The Light of Truth — Page 171
PARABLE OF THE CHRISTIANS AND THE ATONEMENT you a way to increase your wealth and deliver you from want; so that you should come to possess estates and gardens, and may drag your flowing robes behind you; and so that you may fill your coffers the way water fills a basin, and become blessed with affluence?' At this they became desirous and due to foolishness and extreme poverty they replied: 'Welcome! Come, come! Show us this way, and we shall do everything you say, we will go wher- ever you go, and you shall find us following you gratefully. ' The swindler rejoiced in his heart upon catching his prey and suc- cessfully deceiving them. He knew that they had been ensnared in his web and fooled by his imposture. Moved by his whistles and sighs, they walked right into his trap. He told them ficti- tious stories and embellished tales. He feigned: 'What has taken hold of me that I feel such mercy for you and my heart inclines towards you? Perhaps God has decreed for you a share from my fountain [of blessings], and a sojourn in my home, and He has resolved to make you prosperous. I know very well that you descend from the noblest of origins and purest stock, and that you are the progeny of those who achieved glory and of the most eminent forebears. Now, however, I see you empty-handed, so it has been placed in my heart that I should have mercy on you and compassion for you, and I should stand in sympathy with you and remove your misfortunes. And this indeed is my character and custom. The best person is the one who brings benefit to people and helps the destitute and needy. Very soon you will put my claims to the test and taste the sweetness of this fruit, and I assure you that I am a truthful person. So be grateful and partake of this food which has come to you with great delight. Accept this wealth that has been bestowed upon you, and grab hold of these spoils which are given to you without any effort on your part. 171