Tractatus duo

virtues, it teaches us whom we should choose, yet it has distinguished by its own law certain degrees of charity that we should follow, and because of which we love some people more. For it does not command that equal or even benevolence be shown by us to everyone: since a wife is to be loved more than parents; children more than strangers; and the faithful of one's own household more than the unfaithful, Colossians 3, Galatians 6, verse 10. Therefore, if it is permitted by reason of blood to separate some people from our general and public charity, why would it not also be granted by the force and reason of our sworn agreement and promise? And so, our Lord Jesus Christ, the example of all true charity, is said to have loved John more than his other disciples, John 21, verse 20; 13, verse 23.

Moreover, their second argument is vain. They ask what is left for friendship if all humans, even enemies, are to be loved by us. This is certain: although we love everyone, and are prompt and eager to help and preserve all, we hold these referring to chosen friends in higher regard. Therefore, the most beautiful fruit of charity is friendship.

Furthermore, there are many ends for reconciling and joining humans together. For they are joined either for the sake of their own private utility, or for pleasure, or finally for the sake of obtaining honor and praise