He arrived at the knowledge and perception of essential Being: though he could neither define nor limit, in a human formula, because it is undefinable and illimitable, but positive and abstract, universally diffused, 'smaller than small, greater than great,' the internal Light, Monitor, Guide, Rest, waiting to be seen, recognised, and known in every heart; not depending on the powers of Nature for enlightenment and instruction, but itself enlightening and instructing: not merely a receptive, but the motive power of Nature; which bestows _itself_ upon Nature, and only receives from it that which it bestows.

Is it not, as he says farther on, better 'to see great truths,' even if not so strictly in line and form, 'touch and handle little ones,' to take the highest point of view we can reach, not a lower one?
And surely it is a higher thing to rule over and subdue Nature, than to lie ruled and subdued by it?
The highest form of Religion has always done this." Ed.] [Footnote B: Compare 'The Old Cumberland Beggar', l.

49 (vol.i.

p.
301) .-- Ed.] [Footnote C: For a hint in reference to this road, I am indebted to the late Dr.Henry Dodgson of Cockermouth.

Referring to my suggestion that it might be the road from Cockermouth to Bridekirk, he wrote (July 1878), "I scarcely think that road answers to the description.