"PERI ERHAPS” is the idol of the civilized world. Why should this "Perhaps" reign over us? There is no "Perhaps" in science. There is demonstration in mathematics and physics; why should there be "Perhaps" in our religion and ethics? All bow before the logic of mathematics as the certainty of mathematical truths is proved beyond cavilling. Unsophisticated humanity accepts them at once. Every man-religious, moral, political-even the humblest householderaccepts them without the least hesitation. But ethics is not history, religion is not mathematics, although far above mathematics is religion and far above history is ethics. How long shall we keep moral and religious matters in abeyance? Is it our duty to worship God daily? Are we morally bound to be loyal to our Empress? The moral sluggard might say: "A little more slumber, a little more sleep." Now the question is-Is it possible to arrive at certainty in ethics and religion? At present, "Perhaps" is the Alpha and Omega of almost all ethical and religious systems. We try to kick at this "Perhaps." Ethics and religion do rest upon certain and well grounded foundations. Intuitively, instinctively, naturally man feels gratitude to his bene- • factor. So there cannot be "Perhaps we ought to be grateful to our benefactors." The feeling of gratitude is right. Gratitude is a bounden duty now and for ever. We must be grateful to Christ, Mahomet, Chaitanya and all other great devout souls who have exalted humanity. True ethics will allow no one to be disloyal to any of our master-minds. The history of each man has deposited the wisdom of its great and good men. If any man has helped me to become holier he will certainly command my gratitude and reverence. Every holy example is sure to thrill and throb our heart. The example of a heaven-aspiring Rishi or a holy-minded ascetic, who gave up all worldly thoughts for God, cannot but exercise some holy influence upon us. Gratitude is certainly a moral duty. So as regards religion. We should be positively convinced of God's reality. There ought to be no "Perhaps" and no wavering regarding our faith in God. Rather say there exists no God or be fully convinced of the overpowering and overwhelming reality of God. Will you, educated Indians, cherish certain doubts about the reality of God? Is not the existence of God more real than your own existence? If you say you do not believe in your own existence your magistrates will send As we touch you to a lunatic asylum. Every sane man believes in his own reality, though he has never seen his own spirit. Have full faith in God. With half-hearted men I have nothing to do. They cannot regenerate India. Their perhaps, may's and might be's are shameful. ourselves so we touch God. As soon as I say, "Here am I," there is God beneath this self-assertion. What is God's name? "I Am." This solemn proposition "I Am" is written upon everything. God proclaims His own existence. You cannot dissociate yourself from God. You cannot live independently. Here is no "Perhaps." The besetting presence of the Mighty Judge pervades us. There may be no police or human eye to detect our sinister motives; but God's eye is always upon us. None of us can pass scotfree from that eye. The Divine Judge is running to take hold of me. The immanent, the indwelling Spirit is ever with me. Without Him I can do nothing. He has gone into the very foundation of my heart. As we are certain about the existence of God so we are equally certain about immortality and conscience. As we throw off the outer garment so we throw off this body. I am not my body--it is a machine which I ply. I live not in my body. I draw my life directly from God. If I live in my God, I live in Him for ever. Immortality is continuance of our existence-a perpetual duration in God. This continued spiritual progression is our next world. The next world is not a local heaven of sensual delights. God is our heaven; God is the abode of all prophets. We realize the next world when we worship God. Prayer is offered not on earth but in heaven. The soul has gone up to its Maker when it prays. In prayer I am at one with God. God is in me and I am in my God. Conscience is not a faculty. It is the very God of heaven and earth. When I am going to do something wrong, I hear such a voice as this: -"Villain, art thou really desirous to commit this diabolical act?" I look about on all sides ; but I know not whence emanates this voice. Is it myself convicting myself? No. It is beyond myself. It is God Himself who speaks with dictatorial authority. I cannot enjoy peace unless I do the will of my Father. It is a command. Who tells Who tells you to love your wife? It is God's command. You are bound by God's will to give her your affection. Who tells me to drink out of this glass pure water and quench my thirst? Nature's God is my God. Whether we eat or drink or do any other thing, we should do all things to glorify the name of God. The Aryans, our forefathers, used to behold God in all things and all actions. Forsake your perhaps and scepticism, cultivate the living faith which beholds the besetting God everywhere, and thus regenerate India. |