[33] Hist. of Europ. Morals, vol. i. p. 36.
[34] Human Personality, vol. ii. p. 313.
[35] Browning, Christmas Eve.
[36] Proleg., p. 198.
[37] Cf. Jones, Browning as Philosophical and Religious Teacher, p. 367.
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CHAPTER XIII
SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS
In last chapter we dealt with the rights and duties of the individual as they are conditioned by his relation to himself, others, and to God. In this chapter it remains to speak more particularly of the organised institutions of society in which the moral life is manifested, and by means of which character is moulded. These are the Family, the State, and the Church. These three types of society, though distinguishable, are closely allied. At first, indeed, they were identical. Human society had its origin, most probably, in a primitive condition in which domestic, political, and religious ends were one. Even in modern life Family, State, and Church do not stand for separate interests. So far from their aims colliding they are mutually helpful. An individual may be a member of all three at one time. From a Christian point of view each is a divine institution invested with a sacred worth and a holy function, and ordained of God for the advancement of His kingdom.