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1. COnsider, that it is a greater happiness (as our Lord himself witnesseth) to give, then to receive: therefore it is the part of a noble mind, if it be compelled through the necessity of humane condition to receive any thing of another, to be carefull to restore it perfectly back again; but if he cannot, yet to acknowledge it in∣genuously,
and to publish it abroad.
2. Gratitude also for a benefit received, doth intice and draw forth a second, if the benefactour bears a noble heart; but with him that is base, it satisfies, and stifles clamo∣rous complaints.
3. Again, there is not a reproach more odious, then that of a benefit received with ingratitude; from whence it proceeds, that accord∣ing to the imperiall constitution, a curtesie done might be revoked, if ingratitude were proved.
4. Moreover, God among other causes by which goods are to be acquired, hath placed the prayers of the poor, that, as it were out of the nature of the thing, he would blesse those, for whose prosperity the poor make supplication to him. Therefore he that receives a bene∣fit with obligation, or hopes of prayers to be offered for the bene∣factour, is absolutely bound to pray for him; and if he doth it not, the mischiefs which shall happen to the
benefactour will be imputed to him.
Conclude, gifts are prudently to be asked, and accepted, to wit, when necessity compelleth thee; when they are received, they are to be acknowledged and com∣mended; and if there be any thing wherein thou canst profit thy bene∣factour, it is to be done with dili∣gence. This is the condition of be∣nefits, that if thou hast done any, thou shouldest esteem them as lit∣tle: but if thou hast received them, esteem them as great. Last of all, when you can return nothing else, endeavour in your prayers to God to obtain all good for those that have conferred any benefit upon you, do it fervently, and earnest∣ly; and in the first place take care thy prayers may be such, as shall be to God acceptable.