Chapter 15. Of works of charity (Book 1. Admonitions helpful for the spiritual life) (The Imitation of Christ) (a-Kempis, Thomas)

1. For no worldly good whatsoever, and for the love of no man, must anything be done which is evil, but for the help of the suffering a good work must sometimes be postponed, or be changed for a better; for herein a good work is not destroyed, but improved. Without charity no work profits, but whatsoever is done in charity, however small and of no reputation it be, brings forth good fruit; for God truly considers what a man is able to do, more than the greatness of what he does.

2. He does much who loves much. He does much who does well. He does well who ministers to the public good rather than to his own. Oftentimes that seems to be charity which is rather carnality, because it springs from natural inclination, self-will, hope of repayment, desire of gain.

3. He who has true and perfect charity, in no wise seeks his own good, but desirs that God alone be altogether glorified. He envis none, because he longs for no selfish joy; nor does he desire to rejoice in himself, but longs to be blessed in God as the highest good. He ascribs good to none save to God only, the Fountain whence all good proceeds, and the End, the Peace, the joy of all Saints. Oh, he who has but a spark of true charity, has truly learned that all worldly things are full of vanity.