In giving of thy alms, inquire not so much into the person, as his necessity. God looks not so much upon the merits of him that requires, as into the manner of him that relieves; if the man deserve not, thou hast given it to humanity.
Afflictions clarify the soul; And like hard masters, give more hard directions, Tutoring the non-age of uncurbed affections.
Let the fear of a danger be a spur to prevent it; he that fears not gives advantage to the danger; it is less folly not to endeavor the prevention of the evil thou fearest than to fear the evil which thy endeavor cannot prevent.
Hath any wronged thee? be bravely revenged; slight it, and the work is begun; forgive it, and it is finished; he is below himself that is not above an injury.
Charity feeds the poor, so does pride; charity builds an hospital, so does pride. In this they differ: charity gives her glory to God; pride takes her glory from man.
The strong desires of man's insatiate breast may stand possess'd Of all that earth can give; but earth can give no rest.
Charity is a naked child, giving honey to a bee without wings.
Though virtue give a ragged livery, she gives a golden cognizance; if her service make thee poor, blush not. Thy poverty may disadvantage thee, but not dishonor thee.
O who would trust this world, or prize what's in it, That gives and takes, and chops and changes, ev'ry minute?
He that gives all, though but little, gives much; because God looks not to the quantity of the gift, but to the quality of the givers.