| Sirach 12:3
| For there is no good for him that is always occupied in evil, and that giveth no alms: for the Highest hateth sinners, and hath mercy on the penitent.
| For. Greek, (4.) "Give to the pious, and receive not the sinner, (6.) Do," etc. (Haydock) --- The gospel enjoins us to do good to all. St. Augustine (Dort. 3:16.) and St. Thomas Aquinas (II. 2. q. xxxii. a ix.) explain this in a spiritual sense, that we must not partake in the crimes of others. We may also make presents to the virtuous, and pass over people of a different character, particularly when they would abuse our gifts. The honest poor must be preserved.
|