When you give alms, or do any act of charity, wait on God, do it as unto him, give to a disciple in the name of a disciple, to the poor because they belong to Christ; do it not for the praise of men, but for the glory of God, with a single eye, and an upright heart, direct it to Him, and then your alms as well as your prayer, like those of Cornelius, come up for a memorial before God (Acts 10:4). Beg of God to accept what you do for the good of others, that your alms may indeed be offerings (Acts 24:17). May it be an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God (Phil. 4:18).