Civilisation at the Cross Roads — Page 12
force against evil, which is negative. The one has the quali• of life, health and progrei;s, while the other is a distemper or disease which, if not cured and removed brings death. Evil is t·tirahle only by good, for good prevails over evil and overcomes it, "Good drives nway evil; this is a reminder for those who would remember". (II : 115) Alas, we often forget this reminder. It is so easy to yield to the temptation of giving as "good" as we receive; only in this context, "good" is a euphemism for "bad". Jn situations -like those with whirh f'i\·ilisalion is faced to-day the foundations of " culture arc put to their severest test. If they survive the te~t, the culture will <'ndure and flourish even more vigorously, though the superstructure may be shaken aud may ha~ to be put in order. If the foundations give way, everything will fall into. ruin. The foundations will not endure 1mless they rest upon truth and rightf'ousncss. Those. who build these, build on a firm and secure rock; those who build on falsehood and evil or on a mixture of good and evil, build on sand. He who stands firm 011 goodness will n. ot only save himself, he may also save his brother who is opposed to him and is seeking to injure him and to do him harm. "Good and evil are not alike. Repel evil with that which is hest, and lo, he, between whom and thyself was enmity, will become as though he were a warm friend. But none is grant. ed this save those who are steadfast; and none U; granted this save thOBe who possess a large share of good". (XLI: 85-86) Patience, steadfastneis, high watchfulness and vigilance and a firm resolve, combined with determination that good shall· not relax ·in any circumstances, even under comtant provoeation, its eft'ort to overcome evil: this is the only rule of "conduct that will avail in the crisis through which mankind is pa&Sing. We mu1t make a firm resolve that we shall co-operate with each other only in the promotion of lieneficence and righteo11snea and that no amount of provocation shall induce us to lend our support to oppression or wrong. Durin1 the first thirteen yrars. of the Ministry of the 12