Page:Free Opinions, Freely Expressed on Certain Phases of Modern Social Life and Conduct.djvu/63

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The true Christian faith has no dogma,—no form,—no sect. It starts with Christ as God-in-Man, in an all-embracing love for God and His whole Creation, with an explicit and clear understanding (as symbolized so emphatically in the Crucifixion and Resurrection), that each individual Soul is an immortal germ of life, in process of eternal development, to which each new "experience" of thought, whether on this planet or others, adds larger powers, wider intelligence, and intensified consciousness. There are no "isms" in this faith—no bigotry, and no intolerance. It leaves no ground for discussion.

"This is my commandment,—That ye love one another as I have loved you."

It is all there,—simple, straight and pure—no more, no less than this.

"Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of trouble, attempts what is above its strength, pleads no excuse of impossibility. It is, therefore, able to undertake all things, and it completes many things and warrants them to take effect where he who does not love would faint and lie down. Love is watchful, and, sleeping, slumbereth not. Though weary, it is not tired; though alarmed, it is not confounded, but, as a lively flame and burning torch, it forces its way upwards, and securely passes all. . . . Love is born of God and cannot rest but in God, above all created things."

Is our Gospel of modern life and society to-day one of love or of hate? Do we help each other more readily than we kick each other down? Do we prefer to praise or to slander our neighbours? Is it not absolutely true that "a cruel story runs on wheels, and every hand oils the wheels as they