There are many ways to practice charity, which many of you confuse with alms-giving; there is a big difference, however. Alms-giving, my friends, is useful sometimes because it brings relief to the poor; but it is nearly always humiliating both for the one who gives and the one who receives. Charity, on the other hand, links the benefactor to the beneficiary and can be disguised in many ways! One can be charitable even toward one’s  family and  friends by being indulgent toward them,  forgiving their weaknesses, and taking care not to wound their self-esteem. And you, Spiritists, can practice charity in the way you act toward those who do not think as you do; by leading the less-enlightened to believe but without shocking them and without attacking their convictions, but instead, by gently inviting them to our meetings, where they can listen to us, and where we will be able to find the way to their hearts. That is one aspect of charity.

Now, listen to  what charity means for the  poor, those disinherited by the world but recompensed by God if they can accept their poverty without complaining; and this will depend on you. I will make myself understood by using an example.

Several times each week, I see a meeting of ladies of all ages. To us, as you know, they are all sisters. What do they do? They work quickly, very quickly with their agile fingers. You can also see how radiant their faces are and how their hearts all beat as one! But what is their objective? They have seen that winter is approaching and that it will be hard on the homes of the poor. These “ants” have not been able to gather enough provisions during the summer and they have pawned most of their belongings. The poor mothers are upset and weeping, thinking about their little ones, who will be cold and hungry this winter! Be patient, poor mothers. God has inspired others who are more fortunate than you. They have joined together and are sewing small garments, and one of these days, when snow has covered the earth and you complain by saying “God is not just” – which is what those who suffer normally say – one of the children of these good workers turned into servants of the poor will arrive at your doorstep.  Yes, it is you for whom they are working, and your complaining will be turned into blessings, for love follows close behind hate in the hearts of the unfortunate.

Since all these workers need encouragement, I see communications from good spirits coming to them from far and wide. The men who take part in this group also provide their support in the form of readings that are so pleasing to all. And in order to reward the zeal of all and each one in particular, we ourselves promise these industrious workers a good clientele that will pay them with blessings, the only currency used in heaven. We further assure them, without fearing to do so, that this currency will not be lacking for them.

Caritas (Lyon, 1861)