Charity is a universal duty
Charity is a universal duty, which it is in every man’s power, sometimes to practise; since every degree of assistance given to another, upon proper motives, is an act of charity, and there is scarcely any man in such a state of imbecility, as that he may not, on some occasions, benefit his neighbour. He, that cannot relieve the poor, may instruct the ignorant; and he, that cannot attend the sick, may reclaim the vicious. He, that can give little assistance himself, may yet perform the duty of charity, by inflaming the ardour of others, and recommending the petitions, which he cannot grant, to those who have more to bestow. The wisdom that shall give her mite to the treasury, the poor man who shall bring to the thirsty a cup of cold water, shall not lose their reward.
