69. There are many kinds of
liberality. Cic. de
Off. II. 9, § 32. Not only
can we distribute and give away food to those who need it from our own
daily supply, so that they may sustain life; but we can also give
advice and help to those who are ashamed to show their want openly, so
long as the common supplies of the needy are not exhausted. I am
now speaking of one set over some office. If he is a priest or
almoner, let him inform the bishop of them, and not withhold the name
of any he knows to be in any need, or to have lost their wealth and to
be now reduced to want; especially if they have not fallen into this
trouble owing to wastefulness in youth, but because of another’s
theft, or through loss of their inheritance from no fault of their own,
so that they cannot now earn their daily bread.