Who knew but these criminals were as innocent in the light of God's All-Searching Eye as those who less tried have committed less evil?
For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans iii, 23.
If we say that we have no sin we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. John i, 8.
Some have better childhood memories of good influences brought to bear on their susceptible innocence, and would not humanity, begot and reared in iniquity, have a natural inclination to evil, and consequently be pardonable for greater crimes than those of a healthier nourishment? And would not those stronger ones with great mental gifts have more to answer for accordingly than those of weaker natures? Well, it is beyond any human comprehension to execute perfect justice.
Then hear thou from Heaven, thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men. II Chronicles vi, 30.
I, the Lord, search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. Jeremiah xvii, 10.
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. Psalms xix, 9.
But why dost thou judge thy brother? Or why doth thou set at nought thy brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Let us not therefore judge one another any more; but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. Romans xiv, 10, 13.
Thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art, that judgest; for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself. Romans ii, 1.
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged; condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned; forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. Luke vi, 37.