This strikes at the root of the matter, being antagonistic not only to
the one simple cause, but to each of the subordinate causes that are
derived from it. Disproportionate attention to outward prosperity
springs from the idea that the happiness of men and nations is
inseparable from wealth. Directly opposed to this is the teaching of
religion, that happiness and strength come from performing truly the
duties of life. The first derivative cause which we found under this was
an accumulation of facts which overburden the mind and destroy its
power. Religion has little to do with outward facts, it taxes but little
the receptive power; it has to do rather with changing knowledge into
wisdom, applying the few vital facts to the life. This knowledge, we
have found, is objective, ignoring the [Greek: Gnothi seauton]; but
religious thought is intensely subjective; all other things it esteems
as of no avail, except those that relate to the outward condition and
tendency of the individual. Know thyself in relation to man and
God--this it continually demands. No man can be religious without
thought--continual, earnest thought, perceiving and defining duties;
therefore, wherever religion comes, even the mind that was sunken in
weakness is raised to renewed life. It is in this way that religion
counterbalances the influence of division of labor.
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