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THIS too has been often proved by many experiments; viz., that those
who entered the bonds of friendship from a beginning of conspiracy, cannot
possibly preserve their harmony unbroken; either because they tried to keep
it not out of their desire for perfection nor because of the sway of
Apostolic love, but out of earthly love, and because of their wants and the
bonds of their agreement; or else because that most crafty foe of ours
hurries them on the more speedily to break the chains of their friendship m
order that he may make them breakers of their oath. This opinion then of
the most prudent men is most certainly established; viz., that true harmony
and undivided union can only exist among those whose life is pure, and who
are men of the same goodness and purpose.
Thus much the blessed Joseph discoursed in his spiritual talk on
friendship, and fired us with a more ardent desire to preserve the love of
our fellowship as a lasting one.
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