Every rational soul is possessed of free-will and volition; that it has a struggle to maintain with the devil and his angels, and opposing influences, because they strive to burden it with sins; but if we live rightly and wisely, we should endeavour to shake ourselves free of a burden of that kind. From which it follows, also, that we understand ourselves not to be subject to necessity, so as to be compelled by all means, even against our will, to do either good or evil. For if we are our own masters, some influences perhaps may impel us to sin, and others help us to salvation; we are not forced, however, by any necessity either to act rightly or wrongly...(From the preface)

Yesterday a man -- perhaps in his late twenties -- approached me from behind as I was walking quickly to a meeting and asked a question. I was not sure of what he said and turned while continuing to walk.

He asked where the nearest homeless shelter was, explaining he and his wife had spent the night before in the cold and they were hungry. I responded that I was not from this place and did not know.

The man picked up his pace and began to ask for money. If his story was true I should have emptied my pockets... and I was carrying more cash than usual.

But there was something in the speed and clarity of his pitch that made me feel like a target. This caused me to see the man less as in need than manipulative.

I am sure I do not do enough for those in need. No matter what else, this man was certainly in need. The best choice might have been to exercise my free-will to give and depend on his free-will to do whatever with what I gave.