The Holy War — Page 187
Proceedings—Debate 31 May 1893 187 accept—and it is only then that the time for the manifestation of the attribute of justice arrives. Although justice is an eternal attribute, how- ever, if you look closely into this matter, then you will realise that— depending on the occurrence of events—the manifestation of attrib- utes may be delayed or hastened as the need arises. Thus, since sin began after the Divine Book had been sent into the world and it had also established its truth through miracles and signs, where does mercy without recompense remain; because the system of mercy was in operation from the beginning without any condition as to the righteousness of anyone? Further, the sins that the Holy Book of God Almighty lays out are contingent upon the fulfilment of certain conditions; in other words, these injunctions will become applicable upon those to whom these laws have been fully conveyed, providing the recipients are not insane or crazy. Moreover, you criticize Mastery and suggest that if the Mastery of God is accepted, then the system of this whole universe would be turned upside down. You should ponder over the fact that this entire universe is operating within the parameters established for it, so what do you mean that it may be turned upside down? For example, the per- son who, by contravening the law of God Almighty, becomes deserving of some punishment in accordance with His promise—although God Almighty being Master can forgive—it is on account of His prom- ise that such a person cannot escape the punishment until that per- son makes himself deserving of forgiveness by following the ways that the Book of God has appointed. This is because the promise has been made, but if, for example, the Divine Book has not yet been revealed or has not reached somebody, or if, for example, the sin is committed by a child or an insane person, then whatever treatment is meted out to such a one, it will be in accordance with the Mastery of God. If this is not so, then a very strong objection arises as to why little children suffer horrendous pains before ultimately dying, and why mil- lions upon millions of animals are killed. We have no other explanation besides He being the Master and doing as He pleases.