--_From the German._ 212 CHARITY--IN WORD ONLY. When thy brother has lost all that he ever had, and lies languishing, and even gasping under the utmost extremities of poverty and distress, dost thou think to lick him whole again only with thy tongue? --_South._ 213 CHARITY. That charity begins at home is true, Yet this is rightly understood by few. But, lest you should not easily discern, I counsel you, my friends, this lesson learn; The home of charity is a mind possess'd Of wishes to relieve whoe'er's distress'd; In town, or country, or on foreign shore, She's ne'er from home when pity's at the door. 214 CHARITY. Be not frightened at the hard words "imposition," "imposture;" give and ask no questions. "Cast thy bread upon the waters." Some have, unawares, entertained angels. --_Lamb._ 215 As charity covers a multitude of sins before God, so does politeness before men. --_Lord Greville._ 216 Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame. --_Pope._ 217 Where there is plenty, charity is a duty, not a courtesy. --_Feltham._ 218 We step up, when we stoop down, to help the needy. 219 CHARITY--INGRATITUDE FOR. Did you ever see the horses taken to water? They rush into some beautiful stream, and drink of it to their heart's content; after which they turn their backs upon it, or stamp in it with their feet, until the water is polluted. This is the price they pay for their refreshing draught. But what, then does the noble river? It immediately floats away the mud, and continues after, as it was before, full and free of access for the same or other thirsty creatures. And so must you also do. If there be a fountain of genuine charity in your heart, it will constantly, and spontaneously overflow, whether those who drink of it are thankful or not. This life is the season for sowing and scattering; we shall reap hereafter. 220 Give freely to him that deserveth well, and asketh nothing. 221 INASMUCH. I asked for alms! He flung a coin at me Contemptuously. Not without sense of shame I stooped and picked it up. Does this fulfil The Master's will To give a cup Of water in His Name? I asked for bread! He handed out to me Indifferently A ticket for some food. It answered to my need. Was this the way On that great day Christ stopped to feed The hungry multitude? When we shall wait, After this mortal strife, Eternal life, And to His presence go As suppliants indeed, Will it be thus He will on us In our great need His priceless gift bestow?