germ. a a. that they maybe 4ceeptable WOOGad ? 267 Plul.q.3 r. That it -is but a nicer Thew of Religion that is without charity. 2. That true Religion will makemen charitable. 3. That Charitywill prove men robe truly Religious. 4, That works of Charity are as acceptable to God; as Duties of Religion. For God accounts Charity an odour of aTweet fznell, a Sacri- faceacceptable, and wellpleafrng untohim. The poor and needy are to God as the Altars of burnt -offerings, and incenfe were under the L=.w. Thofe things which were laid on them, and offered up, were given to the Lord, and as a gift accepted by him. Even fo are Alms given to the poor, the poor are the Altar, Alms the Sacrifice. Nowwho would not difpofe of that which he hach, as God may account it given to him, and anfwerably accept it ? On this very ground doch the Apofile incite the Hebrews co this duty, in this manner, To do good, and to communi- cate forget not, for with fuch Sacrifices God is well pleated. Thus we fee how works of Charity are nor only ufeful and profitable to man, but alfo acceptable and well pleating toGod, which confideraiion addeth much life to the Duty herepreffed. III. A third Motive is, '7-he manifold profit wherewith it is rewarded. Profit and advantage is the Motive, which,for the molt part, fpurs men on to labour and take pains, to rife early, and fit up late, to venture goods, life, and all they have. Witnefs the pains, travels, watchings, and adventures of Labourers, Work- men,Trades-men, Farmers, Mer- chants, Mariners, er`-c. yet that profit which they aim at, is but earthly and temporary ; and their hope of attaining it uncertain. Surely works of Charity give an affured hope of a far greater, and better profit thian earth can afford.. In general it is protnired, That ifwe cad our bread upon the waters.we fhallfind it after many dales ; that is, If we give Alms to the poor, where all we do may feem to be cat+ away, as if it were thrown into the Sea; yet in due time will it return to us with advantage. And left any fh.ould be difcouraged from doing works of Charity, our. Saviour aflù- rethus, That whofoever giveth but a cup of cold water ( which is one of the teat+ as of Charity we can perform) (hall in no wife lofe his reward. Heb.r 3.i6. Omnes epettr j mic utilitatem, act eamque rapi mur`nec faccio aliterallo modo pofisr,ncs,Cic.. Offic.3 , F.ecmc:'rss cfl age?' pauperun; citò rcddit do- ka9dtlbTts f rY{ flttm, Aug. Serrn.de U;vite Mat.lo.q,k.. If in fpecial it be demanded what profit is there of Charity ? I an- forer, (as the Apot+le didof Circumncifion) much everyw -. Yea, I may
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