There is, by the way, a fine
remark upon Christianity, made by an infidel philosopher of Germany, which
suggests a remarkable feature in the merits of Marcus Aurelius. There
were, as this German philosopher used to observe, two schemes of thinking
amongst the ancients, which severally fulfilled the two functions of a
sound philosophy, as respected the moral nature of man. One of these
schemes presented us with a just ideal of moral excellence, a standard
sufficiently exalted: this was the Stoic philosophy; and thus far its
pretensions were unexceptionable and perfect. But unfortunately, whilst
contemplating this pure ideal of man as he ought to be, the Stoic totally
forgot the frail nature of man as he is; and by refusing all compromises
and all condescensions to human infirmity, this philosophy of the Porch
presented to us a brilliant prize and object for our efforts, but placed
on an inaccessible height.
On the other hand, there was a very different philosophy at the very
antagonist pole,--not blinding itself by abstractions too elevated,
submitting to what it finds, bending to the absolute facts and realities
of man's nature, and affably adapting itself to human imperfections.
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