This great and religious Poem has been absurdly said to teach Pantheism,
which these stanzas refute; or perhaps they rather deny the doctrine of
Spinoza, if that be clearly understood.
At any rate, to be conscious of "a separate whole"--a distinct
individuality--and yet merge at last
"in the general Soul,
Is faith as vague as all unsweet:
Eternal form shall still divide
The eternal soul from all beside;
And I shall know him when we meet."
St. Paul is not more distinct and emphatic upon our individuality
hereafter, when he says, we shall "be clothed upon with our house which is
from heaven," 2 Cor. v., 2; that is, we shall put on a spiritual _body_,
that will give identity and form.