Page:The Message and Ministrations of Dewan Bahadur R. Venkata Ratnam, volume 2.djvu/37

 I.— THE THREE SANCTIONS.

The growth of a community, as a moral organism, is marked by three distinct stages, according as legislation, public opinion or individual conviction is recognised as the supreme sanction for conduct. In an aboriginal state, these three motives to action may remain undifferentiated. But as a community emerges into view as an organised body, with a definite course of existence, it is characterised by that "immobility," as Guizot has it, which naturally results from the Government undertaking to control the entire life of the community. The individual is aware of no duties, and moved by no desires, apart from those demanded or sanctioned by the clan or caste as a self-governing body. A constant reference is tacitly or expressly made to the wishes of the "elders"— the representatives of the conscience and the commands of the community. This is the era of tutelage. It is, however, perceived, sooner or later, by all advancing communities that, long as may be "the arm of