much less benefits; for unless they be given with judgement, they
cease to be benefits, and, may be called by any other name you
please. The meaning of the latter verse is admirable, that one
benefit rightly bestowed makes amends for the loss of many that
have been lost. See, I pray you, whether it be not truer and more
worthy of the glory of the giver, that we should encourage him to
give, even though none of his gifts should be worthily placed.
"Much must be lost." Nothing is lost because he who loses had
counted the cost before. The book-keeping of benefits is simple: it
is all expenditure; if any one returns it, that is clear gain; if
he does not return it, it is not lost, I gave it for the sake of
giving. No one writes down his gifts in a ledger, or like a
grasping creditor demands repayment to the day and hour. A good man
never thinks of such matters, unless reminded of them by some one
returning his gifts; otherwise they become like debts owing to him.
It is a base usury to regard a benefit as an investment. Whatever
may have been the result of your former benefits, persevere in
bestowing others upon other men; they will be all the better placed
in the hands of the ungrateful, whom shame, or a favourable
opportunity, or imitation of others may some day cause to be
grateful. Do not grow weary, perform your duty, and act as becomes
a good man. Help one man with money, another with credit, another
with your favour; this man with good advice, that one with sound
maxims. Even wild beasts feel kindness, nor is there any animal so
savage that good treatment will not tame it and win love from it.
The mouths of lions are handled by their keepers with impunity; to
obtain their food fierce elephants become as docile as slaves: so
that constant unceasing kindness wins the hearts even of creatures
who, by their nature, cannot comprehend or weigh the value of a
benefit. Is a man ungrateful for one benefit? perhaps he will not