77. Many pretend they have debts. Let the
truth be looked into. They bemoan the fact that they have been
stripped of everything by robbers. In such a case give credit
only if the misfortune is apparent, or the person is well known; and
then readily give help. To those rejected by the Church supplies
must be granted if they are in want of food. He, then, that
observes method in his giving is hard towards none, but is free towards
all. We ought not only to lend our ears to hear the voices of
those who plead, but also our eyes to look into their needs.
Weakness calls more loudly to the good dispenser than the voice of the
poor. It cannot always be that the cries of an importunate beggar
will never extort more, but let us not always give way to
impudence. He must be seen who does not see thee. He must
be sought for who is ashamed to be seen. He also that is in
prison must come to thy thoughts; another seized with sickness must
present himself to thy mind, as he cannot reach thy ears.