________________
298
GOD
you have read Huxley's works, but in one of them he has some very pertinent observations to make on our subject. He writes (see "Science and Hebrew Tradi. tion,” p. 258): “In my opinion it is not the quantity but the quality, of
persons among whom the attributes of divinity are distributed, which is the serious matter. If the divine might is associated with no higher ethical attributes than those which obtain among ordinary men ; if the divine intelligence is supposed to be so imperfect that it cannot see the consequences of its own contrivances ; if the supernal powers can become furiously angry with the creatures of their omnipotence and, in their senseless wrath, destroy the innocent along with the guilty ; or if they can show themselves to be as easily placated by presents and gross flattery ag any oriental or occidental despot; if, in short, they are only stronger than mortal men and no better, then surely, it is time for us to look somewhat closely into their credentials, and to accept none but conclusive evidence of their existence."
I do not think it is necessary for me to belabour the point any further ; it is evident that the error in this instance also is rooted in tlie inisinterpretation of the scriptures which in the cases examilied are all mytho. logical without a single exception. I shall presently explain what is the proper significance of the idea, but I want you to see in the first instance that moksha is not a thing that can be given by any one from without. The destruction of desire by a life of 'suffering,' and not the grace or favour of another is the means of deliver
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
