Imitation 1 1510 verses
1For no worldly good whatsoever, and for the love of no man, must anything be done which is evil, but for the help of the suffering a good work must sometimes be postponed, or be changed for a better; for herein a good work is not destroyed, but improved.
2Without charity no work profiteth, but whatsoever is done in charity, however small and of no reputation it be, bringeth forth good fruit; for God verily considereth what a man is able to do, more than the greatness of what he doth.
3He doth much who loveth much.
4He doth much who doth well.
5He doth well who ministereth to the public good rather than to his own.
6Oftentimes that seemeth to be charity which is rather carnality, because it springeth from natural inclination, self-will, hope of repayment, desire of gain.
7He who hath true and perfect charity, in no wise seeketh his own good, but desireth that God alone be altogether glorified.
8He envieth none, because he longeth for no selfish joy; nor doth he desire to rejoice in himself, but longeth to be blessed in God as the highest good.
9He ascribeth good to none save to God only, the Fountain whence all good proceedeth, and the End, the Peace, the joy of all Saints.
10Oh, he who hath but a spark of true charity, hath verily learned that all worldly things are full of vanity.
