"When he riseth in the morning, he bethinketh himself what good deeds he can do that day, and presently doth them; counting that day lost wherein he hath not exercised his charity.-Herbert, p. 237.

hath set forth heaven for a reward to draw men to piety, and is content, if at least so, they will become good; so the country Parson, who is a diligent observer and tracker of God's ways, sets up as many encouragements to goodness as he can, both in honour, and profit, and fame; that he may, if not the best way, yet any way, make his parish good.

CHAPTER XII.

THE PARSON'S CHARITY.

The country Parson is full of charity; it is his predominant element: for many and wonderful things are spoken of thee, thou great virtue! To charity is given the covering of sins, 1 Pet. iv. 8; and the forgiveness of sins, Matthew vi. 14, Luke vii. 47; the fulfilling of the law, Romans xiii. 10; the life of faith, James ii. 26; the blessings of this life, Proverbs xxii. 9, Psalm xli. 2; and the reward of the next, Matthew xxv. 35. In brief, it is the body of religion, John xiii. 35; and the top of Christian virtues, 1 Corinthians xiii. Wherefore all his works relish of charity. When he riseth in the morning, he bethinketh himself what good deeds he can do that day, and presently doth them; counting that day lost wherein he hath not exercised his charity. He first considers his own parish, and takes care that there be not a beggar or idle person in his parish, but that all be in a competent way of getting their living. This he effects either by bounty, or persuasion, or by authority, making use of that excellent statute which binds all parishes to maintain their

own.

If his parish be rich, he exacts this of them; if