have room
and right to expect an equivalent exchange; and such is the character of
all social virtues, that they are useful to the man who practises them,
by the right of reciprocity which they give him over those who are
benefited by them.

Q. Charity is then nothing but justice?

A. No: it is only justice; with this slight difference, that strict
justice confines itself to saying, "Do not to another the harm you would
not wish he should do to you;" and that charity, or the love of one's
neighbor, extends so far as to say, "Do to another the good which you
would wish to receive from him." Thus when the gospel said, that this
precept contained the whole of the law and the prophets, it announced
nothing more than the precept of the law of nature.

Q. Does it enjoin forgiveness of injuries?

A. Yes, when that forgiveness implies self-preservation.

Q. Does it prescribe to us, after having received a blow on one cheek,
to hold out the other?

A. No; for it is, in the first place, contrary to the precept of loving
our neighbor as ourselves, since thereby we should love, more than
ourselves, him who makes an attack on our preservation. Secondly, such
a precept in its literal sense, encourages the wicked to oppression
and injustice. The law of nature has been more wise in prescribing a
calculated proportion of courage and moderation, which induces us to
forget a first or unpremediated injury, but which punishes every act
tending to oppression.

Q. Does the law of nature prescribe to do good to others beyond the
bounds of reason and measure?

A. No; for it is a sure way of leading them to ingratitude. Such is the
force of sentiment and justice implanted in the heart of man, that he
is not even grateful for benefits conferred without discretion. There is
only one measure with them, and that is to be just.

Q. Is alms-giving a virtuous action?

A. Yes, when it is practised according to the rule first mentioned;
without which it degenerates into imprudence and vice, inasmuch as it
encourages laziness, which is hurtful to the beggar and to society;
no one has a right to partake of the property and fruits of another's
labor, without rendering an equivalent of his own industry.

Q. Does the law of nature consider as virtues faith and hope, which are
often joined with charity?

A. No; for they are ideas without reality; and if any effects result
from them, they turn rather to the profit of those who have not those
ide