Page:The Collected Works of Theodore Parker Discourse volume 1.djvu/202

Rh a distinct understanding by all teachers of the two, and attain greater prominence with some. Though a system may have many faults accidentally connected with it, though others may point out the faults and develope the system still further, yet the first principles remain. Thus in Science the maxims of Geometry, in Morals the first truths thereof, must reappear in all the systems.

Now to make a special application of these general remarks: Christianity can be no greater than the Religious Faculty, though it may be less; as the water can of itself rise no higher in the pipe than in the fountain, though if the pipe be defective it may fail of its former height. Religion is the universal term; Absolute Religion and Morality its highest expression; Christianity is a particular form under this universal term; one form of religion among many others. It is either Absolute Religion and Morality, or it is less; greater it cannot be, as there is no greater. Christianity then is a form of Religion. As it is actual, it, must have been revealed; if it is true, it must be natural. It is therefore to be examined and judged of as other forms of Religion, by Reason and the religious Element. It is true or false; perfect or imperfect.

The question then reduces itself to this. Is Christianity the Absolute Religion? To answer this question we must know, first, what Christianity is; secondly, what Absolute Religion is. If Christianity is not the Absolute, we must of course look for a more perfect manifestation of Religion, just as we look for improvements in Science till Philosophy becomes absolute. But if Christianity be this, or involve it, and nothing contradicts or impedes this, then we can expect nothing higher in Religion, for there is no higher; but have only to understand this, and develope its principles; applying it to life, in order to attain perfect religious welfare.

To ascertain what is Absolute Religion, is no difficult matter; for Religion is not an external thing, like Astronomy, to be learned by long observation, and the perfection of scientific instruments and algebraic processes; but something above all, inward and natural to Man. As it was said before, Absolute Religion is perfect obedience to the Law of God; the service of God by the normal use, development, and discipline of every limb of the body,