154 A PILGRIMAGE FOE PEACE
lias been engraved in order that our sons and grandsons
may not think.......that conquest by the sword deserves
the name of conquest* that they may see in it nothing but
destruction and violence,........ that the unsubdued bor-
ders should not be afraid of me, that they should trust
me, and should receive from me happiness, not sorrow.'1
And the grandest of all is the following about religious
toleration : iv It is true the prevalence of essential virtues
differs in different sects. But there is a common basis
and that is gentleness and moderation in language. Thus
one should not exalt one's own sect and decry the others.
One should not deprecate them without cause, but should
render them on every occasion the honour that they de-
serve. Striving thus, one promotes the welfare of one's
•own sect while serving others. Striving otherwise one
does not serve his own sect and does disservice to others.
And whoever, from attachment to his own sect and with
a view to promote it, exalts it and decries others, only
deals rude blows to his own sect. Hence concord alone
Is meritorious, so that all bear and love to bear the belief
•of each others."
Finally let me give the following text on authori-
tarianism in propagating religion : " The progress of reli-
gion among men is secured in two ways : by positive rules
and by religious sentiments which one can inspire in them.
Of these two methods, that of positive rules is of poor
value ; it is the inspiration in the heart that best prevails.
Positive rules consist in what I order — when, for in-
stance, I prohibit the slaughter of certain animals or lay
down other religious rules as I have done to a large num-
ber. But it is wholly by a change in the sentiments of the
heart, that religion makes a real advance in inspiring a
respect for life. It is with this view that I have promul-
gated this inscription, in order that it may endure for my
sons and my grandsons......For, by following this path
-one secures happiness here below, and in the other world.
Wherever this Edict exists, on pillars of stone, let it
endure unto remote ages."
To which one can only say * Amen'.