all men with a love of almsdeeds. But this must not be understood of every kind, but only of that which proceeds from great contrition and ardent charity. Such was that of St. Mary Magdalen, who, with tears of true contrition, washed the feet of our Lord; and having purchased most precious ointment, she anointed His feet with it.
Fourthly, Almsdeeds increase confidence with God, and produce spiritual joy; for, although this is common to other good works also, yet it belongs in particular to almsdeeds, since by them we render a service grateful both to God and our neighbours: and this is a work which is not obscurely, but most plainly acknowledged to be "good." Hence the word of Tobias: "Alms shall be a great confidence before the Most High God, to all them that give it." (chap. iv. 12.) And the apostle, in his Epistle to the Hebrews, says: " Do not therefore lose your confidence, which hath a great reward." (chap. x. 35.) In fine, St. Cyprian, in his Sermon on Alms-deeds, calls it, " The great comfort of believers."
Fifthly, Almsdeeds conciliate the good will of many, who pray to God for their benefactors, and obtain for them either tho grace of conversion, or the gift of perseverance, or an increase of merit and glory. And in all these ways may be understood these words of our Lord: "Make unto you
