Christianity and Patriotism
ments and the hostility of state against state and nationality against nationality; there would be an end to the glorification of heroic deeds in war—that is, of murder; above all, there would be an end to the respect for those in power, the toll paid them of men's labour and obedience to them, for all of which there is no basis but patriotism.
And if only this were done, instantly the vast mass of weak people, always guided by outside influences, would roll over to the side of the new public opinion. And the new public opinion would be predominant in place of the old.
The Governments may control the schools, the Church, the Press, milliards of roubles, and millions of disciplined men transformed into machines—all that seemingly terrible organization of brute force is nothing before the recognition of the truth awakening in the soul of one man who knows the force of truth, and by him handed on to another and a third, as one candle lights an infinite number of others. One has but to light that candle and all that seemingly so mighty organization drops to pieces and melts away like wax before the fire.
If only men would understand the terrible power that is given them in the word that is the expression of truth. If only men would not sell their birthright for a mess of pottage. If only men would use this power of theirs, their rulers,
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