Tractatus duo

teaches that they are to be loved, yet he has distinguished certain degrees of charity by his law, which we should follow: and on account of which we love some more than others. For he does not order an equal or same benevolence to be shown by us to all: since a wife is to be loved more than parents, children more than strangers, the household of faith more than the unfaithful (Colossians 3; Galatians 6:10). Therefore, if it is permitted by reason of blood—namely, to distinguish some from our common and public charity—why should it not also be permitted by the force and reason of our sworn pact and promise? Therefore, our Lord Jesus Christ, the example of all true charity, is said to have loved John more than his other disciples (John 21:20; 13:23).

The second argument of theirs, however, is vain. They ask what is left for friendship if all men, even enemies, are to be loved by us. This, certainly: that although we love everyone, and are prompt and eager to help and preserve all, we nevertheless have these friends as more recommended to us. Therefore, the most beautiful fruit of charity is Friendship.

Furthermore, there are several ends for which men are conciliated and joined among themselves. For they unite and join together for the sake of their own private utility, or for pleasure, or finally for the sake of obtaining honor and praise.