HERE BEGINNETH THE FOUR AND TWENTIETH CHAPTER
What charity is in itself, and how it is truly and perfectly
contained in the work of this
book.
AND as it is said of meekness, how that it is truly and perfectly comprehended
in this little blind love pressed, when it is beating upon this dark cloud of
unknowing, all other things put down and forgotten: so it is to be understood
of all other virtues, and specially of charity.
For charity is nought else to bemean to thine
understanding, but love of God for Himself above all creatures, and of man for
God even as thyself. And that in this work God is loved for Himself, and above
all creatures, it seemeth right well. For as it is said before, that
the substance of this work is nought else but a naked intent directed unto God
for Himself.
A naked intent I call it. For why, in this work a
perfect Prentice asketh neither releasing of pain, nor increasing of meed, nor
shortly to say, nought but Himself. Insomuch, that neither he recketh nor
looketh after whether that he be in pain or in bliss, else that His will be
fulfilled that he loveth. And thus it seemeth that in this work God is
perfectly loved for Himself, and that above all creatures. For in this work, a
perfect worker may not suffer the memory of the holiest creature that ever God
made to commune with him.
And that in this work the second and the lower
branch of charity unto thine even-christian is verily and perfectly fulfilled,
it seemeth by the proof. For why, in this work a perfect worker hath no special
beholding unto any man by himself, whether that he be kin or stranger, friend
or foe. For all men him thinks equally kin unto him, and no man
stranger. All men him thinks be his friends, and none his foes. Insomuch, that
him thinks all those that pain him and do him disease in this life, they be his
full and his special friends: and him thinketh, that he is stirred to will them
as much good, as he would to the homeliest friend that he hath.