The Ocean of Light — Page 94
94 and I do not speak to you about other peoples. O Divine Decree! We call upon Thee, how far are Ye from these affluent men! The common populace takes great pains in tilling the earth and making it fit for cultivation, and when it has been prepared for cultivation, their rulers levy taxes upon them, even though they themselves are not adequately discharging the duties of government. We know that subjects pay tribute to their rulers so that they can provide them protection and succour. But when the condition of guardianship, succour and support are not being met, then they lose this right. In other words, the subjects are no longer true subjects of that government. The tax that is levied on farmers, in that case, is no longer a tax, but a tribute that is enforced upon the conquered. In short, they take their tribute whether or not it rains on the farmers’ fields, and this is their ‘justice’. Therefore, observe and wonder! Similarly, they have other traits that cannot be detailed here, nor are their