Page:The Message and Ministrations of Dewan Bahadur R. Venkata Ratnam, volume 2.djvu/173

 Most gladly do we express our unqualified agreement with the learned Mahamahopadhyaya in holding that Religion is simply indispensable alike for individual and for national progress and happiness. It is our deep-rooted conviction that no per- son or race can be truly strong, peaceful and happy without a firm reliance upon a wise and loving Father and Ruler, a lively hope of a blessed future and a keen sense of moral responsibility. With us, that science is an aimless quest, that philosophy a purposeless probing, and that civilisation a pretentious show which ignores or eliminates Religion ; and they cherish the Laputan dream of building from the roof downwards who aspire to construct a society without the solid basis of a true, deep, liberal religion. In all ages Religion, rightly understood, has been the dearest treasure- the strength and the delight — of the true believer's heart ; at all times firm faith in a wise Providence has been the harbinger of national peace, progress and prosperity. The greatest