CHAPTER XXX: Cases and Directions about Works of Charity
will but make a scorn of our submission, and in other cases, when it is like to do more hurt than good, it is then lawful to retire ourselves from malice.
Direct. X. 'However let the enmity be in them alone:' watch your own hearts with a double carefulness, as knowing what your temptation is; and see that you love them, whether they will love you or not.
Direct. XI. 'Do all the good for them that lawfully you can.' For benefits melt and reconcile: and hold on though ingratitude discourage you.
Direct. XII. 'Do them good first in those things that they are most capable of valuing and relishing.' That is (ordinarily) in corporal commodities: or if it be not in your power to do it yourselves, provoke others to do it, (if there be need). And then they will be prepared for greater benefits.
Direct. XIII. 'But stop not in your enemy's corporal good, and in his reconciliation to yourself: for then it will appear to be all but a selfish design which you are about.' But labour to reconcile him to God, and save his soul, and then it will appear to be the love of God, and him that moved you.
Direct. XIV. 'But still remember that you are not bound to love an enemy as a friend, but as a man so qualified as he is; nor to love a wicked man, who is an enemy to godliness, as if he were a godly man; but only as one that is capable of being godly.' This precept of loving enemies was never intended for the levelling all men in our love.
CHAPTER XXX
Cases and Directions about Works of Charity