143. Now we can go
on to speak of kindness, which breaks up into two parts, goodwill and
liberality. Kindness to exist in perfection must consist of these
two qualities. It is not enough just to wish well; we must
also do well. Nor,
again, is it enough to do well, unless this springs from a good source
even from a good will. “For God loveth a cheerful
giver.” 2 Cor. ix. 7. If we act
unwillingly, what is our reward? Wherefore the Apostle, speaking
generally, says: “If I do this thing willingly, I have a
reward, but if unwillingly, a dispensation is given unto
me.” 1 Cor. ix. 17. In the
Gospel, also, we have received many rules of just
liberality.