 I to understand by the Term SELF, Mr.
Meekly.
Every Particle of Matter, my Lord, has a SELF or distinct Identity, inasmuch as it cannot be any other Particle of Matter. Now, while it continues in this its State of SELFISHNESS or absolute Distinction, it is utterly useless and insignificant, and is to the Universe as though it were not. It has however a Principle of
Attraction
(analogous or answerable to
Desire
in Mind) whereby it endeavours to derive to itself the Powers and Advantages of all other Portions of Matter. But when the DIVINE INTELLIGENCE hath harmonized certain Quantities of such distinct Particles into certain animal or vegetable Systems, this Principle of
Attraction
in each is overcome, for each becomes attracted and drawn as it were from SELF, each yields up its Powers to the Benefit of the Whole, and then, and then only, becomes capable and productive of Shape, Colouring, Beauty, Flowers, Fragrance, and Fruits.
Be pleased now to observe, my Lord, that this Operation in Matter is no other than a Manifestation of the like Process in Mind; and that no Soul was ever capable of any Degree of Virtue or Happiness save so far as it is drawn away, in its Affections, from SELF; save so far as it is engaged in wishing, contriving, endeavouring, promoting, and rejoicing in the Welfare and Happiness of others.
It is therefore that the Kingdom of Heaven is most aptly, and most beautifully, compared to a Tree bearing Fruit and diffusing Odours, whose Root is the PRINCIPLE of infinite Benevolence, and whose Braches are the blessed Members, receiving consummate Beatitude from the Act of Communication.
I think, indeed, said the Earl, that I can form some Sort of a Notion of such a Society in Heaven. But it would pose you, Mr.
Meekly,
to exemplify your Position from any Body of Men that ever were upon Earth.
Pray pardon me, my Lord, the States of
Sparta
and
Rome,
derived their Lustre and Power, their whole Preeminence and Praise, from this Principle of
Communication,
which, in them, was called
Love of Country.
But this beatifying Principle was still more eminently instanced in the Society of the Church of
Jerusalem,
who had all Things in common; who imparted their Possessions to all Men, as every Man had need; and, thence, did eat their common Bread with
Gladness and Singleness of Heart,
praising God, and having Favour with all People.
You say, my Lord, that you can form a Notion of some such Excellence in Heaven; but I can form no
