In the following sentences, what could be the best possible interpretation of the part in red?

Specifically, what does the meaning of "For"? "In order to get the ease and pleasure of " or "In stead of getting the ease and pleasure of"? Or anything else? 

(Though the first interpretation seems to sound awakward from the context..)

And where do you think "accepting" links to?

"For the ease and pleasure of accepting the fashion"? or "for the ease and pleasure of treading the old road, he accepts the fashions,... the religion of society"?

Thanks a lot for taking your time~!

pb

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For the ease and pleasure of treading the old road, accepting the fashions, the education, the religion  of society, he takes the cross of making his own, and, of course, the self-accusation, the faint heart, the frequent uncertainty and loss of time, which are the nettles and tangling vines in the way of the self-relying and self-directed, and the state of virtual  hostility in which he seems to stand to society, and especially to educated society. For all this loss and scorn, what offset? The artist is to find consolation in exercising the highest functions of human nature. The artist is one who raises himself from  private consideration and breathes and lives on public and illustrious thoughts.