but seek some path on which the tendencies shall no longer oppose,
but serve each other to a common end. It demands that we shall not
pursue broken ends, but great and comprehensive purposes, in which
soul and body may unite like notes in a harmonious chord. That
were indeed a way of peace and pleasure, that were indeed a heaven
upon earth. It does not demand, however, or, to speak in measure,
it does not demand of me, that I should starve my appetites for no
purpose under heaven but as a purpose in itself; or, in a weak
despair, pluck out the eye that I have not yet learned to guide and
enjoy with wisdom. The soul demands unity of purpose, not the
dismemberment of man; it seeks to roll up all his strength and
sweetness, all his passion and wisdom, into one, and make of him a
perfect man exulting in perfection. To conclude ascetically is to
give up, and not to solve, the problem. The ascetic and the
creeping hog, although they are at different poles, have equally
failed in life. The one has sacrificed his crew; the other brings
back his seamen in a cock-boat, and has lost the ship. I believe
there are not many sea-captains who would plume themselves on
either result as a success.

But if it is righteousness thus to fuse together our divisive
impulses and march with one mind through life, there is plainly one
thing more unrighteous than all others, and one declension which is
irretrievable and draws on the rest. And this is to lose
consciousness of oneself. In the best of times, it is but by
flashes, when our whole nature is clear, strong and conscious, and
events conspire to leave us free, that we enjoy communion with our
soul. At the worst, we are so fallen and passive that we may say
shortly we have none. An arctic torpor seizes upon men. Although
built of nerves, and set adrift in a stimulating world, they