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principle; and so are essentially elevated above all alien necessity and chance。 And here we must
remark that individuals; to the extent of their freedom; are responsible for the depravation and
enfeeblement of morals and religion。 This is the seal of the absolute and sublime destiny of man —
that be knows what is good and what is evil; that his destiny is his very ability to will either good or
evil; — in one word; that he is the subject of moral imputation; imputation not only of evil; but of
good; and not only concerning this or that particular matters and all that happens ab extra; but
also the good and evil attaching to his individual freedom。 The brute alone is simply innocent。 It
would; however demand an extensive explanation — as extensive as the analysis of moral freedom
itself — to preclude or obviate all the misunderstandings which the statement that what is called
innocent imports the entire unconsciousness of evil — is wont to occasion。
§ 38
In contemplating the fate which virtue; morality; even piety experience in history; we must not fall
into the Litany of Lamentations; that the good and pious often — or for the most part — fare ill in
the world; while the evil…disposed and wicked prosper。 The term prosperity is used in a variety of
meanings — riches; outward honour; and the like。 But in speaking of something which in and for
itself constitutes an aim of existence; that so…called well or ill…faring of these or those isolated
individuals cannot be regarded as an essential element in the rational order of the universe。 With
more justice than happiness — or a fortunate environment for individuals; — it is demanded of the
gr