OUTSIDE OF CHARITY THERE IS NO SALVATION.

These principles, for me, do not exist merely in theory, for I put them into practice; I do as much good as my position permits; I render services when I can; the poor have never been turned away from my door, or treated with harshness; they were always received, at any hour, with the same benevolence; I have never complained of the steps I have taken to do a kindness; fathers of families have come out of prison thanks to my efforts. Certainly, it is not for me to make an inventory of the good I have been able to do; but, from the moment they seem to forget everything, it is permissible for me, I believe, to recall that my conscience tells me I have never done harm to anyone, that I have practiced all the good that was within my reach, and this, I repeat, without concerning myself with the opinion of anyone whatsoever. In this regard I bear a tranquil conscience; and the ingratitude with which I have been repaid on more than one occasion will not be a reason for me to cease practicing it. Ingratitude is one of the imperfections of Humanity and, since none of us is exempt from reproach, we must excuse others, so that they may excuse us, in such a way that we can say like Jesus Christ: “let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” I shall therefore continue to do all the good I possibly can, even to my enemies, for hatred does not blind me. I shall always extend my hands to them, to draw them out of a precipice, should the opportunity present itself. This is how I understand Christian charity. I understand a religion that prescribes that we repay evil with good and, with all the more reason, that we repay good with good. Never, however, would I understand one that prescribed that we repay evil with evil. (Intimate thoughts of Allan Kardec, in a document found among his papers.)