The Relation of Science and Religion.pdf - Online Christian Library

268 SCIENCE AND RELIGION.human conduct which regards it as a wrongthing for a man to snatch from another theenjoyment within his reach, or subvert hisopportunity for happiness in order to increasehis own pleasure. On the other hand,there is an exercise of thought which contemplateseffort for the good of others asright, even extending the application ofthis law of moral life so far as to requireself-denial, and, in circumstances of specialimportance, self-sacrifice, for the good ofothers. These are facts so elementary, thatthe statement of them would be felt to beuncalled for, were we not seeking to distinguishthe elements of our ordinary experience.In accordance with what has beensaid, we are agreed in regarding it as awrong done to another if we deprive himof enjoyment simply for the sake of ourown satisfaction. Such conduct is what wecondemn as se@shness in the agent, and awrong to the sufferer. When on the contrarywe subordinate personal pleasure inorder to secure the happiness of another,we commend the benevolent disposition inwhich the act originates, and we hondr attentionshown to the rights of a fellowman.