Page:The Collected Works of Theodore Parker Discourse volume 1.djvu/354

Rh gressive and free. Goodness is infinite, but sin and evil finite. It sees a perfect system of optimism everywhere. The infinite Love must desire the best thing, the infinite Wisdom devise means for that end, and the infinite Power bring about the result. All things are overruled for good at the last. Sin is a point which mistaken men pass through in their development. Suffering is Man's instructor. It was good for Isaiah and Stephen and Paul to bear the burdens they bore; Affliction is success in a mask. It makes the world look fair and the face joyful. It hears the word of Love even in the voice of the earthquake and the tread of the pestilence. Evil is not ultimate but transient. It tells man of his noble nature; his lofty duty; his fair destination if faithful. It makes Religion natural to Man; bids him obey its law and be blessed; not to be good or do good for fear of Hell or hope of Heaven, but for itself. It would not have men fear God—the Religion of the Old Testament; but love him—the Religion of the New Testament. It tells us we are made for progressive goodness here, and Heaven hereafter. It denies original sin, or admitting that, makes it of no effect, for Christ has restored all to their first estate; thus avoiding the logical absurdity of the last form. Its Hell is not eternal, for the Infinite Love of God must make the whole of existence a blessing to each man. God is so lovely that we flee, as children, to his arms, a refuge from all the troubles, follies, and sins of life. It shows this uncontainable goodness in earth and sea and sky; in the prophets and apostles, sent to bless; in Jesus, the noble man who came to help the world—to seek and save the lost. It fills the soul with tranquillity, peace, and exceeding trust in God. Serenely the man goes about his duties; is not borne down with his cross, though never so weighty; looks on and smiles, fearing no evil but error and lack of faith. As he looks back, he sees an end of his perfection, but does not despair at the broadness of the divine law, though his steps totter in this infancy of his being, for he sees worlds open before him, where a stronger sunlight and a purer sky await him ; where Reason, Conscience, the Affections, and the Soul shall finish their perfect work, and he shall not be weary with his walk, nor faint though he runs.