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V, 23. BY SPIRITUAL POWER FIXING HIS YEARS. 261
For though a man inure himself to live as any brute, he is not on that account a vessel of the righteous law?; whilst he who breaks the laws of right behaviour invites detraction, and is one no virtuous man can love; 1803
His heart is ever filled (ever cherishes) with boding fear, his evil name pursues him as a shadow. Having neither profit nor advantage in this world, how can he in the next world reap content (rest)? 1804
"Therefore the wise man ought to practise pure behaviour (morals); passing through the wilderness of birth and death, pure conduct is to him a virtuous guide. 1805
From pure behaviour comes self-power, which frees a man from (many) dangers ; pure conduct, like a ladder, enables us to climb to heaven. 1806
Those who found themselves on right behaviour, cut off the source of pain and grief; but they who by transgression destroy this mind, may mourn the loss of every virtuous principle. 1807
"(To gain this end)? first banish every ground of
* A vessel of righteousness.
"I have supplied this, although the sentence would make complete sense without it. In the context every ground of self' ('ngo sho) seems to refer to the aim after selfish ends. The sermon from this point refers to pride of self,' and its evil consequences; in the latter portion he joins hatred or anger with pride; the whole reminds us of Milton's description :
Round he throws his baleful eyes That witnessed huge affliction and dismay Mixed with obdurate pride and steadfast hate.'
Paradise Lost, I, 57, 58. Whilst the war of Devas and Asuras is just Milton's idea when he says,
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