THis which I haue read is the entrance into a very memorable storie , The generall state of the place . touching a testimonie which God gaue to the word of his grace , by enabling Peter to restore a dead woman vnto life . I am now to treat of it , as an entire parcell in itselfe , and being so considered , I may terme it , A compendious or briefe report of the life and death of a certaine worthy Matron , whose dwelling was in Ioppa , whose name , in the Syriacke tongue , Tabitha , as much in effect as that which in Greeke is called Dorcas : a name very honourable now because it was hers , though in it owne natiue signification not so gracefull , it being as much to say as in English , Roe , or Goat : no more preiudice to her who was a sheepe of Christs , then it was behoouefull to traiterous Abshalom that by the purport of his name he was the father of peace . I will not spend time about these circumstances of her name and dwelling , though both might astoord vs good matter of instruction : the one , to shew how that ( ● . God said to Moses ) a a Ex. 33 17. the relig●ous finde that fauour in the sight of God , that he knoweth them by name , and that , although it bee their portion heere to haue their names put out as euill b b Luk 6 22. , yet still they are written in heauen c c Luk. 1● 20. , in the Booke of life of the L●e d d Deu. 13 ● . , out of which they shall neuer bee razed e e Re● 3.5 . , whereas the wicked though they thinke to get them a name f f Gen. 11.4 . , and lay plots to keepe their name in remembrance g g 2. Sam. 18 . 1● . , and to that end doe call their Lands by their names h h Ps. 49 11. , yet their name shall not i i Pro. 10 7. , and shall bee left by them as a curse vnto Gods chosen k k Isa. 65.15 . : the other , of her dwelling might bee brought to minde vs , that the Lord knoweth our dwelling l l Isa. 27.28 . Reu. 2.13 . , and so by consequence is accustomed to all our wates m m P● . 139.3 . . If we walke in obedience before him , no place can hinder our acceptance with him : his ere is as well to Ioppa as to Ierusalem ▪ and if wee walke stubbornly against him n n Leuit. 26.23 . , no place can throud vs from his hand . For , Whither shall wee flee from his presence ? o o Ps. 139 7. And , The e●e of the Lord in euery place shall behold the euill and the good p p Pro. 15.3 . . Those things I could vrge from these circumstances : but because I am now like to a poore traueller , that hath farre to goe and little to spend , much matter before me in my text , but not much time before me to deliuer it in , I will therefore select such things as may sort with the purpose of our meeting , which as it is to solemnize the funerall of a deceased Matrone , so it should bee to take occasion thereby , so to number our daies that we applie our hearts to wisedome Ps. 90.12 , and so to order our daies by passing the time of our dwelling heere in feare 1 P●t. 1● . , that ( which is the reward of godlinesse ) God may doe vs good in our latter end D●u 8.16 . I come therefore to those two generall points , the Life , and Death of Dorcas , the one , The diuision in the place into 2. parts . vers. 36. the other , vers. 37. Touching her life , there are two things considerable : 1. Her profession ( a Disciple ) : 2. The fruits of her profession ( full of good workes &c. ) : The things considerable in the first part . two things which ought to kisse each other in the life of a Christian . A profession without fruit , is groste hypocrisie ? A kind of fruit ( for so there may be ) without a right profession , is boote lesse formalitie : but both together , knowledge to guide obedience , and ob●dience to testifie the truth of the knowledge , that is Christianity . In whom I can finde these two , of him I may sa● , Behold indeed an Israelite in whom is no guile t t Ioh. 1 . 4● ? This is the man of pure heart , and innocent hands , that shall ascend into the mountaine of the Lord u u Psal. 21. ● . Let me speake of both a-part , I may diuide them in my discourse , but in●o ●r course , neither you nor I , may sunder them .

1. Her profession , a Disciple . The 1. thing in the ● part . Disciple was the customarie name by which those that professed the truth were called in the prime daies of the Gospell . In the beginning it was a title more pe●uliar to those that gaue their ordinarie attendance vpon our Sauiour : The twelue Apostles are called the twelue Disciples x x Mat. 10 1. ; but yet euen then , the name was enlarged , his ordinarie hearers are called his Disciples y y Ioh 6.66 . and Ioseph of Arimathea , is said to haue beene a Disciple z z Ioh. 19 38. . After Christs ascension , as the number of beleeuers was enlarged , so the name grew more common : as in this very chapter , the true professors whom Saul did persecute , are called the Disciples of the Lord a a Ver. 1. , Ananias is t●rmed a Disciple b b Ver. 10. , and those which were after at Antioch , called Christians ( where that name was first taken vp , ) were before that time called Disciples c c Act. 11 2● . . A Disciple is as much to say in English as a learner , and the beleeuers were so stiled because they were such , as in a desire of sauing knowledge had their dependance vpon the ordinarie meanes of instruction , ( the preaching of the word . ) So then , Dorcas a Disciple , that is Dorcas a scholer in the schoole of Christ , a submitter of herselfe to the ordinance of God for the sauing of her soule . Shee was none of those Learners whom the Apostle blameth , which learne to go about from house to house &c. d d 1. Tim. 5.13 . but such a Learner as Lydia , which attended to those things which were spoken of Paul e e Acts. 16.14 . . Her being a Learner , is ( as other Scripture ) written for our learning f f Rom. 15 4. The 1. Doctrine . , and the Doctring which it affordeth to vs , is this . That , to be a learner of religion by the meanes ordained of God , to teach religion is a part of the very essence and Being of a Christian . These two words a Disciple , and a Christian , are as wee are wont to say in schooles , termes conuertible , as thus ; If a Disciple , surely a Christian : If a Christian , surely a Disciple : If no Disciple , no Christian : If no Christian , no Disciple . I know there be also many counterfet Disciples , and so there be also many counterfet Christians , and many seeme to be Disciples , which yet are no Christians , and many also take vpon them to be Christians , which by no meanes will be Disciples : yet stil doth that which I haue said remaine true , that , such as is a mans Disciple-ship , such is his Christianitie : If a true Disciple , a true Christian , if but a formall Disciple , surely but an hollow Christian . I will appeale to any mans iudgement , be it that he be but ( as it were ) a man of yesterday g g Iob. 8 9. in Religion , to tell mo , what other thing is ment , by this , that Dorcas was a Disciple , then this Dorcas was a belieuer , a woman conuerted by the Gospell , to the Christian Faith ? So that this obseruation is iust from hence , Either a Disciple , or else , no Christian . To this for a fuller confirmation we may ioine that speach of Christs to the Apostles , when he sent them out to preach : Go , and teach all nations , or word for word from the Greeke , go make them Disciples h h Mat. 28.19 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 &c. If you can bring them once to this , to submit themselues to be taught of God in his owne ordinance , you haue won them . When our Sauiour would shew what marke his sheepe haue , he declareth it to be an Eare-marke , my sheepe heare my voice i i Ioh. 10.27 . , they haue the wise and obedient eare k k Prou. 25.12 . , Now a good Hearer and a good Disciple are all one . Againe , No man can be a Christan indeed , vnlesse he be a beleeuer : for what is a Christian , but a man in Christ l l 2. Cor. 5.17 . , and how cometh that vnion betwixt a man and Christ but by Faith m m Eph. 3.17 . ? and how shall a man haue Faith , but by being a Disciple ? Faith is by hearing n n Rom 10.17 . , and Hearing is the inseperable quality of a Disciple : Further what Christian will you call him , that shall not be saued , and what Saluation is there for him , that forsaketh that olde beaten path , Heare , and your soule shall liue o o Isa. 55 3. . Besides , how is hee a Christian , that doth not know God , and him whom he hath sent Christ Iesus p p Ioh. 17 , 3. , and who can know so much vnlesse he be a Disciple ? man of himselfe doth not know it , ( for , euery man is a beast by his owne knowledge q q Ier. 10.14 , Man of himselfe cannot know it , ( for it is foolishnesse vnto him r r 1. Cor. 2.14 . : hee must attaine to it by donation from God , or else he can neuer vnderstand it , ( for a man can receiue nothing except it bes giuen from aboue s s Ioh. 3.27 . : If he must expect it from God , beggers must not chuse , and hee must fit himselfe so to receiue it , as God is pleased to bestow it , and he will not bestow it but by the folly of preaching t t 1. Cor. 1.21 . : a man must sit him downe in the Disciples forme , or hee shall neuer obtaine it . I know the world will account him but a foole who tieth himselfe to this course , but this is that Foolishnesse of God , which is wiser then Men 1. Cor. 1.25 . and he who seemeth to be wise in this world , must be a foole , that he may be wise x x 1. Cor. 3.18 . . This briefely , to cleere this Doctrine .

Now , for vse , if none be Christians but Disciples , and none Disciples , but such as haue chosen Maries part , to sit at Iesus feet to heare his preaching y y Luk. 10.39 . , and what Feet are there now left vnto vs but those beautifull ones , which bring glad tidings of peace Rom. 10.15 . ? Tell mee then ( I pray you ) what plentie is there of Christians ? Sure I am , the number of Disciples is not great . I know , Hearers there bee many , but not euery Hearer a Disciple . By that t●me the number of Disciples are shoaled out from the great prease and multitude of common Hearers , I will tell you how it will be . Israel went out to fight against Aram : Israel pitched on the one side , Aram on the other side : The children of Israel were like two little flockes of Kids , but the Aram●tes filled the Countrey 1 King 2● . ●7 . Heere is the very true proportion betwixt the great swarmes of Hearers , and the small handfull of Disciples . There bee many things doe make men Hearers , as , necessitie , authoritie , hypocrisie for●alitie , affectat●on of noueltie , &c. But there is but one thing makes a man a Disciple ; a settled perswasion that , that whereto a man submitteth himselfe as a Disciple , is the very Arme of the Lord 〈◊〉 . 5● . 1 . , and the power of God vnto saluation R● . 1.16 . And if we bring Disciples to this scantling . I beseech you aske the men in your own coats , where wee shall finde them . Surely the men of this generation are not yet possessed with the necessitie of dependance vpon that Teaching course which the Lord hath sanctified to the gathering together of his Saints Eph. 4.2 . The multitude passeth it ouer in a kinde of carelesnesse , not so much as euer putting to the question , what is to bee done that they may bee saued . They follow the drone : if it bee right , so it is ; if not , then God helpe , if so many shall bee damned . But now the wiser sort , they consent and agree , that somewhat must bee knowen and beleeued vnto saluation : but to goe to schoole to a Minister , to giue attendance at the pests of the Lords doores , there to heare instruction Pro ● . ●3 . , that is too submisse a course : Why ? cannot wee informe ourselues ? And , Is there no Christianity , b● by so seruile a conformitie as the hanging vpon the mouth of a Preacher ? No ( beloued ) either shew th● selfe a Disciple , or neuer thinke thou art a Christian They which were first called Christians , were Disciples first . Neither is euery one a Disciple , which putteth his foot into the Schoole . Hee that commeth with a den all of himselfe , with an heart hungring after knowledge , with the spirit of meekenesse , with submission to the ordinance of him who is the onely Doctour of his Church , this is the Disciple , hee is the Christian indeede ; this is hee whom the Lord will guide in iudgement , and to whom hee will teach his way f f Psa. 25 9. . And thus for the first flower which I haue plucked from that garland , with which it hath pleased the spirit of God to adorne this Matrones name ( Dorcas a Disciple . ) And albeit the world neglects both this title , and the thing intended by it as vnworthy , yet without it wee lay all our honour in the dust . This title must bee a mans glory to the end , as was said of him , Mnason an old Disciple Act. 23 16 〈…〉 & . As I grow old , so I learne still , said a wise Heathen . A man must neuer thinke to be preferred out of this Schoole , vntill hee come to bee admitted into that great Vniuersitie , where hee which is the Doctour of the Chaire , Christ Iesus , will aduance all those that haue beene good Proficients in the learners Forme , to sit with him vpon his owne Throne h h Reu. 3.21 . . So much for her profession .

Now follow the fruits of her profession : The 2 thing in the 1. part . of which the Holy Ghost speaketh first generally ( full of good workes ) and then some particular good workes are made mention of , ( Almes , &c. ) I will treat of both sunderly : and first of this ( full of good workes . ) My order must bee thus : First , to shew the meaning : Secondly , to set downe the doctrine . In the meaning , first , what those things are which are called Good workes : secondly , what it is to bee full of good workes .

Good workes are of the same widenesse with Gods commandements . What be good works . For obedience to any branch of Gods commandements , is a good worke . Papists ( and from them others ) doe straiten the largenesse of good workes , of which notwithstanding they take vpon them to bee the chiefest Patrones . They goe not much further , then to Almes-deeds , and Fasting , and such like . The rule of good workes is Gods reuealed will i i Mich. 6.8 . : voluntarie seruices God esteemeth not k k Col. 2.23 . : the Feare taught by the precepts of men , he accounts it but hypocrisie l l Isai. 29.13 . . The particular heads of good workes are set downe , Tit. 2.12 . 1. Sobrietie ( in the vse of outward things , meat , drinke , wealth , apparell , disports . 2. Righteousnesse ( in dealings with men , that there be no oppressing , no defrauding ) m m 1. Thes. . 3. Godlinesse ( in matters belonging to God , that wee worship the true God , after a true manner , with a true heart . ) The credit and triall of good works standeth in these particular : 1. When they are guided by Knowledge n n Rom 10. ●2 . : ( blinde zeale is with God of no esteeme . ) 2. When they are directed to Gods Glorie o o 1. Cor 10.31 . : ( to doe things to be seene of men is Pharisaicall . ) 3. When they are carried with a ioint respect to all Gods commandements p p Ps●l. 119.6 . : ( to be precise in some things , and in other to take libertie is grosse hypocrisie ) 4. When there is a care chiefly had to those good offices which concerne a mans personall calling q q Luk 3 12. &c. : ( hee that is not good in a calling , is not good at all . ) 5. When they are held out with constancie r r Reu 2 10. : ( good is not good , if it bee not perpetuall . ) This is in few words the true state of good Workes .

What to be f●ll of good workes . Now to be Full , hath reference first to the sinceritie of her heart , without which , bee the shew to the world-ward neuer so glorious , yet a man is but an emptie Christian . 2. to the vniuersalitie of her practise , who like Zacharie and Elizabeth , walked in all the Commandements of God s s Luk. 1 6. . 3. To the forwardnesse of her disposition , she was ready to good workes . t t T it 3 1. . 4. To the vnweariednesse of her course , she was like Th●atira , her workes moe at the last then at the first u u Reu. 2 19. . This is the fulnesse of a Christian , without fraud , without halting , without grudging , and without tiring . Thus for the meaning . This her Fulnesse affoords fulnesse of matter . But I am forced at this time , in stead of a bill of particulars , which in this case would be very comfortable , to present all in one grosse summe , thus , That euery Disciple of Christ must accompanie his holy profession with good workes . The 2. Doctrine . The spirit of God acquainteth vs here what Dorcas was , that from thence wee might learne what we must be . Fulnesse of good workes , was not in her a matter of supererogation but of duty . If it were duty in her , it is necessitie in vs . The Scripture abounds in proofe . It was the common charge giuen by Iohn Baptist to his hearers , when they began to make a good profession , Bring forth therefore fruit &c. Mat 3.3 . . The like elsewhere , Let your conuersation be such as becommeth the Gospell of Christ y y Phil. 1.27 . , Walke worthy the calling whereunto you are called z z Eph. 4.1 . . It is that which Paul preached to the Gentiles a a Act. 26.20 . , and hee commanded it to be pressed by preachers vpon all professors b b Tit. 3.8 . . This was he suter for to God on their behalfe with whom he laboured c c Col. 1.9.10 . . Your conuerts and professors of the new Testament of speciall note , their Good woorkes are specified ; as Mathew : his generall woorke is mentioned , hee followed Christ d d Math. 9 9. : his particulars , as of Bounty ( he made Iesus a feast e e 10. , ) and of Charity , he inuited his fellow Publicanes to bee guests , that they also might be saued . Zacheus , Behold Lord , the halfe of my goods &c. f f Luk. 19.8 . , There were his workes . The three thousand brought to be Disciples by Peters Ministrie , They continued in the Apostles Doctrine , and fellowship &c. g g Act. 2.45.46.47 . , These were there workes . Cornelius , his praiers and almes came vp into remembrance with God h h Act. 10.4 . , Such were his workes . The beleeuers at Ephesus came and confessed and shewed their workes i i Act. 10 18. . Paul commended the Romanes for their Holinesse k k Rom. 6.22 . , the Corinthians , for their zeale l l 2 Cor. 7.11 , the Thessalonians for their diligent loue &c. m m 1. Th. 1.3 . &c. : Behold a cloud of witnesses : whatsoeuer things are honest , and of good report &c. those do n n Phil. 4.8 . , If these things were memorable in others , surely they are imitable in vs . Why Good workes ought to be coupled with our good profession , there bee ( as saith the Apostle ) certaine necessary vses o o Tit. 3.14 . , as namely , First , the Glory of God p p Math. 5.16 . Ioh. 15.8 . , It is an honour to God , when his seruants by profession are as zealous of good workes , as god-lesse people are in wickednesse . Secondly , the conuersion of others . q q 1. Pet 2.12 . . It is possible that they which respect not the word , may without the Word bee wonne by the pure conuersation of beleeuers r r 1. Pet. 3.1 . . Thirdly , the stopping of the mouthes of gainesayers s s Tit. 2 8. . The credit of the Gospell must be deare vnto vs , and woe to him which maketh that worthy name by which he is named to be blasphemed t t Iam. 2.7 . . Fourthly , the declaration of the Truth of our Faith Iam. 2.18 . . It is no liuing but a titular Faith , which doth not worke by Loue Gal. 5 6. . Fifthly , assurance of our owne Election to our soulesy. Good workes are the Way , which God hath ordained vs to to walke in Eph. 2.10 . Thus you see the truth of this assertion : A true Disciple must not be like the Tree which Christ cursed , which had leaues but no fruit a a Math. 21.19 , but like the Tree planted by the riuers side , that will bring foorth her fruit in due season b b Ps 1.3 . , nay , which bringeth forth her fruite in the age thereof , and is then fat and flowrishing Psal. 92.13 . The vse . .

This is an excellent doctrine and a necessarie , and if I were as eloquent and mightie in the Scriptures , as Apollos d d Act 18.24 . , as full of the holie Ghost , as Barnabas e e Act. 11.24 . , as abounding in Faith and power , as Steuen f f Act. 6.8 . , or had the best gift in perswading , that God hath giuen vnto any , I might well imploy it , in the furthering and promoting of this one point : that we would make conscience to be suitfull in good workes g g Col. 1.10 . . It is an exhortation which many amongst vs do much need . For albeit the profession of the Gospell in this kingdome hath not been vnfruitfull , so that , for publique euidences of charitie , and monuments of zeale to pietie and learning , we need not feare to contest with the greatest opposites to our Religion , * * See to this end Willet in his Sy●sis pag. 960. &c. besides the blamelesse and honest conuersation of many priuate Christians , whose liues no doubt , do adorne the doctrine of God our Sauiour Tit. 2.10 . , which they professe : Yet put case we heer for our parts , who as the Iewes of old , gloried in God i i Rom. 2.17 . , so do also boast in our profession , and in the stile and name of Christianitie , put case we ( I say ) be dealt with in particular , may we not iustly be challenged for our scarcitie of good workes , what better deeds haue many of vs , then the crying sinnes of Sodome k k Gen. 18.20 . , then the vnfruitfull workes of Darkenesse p p Eph. 5 11. , contempt of Gods sacred word and worship , blaspheming of his glorious and fearefull name q q Deu 28.58 prophanation of his holy-day , whoredome , pride , malice , drunkennesse , oppression , sacrilege , and such like . Whom would it not grieue that hath in him the affections of a Christian , that nothing should be in so generall a disgrace as this one thing , to be zealous of good workes , and that the working out of our saluation with feare and trembling r r Phil. 2.12 . , which is euen the pith and marrow of all good workes , should be a matter by prophane mouthes so much spoken against . I beseech you , let vs suffer the words of exhortation , and let vs be euen emulous of that praise which is heer giuen vnto Dorcas , to be full of good workes . What an happie , and royall exchange were it , if the fulnesse of these times , fulnesse of securitie , Fulnesse of bread s s Ezek. 16 49 , might be turned into Fulnesse of good workes . This would be our comfort in death , this would giue vs boldnesse in the day of iudgement . Death is the worlds strict doore-keeper , and will see that as we brought nothing into the World , so we carrie no thing out t t 1. Tim. 6.7 . , but yet the concomitance of good Workes it cannot hinder , Blessed are they that die in the Lord , their workes follow them u u Reu. 14 13. : and for the day of Iudgement , our triall there , shall not be by our profession , but by our Workes , and euery man shall be remembred there according to his goodnesse heere . Thinke not I preach Good-Worke , like a Iusticiarie . I confesse when we haue done all we must say , we are vnprofitable seruants y y Luk. 17.50 . Nisi Deus per misericordiam part●et , non haberet . qu●s per iustiti● coronaret . August in Ps. 100. , and acknowledge with that ancient Father , that vnlesse God did spare in mercie , he should find none whom he might crowne in iustice . It is said of Manlius Torquatus , that when his sonne contrarie to a martiall decree , had exceeden his course , and slaine an enemie , his father , being the commander of the seruice , first crowned him for his valour , and then executed him for his disobedience . So may God deale with vs , were it that he should find any thing in vs worthy to bee rewarded , hee should withall finde more then something deseruing to be punished . Now though I th● disclaime the merit of Good Workes , and crie with him that said , M●t● 〈◊〉 ●iser● D●●m . B●d . My men it is the Lords mercie ; yet I maintaine the necessitie of Good Workes . For them , no man shall be saued : but without them , there is no entring into rest . Follow holinesse , without which no man shall see the Lord a a Heb. 12.14 The way to heauen is an holy way , and the polluted shall not passe by it a a Isa. 35.8 . . Let vs therfore cast away our transgressions b b ●k . 18.31 , mortifie our members , that are on earth c c Col. 3.5 . , crucifie our flesh , with the affections and lusts d d Gal. 5.24 . , make our waies and our workes good e e Ier. 18.11 . , if wee desire in our life to be honoured , in our death to be comforted , and at the last resurrection to bee crowned . So much touching the generall fruit of Dorcas profession .

What Almes 1● . One particular of her Good workes , was Almes . Before wee come to doctrine , wee must consider something of the nature of Almes . In the generall nature , Almes is a giuing vnto those that want ; but yet not euery giuing , no not where there is neede , is Almes , vnlesse it bee a Giuing so conditioned as the word of God prescribes . The Giuing which the Scripture warrants , to the end it may bee called an Almes , must thus bee qualified : First , It must bee with discretion . A good man is mercifull , &c. and will measure his affaires by iudgement f f Psal. 112.5 . Many a good duty is marred in the handling . Discretion respecteth either the quantitie which is giuen , or the parties to whom : For the quantitie , a due respect must be had to a mans owne abilitie g g Act. 11.19 . . The Heathen fitly compareth giuing of Almes , or any the like communicating o●hee , vnto the reaching ●orth of ones candle , that by it another may light his , wherein care must bee had , Nihilominus v●●sil●eat . that a mans owne goe not out . Charitie is bountifull h h 1. Cor. 13 4. , but not prodigall : although cases also may bee in which this proportion must be exceeded : according as the Churches of Macedonia , were ●ng beyond their power i i 2. Cor. 8.3 . . But this close handed age giueth no great cause to presse this rule , yet it must not bee omitted . Another branch of discretion is concerning the partie , to whom . For this Giuing to all without distinction , is not Almes . Blessed is the man that iudgeth wisely of the poore k k Psal. 41. ● . . There is a generation to which a man ought not to giue , vnlesse in a case of manifest extremitie : Hee that workes not , should not eat l l 2. Thes 3.10 . . The principall and first respect must bee to the Houshold of Faith m m Gal 6 10. , and that the bowels of the poore Saints may bee comforted n n Philem 7. M●ri & affectu & eff● . Bernard . To such , a man must giue both more affectionately , and more liberally . The honest poore , the industrious poore , those that fall into pouertie , not those that make a profession of beggerie . This is discretion . Secondly , it must bee with Iustice . The word which in Matthew 6. verse 1. See Beza vpon that place . is translated Almes , signifieth Iustice , because it is not indeede Charitie , if it doe not proceede from Equitie . Now I call that Iustice in giuing , when a man giueth of his owne . Cast thy bread , &c. x x Eccl. 11.1 . . I the Lord loue iudgement : but I hate robberie for burnt offering y y Isa. 61 8. : as when men suppose to make a kinde of satisfaction for a great deale of vniust getting , by some largesse to the poore . Thirdly , it must bee with compassion : ( as if yee were also afflicted , &c. z z 2. Heb. 13 3. ) . This is that which is called Tender-heartednesse a a Eph 4 31. , and , a pouring out of the soule to the hungrie b b Isa. 58.10 . . Fourthly , It must bee with cheerefulnesse . God loueth a cheerefull giuer c c 2. Co● . 9.7 . Beneficentia on beneuolentia ●anare deb● . Affectus tuus n●men imponit operi t●o Amb. ●ffi●s 1● . ●0 . . Well doing must proceed from well-willing : Such as is the affection , such is the action . Fiftly , It must be with simplicitie d d Rom. 12.8 . Danda benefi● 〈◊〉 ●randa . ●nt . . It is done in simplicitie , when the approouing of our selues vnto God is the principall scope . Almes must be giuen , not put out to vse . The most of that wh● I haue now said touching this Giuing Charitie , is comprehended in a certaine deuice or representatiue picture which I read of , of late , * * In the Sermon of R. M. vpon . Gen 18.32 . wherein Charitie is po●tra●ed in the likenesse of a naked childe , with a mer●ie countenance , couered in a lo●d , with a bloudie heart in the hand , giuing hony to a Bee without wings . First , a childe , because the charitable must bee humble as a Childe e e Math. 18.4 . . Secondly , naked , Charitie seeketh not her owne f f 1. Cor. 13.5 . . Thirdly , looking merrily : Charitie reioiceth in the truth g g Vers. 6. . Fourthly , couered with a cloud . Charitie hunteth not for applause . The right hand must not know what the left hand doth h h Math 6 3. . Fifthly , A heart in the hand : Charitie is no dissembler ; the heart and hand doe agree . Sixthly , It giueth hony to a Bee without wings . It helpeth not the droane , but the Bee ; not the ideler , but the labourer , whom God hath disabled to bee his owne supplie . So then this is the effect of all touching Dorcas . Shee was zealous of Good Workes generally ; more particularly , shee was a discreet , iust , compassionate , cheerefull , simple-hearted Almoner . Whatsoeuer shee did , shee did as a Disciple , according to the prescript of that holy doctrine , wherein shee was trained . Other manner of Giuing then this , the word of God could neuer teach her .

Now come wee to the doctrine , which is thus : That , giuing to the poore is a speciall practise of true Christianitie , which wee may not neglect . The 3. Doctrine . Wherefore are wee told of Dorcas Almes , but to binde vs to the like vertue ? It is a matter which the Scripture laboureth to fasten to vs with a three-fold cord . First , Precept : Secondly , Example : Thirdly , Benefit . The first , to enio●ne vs : the second , to direct vs : the third , to encourage vs . First for Precept : Cast thy bread vpon the waters , Giue a portion to seuen , and also to eight Eccl. 11.1.2 . . Is not this the fast , that I haue chosen , to deale thy bread to the hungrie ? &c. k k Isa. 58.7 . . If one of thy brethren with thee bee poore , &c. thou shalt not harden thy heart , nor shut thy hand from thy poore brother : but thou shalt open thine hand vnto him , &c. l l Deu. 15.7.8 . . Giue to him that asketh , &c. m m Mat. 5.4.2 . . Hee that hath two coats , let him giue to him that hath none ; and hee that hath meat , let him doe likewise n n Luk. 3.11 . . As yee abound in euery thing , in Faith , in word , &c. so see that you abound in this grace also o o 2. Cor. 8.7 . . Bee readie to distribute p p 1. Tim. 6.11 . Thus for precept . As for examples , wee haue the Hospitalitie of Abraham q q Gen. 18.1 . , and Lot Gen. 19.1 . , the charitie of Obadiah , that kept an hundred Prophets vpon his owne charge in the time of persecution vnder Iezabel s s 1. ●n . 11.4 , the bountie of Iob , I was ●ies to the blind , feet to the lame t t Iob. 19.15 16. : I haue not eat my morsels alone , &c. I haue seene none perish for want of clothing : the lomes of the poore have blessed mee , because hee was warmed with the fleece of my sheepe u u Iob 31.17 . &c. . The liberalitie of Zacheus : The halfe of my goods I giue to the poore x x Luk. 19 8. . The free heartednesse of Cornelius : Hee gaue much Almes y y Act. 10. ● . . The compassionatenesse of Philemon : By thee brother the bowels of the Saints are comforted z z Philem. 7. . The forwardnesse of Paul : Which thing ( speaking of remembring the poore ) I was diligent to doe a a Gal. 2.10 . . Aboue all , wee haue the example of examples , the practise of Christ Iesus . Generally this is noted of him , that being rich , for our sakes hee became poore , that wee through his pouertie might bee made rich b b 2. Cor. 8 9. . Particularlie , though hee himselfe liued by contribution , yet hee gaue out a share to the poore c c Ioh. 13.29 . . Heere are examples . Now for benefit and good that followeth heerein : First , wee are assured , that whatsoeuer flesh and bloud may imagine , yet that which is giuen is not lost : After many daies thou shalt finde it d d Eccle. 11.1 . . Hee that hath mercy vpon the poore , lendeth to the Lord , and the Lord will recompence , &c. e e Pro 19.17 . . The liberall person shall haue plentie , &c. f f Pro. 11.25 . . Hee that soweth liberally , shall reape liberally g g 2. Cor. 9.6 . . So that heere is one good turne , a man is sure this way to bee no looser , rather hee prouides a stocke for himselfe against the time of neede . Secondly , heereby a man brings vpon himselfe a continuall blessing thorowout his whole life . The Lord shall deliuer him in the time of trouble : the Lord will keepe him , and preserue him aliue , hee shall bee blessed vpon earth , &c. h h Psal 41 12. &c. . Hee bringeth a blessing also vpon his posteritie . His seede enioteth the blessing i i Psal. 37.26 . . Thirdly , this is a meanes to bring vs to the right vse of our wealth . Giue almes and behold all shall bee cleane vnto you k k Luk. 11.41 . . It is like the aduise of a Physitian to helpe a surfet by forbearance , so ( saith Christ ) you that haue beene giuen to oppression and cruelty , if you shall repent heereof and make knowne the truth of your repentance by the fruites of Charitie , this will bee a good medicine against greedinesse , and a meanes to bring you to the pure vse of Gods blessings . Fourthly , it is a good pledge to a mans soule of his future inheritance . Paul calleth it a good foundation against the time to come l l 1. Tim. 6.19 . : not that our Saluation is built vpon Almes , but the bowels of compassion in vs towards others , is ( as it were ) a print or stamp of the mercy of God set vpon our hearts . Thus wee see how Almes g●g is recommended to vs in the Scripture . I could adde the penaltie annexed to the contrarie . Hee that stoppeth his eare , at the crie of the poore , hee shall likewise crie , and not bee heard m m Pro. 11.13 . : Iudgement mercilesse to him that sheweth no Iudgement n n Iam. 2.13 . . The vse and exhortation solloweth .