Page:The Collected Works of Theodore Parker Discourse volume 1.djvu/49

2 the exponent which indicates the character and degree of development the race has now attained; they are both the result of the Past and the prophecy of the Future.

From a survey of Society, and an examination of human nature, we come at once to the conclusion, that for every institution out of Man except that of Religion, there is a cause within him, either fleeting or permanent; that the natural wants of the body, the desire of food and raiment, comfort and shelter, have organized themselves, and instituted agriculture and the mechanic arts; that the more delicate principles of our nature, love of the Beautiful, the True, the Good, have their organization also; that the passions have their artillery, and all the gentler emotions somewhat external to represent themselves, and reflect their image. Thus the institution of Laws, with their concomitants, the Court-house and the Jail, we refer to the Moral Sense of mankind, combining with the despotic selfishness of the strong, whose might often usurps the place of Justice. Factories and Commerce, Railroads and Banks, Schools and Shops, Armies and Newspapers, are quite easily referred to something analogous in the wants of Man; to a lasting principle, or a transient desire which has projected them out of itself. Thus we see that these institutions out of Man are but the exhibitions of what is in him, and must be referred either to eternal principles, or momentary passions. Society is the work of Man. There is nothing in society which is not also in him.

Now there is one vast institution, which extends more widely than human statutes; claims the larger place in human affairs; takes a deeper hold on men than the terrible pomp of War, the machinery of Science, the panoply of Comfort. This is the institution of Religion, coeval and co-extensive with the human race. Whence comes this? Is there an eternal principle in us all, which legitimately and of necessity leads to this; or does it come, like Piracy, War, the Slave-trade, and so much other business of Society, from the abuse, misdirection, and disease of human nature? Shall we refer this vast institution to a passing passion which the advancing race will outgrow, or does it come from a principle in us deep and lasting as Man?

To this question, for many ages, two answers have been