Claims and Teachings - Ahmad The Promised Messiah and Mahdi — Page 182
182 the commencement of a new age, this period presents varying faces. Some faces are hideous because they go against righteous- ness and the true knowledge of God, while others present attrac- tive features and there is a lustre of righteousness in them. There is no doubt, however, that the English Government has taken great pains to spread learning' in the country and to advance the cause of science and knowledge. Printing presses-have multi- plied copies of books to an extent unknown in any previous age and placed them within the reach of all. This vast spread of knowledge has brought to light many hidden libraries and cast the light of publication upon many rare manuscripts and thus it has changed the whole appearance of society within a few years. ' Side by side with the growth of learning and spread of know- ledge spoken of here, there has been a continual falling off from the standard of parity in practice, and the plant of atheism has struck a deep root in most hearts. There is no doubt about the benefits and blessings which the English Rule has brought to us, nor can any one question the unparalleled peace and liberty which it has established in this country, but most people have not made a right use of this liberty and peace. Instead of being thankful to God for His great obligation in placing us. under the benign rule of such a peaceful and kind Government, most people have become utterly neglectful of and stolidly indifferent to God and have wholly given themselves up to the pursuits and cares of this world, so wholly indeed as if this world were their permanent abode and they were not under the control of any Higher power or under any obligation to Him. As happens generally, with peace transgression has become more flagrant, and on account of daily increasing hard-heartedness and indifference, the country is now in a very dangerous condition. Ignorant people commit the most brutal and heinous deeds like. savages, and every grade of society