The following "Notes" were published in The New Century December 4th, 1897, and have been here reprinted by request. They will probably be better understood by some now than when they were written.
NOTES.
"He whose mind is free from the illusion of self, will stand and not fall in the battle of life."
It is not in the nature of an honest man to live for himself and be satisfied; when one arrives at that point where he says — "Lo! I am satisfied, I am sufficient unto myself. Behold I need neitherhelper or teacher — Karma must take its course" — then you may be sure that that one is either a weakling, a fool, or a caricature.
Possibly he may be a hypocrite of an ambitious mind, seeking to create a little world of his own wherein he may hold sway, and pose before men as the light of the coming ages.
Such as he may even cry freedom, liberty, distinctive independence, from the house-tops, the by-ways, and the highways; or he may be one of a more subtle kind, standing apart from the "common herd" and in the society of' "well groomed men and women" writing and talking, in whispers of warning of the coming dangers that await those who do not seek independence and follow him into his self-made kingdom of liberty. How much we have to learn when we see appearances like these, and realize the condition of the present time, and the battle that lies before us on the material and spiritual plane.
Are there not in our civilization today signs that mark a unique barbarism among us, showing an immense danger of retrogression? Can we not see in spite of all the good there is in the world, that the very blood of some of our brothers is teeming with a heartless cruelty, a subtle viciousness, and a monstrous selfishness and hypocrisy? Is not the world brimful of unrest, unhappiness, injustice, and despair; and are we not on the very edge of a condition which, if not improved, must sweep away the bright prospects of our present civilization?
Viewing the present striking aspects can we for one moment be satisfied to live contentedly and selfishly in the shadow of darkness and unrest? Is it possible for anyone having one grain of human pity in his heart, or love of truth and justice, to do aught but work, work, all the time unflinchingly, and unselfishly for his brother man and all creatures, — not apart, but among them, with a courage and devotion that obscures all thought of self — on a line of simple justice and in the spirit of true peace.
"We need not fear excessive influence. A more generous trust is permitted. Stick at no humiliation. Grudge no office thou canst render. Be the limb of their body, the breath of their mouth. Compromise thy egotism. Who cares for that, so thou gain aught wider and nobler? never mind the taunt of Boswellism: the devotion may easily be greater than the wretched pride which is guarding its own skirts."
The recognition of the divinity in us all, is necessary to comprehend the foundation of brotherhood. The paths we have trodden in learning Nature's laws should enable us to extend invaluable assistance to our fellow men.
Dr. Minot J. Savage is giving a series of lectures in this city on the subject of "Unitarianism." In the first sermon of the course, preached last Sunday, he made the statement that liberality of thought might belong to any people of any country and be accepted by them as expressing their innate religion. Dr. Savage said: "We have discovered the unity of thought, and we have learned to know that there is just one thought in the universe. Should we not believe in the unity of God when we see one eternal changeless order? There is a unity of love, of man, of ethics, righteousness. There is but one religion. All of us are the children of God. There is but one destiny. Some day every soul, however stained, however small, however distorted, will rise."