Goodness, the aim of all religions, is distinct from the religions themselves. Wisdom, the aim of every philosophy, is distinct from all philosophies. The Unfailing Wisdom is found only by constant practice in pure thinking and well-doing; by harmonizing one’s mind and heart to the things that are beautiful, lovable, and true.
In whatever condition a man finds himself, he can always find the True; and he can find it only by so utilizing his present condition as to become strong and wise. The effeminate hankering after rewards, and the craven fear of punishment, let them be put away for ever, and let a man joyfully bend himself to the faithful performance of all his duties, forgetting himself and his worthless pleasures, and living strong and pure and self-contained; so shall he surely find the Unfailing Wisdom, the God-like Patience and strength. “The situation that has not its Duty, its Ideal, was never yet occupied by man . . . . Here or nowhere is thy Ideal. Work it out therefrom, and, working, believe, live,
