“Through symbols and parables! Nay, even more through his life and example, and by means of the outward signs, ministries, and miracles which witnessed the divinity that was within him.”
“Have all men the same divinity?”
“All in their real being are sons of God, but being ignorant of their sonship, have not unfolded it into outward manifestation. It is like a seed, containing life, but not yet quickened into outward form and fruitfulness. Man is only perfected as man, in the degree that he expresses God.”
“Why are men so slow in their progress upward?”
“Chiefly because they think themselves to be bodies rather than what they really are,—spirits having present bodily articulation.”
“In other words, thou wouldst say, that having only a fleshly consciousness, they perform the works of the flesh, ignorant of the spirit or real self which hath not yet received a quickening.”
“Thou hast spoken it plainly. The works of the flesh are mischievous, selfish, hateful, and corrupting, while [pg 391]those of the Spirit are peace, joy, love, and purity. So long as men think themselves carnal in their being, the corresponding works will follow. Every kind of thought and belief bringeth forth a harvest of its own kind.”
“If I rightly apprehend,” said Marcius, “thou dost not set forth that the body is evil in itself?”
“Nay! the body, as the temple and expression of the Spirit, is an holy building, sanctified and honorable. But to be after that manner it must be man’s servant, and not his master. It may render a delightful service, or be a deadly tyrant! Shall the clay rule the potter?”
“Whence come its weaknesses and sicknesses?”