prepared to pass by these repeated expressions which refer simply to approbation or disapprobation; but in the absence of even one single verse which plainly teaches that God loves mankind because of what He is Himself, and not because of what the individual is or has done, we are compelled to conclude that these many passages which speak of God as loving this one or that one, or not loving this one and that one, give a true representation of what was in the mind of Muhammad when he spoke of God's love; and we have already said that what he refers to is clearly the divine approval or approbation.

Notwithstanding that the word 'love' in the Qur'an has not the same shade of meaning that it has in the Christian writings, it would be a mistake to argue that the Qur'an does not teach the love of God. That the loving-kindness of God follows the sinner and seeks to bring him back to the right way is certainly the teaching of the Qur'an. We find this teaching specially insisted on in those passages which speak of God's grace and mercy.

God's goodness and beneficence are manifested most of all in the fact that He did not leave mankind after the fall but promised guidance and direction to lead him back again to Himself, and this purpose of love to man His manifested in and through His grace and mercy which He bestows on all who will accept it.

9. God's goodness and benevolence to mankind are not arbitrary, but are based on and governed by His truth and faithfulness. He bestows His blessings on men that He may lead them to repentance; yet when

they reject His offered mercy, He is swift in punishing. Muhammad taught that this implied no change or arbitrariness on the part of God. It is not because He changes that He pardons some and punishes others. God is faithful. To those with whom He has entered into covenant relations He remains true. This covenant relation may be particular, as it was with the Jews; and the fact that it was a mutual covenant made it obligatory on them to observe the terms by which they were bound if they desired that He should fulfil to them the promises which He had made. 'O children of Israel! remember my favour wherewith I shewed favour upon you, and be true to your covenant with me; I will be true to my covenant with you.' ¹

The relation into which God enters with mankind may, however, be less formal. It may spring simply from a promise that He will act in such and such a way if men will act towards Him in a specified manner. 'O our Lord! and give us what thou hast promised us by thine apostles, and put us not to shame on the day of the resurrection. Verily, Thou wilt not fail Thy promise.' ² Other verses speak more generally of the faithfulness of God. 'Say: Have ye received such a promise from God? for God will not revoke His promise.' ³ 'It is the promise of God: To His promise God will not be untrue but most men know it not.' ⁴ 'Verily, of the faithful hath God bought their persons and their substances on condition of Paradise for them in return: on the path of God shall they fight, and slay, and be slain: a