Page:Tolstoy - Christianity and Patriotism.djvu/14

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INTRODUCTION

Nations." And not the least striking attestations to Tolstoy's contentions have lately been given by the two English statesmen, Lord Lansdowne and Lord Grey, "who between them directed England's foreign policy continuously for half a generation." Lord Lansdowne has written:

"Our people will not be content to admit that our statesmanship is bankrupt, that the principles of Christianity may be valuable for domestic application, but have no place in international affairs, and they will look to their leaders to point the way out."

While Lord Grey has stated:

"There can be no industrial progress, nor can our national welfare and prosperity be maintained, if the world is going to slip back into the pre-war condition of separate alliances and separate armaments."

Truly a change of heart. "Christianity and Patriotism was a passionate protest, twenty- seven years ago, against the mental attitude and reasoning which our leading statesmen have now repudiated. It is, perhaps, therefore time that the younger generation should make acquaintance with the glowing humanity and passionate ardour of a work which their fathers have neglected.

EDWARD GARNETT.

October, 1921.

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