Complete. “Imitation of Christ,” Chap. xv.

FOR no worldly thing, nor for the love of any man, is any evil to be done; but yet for the profit of one that standeth in need, a good work is sometimes to be intermitted without any scruple, or changed also for a better.

  For by doing this, a good work is not lost, but changed into a better.

  Without charity the exterior work profiteth nothing; but whatsoever is done of charity, be it never so little and contemptible in the sight of the world, it becomes wholly fruitful.

  For God weigheth more with how much love a man worketh, than how much he doeth. He doeth much that loveth much.

  He doeth much that doeth a thing well.

  He doeth well that rather serveth the community than his own will.

  Oftentimes it seemeth to be charity, and it is rather carnality, because natural inclination, self-will, hope of reward, and desire of our own interest, will seldom be away.

  He that hath true and perfect charity seeketh himself in nothing, but only desireth in all things that the glory of God should be exalted.

  He also envieth none, because he affecteth no private good; neither will he rejoice in himself, but wisheth above all things to be made happy in the enjoyment of God.

  He attributeth nothing that is good to any man, but wholly referreth it unto God, from whom as from the fountain all things proceed; in whom finally all the saints do rest as in their highest fruition.

  Oh! he that hath but one spark of true charity would certainly discern that all earthly things be full of vanity.