“The real value of any charitable gift is to be estimated, not by the quantity or the price of the thing given, but by the affection of the mind and generosity of heart that is seen in it…
The generosity, or liberality, of any person, in his charitable contributions, is to be measured chiefly by the proportion it bears to his circumstances, justly considered. He who gives most in proportion, and not he who gives absolutely the most, is the most charitable and generous man.”
Daniel Waterland in “The true Nature of Charity; it’s Value, Measures, and Proportions stated, from Gospel Account of the poor Widow’s Offering: Mark 12:43-44” in the Works of The Rev. Daniel Waterland (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1823) 174-175.