Ahmadiyya Movement — Page 70
70 fully peruse his book called The Haqeeqatul-Wahy in which he has detailed those signs which had been fulfilled up to the date of its publication and then declare on oath, calling God to witness, that they have carefully perused the book and that even after its perusal they still regard him as an impostor and a liar, and that, if they are wrong in their belief and he is a righteous man, God should cause them to suffer such punishment as was the portion of the enemies of previous prophets. After such a prayer, such men are bound to suffer as did the enemies of previous prophets and to furnish a lesson for the rest of mankind. Instances can be cited of men who turned away from the Mercy of God and called down punishment upon themselves, and thus took up the chal- lenge of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and who, consequently, suffered such punishment as was beyond the power of man to inflict, and although they perished themselves they became the means of others being saved. A third mode has been suggested for the leaders of different re- ligions. It is admitted that a tree is known by its fruits and a re- ligion by its results; then why not find out at whose hands the glory of God is made manifest ? For this purpose the Promised Messiah has suggested a test in conformity with the practice of Jesus. He says that a score of men suffering from fatal diseases may be selecteds for the test and divided between himself and the advocate of any other religion by casting lots, and each of them should then pray for the recovery of the patients allotted to him; and he claims that if this mode of decision is adopted he would be given such a distinctive triumph as against the prayers of his opponents that the world would be obliged to confess that he was being helped by God’s hand. But it may be objected that the Promised Messiah, being dead, how is it possible to arrive at a decision concerning his claims by the application of this method? In answer to this, I wish to add that a prophet is not sent to the world to give a show. He is a mercy for the whole world and is a bearer not only of glad tid-