The Message or A Cry of Anguish — Page 90
90 HADRAT MIRZA GHULAM AHMADAS [of speech] made every warfare a level playing field for both par- ties. Yet we did not respond in kind to abusive language lest we resemble the Antichrist or be like the transgressors. The Government did not prevent us from responding in kind, we were free to say words harsher than theirs and to rain down retribution on them, but a man cannot act like a dog nor does a pigeon pounce on the carrion; no matter if the hunger drives it to the wilderness of death. Do they accuse our Prophetsas of being fond of women while their Christ has been charged with gluttony and drinking? Moreover, the Gospel confirms that Christ sheltered a promiscu- ous woman who was adulterous, sinful and wicked. She was a beautiful young lady dressed in white clean clothes. He neither went away nor stood up from his place, nor avoided her, nor reproached her; rather he became intimate with her and wel- comed her with polite discourse even when she exhibited shame- lessness and anointed her perfume on his head that was purchased through illicit earnings. Moreover, Christ went to another sinful woman and conversed with her and she asked him some questions and he instructed her. These are the acts that no righteous man would approve of. So what would be the answer if some poor fel- low objected? Undoubtedly, a lawful marriage is far better than such acts. A blooming youth and a bachelor like Christ who is in dire need of marriage, would his heart not be misled, indeed, if such an opportunity of intimacy presented itself. ¹ Whoever is bent on raising objections, putting on the garb of shamelessness in 1. What we have quoted here from the Gospels is just by way of accusatory argument. Indeed, we respect the Messiah [Jesusas] and know that he was righteous and from among the great Prophets. (Author)