Page:The World's Famous Orations Volume 3.pdf/22
your neighbor, if that your said neighbor hath been through your occasion moved unto ire, either in countenance, word, or deed. Now let us hear, therefore, the tenor of this card: "When thou makest thine oblation at Mine altar, and there dost remember that thy neighbor hath anything against thee, lay down there thine oblation, and go first and reconcile thy neighbor, and then come and offer thine oblation."
This card was spoken by Christ, as testifieth St. Matthew in his fifth chapter, against all such as do presume to come unto the Church to make oblation unto God, either by prayer, or any other deed of charity, not having their neighbors reconciled. Reconciling is as much to say as to restore thy neighbor unto charity, which by thy words or deeds is moved against thee; then, if so be that thou hast spoken to or by thy neighbor, whereby he is moved to ire or wrath, thou must lay down thine oblation. Oblations be prayers, alms-deeds, or any work of charity; these be all called oblations to God. Lay down, therefore, thine oblation; begin to do none of these foresaid works before thou goest unto thy neighbor and confesseth thy fault unto him; declaring thy mind, that if thou hast offended him, thou art glad and willing to make him amends, as far forth as thy words and substance will extend, requiring him not to take it at the worst; thou art sorry in thy mind that thou shouldst be occasion of his offending.
A true and faithful servant, whensoever his
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