For if a juft Account of fuch Endowments were Published to the World, as 'tis hoped in due time it may) it would undeniably appear;

That as to the best Parts of Publick Charity (viz. Founding Schools and Hofpitals) more hath been done by Proteftants fince the Days of Edw. 6. than by Papifts from the Conquest to the Reformation.

But why muft Charity be branded as Popifh?

Indeed formerly Popish was a frightful Word, and of large extent in thefe Nations. The Reformed Service of our Church hath been condemned as Popish Bishops and their Lands have been voted Popish, (for whilst Naboth hath a Vineyard, he fhall not be innocent.) And whatever elfe hath Difpleafed, hath been nicknamed Popijhool basi

But

But the Cheat is long fince detected, and the Generality of our People are now better inftructed. For they plainly understand; That what Papifts formerly did out of a mistaken Zeal, and Superftitious Principles, Proteftants may now per form in a due and regular Manner. And fo the Objection is vanished, and the Proteftant Clergy may ftill do their Duty, in preffing Charity, without the harsh and unjust Censure of be ing Popishly affected.

TH

PLEA II.

HE Laws of the Land have taken Care of the Poor: and if duly executed, would competently provide for them. To what pur pofe therefore do you exhort me to be Charitable to the Poor, when I am forced, upon Complaint, to relieve them whether I will or no?

AN

1. If these Statutes are not Executed (as many times they are not) the Poor will still want Relief; and may ftarve with the Law on their fide.

2. There are many Cafes of Charity, for which the Laws have not provided.

Men of generous Spirits will even fink in their Mifery, and endure the utmost Extremity, before they will make known their Wants to their infulting Neighbours, or be relieved by a Parish. These are proper Objects for the Charity of Wealthy Men, who befides the Payment of their Parish Rates, fhould be conftantly doing Good in fuch Inftances as thefe.

For

For true Christian Charity is of a large Extent, beyond the Obligation of Human Laws. And therefore, when at the great and dreadful Day, it fhall be demanded of those Rich andWealthy Men, Whether they have fed the hungry, and cloathed the naked? it will be a very imperfect and uncomfortable Anfwer, only to Reply, That they paid their Rates to the Poor..

MTM

PLEA III.

T Eftate is but fmall. Were I as Rich as other Men, I might then think of Bequeathing, and being Charitable to the Poor.

F your Eftate is but fmall, your Charity may be fmall likewife. For if there be first a willing Mind, it is accepted accord

ing

ing to that a Man hath, and not according to that he hath not. 2 Cor. 8. 12.

The Widow's Mite, because chearfully Offered, was better accepted than the Rich Mens Abundance.

MT

PLEA IV.

TEftate indeed is Competent; but I have Wife and Children, and a Family to provide for. I have Debts and Incumbrances upon my Eftate. And till thefe Expectations are anfwered, I have little left for Charity.

T

ANSWER.

"Rue Christian Charity doth not exclude Acts of Juftice (fuch as thefe now mentioned) but fuppofe them. "Tis there fore your Duty to Provide for your Wife and Children. 1 Tim. 5.8

But