God loves from whole to parts: but human soul Must rise from individual to the whole.
 Alexander Pope, An Essay on Man (1734). copy citation

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Author Alexander Pope
Source An Essay on Man
Topic love God
Date 1734
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/2428/2428-h/2428-h.htm

Context

“Extend it, let thy enemies have part: Grasp the whole worlds of reason, life, and sense, In one close system of benevolence: Happier as kinder, in whate'er degree, And height of bliss but height of charity. God loves from whole to parts: but human soul Must rise from individual to the whole. Self-love but serves the virtuous mind to wake, As the small pebble stirs the peaceful lake! The centre moved, a circle straight succeeds, Another still, and still another spreads; Friend, parent, neighbour, first it will embrace;” source