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

III. A third Motive is, the manifold profit wherewith it is rewarded. Profit and advantage is the Motives, which, for the most part, spurs men on to labour and take pains, to rise early, and sit up late, to venture goods, life, and all they have. Witness the pains, travels, watchings, and adventures of labourers, work-men, trades-men, Farmers, ⟨p. 301⟩Merchants, Mariners, &c. yet that profit which they aim at, is but earthly, and temporary; and their hope of attaining it uncertain. Surely works of Charity give an assured hope of far greater, and better profit than earth can afford.

In general it is promised, That if we cast our bread upon the waters, we shall find it after many days; that is,¹ If we give Alms to the poor, where all we do may seem to be cast away, as if it were thrown into the Sea; yet in due time will it return to us with advantage. And lest any should be discouraged from doing works of Charity, our Saviour assureth us, That whosoever giveth but a cup of cold water (which is one of the least acts of Charity we can perform) shall in no wise lose kis reward.

In general it is promised, That if wee cast our bread upon the waters, wee shall finde it after many daies; that is,¹ If wee give Alms to the poor, where all wee do may seem to be cast away, as if it were thrown into the Sea; yet in due time will it return to us with advantage. And lest any should be discouraged from doing works of Charity, our Saviour assureth us, That whosoever giveth but a cup of cold water (which is one of the least acts of Charity wee can perform) shall in no wise lose kis reward.

1. 1Faecundus est ager pauperum, citò reddit donantibus fructum. Aug. Serm. de Divite.