The Advent of the Promised Messiah — Page 47
47 whether an occasion calls for wrongdoing to be par- doned and forgiven, or punished. If punishment is prudent on the occasion, it ought to be administered in proportion to the wrongdoing. However, if the occasion calls for forgiveness, the thought of punishment ought to be abandoned. The excellence of this teaching is that it takes into consideration all circumstances. If, in compliance with the Gospel, every evil and wicked person were set free, anarchy would erupt in the world. Therefore, always bear in mind that none of your faculties are to be viewed as dead; rather, strive to exercise them on the appropri- ate occasion. I truly say that this teaching is a reflection of human faculties. Pity those who are enamoured by the sweet words of the Christians and have given up a bounty the like of Islam. A truthful person does not appear sweet to others on all occasions, just as a mother cannot constantly spoil her child with sweets. Rather, when the need arises, she administers bitter medicine as well. Such is the state of a truthful reformer. It is this very teaching that is blessed in every aspect. Our God is one who is truthful. Even the Christians believe in our God. All others are compelled to believe in those attributes of God that we accept. At one place, in his