This
was the philosophy of Epicurus; and undoubtedly, as a beginning, and for
the elementary purpose of conciliating the affections of the pupil, it was
well devised; but here the misfortune was, that the ideal, or _maximum
perfectionis_, attainable by human nature, was pitched so low, that the
humility of its condescensions and the excellence of its means were all to
no purpose, as leading to nothing further. One mode presented a splendid
end, but insulated, and with no means fitted to a human aspirant for
communicating with its splendors; the other, an excellent road, but
leading to no worthy or proportionate end. Yet these, as regarded morals,
were the best and ultimate achievements of the pagan world. Now
Christianity, said he, is the synthesis of whatever is separately
excellent in either. It will abate as little as the haughtiest Stoicism of
the ideal which it contemplates as the first postulate of true morality;
the absolute holiness and purity which it demands are as much raised above
the poor performances of actual man, as the absolute wisdom and
impeccability of the Stoic. Yet, unlike the Stoic scheme, Christianity is
aware of the necessity, and provides for it, that the means of
appropriating this ideal perfection should be such as are consistent with
the nature of a most erring and imperfect creature.
Pages:
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226