CHAPTER VI. Examination of the Soul’s Condition as regards our Neighbour.

HUSBAND and wife are bound to love one another with a tender, abiding,
restful love, and this tie stands foremost by God’s order and Will. And
I say the same with respect to children and all near relations, as also
friends in their respective degrees. But, generally speaking, how is it
with you as concerning your neighbour? Do you love him cordially, and
for God’s Sake? In order to answer this fairly, you must call to mind
sundry disagreeable, annoying people, for it is in such cases that we
really practise the Love of God with respect to our neighbours, and
still more towards them that do us wrong, either by word or deed.
Examine whether your heart is thoroughly clear as regards all such, and
whether it costs you a great effort to love them. Are you quick to
speak ill of your neighbours, especially of such as do not love you? Do
you act unkindly in any way, directly or indirectly, towards them? A
very little honest self-dealing will enable you to find this out.
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