Necessary works, and works of mercy, are called
the commandments, the four offering-days, your tithes, and such other
that belong to the commandments; and works of mercy consist in relieving
and visiting thy poor neighbours. Now then, if men be so foolish of
themselves, that they will bestow the most part of their goods in
voluntary works, which they be not bound to keep, but willingly and by
their devotion; and leave the necessary works undone, which they are
bound to do; they and all their voluntary works are like to go unto
everlasting damnation. And I promise you, if you build a hundred
churches, give as much as you can make to gilding of saints, and
honouring of the church; and if thou go as many pilgrimages as thy body
can well suffer, and offer as great candles as oaks; if thou leave the
works of mercy and the commandments undone, these works shall nothing
avail thee. No doubt the voluntary works be good and ought to be done;
but yet they must be so done, that by their occasion the necessary works
and the works of mercy be not decayed and forgotten. If you will build a
glorious church unto God, see first yourself to be in charity with your
neighbours, and suffer not them to be offended by your works.
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