Such then ought to be the outpouring and diffusion of the understanding, and it should in no way be an effusion, but an extension, and it should make no violent or impetuous collision with the obstacles which are in its way; nor yet fall down, but be fixed, and enlighten that which receives it.
From his personal reflections, this passage uses the sun's diffusion as a metaphor for how understanding should extend without violent collision, enlightening what it touches.
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All these things happen to them by reason of their ignorance of what is good and evil.
He was accustomed to do acts of beneficence, and was ready to forgive, and was free from all falsehood; and he presented the appearance of a man who could not be diverted from right, rather than of a man who had been improved.
Whatever this is that I am, it is a little flesh and breath, and the ruling part.
It is thy duty to leave another man's wrongful act there where it is (vii. 29; ix. 38).
Other voices in this conversation
