the Scripture Meaning, who underſtood by it Candour, or the forming of a benevolent Opinion of our Brethren, and paſſing a favourable Judgment on their Actions; a Virtue much higher, and more extenſive in its Nature, than a pitiful Diſtribution of Alms, which, though we would never ſo much prejudice, or even ruin our Families, could never reach many; whereas Charity, in the other and truer Senſe, might be extended to all Mankind.’
He ſaid, ‘Conſidering who the Diſciples were, it would be abſurd to conceive the Doctrine of Generoſity, or giving Alms, to have been preached to them. And, as we could not well imagine this Doctrine ſhould be preached by its divine Author to Men who could not practiſe it, much leſs ſhall we think it underſtood ſo by thoſe who can practiſe it, and do not.
‘But though, continued he, there is, I am afraid, little Merit in theſe Benefactions; there would, I muſt confeſs, be much Pleaſure in them to a good Mind, if it was not abated by one Conſideration. I mean, that we are liable to be impoſed upon, and to confer our choiceſt Favours‘‘often
