CHAPTER XV.
OF WORKS OF CHARITY.
OR no worldly thing, nor for the love of any man, is any evil to be done; but, yet, for the welfare of one that standeth in need, a good work is sometimes to be intermitted without any scruple, or even to be changed for a better.
For by doing this, a good work is not lost, but changed into a better.
Without charity the outward 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.
2. He doeth much that doeth a thing well. He doeth well that serveth the common good, rather than his own will.
Oftentimes a work seemeth to be of charity, but it is a work of the flesh, if natural inclination, self-will, hope of reward, and desire of our own interest are not absent.
3. 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 seeketh no private good, neither doth he rejoice in himself, but
