"They that take the sword shall perish by the sword."NEARLY fifteen years ago the census in Moscow evoked in me a series of thoughts and feelings which I expressed as best I could in a book called 'What Must We Do Then.' Towards the end of last year (1899)I once more reconsidered the same questions, and the conclusions to which I came were the same as in that book.But as I think that during these ten years I have reflected on the questions discussed in What Must We Do Then more quietly and minutely in relation to the teachings at present existing and diffused among us, Inow offer the reader new considerations, leading to the same replies as before.I think these considerations may be of use to people who are honestly trying to elucidate their position in society and clearly to define the moral obligations flowing from that position.I, therefore, publish them.
The fundamental thought both of that book and of this article is the repudiation of violence.That repudiation I learnt and understood from the Gospels, where it is most clearly expressed in the words: It was said to you, An Eye for an Eye,..-that is, you have been taught to oppose violence by violence, but I teach you: turn the other cheek when you are struck-that is, suffer violence, but do not employ it.I know that the use of those great words-in consequence of the unreflectingly perverted interpretations alike of Liberals and of Churchmen, who on this matter agree-will be a reason for most so-called cultured people not to read this article, or to be biassed against it; but, nevertheless, I place those words as the epigraph of this work.
I cannot prevent people who consider themselves enlightened from considering the Gospel teaching to be an obsolete guide to life-a guide long outlived by humanity.
But I can indicate the source from which I drew my consciousness of a truth which people are as yet far from recognising, and which alone can save men from their sufferings.
And this I do.
11 July, 1900.
