A TREATISE, HOW BY THE word OF God, Christian men's Almose ought to Be distributed.  Math. VI 
WHen thou givest thine Almose, let not the Trumpets be blown before thee: as Hypochrites do in their synagogues, and Streets, to have Praise of Men.   

To the Reader.  
BEcause in these days, like as not many years sithc, many lusty and sturdy persons be suffered to beg, men counterfaitinge horrible diseases and infirmities, fit by the comen ways craving Almose: diverse go about Westminster Haulle, and other places, with gloves, under pretence to gather for the marriage of poor Maidens, but in dead to have wherewith to couple with harlots, or to riot at Dice: And some crafty Hypocrites, no Friars in coats, but more subtle than Friars in manners, under colour to relieve and maintain Orphans, poor widows, poor scholars, and other, gather much, but put all into their own purses, or bestow little, and that after their own Fantasy, and not indifferently to every one as his need requireth, and God's word prescribeth, And so by all these means, and many other, good men's charities be utterly abused: I thought it very necessary, to set forth in English the mind and opinion of the Reverend Father, and Excellent clerk Master Martyne Bucer, touching the right giving and distribution of Almose, and provision for the poor, declared in his book entitled De regno Christi, made for the Most Blissed King Edward which, iff good people will follow, no doubt but all these kind off subtle thieves shall be forced to give over their occupation, And Hypocrisy itself will shortly lose one of the principal feathers of her wing. And if they will not, let them take heed, that whilst they go about with their painted Charity to get A little vain glory, they purchase themselves at length, by maynteninge the Lewd, everlasting damnation. But I have A good hope, that many err by ignorance, who being rightly instructed, will show themselves conformable to God's will, and do as he commandeth: whereby they may find at length his merciful favour.  
Far well.   

THE ORDER OFF THE provision for the poor.  
ALMYGTIE God that setteth up the Humble, and pulleth down the Proud, that giveth richesses, and taketh it away, plainly commandeth his people, that they should not suffer any to lack among them. Which commandment the primitive Church of Christ at Jerusalem kept with all reverence and devotion: whereby there was such abundance of Almese given by Good men, as relieved everyemans' necessity, and so among them there was not one, that was not provided for. afterward, that this provision and gathering for the poor might be the better looked unto, and continue, the apostles inspired with the holly ghost, by consent of the hole congregation, appointed to that ministery seven Men of honest report and fame, full of the holly ghost, and wisdom, on whom they laid their hands, for a sign of their admission. And so this ordinance and provision for the poor was very devoutly observed, till Antichrist with his floods of wickedness, overflowed the Church of Christ. Those that were called to that holly ministery, were named the Deacons of the Church: who albeit they ought to be assistant to the Elders of the Congregation, in the conservation and execution of the Discipline of Christ, and the Administration of the Sacraments: yet their chief Office and duty was, to keep the names of the poor in the Congregation of the Christians, to know every man's life, and behaviour, And of the comen Almose of the faithful, to distribute to every one, asmuch as was sufficient for his necessary relief. For those that may get their living by their labour and travail, and will not, aught to be put out of the Church: He that do the not labour, let him not eat, saith the apostle. Sith than it is the commandment of god, to relieve the poor and needy, and to see that none lack: all such as mind fully to receive the Kingdom of Christ, aught to labour earnestly, that this ordinance be restored in to Christ's Church. For those that have the goods of the world and see their brethren lack, and have not compassion on them: the love of good doth not dwell in them, and so also neither the Kingdom of Christ is in them.  
And all those that hear Christ, and the holly ghost, will endeavour and labour to ordain and do all good things in such order and manner, as they know the lord, and the holly ghost hath appointed.  
And sith it is manifest, that god earnestly forbade, that his people should suffer any to beg among them, and that his goodness also ordained, that the poor should be looked unto by certain chosen men in the Church, and that good men's devotions should be distributed to every needy person, as his necessity requireth: it is with out all doubt, that all those pray with out devotion, Let thy kingdom come, which to their power, do not bestow all their endeavour, that this manner of providing for the poor, be restored in to the Church, which the lord himself commanded, and the holly ghost in the primitive church ordained.  
By the which means it shallbe prevented, that these wicked Begging houses, and subtlety off Hypocrites, shall not take from thee needy menbres of Christ, the Almose that is due to them: nor Ambition of man's praise, and thanks, nor vain glory, shall defile the right office of Almose, which evil how much it ought to be eschewed, Christ very plainly taught, when he commanded, so to give Almose, as the left hand may not know, what the right hand doth. This may best be done, if every man put into the Comen Chest, or Box of the Church, to the use of the poor, asmuch as he may spare of that God giveth him. For when every man himself will distribute his own Almose, frist the Institution of the holly ghost, and the lawful Communion, company, and Fellowship of saints is broken. Besides thalmose due to the little ones of Christ, and so to Christ himself, is given oftener to the unworthy, then to the worthy (for every man can not know and try such poor people as he meeteth suddenly) and also such as be not meet to have Almose, come better instructed to beg, yea, as it were to wring out the Almose of A man's Purse with painted words, than those to whom it only aught to be given. Moreover when A man giveth Almose with his own hand, he doth hardly put out of his mind the desire of men's thanks and vain praises, which vain reward when he receiveth of men: he may not ●eke for the true and perfect reward of god. And finally, when it is most certain, that such as give themselves wilfully to the trade of Begging, be given and bend to all myschieff: what other thing do they that nourish them, then maintain and increase the greatest Pestilences and destructions off A comen wealth? Wherefore all such as have wisely written how comen wealths should be well governed, have thought that such persons were not to be suffered in A comen wealth. And certainly men ought to be ashamed and lament when this right manner of provision for the poor is restored in many contrays, which yet be under Antichrist: such as vaunt they have received the Gospel of Christ, and profess to be off his Kingdom, be slack to restore it, yea be hynderers off it, seeing it is an ordinance of Christ's Religion so necessary, and so wholesome.  
To conclude, who so ever doth not carefully endeavour, asmuch as he may, to restore this holly ordinance off the Provision for the poor, as the lord hath commanded, and the holly ghost ordained: He doth plainly bear witness off himself, that he doth not in dead know, nor perfectly desire Christ, and his Kingdom, how much so ever in words he boast of Christ, and his kingdom.  

THE MEAN TO RESTOre in to the Church the right kind of giving, and distribution of Almose, and Provision for the poor.  
IT is most requisite, that all Magistrates, and Governors, that desire the promotion of the Kingdom off Christ, and the wealth of those they govern, do procure that this godly provision for the Poor and needy be restored, even as the holly Ghost hath set forth unto us in the second, Fourth, fifth, and Sixth off the Acts off the apostles. For with out it, there can be no true fellowship or Communion off saints. This may be done after this sort, First that every Church have his Deacons, for the provision, and oversight of the Poor, (as before is said,) Men off good report, and full off the holly Ghost, and wisdom, and so many of them as the multitude off the People, and off the Poor shall require.  
Their Office is contained in these poynies. First they ought to make diligent search, how many poor in dead be in every Congregation, that aught to be provided for by the Congregation. For it belongeth to all Congregations off Christ, not only not to maintain lewd persons in their wicked Idleness: but also to bannysh them their company, who, when they may by their own honest labour maintain themself, will not labour, but live inordinately consuming the sustenance, that is due to the needy and Poor off Christ. And against such persons this Rule is to be kept, He that laboureth not, let him not eat: That come, mandment also off the holly Ghost touching Widows, aught to be expounded also off all needy. Iff there be any faithful man or woman, saith the holly Ghost, that hath widows, let him provide, and minister unto them: and let not the Congregation be burdened, that they, which are right widows may have enough. So likewise those, that have any needy under them, whether they be their kinsfolks, servants, or otherwise joined to them by any special cause, aught to minister to such persons necessaries for their livings, if they be able to do it, and to spare the Congregation, as it may be the better able to maintain and keep those, that have no kinsfolks, masters, or friends, that will, or can provide for them.  
All men's minds ought to be moved with this fearful judgement off the holly Ghost: Iff there be any man, that doth not provide for his own, and specially for them off his household: The same hath denied the faith, and is worse than an Infidel. For unto those, that God hath by any special means joined together, this the second principal commaundemaunt, wherein all the law is contained and fulfilled, doth chiefly belong: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. For those, whom God coupleth and joineth together by the Band off kindred, affinity, howsolde, or any other particular means: he maketh them thereby, above all other, neighbours.  
The first point then off the Office of the Deacons of the poor, is, that they make diligent search, who lack in dead, and be not able to relieve their own lack: Then who counterfeit A nedde, or with Idleness and Riot, make themselves needy: And finally, who have such neighbours, that can, or do take the care to provide for them.  
Such as the Deacons shall find, that neither can get their own living, nor have off their neighbours, that do relieve them: their Names, with the manner off their need and behaviour, they ought to write in A particular book, And certain times to visit them, and to call them unto them, that they may the more certain know, how well and virtuously they use thalmose of Good People, and what things from time to time, they need. For as nothing will suffice the wicked and lewd, neither have they any measure or truth in begging: so the Good and shamefast do cover and dissemble their need, and think every thing to much, that is given unto them by the Congregation. But the holly Ghost hath appointed and ordained the manner and end off Distribution of Alms, that none should lack, and every one should have asmuch as is sufficient for his honest relieff. And who cannot see even by this one thing, How necessary it is for Congregations to have such Deacons for the poor: that not rashly, but most diligently search out, and certainly know the state off every one that asketh the help off the Congregation: whether, and what thing he lacketh, and how moche is to be given to every one for his necessary relieff. Besides, whether they have any Friends, that be able and aught to relieve them. For such aught by the Congregation to be forced to relieve their own: and thereunto, as in th'execution off the rest off the discipline, the Deacons ought to be assistance to the ministers off the word, and Elders.  
Thother point off th'office off Deacons is, to keep what so ever cometh to the Church, for the use off the poor, and thereof to distribute to every one that needeth, asmuch as shall suffice to live A godly liff in the lord: And to keep A perfect account off their doing, Which they must yield to the ministers off the word, and the Elders: procuring, after the example off the apostle. Honest things not only before God, but also in the sight off all men. Wherefore the holly Ghost requyrith that such Deacons should be off Good report among the people off Christ. For as Men be desirous off Money: so upon the least occasion, they suspect evil off such as have the distribution off comen money. Besides, the poor that have not learned, by the spirit off Christ, to be contented, whether they have plenty, or do suffer need, be very suspicious, and full off complaints. And therefore that such Deacons should be of the greater authority among the people of God, and the better credit given unto them: the ancient Churches appointed unto them, the next degree after the Elders. And admitted them to be Aiders in the holly ministry of th'administration, both of the word, and also of the Sacraments. Antichrist made this office, as he did all other Mynysteries, nothing at all, but to serve for a vain pomp: as at this present day there be very few that think the Deacons office to be any other thing, then to serve the bishops, and Priests at Mass, and to read the gospel which things were appointed to this office only at the first, that whilst they provided for the poor, and did help to execute the discipline, they should be of the greater Authority, and have the more credit among the people off God. For the oversight of the possessions belonging to Churches, and to gather the fruits, revenues, and rents of those things that were given for the relief of the poor: certain were appointed, who were called Subdeacons and Bailiffs, that the Deacons might first give themselves to the right distribution of such things, as were gathered for the relief of the poor, so as every one might have that was convenient in deed to live to the lord: then to see that those that were relieved by the Congregation, did live to serve God: And finally, to further this Discipline among other Christians, whose life and behaviour they ought the better know and try, by the reason of gathering relief for the poor. This kind and manner of gathering and distribution by the Deacons, and Subdeacons, was observed till and in the time of Gregory the bishop of Rome, as appeareth in many his Epistells. And albeit the Deacons of the Church be never so honest, and wise: yet can they not provide for the Poor, unless they have wherewith to distribute to the poor, and therefore it belongeth to Magistrates to see, that Churches have sufficient to relieve the poor. In time long passed, the Fourth part of all Revenues, that either belonged to the spirituality, by their Possessions, or came to it by good men's gysts, and oblations, was taken for the relief of the poor. Besides, many virtuous Princes, and good Men made Hospitals, and houses for the Relief off the poor: Some for such as were Hole of body, and some for such as were sick: some to keep Infants, and some to comfort Strangers, and banished men. But all these in continuance of time, through the wicked Monks, and priests, were converted from those godly uses, and turned to the maintenance of their own bellies, Pleasures, and pride. They passed neither of the founders good minds, nor the laws of Magistrates: but blinded poor men, making them believe, that more profiet should come both to quick and dead, if those godly Almose were bestowed on Masses, and such like ungodly Trisshe trash: then though Christ therewith should be fed, in the Hungry: refreshed in the thirty: comforted with lodging in Strangers, and the harbourless: clothed in the Naked: and visited in the Sick, and imprisoned. Wherefore, it is the part off good Magistrates, to provide, that such things be brought to their right uses. And besides, it is convenient, that some Taxes be set on rich spiritual Promotions, for the relieff off the Poor: in steed off the fourth part off their Revenues, which by so many Canons was lymeted to the use of the Poor.  
moreover lest those, that be not worthy to have the Almose of the Church, and of good men, should take it from those that be worthy, and in dead needy: Good Magistrates ought to renew, and put in execution, that law off God, and off the Emperor Valentynyan, which forbiddeth, that any man be suffered to beg: and commandeth that those that be able to labour, should be forced to labour: and that such as be not able to labour, should be kept as our brethren, and menbres, every one in the Congregation where he dwelleth. And that this may be the better done, commandment ought to be given, that every man maintain such as be of his one howsolde, or other wise properly joined to him, if he be able: And that every City, Town, and village, do maintain such poor people, as their friends be not able to keep, and not suffer them to wander abroad. And because it may be, that some Town, or vilage is so poor, that it is not able to relieve all the Poor thereof: that such also be not left unprovided, it is very requisite, that in every Shire, certain godly, and spiritually wise men, be appointed: who may send such poor people from the places where they cannot be relieved, to such Congregations, where they may be sufficiently relieved. For all we Christians be together members, by the which name, the Congregations off the Gentiles in the time off Saint Paul, and at his exhortation, did confess, that it was their duty, to relieve the Congregations in jury, that suffered great hunger and famine. Furthermore, because through our corrupt, and always disobedient nature to God, we continually loath the ordinances, and commandments off God, and after our own lust, and fond judgement, we desire to follow other means, and ways, than God hath appointed: there willbe some, that, not withstanding this most holy provision for the poor, will not put their Almose in to the comen chest, or box off the lord, but will rather give their Almose with their own hands, if they be minded to give any at all. Such men's pride must be met with, not only by a law off the Magistrate, but also by the discipline off the Church. By a law, to make them give double to the lords chest, if they be found to give any thing pryvatlie to the needy: And by the discipline of the Church, that if any give nothing in to the lords chest, he be warned off his duty by the ministers off the Church, according to the word off God. Whose admonition if they stubbornly contemn, that they be taken for Ethnykes, and Publicans. For albeit, it be left to every man's will, to offer to Christ his lord, to those off his little ones, asmuch off his goods as he will: yet no man may be suffered, contrary to the express commandment of God, to come always with an Empty hand into the presence off the lord, and utterly to despise the ordinance off the holy Ghost, for the provision for the poor, yea, asmuch as in him lieth, to subvert it, by his private distribution off Almose.  
And here will man's wisdom (which always vaunteth itself above Gods) object, that it is unnatural, that men's hands should be shut to the faithful, that they may not give, at their pleasure, to such, as they perceive in dead to lack. For a man shall find among the poverty, very good men, who be ashamed to ask the Almose off the Church, have they never so great need. hereunto this ●s to be answered, first, that no man's hand is so shut by this law, but that he may open it to whatsoever poor he will, and is able: but by this law, according to God's commandment, and the ordinance off the holy ghost, this is prevented, that the children off God may not giveth the Enemies of Christ, these that either lack not, or else be wilfully in need, those things, that they own to the little ones off Christ, which lack in dead. For it is not possible, as I said before, that any private man, should so certainly search out the disposition off the poor, as those, that be appointed to that office by the Church, and daily be exercised with all diligence therein.  
And God doth not keep his gifts, and increase off his holy spirit, from such, as he hath chosen, and called, to so great mynysteries of his church. Besides, admit, that every man know certainly his needy neighbours: yet is it far better, that every man send such poor people, that ask his relief, be they never so holy and virtuous, to the Deacons off the Church, to receive off them: For otherwise, others shall take example by him, to distribute also their own Almose, and so oftentimes to such as they know not, and be not worthy off Christ's Almose, who can beg more boldly and craftily, than the Poor in dead. We ought to take wonderful head, lest the least hole in the world be opened to our natural pride, to be wise against God, and to serve a hear breadeth from his commandments and ordinances, either to the right hand or to the left. Iff any be ashamed to go gladly to the hole company and ministry off the Deacons, let him declare his poverty to one of the Deacons: or if he be loath to do this, then let such as know his need, and godliness, show it to the Deacons, and get necessary relief for him.  
Not with standing, no Christian man, be he fallen from never so great richesse to poverty, from never so high degree to the lowest, aught to be ashamed of the Cross off Christ, and the wholesome remedy, that God hath provided: moche less ought christian men be loath, to receive relief off their need, at the lords hand, by the ministry off his Church, by whose most just, and no less wholesome judgement for them, they be come to such poverty, and base degree of life. Howbeit, it pertaineth to the Deacons office, not only to have respect to every man's poverty, but also off the weakness off their minds, and with such wisdom, and liberality, to help every man's necessity, that they lay on no man troubled with poverty, the trouble also off shame: nor that they bring any, that have in time passed been well and liberally maintained, to such scarcity and skantnes off meat and clothing, as they be not able to suffer, albeit such relief were sufficient, to an other that hath been so used.  
The commandment off the Holy Ghost ought in this point to be considered, that there be so much given to every one, as is necessary to lead a good, and godly life. And it is manifest, that as all men be not off like strength off body, nor have not been brought up after one kind off living so some aught to have more, some less: some finer, some courser, meat, apparel, and other necessaries. Which thing saint Gregory considering, when the noble men, and women were spoiled by the lombards, he gave unto them very liberal Pensions for their relief, of the goods of the church. And therefore Christian Magistrates ought to make this law, First, that no man be suffered to beg: but that every man do maintain, and keep his own household, kindred, and allies, if he be able to do it: the judgement whereof, aught to perteigne to the ordinary Magistrate. And that such as be destitute off such help, be maytubby by the City, town, uil●ge, or Congregation where they dwell. If any city, town vilage, or congregation, be not able to, maintain the poverty thereof, that then, by the discretion of the chief Governor of the country, such poor people be sent to some richer Congregation, where they may be relieved.  
Another point of this law ought to be, for the election, and appointing off Deacons, as is afore said, and that they be, by their oath, enjoined, diligently to search out, what things every man needeth, and that they faithfully, to their power, give it to them: and to make an account of their receipts, and payments, to the ministers of the word, and Elders.  
The third point, that it be forbodden to give Almose privately, and that all men be exhorted, that they will rather, according to God's commandment, and the ordinance of the holy gohost, commit their Almose to the Churches, and to the ministers appointed for that purpose: then after their own natural pride, distribute it themselves, contrary to god's word, and the institution of the holly Ghost.  
The fourth point, that they cause to be restored, for the relief of the poor, such gifts as were offered, by our Elders to Christ, if any yet remain.  
And the fewer off those gifts shall be found remaining: the greater pensions to be set on rich benefices, for the relief of the poor, in recompense off the fourth part off the Revenues off all Churches, that is due by so many Canons.  
The fift point, that great pains be set on them, that shall blaspheme this most holy Institution off the Holy Ghost, or that shall go about to pull any man from it. And if any man shall think any thing to be corrected in the Deacons, and the provision for the poor, that he first warn the Deacons thereof: and if they will not follow his reasonable warning, that he declare the matter to the minister of the word, and the Elders: that in all things, the authority of God's word may be of force, and the wicked pride of men, who can allow nothing that is ordained of God, may be resisted in every place, and in time: and so it may be the easilier obtained off the people off Christ, whereby the little ones off Christ may so liberally be provided for, as we may at length joyfully hear: Come ye blissed of my father, and receive the Kingdom, that is prepared for you, from the beginning of the world. I was hungry, and ye gave me to eat etc.  
And it is not enough for the liberality of Christians, to give only meat, harbour, and clothing to such as be in extreme necessity: but also they ought liberally to give of the gifts, God hath given them, wherewith godly maidens marriable, who for lack of dowry remain long unmarried, may be in time married, and coupled with honest men, and also that witty Children, that lack friends, may be brought up to study, to serve in Christ's Church. Besides, good Christians, that lack wherewith to exercise their crafts, may be therewith helped, partly by gift, parley by loan, as there may come profit of their Arts, and they may be the better able to nourish, and bring up their children for the lord, and to make them profitable members of the comen wealth. For it is not enough for the Congregations off Christ to provide, that men may only live, but that they may live to the Lord, for a certain and mutual profit between themselves, and of the Church, and comen wealth. And therefore all Congregations ought to provide, that all those that be baptised in Christ, be virtuously brought up from their childhod, and taught good Arts, that every one, according to his portion, may bring forth somewhat, to profit the comen wealth, and to declare himself to others a true, and profitable member off Christ.   

An addition.  
There be, that deny not the office off the Deaconry in the Church of Christ, to be ordained by God: but say, such office is not of necessity. For there be some Congregations, where all men be wealthy, and there is no Poverty, and so no need of the Deaconry. That it pleaseth them so genttely to grant, th'office of the Deaconry to be the ordinance of God, they deserve no thanks. For if they should deny it, they must other confess, saint Paul erreth, or saint Paul would say, they err. For, besides he teacheth what men ought to be called to be Deacons in the Church of Christ, he saith plainly, that God ordained and constituted in his Church: first apostles, secondarily Prophets, thirdly Teachers, than those that do miracles: after that, those that have the gifts of healing, helpers, governors, and diversity of tongues. Under which name of Helpers, as a general word for all men that may do good in the Church of Christ, th'office of the Deacons (according as the interpreters on that place agreeably do testify) as it is in the Acts mentioned, is contained. Now where they say, there may be a Church without poor, and so no need of Deacons: so may it be said, there may be a Congregation, wherein all may be learned in God's word, and therefore no need of preachers and teachers. But what a fond kind of argument is it, to reason of things, that may be, as though they were? to allege things that be only in Utopia, as if they were comen in every Country: to magnify their own uncerteyn Sophistry, and to neglect the certain doctrine of God? who forcing all things, aswell to come as present, said, ye shall have alweis poor among you, and therefore ordained this ministry in his Church of necessity, not for a time, but for ever to continue: to have the oversight, and care off the poor, because there shallbe poor for ever. And albeit God, in some particular congregation, doth so bestow his benefits, as many be rich, and few poor: yet will he not, that they shall have their respect, only to the poor in the same Congregation, but also to such as be in other Congregations, as appeareth by those of Macedonia, Achaia, and Corinthus. Who, according to the doctrine off saint Paul, and their duty, sent their charity to Jerusalem, for the relief of the saints, and poor brethren there. Some again say, why may not every man appoint his own Almoner, or Chamberer, to distribute his Almose, so the poor be provided for, it forceth not, how, or by whom it be done?  
Albeit this objection be before sufficiently confounded, by Master. D. Bucer: yet it may be added, that such objections proceed off affection and pryvat gaigne (which may do moche with worldly men) and not of a zeal to advance God's glory.  
For Christian men, that seek to serve god their lord and Master, and not their own commodity, and affections, when they know his will, pleasure, and ordinance, search no further: but as good subjects, and servants, by all means labour to do, and fulfil the same.  
They dispute not, why God hath ordained, or commanded this, or that: nor think this might be other wise don, than God hath devised: or that he hath done, is not off necessity.  
They know his will, and pleasure, declared by his word, is an unchaungeable law, whereunto nothing may be added, or diminished, but aught to be obeyed off all his servants: that he hath made nothing in vain, but as he is the very wisdom itself, and foreseeth what is best for his: so hath he most wisely, and most necessarily ordained this ministry off the Deaconry in his Church. Yea, they be most certain, that as there be in man's body divers members, not all of one sort, but some more profitable, than some, and yet all requisite, and necessary to make a parfet body: so in the Church of Christ, there be divers members, mynysteries, and vocations, preachours, teachours, elders, deacons &c. Who, albeit they be not off like authority, and degree: yet be they all requisite, and necessary to the edifying off a godly, and parfet Church off Christ.  
Neither will any of Christ's servants, thrust himself, not being leefully called, into any ministry, or seek to come into it by the window, as thieves and murderers do, but will tarry till he may enter by the door, till he be ordinarily called by the Church off Christ, as Stephen, and the rest off the Deacons in the primitive Church were. For all good men will fear, lest when they either do any thing contrary to God's ordinance, or meddle with that, whereunto they be not ordinarily called, the plague off God will fall on them, as it did upon the like, by just judgement, in time past. Nadah, and Abiu the children of Aaron, took their Censers, put a strange fire therein, and offered to God: but because they did it contrary to the ordinance of god, the fire came from the lord and destroyed them. Vsa, because he set his hand to stay up tharke of the lord, that it should not fall, albeit the deed simply considered was good, yet because he meddled with that office, whereunto he was not ordinarily called, and appointed, God plagued him with death. King Ozias, because he would be busy in other men's vocation, offering incense to the Lords which pertained to the ministery of the Children off Aaron, and not to his, was strooken with the lepry. The wiseman saith in the proverbs, There is a way that seemeth to a man just and right, but th'end bringeth to death. When men leave the ways of God, and occupy their busy brains about things besides, or contrary to God's word, they fall at length clean from God, and become Godless. Therefore Men ought to take head, and to leave their uncerteyn fantasies, and cleave unto the certain word of God, whereunto whosoever leaneth, can not stumble, whosoever followeth it, cannot err: and he that walketh therein, shall at length come to the eternal Kingdom, which is prepared for all such as love and follow God.  
Remember the poor, and God will remember you:  
Forget the poor, and God will not forget you.