The Message or A Cry of Anguish — Page 72
72 HADRAT MIRZA GHULAM AHMADAS attention to his abuses would have led us away from the true pur- pose. Thus, how fallacious it is to consider both these memorials to be same in kind with each other. It should be our principle that whenever we come across the writing of an opponent that con- tains both abuses and objections, we must first turn to refuting the objections in order to save the general public from being deceived. Then we should address other matters as demanded by time and situation, and refrain ourselves from creating public disturbance. In addition to what I have already mentioned, the memorial of my Community never demanded the punishment of Zatalli. See clause six of this memorial wherein it is clearly stated that we deem it extremely inappropriate to file suits against the said mullah and other mischief-makers in the criminal court because we have been instructed not to waste our precious time in disputes and law- suits, nor to commit such an act as might result in disorder. Notice, my memorial has been deemed contrary to this one, whereas in fact it is consistent and in keeping with its essential intent. Alas! The memorial was criticised before it was carefully read. In the end, the Punjab edition of The Observer has greatly emphasised the point that even if a civilised man, having listened to such harsh remarks as recorded in the treatise Ummahātul- Mu'minin, might overcome his wrath, and tolerate them with patience and remain silent over them, yet is it expected of a large community of his co-religionists, which do not have such forbear- ance, to remain silent over it? In other words, there is a certain risk of public disorder arising which must be legally prevented. I hereby say in response: when and where have I denied that such malicious writings would lead to a breach of peace? Rather