ETHICS AND RELIGION. 743 



as a perfect being implies the love of right in man's soul ; but 

 this love may exist in incomplete or feeble form, and may be 

 heightened and developed by constant contemplation of ideal 

 goodness ; it is still further aided by the sentiment of gratitude 

 in response to benefits believed to have been received from the 

 hand of God. 



The effect of such ideals is both to ennoble individual charac- 

 ter and to elevate the moral standard of the community. A con- 

 ception of perfectness formed by the best minds always goes be- 

 yond the general practice, and calls into being principles of action 

 which gradually make their way from the few to the many. A 

 gradual reorganization of society is thus effected ; social inter- 

 course is based on these enlarged ethical views, habits spring up 

 in accordance with them, they create new grooves for men's sym- 

 pathies and interests, so that it becomes, as a rule, easier to act 

 with than against them, easier in general to do right than to do 

 wrong. It is impossible, however, to define the influence of the 

 ideal precisely, to separate it from the general effects of social life. 

 Take, for example, the principles of forgiveness and revenge as 

 they exist among us. The recognized religious ideals in all parts 

 of this country inculcate the duty of forgiveness of injuries, and 

 yet the practice varies greatly in different regions. The differ- 

 ence of custom appears to depend chiefly on difference of social 

 organization. In those communities which are semi-feudal in 

 character, where there is comparatively little social organization, 

 and individuality of action has been cultivated, the habit of re- 

 venge for personal injuries is more common ; while in those com- 

 munities in which commercial interests are stronger, and social 

 combinations firmer and more numerous, personal vengeance is 

 rarer, and the appeal to society and law more frequent. Whether 

 there is a corresponding difference in the temper of the soul may 

 be a question ; yet it is probable that the constant habit of refrain- 

 ing from private retaliation induces a more peaceful and sel*f- 

 restraining attitude of heart. The effect of the religious ideal is, 

 however, seen in individuals in all Christian communities, who 

 practice forgiveness out of loyalty and love to the divine law- 

 giver. And it is impossible to say how far this ideal has every- 

 where affected the feeling of men through the example of those 

 who have manifested obedience to the religious law of for- 

 giveness. 



There are, of course, ethical as well as religious ideals, and 

 these have had their due effect. The moral progress of men has 

 been effected by the combination of the two great factors, the 

 organization of society and ethical-religious ideals. Every step 

 taken toward binding men closer together in social life, and every 

 announcement and practical exhibition of a supereminent ethical 



