XIV. - How to Follow Desire

"I should like very much to have an interpretation of your 'desire philosophy,' as applied to the case of a girl in love with one whom it is not lawful that she should love, i. e., a man already married. The man contends that there is nothing wrong in such a relation so long as no harm is done to anybody else --- that their mutual love is only the working out of the law of affinity, and no more sinful than the operation of the law of gravitation. At first she tried to point out the great sin both were committing against all human and divine laws, but she says her love was so great as to carry her beyond all reason, which nevertheless she will admit to be sound and logical. Do you believe they are committing an actual sin by their mutual declarations of affection? Or do you believe in any actual sin? Sometimes I don't, and sometimes I do. I am mixed. Please tell me what you think right away." -- Jane.

No matter how much one may be enamored of another person, if he has real love for truth and honesty, and respect for himself, he will enter no illicit relations. Supposing he has little love for truth and honesty he ought to love the woman too well to rob her of her own honesty and reputation.

Sin is hitting wide of the mark of rightness with the law of one's own being. Of course I believe in "sin," in missing the mark, and I believe that we gain wisdom