But by that rule we cannot love every one, for every one is not good. Be
not too sure of that. All are not good, alas! but in all there is some
good. It may be a very little,--a hope of glory in them, even though
that hope be very faint. It may be dying out; it may die altogether, and
their souls may become utterly base and evil, and be lost for ever.
Still, while there is life there is hope, even for the worst; and just as
far as our hearts are full of the Spirit of God, we shall see the Spirit
of God striving with the souls even of the worst men, and love them for
that. Just as far as we have the likeness of Christ in us, we shall be
quick to catch the least gleam of His likeness in our neighbours, and
love them for that. Just as far as our hearts are full of love we shall
see something worth loving in every human being we meet, and love them
for that. I know it is difficult. It is not gotten in a day, that wide
and deep spirit of love to all mankind which St Paul had; which made him
weep with those who wept and rejoice with those who rejoiced, and become
all things to all men, if by any means he might save some.
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