Of old, beggars did use to carry their bowls in their laps when they
went to a door for alms; consequently, if their bowls were but
little, they ofttimes came off with a loss, though the charity of
the giver was large. Art thou a beggar, a beggar at God's door? be
sure thou gettest a great bowl, for as thy bowl is, so will be thy
mess. "According to thy faith be it unto thee."