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We must now consider the order of charity, under which head there are
thirteen points of inquiry:
(1) Whether there is an order in charity?
(2) Whether man ought to love God more than his neighbor?
(3) Whether more than himself?
(4) Whether he ought to love himself more than his neighbor?
(5) Whether man ought to love his neighbor more than his own body?
(6) Whether he ought to love one neighbor more than another?
(7) Whether he ought to love more, a neighbor who is better, or one who
is more closely united to him?
(8) Whether he ought to love more, one who is akin to him by blood, or
one who is united to him by other ties?
(9) Whether, out of charity, a man ought to love his son more than his
father ?
(10) Whether he ought to love his mother more than his father?
(11) Whether he ought to love his wife more than his father or mother?
(12) Whether we ought to love those who are kind to us more than those whom we are kind to?
(13) Whether the order of charity endures in heaven?
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Question: 26 [<< | >>]
Article: 1 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that there is no order in charity. For charity is a
virtue. But no order is assigned to the other virtues. Neither,
therefore, should any order be assigned to charity.
Objection 2: Further, just as the object of faith is the First Truth, so is
the object of charity the Sovereign Good. Now no order is appointed for
faith, but all things are believed equally. Neither, therefore, ought
there to be any order in charity.
Objection 3: Further, charity is in the will: whereas ordering belongs, not to
the will, but to the reason. Therefore no order should be ascribed to
charity.
On the contrary, It is written (Cant 2:4): "He brought me into the
cellar of wine, he set in order charity in me."
I answer that, As the Philosopher says (Metaph. v, text. 16), the terms
"before" and "after" are used in reference to some principle. Now order
implies that certain things are, in some way, before or after. Hence
wherever there is a principle, there must needs be also order of some
kind. But it has been said above (Question [23], Article [1]; Question [25], Article [12]) that the
love of charity tends to God as to the principle of happiness, on the
fellowship of which the friendship of charity is based. Consequently
there must needs be some order in things loved out of charity, which
order is in reference to the first principle of that love, which is God.
Reply to Objection 1: Charity tends towards the last end considered as last end:
and this does not apply to any other virtue, as stated above (Question [23], Article [6]). Now the end has the character of principle in matters of appetite and
action, as was shown above (Question [23], Article [7], ad 2; FS, Article [1], ad 1). Wherefore
charity, above all, implies relation to the First Principle, and
consequently, in charity above all, we find an order in reference to the
First Principle.
Reply to Objection 2: Faith pertains to the cognitive power, whose operation
depends on the thing known being in the knower. On the other hand,
charity is in an appetitive power, whose operation consists in the soul
tending to things themselves. Now order is to be found in things
themselves, and flows from them into our knowledge. Hence order is more
appropriate to charity than to faith.
And yet there is a certain order in faith, in so far as it is chiefly
about God, and secondarily about things referred to God.
Reply to Objection 3: Order belongs to reason as the faculty that orders, and to the appetitive power as to the faculty which is ordered. It is in this way that order is stated to be in charity.
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Question: 26 [<< | >>]
Article: 2 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that God ought not to be loved more than our
neighbor. For it is written (1 Jn. 4:20): "He that loveth not his brother
whom he seeth, how can he love God, Whom he seeth not?" Whence it seems
to follow that the more a thing is visible the more lovable it is, since
loving begins with seeing, according to Ethic. ix, 5,12. Now God is less
visible than our neighbor. Therefore He is less lovable, out of charity,
than our neighbor.
Objection 2: Further, likeness causes love, according to Ecclus. 13:19: "Every
beast loveth its like." Now man bears more likeness to his neighbor than
to God. Therefore man loves his neighbor, out of charity, more than he
loves God.
Objection 3: Further, what charity loves in a neighbor, is God, according to
Augustine (De Doctr. Christ. i, 22,27). Now God is not greater in Himself
than He is in our neighbor. Therefore He is not more to be loved in
Himself than in our neighbor. Therefore we ought not to love God more
than our neighbor.
On the contrary, A thing ought to be loved more, if others ought to be
hated on its account. Now we ought to hate our neighbor for God's sake,
if, to wit, he leads us astray from God, according to Lk. 14:26: "If any
man come to Me and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, end
children, and brethren, and sisters . . . he cannot be My disciple."
Therefore we ought to love God, out of charity, more than our neighbor.
I answer that, Each kind of friendship regards chiefly the subject in
which we chiefly find the good on the fellowship of which that friendship
is based: thus civil friendship regards chiefly the ruler of the state,
on whom the entire common good of the state depends; hence to him before
all, the citizens owe fidelity and obedience. Now the friendship of
charity is based on the fellowship of happiness, which consists
essentially in God, as the First Principle, whence it flows to all who
are capable of happiness.
Therefore God ought to be loved chiefly and before all out of charity:
for He is loved as the cause of happiness, whereas our neighbor is loved
as receiving together with us a share of happiness from Him.
Reply to Objection 1: A thing is a cause of love in two ways: first, as being the
reason for loving. In this way good is the cause of love, since each
thing is loved according to its measure of goodness. Secondly, a thing
causes love, as being a way to acquire love. It is in this way that
seeing is the cause of loving, not as though a thing were lovable
according as it is visible, but because by seeing a thing we are led to
love it. Hence it does not follow that what is more visible is more
lovable, but that as an object of love we meet with it before others: and
that is the sense of the Apostle's argument. For, since our neighbor is
more visible to us, he is the first lovable object we meet with, because
"the soul learns, from those things it knows, to love what it knows not,"
as Gregory says in a homily (In Evang. xi). Hence it can be argued that,
if any man loves not his neighbor, neither does he love God, not because
his neighbor is more lovable, but because he is the first thing to demand
our love: and God is more lovable by reason of His greater goodness.
Reply to Objection 2: The likeness we have to God precedes and causes the
likeness we have to our neighbor: because from the very fact that we
share along with our neighbor in something received from God, we become
like to our neighbor. Hence by reason of this likeness we ought to love
God more than we love our neighbor.
Reply to Objection 3: Considered in His substance, God is equally in all, in
whomsoever He may be, for He is not lessened by being in anything. And
yet our neighbor does not possess God's goodness equally with God, for
God has it essentially, and our neighbor by participation.
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Question: 26 [<< | >>]
Article: 3 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that man is not bound, out of charity, to love God
more than himself. For the Philosopher says (Ethic. ix, 8) that "a man's
friendly relations with others arise from his friendly relations with
himself." Now the cause is stronger than its effect. Therefore man's
friendship towards himself is greater than his friendship for anyone
else. Therefore he ought to love himself more than God.
Objection 2: Further, one loves a thing in so far as it is one's own good. Now
the reason for loving a thing is more loved than the thing itself which
is loved for that reason, even as the principles which are the reason for
knowing a thing are more known. Therefore man loves himself more than any
other good loved by him. Therefore he does not love God more than himself.
Objection 3: Further, a man loves God as much as he loves to enjoy God. But a
man loves himself as much as he loves to enjoy God; since this is the
highest good a man can wish for himself. Therefore man is not bound, out
of charity, to love God more than himself.
On the contrary, Augustine says (De Doctr. Christ. i, 22): "If thou
oughtest to love thyself, not for thy own sake, but for the sake of Him
in Whom is the rightest end of thy love, let no other man take offense if
him also thou lovest for God's sake." Now "the cause of a thing being
such is yet more so." Therefore man ought to love God more than himself.
I answer that, The good we receive from God is twofold, the good of
nature, and the good of grace. Now the fellowship of natural goods
bestowed on us by God is the foundation of natural love, in virtue of
which not only man, so long as his nature remains unimpaired, loves God
above all things and more than himself, but also every single creature,
each in its own way, i.e. either by an intellectual, or by a rational, or
by an animal, or at least by a natural love, as stones do, for instance,
and other things bereft of knowledge, because each part naturally loves
the common good of the whole more than its own particular good. This is
evidenced by its operation, since the principal inclination of each part
is towards common action conducive to the good of the whole. It may also
be seen in civic virtues whereby sometimes the citizens suffer damage
even to their own property and persons for the sake of the common good.
Wherefore much more is this realized with regard to the friendship of
charity which is based on the fellowship of the gifts of grace.
Therefore man ought, out of charity, to love God, Who is the common good
of all, more than himself: since happiness is in God as in the universal
and fountain principle of all who are able to have a share of that
happiness.
Reply to Objection 1: The Philosopher is speaking of friendly relations towards
another person in whom the good, which is the object of friendship,
resides in some restricted way; and not of friendly relations with
another in whom the aforesaid good resides in totality.
Reply to Objection 2: The part does indeed love the good of the whole, as becomes
a part, not however so as to refer the good of the whole to itself, but
rather itself to the good of the whole.
Reply to Objection 3: That a man wishes to enjoy God pertains to that love of God
which is love of concupiscence. Now we love God with the love of
friendship more than with the love of concupiscence, because the Divine
good is greater in itself, than our share of good in enjoying Him. Hence,
out of charity, man simply loves God more than himself.
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Second Part of the Second Part [<< | >>]
Question: 26 [<< | >>]
Article: 4 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that a man ought not, out of charity, to love
himself more than his neighbor. For the principal object of charity is
God, as stated above (Article [2]; Question [25], Articles [1],12). Now sometimes our neighbor
is more closely united to God than we are ourselves. Therefore we ought
to love such a one more than ourselves.
Objection 2: Further, the more we love a person, the more we avoid injuring
him. Now a man, out of charity, submits to injury for his neighbor's
sake, according to Prov. 12:26: "He that neglecteth a loss for the sake
of a friend, is just." Therefore a man ought, out of charity, to love his
neighbor more than himself.
Objection 3: Further, it is written (1 Cor. 13:5) "charity seeketh not its
own." Now the thing we love most is the one whose good we seek most.
Therefore a man does not, out of charity, love himself more than his
neighbor.
On the contrary, It is written (Lev. 19:18, Mt. 22:39): "Thou shalt love
thy neighbor (Lev. 19:18: 'friend') as thyself." Whence it seems to
follow that man's love for himself is the model of his love for another.
But the model exceeds the copy. Therefore, out of charity, a man ought to
love himself more than his neighbor.
I answer that, There are two things in man, his spiritual nature and his
corporeal nature. And a man is said to love himself by reason of his
loving himself with regard to his spiritual nature, as stated above
(Question [25], Article [7]): so that accordingly, a man ought, out of charity, to love
himself more than he loves any other person.
This is evident from the very reason for loving: since, as stated above
(Question [25], Articles [1],12), God is loved as the principle of good, on which the
love of charity is founded; while man, out of charity, loves himself by
reason of his being a partaker of the aforesaid good, and loves his
neighbor by reason of his fellowship in that good. Now fellowship is a
reason for love according to a certain union in relation to God.
Wherefore just as unity surpasses union, the fact that man himself has a
share of the Divine good, is a more potent reason for loving than that
another should be a partner with him in that share. Therefore man, out of
charity, ought to love himself more than his neighbor: in sign whereof, a
man ought not to give way to any evil of sin, which counteracts his share
of happiness, not even that he may free his neighbor from sin.
Reply to Objection 1: The love of charity takes its quantity not only from its
object which is God, but also from the lover, who is the man that has
charity, even as the quantity of any action depends in some way on the
subject. Wherefore, though a better neighbor is nearer to God, yet
because he is not as near to the man who has charity, as this man is to
himself, it does not follow that a man is bound to love his neighbor more
than himself.
Reply to Objection 2: A man ought to bear bodily injury for his friend's sake,
and precisely in so doing he loves himself more as regards his spiritual
mind, because it pertains to the perfection of virtue, which is a good of
the mind. In spiritual matters, however, man ought not to suffer injury
by sinning, in order to free his neighbor from sin, as stated above.
Reply to Objection 3: As Augustine says in his Rule (Ep. ccxi), the saying,
"'charity seeks not her own,' means that it prefers the common to the
private good." Now the common good is always more lovable to the
individual than his private good, even as the good of the whole is more
lovable to the part, than the latter's own partial good, as stated above
(Article [3]).
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Question: 26 [<< | >>]
Article: 5 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that a man is not bound to love his neighbor more
than his own body. For his neighbor includes his neighbor's body. If
therefore a man ought to love his neighbor more than his own body, it
follows that he ought to love his neighbor's body more than his own.
Objection 2: Further, a man ought to love his own soul more than his
neighbor's, as stated above (Article [4]). Now a man's own body is nearer to his
soul than his neighbor. Therefore we ought to love our body more than our
neighbor.
Objection 3: Further, a man imperils that which he loves less for the sake of
what he loves more. Now every man is not bound to imperil his own body
for his neighbor's safety: this belongs to the perfect, according to Jn.
15:13: "Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life
for his friends." Therefore a man is not bound, out of charity, to love
his neighbor more than his own body.
On the contrary, Augustine says (De Doctr. Christ. i, 27) that "we ought
to love our neighbor more than our own body."
I answer that, Out of charity we ought to love more that which has more
fully the reason for being loved out of charity, as stated above (Article [2]; Question [25], Article [12]). Now fellowship in the full participation of happiness
which is the reason for loving one's neighbor, is a greater reason for
loving, than the participation of happiness by way of overflow, which is
the reason for loving one's own body. Therefore, as regards the welfare
of the soul we ought to love our neighbor more than our own body.
Reply to Objection 1: According to the Philosopher (Ethic. ix, 8) a thing seems
to be that which is predominant in it: so that when we say that we ought
to love our neighbor more than our own body, this refers to his soul,
which is his predominant part.
Reply to Objection 2: Our body is nearer to our soul than our neighbor, as
regards the constitution of our own nature: but as regards the
participation of happiness, our neighbor's soul is more closely
associated with our own soul, than even our own body is.
Reply to Objection 3: Every man is immediately concerned with the care of his own
body, but not with his neighbor's welfare, except perhaps in cases of
urgency: wherefore charity does not necessarily require a man to imperil
his own body for his neighbor's welfare, except in a case where he is
under obligation to do so and if a man of his own accord offer himself
for that purpose, this belongs to the perfection of charity.
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Question: 26 [<< | >>]
Article: 6 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that we ought not to love one neighbor more than
another. For Augustine says (De Doctr. Christ. i, 28): "One ought to love
all men equally. Since, however, one cannot do good to all, we ought to
consider those chiefly who by reason of place, time or any other
circumstance, by a kind of chance, are more closely united to us."
Therefore one neighbor ought not to be loved more than another.
Objection 2: Further, where there is one and the same reason for loving
several, there should be no inequality of love. Now there is one and the
same reason for loving all one's neighbors, which reason is God, as
Augustine states (De Doctr. Christ. i, 27). Therefore we ought to love
all our neighbors equally.
Objection 3: Further, to love a man is to wish him good things, as the
Philosopher states (Rhet. ii, 4). Now to all our neighbors we wish an
equal good, viz. everlasting life. Therefore we ought to love all our
neighbors equally.
On the contrary, One's obligation to love a person is proportionate to
the gravity of the sin one commits in acting against that love. Now it is
a more grievous sin to act against the love of certain neighbors, than
against the love of others. Hence the commandment (Lev. 10:9), "He that
curseth his father or mother, dying let him die," which does not apply to
those who cursed others than the above. Therefore we ought to love some
neighbors more than others.
I answer that, There have been two opinions on this question: for some
have said that we ought, out of charity, to love all our neighbors
equally, as regards our affection, but not as regards the outward effect.
They held that the order of love is to be understood as applying to
outward favors, which we ought to confer on those who are connected with
us in preference to those who are unconnected, and not to the inward
affection, which ought to be given equally to all including our enemies.
But this is unreasonable. For the affection of charity, which is the
inclination of grace, is not less orderly than the natural appetite,
which is the inclination of nature, for both inclinations flow from
Divine wisdom. Now we observe in the physical order that the natural
inclination in each thing is proportionate to the act or movement that is
becoming to the nature of that thing: thus in earth the inclination of
gravity is greater than in water, because it is becoming to earth to be
beneath water. Consequently the inclination also of grace which is the
effect of charity, must needs be proportionate to those actions which
have to be performed outwardly, so that, to wit, the affection of our
charity be more intense towards those to whom we ought to behave with
greater kindness.
We must, therefore, say that, even as regards the affection we ought to
love one neighbor more than another. The reason is that, since the
principle of love is God, and the person who loves, it must needs be that
the affection of love increases in proportion to the nearness to one or
the other of those principles. For as we stated above (Article [1]), wherever we
find a principle, order depends on relation to that principle.
Reply to Objection 1: Love can be unequal in two ways: first on the part of the
good we wish our friend. In this respect we love all men equally out of
charity: because we wish them all one same generic good, namely
everlasting happiness. Secondly love is said to be greater through its
action being more intense: and in this way we ought not to love all
equally.
Or we may reply that we have unequal love for certain persons in two
ways: first, through our loving some and not loving others. As regards
beneficence we are bound to observe this inequality, because we cannot do
good to all: but as regards benevolence, love ought not to be thus
unequal. The other inequality arises from our loving some more than
others: and Augustine does not mean to exclude the latter inequality, but
the former, as is evident from what he says of beneficence.
Reply to Objection 2: Our neighbors are not all equally related to God; some are
nearer to Him, by reason of their greater goodness, and those we ought,
out of charity, to love more than those who are not so near to Him.
Reply to Objection 3: This argument considers the quantity of love on the part of
the good which we wish our friends.
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Question: 26 [<< | >>]
Article: 7 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that we ought to love those who are better more
than those who are more closely united to us. For that which is in no way
hateful seems more lovable than that which is hateful for some reason:
just as a thing is all the whiter for having less black mixed with it.
Now those who are connected with us are hateful for some reason,
according to Lk. 14:26: "If any man come to Me, and hate not his father,"
etc. On the other hand good men are not hateful for any reason. Therefore
it seems that we ought to love those who are better more than those who
are more closely connected with us.
Objection 2: Further, by charity above all, man is likened to God. But God
loves more the better man. Therefore man also, out of charity, ought to
love the better man more than one who is more closely united to him.
Objection 3: Further, in every friendship that ought to be loved most which
has most to do with the foundation of that friendship: for, by natural
friendship we love most those who are connected with us by nature, our
parents for instance, or our children. Now the friendship of charity is
founded upon the fellowship of happiness, which has more to do with
better men than with those who are more closely united to us. Therefore,
out of charity, we ought to love better men more than those who are more
closely connected with us.
On the contrary, It is written (1 Tim. 5:8): "If any man have not care
of his own and especially of those of his house, he hath denied the
faith, and is worse than an infidel." Now the inward affection of charity
ought to correspond to the outward effect. Therefore charity regards
those who are nearer to us before those who are better.
I answer that, Every act should be proportionate both to its object and
to the agent. But from its object it takes its species, while, from the
power of the agent it takes the mode of its intensity: thus movement has
its species from the term to which it tends, while the intensity of its
speed arises from the disposition of the thing moved and the power of the
mover. Accordingly love takes its species from its object, but its
intensity is due to the lover.
Now the object of charity's love is God, and man is the lover. Therefore
the specific diversity of the love which is in accordance with charity,
as regards the love of our neighbor, depends on his relation to God, so
that, out of charity, we should wish a greater good to one who is nearer
to God; for though the good which charity wishes to all, viz. everlasting
happiness, is one in itself, yet it has various degrees according to
various shares of happiness, and it belongs to charity to wish God's
justice to be maintained, in accordance with which better men have a
fuller share of happiness. And this regards the species of love; for
there are different species of love according to the different goods that
we wish for those whom we love.
On the other hand, the intensity of love is measured with regard to the
man who loves, and accordingly man loves those who are more closely
united to him, with more intense affection as to the good he wishes for
them, than he loves those who are better as to the greater good he wishes
for them.
Again a further difference must be observed here: for some neighbors are
connected with us by their natural origin, a connection which cannot be
severed, since that origin makes them to be what they are. But the
goodness of virtue, wherein some are close to God, can come and go,
increase and decrease, as was shown above (Question [24], Articles [4],10,11). Hence it
is possible for one, out of charity, to wish this man who is more closely
united to one, to be better than another, and so reach a higher degree of
happiness.
Moreover there is yet another reason for which, out of charity, we love
more those who are more nearly connected with us, since we love them in
more ways. For, towards those who are not connected with us we have no
other friendship than charity, whereas for those who are connected with
us, we have certain other friendships, according to the way in which
they are connected. Now since the good on which every other friendship of
the virtuous is based, is directed, as to its end, to the good on which
charity is based, it follows that charity commands each act of another
friendship, even as the art which is about the end commands the art which
is about the means. Consequently this very act of loving someone because
he is akin or connected with us, or because he is a fellow-countryman or
for any like reason that is referable to the end of charity, can be
commanded by charity, so that, out of charity both eliciting and
commanding, we love in more ways those who are more nearly connected with
us.
Reply to Objection 1: We are commanded to hate, in our kindred, not their
kinship, but only the fact of their being an obstacle between us and God.
In this respect they are not akin but hostile to us, according to Micah
7:6: "A men's enemies are they of his own household."
Reply to Objection 2: Charity conforms man to God proportionately, by making man
comport himself towards what is his, as God does towards what is His. For
we may, out of charity, will certain things as becoming to us which God
does not will, because it becomes Him not to will them, as stated above
(FS, Question [19], Article [10]), when we were treating of the goodness of the will.
Reply to Objection 3: Charity elicits the act of love not only as regards the
object, but also as regards the lover, as stated above. The result is
that the man who is more nearly united to us is more loved.
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Second Part of the Second Part [<< | >>]
Question: 26 [<< | >>]
Article: 8 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that we ought not to love more those who are more
closely united to us by ties of blood. For it is written (Prov. 18:24):
"A man amiable in society, shall be more friendly than a brother." Again,
Valerius Maximus says (Fact. et Dict. Memor. iv 7): "The ties of
friendship are most strong and in no way yield to the ties of blood."
Moreover it is quite certain and undeniable, that as to the latter, the
lot of birth is fortuitous, whereas we contract the former by an
untrammelled will, and a solid pledge. Therefore we ought not to love
more than others those who are united to us by ties of blood.
Objection 2: Further, Ambrose says (De Officiis i, 7): "I love not less you
whom I have begotten in the Gospel, than if I had begotten you in
wedlock, for nature is no more eager to love than grace." Surely we ought
to love those whom we expect to be with us for ever more than those who
will be with us only in this world. Therefore we should not love our
kindred more than those who are otherwise connected with us.
Objection 3: Further, "Love is proved by deeds," as Gregory states (Hom. in
Evang. xxx). Now we are bound to do acts of love to others than our
kindred: thus in the army a man must obey his officer rather than his
father. Therefore we are not bound to love our kindred most of all.
On the contrary, The commandments of the decalogue contain a special
precept about the honor due to our parents (Ex. 20:12). Therefore we
ought to love more specially those who are united to us by ties of blood.
I answer that, As stated above (Article [7]), we ought out of charity to love
those who are more closely united to us more, both because our love for
them is more intense, and because there are more reasons for loving them.
Now intensity of love arises from the union of lover and beloved: and
therefore we should measure the love of different persons according to
the different kinds of union, so that a man is more loved in matters
touching that particular union in respect of which he is loved. And,
again, in comparing love to love we should compare one union with
another. Accordingly we must say that friendship among blood relations is
based upon their connection by natural origin, the friendship of
fellow-citizens on their civic fellowship, and the friendship of those
who are fighting side by side on the comradeship of battle. Wherefore in
matters pertaining to nature we should love our kindred most, in matters
concerning relations between citizens, we should prefer our
fellow-citizens, and on the battlefield our fellow-soldiers. Hence the
Philosopher says (Ethic. ix, 2) that "it is our duty to render to each
class of people such respect as is natural and appropriate. This is in
fact the principle upon which we seem to act, for we invite our relations
to a wedding . . . It would seem to be a special duty to afford our
parents the means of living . . . and to honor them."
The same applies to other kinds of friendship.
If however we compare union with union, it is evident that the union
arising from natural origin is prior to, and more stable than, all
others, because it is something affecting the very substance, whereas
other unions supervene and may cease altogether. Therefore the friendship
of kindred is more stable, while other friendships may be stronger in
respect of that which is proper to each of them.
Reply to Objection 1: In as much as the friendship of comrades originates through
their own choice, love of this kind takes precedence of the love of
kindred in matters where we are free to do as we choose, for instance in
matters of action. Yet the friendship of kindred is more stable, since it
is more natural, and preponderates over others in matters touching
nature: consequently we are more beholden to them in the providing of
necessaries.
Reply to Objection 2: Ambrose is speaking of love with regard to favors
respecting the fellowship of grace, namely, moral instruction. For in
this matter, a man ought to provide for his spiritual children whom he
has begotten spiritually, more than for the sons of his body, whom he is
bound to support in bodily sustenance.
Reply to Objection 3: The fact that in the battle a man obeys his officer rather
than his father proves, that he loves his father less, not simply
relatively, i.e. as regards the love which is based on fellowship in
battle.
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Question: 26 [<< | >>]
Article: 9 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It seems that a man ought, out of charity, to love his children
more than his father. For we ought to love those more to whom we are more
bound to do good. Now we are more bound to do good to our children than
to our parents, since the Apostle says (2 Cor. 12:14): "Neither ought the
children to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children."
Therefore a man ought to love his children more than his parents.
Objection 2: Further, grace perfects nature. But parents naturally love their
children more than these love them, as the Philosopher states (Ethic.
viii, 12). Therefore a man ought to love his children more than his
parents.
Objection 3: Further, man's affections are conformed to God by charity. But
God loves His children more than they love Him. Therefore we also ought
to love our children more than our parents.
On the contrary, Ambrose [*Origen, Hom. ii in Cant.] says: "We ought to
love God first, then our parents, then our children, and lastly those of
our household."
I answer that, As stated above (Article [4], ad 1; Article [7]), the degrees of love
may be measured from two standpoints. First, from that of the object. In
this respect the better a thing is, and the more like to God, the more is
it to be loved: and in this way a man ought to love his father more than
his children, because, to wit, he loves his father as his principle, in
which respect he is a more exalted good and more like God.
Secondly, the degrees of love may be measured from the standpoint of the
lover, and in this respect a man loves more that which is more closely
connected with him, in which way a man's children are more lovable to him
than his father, as the Philosopher states (Ethic. viii). First, because
parents love their children as being part of themselves, whereas the
father is not part of his son, so that the love of a father for his
children, is more like a man's love for himself. Secondly, because
parents know better that so and so is their child than vice versa.
Thirdly, because children are nearer to their parents, as being part of
them, than their parents are to them to whom they stand in the relation
of a principle. Fourthly, because parents have loved longer, for the
father begins to love his child at once, whereas the child begins to
love his father after a lapse of time; and the longer love lasts, the
stronger it is, according to Ecclus. 9:14: "Forsake not an old friend,
for the new will not be like to him."
Reply to Objection 1: The debt due to a principle is submission of respect and
honor, whereas that due to the effect is one of influence and care. Hence
the duty of children to their parents consists chiefly in honor: while
that of parents to their children is especially one of care.
Reply to Objection 2: It is natural for a man as father to love his children
more, if we consider them as closely connected with him: but if we
consider which is the more exalted good, the son naturally loves his
father more.
Reply to Objection 3: As Augustine says (De Doctr. Christ. i, 32), God loves us
for our good and for His honor. Wherefore since our father is related to
us as principle, even as God is, it belongs properly to the father to
receive honor from his children, and to the children to be provided by
their parents with what is good for them. Nevertheless in cases of
necessity the child is bound out of the favors received to provide for
his parents before all.
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Article: 10 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that a man ought to love his mother more than his
father. For, as the Philosopher says (De Gener. Animal. i, 20), "the
female produces the body in generation." Now man receives his soul, not
from his father, but from God by creation, as stated in the FP, Question [90],
Article [2]; Question [118]. Therefore a man receives more from his mother than from his
father: and consequently he ought to love her more than him.
Objection 2: Further, where greater love is given, greater love is due. Now a
mother loves her child more than the father does: for the Philosopher
says (Ethic. ix, 7) that "mothers have greater love for their children.
For the mother labors more in child-bearing, and she knows more surely
than the father who are her children."
Objection 3: Further, love should be more fond towards those who have labored
for us more, according to Rm. 16:6: "Salute Mary, who hath labored much
among you." Now the mother labors more than the father in giving birth
and education to her child; wherefore it is written (Ecclus. 7:29):
"Forget not the groanings of thy mother." Therefore a man ought to love
his mother more than his father.
On the contrary, Jerome says on Ezech. 44:25 that "man ought to love God
the Father of all, and then his own father," and mentions the mother
afterwards.
I answer that, In making such comparisons as this, we must take the
answer in the strict sense, so that the present question is whether the
father as father, ought to be loved more than the mother as mother. The
reason is that virtue and vice may make such a difference in such like
matters, that friendship may be diminished or destroyed, as the
Philosopher remarks (Ethic. viii, 7). Hence Ambrose [*Origen, Hom. ii in
Cant.] says: "Good servants should be preferred to wicked children."
Strictly speaking, however, the father should be loved more than the
mother. For father and mother are loved as principles of our natural
origin. Now the father is principle in a more excellent way than the
mother, because he is the active principle, while the mother is a passive
and material principle. Consequently, strictly speaking, the father is to
be loved more.
Reply to Objection 1: In the begetting of man, the mother supplies the formless
matter of the body; and the latter receives its form through the
formative power that is in the semen of the father. And though this power
cannot create the rational soul, yet it disposes the matter of the body
to receive that form.
Reply to Objection 2: This applies to another kind of love. For the friendship
between lover and lover differs specifically from the friendship between
child and parent: while the friendship we are speaking of here, is that
which a man owes his father and mother through being begotten of them.
The Reply to the Third Objection is evident.
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Objection 1: It would seem that a man ought to love his wife more than his
father and mother. For no man leaves a thing for another unless he love
the latter more. Now it is written (Gn. 2:24) that "a man shell leave
father and mother" on account of his wife. Therefore a man ought to love
his wife more than his father and mother.
Objection 2: Further, the Apostle says (Eph. 5:33) that a husband should "love
his wife as himself." Now a man ought to love himself more than his
parents. Therefore he ought to love his wife also more than his parents.
Objection 2: Further, love should be greater where there are more reasons for
loving. Now there are more reasons for love in the friendship of a man
towards his wife. For the Philosopher says (Ethic. viii, 12) that "in
this friendship there are the motives of utility, pleasure, and also of
virtue, if husband and wife are virtuous." Therefore a man's love for his
wife ought to be greater than his love for his parents.
On the contrary, According to Eph. 5:28, "men ought to love their wives
as their own bodies." Now a man ought to love his body less than his
neighbor, as stated above (Article [5]): and among his neighbors he should love
his parents most. Therefore he ought to love his parents more than his
wife.
I answer that, As stated above (Article [9]), the degrees of love may be taken
from the good (which is loved), or from the union between those who love.
On the part of the good which is the object loved, a man should love his
parents more than his wife, because he loves them as his principles and
considered as a more exalted good.
But on the part of the union, the wife ought to be loved more, because
she is united with her husband, as one flesh, according to Mt. 19:6:
"Therefore now they are not two, but one flesh." Consequently a man loves
his wife more intensely, but his parents with greater reverence.
Reply to Objection 1: A man does not in all respects leave his father and mother
for the sake of his wife: for in certain cases a man ought to succor his
parents rather than his wife. He does however leave all his kinsfolk, and
cleaves to his wife as regards the union of carnal connection and
co-habitation.
Reply to Objection 2: The words of the Apostle do not mean that a man ought to
love his wife equally with himself, but that a man's love for himself is
the reason for his love of his wife, since she is one with him.
Reply to Objection 3: There are also several reasons for a man's love for his
father; and these, in a certain respect, namely, as regards good, are
more weighty than those for which a man loves his wife; although the
latter outweigh the former as regards the closeness of the union.
As to the argument in the contrary sense, it must be observed that in
the words quoted, the particle "as" denotes not equality of love but the
motive of love. For the principal reason why a man loves his wife is her
being united to him in the flesh.
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Article: 12 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that a man ought to love his benefactor more than
one he has benefited. For Augustine says (De Catech. Rud. iv): "Nothing
will incite another more to love you than that you love him first: for he
must have a hard heart indeed, who not only refuses to love, but declines
to return love already given." Now a man's benefactor forestalls him in
the kindly deeds of charity. Therefore we ought to love our benefactors
above all.
Objection 2: Further, the more grievously we sin by ceasing to love a man or
by working against him, the more ought we to love him. Now it is a more
grievous sin to cease loving a benefactor or to work against him, than to
cease loving one to whom one has hitherto done kindly actions. Therefore
we ought to love our benefactors more than those to whom we are kind.
Objection 3: Further, of all things lovable, God is to be loved most, and then
one's father, as Jerome says [*Comment. in Ezechiel xliv, 25]. Now these
are our greatest benefactors. Therefore a benefactor should be loved
above all others.
On the contrary, The Philosopher says (Ethic. ix, 7), that "benefactors
seem to love recipients of their benefactions, rather than vice versa."
I answer that, As stated above (Articles [9],11), a thing is loved more in two
ways: first because it has the character of a more excellent good,
secondly by reason of a closer connection. In the first way we ought to
love our benefactor most, because, since he is a principle of good to the
man he has benefited, he has the character of a more excellent good, as
stated above with regard to one's father (Article [9]).
In the second way, however, we love those more who have received
benefactions from us, as the Philosopher proves (Ethic. ix, 7) by four
arguments. First because the recipient of benefactions is the handiwork
of the benefactor, so that we are wont to say of a man: "He was made by
so and so." Now it is natural to a man to love his own work (thus it is
to be observed that poets love their own poems): and the reason is that
we love "to be" and "to live," and these are made manifest in our
"action." Secondly, because we all naturally love that in which we see
our own good. Now it is true that the benefactor has some good of his in
the recipient of his benefaction, and the recipient some good in the
benefactor; but the benefactor sees his virtuous good in the recipient,
while the recipient sees his useful good in the benefactor. Now it gives
more pleasure to see one's virtuous good than one's useful good, both
because it is more enduring for usefulness quickly flits by, and the
pleasure of calling a thing to mind is not like the pleasure of having it
present and because it is more pleasant to recall virtuous goods than the
profit we have derived from others. Thirdly, because is it the lover's
part to act, since he wills and works the good of the beloved, while the
beloved takes a passive part in receiving good, so that to love surpasses
being loved, for which reason the greater love is on the part of the
benefactor. Fourthly because it is more difficult to give than to receive
favors: and we are most fond of things which have cost us most trouble,
while we almost despise what comes easy to us.
Reply to Objection 1: It is some thing in the benefactor that incites the
recipient to love him: whereas the benefactor loves the recipient, not
through being incited by him, but through being moved thereto of his own
accord: and what we do of our own accord surpasses what we do through
another.
Reply to Objection 2: The love of the beneficiary for the benefactor is more of a
duty, wherefore the contrary is the greater sin. On the other hand, the
love of the benefactor for the beneficiary is more spontaneous, wherefore
it is quicker to act.
Reply to Objection 3: God also loves us more than we love Him, and parents love
their children more than these love them. Yet it does not follow that we
love all who have received good from us, more than any of our
benefactors. For we prefer such benefactors as God and our parents, from
whom we have received the greatest favors, to those on whom we have
bestowed lesser benefits.
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Article: 13 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that the order of charity does not endure in
heaven. For Augustine says (De Vera Relig. xlviii): "Perfect charity
consists in loving greater goods more, and lesser goods less." Now
charity will be perfect in heaven. Therefore a man will love those who
are better more than either himself or those who are connected with him.
Objection 2: Further, we love more him to whom we wish a greater good. Now
each one in heaven wishes a greater good for those who have more good,
else his will would not be conformed in all things to God's will: and
there to be better is to have more good. Therefore in heaven each one
loves more those who are better, and consequently he loves others more
than himself, and one who is not connected with him, more than one who is.
Objection 3: Further, in heaven love will be entirely for God's sake, for then
will be fulfilled the words of 1 Cor. 15:28: "That God may be all in
all." Therefore he who is nearer God will be loved more, so that a man
will love a better man more than himself, and one who is not connected
with him, more than one who is.
On the contrary, Nature is not done away, but perfected, by glory. Now
the order of charity given above (Articles [2],3,4) is derived from nature:
since all things naturally love themselves more than others. Therefore
this order of charity will endure in heaven.
I answer that, The order of charity must needs remain in heaven, as
regards the love of God above all things. For this will be realized
simply when man shall enjoy God perfectly. But, as regards the order
between man himself and other men, a distinction would seem to be
necessary, because, as we stated above (Articles [7],9), the degrees of love may
be distinguished either in respect of the good which a man desires for
another, or according to the intensity of love itself. In the first way a
man will love better men more than himself, and those who are less good,
less than himself: because, by reason of the perfect conformity of the
human to the Divine will, each of the blessed will desire everyone to
have what is due to him according to Divine justice. Nor will that be a
time for advancing by means of merit to a yet greater reward, as happens
now while it is possible for a man to desire both the virtue and the
reward of a better man, whereas then the will of each one will rest
within the limits determined by God. But in the second way a man will
love himself more than even his better neighbors, because the intensity
of the act of love arises on the part of the person who loves, as stated
above (Articles [7],9). Moreover it is for this that the gift of charity is
bestowed by God on each one, namely, that he may first of all direct his
mind to God, and this pertains to a man's love for himself, and that, in
the second place, he may wish other things to be directed to God, and
even work for that end according to his capacity.
As to the order to be observed among our neighbors, a man will simply
love those who are better, according to the love of charity. Because the
entire life of the blessed consists in directing their minds to God,
wherefore the entire ordering of their love will be ruled with respect to
God, so that each one will love more and reckon to be nearer to himself
those who are nearer to God. For then one man will no longer succor
another, as he needs to in the present life, wherein each man has to
succor those who are closely connected with him rather than those who are
not, no matter what be the nature of their distress: hence it is that in
this life, a man, by the inclination of charity, loves more those who are
more closely united to him, for he is under a greater obligation to
bestow on them the effect of charity. It will however be possible in
heaven for a man to love in several ways one who is connected with him,
since the causes of virtuous love will not be banished from the mind of
the blessed. Yet all these reasons are incomparably surpassed by that
which is taken from nighness to God.
Reply to Objection 1: This argument should be granted as to those who are
connected together; but as regards man himself, he ought to love himself
so much the more than others, as his charity is more perfect, since
perfect entire reason of his love, for God is man's charity directs man
to God perfectly, and this belongs to love of oneself, as stated above.
Reply to Objection 2: This argument considers the order of charity in respect of
the degree of good one wills the person one loves.
Reply to Objection 3: God will be to each one the entire reason of his love, for
God is man's entire good. For if we make the impossible supposition that
God were not man's good, He would not be man's reason for loving. Hence
it is that in the order of love man should love himself more than all
else after God.