The Great Trial of Mahatma Gandhi/Preface
PREFACE
It bas been said of Socrates that, “that which is unparalleled in him is that he is unlike and above comparison with all other men, whether those who have lived in ancient times, or those who exist now.” These remarks can very well be applied to Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest living personality in the world to day and certainly one of the most prominent characters in the world’s history. Few persons have been able, as he has been, to cut down their bodily wants to such an amazing extent. None have succeeded, as he has done, in following truth with such absolute devotion. Rarely do we witness, as we do in him, such an embodiment of love and sacrifice. An uncompromising opponent of Western civilization, and an ardent devotee of Ahimsa, he preached and strived to re-construct human society on the basis of truth and non-violence. It is this rare combination of the teacher, the patriot and the Saint that made him occupy such commanding height among his fellowmen and made his trial for sedition one of the most momentous events in the world’s history.
In undertaking to publish this historic trial the Editor’s intention is not only to place before the public a connected account of the whole proceedings in a permanent form, but also to carry the great message of the living Christ to other countries than his with a view to enlighten them on the meaning of the mighty struggle that is going on in India at present.
The Editor has, besides the articles which formed the subject matter of the charges against Mahatma Gandhi, included in the appendices also his great message to his country men on the eve of his arrest, a description of the scene in the Ashram at the time of his arrest , and an account of his life in the Sabarmati Jail. He hopes this addition would make the book more useful and complete.