624
Forgiveness that covers only part of the wrong, is like two fingers given in a handshake.
—Wells.
625
SUPPOSE YOU TRY FORGIVENESS.
The story is told of a British soldier who had broken every rule of the army and on whom every form of punishment had been inflicted without avail. He sinned again. His commanding officer was in despair as to what should be done. A fellow officer said, "Suppose you try forgiveness." The guilty soldier was summoned. On being asked what he had to say in palliation of his offense, he hung his head and replied: "Nothing, except I'm very sorry." "Well," said the officer, "We have decided to forgive you." The culprit looked dazed, burst into tears, saluted, and went out to become one of the best soldiers in the army.
—From The Rise of a Soul.
By James I. Vance.
626
Individuals sometimes forgive, but bodies and societies never do.