IN WHAT SPIRIT SHOULD THE WORKS OF MERCY BE PERFORMED ?

1. We ought not to do good to our neighbor in order to be seen and praised by men, for in that case we bave our reward on earth (Matt. vi. 1),
2. We must do good to our neighbor for Christ's sake.
   
3. We should do good to our neighbor promptly and pleasantly.
4. We are only required to give alms of our superfluity.
5. We must only give alms out of what is our own, and only give to those who are really poor or who are unable to work.
6. In giving alms, preference should be shown to our rela tives, our fellow Catholics, and those who are in the greatest need.

OF WHAT BENEFIT ARE THE WORKS OF MERCY TO US?

1. Almsgiving obtains for us the remission of our sins; that is to say the sinner obtains the grace of repentance, while the just man receives the pardon of venial sin, and the remission of the temporal penalty.
2. By almsgiving we obtain an eternal recompense, provided that at the time we are in a state of grace.
3. Almsgiving brings down upon us temporal blessings: God increases our means and gives us bodily health.
4. Almsgiving is a means of obtaining a speedy answer to prayer.
5. By almsgiving we make the poor our friends; they pray for us, and their prayers have great power with God.

THE DUTY OF GRATITUDE

1. For every act of mercy done to us, we are bound to render thanks first to God and then to our benefactor; for God requires of us that we should be grateful for the benefits we receive.
2. By our gratitude we obtain fresh favors, whereas ingrati tude brings misfortunes upon us.

THE POVEETY OF THE CHRISTIAN.

1. Poverty is no disgrace in God's sight; to be poor in vir tue and in good works is the only thing of which one need be ashamed, for it leads to eternal damnation.
2. The poor save their souls more easily than the rich.
3. God often sends poverty upon a man for his salvation.
4. The poor are beloved by God.
5. The poor man who leads an upright life will never be forsaken by God; nay, more, he will enjoy happiness and con tentment in this world.
6. The poor are not warranted in wresting from the rich the alms which they have a right to expect; they should rather bear their lot patiently and rely on help from God.

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