The Morning exercise [at] Cri[ppleg]ate, or, Several cases of conscience practically resolved

VI. Our Alms must be given readily and speedily, without any needless delay; according to the counsel of the Wise-man,¹ With-hold not good from them, to whom it is due; that is, with-hold not any act of Charity from those who stand in need of thy help, Say not unto thy Neighbour, go and come again, and to morrow I will give thee, when thou ⟨p. 282⟩hast it by thee, ²he that so delayeth his helping hand, is next door to him that denieth. And therefore as any occasion offers it self unto us, let us speedily embrace the same, as knowing that a speedy giver, is a double benefactor, and the swifter that a benefit cometh, the sweeter it casts. And contrariwise a benefit loseth its grace, that sticketh to his fingers who is about to bestow it. What then shall we think of their charity, who put off all to their death-beds, never giving any thing considerable to the Poor, till they can keep it no longer? these though by their last will and testament they give somewhat to the Poor, yet, questionless it is against their wills, for could they have kept it longer, they would not have parted with it.³

VI. Our Alms must be given readily and speedily, without any needless delay; according to the counsel of the Wise-man,¹ With-hold not good from them, to whom it is due; that is, with-hold not any act of Charity from those who stand in need of thy help, Say not unto thy Neighbour, go and come again, and to morrow I will give thee, when thou ⟨p. 282⟩hast it by thee, ²hee that so delaieth his helping hand, is next door to him that denieth. And therefore as any occasion offers it self unto us, let us speedily embrace the same, as knowing that a speedy giver, is a double benefactor, and the swifter that a benefit cometh, the sweeter it casts. And contrariwise a benefit loseth its grace, that sticketh to his fingers who is about to bestow it. What then shall wee think of their charity, who put off all to their death-beds, never giving any thing considerable to the Poor, till they can keep it no longer? these though by their last will and testament they give somewhat to the Poor, yet, questionless it is against their wills, for could they have kept it longer, they would not have parted with it.