The Shining Lamp — Page 50
50 [of Lekh Ram] as manifested by the Hindu newspapers, I have a good suggestion for settling the entire affair. Such a person should state the following words on oath in my presence: ‘I know for certain that this man was party to the conspiracy of murder, or the murder was committed under his direction. So, if this is not true, afflict me, O Almighty God, with such terrible punishment as should be most awe-inspiring within one year; but it should not proceed from human hands, nor should it be suspected of having been brought about by human design. ’ Thus, if such a person should survive for a whole year from my curse without being afflicted, I am guilty and deserve the punishment given to a murderer. Now, if a stout-hearted Arya wishes to liberate the entire world from doubts, let him adopt this very simple and straightforward method. Perhaps our maulaw i s can also benefit from this method. I have written this with all sin- cerity of heart. But, remember, the person who wishes to try this method must come to Qadian in person, and I will bear all his travel expenses. The statements from both sides will be published. If God does not destroy such a person through a punishment, which contains no traces of human intervention, I shall have been proven to be a liar. And let the whole world stand witness that, in such an event, I shall deserve the same punishment as a murderer. I cannot leave this place and travel to other places; hence, the one wishing to challenge me should come here. However, the one who accepts the challenge should be courageous, young, and strong. After this, it would be grossly shameful for anyone to hold such unholy doubts about me. I have presented a way of settling this issue. May the curse of God be upon me if I was now to go back on this, and may the curse of God be upon him who does not