Allan Kardec-THE Spirit's Book_ The Principles of Spiritist Doctrine (1989)

308
ALLAN KARDEC
occurrence when he has ascertained their cause. But, among the ills that afflict humanity,
there are some, of a general nature, which are imposed by the decrees of Providence, and the
effect of which is felt, more or less sensibly, by each individual.
"To these, man can oppose nothing bill his resignation to the divine will, though he can, and
often does, aggravate their painfulness by his negligence."
In the class of destructive calamities resulting from natural causes, and independently of the action of
man. are to be placed pestilence, famine, inundations, and atmospheric influences fatal to the productions
of the earth. But has not man already found. In the applications of science, in agricultural improvements,
in the rotation of crops, in the study of hygienic conditions, the means of neutralising, or at least of
attenuating, many of these disasters ? Are not many countries. at the present day, preserved from terrible
plagues by which they were formerly ravaged? What, then, may not man accomplish for the advancement
of his material well-being, when he shall have learned to make use of all the resources of his intelligence,
and when he shall have added, to the care of his personal preservation. the large charity that interests
itself in the well-being of the whole human race? (107.)
War.
742. What is the cause that impels man to war?
"The predominance of the animal nature over the spiritual nature, and the desire of satisfying
his passions. In the barbaric state, the various peoples know no other right than that of tile.
strongest; and their normal condition is, therefore, that of war. As men progress, war becomes
less frequent, through their avoidance of the causes which lead to it; and when it becomes
inevitable) they wage it more humanely."
743. Will wars ever cease on the earth?
"Yes; when men comprehend justice, and practise the law of God; all men will then be
brothers."
744. What has been the aim of Providence in making war necessary?
"Freedom and progress."
- If war is destined to bring us freedom, how does it happen that its aim and upshot are so
often the subjugation of the people attacked?
"Such subjugation is only momentary, and is permitted in order to weary the nations of
servitude, and thus to urge them forward more rapidly."
745. What is to be thought of him who stirs up war for his own profit?
"Such an one is deeply guilty, and will have to undergo many corporal existences in order to
expiate all the murders caused by