Life of Ahmad — Page 591
as PLAGUE 591 destruction. At the conclusion of the prayers Ahmad as spoke. He threw light on the dreadful nature of the disease and dealt with the objections raised against the measures of segregation and isolation which the authorities prescribed, explained their necessity and usefulness and emphasised the importance of co- operation with the authorities on the part of the public in adopting all precautionary and suppressive measures. The central point of his address, however, was that people should turn to God and cleanse themselves morally, socially and spiritually. In the majority of cases plague is regarded and spoken of, in the sacred literature of the world, as a Divine visitation, a penalty inflicted upon the individual, family or nation because of sin. In this complex world of ours even medical treatment, however perfect, needs the grace of God in order to be effective. So let us turn to Him for help, protection and guidance. The meeting ended with special prayers. A short report of it was written and published by Sh. Ra h matullah of Lahore immediately after the meeting. It was also sent to the Government and the press. Mr. H. J. Maynard conveyed to him the acknowledgments of the Lieut. Governor of the support rendered to the Government by the Ahmadiyya Community (letter No. 213, S, June 11th, 1898). The Civil and Military Gazette , Lahore (June 10th, 1898), published a note about the meeting in the course of which it said: