Gifts of Heaven · Volume 3 · Chapter 441

Communal political advice

21st March 1848

To My dear friend A.H. Willig. Motto: The righteous man must fear no-one, and he who is a good man in his heart, is worth his reward.

[1] My friend and brother! I know all your actions and tell you that it is good and right. Even if the beyond measure greedy, wicked, malicious, domineering, and gloating, truly common world does not see it, and often does not want to see it, that does not change anything about the matter. For, besides the many evil and stupid, there is just an equal number of good – that is, better-minded – people, who acknowledge your true work and mainly your good will. In their face, however, the evil opponent will have to completely give up his supposed victory anyway.

[2] Adapt your works, which you yesterday read to My servant, somewhat regarding the expressions by which in every case the partly lukewarm, lazy, and sometimes also really bad councils and poor councils, in whatever manner they may be, are somewhat too sharply marked, and let them (your written works) then be published all in all, and you will thereby not only be of use to many in the world, but will rise in praising recognition by the better. And in the end the adversaries will have to confess themselves that they have done you wrong through their loose speeches and malicious threats.

[3] Do not be afraid, because I am with you and will protect you, and nothing bad will happen to you in the future, as up to now. There will certainly still come even bad storms; but where I am, they will not be able to do anything. But the more violent any storm appears, the shorter it lasts; but then soon a quite different wind comes!

[4] You probably also want to know whether or not you should keep this your current job. I say to you: As long as things stand as they do now, remain what you are. But in time, call together the better and more prominent of the city and ask their advice in this regard, and what they will say then, do that! I mean, they will not offend you, for they see your capability only too well.

[5] But at such a time, as you will soon learn, the present foolish wind will also change very significantly, as the wind vane is already now becoming very unsteady, and then you will sit three times firmer than ever. Only here the poor party must never want to submit to the better will, for which it's free will cannot be taken away; then of course you would have to give up your position, for then it would not be worthwhile for you anymore. But then pay attention with what judgment I will visit this city! I say to you: Sodom and Gomorrah shall be in great advantage in comparison! For you know that I have great patience, but it is not without limits. Woe to the wretched people over whom My patience ends! Verily I say to you, this time My patience hangs over great and small only by a most weak thread!

[6] A final remark to you: If you want to marry your daughter to a Prussian in the month of May for instance, do this as secretly as possible or postpone it for a while longer, because there are some evil-minded people here who feel prejudiced about this and want to do evil to your daughter and her bridegroom on their wedding day. This is what I am telling you as a guideline. But it would be best if you could at least suspend this thing completely for the time being. For I tell you, the country into where your daughter marries, will be afflicted with three very mighty plagues, since it has not recognized My frequent, even peaceful visitations!

[7] But your future son-in-law would do best if he sold his property(*1) in his country and bought something somewhere in this country; for his property will soon look very much devastated in the storm of this time.

[8] I have indicated to you, My friend and brother, like a true friend and brother to his dearest friend and brother, all that is good to you and your whole house. But you do accordingly, and you will walk the good way, and I will be with you and will bless you always. Amen. This I, your Father, Friend and Brother say to you. Amen, Amen, Amen.

Footnote (*1) near Ratibor, near Breslau