Page:The Relations Tolstoy.pdf/13

 The argument that the human race would cease were men to strive with all their might after chastity, is like the one which might be adduced, as in fact it is, that the human race would perish if men were to strive with all their might towards the realization of love towards friends, enemies, and every living creature, instead of continuing the struggle for existence. Such arguments originate in people who fail to understand the difference between two methods of moral guidance.

As there are two methods of indicating the way to a traveler, so also are there two methods of moral guidance for the seeker after truth. One consists in directing the attention of the traveler towards objects he will have to meet, and in shaping his course by these landmarks. The other method consists in giving the man merely a general direction on the compass he carries with him, upon which he sees always one invariable direction, and, therefore, every deviation he may make.

The first method of moral guidance consists in externally defined rules: certain definite precepts of conduct are given to a man as to what he should or should not do. "Keep the Sabbath," "Observe circumcision," "Steal not," "Abstain from wine," "Slay no living creature," "Give tithes to the poor," "Wash and pray five times a day" "Baptize," "Observe Holy Communion," and so forth. Such are the external ordinances of religious teachings: Brahmanism, Buddhism, Mahometanism, Judaism, and Ecclesiasticism (falsely called Christianity).

The other method consists in indicating a perfection never attainable by man, but the aspiration towards which he is conscious of: an ideal is indicated, the measure of his deviation from which man can always see.