Oh let us pray to him to give us truth in
our inward parts; that we may forgive and love, not in word only,
but in deed and in truth.
I could not help saying this in passing. But it is not what the
text is speaking of; not what I want to speak of myself to-day. I
want to speak of a matter which is smaller, and not by any means so
sinful: and which yet in practice is often more tormenting to a
truly tender conscience, because it is more common and more
continual.
How often, when one examines oneself, whether one be in love and
charity with all men, one must recollect that there are many people
whom one does not like. I do not mean that one hates them. Not in
the least: but they do not suit one. There is something in them
which we cannot get on with, as the saying is. Something in their
opinions, manners, ways of talking; even--God forgive us--merely in
their voice, or their looks, or their dress, which frets us, and
gives us what is called an antipathy to them. And one dislikes
them; though they never have harmed us, or we them; and we know
them, perhaps, to be better people than ourselves. Now, are we in
love and charity with these people? I am afraid not.
I know one is tempted to answer; but I am afraid the answer is worth
very little--Why not? We cannot help it.
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