           God
           repayeth
           for
           every
           penny
           a
           pound
           ,
           and
           for
           every
           mite
           a
           talent
           :
           And
           if
           so
           ,
           if
           our
           Feast
           this
           day
           shall
           prove
           like
           the
           Feasts
           in
           my
           Text
           ,
           a
           Feast
           of
           mutual
           Love
           amongst
           our selves
           ,
           and
           a
           Feast
           of
           Charity
           to
           such
           as
           deserve
           and
           want
           it
           ;
           we
           shall
           find
           a
           friend
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           that
           will
           do
           more
           than
           pay
           our
           Reckoning
           .
        
         
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           .
        
         
           THE
           END
           .
        
         
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A42041-e560
           
             Tertul.
             de
             anima
             ,
             c.
             32.
             
          
           
             Eus
             .
             Hist
             .
             1.
             
          
           
             Iren.
             adv
             .
             Haer.
             l.
             1.
             c.
             24.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             2.
             13.
             
          
           
             Grot.
             in
             2
             Pet.
             2
             13.
             
          
           
             Blast
             .
             Synt.
             p.
             18.
             
          
           
             Concil
             .
             Gang.
             Aug.
             adv
             .
             Faust
             .
             l.
             20.
             c.
             20.
             
          
           
             Chry.
             1
             Cor.
             11.
             
             Hom.
             27.
             p.
             417.
             
          
           
             Tert.
             Apol.
             c.
             39.
             
          
           
             Plin
             lib.
             10.
             
             Epist
             .
             97
             
          
           
             Chrysost
             .
             1
             Cor.
             11.
             
             Hom.
             27.
             p.
             417.
             
          
           
             Grot.
             2
             Pet.
             2.
             13.
             
          
           
             Chrysost
             .
             1.
             
             Cor.
             11.
             
             Hom.
             27.
             p.
             417.
             
          
           
             Justel
             in
             Cod.
             Can.
             Eccl.
             v.
             p.
             80.
             
          
           
             Plin.
             l.
             10.
             
             Ep.
             97.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             Cor.
             11.
             22.
             
          
           
             Hieron
             .
             1
             Cor.
             11.
             
          
           
             Conc.
             Laod.
             Can.
             28.
             
          
           
             Conc.
             Trid.
             Can.
             74.
             
          
           
             Acts
             2.
             46.
             
          
           
             Oecum
             .
             in
             loc
             .
          
           
             Chrys
             .
             in
             .
             loc
             .
          
           
             Tert.
             Apol.
             c.
             39.
             
          
           
             Cappel
             .
             in
             1
             Cor.
             11.
             
          
           
             Calv.
             1
             Cor.
             11.
             
          
           
             Bals
             .
             Conc.
             Gang.
             c.
             11.
             
          
           
             Aug.
             cont
             .
             Faustum
             l.
             20.
             c.
             20.
             
          
           
             Chrysost
             .
             &
             Oecum
             .
             in
             Act.
             2.
             46
             ,
             47.
             
          
           
             Tert.
             Apol.
             c.
             39.
             
          
           
             Tertul.
             ib.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             10.
             51.
             
          
           
             Acts
             2.
             46
             ,
             47.
             
          
           
             Tert.
             Apol.
             c.
             39.
             
          
           
             Tertul.
             ubi
             supra
             .
          
           
             Blast
             .
             Synt.
             p.
             18.
             
          
           
             Bals
             .
             Synt.
             Conc.
             Gan.
             Can.
             11.
             
             Cap.
             1
             Cor.
             11.
             
          
           
             Bals
             .
             Synt.
             Conc.
             Gan.
             C.
             11.
             
          
           
             Tert.
             Apol.
             c.
             39.
             
          
           
             Zon.
             Conc.
             Laod.
             Can.
             27.
             
          
           
             Chry.
             1
             Cor.
             11.
             
             Hom.
             27.
             
          
           
             Plin.
             Epist
             .
             ad
             Trajanum
             .
          
           
             Ephes
             .
             4.
             20.
             
          
           
             Tert.
             Apol.
             c.
             39.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             3.
             8.
             
          
           
             Grot.
             2
             Pet.
             2.
             13.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             8.
             3.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             16.
             1.
             
          
           
             Acts
             11.
             29.
             
          
           
             Tert.
             Apol.
             c.
             39.
             
          
           
             Act.
             4.
             35.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             10.
             12.
             
          
           
             Tert.
             Apol.
             c.
             39.
             
          
           
             Luk
             6.
             36.
             30.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             6.
             17.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             11.
             29.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             8.
             9.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             13.
             3.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             6.
             4.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             10.
             42.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             41.
             
             1●
             2
             ,
             3.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             10.
             7.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             112.
             9.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             37.
             27.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             11.
             24.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             6.
             33.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             37
             36.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             10.
             7.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             1.
             7.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             16
             9.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             10.
             41.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             19.
             17.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             6.
             20.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             25.
             35.
             
          
           
             Tert.
             Apol.
             cap.
             39.
             
          
        
      
    
  

