Text . There was a certaine Rich man .

THe Heathen wisserdes ( whose knowledge of the true God , Mark . ● . ●● . being as imperfect as that mans sight , which saw men walke like trees ) said that the possessions of this life , are eyther the riches of the minde , or the goods of the body , or the benefits of fortune . But the spirit of truth binding these , and all other blessings together , Iam . 1.17 . saith : that euery good and perfect gift commeth downe from the Father of lights : teaching vs to know both who is the right owner , and what is the true vse of them , which ( as it should seeme by the sequell of this story ) is not through ignoraunce obscured , but by negligence forgotten of the gripple penny-fathers of our golde-sicke age , who hauing hazarded their soules to that Lyon the Deuill for goods , Dan . 6.16 . as Daniels body was indaungered to those Lyons for the honour of his God : the vulgar singling out some one of these : O say they ; there is a very rich man . Mobile sic sequitur fortunae lumina vulgus . And in deed , of all such we may safelie say as this scripture doth : That they are rich , but with that difference of riches which the Apostle taught Timothy : 1. Tim . 6.17 . namely with riches of this world . The vnsatiable hungring thereafter , the very Heathen haue mocked , and laughed to scorne : with such like tauntes as this . O Ciues , Ciues querenda pecunia primum virtus post nummos . O Citizens get money first ; let vertue come behinde .

And in truth who seeth not that they thinke themselues to haue vertue enough , if they possesse money enough ? As vnseemely a thing : as when Hagar the Hand-mayde would bee aduaunced aboue Sara her Mistris . Gen. 16.4 .

O foolish Galathians , Gal. 3.1 . who hath bewitched you : said the Apostle , and O doting worldlings , how hath gaine inchaunted you ? that your toyling heere , should bring you also a torment hereafter ? The holy Ghost mentioning that shoure of wealth which was powered vpon Job , concludeth : Iob . 1.3 . so that hee was one of the Principall men of the East Country . That wee might not consider onely how much hee had , but how well also he vsed that which he possessed . For no man is blessed because he hath much , but he hath much because he is blessed . And you may note this to bee true , by the testimony of God himselfe : who said that Iob feared God and eschewed euill , Iob . 1.8 . two vertues rarely found in the rich , but this is true both in rich and poore : that where no feare of GOD went before , there no auoyding of euill commeth after .

This is euident in them that couet to bee rich without exception , not regarding eyther from whome they get , or by what right they haue , so they haue . Who say to the wealth of this world , as Saint Paule said to the Corinthians . 1. Cor . 12.15 I will gladly spend , and bee spent for your sakes , who would clawe a muckhill to find a Pearle ? who would rip their brothers intrayles for money , Iug . 14.8 . as Sampson searched the Lyons carkasse for hony , whose whole endeuour is to serue their owne turne onely , Gen. 8.7 . like Noas Crow : And haue euen solde themselues to do euill , not regarding that they haue done it in the sight of the Lord . 1. Kin . 2.20 .

All that Iob hath be in thy hand , Iob . 1.12 . said God to Sathan : O if some had so much power ouer their neighbors , how would they dominere ouer them ? All that he hath is a large commission : yet this doe many take vpon them at this day , but by what authority ? that is the question . Againe , Iob 2.6 . vppon himselfe see thou laye not thine hand , said God to the Deuill : then are not they worse then the Deuill , who not beeing content with all that a man hath in goods , do ceaze on his body too .

Be it knowne to you then : that a man in seeking to bee rich may sin greeuously , in these two Capitall pointes : First , in greedy snatching at what they see , like Achan and Ahab : Iosua . 7.21 . 1. Kin . 21.2 . Secondly in miserable keeping of that they possesse , as this rich wretch : And both appeare in all such as withhold that by wronge , which others should haue by right .

Therefore said the Lord , Luke . 12 15. beware of coueting : beware of it you rich men : for it will cause you to doe wronge , Pro . 28.21 . if you may gaine but a peece of bread : beware of it you poore men , for as the wylde Asse is the Lyons pray in the wildernesse , Eccle . 12.20 . so is the poore the pray of the rich . It was the saying of a man that had no lesse goodnes then goods : That gaine gotten with credit lost , is a badde bargaine .

It is no happinesse to plant your selues heere , and to floorish for a time , for so doe the very damned glister heere for a season , and yet they are no golde , but to be as the Cedars which God hath planted , Psa . 112.3 . is to be blessed : Riches and plenteousnes are in that house . Then if yee will bee rightly rich , 1. Cor . 11.23 let me aduise you , and what I haue learned of the Lord , that shall I deliuer vnto you . Mat . 6.20 . Lay vp treasure for your selues in heauen , by bestowing it so as it may most glorifie your Father which is in heauen ; and all this is then done , when you doe good by way of distribution , Heb . 13.16 . for with these ( as with sacrifices ) God is pleased . All men doe know that there is enough deliuered out to the great Stewardes , to suffice the whole housholde : but they haue made that which they haue receiued , riches of iniquity ; whilst by iniquity they withholde that from their brethren , which was deliuered for their brethren , themselues being but Stewardes of it , Luk . 16.1 . at the most . Why then should not the bloud of the famished crye for vengeaunce more shrill then that of Abell , Gen. 4.10 . seeing hee was but one , but these are many a one ?

You Serpents ; that are wise for your selues : Why be ye not likewise harmelesse towardes others , but thus proceede in wronging and wringing your watri-faced brethren ? Dan 4.27 . Breake off your cruelty , as the Spinster doth her threed , intending to drawe it out no longer .

As God Almighty once gathered the Waters together , Gen. 1.9 . Psa . 33.7 . that the earth might also haue a beeing ; so dooth he now restrayne the rich , least ( at last ) they shoulde ingrosse all .

Phillip , Phillip of Macedonia . King of Macedonia hath left fewe of his minde , that are neere his might : Who on a time lying on the grounde , and perceiuing himselfe to be of a small timbred body : said to his attendauntes : I maruell why wee couet to ingrosse so much of this world , seeing so little of it would serue our turne .

And this was found written on the Toombe of Saladine in Capitall letters : SALADINE , Saladine King of Egipt . SOMTIME KING OF EGIPT , ARABIA AND SIRIA , NOW POSSESSETH ONELY TWO VARDS OF GROVND .

Why are not men contented then , 2. Cro . 1.15 . who haue siluer as plenty as stones , or when Alexander like they can command a world , Ge . 11.4 . but like these Gyants , would conquer heauen too . 1. Tim . 6.17 . Deus viuens dedit nobis omnia abunde , ad vtendum . The lyuing God hath giuen vs al things aboundantly to enioy , saith the Apostle . And what would men haue more , except they desire the Deuill and all ? Iob . 1.21 . Our naked comming into the world , and our thredbare going out of it , are preachers to vs of the right vse of these thinges , by the small interest we haue in them . Ioh . 9.6 . And yet you see , that as the Lord with clay dyd once open the eyes of the blinde , so the Deuill and the world with clay , do close vppe the sight of the seeing : a manifest signe that this clay maketh the blessing which that had . I haue seene men wipe their eyes with golde , saying that it was very soueraigne for the sight : but a wise man said , Eccle . 14.9 . he that will be rich all to soone hath an ill eye , as though hee thought golde to be as infectious to the sight , as sinne is to the soule . Ios . 7 14. Such an eye had Acan ; that seeing the golde at Jerico : it caused his heart to couet it , and his hand to take it .

By which place it may safely bee gathered , that all-hauing worldlings , make onely three steps to bee wealthy . 1. A wicked eye to finde out a commoditie . 2. A bottomles heart to desire it . 3. And a sixe-fingered hand to ceaze on it . 2. Sa . 21.20 . Such men oftentimes come by that they haue as honestly as Acan gat the gold which he hidde in his Tent , Ios . 7.21 . who called stealing but taking , and by his hyding of it , men may gesse how honestly hee had gotten it . And true it is of all the couetous : that they steale and hyde too like Acan the sonne of Carmy .

And if they had no more steps to go vp to their lofty Towers , then to the getting of them , they would come downe like Ahazia , when hee fell through his Lattice window in his vpper Chamber at Samaria . 2. Ki , 1.2 . Saul in all his proceedinges shewed himselfe a wise Politician ; but when hee sinned against God grossy : 1. Sa . 13.13 . Samuell telleth him that he was become a foole in so doing . And so is the wisest man if hee suffereth the thinges of this world to deceiue his heart . Haue I said to the wedge of golde thou art my confidence ? Iob . 31.24 . or reioyced because my portion was made great ? said Iob . Yet now : what Eagle resorteth not to that Carkasse , and whose chist holdeth not both the money and the Master too ? So true is that of our Sauiour : where the treasure is , there will the heart be also . Luke . 12.34 . The Lord reproouing the sinne that Dauid committed with the wife of Vria : 2. Sam . 12.8 . saith , I gaue thee thy Masters house , and his wiues into thy bosome , and the houses of Iuda , and Jsraell . And might ( if that had been too little ) haue giuen thee so much more . Teaching all men to vse no vnlawfull meanes to get what they desire , but to sue for it at the handes of that bountifull giuer , who multiply his blessinges vpon his children , 2. Kin . 2.12 . as hee did double his spirit vpon Elizeus . And yet as a net is full of birds , Ier . 5.27 . so are many mens houses replenished with wealth , so gotten as Foulers get birds , and that is by deceiuing men craftily .

The Scriptures doe compare the worlds getting of wealth to hunting : as when the Prophet saith : Psal . 57.7 . Euery man hunteth his brother with a net : & in hunting euery practise tendeth to the ruine of the hunted . Therfore there be dogges , Gins , and nets , but as it is gotten so thriueth it : for the wicked man shall not roast that which he hath gotten in hunting , so small a time shall it remaine with him , and so little comfort shall he haue of it . De male quesitis , non gaudet tertius heres . Yet it is as truely said of the Vsurer as of the Hunter : that sequitur fugientia , capta relinquit , he pursueth that which would escape him , for what hee hath is sure enough . And as we vsually speake of such as run away . Caelum , non animum , mutant : They doe but change the Climate , not their conditions : Esay . 58.4 . so saith Esay of Vsurers and oppressors : you doe no lesse violence after your fasting and praying then you did before them .

There was sometime dwelling in this Citty a very poore man , who being desirous to beginne the world : had ( as then hee said ) but one face more then a sheepe hath ; but at the last hee found a friend worth eyght poundes to him . Whereof him selfe did bestowe , in fine Lynnen , fiue poundes , and his Wife in Cruels , three poundes , which in short time by retale yeelded him a noble in the pound for his Linnen . And his Wiues commodity return'd her foure shillings in the pound . But hee did not thinke that to bee sufficient gayne . Wherefore he tooke both his commodities into his owne handes , and was like him that went to hell : fine and cruell , and in short time becommeth very rych , ( for Thistels grow fast ) and by this tyme sendes his sonne to the Vniuersity , who well Tutored , soone grewe rype , and being called to Paules Crosse , ( lyke the gracious chylde of a gracelesse Father ) Clarkelike , enuyed against damnable vsury , his Fathers professed occupation .

And when such newes were carryed to his Father ( whome to haue seene at a Sermon had been greater newes ) his Father replyed : I cannot iustly blame my Sonne for that he hath done , for it is aswell his profession , to speake against vsury , as it is my occupation to follow it , otherwise hee might want matter to speake on , and both my selfe and my Son might lacke money to liue on : proceed therefore my Sonne , quoth this goldfinder , and see you spare not to inuent damning arguments against such as liue by loane , and I hope that in time this wil become my trade alone .

There be many thinges in the workes of God , The vse of this . whose effects onely are knowne to vs , but the causes bee hidden from vs , as in this : That one is made rich , and another left poore : Wee know what is done heerein , but we know not why it is so done . There may be some coniectures made of the matter , but suppositions are no sound proofes : and yet may wee not thinke Gods works to be vniust , because they are vnknowne to vs. For if wee will haue patience vntill the labourers are called , we shall see that God will delyuer the penny equally to vs all . And indeed if euery man may doe what he list with his owne : much more will God deale how he will , with whom hee will . And what know we , whether the plenty which the rich haue heere , be firebrands , which God ( in his wrath ) hath cast at them ? but if they are blessinges , Mat . 20.15 . let no mans eye bee euill because GOD is good .

Text . That was clothed in Purple and fine White .

IT is true ( by warrant of holy writ ) that if any may pleade state by their apparell , the rich may doe it , Mat . 11.8 . for when our Sauiour said , that such as weare silken rayments are in Kings Courts , hee ment their attyre was befitting their state , and teacheth vs that such garments doe best become our person , as most agree with our calling . And that all thinges should be ordered after his pleasure that taught vs to pray : Luk . 11.2 . Iam . 2.2 . Thy will be done . Saint Iames , vnder the names of a silken cote , and vile rayment , vnderstandeth a difference betwixt the rich and the poore , while they soiourne heere on earth . As if he should say : Mat . 6.19 . The rich Moth-feeders & Cankerbreeders , doe vse to shewe their pompe by their apparell , their hearts are as full of pride , as their bagges are of gold , and they will haue the world to knowe it too .

Therefore said Paul to Timothie : 1. Tim . 6.17 . Charge them that are rich , that they be not high minded , and that they trust not in vncertaine riches . Two sinnes was the rich sort infected withall especially ; With a vaine confidence in vaine riches , which the Apostle saith , none ought to put any trust in , because they are vncertaine : the Thames doth both ebbe and flowe in foure and twenty houres without faile , but no man can tel when a Bank-rout shall flowe , if hee be at an ebbe : Again , the Thames hath neuer so low a fall , but it hath as high a flood : but if a rich man fall , his floode is sildome recouered to the full . Therefore rich men haue no reason to bee high minded because of their wealth , yet it is as proper to wealth as to witte , to puffe vppe fleshe and blood , with the blaste of vaine-glory . Yea , so high doth the mind of the mighty lift vp their lookes , that they looke quite ouer the poore , and neuer see them or not regard them ( at the least : ) and as the wickednesse of all the wealthy is for the most part Capitall , so the sinne of Citizens , are lofty sinnes especially . Esay . 26.5 . Wherefore God called them high-minded Citizens . Esai . 26.5 . Psa . 132.1 . Lord I am not high-minded , I haue no proude lookes said the Psalmist , as if hee would haue said an high minde is discernable by a proude countinaunce , or the countenaunce is the Callender of the minde . And so ment Esay when hee said of the impudent sinners , Esai . 3.39 . their countenaunce bewrayeth them , &c. Your religion lyeth in your mouthes , for the most part ; and your wealth in your heartes : Like those whome the holy Ghost pointing out to Ezekiell , Eze . 33.31 . said : Sonne of man they speake well of thee , but their harts , runneth after their couetousnesse . Or as Ieremie saith of the people in his time , Ierimie . 5.2 . that they did acknowledge that the Lord liueth , but yet would sweare to deceiue : Ostentant pietatem , non ostendunt pietatem . They will talke of Godlynes as much as any , but they walke in goodnes as little as any , for the empty caske maketh more rumbling then the full . Yea it is as true of them as of Rome : that , Religio peperit diuitias et filia deuorau●t matrem : the blessing of the Gospell hath made them wealthy , and the Daughter hath deuoured the mother . And nowe wealth hath begotten that drunken sinne of pride , which all the Props in the world are too weake to support .

As you see in the Prophesie of Esay , Esai . 3.16 . 2. Sa . 14.26 . and much like is it to Absolons hayre , that was too heauie for his head , vntill at last his head was too heauy for his body too , 2. Sam . 18.9 . which teacheth that people infected with pride are neuer weary of it , vntill it be weary of them : 2. Ki . 9.30.33 2. Sam . 18.9 . Iessabel dyed with a painted face , and Absalon in his long haire .

So God was as good as his word , that he once spake by his Prophet Sophonie : Cap. 1.8 . I will visite the Princes and the Kings children , and all that attire themselues strangely . By the word , Visit : God meaneth that such are growne out of order , for visitation tendeth to reformation . Now as this & al other scriptures like to this do teach , that God will not endure these abuses , so knowe you , that too much trimming of the outwarde man , is a manifest token , that the inwarde man is abridged of his inward grace . And this principle being as true in diuinity as in humanity , that the variety of thinges argueth the verye vanity of them , inferreth by a necessary consequent , that much variety of apparell , is proofe enough of a minde surfeyted with vanity . We cannot immagine any man or woman to bee so banckrout of sence , but if they be not honest indeed , yet they would bee accounted so at the least : sith then our apparell , and other outward demeanor calleth our life into question , euen in pollicy it were good , to beware what garments we weare , but specially because religion wil iudge vs , for who wil say they are mortified inwardly to God , which liue a loose life in the face of the world ? Ornamentum est quod ornat , or nat autem quod honestat : An Ornament is that which becommeth vs , and that becommeth vs which wee may weare with honestie , saith one . It were good then , that such as care not for christianity , would suite themselues with modesty , and not giue the world occasion to thinke that they liue , onely to liue vnhonestly : this sinne of pride consisteth either in strangenes of fashion , like the Babilonish garment which Acan conueyed , or in superfluity of matter , as when they lay on cost , like Iulia , that would not forget that shee was the Emperours daughter , though her father ( as she said ) forgat that he was the Emperour : or as our superfluous Dames that thinke they bee best regarded , whose Gownes are most garded : or like the bouncing breeched Gentles , that make garmentes ( as Assuerus made his feast , ) Hest . 1.4 . to shew theyr ability : but , ad quid deliciae vestrae : to what vse serue all your vanities ? Euery man seeth saue they that eyther will not see , or dare say nothing if they see , because Assuerus decree is of no force in their houses : Hest . 1.22 . the husband is many times constrained to looke out of his house , as an Owle out of a bush ; daring onely see , but not bee seene ; Such women Esay cheeketh , with : Esay . 32.9 . Vp you rich and idle women , for they will not worke vntill they haue brought their husbandes from plenty to beggery : faire burdens are they , not cracking the backe , but quite breaking the necke of their husbandes credit , de albatasepulcra , goodly graues to burie all their husbands wealth in .

Text . And fared verie deliciouslie euerie day .

It is a great blessing of God to haue meate and drinke at all , and it is a greater blessing to haue it of the best , but to haue it euery daie , is to be blessed in the suparlatiue degree .

And yet I do not so cal these blessings , as if I thought all men blessed , that liue in aboundance : for there are men that haue goods , and not the grace how to vse them : Eccle . 4.8 . such a mans wealth is good in respect of the giuer , but ill in respect of the receiuer , goods they are because they fare well by them , but euils , because their plenty relieueth not others pouerty ; For when men fare well , they should remember them that fare ill : As Nehemia said at the feast of Tabernacles . God is neuer more dishonored then in that time of merriment , as if you looke with the spectacles of discretion , Eze . 16.49 . Iob . 1.5 . you may see in those sinnes of Sodom . Therefore Iob had reason to respect ( as he said he did ) that his Sonnes had dishonored God in their feastes . When did you euer heare of a greater Eclipse to the honor of God then at the Reuels on Herods birth day ? Mat . 14.16 . You knowe howe good a man lost his head at that feast . Goe to then , you that fare deliciouslie euery day , you that haue that which is both dainty and plentie , feeding on the quintessence of Gods giftes ; You whose tongue doth taste of whatsoeuer it can talke off ; You that thinke you are borne onely to go gailie , and feed finely ; You that fare the better for all thinges , and yet nothing fareth the better for you . 2. Kin . 2.15 . As the children of the Prophets applauded Elisha for his goodnesse , so all condemne you for your exceeding badnesse : And as the poore in Jobs time blessed him for his bounty , Iob . 31.20 . so the needy of our age curse you for your cruelty , and that iustly too , seeing you are without all excuse , for doing good . 2. Sam . 25.8 . For could a man come to Naball in a fitter time then at his Sheep shering ? or to a meeter man then such a one , as hath for euery day in the weeke a seuerall suite , and for Sunday two ? or that feedeth on dainties euery daye ? I cannot see saith Saint Iames , Ia . 2.15.16 . how these men can ( with a quiet conscience ) goe gorgiously , fare daintily , and talke religiouslie , and yet answere Iesus Christ in his members , with God send you meate and warmth . Make your selues garmentes of God send you cloth , and see if they will keep you warme : or sit downe to dinner with your Table full of God send you meate , and looke if you shall not rise , as hungry as you sat down ? seeing then , the rich are not described by what they haue not ; but by that they haue , such as answere the needy with , I haue not for you , they send God word they loue him not , 2. Sa . 25.10 . as Naball did to Dauid , that he knew him not . If there bee first a willing minde , 2. Cor . 8.12 . it is accepted according to that a man hath , and not according to that he hath not , saith the Apostle : but if a man hath this worldes goods , 1. Ioh . 3.17 . and seeing his brother want , shutteth his compassion from him : howe dwelleth the loue of God in him saith S. Iohn .

Our Sauiour accompteth that done to himselfe , Mat . 25.40 . which is done to poore Christians , as men acknowledge themselues satisfied , when money is paide to their seruantes , for their vse . And in commaunding that hee which hath twoo coates , Luk . 3.11 . should bestowe one vpon him that hath none : hee ment that no estates should keepe to themselues , more then they need , and that all degrees should be furnished with so much as they lacke , and as Christianity mooueth all men to giue willingly , 2. Cor . 9.7 . for God loueth a chearefull giuer : so duety commaundeth the needy to receiue thankfully , contrary to the nine , Luk . 17.18 . which were deliuered from theyr Leprosie .

When Sampson had taken houny out of the Lyons Carkasse he said out of the eater commeth meate , Iudg . 4.14 . but from our eaters commeth no meate , 1. Cor . 15.32 but they make themselues merry with , let vs eate and drinke , for to morrow we shall dye ; Iob . 1.4 . They haue gotten the tricke of Iobs children to feast their own , and to banquet none , but such as doe feast them againe : and so these Capon-eaters make their bellies as graues , to bury the bodies , of beastes , foules and fishes . They care not who fast , Philoxenus . so they may feaste , wishing ( like Philoxenus ) that they had neckes as long as Cranes , that they might long taste their sweet meates in going downe .

Text . And there was a certaine begger named Lazarus , which lay at his gate full of sores , desiring to be refreshed , with the crummes that fell from his boord , but no man gaue them him .

YOu know , he that giueth all thinges once , Ioh . 4.7 . craued a draught of water , not for that he needeth vs , but for that oftentimes he trieth vs , neither doth he try vs , as being ignoraunt of our affections , but because he would manifest to vs our manifolde infections : and now ye haue as great vse of the poore , as they haue of you , therefore the Lorde vttered these two Scriptures . Mar. 14.7 . Luk . 16.9 . The poore you shall haue alwaies with you : and , Make you friends of the riches of iniquitie . Teaching vs howe to conceaue of the poore on earth , who shall receiue vs into heauen : That they may receiue you into euerlasting habitations when you shall haue need . And our Sauiour was borne as poore as wee , that he might make vs as rich as he ; then let not plenty reuile , but relieue pouerty , as the state wherein our highest Lord was born , for so meaneth the holy ghost , that guest of all good mindes ; though the gracelesse sort of our age , do measure mens worthinesse , by their wealthinesse , and saye that the needye people are naughtie ones : but if that were so , the Sonne of man , not hauing wheron to reste his heade , fasting long , and beeing tempted of the Deuill and all , should bee as bad , as hee was poore .

I neuer knewe you saith hee , Ma. 7.23 . to them that knewe not the poore , and deliuering the wounded man to the Innekeeper , hee gaue him money and this charge withall : Cura hunc , take care of him . Luk . 10.35 .

Now as their need is exceeding great , so should their reliefe be very much . Lazarus is called a begger , you are called rich men , heere is as much contrariety as may be : very pouerty in the one , and very plenty in the other : then as the Cherubins ouer the mercy seate , were like one to another , so are the riche and the poore : Gen. 1.26 . both resembling the image of God ; in respect of your seuerall dueties , your poore bretheren are as the Arke , you as the Cherubins , 1. Ki . 8.7 . vnder whose wings of mercy they should bee shrowded : but in regard of their present state , they are more like to Daniell , Dan . 6.16 . when hee laye at the mercy of the hungry Lyons .

My Father worketh hitherto , Ioh . 5.17 . and I worke saith our Lord , for though they rested from creating , yet they cease not from blessing , doing good to the creatures ; So should you omitte no time wherein , or occasion whereby you may helpe such as haue need of you , that the poore may say of you for your well doing , as the Licaonians said of Paul and Barnabas , for their heauenly speaking , Actes . 14.12 . the Gods are come downe to vs in the shape of men ; for men come neerest vnto God in shewing mercy one to another . Esay . 42.3 . It is some charitie not to breake a bruised Reede , but to binde it vp is much mercy .

Text . Named Lazarus .

THat this poore man is named in the Scripture , & the rich man hath no name therein , but is spoken off by the holy Ghost , as men discribe strangers by circumstances : it firmely noteth , the truth of Saint Iohns Prophesie , who saith that as many as had not their names written in the book of Life , Apoc . 20.15 were cast into the Lake of fire . Againe , it noteth in what case or state of liuing they are , to whome we must doe good , namely to Lazers ; or the housholde of pouertie : and therefore this needy brother is described by such accidentes as are incident to pouerty , and doe rightly Annothomize a man in miserie : As that hee laye at the gate , not beeing able to stand .

Such were the Cripples of whome Saint John saith , Ioh . 5.3 . that they did lye wayting for the moouing of the water of the Poole Bethesda , and that Lame man , whome GOD by Peter and John did heale , Act. 3.6 . was brought by others , and layed at the Temples beautifull Gate : all such doe shewe their impotency , by couching on the ground . It is duety to doe good to all men , but it is both duety and mercy to relieue men in miserie .

Heere then , is one sort of poore whom we must sustaine : such as haue no means to get their liuing according to Gods ordinaunce . Therefore this Lazer begged for almes , Act. 3.6 . and hee at Ierusalem was layde at the Gate of purpose to aske almes of such as passed by him and such a one was Bartimeus that begged by the way side and many moe . There is also a sort of poore that doe worke , but their labour is not sufficient to relieue them , eyther by reason of the hardnesse of mens heartes , who make them performe too much woorke for too little money , or else because life-stealing age , hath taken away the wonted nimblenesse of their fingers , and agillity of the bodye . Such the Scripture saith are strucken in age , 1. Kin . 1.1 . and when age striketh , the people bende , as they that seeke where they may lye downe and rest . 1. Cor . 16. Such Saint Paule spake off when hee wrote to the Corinthians about a Collection for their better maintenaunce , for such as cannot liue of their owne labour , ought to bee maytained by the common pursse : As the Lacedemonians had a custome , that the very oxen which had laboured for them vntill for very age they were not able to worke any longer , should without molestation feede in any mans pasture .

And another sort of poore there are , which like the Prodigall childe , Luk . 15.13 . once thought their bagge had no bottom , but when they found a bottom , they perceiued also that it is too late to spare in the bottome . These may wel complaine but hardly be heard , for though their case be pittifull poore , yet the cause of it was pittilesse prodigallity : and who will bemone his case whose cause is naught ? That wise of the sonne of the Ptophet , which intreated assistance of Elisha , 2. King . 4.1 . after the death of her husband , alleadged that though he dyed in debt yet he feared the Lord , and that ( as shee said ) Elisha did know : whereby it might appeare that he ran not into debt by vnlawful meanes nor spent what he borrowed in riotous company : for if it had been so , Elisha had been able to reprooue her , and it is not vnlike but that hee would haue so done , but they that foster such as care not how they get , nor how they spend ; they maintaine pouerty , but not the poore . There is yet an other sort of poore , who as they neede exceedingly , so will they take extreame courses to supply their want , these without blushing say : Luk . 16.3 . to begge , I am not so base minded , and digge I cannot , these are they that steale and be hanged .

We vsually say there be two kindes of enough , and so is the saying of Salamon , Pro . 28.19 . he that tilleth his ground shal haue plenty of bread , but he that followeth idlenes shall haue pouerty enough : Among the auncient Romaines , no man might walke the streetes without some instrument : that signified , by what trade hee got his liuing : and in Indea at this day euery man is examined what hee hath earned before he is suffered to eate . Our idle ones should take example by God himself , who wrought first , Exo . 20.21 . & then rested : yea he wrought sixe daies , and rested the seauenth ; so were it meete that they should worke more , and rest lesse : and doubtlesse our Sauiour in saying to the Diciples not onely rest , Mar. 6.31 . but rest a while : meant to teach men to measure their ease aswell as their paines : the very Angels haue no idle allowance , but are as they bee named ministring spirits , and seeing the greatest states both in heauen and in earth , haue the heauiest burdens : Heb . 1.14 . no maruell if the Scripture condemneth them that lend not a finger to ease other .

If that law were in execution , hee that will not labour let him not eate : 2. The . 3.10 . I warrant you more would dye of idlenesse then of sicknesse . I am of his minde that was of my name , and said sometimes there is not a more vnnaturall thing then to suffer these Catterpillers to gnaw on the common wealthes fruite , by whome it neuer receiued fruite . One argument more of this mans impotency , is that he was full of sores : there are a Pocky company that are sore at this day : but it is very like , Iob . 2.7 . that this man had his sores sent ( as Job . were ) for tryall of his patience , and to exercise others pitty towards him , for the diseased haue most neede to be eased : as our Sauiours manifolde examples doe signifie , which hee partly shewed on the woman with the bloudy issue : Mat 9.22 . J●● . 4.39 . Mar 7.35 . Mat . 8.13 . Mat . 9.7 . Mat . 17.8 . on the man deafe and dombe ; on Peters mother in Law ; the Senturions seruant ; the man taken with a Palsie ; the Lunaticke , and the like : and if men will not helpe them , the very dogges will doe what lyeth in them , before they shall want all comfort .

It is proper to dogges to wound , but heere vnkindnesse woundeth , and dogs giue plaisters ; Iudge then , whether Diues or his dogges , were more dogged . And to leaue this miser without all excuse , his poore man is said , to craue the crummes , lying at his gate , so that in comming foorth he must needs see him ; and considering what hee asked , could not with any colour deny him . What poore man euer lay at my gare , and perished for want of reliefe , through my default ( said Iob ? ) but if our rich men should aske this question , Iob . 31.21 . it would bee aunswered euery day to their endles shame .

For as Christ passing by the way from Jerico , sawe two blinde men : so our able men , seeing such , passe by them apace . 1. Sa . 11. Nahash hath gotten their right eyes that they cannot see such , Sathan standeth at their right hand , Psa . 99.5 . therefore they can doe no good to any . God saith , aske and you shall haue , Mat . 7.7 . putting vs in minde of our best state , while we are heere on earth , for al are in respect of God , as the poore are in comparison of the rich , for the proudest are faine to say to God , giue vs this day our daily bread , Lu . 11.3 . as the poore humbleth himselfe to the rich , when he wold haue aught : 1. Cor . 4.4 . Quid enim habent quod non acceperunt : and it is the greatest motiue to make vs shew mercy to other , if wee consider that both wee haue had , and looke to receiue mercy our selues from other .

Now seeing Lazarus beggeth but the crummes , and yet obtaineth not , it agrauateth this mans sinne like an Orator : for if such a fellowe as cogging Gehesy , craueth a double gift , 2. Ki . 5.23 . hee is answered , take ( with all my heart ) what will serue your turne ; so cunningly can rich men serue their owne turne , vnder a colour of seruing yours : Yee see what a vaine man will doe in his humour , Mar. 6.23 . Herod will giue halfe his Kingdome for a daunce : the rich man will do any thing to please himself , but he wil do nothing to please God . Loe hee will not pleasure a poore man with his poore crummes , for it is said that no man gaue them vnto him : it seemeth that the seruants were like the Master : and no marueil , for an irreligious master often maketh an vngodlie seruant : and a wretched husband a miserable wife : But it is not alwaies so , for cruell Ahab , 1. Kin . 18.3 . had good O badia to his Steward , and hoggish Naball , had kinde Abigall to wife . 1. Sa . 25.18 . 1. Kin . 18.4 . While Iesabell plagued the Prophets , Obadia cherisheth them . But now , where most is , nothing commeth to the poore mans lot . Lord where is charity become ? that men will not giue that to their brethren , which they cast to their dogges ? Mat . 3.9 . O God raise vp children to Abraham , make fleshly hearts of the flinty ones , by causing the fire of that spirit , which proceedeth out of thy mouth , to kindle the coles of mans kay-colde conscience : for he that prayed , Ier . 31.18 . conuert thou me and I shall bee conuerted ; ment that it must bee of thy doing or neuer be done .

No maruell if the poore doe pine , when the riche repine , to depart from their crummes : Act. 20.35 . the Scripture saith it is a more blessing to giue then to take : so that eyther the rich beleeueth not the Scriptures , or careth not for a blessing : if otherwise , considering how little wold pleasure a poore body , and how much it would please God ; I cannot see howe they could denye so bounden a duety , and so reasonable a request , for neither can the poor aske lesse then the crummes , nor the rich giue lesse , except they will giue nothing , there is no doubt but God would be as well pleased that you giue your broken meate , Lu . 21.3 . as he was with her that gaue but two poore mites . There be many that would bee accompted doers of good : but where may we finde a faithfull man , Pro . 20.6 . saith the wise Salomen , as if he would say , many would bee said to be bountifull benefactors , and yet do nothing that is good , but you must do so , as ye would be accompted so , or else when men haue found you , they are neuer the neere one faithfull man . Mat . 23.23 . The Scribes and Pharises , pretended most godlines , ( you know ) when they intended exceeding wickednes and the world is full of such holy theeues . It was for our example that our Lord said , Mat , 15.22 . I haue compassion on the people , for they haue been with me now three daies and haue eaten nothing , what compassion then should we take of them that haue begged from doore to doore , all the daies of their life : you chasten thē with whips , but their father will chasten you with Scorpions , Ier . 8. for your vnmercifulnes towards them . Vsually mens charity is proportionable to their faith , Mat . 13.31 . for whose faith is not so great , as a graine of Mustardseede , there charity is not worth one crrumme of bread .

Christ was knowne in breaking of bread , & Esay maketh it a true note , Luk . 24.35 . Esay . 58.7 . of a Christian to break his bread to the hungry . And look vpon the fig-tree , & all other trees saith our Sauiour , Lu . 21.29 . for when they shoote out , Sommer draweth neere : and I doubt not , but a fruitefull life to Godward , is an infallible token , that men drawe neere to Gods kingdome , and it to them ; therefore such as haue begun well must continue well also , least their latter negligence , depriue them of the blessings of their former diligence : but such as neuer giue a blessing , Iam . 2.13 . let them neuer looke to receiue a blessing .

It is almost come to passe , in all the land , as it was in Diues house , that no man giueth any thing to any poore man , and yet they that haue already too much , are most hastie to haue from euery man . How then would you haue them content that possesse nothing , seeing your selues liue mal-content , which enioy al things ? Non ad erubescentiam vestram dictum est ? Doe you not-blush when you consider this ?

Pharoes leane Kine deuoured the fat ? Ga 41.4 . and no maruell , for the leane should feede vpon the fat , that they may be fatter : But when the fat eate vp the leane , there is no cause of that : Againe , seauen did eate seauen in Pharoes dreame , and so each one did eate one , but we see nowe , that a fewe fat ones chop vp all the wealth , and the most may goe beg , hange , or steale , or starue : and if they beg you cry a whip for them , if they steale a rope : but if they starue , you shall burne for it in the fire of hel ; for you may keep most of them from begging , stealing , staruing or hanging if you will , but so deep is your foundation laide in vnmercifulnesse , that an earth-quake cannot mooue you .

He that gaue you a commandement of mercy , gaue you also an example of mercy ; for hee said not onely , Lu . 6.36 . bee you mercifull , but added , as your heauenly Father is mercifull : For as God bestoweth not one blessing vpon vs , but multiplieth them as he thinketh meetest : so he would haue all remember to grow in goodnes , and hauing done one charitable deed , to be-thinke vs what goodnes wee may doe next with most proffit to our brother , and pleasure to our God : as when the Lord had said , Lu . 3.11 . let him that hath two coates , giue one to him that hath none : he proceedeth to say , and let him that hath meat , do likewise . Though you loue your honey because it is sweet , yet might you giue some of it , Pro . 20.27 . seeing your selues are glutted with it . Omnis virtutis laus in actione Consistat : Vertue is no longer praised , then it is exercised : Iob . 30.20 . Iob . 31.20 . other mens wordes may honor you , but your owne good deeds , must make you right honorable .

When Alexander offered fifty Tallents to his friend Perillus , Alexander . as a Dowry with his Daughter : Perillus said tenne Tallents were enough : Yea said Alexander for thee to take , but not for mee to giue . We haue but a few of this minde , eyther to aske lesse then is offered , or to offer more then is asked ; but so honorable is euery Eagle , that hee will not eate his pray , Ecclesia . 4.8 . alone without company of other birds . Riches may be kept to the hurt of him that hath them . Therefore the wise venture the worst to saue the better , as he that fighteth , holdeth out his arme to defend his head ; Acts. 27.38 . as the Saylers caste out their corne to saue their Ship ; or as the true man parteth from his purse to keepe his life ; and so the rich men should doe good heere , that they may not suffer ill heere after : My heart shall not reprooue me of my daies ( said Iob ) meaning that his conscience should not witnesse , Iob . 27.6 . that hee had spent his time ill . I would they would once bee of that minde , who are as euill as olde ; but as the Lord began his Sermon , Luke . 4.21 . ( in the Sinogogue of Nazareth ) with this day , is this Scripture fulfilled in your eares , so may I truely say euery day , is this Scripture fulfilled before your eyes , for Quo plura hominibus contulit Dei bonitas Occecat animos altior securitas : And I appeale euen to their owne consciences , ( if they haue any ) whether thousandes of golde and siluer , Psa . 119.27 . or Gods law bee dearer vnto the rich . All men holde it a good rule to denye nothing that wee would aske , and to require nothing that wee would deny being asked . But the vnmercifull , will haue no nay like Ahab , and Iessabell , nor giue any yea , 2. Kin . 20.11 if he should part from any thing , like Naball the churle , for all goodnes goeth backward , 2. Kin . 20.11 Esay . 51.21 . like the shadowe vpon Ahaz Dyall . So miserable and drunken are men , ( that is ) so drunken with miserablenesse are they .

If you aske why the hand is bountifull , it is because the heart is pittifull , for that heart is colde , that setteth not the hand a worke ; there is a heart that is like the clay , for it will be harder and harder : such a one was Pharoes heart : and there is a heart like waxe , which will melt vpon the brethren , 2. Cro . 34.27 such a heart had King Iosia ; and such hearts haue all they , who are throughly touched with a seeling of other mens wants .

And as Samuel powring oyle on Saules head , 1. Sa . 10.1 . said the Lord hath annointed thee : so the world giueth wealth , but God it is that blesseth you to doe good with it . O that my complaint were truely wayed , Iob . 6.2 . said Job , and it were to bee wished , that men had grace indeede to make a conscience of the poore mans case : then as Samuell said to Saule , 1. Sa . 20.7 . when thou seest these signes come vpon thee , doe as occasion shall serue : So they would bestowe bread vpon the hungry , drinke vpon the thirsty , and cloathing vppon the ragged , fitting their abilitie ( like Almners ) to euery good oportunity , whereas nowe the poore finde them no more then Job did his visiters , Iob . 16.2 . a company of miserable comforters .