Page:Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, a story of his life and work.djvu/599

552 To speak the truth, it is very difficult to advise on these matters. In the first place, you are a Brahma. As you are a strict follower of that faith, you should by all means pursue the course adopted by Babu Devendra Nath Tagore on the occasion of his daughter's marriage, if you think, that course was in consonance with the Brahma religion. In the second place, if you do not pursue the course adopted by Devendra Babu, and celebrate the marriage of your daughter in accordance with the old practice, there will arise a great obstacle to the propagation of Brahma marriage. In the third place, it is most doubtful whether the celebration of your daughter's marriage according to the Brahma practice should be considered valid on all points. For these reasons I am unable and unwilling to lend you any advice on this point. But this much I can say, that you should not jump at once into any side.

'What I really mean to say on this subject is, that it is not proper to ask for other people's advice in these matters. In such cases one ought to ask one's own heart for instructions, and act up to its dictates. For whomever you will consult on this point, will deliver his counsels according to his own opinions and wishes; he will never consult your good or duty.

'In my opinion, you would do well to think over the matter seriously, and then determine for yourself which course to pursue.

'I am somewhat better. Dated 3rd Asvin. Yours Sd. 'Isvar Chandra Sarma.'