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74
THE JAINA GAZETTE
I shall only refer you now to one more allegory from the Bible, namely, that of Abraham and his family. To-day men are so much accustomed to look upon the members of this so-called patriarchal family as history that many of you will be astonished at my statement that they only constitute an allegory. But there can be no doubt about it when St. Paul deliberately describes them as such. In the Epistle to the Galatians he devotes no less than eleven verses to the subject. and explains as much of its hidden sense as he thought safe to do, though by means of another allegory. (See the Glimpses pages 57 et. seq.)
This brings the subject of this evening's lecture to an end, though naturally there is a very great deal more to be said on every point that has been touched by me, and there are numerous points that have not been touched at all to-day. The result of the scientific study is before you; you now know what religion signifies. But it is also possible that you do not agree with me in one or more or all of these particulars. I, too, do not expect nor could reasonably be expected to carry conviction into every heart at once. You will, however, observe that I do not ask you to accept my views, but only to study the subject. The problem is a serious one, it concerns eternity of the future life of every one of us. If you are a real well-wisher of yourself you ought to take up the study of this subject in a serious manner. To some the idea of a further study after the school career has terminated is not very agreeable, but they must remember that knowledge cannot be acquired otherwise, and that reliable knowledge alone will enable us to save ourselves and those who are dear and near to us.
I must not omit to thank you for a patient hearing, before resuming my seat.-C. R. Jain.
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It is an interesting book explaining the many allegories contained in the teachings of the great religions,
Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
www.umaragyanbhandar.com
