________________
252
THE KEY OF KNOWLEDGE. that misty ground, at least, they could not be easily dislodged.
Even in the promised heaven of a post-mundane type, there will be much to mar our enjoyment, if we are to be admitted there with all our emotions and feelings, and all the rest which we call our personality. Many of us are so narrow-minded and supercilious that they would rather give up their own immortality than believe that all the hosts of niggers' and coloured people that have ever been, and shall ever be, should share it with them, on terms of equality, in paradise. And yet there is no escape from the niggers,' if they happen to adopt the faith which leads to heaven! Even here it becomes obvious that happiness depends not on any particular locality for its growth, but is a plant which has its roots in the soil of hearts well-manured and dressed by the emotions of purity and love.
The kingdom of heaven is not necessarily an event of the future ; it is already within us, for Jesus assures us :
"If I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the Kingdom of God is come upon you." (Luke, XI. 20).
This is fatal to all notions of futurity, subsequent to the Judgment Day. Nor do the expressions --
"The kingdom of Heaven is at hand within reach]" (Matt. III. 2.); .
* The law and the prophets were until John ; since that time the kingdom of God is being preached, and every man presseth into it" (Luke, XVI. 16); and
* From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent [assiduous] take it by [will] force.” (Matt. XI. 12);lend any support to the theory of heaven as propounded by the Christian theologian.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org