“We should forgive our enemies, but not before they are hanged.”

“We should forgive our enemies, but not before they are hanged”

“We read that we ought to forgive our enemies; but we do not read that we ought to forgive our friends.”

“The Bible says we need to love our enemies, bless our enemies. It does not say we should assume our enemies' priorities.”

“Even in faith, it is not easy for me to say to God, I am sorry for wanting my enemies to be destroyed and punished before my eyes. It is dishonest to say that it is easy to forgive our enemies, even to ask forgiveness for longing for revenge. ”

“Mine is a most peaceable disposition. My wishes are: a humble cottage with a thatched roof, but a good bed, good food, the freshest milk and butter, flowers before my window, and a few fine trees before my door; and if God wants to make my happiness complete, he will grant me the joy of seeing some six or seven of my enemies hanging from those trees. Before death I shall, moved in my heart, forgive them all the wrong they did me in their lifetime. One must, it is true, forgive one's enemies-- but not before they have been hanged.”