Qabbalah the Philosophical Writings of Solomon Ben Yehudah Ibn Gebirol or Avicebron, and Their #223975

We cannot in this connection forbear quoting the words of a great German thinker Whenever in religion, or polity, or civilization, in art or science; the inner element is developed most strenuously in its outward productions and the spiritual earnestly sought after, be it with more or less modifications of existing institutions, there is progress at hand; for it is from within that life issues forth into the external, from the centre to the circumference. This therefore is the pathway which leads to life, that on which there are ever opening new outlets for the Spirit, and on which Genius, can unfurl its wings with god-like self assurance.' If this be true, the contrary result must also happen, whet ever the external or material life is continually exalted, — wherever the symbol supersedes and stands more and more for the essence a form of words or an external work for the mental act or for conscience; where the symmetrical superfices is accepted for the inner content, and the outer uniformity for vital unity, and appearances for truth. In every such hap pening the luckless future must be impending whatever be the aspect of the present. When such a path is once entered upon, the necessity very soon becomes apparent, of treating the dictates of the com mon conscience as apostacy, of putting down conscientious objections as insubordination, and suppressing personal freedom as sedition. And then tyranny, either ecclesiastical or political, becomes a necessity, To-day around us this latter feeling appears to be getting the upper hand.