THE MEANE TO RESTOre in to the Churche the right kynde of geuinge , and distribution of Almose , and Prouision for the poore .

IT is most requysite , that all Magistrates , and Gouernours , that desire the promotion of the Kingdom off Christe , and the welthe of those thei gouerne , do procure that this godlie prouision for the Poore and needie bee restored , euen as the Hollie Goste hath set forth unto us in the Seconde , Fourth , Fyfth , and Sixth off the Actes off the Apostells . For with out it , ther can bee no true felowship or Communion off Saintes . This may be don after this sorte , First that euerye Churche haue his Deacons , for the prouision , and ouersight of the Poore , ( as before is said , ) Men off good reporte , and full off the Hollie Goste , and wisdom , and so manie of theim as the multitude off the People , and off the Poore shall requyre .

Their Office is conteyned in these poynies . First thei ought to make diligent serche , how manie poore in deade bee in euery Congregation , that ought to be prouided for by the Congregation . For it belongeth to all Congregations off Christe , not onlie not to mayntayne lewde persones in their wycked Idlenesse : but also to bannysh theim their companie , who , when thei may by their owne honest labour mayntaine them self , will not labour , but lyue inordinatlie consuminge the sustenaunce , that is due to the neadie and Poore off Christe . And agaynst suche persones this Rule is to be kept , He that laboreth not , let hym not eate : That com , maundement also off the Hollie Goste towchinge Wydowes , ought to be expounded also off all neady . Iff ther bee any faithfull man or woman , saith the Hollie Goste , that hathe wydowes , let him prouide , and minister unto theim : and let not the Congregation be burdened , that thei , whiche are right wydowes may haue inough . So lykewise those , that haue anye neadie under theim , whether thei be their kynsfolkes , seruauntes , or otherwise ioyned to theim by any speciall cause , ought to mynyster to suche persones necessaries for their lyuinges , if thei be able to do it , and to spare the Congregation , as it may be the better able to mayntayne and keepe those , that haue no kynsfolkes , masters , or friendes , that will , or can prouide for theim .

All mens myndes ought to be moued with this fearefull Iudgement off the Hollie Goste : Iff ther be any man , that dothe not prouide for his owne , and speciallie for theim off his howsholde : The same hath denied the faithe , and is worse then an Infidell . For unto those , that God hathe by any specyall meanes ioyned togither , this the seconde principall commaundemaunt , wherin all the lawe is conteyned and fulfilled , dothe chieflie belonge : Thou shalt loue thy neighbour as thy selffe . For those , whom God coupleth and ioyneth to gither by the Bande off kyndred , affinitie , howsolde , or any other particuler meanes : he maketh theim therbie , aboue all other , neighbours .

The first poynt then off the Office of the Deacons of the poore , is , that thei make diligent serche , who lacke in deade , and be not able to relieue their owe lacke : Then who counterfaite A nedde , or with Idlenesse and Riot , make themselfes neadie : And finalie , who haue suche neibours , that can , or do take the care to prouyde for theim .

Suche as the Deacons shall fynde , that neither can gette their owne lyuinge , nor haue off their neighbours , that doo relieue theim : their Names , with the maner off their neade and behauiour , thei ought to write in A particular boke , And certayn tymes to uisite theim , and to call theim unto theim , that thei may the more certanlie knowe , how well and uertuouslie they use th almose of Good People , and what thinges from tyme to tyme , thei neade . For as nothing will suffice the wycked and lewde , neather haue thei any measure or truthe in begginge : so the Good and shamefast do couer and dissemble their neade , and thinke euerie thinge to muche , that is geuen unto theim by the Congregation . But the Hollie Goste hathe appoynted and ordened the maner and ende off Distribution of Almes , that none shoulde lacke , and euerye one shoude haue asmoche as is sufficient for his honest relieff . And who cannot see euen by this one thinge , How necessarie it is for Congregations to haue suche Deacons for the poore : that not rashlie , but most diligentlie searche out , and certaynlie knowe the state off euery one that asketh the helpe off the Congregation : whether , and what thinge he lacketh , and how moche is to be gyuen to euerye one for his necessarie relieff . Besydes , whether thei haue any Freendes , that be able and ought to relieue theim . For suche ought by the Congregation to be forced to relieue their owne : and therunto , as in th execution off the rest off the discipline , the Deacons ought to be assistence to the ministers off the worde , and Elders .

Thother poynt off th office off Decons is , to keepe what so euer commeth to the Churche , for the use off the poore , and therof to distribute to euerie one that neadeth , asmoche as shall suffice to lyue A godlie liff in the lorde : And to keepe A perfecte accoumpt off their doinge , Whiche thei must yelde to the ministers off the woorde , and the Elders : Procuringe , after the example off the Apostell . Honest thinges not onlie before God , but also in the sight off all men . Wherfore the Hollie Gost requyrith that suche Deacons shoulde be off Good reporte emonge the people off Christe . For as Men bee desyrous off Money : so upon the least occasion , thei suspecte euell off suche as haue the distribution off commen money . Besydes , the poore that haue not lerned , by the sprite off Christe , to be contented , whether thei haue plentie , or do suffer neade , be uery suspitious , and full off complayntes . And therfor that suche Deacons shoulde be of the greater authoritie emonge the people of God , and the better credite geuen unto theim : the auncient Churches appoynted unto theim , the next degree after the Elders . And admitted theim to be Aiders in the hollie mynysterie of th administration , bothe of the worde , and also of the Sacramentes . Antichrist made this office , as he dyd all other Mynysteries , nothinge at all , but to serue for a uaine pompe : as at this present day ther bee uery fewe that thinke the Deacons office to be any other thinge , then to serue the Busshops , and Priestes at Masse , and to reade the gospell whiche thinges were appointed to this office onlie at the first , that whilest thei prouided for the poore , and dyd helpe to execute the discipline , thei shulde be of the greater Authoritie , and haue the more credite emonge the people off God . For the ouersight of the possessions belonginge to Churches , and to gather the fruytes , reuenues , and rentes of those thinges that were gyuen for the relief of the poore : certayn were appointed , who were called Subdeacons and Bailiffes , that the Deacons might first gyue theimselfes to the right distribution of suche thinges , as were gathered for the relief of the poore , so as euerie one might haue that was conuenient in deede to lyue to the lorde : then to see that those that were relieued by the Congregation , dyd lyue to serue God : And finallie , to furder this Discipline emonge other Christians , whose life and behauour thei ought the better knowe and trie , by the reason of gatheringe relief for the poore . This kinde and maner of gatheringe and distribution by the Deacons , and Subdeacons , was obserued till and in the tyme of Gregorie the Busshop of Rome , as appereth in manye his Epistells . And albeit the Deacons of the Churche be neuer so honest , and wise : yet can thei not prouide for the Poore , onles thei haue wherwith to distribute to the poore , and therfor it belongeth to Magistrates to see , that Churches haue sufficient to relieue the poore . In tyme longe past , the Fourth parte of all Reuenues , that either belonged to the Spiritualtie , by their Possessions , or cam to hit by good mens gysts , and oblations , was taken for the relief of the poore . Besydes , manie uertuous Princes , and good Men made Hospitals , and howses for the Relief off the poore : Some for suche as were Hole of bodye , and some for suche as were sicke : Son to keepe Infantes , and some to conforte Straungers , and Banisshed men . But all these in contynuaunce of tyme , through the wycked Monkes , and Pryestes , were conuerted from those godlie uses , and turned to the mayntenaunce of their owne bellies , Pleasures , and pryde . Thei passed neither of the Fownders good myndes , nor the lawes of Magistrates : but blynded poore men , makinge theim beleue , that more profiet shoulde comme bothe to quycke and dedde , if those godlie Almose were bestowed on Masses , and suche like ungodlie Trisshe trasshe : then iff Christe therwith shulde be fedde , in the Hungrie : refresshed in the Thyrstie : conforted with lodginge in Straungers , and the Harbourlesse : clothed in the Naked : and uisited in the Sicke , and Enprisoned . Wherfore , it is the parte off good Magistrates , to prouyde , that suche thinges be brought to their right uses . And besydes , it is conuenient , that some Taxes be set on riche spirituall Promotions , for the relieff off the Pore : in steede off the Fourthe parte off their Reuenues , whiche by so manye Canons was lymeted to the use of the Poore .

Morouer lest those , that be not worthie to haue the Almose of the Churche , and of good men , shoulde take it from those that be worthie , and in deade neadie : Good Magistrates ought to renue , and put in execution , that lawe off God , and off the Emperour Valentynyan , whiche forbiddeth , that any man be suffred to begge : and commaundeth that those that be able to labour , shoulde be forced to labour : and that suche as be not able to labour , sholde be kept as our Brethern , and menbres , euerye one in the Congregation where he dwelleth . And that this may bee the better doon , commaundement ought to be gyuen , that euerye man maintaine suche as be of his one howsolde , or other wise properlie ioyned to him , if he be able : And that euery Citie , Towne , and uillage , doo mayntain suche poore people , as their friendes be not able to keepe , and not suffer theim to wander abrode . And because it may be , that some Towne , or uilage is so poore , that it is not able to relieue al the Poore therof : that suche also be not left unprouided , it is uery requysite , that in euerie Shire , certayne godlie , and spirituallie wise men , be appoynted : who may sende suche poore people from the places where thei cannot be relieued , to such Congregations , where thei may be sufficientlie relieued . For all we Christians be togither membres , by the which name , the Congregations off the Gentiles in the tyme off Saint Paule , and at his exhortation , dyd confesse , that it was their duetie , to relieue the Congregations in Iurie , that suffered great hunger and famine . Furdermore , because through our corrupte , and always disobedient nature to God , we contynuallie lothe the ordinaunces , and commaundementes off God , and after our owne luste , and fond iudgement , we desire to folowe other meanes , and waies , then God hathe appoynted : ther wil be som , that , not withstandyng this most holy prouysion for the poore , will not put their Almose in to the comen cheste , or boxe off the lorde , but will rather geue their Almose with ther owne handes , if they be mynded to geue any at all . Such mens pride must be mette with , not onely by a lawe off the Magistrat , but also by the discipline off the Churche . By a lawe , to make theim geue double to the lordes Cheste , if they be founde to geue any thynge pryuatlie to the neadie : And by the discipline of the Churche , that if any geue nothing in to the lordes cheste , he be warned off his duetie by the mynysters off the Churche , accordyng to the worde off God . Whose admonytion if they stubbournlie contemne , that they be taken for Ethnykes , and Publicans . For albeit , it be left to euerie mans will , to offer to Christ his lorde , to thuse off his litle ones , asmoche off his goodes as he will : yet no man maye be suffred , contrarie to the expresse commaundement of God , to come always with an Emtie hande into the presence off the lorde , and utterlie to despise the ordenaunce off the holy Gost , for the prouision for the poore , yea , asmoche as in hym lieth , to subuert it , by his pryuat distribution off Almose .

And here wil mans wisedon ( wich alwaies uaunteth it self aboue Goddes ) obiecte , that it is unnatural , that mens handes shulde be shut to the faithful , that they may not geue , at their pleasure , to such , as thei perceaue in deade to lack . For a man shall fynde emong the pouertie , uery good men , who be asshamed to aske the Almose off the Churche , haue they neuer so great neade . Herunto this ●s to be answered , first , that no mans hande is so shutte by this lawe , but that he maye open it to whatsoeuer pore he wil , and is able : but by this lawe , accordyng to Goddes commaundement , and the ordenaunce off the holy gost , this is preuented , that the children off God maye not geueth the Enemies of Christ , these that either lacke not , or els be wilfullie in neade , those thinges , that thei owe to the litle ones off Christ , which lacke in deade . For it is not possible , as I saied before , that any pryuat man , shulde so certeynlie serche out the disposition off the poore , as those , that be appoynted to that office by the Churche , and dailie be exercised with all diligence therin .

And God doth not keepe his giftes , and encreace off his holy sprite , from such , as he hathe chosen , and called , to so great mynysteries of his churche . Besides , admit , that euery man knowe certeynlie his neadie neighbours : yet is it far better , that euery man sende such poore people , that aske his relief , be they neuer so holy and uertuous , to the Deacons off the Churche , to receaue off theim : For otherwise , others shal take example by him , to distribute also their owne Almose , and so oftentymes to such as they knowe not , and be not worthye off Christes Almose , who can beg more boldelie and craftelie , then the Poore in deade . We ought to take wonderful heade , lest the least hole in the worlde be opened to our natural pride , to be wise agaynst God , and to swarue a heare breadeth from his commaundementes and ordenaunces , either to the right hande or to the lefte . Iff any be asshamed to go gladlye to the hole companye and mynysterie off the Deacons , let him declare his pouertie to one of the Deacons : or if he be lothe to do this , then let such as knowe his neade , and godlynes , shewe it to the Deacons , and get necessarie relief for him .

Not with standyng , no Christen man , be he fallen from neuer so great richesse to pouertie , from neuer so high degree to the lowest , ought to be asshamed of the Crosse off Christ , and the holsom remedie , that God hath prouyded : moche lesse ought Christen men be lothe , to receaue relief off their neade , at the Lordes hande , by the mynysterie off his Churche , by whose most iust , and no lesse holsom Iudgement for theim , they be come to such pouertie , and base degree of life . Howbeit , it perteineth to the Deacons office , not onelie to haue respect to euerie mans pouertie , but also off the weakenes off their myndes , and with such wisedom , and liberalitie , to helpe euerie mans necessite , that they laie on no man troubled with pouertie , the trouble also off shame : nor that they bryng any , that haue in tyme past been wel and liberalie maynteyned , to such scarcitie and skantnes off meate and clothyng , as they bee not able to suffer , albeit such relief were sufficient , to an other that hathe ben so used .

The commaundement off the Holy Gost ought in this poynt to be considered , that ther be somoche geuen to euerie one , as is necessarie to leade a good , and godlie life . And it is manyfest , that as all men be not off like strength off bodie , nor haue not ben brought up after one kynde off liuing so some ought to haue more , some lesse : some fyner , some courser , meate , apparel , and other necessaries . Which thyng Seynt Gregorie consideryng , when the noble men , and women were spoiled by the Lombardes , he gaue unto them uery liberal Pensions for their relief , of the goodes of the church . And therfore Christian Magistrates ought to make this lawe , First , that no man be suffred to beg : but that euerie man do maynteyne , and kepe his owne householde , kynred , and allies , if he be able to do it : the iudgement wherof , ought to perteigne to the ordynarie Magistrat . And that such as be destitute off such helpe , be m●yt●●●● by the Citie , towne , uil●ge , or Congregation where they dwell . If any citie , towne uilage , or congregation , be not able to , maintaine the pouertie therof , that then , by the discretion of the chief Gouernour of the contreye , such poore people be sent to son richer Congregation , where thei may be relieued .

Another poynt of this lawe ought to be , for the election , and appoyntyng off Deacons , as is afore seid , and that they be , by their othe , enioined , diligentlie to serche out , what thinges euery man neadeth , and that they faithfully , to their power , geue it to theim : and to make an accompte of their receiptes , and paymentes , to the mynysters of the worde , and Elders .

The third poynt , that it be forbodden to geue Almose priuatlie , and that all men be exhorted , that they will rather , according to Goddes commaundement , and the ordenaunce of the holy gohost , commyt their Almose to the Churches , and to the mynysters appointed for that purpose : then after their own natural pride , distribute it theim selfs , contrarie to goddes worde , and the institution of the Hollie Goste .

The fourth point , that thei cause to be restored , for the relief of the poore , such giftes as wer offred , by our Elders to Christe , if any yet remayne .

And the fewer off those giftes shal be founde remaynyng : the greater pensions to be set on riche benefices , for the relief of the poore , in recompense off the fourth parte off the Reuenues off all Churches , that is due by so many Canons .

The fyfte point , that great paynes be set on theim , that shall blaspheme this most holy Institution off the Holie Goste , or that shall go about to pul any man from it . And if any man shall thynke any thing to be corrected in the Deacons , and the prouision for the poore , that he first warne the Deacons therof : and if they will not folowe his reasonable warnyng , that he declare the matier to the mynyster of the word , and the Elders : that in all thinges , the Authorite of Goddes worde maye be of force , and the wicked pride of men , who can allowe nothing that is ordeined of God , maye be resisted in euerie place , and in tyme : and so it maye be the easlier obteyned off the people off Christ , wherby the litle ones off Christ maye so liberallie be prouided for , as we maye at length ioifullie heare : Come ye blissed of my father , and receaue the Kingdom , that is prepared for you , from the begining of the worlde . I was hungrie , and ye gaue me to eate &c.

And it is not ynough for the liberalitie of Christians , to geue onely meate , harbour , and clothing to suche as be in extreme necessite : but also they ought liberallie to geue of the giftes , God hathe geuen theim , wherwith godly maydens mariable , who for lack of dowrie remayne long unmaried , maye be in tyme maried , and coupled with honest men , and also that wittie Children , that lack frendes , may be brought up to studie , to serue in Christes Churche . Besydes , good Christians , that lack wherwith to exercise their craftes , may be therwith holpen , partlie by gifte , parlie by loane , as ther may come profet of their Arts , and thei maye be the better able to nourysh , and bring up their children for the lorde , and to make theim profetable membres of the comen welthe . For it is not ynough for the Congregations off Christ to prouyde , that men may onlie lyue , but that thei may lyue to the Lorde , for a certeyn and mutual profet betwene them selfs , and of the Churche , and commen welthe . And therfore all Congregations ought to prouyde , that all those that be baptized in Christe , be uertuouslie brought up from their childehod , and taught good Artes , that euerie one , accordyng to his portion , may bryng forth somwhat , to profet the comen welthe , and to declare hymself to others a true , and profetable membre off Christ .

An addition .

Ther be , that denye not the office off the Deaconrie in the Churche of Christ , to be ordeyned by God : but saye , suche office is not of necessitie . For ther be som Congregations , where al men be welthie , and ther is no Pouertie , and so no neade of the Deaconrie . That it pleaseth theim so genttely to graunt , th office of the Deaconrie to be the ordenaunce of God , they deserue no thankes . For if they shulde denye it , they muste other confesse , Seynt Paule erreth , or seynt Paule wolde saye , they erre . For , besydes he teacheth what men ought to be called to be Deacons in the Churche of Christ , he saieth playnelye , that God ordeyned and constituted in his Churche : first Apostels , secondarilie Prophetes , thirdlie Teachers , then those that do myracles : after that , those that haue the giftes of healing , helpers , gouernours , and diuersitie of tongues . Vnder wich name of Helpers , as a general word for al men that may do good in the Churche of Christ , th office of the Deacons ( according as the interpretours on that place agreablye do testifie ) as it is in the Actes mencioned , is conteyned . Now where they saie , ther may be a Churche without poore , and so no neade of Deacons : so may it be said , ther may be a Congregation , wherin all may bee lerned in Goddes worde , and therfore no neade of preachers and teachers . But what a fonde kynde of argument is it , to reason of thinges , that maye be , as though they were ? to alledge thinges that be onelie in Vtopia , as if they wer commen in euerie Contrey : to magnifie their owne uncerteyn Sophistrie , and to neglect the certeyn doctrine of God ? who forseyng all thinges , aswel to come as present , saied , ye shall haue alweis poore emong you , and therfore ordeyned this mynysterie in his Churche of necessitie , not for a tyme , but for euer to contynue : to haue the ouersight , and care off the poore , because ther shal be poore for euer . And albeit God , in som particular congregation , dothe so bestowe his benefites , as many be ritche , and fewe poore : yet wil he not , that they shal haue their respecte , onelie to the poore in the same Congregation , but also to such as be in other Congregations , as appeareth by those of Macedonia , Achaia , and Corinthus . Who , accordyng to the doctrine off seynt Paule , and their duetie , sent their charitie to Hierusalem , for the relief of the sayntes , and poore Brethern there . Some ayen saie , why may not euery man appoint his owne Almener , or Chamberer , to distribute his Almose , so the poore be prouided for , it forceth not , how , or by whom it be don ?

Albeit this obiection be before sufficientlie confounded , by Master . D. Bucer : yet it may be added , that such obiections procede off affection and pryuat gaigne ( which maye doo moche with worldlie men ) and not of a zeale to aduaunce Goddes glorie .

For Christian men , that seeke to serue god their lorde and Master , and not their owne commoditie , and affections , when thei knowe his will , pleasure , and ordenaunce , serche no further : but as good subiectes , and seruauntes , by all meanes labour to do , and fulfil the same .

They dispute not , why God hathe ordeyned , or commaunded this , or that : nor thynke this myght be other wise don , then God hathe deuysed : or that he hathe don , is not off necessitie .

They knowe his wil , and pleasure , declared by his worde , is an unchaungeable lawe , wherunto nothyng maye be added , or dymynysshed , but ought to be obeied off all his seruauntes : that he hathe made nothyng in uayne , but as he is the uery wisedom it self , and forseeth what is best for his : so hathe he most wiselie , and most necessarilie ordeyned this mynysterie off the Deaconrie in his Churche . Yea , they be most certeyn , that as ther be in mans bodie diuers members , not all of one sorte , but som more profetable , then some , and yet al requysite , and necessarie to make a parfet bodie : so in the Churche of Christ , ther be dyuers membres , mynysteries , and uocations , preachours , teachours , elders , deacons &c. Who , albeit they be not off like Authorite , and degree : yet be they all requysite , and necessarie to the edifiyng off a godlie , and parfet Churche off Christe .

Neither will any of Christes seruauntes , thrust hymself , not beyng lefully called , into any mynysterie , or seake to come into it by the wyndowe , as Theues and murderers do , but wil tary til he may enter by the doore , til he be ordinarilie called by the Churche off Christ , as Stephen , and the rest off the Deacons in the prymytiue Churche were . For all good men wil feare , lest when thei either do any thing contrarie to Goddes ordenaunce , or medle with that , wherunto they be not ordynarilie called , the plage off God will fal on them , as it dyd uppon the like , by iuste iudgement , in tyme past . Nadah , and Abiu the children of Aaron , toke thier Censers , put a straunge fier therin , and offred to God : but because thei dyd it contrarie to the ordinaunce of god , the fier cam from the lorde and destroid them . Vsa , because he set his hande to staie up tharke of the lorde , that it should not fal , albeit the deede symplie considered was good , yet because he medled with that office , wherunto he was not ordynarilie called , and appoynted , God plaged him with death . Kynge Ozias , because he wolde be busie in other mens uocation , offryng incense to the Lordes which perteined to the ministerie of the Children off Aaron , and not to his , was stroken with the Leprie . The wiseman saith in the prouerbes , Ther is a waie that seameth to a man iust and right , but th ende bryngeth to deathe . When men leaue the waies of God , and occupie their busie braynes about thinges besides , or contrarie to Goddes worde , they fal at length clene from God , and become Godlesse . Therfore Men ought to take heade , and to leaue their uncerteyn phantasies , and cleaue unto the certeyn worde of God , wherunto whosoeuer leaneth , can not stumble , whosoeuer foloweth it , cannot erre : and he that walketh therin , shal at length come to the eternal Kingdom , which is prepared for all such as loue and folowe God .

Remembre the poore , and God wil remember you : Forget the poore , and God will not forget you .