Man and the Divine Order: Essays in the Philosophy of Religion and Constructive Idealism

Mr. Dresser's book is of a highly religious yet thoroughly philosophic nature. He seeks to show the unity which exists between religion, philosophy and science. While his book is thoroughly idealistic yet he in no way ignores the practical side of life. For, recognizing that the ideal is only truly exemplified as it expresses itself through the practical, the author shows the need of the spirit having full access to the outer life. We cannot do better than to quote Mr. Dresser's own words wherein he shows the difference between the spirit and the letter: "One might say that what the world most needs at present is to brush away all abstractions, and return to the sources of things until it is once more fired by the presence of the divine, until it knows for a fact that God lives; then be true to that fact, live for that fact, realize that the divine order is, exists, - not merely seems to be. It is not so much 'reasons for believing' that we need as that type of conduct which accompanies thrilling belief, stirring consciousness of the divine. The world needs science; it needs education, thought, thoroughgoing philosophy, not mere dabbling in the metaphysical realm. But it needs the Spirit even more than it needs downright thinking. "We are absorbed in forms: let us have the Spirit itself. Therefore, when you read the imperfect terms of a philosophical book, remember the broadly spiritual ideal. Instead of singling out its defects and publishing them, set a new fashion and begin to be constructive; supply in your conduct what the book lacks. One must be tremendously in earnest to know life. One must courageously persist to the end. The science of truth is inseparable from the art of life, and one can no more float easily into the harbour of wisdom than one can know what love is by delegating someone to love in one's stead. "Let philosophy become religion once more. Let religion be purged by philosophy. Let us begin work at last. We have scarcely reached the age of reason. We live in bits, in schemes, devices, and shadows, which we mistake for wholes and realities. Let us come out into the broad sunlight and be men. A man is an organic assemblage, and must be poet, philosopher, lover, and much else, all in one. The highest life is many-sided. We must adore it from many points of view. We must be beautiful in order truly to adore. Therefore, let us begin to live." The book is written in a clear, scholarly way and is a worthy successor to the many good books that Mr. Dresser has written. -Mind, Vol. 13 [1904]