I see your meaning, sir. The Gospel refers all moral intelligence to the Light of Love within our hearts. Therefore, the very reading of the canons, of every prescriptive line in it, must be by this light.
That is my meaning--but not my whole meaning, dear Seward. For take it, as it unequivocally declares itself to be, a Revelation--not simply of instruction, committed now and for ever to men in written human words, and so left--but accompanied with a perpetual agency to enable Will and Understanding to receive it; and then it will follow, I believe, that it is at every moment intelligible and applicable in its full sense, only by a direct and present inspiration--is it too much to say--anew revealing itself? "They shall be taught of God."
So far, then, from the Christian Morality being one of which the Standard is applicable by every Understanding, with like result in given cases, it is one that is different to every Christian in proportion to his obedience?
Even so. I suppose that none have ever reached the full understanding of it. It is an evergrowing illumination--a light more and more unto the perfect day--which day I suppose cannot be of the same life, in which we see as through a glass darkly.
May I offer an illustration? The land shall descend to the eldest son--you shall love your neighbour as yourself. In the two codes these are foundation-stones. But see how they differ! There is the land--here is the eldest son--the right is clear and fast--and the case done with. But--do to thy neighbour! Do what? and to whom?
All human actions, all human affections, all human thoughts are then contained in the one Law--as the _subject_ of which it defines the disposal. All mankind, but distributed into communities, and individuals all differently related to me are contained in it, as the parties in respect of whom it defines the disposal!
And what is the Form? Do as thou wouldst it be done to thee!
Ay--my dear friend--The form resolves into a feeling. Love thy neighbour. That is all. Is a measure given? As thyself.
By the whole apposition, thy love to thyself and thy neighbour are both to be put together in subordination to, and limitation and regulation by--thy Love to God. Love Him utterly--infinitely--with all thy mind, all thy heart, all thy strength. This is the entire book or canon--THE STANDARD. How wholly indefinite and formless, to the Understanding! How full of light and form to the believing and loving Heart!