Page:Ramtanu Lahiri, Brahman and Reformer - A History of the Renaissance in Bengal.djvu/174

 not allow the principle that means justify the end. Let us follow the right path, assured that it will ultimately promote the welfare of mankind. It can never do otherwise. I wish to request the Secretary of the Tatwabodhini Sabha to discontinue sending me the Society’s paper [Patrika], as one cannot subscribe to it who is not a member of the Society. ... I fear also that there is a spirit of hostility entertained by the Society against Christianity which is not credible. Our desire should be to see truth triumph. Let the votaries of all religions appeal to the reason of their fellow-creatures, and let him who has truth on his side prevail.”

Though Mr Lahiri did not join the Brahmo Samaj, yet his appearance among the educated people of Krishnagar, and the healthy influence he exerted on them, infused into them new and noble sentiments. He had learnt from his teacher, Mr Derozio, how to appreciate truth. He had learnt from him, too, to respect freedom in thought and action; and, like him, he encouraged his pupils, whether in the class-room or out of it, to discuss freely the various topics he suggested. He had a regard for everyone’s opinions; and was never ashamed to acknowledge it if his own judgment on any occasion seemed to him to be wrong. To the end of his life he sincerely believed that he might learn something from even the youngest. He was old enough to be our father, but he paid heed to our opinions out of the belief that God reveals His truth to “babes and sucklings.” And great was his delight if he heard anything from our lips worthy of his approval. The young men of Krishnagar learnt from him to think freely, to discuss freely, and to act freely.

Now, at this time, a new subject came under discussion in Krishnagar—the remarriage of Hindu widows. Many believe that Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagara was the originator