diff --git "a/baha.txt" "b/baha.txt" deleted file mode 100644--- "a/baha.txt" +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7194 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh Revealed after the -Kitab-i-Aqdas by Bahá’u’lláh - - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no -restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under -the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or -online at http://www.gutenberg.org/license - -This is a _copyrighted_ Project Gutenberg eBook, details below. Please -follow the copyright guidelines in this file. - - - -Title: Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh Revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas - -Author: Bahá’u’lláh - -Release Date: October 28, 2005 [Ebook #17310] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TABLETS OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH REVEALED AFTER THE KITAB-I-AQDAS*** - - - - - -Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh Revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas - - -by Bahá’u’lláh - - - - -Edition 1, (October 28, 2005) - - - - - - BAHA’I TERMS OF USE - - -You have permission to freely make and use copies of the text and any -other information ("Content") available on this Site including printing, -emailing, posting, distributing, copying, downloading, uploading, -transmitting, displaying the Content in whole or in part subject to the -following: - -1. Our copyright notice and the source reference must be attached to the -Content; - -2. The Content may not be modified or altered in any way except to change -the font or appearance; - -3. The Content must be used solely for a non-commercial purpose. - -Although this blanket permission to reproduce the Content is given freely -such that no special permission is required, the Bahá’í International -Community retains full copyright protection for all Content included at -this Site under all applicable national and international laws. - -For permission to publish, transmit, display or otherwise use the Content -for any commercial purpose, please contact us -(http://reference.bahai.org/en/contact.html). - - - - - - CONTENTS - - -Baha’i Terms of Use -References to the Qur’án -LAWḤ-I-KARMIL (Tablet of Carmel) -LAWḤ-I-AQDAS (The Most Holy Tablet) -BISHÁRÁT (Glad-Tidings) -TARAZÁT (Ornaments) -TAJALLÍYÁT (Effulgences) -KALÍMÁT-I-FIRDAWSÍYYIH (Words of Paradise) -LAWḤ-I-DUNYÁ (Tablet of the World) -ISHRÁQÁT (Splendours) -LAWḤ-I-HIKMAT (Tablet of Wisdom) -ASL-I-KULLU’L-KHAYR (Words of Wisdom) -LAWḤ-I-MAQSÚD (Tablet of Maqsúd) -SÚRIY-I-VAFÁ (Tablet to Vafá) -LAWḤ-I-SÍYYID-I-MIHDÍY-I-DAHÁJÍ (Tablet to Siyyid Mihdíy-i-Dahájí) -LAWḤ-I-BURHÁN (Tablet of the Proof) -KITÁB-I-‘AHD (Book of the Covenant) -LAWḤ-I-ARD-I-BÁ (Tablet of the Land of Bá) -EXCERPTS FROM OTHER TABLETS - “GOD testifieth that there is none other God but...” - “ALL praise be to Thee, O my God, inasmuch as Thou...” - “O ḤUSAYN! God grant thou shalt ever be bright and...” - “THIS is a Tablet which the Lord of all being hath sent...” - “O FRIEND! In the Bayán We directed everyone in this...” - “O JAVÁD! Such is the greatness of this Day that the Hour...” - “WE make mention of him who hath been attracted by Our...” - “O THOU who bearest My Name, Júd [Bounty]! Upon...” - “O ḤAYDAR! This Wronged One hath heard thy voice...” - “BY the righteousness of God! The Mother Book is made...” - “O MUḤAMMAD ḤUSAYN! Be thou prepared to receive the...” - “O MY handmaiden and My leaf! Rejoice with great joy...” - “AT one time this sublime Word was heard from the...” - “THIS is a Tablet sent down by the All-Merciful from the...” - “O MY handmaiden, O My leaf! Render thou thanks unto...” - “O HANDMAID of God! Hearken unto the Voice of the...” - “FIX your gaze upon wisdom in all things, for it is an...” - “THIS Wronged One doth mention him who hath set his...” - “HE Who leadeth to true victory is come. By the righteousness...” - “THIS is a Tablet sent down by the Lord of mercy that the...” - “WE desire to mention him who hath set his face towards...” - “GIVE ear unto that which the Spirit imparteth unto thee from...” - “THIS Wronged One hath perused thy letter in the Most...” - - - - - - REFERENCES TO THE QUR’ÁN - - -In footnotes referring to the Qur’án the súrihs have been numbered -according to the original, whereas the verse numbers are those in -Rodwell’s translation which differ sometimes from those of the Arabic. - - - - - - - LAWḤ-I-KARMIL (TABLET OF CARMEL) - - -ALL glory be to this Day, the Day in which the fragrances of mercy have -been wafted over all created things, a Day so blest that past ages and -centuries can never hope to rival it, a Day in which the countenance of -the Ancient of Days hath turned towards His holy seat. Thereupon the -voices of all created things, and beyond them those of the Concourse on -High, were heard calling aloud: ‘Haste thee, O Carmel, for lo, the light -of the countenance of God, the Ruler of the Kingdom of Names and Fashioner -of the heavens, hath been lifted upon thee.’ - -Seized with transports of joy, and raising high her voice, she thus -exclaimed: ‘May my life be a sacrifice to Thee, inasmuch as Thou hast -fixed Thy gaze upon me, hast bestowed upon me Thy bounty, and hast -directed towards me Thy steps. Separation from Thee, O Thou Source of -everlasting life, hath well nigh consumed me, and my remoteness from Thy -presence hath burned away my soul. All praise be to Thee for having -enabled me to hearken to Thy call, for having honoured me with Thy -footsteps, and for having quickened my soul through the vitalizing -fragrance of Thy Day and the shrilling voice of Thy Pen, a voice Thou -didst ordain as Thy trumpet-call amidst Thy people. And when the hour at -which Thy resistless Faith was to be made manifest did strike, Thou didst -breathe a breath of Thy spirit into Thy Pen, and lo, the entire creation -shook to its very foundations, unveiling to mankind such mysteries as lay -hidden within the treasuries of Him Who is the Possessor of all created -things.’ - -No sooner had her voice reached that most exalted Spot than We made reply: -‘Render thanks unto thy Lord, O Carmel. The fire of thy separation from Me -was fast consuming thee, when the ocean of My presence surged before thy -face, cheering thine eyes and those of all creation, and filling with -delight all things visible and invisible. Rejoice, for God hath in this -Day established upon thee His throne, hath made thee the dawning-place of -His signs and the dayspring of the evidences of His Revelation. Well is it -with him that circleth around thee, that proclaimeth the revelation of thy -glory, and recounteth that which the bounty of the Lord thy God hath -showered upon thee. Seize thou the Chalice of Immortality in the name of -thy Lord, the All-Glorious, and give thanks unto Him, inasmuch as He, in -token of His mercy unto thee, hath turned thy sorrow into gladness, and -transmuted thy grief into blissful joy. He, verily, loveth the spot which -hath been made the seat of His throne, which His footsteps have trodden, -which hath been honoured by His presence, from which He raised His call, -and upon which He shed His tears. - -‘Call out to Zion, O Carmel, and announce the joyful tidings: He that was -hidden from mortal eyes is come! His all-conquering sovereignty is -manifest; His all-encompassing splendour is revealed. Beware lest thou -hesitate or halt. Hasten forth and circumambulate the City of God that -hath descended from heaven, the celestial Kaaba round which have circled -in adoration the favoured of God, the pure in heart, and the company of -the most exalted angels. Oh, how I long to announce unto every spot on the -surface of the earth, and to carry to each one of its cities, the -glad-tidings of this Revelation—a Revelation to which the heart of Sinai -hath been attracted, and in whose name the Burning Bush is calling: “Unto -God, the Lord of Lords, belong the kingdoms of earth and heaven.” Verily -this is the Day in which both land and sea rejoice at this announcement, -the Day for which have been laid up those things which God, through a -bounty beyond the ken of mortal mind or heart, hath destined for -revelation. Ere long will God sail His Ark upon thee, and will manifest -the people of Bahá who have been mentioned in the Book of Names.’ - -Sanctified be the Lord of all mankind, at the mention of Whose name all -the atoms of the earth have been made to vibrate, and the Tongue of -Grandeur hath been moved to disclose that which had been wrapt in His -knowledge and lay concealed within the treasury of His might. He, verily, -through the potency of His name, the Mighty, the All-Powerful, the Most -High, is the ruler of all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth. - - - - - - LAWḤ-I-AQDAS (THE MOST HOLY TABLET)(1) - - -This is the Most Holy Tablet sent down from the holy kingdom unto the one -who hath set his face towards the Object of the adoration of the world, He -Who hath come from the heaven of eternity, invested with transcendent -glory - -In the name of the Lord, the Lord of great glory. - -THIS is an Epistle from Our presence unto him whom the veils of names have -failed to keep back from God, the Creator of earth and heaven, that his -eyes may be cheered in the days of his Lord, the Help in Peril, the -Self-Subsisting. - -Say, O followers of the Son!(2) Have ye shut out yourselves from Me by -reason of My Name? Wherefore ponder ye not in your hearts? Day and night -ye have been calling upon your Lord, the Omnipotent, but when He came from -the heaven of eternity in His great glory, ye turned aside from Him and -remained sunk in heedlessness. - -Consider those who rejected the Spirit(3) when He came unto them with -manifest dominion. How numerous the Pharisees who had secluded themselves -in synagogues in His name, lamenting over their separation from Him, and -yet when the portals of reunion were flung open and the divine Luminary -shone resplendent from the Dayspring of Beauty, they disbelieved in God, -the Exalted, the Mighty. They failed to attain His presence, -notwithstanding that His advent had been promised them in the Book of -Isaiah as well as in the Books of the Prophets and the Messengers. No one -from among them turned his face towards the Dayspring of divine bounty -except such as were destitute of any power amongst men. And yet, today, -every man endowed with power and invested with sovereignty prideth himself -on His Name. Moreover, call thou to mind the one who sentenced Jesus to -death. He was the most learned of his age in his own country, whilst he -who was only a fisherman believed in Him. Take good heed and be of them -that observe the warning. - -Consider likewise, how numerous at this time are the monks who have -secluded themselves in their churches, calling upon the Spirit, but when -He appeared through the power of Truth, they failed to draw nigh unto Him -and are numbered with those that have gone far astray. Happy are they that -have abandoned them and set their faces towards Him Who is the Desire of -all that are in the heavens and all that are on the earth. - -They read the Evangel and yet refuse to acknowledge the All-Glorious Lord, -notwithstanding that He hath come through the potency of His exalted, His -mighty and gracious dominion. We, verily, have come for your sakes, and -have borne the misfortunes of the world for your salvation. Flee ye the -One Who hath sacrificed His life that ye may be quickened? Fear God, O -followers of the Spirit, and walk not in the footsteps of every divine -that hath gone far astray. Do ye imagine that He seeketh His own -interests, when He hath, at all times, been threatened by the swords of -the enemies; or that He seeketh the vanities of the world, after He hath -been imprisoned in the most desolate of cities? Be fair in your judgement -and follow not the footsteps of the unjust. - -Open the doors of your hearts. He Who is the Spirit verily standeth before -them. Wherefore keep ye afar from Him Who hath purposed to draw you nigh -unto a Resplendent Spot? Say: We, in truth, have opened unto you the gates -of the Kingdom. Will ye bar the doors of your houses in My face? This -indeed is naught but a grievous error. He, verily, hath again come down -from heaven, even as He came down from it the first time. Beware lest ye -dispute that which He proclaimeth, even as the people before you disputed -His utterances. Thus instructeth you the True One, could ye but perceive -it. - -The river Jordan is joined to the Most Great Ocean, and the Son, in the -holy vale, crieth out: ‘Here am I, here am I O Lord, my God!’, whilst -Sinai circleth round the House, and the Burning Bush calleth aloud: ‘He -Who is the Desired One is come in His transcendent majesty.’ Say, Lo! The -Father is come, and that which ye were promised in the Kingdom is -fulfilled! This is the Word which the Son concealed, when to those around -Him He said: ‘Ye cannot bear it now.’ And when the appointed time was -fulfilled and the Hour had struck, the Word shone forth above the horizon -of the Will of God. Beware, O followers of the Son, that ye cast it not -behind your backs. Take ye fast hold of it. Better is this for you than -all that ye possess. Verily He is nigh unto them that do good. The Hour -which We had concealed from the knowledge of the peoples of the earth and -of the favoured angels hath come to pass. Say, verily, He hath testified -of Me, and I do testify of Him. Indeed, He hath purposed no one other than -Me. Unto this beareth witness every fair-minded and understanding soul. - -Though beset with countless afflictions, We summon the people unto God, -the Lord of names. Say, strive ye to attain that which ye have been -promised in the Books of God, and walk not in the way of the ignorant. My -body hath endured imprisonment that ye may be released from the bondage of -self. Set your faces then towards His countenance and follow not the -footsteps of every hostile oppressor. Verily, He hath consented to be -sorely abased that ye may attain unto glory, and yet, ye are disporting -yourselves in the vale of heedlessness. He, in truth, liveth in the most -desolate of abodes for your sakes, whilst ye dwell in your palaces. - -Say, did ye not hearken to the Voice of the Crier, calling aloud in the -wilderness of the Bayán, bearing unto you the glad-tidings of the coming -of your Lord, the All-Merciful? Lo! He is come in the sheltering shadow of -Testimony, invested with conclusive proof and evidence, and those who -truly believe in Him regard His presence as the embodiment of the Kingdom -of God. Blessed is the man who turneth towards Him, and woe betide such as -deny or doubt Him. - -Announce thou unto the priests: Lo! He Who is the Ruler is come. Step out -from behind the veil in the name of thy Lord, He Who layeth low the necks -of all men. Proclaim then unto all mankind the glad-tidings of this -mighty, this glorious Revelation. Verily, He Who is the Spirit of Truth is -come to guide you unto all truth. He speaketh not as prompted by His own -self, but as bidden by Him Who is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. - -Say, this is the One Who hath glorified the Son and hath exalted His -Cause. Cast away, O peoples of the earth, that which ye have and take fast -hold of that which ye are bidden by the All-Powerful, He Who is the Bearer -of the Trust of God. Purge ye your ears and set your hearts towards Him -that ye may hearken to the most wondrous Call which hath been raised from -Sinai, the habitation of your Lord, the Most Glorious. It will, in truth, -draw you nigh unto the Spot wherein ye will perceive the splendour of the -light of His countenance which shineth above this luminous Horizon. - -O concourse of priests! Leave the bells, and come forth, then, from your -churches. It behoveth you, in this day, to proclaim aloud the Most Great -Name among the nations. Prefer ye to be silent, whilst every stone and -every tree shouteth aloud: ‘The Lord is come in His great glory!’? Well is -it with the man who hasteneth unto Him. Verily, he is numbered among them -whose names will be eternally recorded and who will be mentioned by the -Concourse on High. Thus hath it been decreed by the Spirit in this -wondrous Tablet. He that summoneth men in My name is, verily, of Me, and -he will show forth that which is beyond the power of all that are on -earth. Follow ye the Way of the Lord and walk not in the footsteps of them -that are sunk in heedlessness. Well is it with the slumberer who is -stirred by the Breeze of God and ariseth from amongst the dead, directing -his steps towards the Way of the Lord. Verily, such a man is regarded, in -the sight of God, the True One, as a jewel amongst men and is reckoned -with the blissful. - -Say: In the East the light of His Revelation hath broken; in the West have -appeared the signs of His dominion. Ponder this in your hearts, O people, -and be not of those who have turned a deaf ear to the admonitions of Him -Who is the Almighty, the All-Praised. Let the Breeze of God awaken you. -Verily, it hath wafted over the world. Well is it with him that hath -discovered the fragrance thereof and been accounted among the -well-assured. - -O concourse of bishops! Ye are the stars of the heaven of My knowledge. My -mercy desireth not that ye should fall upon the earth. My justice, -however, declareth: ‘This is that which the Son hath decreed.’ And -whatsoever hath proceeded out of His blameless, His truth-speaking, -trustworthy mouth, can never be altered. The bells, verily, peal out My -Name, and lament over Me, but My spirit rejoiceth with evident gladness. -The body of the Loved One yearneth for the cross, and His head is eager -for the spear, in the path of the All-Merciful. The ascendancy of the -oppressor can in no wise deter Him from His purpose. We have summoned all -created things to attain the presence of thy Lord, the King of all names. -Blessed is the man that hath set his face towards God, the Lord of the Day -of Reckoning. - -O concourse of monks! If ye choose to follow Me, I will make you heirs of -My Kingdom; and if ye transgress against Me, I will, in My long-suffering, -endure it patiently, and I, verily, am the Ever-Forgiving, the -All-Merciful. - -O land of Syria! What hath become of thy righteousness? Thou art, in -truth, ennobled by the footsteps of thy Lord. Hast thou perceived the -fragrance of heavenly reunion, or art thou to be accounted of the -heedless? - -Bethlehem is astir with the Breeze of God. We hear her voice saying: ‘O -most generous Lord! Where is Thy great glory established? The sweet -savours of Thy presence have quickened me, after I had melted in my -separation from Thee. Praised be Thou in that Thou hast raised the veils, -and come with power in evident glory.’ We called unto her from behind the -Tabernacle of Majesty and Grandeur: ‘O Bethlehem! This Light hath risen in -the orient, and travelled towards the occident, until it reached thee in -the evening of its life. Tell Me then: Do the sons recognize the Father, -and acknowledge Him, or do they deny Him, even as the people aforetime -denied Him (Jesus)?’ Whereupon she cried out saying: ‘Thou art, in truth, -the All-Knowing, the Best-Informed.’ Verily, We behold all created things -moved to bear witness unto Us. Some know Us and bear witness, while the -majority bear witness, yet know Us not. - -Mount Sinai is astir with the joy of beholding Our countenance. She hath -lifted her enthralling voice in glorification of her Lord, saying: ‘O -Lord! I sense the fragrance of Thy garment. Methinks Thou art near, -invested with the signs of God. Thou hast ennobled these regions with Thy -footsteps. Great is the blessedness of Thy people, could they but know -Thee and inhale Thy sweet savours; and woe betide them that are fast -asleep.’ - -Happy art thou who hast turned thy face towards My countenance, inasmuch -as thou hast rent the veils asunder, hast shattered the idols and -recognized thine eternal Lord. The people of the Qur’án have risen up -against Us without any clear proof or evidence, tormenting Us at every -moment with a fresh torment. They idly imagine that tribulations can -frustrate Our Purpose. Vain indeed is that which they have imagined. -Verily, thy Lord is the One Who ordaineth whatsoever He pleaseth. - -I never passed a tree but Mine heart addressed it saying: ‘O would that -thou wert cut down in My name, and My body crucified upon thee.’ We -revealed this passage in the Epistle to the Sháh that it might serve as a -warning to the followers of religions. Verily, thy Lord is the -All-Knowing, the All-Wise. - -Let not the things they have perpetrated grieve thee. Truly they are even -as dead, and not living. Leave them unto the dead, then turn thy face -towards Him Who is the Life-Giver of the world. Beware lest the sayings of -the heedless sadden thee. Be thou steadfast in the Cause, and teach the -people with consummate wisdom. Thus enjoineth thee the Ruler of earth and -heaven. He is in truth the Almighty, the Most Generous. Ere long will God -exalt thy remembrance and will inscribe with the Pen of Glory that which -thou didst utter for the sake of His love. He is in truth the Protector of -the doers of good. - -Give My remembrance to the one named Murád and say: ‘Blessed art thou, O -Murád, inasmuch as thou didst cast away the promptings of thine own desire -and hast followed Him Who is the Desire of all mankind.’ - -Say: Blessed the slumberer who is awakened by My Breeze. Blessed the -lifeless one who is quickened through My reviving breaths. Blessed the eye -that is solaced by gazing at My beauty. Blessed the wayfarer who directeth -his steps towards the Tabernacle of My glory and majesty. Blessed the -distressed one who seeketh refuge beneath the shadow of My canopy. Blessed -the sore athirst who hasteneth to the soft-flowing waters of My -loving-kindness. Blessed the insatiate soul who casteth away his selfish -desires for love of Me and taketh his place at the banquet table which I -have sent down from the heaven of divine bounty for My chosen ones. -Blessed the abased one who layeth fast hold on the cord of My glory; and -the needy one who entereth beneath the shadow of the Tabernacle of My -wealth. Blessed the ignorant one who seeketh the fountain of My knowledge; -and the heedless one who cleaveth to the cord of My remembrance. Blessed -the soul that hath been raised to life through My quickening breath and -hath gained admittance into My heavenly Kingdom. Blessed the man whom the -sweet savours of reunion with Me have stirred and caused to draw nigh unto -the Dayspring of My Revelation. Blessed the ear that hath heard and the -tongue that hath borne witness and the eye that hath seen and recognized -the Lord Himself, in His great glory and majesty, invested with grandeur -and dominion. Blessed are they that have attained His presence. Blessed -the man who hath sought enlightenment from the Day-Star of My Word. -Blessed he who hath attired his head with the diadem of My love. Blessed -is he who hath heard of My grief and hath arisen to aid Me among My -people. Blessed is he who hath laid down his life in My path and hath -borne manifold hardships for the sake of My Name. Blessed the man who, -assured of My Word, hath arisen from among the dead to celebrate My -praise. Blessed is he that hath been enraptured by My wondrous melodies -and hath rent the veils asunder through the potency of My might. Blessed -is he who hath remained faithful to My Covenant, and whom the things of -the world have not kept back from attaining My Court of holiness. Blessed -is the man who hath detached himself from all else but Me, hath soared in -the atmosphere of My love, hath gained admittance into My Kingdom, gazed -upon My realms of glory, quaffed the living waters of My bounty, hath -drunk his fill from the heavenly river of My loving providence, acquainted -himself with My Cause, apprehended that which I concealed within the -treasury of My Words, and hath shone forth from the horizon of divine -knowledge engaged in My praise and glorification. Verily, he is of Me. -Upon him rest My mercy, My loving-kindness, My bounty and My glory. - - - - - - BISHÁRÁT (GLAD-TIDINGS) - - -This is the Call of the All-Glorious which is proclaimed from the Supreme -Horizon in the Prison of Akká - -He is the Expounder, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. - -GOD, the True One, testifieth and the Revealers of His names and -attributes bear witness that Our sole purpose in raising the Call and in -proclaiming His sublime Word is that the ear of the entire creation may, -through the living waters of divine utterance, be purged from lying tales -and become attuned to the holy, the glorious and exalted Word which hath -issued forth from the repository of the knowledge of the Maker of the -Heavens and the Creator of Names. Happy are they that judge with fairness. - -O people of the earth! - -The first Glad-Tidings which the Mother Book hath, in this Most Great -Revelation, imparted unto all the peoples of the world is that the law of -holy war hath been blotted out from the Book. Glorified be the -All-Merciful, the Lord of grace abounding, through Whom the door of -heavenly bounty hath been flung open in the face of all that are in heaven -and on earth. - -The second Glad-Tidings - -It is permitted that the peoples and kindreds of the world associate with -one another with joy and radiance. O people! Consort with the followers of -all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship. Thus hath the -day-star of His sanction and authority shone forth above the horizon of -the decree of God, the Lord of the worlds. - -The third Glad-Tidings concerneth the study of divers languages. This -decree hath formerly streamed forth from the Pen of the Most High: It -behoveth the sovereigns of the world—may God assist them—or the ministers -of the earth to take counsel together and to adopt one of the existing -languages or a new one to be taught to children in schools throughout the -world, and likewise one script. Thus the whole earth will come to be -regarded as one country. Well is it with him who hearkeneth unto His Call -and observeth that whereunto he is bidden by God, the Lord of the Mighty -Throne. - -The fourth Glad-Tidings - -Should any of the kings—may God aid them—arise to protect and help this -oppressed people, all must vie with one another in loving and in serving -him. This matter is incumbent upon everyone. Well is it with them that act -accordingly. - -The fifth Glad-Tidings - -In every country where any of this people reside, they must behave towards -the government of that country with loyalty, honesty and truthfulness. -This is that which hath been revealed at the behest of Him Who is the -Ordainer, the Ancient of Days. - -It is binding and incumbent upon the peoples of the world, one and all, to -extend aid unto this momentous Cause which is come from the heaven of the -Will of the ever-abiding God, that perchance the fire of animosity which -blazeth in the hearts of some of the peoples of the earth may, through the -living waters of divine wisdom and by virtue of heavenly counsels and -exhortations, be quenched, and the light of unity and concord may shine -forth and shed its radiance upon the world. - -We cherish the hope that through the earnest endeavours of such as are the -exponents of the power of God—exalted be His glory—the weapons of war -throughout the world may be converted into instruments of reconstruction -and that strife and conflict may be removed from the midst of men. - -The sixth Glad-Tidings is the establishment of the Lesser Peace, details -of which have formerly been revealed from Our Most Exalted Pen. Great is -the blessedness of him who upholdeth it and observeth whatsoever hath been -ordained by God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. - -The seventh Glad-Tidings - -The choice of clothing and the cut of the beard and its dressing are left -to the discretion of men. But beware, O people, lest ye make yourselves -the playthings of the ignorant. - -The eighth Glad-Tidings - -The pious deeds of the monks and priests among the followers of the -Spirit(4)—upon Him be the peace of God—are remembered in His presence. In -this Day, however, let them give up the life of seclusion and direct their -steps towards the open world and busy themselves with that which will -profit themselves and others. We have granted them leave to enter into -wedlock that they may bring forth one who will make mention of God, the -Lord of the seen and the unseen, the Lord of the Exalted Throne. - -The ninth Glad-Tidings - -When the sinner findeth himself wholly detached and freed from all save -God, he should beg forgiveness and pardon from Him. Confession of sins and -transgressions before human beings is not permissible, as it hath never -been nor will ever be conducive to divine forgiveness. Moreover such -confession before people results in one’s humiliation and abasement, and -God—exalted be His glory—wisheth not the humiliation of His servants. -Verily He is the Compassionate, the Merciful. The sinner should, between -himself and God, implore mercy from the Ocean of mercy, beg forgiveness -from the Heaven of generosity and say: - -O God, my God! I implore Thee by the blood of Thy true lovers who were so -enraptured by Thy sweet utterance that they hastened unto the Pinnacle of -Glory, the site of the most glorious martyrdom, and I beseech Thee by the -mysteries which lie enshrined in Thy knowledge and by the pearls that are -treasured in the ocean of Thy bounty to grant forgiveness unto me and unto -my father and my mother. Of those who show forth mercy, Thou art in truth -the Most Merciful. No God is there but Thee, the Ever-Forgiving, the -All-Bountiful. - -O Lord! Thou seest this essence of sinfulness turning unto the ocean of -Thy favour and this feeble one seeking the kingdom of Thy divine power and -this poor creature inclining himself towards the day-star of Thy wealth. -By Thy mercy and Thy grace, disappoint him not, O Lord, nor debar him from -the revelations of Thy bounty in Thy days, nor cast him away from Thy door -which Thou hast opened wide to all that dwell in Thy heaven and on Thine -earth. - -Alas! Alas! My sins have prevented me from approaching the Court of Thy -holiness and my trespasses have caused me to stray far from the Tabernacle -of Thy majesty. I have committed that which Thou didst forbid me to do and -have put away what Thou didst order me to observe. - -I pray Thee by Him Who is the sovereign Lord of Names to write down for me -with the Pen of Thy bounty that which will enable me to draw nigh unto -Thee and will purge me from my trespasses which have intervened between me -and Thy forgiveness and Thy pardon. - -Verily, Thou art the Potent, the Bountiful. No God is there but Thee, the -Mighty, the Gracious. - -The tenth Glad-Tidings - -As a token of grace from God, the Revealer of this Most Great -Announcement, We have removed from the Holy Scriptures and Tablets the law -prescribing the destruction of books. - -The eleventh Glad-Tidings - -It is permissible to study sciences and arts, but such sciences as are -useful and would redound to the progress and advancement of the people. -Thus hath it been decreed by Him Who is the Ordainer, the All-Wise. - -The twelfth Glad-Tidings - -It is enjoined upon every one of you to engage in some form of occupation, -such as crafts, trades and the like. We have graciously exalted your -engagement in such work to the rank of worship unto God, the True One. -Ponder ye in your hearts the grace and the blessings of God and render -thanks unto Him at eventide and at dawn. Waste not your time in idleness -and sloth. Occupy yourselves with that which profiteth yourselves and -others. Thus hath it been decreed in this Tablet from whose horizon the -day-star of wisdom and utterance shineth resplendent. - -The most despised of men in the sight of God are those who sit idly and -beg. Hold ye fast unto the cord of material means, placing your whole -trust in God, the Provider of all means. When anyone occupieth himself in -a craft or trade, such occupation itself is regarded in the estimation of -God as an act of worship; and this is naught but a token of His infinite -and all-pervasive bounty. - -The thirteenth Glad-Tidings - -The men of God’s House of Justice have been charged with the affairs of -the people. They, in truth, are the Trustees of God among His servants and -the daysprings of authority in His countries. - -O people of God! That which traineth the world is Justice, for it is -upheld by two pillars, reward and punishment. These two pillars are the -sources of life to the world. Inasmuch as for each day there is a new -problem and for every problem an expedient solution, such affairs should -be referred to the Ministers of the House of Justice that they may act -according to the needs and requirements of the time. They that, for the -sake of God, arise to serve His Cause, are the recipients of divine -inspiration from the unseen Kingdom. It is incumbent upon all to be -obedient unto them. All matters of State should be referred to the House -of Justice, but acts of worship must be observed according to that which -God hath revealed in His Book. - -O people of Bahá! Ye are the dawning-places of the love of God and the -daysprings of His loving-kindness. Defile not your tongues with the -cursing and reviling of any soul, and guard your eyes against that which -is not seemly. Set forth that which ye possess. If it be favourably -received, your end is attained; if not, to protest is vain. Leave that -soul to himself and turn unto the Lord, the Protector, the -Self-Subsisting. Be not the cause of grief, much less of discord and -strife. The hope is cherished that ye may obtain true education in the -shelter of the tree of His tender mercies and act in accordance with that -which God desireth. Ye are all the leaves of one tree and the drops of one -ocean. - -The fourteenth Glad-Tidings - -It is not necessary to undertake special journeys to visit the -resting-places of the dead. If people of substance and affluence offer the -cost of such journeys to the House of Justice, it will be pleasing and -acceptable in the presence of God. Happy are they that observe His -precepts. - -The fifteenth Glad-Tidings - -Although a republican form of government profiteth all the peoples of the -world, yet the majesty of kingship is one of the signs of God. We do not -wish that the countries of the world should remain deprived thereof. If -the sagacious combine the two forms into one, great will be their reward -in the presence of God. - -In former religions such ordinances as holy war, destruction of books, the -ban on association and companionship with other peoples or on reading -certain books had been laid down and affirmed according to the exigencies -of the time; however, in this mighty Revelation, in this momentous -Announcement, the manifold bestowals and favours of God have overshadowed -all men, and from the horizon of the Will of the Ever-Abiding Lord, His -infallible decree hath prescribed that which We have set forth above. - -We yield praise unto God—hallowed and glorified be He—for whatsoever He -hath graciously revealed in this blessed, this glorious and incomparable -Day. Indeed if everyone on earth were endowed with a myriad tongues and -were to continually praise God and magnify His Name to the end that -knoweth no end, their thanksgiving would not prove adequate for even one -of the gracious favours We have mentioned in this Tablet. Unto this -beareth witness every man of wisdom and discernment, of understanding and -knowledge. - -We earnestly beseech God—exalted be His glory—to aid the rulers and -sovereigns, who are the exponents of power and the daysprings of glory, to -enforce His laws and ordinances. He is in truth the Omnipotent, the -All-Powerful, He Who is wont to answer the call of men. - - - - - - TARAZÁT (ORNAMENTS) - - -In My Name, which standeth supreme above all names - -PRAISE and glory beseem the Lord of Names and the Creator of the heavens, -He, the waves of Whose ocean of Revelation surge before the eyes of the -peoples of the world. The Day-Star of His Cause shineth through every veil -and His Word of affirmation standeth beyond the reach of negation. Neither -the ascendancy of the oppressor nor the tyranny of the wicked hath been -able to thwart His Purpose. How glorified is His sovereignty, how exalted -His dominion! - -Great God! Although His signs have encompassed the world and His proofs -and testimonies are shining forth and manifest as the light, yet the -ignorant appear heedless, nay rather, rebellious. Would that they had been -content with opposition. But at all times they are plotting to cut down -the sacred Lote-Tree. Since the dawn of this Revelation the embodiments of -selfishness have, by resorting to cruelty and oppression, striven to -extinguish the Light of divine manifestation. But God, having stayed their -hands, revealed this Light through His sovereign authority and protected -it through the power of His might until earth and heaven were illumined by -its radiance and brightness. Praise be unto Him under all conditions. - -Glory be unto Thee, O Lord of the world and Desire of the nations, O Thou -Who hast become manifest in the Greatest Name whereby the pearls of wisdom -and utterance have appeared from the shells of the great sea of Thy -knowledge, and the heavens of divine revelation have been adorned with the -light of the appearance of the Sun of Thy countenance. - -I beg of Thee, by that Word through which Thy proof was perfected among -Thy creatures and Thy testimony was fulfilled among Thy servants to -strengthen Thy people in that whereby the face of the Cause will radiate -in Thy dominion, the standards of Thy power will be planted among Thy -servants, and the banners of Thy guidance will be raised throughout Thy -dominions. - -O my Lord! Thou beholdest them clinging to the rope of Thy grace and -holding fast unto the hem of the mantle of Thy beneficence. Ordain for -them that which may draw them nearer unto Thee, and withhold them from all -else save Thee. I beg of Thee, O Thou King of existence and Protector of -the seen and the unseen, to make whosoever ariseth to serve Thy Cause as a -sea moving by Thy desire, as one ablaze with the fire of Thy Sacred Tree, -shining from the horizon of the heaven of Thy Will. Verily Thou art the -mighty One Whom neither the power of all the world nor the strength of -nations can weaken. There is no God but Thee, the One, the Incomparable, -the Protector, the Self-Subsistent. - -O thou who hast quaffed the wine of Mine utterance from the chalice of My -knowledge! These sublime words were heard today from the rustling of the -divine Lote-Tree which the Lord of Names hath, with the hand of celestial -power, planted in the All-Highest Paradise: - -The first Taráz and the first effulgence which hath dawned from the -horizon of the Mother Book is that man should know his own self and -recognize that which leadeth unto loftiness or lowliness, glory or -abasement, wealth or poverty. Having attained the stage of fulfilment and -reached his maturity, man standeth in need of wealth, and such wealth as -he acquireth through crafts or professions is commendable and praiseworthy -in the estimation of men of wisdom, and especially in the eyes of servants -who dedicate themselves to the education of the world and to the -edification of its peoples. They are, in truth, cup-bearers of the -life-giving water of knowledge and guides unto the ideal way. They direct -the peoples of the world to the straight path and acquaint them with that -which is conducive to human upliftment and exaltation. The straight path -is the one which guideth man to the dayspring of perception and to the -dawning-place of true understanding and leadeth him to that which will -redound to glory, honour and greatness. - -We cherish the hope that through the loving-kindness of the All-Wise, the -All-Knowing, obscuring dust may be dispelled and the power of perception -enhanced, that the people may discover the purpose for which they have -been called into being. In this Day whatsoever serveth to reduce blindness -and to increase vision is worthy of consideration. This vision acteth as -the agent and guide for true knowledge. Indeed in the estimation of men of -wisdom keenness of understanding is due to keenness of vision. The people -of Bahá must under all circumstances observe that which is meet and seemly -and exhort the people accordingly. - -The second Taráz is to consort with the followers of all religions in a -spirit of friendliness and fellowship, to proclaim that which the Speaker -on Sinai hath set forth and to observe fairness in all matters. - -They that are endued with sincerity and faithfulness should associate with -all the peoples and kindreds of the earth with joy and radiance, inasmuch -as consorting with people hath promoted and will continue to promote unity -and concord, which in turn are conducive to the maintenance of order in -the world and to the regeneration of nations. Blessed are such as hold -fast to the cord of kindliness and tender mercy and are free from -animosity and hatred. - -This Wronged One exhorteth the peoples of the world to observe tolerance -and righteousness, which are two lights amidst the darkness of the world -and two educators for the edification of mankind. Happy are they who have -attained thereto and woe betide the heedless. - -The third Taráz concerneth good character. A good character is, verily, -the best mantle for men from God. With it He adorneth the temples of His -loved ones. By My life! The light of a good character surpasseth the light -of the sun and the radiance thereof. Whoso attaineth unto it is accounted -as a jewel among men. The glory and the upliftment of the world must needs -depend upon it. A goodly character is a means whereby men are guided to -the Straight Path and are led to the Great Announcement. Well is it with -him who is adorned with the saintly attributes and character of the -Concourse on High. - -It beseemeth you to fix your gaze under all conditions upon justice and -fairness. In The Hidden Words this exalted utterance hath been revealed -from Our Most August Pen: - -‘O Son of Spirit! The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; -turn not away therefrom if thou desirest Me, and neglect it not that I may -confide in thee. By its aid thou shalt see with thine own eyes and not -through the eyes of others, and shalt know of thine own knowledge and not -through the knowledge of thy neighbour. Ponder this in thy heart; how it -behoveth thee to be. Verily justice is My gift to thee and the sign of My -loving-kindness. Set it then before thine eyes.’ - -They that are just and fair-minded in their judgement occupy a sublime -station and hold an exalted rank. The light of piety and uprightness -shineth resplendent from these souls. We earnestly hope that the peoples -and countries of the world may not be deprived of the splendours of these -two luminaries. - -The fourth Taráz concerneth trustworthiness. Verily it is the door of -security for all that dwell on earth and a token of glory on the part of -the All-Merciful. He who partaketh thereof hath indeed partaken of the -treasures of wealth and prosperity. Trustworthiness is the greatest portal -leading unto the tranquillity and security of the people. In truth the -stability of every affair hath depended and doth depend upon it. All the -domains of power, of grandeur and of wealth are illumined by its light. - -Not long ago these sublime words were revealed from the Pen of the Most -High: - -‘We will now mention unto thee Trustworthiness and the station thereof in -the estimation of God, thy Lord, the Lord of the Mighty Throne. One day of -days We repaired unto Our Green Island. Upon Our arrival, We beheld its -streams flowing, and its trees luxuriant, and the sunlight playing in -their midst. Turning Our face to the right, We beheld what the pen is -powerless to describe; nor can it set forth that which the eye of the Lord -of Mankind witnessed in that most sanctified, that most sublime, that -blest, and most exalted Spot. Turning, then, to the left We gazed on one -of the Beauties of the Most Sublime Paradise, standing on a pillar of -light, and calling aloud saying: “O inmates of earth and heaven! Behold ye -My beauty, and My radiance, and My revelation, and My effulgence. By God, -the True One! I am Trustworthiness and the revelation thereof, and the -beauty thereof. I will recompense whosoever will cleave unto Me, and -recognize My rank and station, and hold fast unto My hem. I am the most -great ornament of the people of Bahá, and the vesture of glory unto all -who are in the kingdom of creation. I am the supreme instrument for the -prosperity of the world, and the horizon of assurance unto all beings.” -Thus have We sent down for thee that which will draw men nigh unto the -Lord of creation.’ - -O people of Bahá! Trustworthiness is in truth the best of vestures for -your temples and the most glorious crown for your heads. Take ye fast hold -of it at the behest of Him Who is the Ordainer, the All-Informed. - -The fifth Taráz concerneth the protection and preservation of the stations -of God’s servants. One should not ignore the truth of any matter, rather -should one give expression to that which is right and true. The people of -Bahá should not deny any soul the reward due to him, should treat -craftsmen with deference, and, unlike the people aforetime, should not -defile their tongues with abuse. - -In this Day the sun of craftsmanship shineth above the horizon of the -occident and the river of arts is flowing out of the sea of that region. -One must speak with fairness and appreciate such bounty. By the life of -God! The word ‘Equity’ shineth bright and resplendent even as the sun. We -pray God to graciously shed its radiance upon everyone. He is in truth -powerful over all things, He Who is wont to answer the prayers of all men. - -In these days truthfulness and sincerity are sorely afflicted in the -clutches of falsehood, and justice is tormented by the scourge of -injustice. The smoke of corruption hath enveloped the whole world in such -wise that naught can be seen in any direction save regiments of soldiers -and nothing is heard from any land but the clashing of swords. We beseech -God, the True One, to strengthen the wielders of His power in that which -will rehabilitate the world and bring tranquillity to the nations. - -The sixth Taráz - -Knowledge is one of the wondrous gifts of God. It is incumbent upon -everyone to acquire it. Such arts and material means as are now manifest -have been achieved by virtue of His knowledge and wisdom which have been -revealed in Epistles and Tablets through His Most Exalted Pen—a Pen out of -whose treasury pearls of wisdom and utterance and the arts and crafts of -the world are brought to light. - -In this Day the secrets of the earth are laid bare before the eyes of men. -The pages of swiftly-appearing newspapers are indeed the mirror of the -world. They reflect the deeds and the pursuits of divers peoples and -kindreds. They both reflect them and make them known. They are a mirror -endowed with hearing, sight and speech. This is an amazing and potent -phenomenon. However, it behoveth the writers thereof to be purged from the -promptings of evil passions and desires and to be attired with the raiment -of justice and equity. They should enquire into situations as much as -possible and ascertain the facts, then set them down in writing. - -Concerning this Wronged One, most of the things reported in the newspapers -are devoid of truth. Fair speech and truthfulness, by reason of their -lofty rank and position, are regarded as a sun shining above the horizon -of knowledge. The waves rising from this Ocean are apparent before the -eyes of the peoples of the world and the effusions of the Pen of wisdom -and utterance are manifest everywhere. - -It is reported in the press that this Servant hath fled from the land of -Tá (Ṭihrán) and gone to ‘Iráq. Gracious God! Not even for a single moment -hath this Wronged One ever concealed Himself. Rather hath He at all times -remained steadfast and conspicuous before the eyes of all men. Never have -We retreated, nor shall We ever seek flight. In truth it is the foolish -people who flee from Our presence. We left Our home country accompanied by -two mounted escorts, representing the two honoured governments of Persia -and Russia until We arrived in ‘Iráq in the plenitude of glory and power. -Praise be to God! The Cause whereof this Wronged One is the Bearer -standeth as high as heaven and shineth resplendent as the sun. Concealment -hath no access unto this station, nor is there any occasion for fear or -silence. - -The mysteries of Resurrection and the events of the Last Hour are openly -manifest, but the people are sunk in heedlessness and have suffered -themselves to be wrapt in veils. ‘And when the seas shall boil... And when -the Scriptures shall be unrolled.’(5) By the righteousness of God! The -Dawn hath truly brightened and the light hath shone forth and the night -hath receded. Happy are they that comprehend. Happy are they that have -attained thereunto. - -Glorified be God! The Pen is perplexed what to write and the Tongue -wondereth what to utter. Despite unprecedented hardships and after -enduring years of imprisonment, captivity and woeful trials, We now -perceive that veils thicker than the ones We have already torn asunder -have intervened, obstructing the vision and causing the light of -understanding to be obscured. Moreover We observe that the fresh calumnies -which are now rife are far more malicious than those of former days. - -O people of the Bayán! Fear ye the merciful Lord. Consider the people of -former times. What were their deeds and what fruit did they gather? Every -thing they uttered was but imposture and whatever they wrought hath proved -worthless, except for those whom God hath graciously protected through His -power. - -I swear by the life of Him Who is the Desire of the world! Were a man to -ponder in his heart he would, free of all attachment to the world, hasten -unto the Most Great Light and would purge and purify himself from the dust -of vain imaginings and the smoke of idle fancy. What could have prompted -the people of the past to err and by whom were they misled? They still -reject the truth and have turned towards their own selfish desires. This -Wronged One calleth aloud for the sake of God. Whosoever wisheth, let him -turn thereunto; whosoever wisheth, let him turn away. Verily God can well -afford to dispense with all things, whether of the past or of the future. - -O people of the Bayán! It is men like unto Hádí Dawlat-Ábádí(6) who, with -turban and staff,(7) have been the source of opposition and hindrance and -have so grievously burdened the people with superstitions that even at the -present time they still expect the appearance of a fictitious person from -a fictitious place. Be ye warned, O men of understanding. - -O Hádí! Give ear unto the Voice of this trustworthy Counsellor: direct thy -steps from the left unto the right, that is turn away from idle fancy unto -certitude. Lead not the people into error. The divine Luminary shineth, -His Cause is manifest and His signs are all-embracing. Set thy face -towards God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting. Renounce thy -leadership for the sake of God and leave the people unto themselves. Thou -art ignorant of the essential truth, thou art not acquainted therewith. - -O Hádí! Be thou of one face in the path of God. When in company with the -infidels, thou art an infidel and with the pious, thou art pious. Reflect -thou upon such souls as offered up their lives and their substance in that -land, that haply thou mayest be admonished and roused from slumber. -Consider: who is to be preferred, he who preserveth his body, his life and -his possessions or the one who surrendereth his all in the path of God? -Judge thou fairly and be not of the unjust. Take fast hold of justice and -adhere unto equity that perchance thou mayest not, for selfish motives, -use religion as a snare, nor disregard the truth for the sake of gold. -Indeed thine iniquity and the iniquity of such people as thyself have -waxed so grievous that the Pen of Glory was moved to make such -observations. Fear thou God. He Who heralded this Revelation hath -declared: ‘He shall proclaim under all conditions: “Verily, verily, I am -God, no God is there but Me, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting.”’ - -O people of the Bayán! Ye have been forbidden to contact the loved ones of -God. Why hath this ban been imposed and for what purpose? Be ye fair, I -adjure you by God, and be not of the heedless. Unto such as are endued -with insight, and before the Most Great Beauty, the object of this ban is -known and evident; it is so that no one may become aware of his (Hádí’s) -secrets and deeds. - -O Hádí! Thou hast not been in Our company, thou art therefore ignorant of -the Cause. Act not according to thine idle imaginings. Aside from these -things, scrutinize the Writings with thine own eyes and ponder upon that -which hath come to pass. Have pity upon thyself and upon the servants of -God and be not the cause of waywardness like unto the people aforetime. -The path is unmistakable and the proof is evident. Change injustice into -justice and inequity into equity. We cherish the hope that the breaths of -divine inspiration may strengthen thee and that thine inner ear may be -enabled to hear the blessed words: ‘Say, it is God, then leave them to -entertain themselves with their cavillings.’(8) Thou has been there -(Cyprus) and hast seen him (Mírzá Yaḥyá). Now speak forth with fairness. -Do not misrepresent the matter, neither to thyself nor to the people. Thou -art both ignorant and uninformed. Give ear unto the Voice of this Wronged -One and hasten towards the ocean of divine knowledge that perchance thou -mayest be adorned with the ornament of comprehension and mayest renounce -all else but God. Hearken unto the Voice of this benevolent Counsellor, -calling aloud, unveiled and manifest, before the faces of kings and their -subjects, and summon the people of the world, one and all, unto Him Who is -the Lord of Eternity. This is the Word from Whose horizon the day-star of -unfailing grace shineth resplendent. - -O Hádí! This Wronged One, rid of all attachment to the world, hath striven -with utmost endeavour to quench the fire of animosity and hatred which -burneth fiercely in the hearts of the peoples of the earth. It behoveth -every just and fair-minded person to render thanks unto God—exalted be His -glory—and to arise to promote this pre-eminent Cause, that fire may turn -into light, and hatred may give way to fellowship and love. I swear by the -righteousness of God! This is the sole purpose of this Wronged One. Indeed -in proclaiming this momentous Cause and in demonstrating its Truth We have -endured manifold sufferings, hardships and tribulations. Thou thyself -wouldst bear witness unto that which We have mentioned, couldst thou but -speak with fairness. Verily God speaketh the truth and leadeth the Way. He -is the Powerful, the Mighty, the Gracious. - -May Our Glory rest upon the people of Bahá whom neither the tyranny of the -oppressor nor the ascendancy of the aggressor have been able to withhold -from God, the Lord of the worlds. - - - - - - TAJALLÍYÁT (EFFULGENCES) - - -This is the Epistle of God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting - -He is the One Who heareth from His Realm of Glory. - -GOD testifieth that there is none other God but Him and that He Who hath -appeared is the Hidden Mystery, the Treasured Symbol, the Most Great Book -for all peoples, and the Heaven of bounty for the whole world. He is the -Most Mighty Sign amongst men and the Dayspring of the most august -attributes in the realm of creation. Through Him hath appeared that which -had been hidden from time immemorial and been veiled from the eyes of men. -He is the One Whose Manifestation was announced by the heavenly -Scriptures, in former times and more recently. Whoso acknowledgeth belief -in Him and in His signs and testimonies hath in truth acknowledged that -which the Tongue of Grandeur uttered ere the creation of earth and heaven -and the revelation of the Kingdom of Names. Through Him the ocean of -knowledge hath surged amidst mankind and the river of divine wisdom hath -gushed out at the behest of God, the Lord of Days. - -Well is it with the man of discernment who hath recognized and perceived -the Truth, and the one possessed of a hearing ear who hath hearkened unto -His sweet Voice, and the hand that hath received His Book with such -resolve as is born of God, the Lord of this world and of the next, and the -earnest wayfarer who hath hastened unto His glorious Horizon, and the one -endued with strength whom neither the overpowering might of the rulers, -nor the tumult raised by the leaders of religion hath been able to shake. -And woe betide him who hath rejected the grace of God and His bounty, and -hath denied His tender mercy and authority; such a man is indeed reckoned -with those who have throughout eternity repudiated the testimony of God -and His proof. - -Great is the blessedness of him who hath in this Day cast away the things -current amongst men and hath clung unto that which is ordained by God, the -Lord of Names and the Fashioner of all created things, He Who is come from -the heaven of eternity through the power of the Most Great Name, invested -with so invincible an authority that all the powers of the earth are -unable to withstand Him. Unto this beareth witness the Mother Book, -calling from the Most Sublime Station. - -O ‘Alí-Akbar!(9) We have repeatedly heard thy voice and have responded to -thee with that which the praise of all mankind can never rival; from which -the sincere ones inhale the sweet savours of the sayings of the -All-Merciful, and His true lovers perceive the fragrance of heavenly -reunion, and the sore athirst discover the murmuring of the water that is -life indeed. Blessed the man who hath attained thereto and hath recognized -that which is at this moment being diffused from the Pen of God, the Help -in Peril, the Almighty, the All-Bountiful. - -We testify that thou hast set thy face towards God and travelled far until -thou didst attain His presence and gavest ear unto the Voice of this -Wronged One, Who hath been cast into prison through the misdeeds of those -who have disbelieved in the signs and testimonies of God and have denied -this heavenly grace through which the whole world hath been made to shine. -Blessed thy face, for it hath turned unto Him, and thine ear, for it hath -heard His Voice, and thy tongue, for it hath celebrated the praise of God, -the Lord of lords. We pray God to graciously aid thee to become a standard -for the promotion of His Cause and to enable thee to draw nigh unto Him at -all times and under all conditions. - -The chosen ones of God and His loved ones in that land are remembered by -Us, and We give them the joyful tidings of that which hath been sent down -in their honour from the Kingdom of the utterance of their Lord, the -sovereign Ruler of the Day of Reckoning. Make mention of Me to them and -illumine them with the resplendent glory of Mine utterance. Verily thy -Lord is the Gracious, the Bountiful. - -O thou who dost magnify My praise! Give ear unto that which the people of -tyranny ascribe unto Me in My days. Some of them say: ‘He hath laid claim -to divinity’; others say: ‘He hath devised a lie against God’; still -others say: ‘He is come to foment sedition’. Base and wretched are they. -Lo! They are, in truth, enslaved to idle imaginings. - -We shall now cease using the eloquent language.(10) Truly thy Lord is the -Potent, the Unconstrained. We would fain speak in the Persian tongue that -perchance the people of Persia, one and all, may become aware of the -utterances of the merciful Lord, and come forth to discover the Truth. - -The first Tajallí which hath dawned from the Day-Star of Truth is the -knowledge of God—exalted be His glory. And the knowledge of the King of -everlasting days can in no wise be attained save by recognizing Him Who is -the Bearer of the Most Great Name. He is, in truth, the Speaker on Sinai -Who is now seated upon the throne of Revelation. He is the Hidden Mystery -and the Treasured Symbol. All the former and latter Books of God are -adorned with His praise and extol His glory. Through Him the standard of -knowledge hath been planted in the world and the ensign of the oneness of -God hath been unfurled amidst all peoples. Attainment unto the Divine -Presence can be realized solely by attaining His presence. Through His -potency everything that hath, from time immemorial, been veiled and -hidden, is now revealed. He is made manifest through the power of Truth -and hath uttered a Word whereby all that are in the heavens and on the -earth have been dumbfounded, except those whom the Almighty was pleased to -exempt. True belief in God and recognition of Him cannot be complete save -by acceptance of that which He hath revealed and by observance of -whatsoever hath been decreed by Him and set down in the Book by the Pen of -Glory. - -They that immerse themselves in the ocean of His utterances should at all -times have the utmost regard for the divinely-revealed ordinances and -prohibitions. Indeed His ordinances constitute the mightiest stronghold -for the protection of the world and the safeguarding of its peoples—a -light upon those who acknowledge and recognize the truth, and a fire unto -such as turn away and deny. - -The second Tajallí is to remain steadfast in the Cause of God—exalted be -His glory—and to be unswerving in His love. And this can in no wise be -attained except through full recognition of Him; and full recognition -cannot be obtained save by faith in the blessed words: ‘He doeth -whatsoever He willeth.’ Whoso tenaciously cleaveth unto this sublime word -and drinketh deep from the living waters of utterance which are inherent -therein, will be imbued with such a constancy that all the books of the -world will be powerless to deter him from the Mother Book. O how glorious -is this sublime station, this exalted rank, this ultimate purpose! - -O ‘Alí-Akbar! Consider how abject is the state of the disbelievers. They -all give utterance to the words: ‘Verily He is to be praised in His deeds -and is to be obeyed in His behest.’ Nevertheless if We reveal aught which, -even to the extent of a needle’s eye, runneth counter to their selfish -ways and desires, they will disdainfully reject it. Say, none can ever -fathom the manifold exigencies of God’s consummate wisdom. In truth, were -He to pronounce the earth to be heaven, no one hath the right to question -His authority. This is that whereunto the Point of the Bayán hath -testified in all that was sent down unto Him with truth at the behest of -God, He Who hath caused the Dawn to break. - -The third Tajallí is concerning arts, crafts and sciences. Knowledge is as -wings to man’s life, and a ladder for his ascent. Its acquisition is -incumbent upon everyone. The knowledge of such sciences, however, should -be acquired as can profit the peoples of the earth, and not those which -begin with words and end with words. Great indeed is the claim of -scientists and craftsmen on the peoples of the world. Unto this beareth -witness the Mother Book on the day of His return. Happy are those -possessed of a hearing ear. In truth, knowledge is a veritable treasure -for man, and a source of glory, of bounty, of joy, of exaltation, of cheer -and gladness unto him. Thus hath the Tongue of Grandeur spoken in this -Most Great Prison. - -The fourth Tajallí is concerning Divinity, Godhead and the like. Were a -man of insight to direct his gaze towards the blessed, the manifest -Lote-Tree and its fruits, he would be so enriched thereby as to be -independent of aught else and to acknowledge his belief in that which the -Speaker on Sinai hath uttered from the throne of Revelation. - -O ‘Alí-Akbar! Acquaint the people with the holy verses of thy Lord and -make known unto them His straight Path, His mighty Announcement. - -Say: O people, if ye judge fairly and equitably, ye will testify to the -truth of whatsoever hath streamed forth from the Most Exalted Pen. If ye -be of the people of the Bayán, the Persian Bayán will guide you aright and -will prove a sufficient testimony unto you; and if ye be of the people of -the Qur’án, ponder ye upon the Revelation on Sinai and the Voice from the -Bush which came unto the Son of ‘Imrán [Moses]. - -Gracious God! It was intended that at the time of the manifestation of the -One true God the faculty of recognizing Him would have been developed and -matured and would have reached its culmination. However, it is now clearly -demonstrated that in the disbelievers this faculty hath remained -undeveloped and hath, indeed, degenerated. - -O ‘Alí! That which they accepted from the Bush they now refuse to accept -from Him Who is the Tree of the world of existence. Say, O people of the -Bayán, speak not according to the dictates of passion and selfish desire. -Most of the peoples of the earth attest the truth of the blessed Word -which hath come forth from the Bush. - -By the righteousness of God! But for the anthem of praise voiced by Him -Who heralded the divine Revelation, this Wronged One would never have -breathed a word which might have struck terror into the hearts of the -ignorant and caused them to perish. Dwelling on the glorification of Him -Whom God shall make manifest—exalted be His Manifestation—the Báb in the -beginning of the Bayán saith: ‘He is the One Who shall proclaim under all -conditions, “Verily, verily, I am God, no God is there but Me, the Lord of -all created things. In truth all others except Me are My creatures. O, My -creatures! Me alone do ye worship.”’ Likewise in another instance He, -magnifying the Name of Him Who shall be made manifest, saith: ‘I would be -the first to adore Him.’ Now it behoveth one to reflect upon the -significance of the ‘Adorer’ and the ‘Adored One’, that perchance the -people of the earth may partake of a dewdrop from the ocean of divine -knowledge and may be enabled to perceive the greatness of this Revelation. -Verily, He hath appeared and hath unloosed His tongue to proclaim the -Truth. Well is it with him who doth acknowledge and recognize the truth, -and woe betide the froward and the wayward. - -O kindreds of the earth! Incline your ears unto the Voice from the divine -Lote-Tree which overshadoweth the world and be not of the people of -tyranny on earth—men who have repudiated the Manifestation of God and His -invincible authority and have renounced His favours—they in truth are -reckoned with the contemptible in the Book of God, the Lord of all -mankind. - -The Glory which hath dawned above the horizon of My tender mercy rest upon -thee and upon whosoever is with thee and giveth ear to thy words -concerning the Cause of God, the Almighty, the All-Praised. - - - - - - KALÍMÁT-I-FIRDAWSÍYYIH (WORDS OF PARADISE) - - -He is the One Who speaketh through the power of Truth in the Kingdom of -Utterance - -O YE the embodiments of justice and equity and the manifestations of -uprightness and of heavenly bounties! In tears and lamenting, this Wronged -One calleth aloud and saith: O God, my God! Adorn the heads of Thy loved -ones with the crown of detachment and attire their temples with the -raiment of righteousness. - -It behoveth the people of Bahá to render the Lord victorious through the -power of their utterance and to admonish the people by their goodly deeds -and character, inasmuch as deeds exert greater influence than words. - -O Ḥaydar-‘Alí!(11) Upon thee be the praise of God and His glory. Say: -Honesty, virtue, wisdom and a saintly character redound to the exaltation -of man, while dishonesty, imposture, ignorance and hypocrisy lead to his -abasement. By My life! Man’s distinction lieth not in ornaments or wealth, -but rather in virtuous behaviour and true understanding. Most of the -people in Persia are steeped in deception and idle fancy. How great the -difference between the condition of these people and the station of such -valiant souls as have passed beyond the sea of names and pitched their -tents upon the shores of the ocean of detachment. Indeed none but a few of -the existing generation hath yet earned the merit of hearkening unto the -warblings of the doves of the all-highest Paradise. ‘Few of My servants -are truly thankful.’(12) People for the most part delight in -superstitions. They regard a single drop of the sea of delusion as -preferable to an ocean of certitude. By holding fast unto names they -deprive themselves of the inner reality and by clinging to vain imaginings -they are kept back from the Dayspring of heavenly signs. God grant you may -be graciously aided under all conditions to shatter the idols of -superstition and to tear away the veils of the imaginations of men. -Authority lieth in the grasp of God, the Fountainhead of revelation and -inspiration and the Lord of the Day of Resurrection. - -We heard that which the person in question hath mentioned regarding -certain teachers of the Faith. Indeed he hath spoken truly. Some heedless -souls roam the lands in the name of God, actively engaged in ruining His -Cause, and call it promoting and teaching the Word of God; and this -notwithstanding that the qualifications of the teachers of the Faith, like -unto stars, shine resplendent throughout the heavens of the divine -Tablets. Every fair-minded person testifieth and every man of insight is -well aware that the One true God—exalted be His glory—hath unceasingly set -forth and expounded that which will elevate the station and will exalt the -rank of the children of men. - -The people of Bahá burn brightly amidst the gatherings even as a candle -and hold fast unto that which God hath purposed. This station standeth -supreme above all stations. Well is it with him who hath cast away the -things that the people of the world possess, yearning for that which -pertaineth unto God, the Sovereign Lord of eternity. - -Say: O God, my God! Thou beholdest me circling round Thy Will with mine -eyes turned towards the horizon of Thy bounty, eagerly awaiting the -revelation of the effulgent splendours of the sun of Thy favours. I beg of -Thee, O Beloved of every understanding heart and the Desire of such as -have near access unto Thee, to grant that Thy loved ones may become wholly -detached from their own inclinations, holding fast unto that which -pleaseth Thee. Attire them, O Lord, with the robe of righteousness and -illumine them with the splendours of the light of detachment. Summon then -to their assistance the hosts of wisdom and utterance that they may exalt -Thy Word amongst Thy creatures and proclaim Thy Cause amidst Thy servants. -Verily, potent art Thou to do what Thou willest, and within Thy grasp lie -the reins of all affairs. No God is there but Thee, the Mighty, the -Ever-Forgiving. - -O thou who hast turned thy gaze towards My face! In these days there -occurred that which hath plunged Me into dire sadness. Certain wrong-doers -who profess allegiance to the Cause of God committed such deeds as have -caused the limbs of sincerity, of honesty, of justice, of equity to quake. -One known individual to whom the utmost kindness and favour had been -extended perpetrated such acts as have brought tears to the eye of God. -Formerly We uttered words of warning and premonition, then for a number of -years We kept the matter secret that haply he might take heed and repent. -But all to no purpose. In the end he bent his energies upon vilifying the -Cause of God before the eyes of all men. He tore the veil of fairness -asunder and felt sympathy neither for himself nor for the Cause of God. -Now, however, the deeds of certain individuals have brought sorrows far -more grievous than those which the deeds of the former had caused. Beseech -thou God, the True One, that He may graciously enable the heedless to -retract and repent. Verily He is the Forgiving, the Bountiful, the Most -Generous. - -In these days it is incumbent upon everyone to adhere tenaciously unto -unity and concord and to labour diligently in promoting the Cause of God, -that perchance the wayward souls may attain that which will lead unto -abiding prosperity. - -In brief, dissensions among various sects have opened the way to weakness. -Each sect hath picked out a way for itself and is clinging to a certain -cord. Despite manifest blindness and ignorance they pride themselves on -their insight and knowledge. Among them are mystics who bear allegiance to -the Faith of Islám, some of whom indulge in that which leadeth to idleness -and seclusion. I swear by God! It lowereth man’s station and maketh him -swell with pride. Man must bring forth fruit. One who yieldeth no fruit -is, in the words of the Spirit,(13) like unto a fruitless tree, and a -fruitless tree is fit but for the fire. - -That which the aforesaid persons have mentioned concerning the stations of -Divine Unity will conduce in no small measure to idleness and vain -imaginings. These mortal men have evidently set aside the differences of -station and have come to regard themselves as God, while God is -immeasurably exalted above all things. Every created being however -revealeth His signs which are but emanations from Him and not His Own -Self. All these signs are reflected and can be seen in the book of -existence, and the scrolls that depict the shape and pattern of the -universe are indeed a most great book. Therein every man of insight can -perceive that which would lead to the Straight Path and would enable him -to attain the Great Announcement. Consider the rays of the sun whose light -hath encompassed the world. The rays emanate from the sun and reveal its -nature, but are not the sun itself. Whatsoever can be discerned on earth -amply demonstrateth the power of God, His knowledge and the outpourings of -His bounty, while He Himself is immeasurably exalted above all creatures. - -Christ saith: ‘Thou hast granted to children that whereof the learned and -the wise are deprived.’ The sage of Sabzívar(14) hath said: ‘Alas! -Attentive ears are lacking, otherwise the whisperings of the Sinaic Bush -could be heard from every tree.’ In a Tablet to a man of wisdom who had -made enquiry as to the meaning of Elementary Reality, We addressed this -famous sage in these words: ‘If this saying is truly thine, how is it that -thou hast failed to hearken unto the Call which the Tree of Man hath -raised from the loftiest heights of the world? If thou didst hear the Call -yet fear and the desire to preserve thy life prompted thee to remain -heedless to it, thou art such a person as hath never been nor is worthy of -mention; if thou hast not heard it, then thou art bereft of the sense of -hearing.’ In brief, such men are they whose words are the pride of the -world, and whose deeds are the shame of the nations. - -Verily We have sounded the Trumpet which is none other than My Pen of -Glory, and lo, mankind hath swooned away before it, save them whom God -pleaseth to deliver as a token of His grace. He is the Lord of bounty, the -Ancient of Days. - -Say: O concourse of divines! Pronounce ye censure against this Pen unto -which, as soon as it raised its shrill voice, the kingdom of utterance -prepared itself to hearken, and before whose mighty and glorious theme -every other theme hath paled into insignificance? Fear ye God and follow -not your idle fancies and corrupt imaginings, but rather follow Him Who is -come unto you invested with undeniable knowledge and unshakeable -certitude. - -Glorified be God! Man’s treasure is his utterance, yet this Wronged One -hath withheld His Tongue, for the disbelievers are lying in ambush; -however, protection is afforded by God, the Lord of all worlds. Verily, in -Him have We placed Our trust and unto Him have We committed all affairs. -All-Sufficient is He for Us and for all created things. He is the One by -Whose leave, and through the potency of Whose command, the Day-Star of -sovereign might hath shone resplendent above the horizon of the world. -Well is it with him who perceiveth and recognizeth the Truth and woe -betide the froward and the faithless. - -This Wronged One hath invariably treated the wise with affection. By the -wise is meant men whose knowledge is not confined to mere words and whose -lives have been fruitful and have produced enduring results. It is -incumbent upon everyone to honour these blessed souls. Happy are they that -observe God’s precepts; happy are they that have recognized the Truth; -happy are they that judge with fairness in all matters and hold fast to -the Cord of My inviolable Justice. - -The people of Persia have turned away from Him Who is the Protector and -the Helper. They are clinging to and have enmeshed themselves in the vain -imaginings of the foolish. So firmly do they adhere to superstitions that -naught can sever them therefrom save the potent arm of God—exalted is His -glory. Beseech thou the Almighty that He may remove with the fingers of -divine power the veils which have shut out the divers peoples and -kindreds, that they may attain the things that are conducive to security, -progress and advancement and may hasten forth towards the incomparable -Friend. - -The word of God which the Abhá Pen hath revealed and inscribed on the - - _first leaf_ - -of the Most Exalted Paradise is this: Verily I say: The fear of God hath -ever been a sure defence and a safe stronghold for all the peoples of the -world. It is the chief cause of the protection of mankind, and the supreme -instrument for its preservation. Indeed, there existeth in man a faculty -which deterreth him from, and guardeth him against, whatever is unworthy -and unseemly, and which is known as his sense of shame. This, however, is -confined to but a few; all have not possessed and do not possess it. - -The word of God which the Supreme Pen hath recorded on the - - _second leaf_ - -of the Most Exalted Paradise is the following: The Pen of the Most High -exhorteth, at this moment, the manifestations of authority and the sources -of power, namely the kings, the sovereigns, the presidents, the rulers, -the divines and the wise, and enjoineth them to uphold the cause of -religion, and to cleave unto it. Religion is verily the chief instrument -for the establishment of order in the world and of tranquillity amongst -its peoples. The weakening of the pillars of religion hath strengthened -the foolish and emboldened them and made them more arrogant. Verily I say: -The greater the decline of religion, the more grievous the waywardness of -the ungodly. This cannot but lead in the end to chaos and confusion. Hear -Me, O men of insight, and be warned, ye who are endued with discernment! - -The word of God which the Supreme Pen hath recorded on the - - _third leaf_ - -of the Most Exalted Paradise is this: O son of man! If thine eyes be -turned towards mercy, forsake the things that profit thee and cleave unto -that which will profit mankind. And if thine eyes be turned towards -justice, choose thou for thy neighbour that which thou choosest for -thyself. Humility exalteth man to the heaven of glory and power, whilst -pride abaseth him to the depths of wretchedness and degradation. - -O people of God! Great is the Day and mighty the Call! In one of Our -Tablets We have revealed these exalted words: ‘Were the world of the -spirit to be wholly converted into the sense of hearing, it could then -claim to be worthy to hearken unto the Voice that calleth from the Supreme -Horizon; for otherwise, these ears that are defiled with lying tales have -never been, nor are they now, fit to hear it.’ Well is it with them that -hearken; and woe betide the wayward. - -The word of God which the Supreme Pen hath recorded on the - - _fourth leaf_ - -of the Most Exalted Paradise is the following: O people of God! Beseech ye -the True One—glorified be His Name—that He may graciously shield the -manifestations of dominion and power from the suggestions of self and -desire and shed the radiance of justice and guidance upon them. - -His Majesty Muḥammad Sháh, despite the excellence of his rank, committed -two heinous deeds. One was the order to banish the Lord of the Realms of -Grace and Bounty, the Primal Point; and the other, the murder of the -Prince of the City of Statesmanship and Literary Accomplishment.(15) - -The faults of kings, like their favours, can be great. A king who is not -deterred by the vainglory of power and authority from observing justice, -nor is deprived of the splendours of the day-star of equity by luxury, -riches, glory or the marshalling of hosts and legions shall occupy a high -rank and a sublime station amongst the Concourse on high. It is incumbent -upon everyone to extend aid and to manifest kindness to so noble a soul. -Well is it with the king who keepeth a tight hold on the reins of his -passion, restraineth his anger and preferreth justice and fairness to -injustice and tyranny. - -The word of God which the Supreme Pen hath recorded on the - - _fifth leaf_ - -of the Most Exalted Paradise is this: Above all else, the greatest gift -and the most wondrous blessing hath ever been and will continue to be -Wisdom. It is man’s unfailing Protector. It aideth him and strengtheneth -him. Wisdom is God’s Emissary and the Revealer of His Name the Omniscient. -Through it the loftiness of man’s station is made manifest and evident. It -is all-knowing and the foremost Teacher in the school of existence. It is -the Guide and is invested with high distinction. Thanks to its educating -influence earthly beings have become imbued with a gem-like spirit which -outshineth the heavens. In the city of justice it is the unrivalled -Speaker Who, in the year nine, illumined the world with the joyful tidings -of this Revelation. And it was this peerless Source of wisdom that at the -beginning of the foundation of the world ascended the stair of inner -meaning and when enthroned upon the pulpit of utterance, through the -operation of the divine Will, proclaimed two words. The first heralded the -promise of reward, while the second voiced the ominous warning of -punishment. The promise gave rise to hope and the warning begat fear. Thus -the basis of world order hath been firmly established upon these twin -principles. Exalted is the Lord of Wisdom, the Possessor of Great Bounty. - -The word of God which the Supreme Pen hath recorded on the - - _sixth leaf_ - -of the Most Exalted Paradise is the following: The light of men is -Justice. Quench it not with the contrary winds of oppression and tyranny. -The purpose of justice is the appearance of unity among men. The ocean of -divine wisdom surgeth within this exalted word, while the books of the -world cannot contain its inner significance. Were mankind to be adorned -with this raiment, they would behold the day-star of the utterance, ‘On -that day God will satisfy everyone out of His abundance,’(16) shining -resplendent above the horizon of the world. Appreciate ye the value of -this utterance; it is a noble fruit that the Tree of the Pen of Glory hath -yielded. Happy is the man that giveth ear unto it and observeth its -precepts. Verily I say, whatever is sent down from the heaven of the Will -of God is the means for the establishment of order in the world and the -instrument for promoting unity and fellowship among its peoples. Thus hath -the Tongue of this Wronged One spoken from His Most Great Prison. - -The word of God which the Supreme Pen hath recorded on the - - _seventh leaf_ - -of the Most Exalted Paradise is this: O ye men of wisdom among nations! -Shut your eyes to estrangement, then fix your gaze upon unity. Cleave -tenaciously unto that which will lead to the well-being and tranquillity -of all mankind. This span of earth is but one homeland and one habitation. -It behoveth you to abandon vainglory which causeth alienation and to set -your hearts on whatever will ensure harmony. In the estimation of the -people of Bahá man’s glory lieth in his knowledge, his upright conduct, -his praiseworthy character, his wisdom, and not in his nationality or -rank. O people of the earth! Appreciate the value of this heavenly word. -Indeed it may be likened unto a ship for the ocean of knowledge and a -shining luminary for the realm of perception. - -The word of God which the Supreme Pen hath recorded on the - - _eighth leaf_ - -of the Most Exalted Paradise is the following: Schools must first train -the children in the principles of religion, so that the Promise and the -Threat recorded in the Books of God may prevent them from the things -forbidden and adorn them with the mantle of the commandments; but this in -such a measure that it may not injure the children by resulting in -ignorant fanaticism and bigotry. - -It is incumbent upon the Trustees of the House of Justice to take counsel -together regarding those things which have not outwardly been revealed in -the Book, and to enforce that which is agreeable to them. God will verily -inspire them with whatsoever He willeth, and He, verily, is the Provider, -the Omniscient. - -We have formerly ordained that people should converse in two languages, -yet efforts must be made to reduce them to one, likewise the scripts of -the world, that men’s lives may not be dissipated and wasted in learning -divers languages. Thus the whole earth would come to be regarded as one -city and one land. - -The word of God which the Supreme Pen hath recorded on the - - _ninth leaf_ - -of the Most Exalted Paradise is this: In all matters moderation is -desirable. If a thing is carried to excess, it will prove a source of -evil. Consider the civilization of the West, how it hath agitated and -alarmed the peoples of the world. An infernal engine hath been devised, -and hath proved so cruel a weapon of destruction that its like none hath -ever witnessed or heard. The purging of such deeply-rooted and -overwhelming corruptions cannot be effected unless the peoples of the -world unite in pursuit of one common aim and embrace one universal faith. -Incline your ears unto the Call of this Wronged One and adhere firmly to -the Lesser Peace. - -Strange and astonishing things exist in the earth but they are hidden from -the minds and the understanding of men. These things are capable of -changing the whole atmosphere of the earth and their contamination would -prove lethal. Great God! We have observed an amazing thing. Lightning or a -force similar to it is controlled by an operator and moveth at his -command. Immeasurably exalted is the Lord of Power Who hath laid bare that -which He purposed through the potency of His weighty and invincible -command. - -O people of Bahá! Each one of the ordinances We have revealed is a mighty -stronghold for the preservation of the world of being. Verily, this -Wronged One desireth naught but your security and elevation. - -We exhort the men of the House of Justice and command them to ensure the -protection and safeguarding of men, women and children. It is incumbent -upon them to have the utmost regard for the interests of the people at all -times and under all conditions. Blessed is the ruler who succoureth the -captive, and the rich one who careth for the poor, and the just one who -secureth from the wrong doer the rights of the downtrodden, and happy the -trustee who observeth that which the Ordainer, the Ancient of Days hath -prescribed unto him. - -O Ḥaydar-‘Alí! Upon thee be My glory and My praise. My counsels and -admonitions have compassed the world. Yet, instead of imparting joy and -gladness they have caused grief, because some of those who claim to love -Me have waxed haughty and have inflicted upon Me such tribulations as -neither the followers of former religions nor the divines of Persia did -ever inflict. - -We have said: ‘My imprisonment doeth Me no harm, nor do the things that -have befallen Me at the hands of My enemies. That which harmeth Me is the -conduct of my loved ones who, though they bear My name, yet commit that -which maketh My heart and My pen to lament.’ Such utterances as these have -again and again been revealed, yet the heedless have failed to profit -thereby, since they are captive to their own evil passions and corrupt -desires. Beseech thou the One true God that He may enable everyone to -repent and return unto Him. So long as one’s nature yieldeth unto evil -passions, crime and transgression will prevail. We cherish the hope that -the hand of divine power and the outpouring of heavenly blessings may -sustain all men, may attire them with the vesture of forgiveness and -bounty and guard them against that which would harm His Cause among His -servants. He is, in truth, the Potent, the All-Powerful, and He is the -Ever-Forgiving, the Merciful. - -The word of God which the Supreme Pen hath recorded on the - - _tenth leaf_ - -of the Most Exalted Paradise is the following: O people of the earth! -Living in seclusion or practising asceticism is not acceptable in the -presence of God. It behoveth them that are endued with insight and -understanding to observe that which will cause joy and radiance. Such -practices as are sprung from the loins of idle fancy or are begotten of -the womb of superstition ill beseem men of knowledge. In former times and -more recently some people have been taking up their abodes in the caves of -the mountains while others have repaired to graveyards at night. Say, give -ear unto the counsels of this Wronged One. Abandon the things current -amongst you and adopt that which the faithful Counsellor biddeth you. -Deprive not yourselves of the bounties which have been created for your -sake. - -Charity is pleasing and praiseworthy in the sight of God and is regarded -as a prince among goodly deeds. Consider ye and call to mind that which -the All-Merciful hath revealed in the Qur’án: ‘They prefer them before -themselves, though poverty be their own lot. And with such as are -preserved from their own covetousness shall it be well.’(17) Viewed in -this light, the blessed utterance above is, in truth, the day-star of -utterances. Blessed is he who preferreth his brother before himself. -Verily, such a man is reckoned, by virtue of the Will of God, the -All-Knowing, the All-Wise, with the people of Bahá who dwell in the -Crimson Ark. - -The word of God which the Supreme Pen hath recorded on the - - _eleventh leaf_ - -of the Most Exalted Paradise is this: We enjoin upon them that are the -emblems of His names and attributes to firmly adhere henceforth unto that -which hath been set forth in this Most Great Revelation, not to allow -themselves to become the cause of strife, and, until the end that knoweth -no end, to keep their eyes directed towards the dayspring of these -resplendent words which have been recorded in this Tablet. Strife leads to -bloodshed and provokes commotion amongst people. Hearken ye unto the Voice -of this Wronged One and deviate not therefrom. - -Were anyone to ponder in his heart that which hath, in this Revelation, -streamed forth from the Pen of Glory, he would be assured that whatever -this Wronged One hath affirmed He hath had no intention of establishing -any position or distinction for Himself. The purpose hath rather been to -attract the souls, through the sublimity of His words, unto the summit of -transcendent glory and to endow them with the capacity of perceiving that -which will purge and purify the peoples of the world from the strife and -dissension which religious differences provoke. Unto this bear witness My -heart, My Pen, My inner and My outer Being. God grant that all men may -turn unto the treasuries latent within their own beings. - -O people of Bahá! The source of crafts, sciences and arts is the power of -reflection. Make ye every effort that out of this ideal mine there may -gleam forth such pearls of wisdom and utterance as will promote the -well-being and harmony of all the kindreds of the earth. - -Under all conditions, whether in adversity or at ease, whether honoured or -afflicted, this Wronged One hath directed all men to show forth love, -affection, compassion and harmony. And yet whenever there was any slight -evidence of progress and advancement, those concealed behind the veils -would sally forth and utter calumnies more wounding than the sword. They -cling unto misleading and reprehensible words and suffer themselves to be -deprived of the ocean of verses revealed by God. - -If these obstructing veils had not intervened Persia would, in some two -years, have been subdued through the power of utterance, the position of -both the government and the people would have been raised and the Supreme -Goal, unveiled and unconcealed, would have appeared in the plenitude of -glory. In short, sometimes in explicit language, at other times by -allusion, We said whatever had to be said. Thus, once Persia had been -rehabilitated, the sweet savours of the Word of God would have wafted over -all countries, inasmuch as that which hath streamed forth from the Most -Exalted Pen is conducive to the glory, the advancement and education of -all the peoples and kindreds of the earth. Indeed it is the sovereign -remedy for every disease, could they but comprehend and perceive it. - -Recently the Afnáns and Amín—upon them be My glory and -loving-kindness—attained Our presence and beheld Our countenance; likewise -Nabíl, the son of Nabíl and the son of Samandar—upon them rest the glory -of God and His loving-kindness—are present and have drunk the cup of -reunion. We entreat God that He may graciously ordain for them the good of -this world and of the next and that the outpouring of His blessings and -grace may descend upon them from the heaven of His generosity and the -clouds of His tender compassion. Verily of those who show mercy He is the -Most Merciful, and He is the Gracious, the Beneficent. - -O Ḥaydar-‘Alí! Thine other letter which thou hadst forwarded through him -who beareth the title of Júd(18) (Bounty) hath reached Our holy court. -Praised be God! It was adorned with the light of divine unity and of -detachment and was ablaze with the fire of love and affection. Pray thou -unto God that He may grant keenness to the eyes and illumine them with a -new light, perchance they may perceive that which hath no parallel nor -peer. - -In this day the verses of the Mother Book are resplendent and unmistakable -even as the sun. They can in no wise be mistaken for any of the past or -more recent utterances. Truly this Wronged One desireth not to demonstrate -His Own Cause with proofs produced by others. He is the One Who embraceth -all things, while all else besides Him is circumscribed. Say, O people, -peruse that which is current amongst you and We will peruse what -pertaineth unto Us. I swear by God! Neither the praise of the peoples of -the world, nor the things that the kindreds of the earth possess are -worthy of mention before the remembrance of His Name. Unto this beareth -witness He Who under all conditions proclaimeth, ‘Verily He is God, the -sovereign Ruler of the Day of Reckoning and the Lord of the mighty -Throne.’ - -Glorified be God! One wondereth by what proof or reason the disbelievers -among the people of the Bayán have turned away from the Lord of being. In -truth the station of this Revelation transcendeth the station of whatever -hath been manifested in the past or will be made manifest in the future. - -Were the Point of the Bayán present in this day and should He, God forbid, -hesitate to acknowledge this Cause, then the very blessed words which have -streamed forth from the wellspring of His Own Bayán would apply to Him. He -saith, and His word is the truth, ‘Lawful is it for Him Whom God will make -manifest to reject him who is the greatest on earth.’ Say, O ye that are -bereft of understanding! Today that Most Exalted Being is proclaiming: -‘Verily, verily, I am the first to adore Him.’ How shallow is the fund of -men’s knowledge and how feeble their power of perception. Our Pen of Glory -beareth witness to their abject poverty and to the wealth of God, the Lord -of all worlds. - -Lauded and glorified is He Who hath called the creation into being. He is -the sovereign Truth, the Knower of things unseen. The Mother Book is -revealed and the Lord of Bounty is established upon the most blessed seat -of glory. The Dawn hath broken, yet the people understand not. The signs -have been ushered in, while He Who hath revealed them is overwhelmed with -manifest sorrow. Indeed I have endured that which hath caused the world of -existence to lament. - -Say: O Yaḥyá (Azal), produce a single verse, if thou dost possess -divinely-inspired knowledge. These words were formerly spoken by My Herald -Who at this hour proclaimeth: ‘Verily, verily, I am the first to adore -Him.’ Be fair, O My brother. Art thou able to express thyself when brought -face to face with the billowing ocean of Mine utterance? Canst thou -unloose thy tongue when confronted with the shrill voice of My Pen? Hast -thou any power before the revelations of Mine omnipotence? Judge thou -fairly, I adjure thee by God, and call to mind when thou didst stand in -the presence of this Wronged One and We dictated to thee the verses of -God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting. Beware lest the source of -falsehood withhold thee from the manifest Truth. - -O thou who hast fixed thy gaze upon My countenance! Say: O ye heedless -ones! By reason of a droplet ye have deprived yourselves of the ocean of -heavenly verses and for the sake of an insignificant atom ye have shut -yourselves out from the splendours of the Day-Star of Truth. Who else but -Bahá hath the power to speak forth before the face of mankind? Judge ye -fairly and be not of the unjust. Through Him the oceans have surged, the -mysteries have been divulged and the trees have lifted up their voices -exclaiming: The kingdoms of earth and heaven are God’s, the Revealer of -signs, the Fountainhead of clear tokens. Peruse ye the Persian Bayán -revealed by Him Who heralded this Revelation and look at it with the eye -of fairness. Verily He will guide you aright to His Path. At this moment -He proclaimeth that which His tongue had formerly uttered when He was -seated upon the throne of His most exalted Name. - -Thou hast made mention of the loved ones in those regions. Praised be God, -each one of them attained the honour of being remembered by the True -One—exalted is His glory—and the names of them, one and all, flowed from -the Tongue of Grandeur in the kingdom of utterance. Great indeed is their -blessedness and happiness, inasmuch as they have drunk the choice wine of -revelation and inspiration from the hand of their Lord, the Compassionate, -the Merciful. We beseech God to strengthen them to manifest inflexible -constancy and to summon to their aid the hosts of wisdom and utterance. He -is in truth the Mighty, the Omnipotent. Convey my greetings to them and -give them the joyful tidings that the Day-Star of remembrance hath dawned -and shed its radiance from above the horizon of the bountiful favours of -their Lord, the Ever-Forgiving, the All-Merciful. - -Thou hast mentioned Ḥusayn. We have attired his temple with the robe of -forgiveness and adorned his head with the crown of pardon. It beseemeth -him to pride himself among all men upon this resplendent, this radiant and -manifest bounty. Say: Be not despondent. After the revelation of this -blessed verse it is as though thou hast been born anew from thy mother’s -womb. Say: Thou art free from sin and error. Truly God hath purged thee -with the living waters of His utterance in His Most Great Prison. We -entreat Him—blessed and exalted is He—to graciously confirm thee in -extolling Him and in magnifying His glory and to strengthen thee through -the power of His invisible hosts. Verily, He is the Almighty, the -Omnipotent. - -Thou hast made mention of the people of Tár.(19) We have set Our face -toward the servants of God therein and advise them first to consider that -which the Point of the Bayán hath revealed concerning this Revelation -whereby all names and titles have been shaken, the idols of vain -imaginings have crumbled and the Tongue of Grandeur hath, from the realm -of glory, proclaimed: By the righteousness of God! The Hidden Treasure, -the Impenetrable Mystery, hath been uncovered to men’s eyes, causing all -things, whether of the past or of the future, to rejoice. He hath said, -and His word is the truth: ‘Of all the tributes I have paid to Him Who is -to come after Me, the greatest is this, My written confession, that no -words of Mine can adequately describe Him, nor can any reference to Him in -My Book, the Bayán, do justice to His Cause.’ - -Moreover We counsel them to observe justice, equity, honesty, piety and -that whereby both the Word of God and their own station will be exalted -amongst men. Verily I am the One Who exhorteth with justice. Unto this -beareth witness He from Whose Pen rivers of mercy have flowed and from -Whose utterance fountains of living waters have streamed forth unto all -created things. Immeasurably exalted is this boundless grace; immensely -blessed is this resplendent favour. - -O people of Tár! Give ear unto the Call of Him Who doeth whatsoever He -willeth. In truth He remindeth you of that which will draw you nigh unto -God, the Lord of the worlds. He hath turned His face towards you from the -Prison of Akká and hath revealed for your sakes what will immortalize your -memory and your names in the Book which cannot be effaced and remaineth -unaffected by the doubts of the froward. Cast away the things current -amongst men and take fast hold on that whereunto ye are bidden by virtue -of the Will of the Ordainer, the Ancient of Days. This is the Day wherein -the divine Lote-Tree calleth aloud, saying: O people! Behold ye My fruits -and My leaves, incline then your ears unto My rustling. Beware lest the -doubts of men debar you from the light of certitude. The Ocean of -utterance exclaimeth and saith: ‘O ye dwellers on the earth! Behold My -billowing waters and the pearls of wisdom and utterance which I have -poured forth. Fear ye God and be not of the heedless.’ - -In this Day a great festival is taking place in the Realm above; for -whatsoever was promised in the sacred Scriptures hath been fulfilled. This -is the Day of great rejoicing. It behoveth everyone to hasten towards the -court of His nearness with exceeding joy, gladness, exultation and delight -and to deliver himself from the fire of remoteness. - -O people of Tár! Through the strengthening power of My Name seize ye the -chalice of knowledge, drink then your fill in defiance of the people of -the world who have broken the Covenant of God and His Testament, rejected -His proofs and clear tokens, and cavilled at His signs which have pervaded -all that are in heaven and on earth. - -The disbelievers among the people of the Bayán are like the followers of -the Shí’ih sect and walk in their footsteps. Leave them to their idle -fancies and vain imaginings. They are in truth accounted with the lost in -the Book of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. The Shí’ih divines, one -and all, are now engaged in reviling and denouncing the True One from -their pulpits. Gracious God! Dawlat-Ábádí(20) too hath followed suit. He -ascended the pulpit and gave voice to that which hath caused the Tablet to -cry out in anguish and the Pen to wail. Meditate upon his conduct and the -conduct of Ashraf(21)—upon him be My glory and My tender mercy—and -likewise consider those loved ones who hastened to the place of martyrdom -in My Name, and offered up their lives in the path of Him Who is the -Desire of the world. - -The Cause is manifest, it shineth resplendent as the sun, but the people -have become veils unto themselves. We entreat God that He may graciously -assist them to return unto Him. He is, in truth, the Forgiving, the -Merciful. - -O people of Tár! We send you greetings from this Spot and beseech -God—blessed and exalted is He—to give you to drink the choice wine of -constancy from the hand of His favour. Verily, He is the Lord of Bounty, -the Gracious, the All-Praised. Leave ye unto themselves the immature ones -of the world—they that are moved by selfish desire and cling to the -exponents of idle fancy. Verily He is your Helper and Succourer. He is, in -truth, potent to do whatsoever He willeth. No God is there but Him, the -One, the Peerless, the Mighty, the Most Great. - -May glory from Our presence rest upon those who have set their faces -toward the Dayspring of His Revelation and have acknowledged and -recognized that which the Tongue of utterance hath spoken in the kingdom -of knowledge in this blessed, this glorious and incomparable Day. - - - - - - LAWḤ-I-DUNYÁ (TABLET OF THE WORLD) - - -In My Name, calling aloud in the Kingdom of Utterance - -PRAISE and thanksgiving beseem the Lord of manifest dominion Who hath -adorned the mighty prison with the presence of their honours ‘Alí-Akbar -and Amín, and hath illumined it with the light of certitude, constancy and -assurance.(22) The glory of God and the glory of all that are in the -heavens and on the earth be upon them. - -Light and glory, greeting and praise be upon the Hands of His Cause, -through whom the light of fortitude hath shone forth and the truth hath -been established that the authority to choose rests with God, the -Powerful, the Mighty, the Unconstrained, through whom the ocean of bounty -hath surged and the fragrance of the gracious favours of God, the Lord of -mankind, hath been diffused. We beseech Him—exalted is He—to shield them -through the power of His hosts, to protect them through the potency of His -dominion and to aid them through His indomitable strength which prevaileth -over all created things. Sovereignty is God’s, the Creator of the heavens -and the Lord of the Kingdom of Names. - -The Great Announcement proclaimeth: O people of Persia! In former times ye -have been the symbols of mercy and the embodiments of affection and -kindliness. The regions of the world were illumined and embellished by the -brightness of the light of your knowledge and by the blaze of your -erudition. How is it that you have arisen to destroy yourselves and your -friends with your own hands? - -O Afnán, O thou that has branched from Mine ancient Stock! My glory and My -loving-kindness rest upon thee. How vast is the tabernacle of the Cause of -God! It hath overshadowed all the peoples and kindreds of the earth, and -will, ere long, gather together the whole of mankind beneath its shelter. -Thy day of service is now come. Countless Tablets bear the testimony of -the bounties vouchsafed unto thee. Arise for the triumph of My Cause, and, -through the power of thine utterance, subdue the hearts of men. Thou must -show forth that which will ensure the peace and the well-being of the -miserable and the downtrodden. Gird up the loins of thine endeavour, that -perchance thou mayest release the captive from his chains, and enable him -to attain unto true liberty. - -Justice is, in this day, bewailing its plight, and Equity groaneth beneath -the yoke of oppression. The thick clouds of tyranny have darkened the face -of the earth, and enveloped its peoples. Through the movement of Our Pen -of glory We have, at the bidding of the omnipotent Ordainer, breathed a -new life into every human frame, and instilled into every word a fresh -potency. All created things proclaim the evidences of this world-wide -regeneration. This is the most great, the most joyful tidings imparted by -the Pen of this Wronged One to mankind. Wherefore fear ye, O My -well-beloved ones? Who is it that can dismay you? A touch of moisture -sufficeth to dissolve the hardened clay out of which this perverse -generation is moulded. The mere act of your gathering together is enough -to scatter the forces of these vain and worthless people. - -Strife and conflict befit the beasts of the wild. It was through the grace -of God and with the aid of seemly words and praiseworthy deeds that the -unsheathed swords of the Bábí community were returned to their scabbards. -Indeed through the power of good words, the righteous have always -succeeded in winning command over the meads of the hearts of men. Say, O -ye loved ones! Do not forsake prudence. Incline your hearts to the -counsels given by the Most Exalted Pen and beware lest your hands or -tongues cause harm unto anyone among mankind. - -Referring to the land of Tá (Ṭihrán) We have revealed in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas -that which will admonish mankind. They that perpetrate tyranny in the -world have usurped the rights of the peoples and kindreds of the earth and -are sedulously pursuing their selfish inclinations. The tyrant(23) of the -land of Yá (Yazd), committed that which hath caused the Concourse on High -to shed tears of blood. - -O thou who hast quaffed from the wine of Mine utterance and hast fixed thy -gaze upon the horizon of My Revelation! How strange that the people of -Persia, who were unrivalled in sciences and arts, should have sunk to the -lowest level of degradation among the kindreds of the earth. O people! In -this blessed, this glorious Day, deprive not yourselves of the liberal -effusions of bounty which the Lord of abounding grace hath vouchsafed unto -you. In this Day showers of wisdom and utterance are pouring down from the -clouds of divine mercy. Well is it with them who judge His Cause with -fairness, and woe betide the unjust. - -Every man of insight will, in this day, readily admit that the counsels -which the Pen of this Wronged One hath revealed constitute the supreme -animating power for the advancement of the world and the exaltation of its -peoples. Arise, O people, and, by the power of God’s might, resolve to -gain the victory over your own selves, that haply the whole earth may be -freed and sanctified from its servitude to the gods of its idle -fancies—gods that have inflicted such loss upon, and are responsible for -the misery of their wretched worshippers. These idols form the obstacle -that impedeth man in his efforts to advance in the path of perfection. We -cherish the hope that the Hand of divine power may lend its assistance to -mankind and deliver it from its state of grievous abasement. - -In one of the Tablets these words have been revealed: O people of God! Do -not busy yourselves in your own concerns; let your thoughts be fixed upon -that which will rehabilitate the fortunes of mankind and sanctify the -hearts and souls of men. This can best be achieved through pure and holy -deeds, through a virtuous life and a goodly behaviour. Valiant acts will -ensure the triumph of this Cause, and a saintly character will reinforce -its power. Cleave unto righteousness, O people of Bahá! This, verily, is -the commandment which this Wronged One hath given unto you, and the first -choice of His unrestrained Will for every one of you. - -O friends! It behoveth you to refresh and revive your souls through the -gracious favours which in this Divine, this soul-stirring Springtime are -being showered upon you. The Day-Star of His great glory hath shed its -radiance upon you, and the clouds of His limitless grace have overshadowed -you. How high the reward of him that hath not deprived himself of so great -a bounty, nor failed to recognize the beauty of his Best-Beloved in this, -His new attire. Watch over yourselves, for the Evil One is lying in wait, -ready to entrap you. Gird yourselves against his wicked devices, and, led -by the light of the name of the All-Seeing God, make your escape from the -darkness that surroundeth you. Let your vision be world-embracing, rather -than confined to your own self. The Evil One is he that hindereth the rise -and obstructeth the spiritual progress of the children of men. - -It is incumbent upon every man, in this Day, to hold fast unto whatsoever -will promote the interests, and exalt the station, of all nations and just -governments. Through each and every one of the verses which the Pen of the -Most High hath revealed, the doors of love and unity have been unlocked -and flung open to the face of men. We have erewhile declared—and Our Word -is the truth—: ‘Consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of -friendliness and fellowship.’ Whatsoever hath led the children of men to -shun one another, and hath caused dissensions and divisions amongst them, -hath, through the revelation of these words, been nullified and abolished. -From the heaven of God’s Will, and for the purpose of ennobling the world -of being and of elevating the minds and souls of men, hath been sent down -that which is the most effective instrument for the education of the whole -human race. The highest essence and most perfect expression of whatsoever -the peoples of old have either said or written hath, through this most -potent Revelation, been sent down from the heaven of the Will of the -All-Possessing, the Ever-Abiding God. Of old it hath been revealed: ‘Love -of one’s country is an element of the Faith of God.’ The Tongue of -Grandeur hath, however, in the day of His manifestation proclaimed: ‘It is -not his to boast who loveth his country, but it is his who loveth the -world.’ Through the power released by these exalted words He hath lent a -fresh impulse and set a new direction to the birds of men’s hearts, and -hath obliterated every trace of restriction and limitation from God’s holy -Book. - -This Wronged One hath forbidden the people of God to engage in contention -or conflict and hath exhorted them to righteous deeds and praiseworthy -character. In this day the hosts that can ensure the victory of the Cause -are those of goodly conduct and saintly character. Blessed are they who -firmly adhere unto them and woe betide such as turn away therefrom. - -O people of God! I admonish you to observe courtesy, for above all else it -is the prince of virtues. Well is it with him who is illumined with the -light of courtesy and is attired with the vesture of uprightness. Whoso is -endued with courtesy hath indeed attained a sublime station. It is hoped -that this Wronged One and everyone else may be enabled to acquire it, hold -fast unto it, observe it, and fix our gaze upon it. This is a binding -command which hath streamed forth from the Pen of the Most Great Name. - -This is the day when the gems of constancy that lie hid in the mine of -men’s inner selves should be made manifest. O people of Justice! Be as -brilliant as the light and as splendid as the fire that blazed in the -Burning Bush. The brightness of the fire of your love will no doubt fuse -and unify the contending peoples and kindreds of the earth, whilst the -fierceness of the flame of enmity and hatred cannot but result in strife -and ruin. We beseech God that He may shield His creatures from the evil -designs of His enemies. He verily hath power over all things. - -All praise be to the one true God—exalted be His glory—inasmuch as He -hath, through the Pen of the Most High, unlocked the doors of men’s -hearts. Every verse which this Pen hath revealed is a bright and shining -portal that discloseth the glories of a saintly and pious life, of pure -and stainless deeds. The summons and the message which We gave were never -intended to reach or to benefit one land or one people only. Mankind in -its entirety must firmly adhere to whatsoever hath been revealed and -vouchsafed unto it. Then and only then will it attain unto true liberty. -The whole earth is illuminated with the resplendent glory of God’s -Revelation. In the year sixty He Who heralded the light of Divine -Guidance—may all creation be a sacrifice unto Him—arose to announce a -fresh revelation of the Divine Spirit, and was followed, twenty years -later, by Him through Whose coming the world was made the recipient of -this promised glory, this wondrous favour. Behold how the generality of -mankind hath been endued with the capacity to hearken unto God’s most -exalted Word—the Word upon which must depend the gathering together and -spiritual resurrection of all men. - -Whilst in the Prison of Akká, We revealed in the Crimson Book that which -is conducive to the advancement of mankind and to the reconstruction of -the world. The utterances set forth therein by the Pen of the Lord of -creation include the following which constitute the fundamental principles -for the administration of the affairs of men: - -First: It is incumbent upon the ministers of the House of Justice to -promote the Lesser Peace so that the people of the earth may be relieved -from the burden of exorbitant expenditures. This matter is imperative and -absolutely essential, inasmuch as hostilities and conflict lie at the root -of affliction and calamity. - -Second: Languages must be reduced to one common language to be taught in -all the schools of the world. - -Third: It behoveth man to adhere tenaciously unto that which will promote -fellowship, kindliness and unity. - -Fourth: Everyone, whether man or woman, should hand over to a trusted -person a portion of what he or she earneth through trade, agriculture or -other occupation, for the training and education of children, to be spent -for this purpose with the knowledge of the Trustees of the House of -Justice. - -Fifth: Special regard must be paid to agriculture. Although it hath been -mentioned in the fifth place, unquestionably it precedeth the others. -Agriculture is highly developed in foreign lands, however in Persia it -hath so far been grievously neglected. It is hoped that His Majesty the -Sháh—may God assist him by His grace—will turn his attention to this vital -and important matter. - -Were men to strictly observe that which the Pen of the Most High hath -revealed in the Crimson Book, they could then well afford to dispense with -the regulations which prevail in the world. Certain exhortations have -repeatedly streamed forth from the Pen of the Most High that perchance the -manifestations of power and the dawning-places of might may, sometime, be -enabled to enforce them. Indeed, were sincere seekers to be found, every -emanation of God’s pervasive and irresistible Will would, for the sake of -His love, be revealed. But where are to be found earnest seekers and -inquiring minds? Whither are gone the equitable and the fair-minded? At -present no day passeth without the fire of a fresh tyranny blazing -fiercely, or the sword of a new aggression being unsheathed. Gracious God! -The great and the noble in Persia glory in acts of such savagery that one -is lost in amazement at the tales thereof. - -Day and night this Wronged One yieldeth thanks and praise unto the Lord of -men, for it is witnessed that the words of counsel and exhortation We -uttered have proved effective and that this people hath evinced such -character and conduct as are acceptable in Our sight. This is affirmed by -virtue of the event which hath truly cheered the eye of the world, and is -none other than the intercession of the friends with the high authorities -in favour of their enemies. Indeed one’s righteous deeds testify to the -truth of one’s words. We cherish the hope that men of piety may illumine -the world through the radiant light of their conduct, and We entreat the -Almighty—glorified and exalted is He—to grant that everyone may in this -Day remain steadfast in His love and stand firm in His Cause. He is, in -truth, the Protector of those who are wholly devoted to Him and observe -His precepts. - -O people of God! Countless are the realms which Our Pen of Glory hath -revealed and manifold the eyes to which it hath imparted true -enlightenment. Yet most of the people in Persia continue to be deprived of -the benefits of profitable counsels and remain sorely lacking in useful -sciences and arts. Formerly these sublime words were especially revealed -by the Pen of Glory in honour of one of the faithful, that perchance those -that have gone astray may embrace the Truth and become acquainted with the -subtleties of the Law of God. - -The unbelievers and the faithless have set their minds on four things: -first, the shedding of blood; second, the burning of books; third, the -shunning of the followers of other religions; fourth, the extermination of -other communities and groups. Now however, through the strengthening grace -and potency of the Word of God these four barriers have been demolished, -these clear injunctions have been obliterated from the Tablet and brutal -dispositions have been transmuted into spiritual attributes. Exalted is -His purpose; glorified is His power; magnified is His dominion! Now let us -beseech God—praised be His glory—to graciously guide aright the followers -of the Shí’ih sect and to purge them of unseemly conduct. From the lips of -the members of this sect foul imprecations fall unceasingly, while they -invoke the word ‘Mal’ún’ (accursed)—uttered with a guttural sound of the -letter ‘ayn—as their daily relish. - -O God my God! Thou hearest the sighing of Him Who is Thy Light (Bahá), -hearkenest unto His lamentations in the daytime and in the night season -and knowest that He desireth naught for Himself but rather seeketh to -sanctify the souls of Thy servants and to deliver them from the fire with -which they are beset at all times. O Lord! The hands of Thy well-favoured -servants are raised towards the heaven of Thy bounty and those of Thy -sincere lovers are lifted up to the sublime heights of Thy generosity. -Disappoint them not, I entreat Thee, in that which they seek from the -ocean of Thy favour and from the heaven of Thy grace and the day-star of -Thy bounty. Aid them, O Lord, to acquire such virtues as will exalt their -stations among the peoples of the world. Verily Thou art the Powerful, the -Mighty, the Most Generous. - -O people of God! Give ear unto that which, if heeded, will ensure the -freedom, well-being, tranquillity, exaltation and advancement of all men. -Certain laws and principles are necessary and indispensable for Persia. -However, it is fitting that these measures should be adopted in conformity -with the considered views of His Majesty—may God aid him through His -grace—and of the learned divines and of the high-ranking rulers. Subject -to their approval a place should be fixed where they would meet. There -they should hold fast to the cord of consultation and adopt and enforce -that which is conducive to the security, prosperity, wealth and -tranquillity of the people. For were any measure other than this to be -adopted, it could not but result in chaos and commotion. - -According to the fundamental laws which We have formerly revealed in the -Kitáb-i-Aqdas and other Tablets, all affairs are committed to the care of -just kings and presidents and of the Trustees of the House of Justice. -Having pondered on that which We have enunciated, every man of equity and -discernment will readily perceive, with his inner and outer eyes, the -splendours of the day-star of justice which radiate therefrom. - -The system of government which the British people have adopted in London -appeareth to be good, for it is adorned with the light of both kingship -and of the consultation of the people. - -In formulating the principles and laws a part hath been devoted to -penalties which form an effective instrument for the security and -protection of men. However, dread of the penalties maketh people desist -only outwardly from committing vile and contemptible deeds, while that -which guardeth and restraineth man both outwardly and inwardly hath been -and still is the fear of God. It is man’s true protector and his spiritual -guardian. It behoveth him to cleave tenaciously unto that which will lead -to the appearance of this supreme bounty. Well is it with him who giveth -ear unto whatsoever My Pen of Glory hath proclaimed and observeth that -whereunto he is bidden by the Ordainer, the Ancient of Days. - -Incline your hearts, O people of God, unto the counsels of your true, your -incomparable Friend. The Word of God may be likened unto a sapling, whose -roots have been implanted in the hearts of men. It is incumbent upon you -to foster its growth through the living waters of wisdom, of sanctified -and holy words, so that its root may become firmly fixed and its branches -may spread out as high as the heavens and beyond. - -O ye that dwell on earth! The distinguishing feature that marketh the -pre-eminent character of this Supreme Revelation consisteth in that We -have, on the one hand, blotted out from the pages of God’s holy Book -whatsoever hath been the cause of strife, of malice and mischief amongst -the children of men, and have, on the other, laid down the essential -prerequisites of concord, of understanding, of complete and enduring -unity. Well is it with them that keep My statutes. - -Time and again have We admonished Our beloved ones to avoid, nay to flee -from, anything whatsoever from which the odour of mischief can be -detected. The world is in great turmoil, and the minds of its people are -in a state of utter confusion. We entreat the Almighty that He may -graciously illuminate them with the glory of His Justice, and enable them -to discover that which will be profitable unto them at all times and under -all conditions. He, verily is the All-Possessing, the Most High. - -We have ere this uttered these sublime words: Let them that bear -allegiance to this Wronged One be even as a raining cloud in moments of -charity and benevolence and as a blazing fire in restraining their base -and appetitive natures. - -Gracious God! A thing hath recently happened which caused great -astonishment. It is reported that a certain person(24) went to the seat of -the imperial throne in Persia and succeeded in winning the good graces of -some of the nobility by his ingratiating behaviour. How pitiful indeed, -how deplorable! One wondereth why those who have been the symbols of -highest glory should now stoop to boundless shame. What is become of their -high resolve? Whither is gone the sense of dignity and honour? The sun of -glory and wisdom hath unceasingly been shining above the horizon of -Persia, but nowadays it hath sunk to such a low level that certain -dignitaries have allowed themselves to be treated as playthings in the -hands of the foolish. The aforesaid person hath written such things -concerning this people in the Egyptian press and in the Beirut -Encyclopedia that the well-informed and the learned were astonished. He -proceeded then to Paris where he published a newspaper entitled -Urvatu’l-Vuthqá [The Sure Handle] and sent copies thereof to all parts of -the world. He also sent a copy to the Prison of Akká, and by so doing he -meant to show affection and to make amends for his past actions. In short, -this Wronged One hath observed silence in regard to him. We entreat God, -the True One, to protect him and to shed upon him the light of justice and -fairness. It behoveth him to say: - -O God my God! Thou seest me standing before the door of Thy forgiveness -and benevolence, turning my gaze toward the horizon of Thy bountiful -favours and manifold blessings. I beg of Thee by Thy sweet accents and by -the shrill voice of Thy Pen, O Lord of all mankind, to graciously aid Thy -servants as it befitteth Thy days and beseemeth the glory of Thy -manifestation and Thy majesty. Verily potent art Thou to do whatsoever -Thou willest. All they that dwell in the heavens and on the earth bear -witness to Thy power and Thy might, to Thy glory and Thy bounteousness. -Praise be to Thee, O Lord of the worlds and the Well-Beloved of the heart -of every man of understanding! - -Thou beholdest, O my God, the essence of poverty seeking the ocean of Thy -wealth and the substance of iniquity yearning for the waters of Thy -forgiveness and Thy tender mercy. Grant Thou, O my God, that which -beseemeth Thy great glory and befitteth the loftiness of Thy boundless -grace. Thou art in truth the All-Bountiful, the Lord of grace abounding, -the Ordainer, the All-Wise. No God is there but Thee, the Most Powerful, -the All-Compelling, the Omnipotent. - -O people of God! In this day everyone should fix his eyes upon the horizon -of these blessed words: ‘Alone and unaided He doeth whatsoever He -pleaseth.’ Whoso attaineth this station hath verily attained the light of -the essential unity of God and is enlightened thereby, while all others -are reckoned in the Book of God among the followers of idle fancy and vain -imagination. Incline your ears to the Voice of this Wronged One and -safeguard the integrity of your stations. It is highly necessary and -imperative that everyone should observe this matter. - -Unveiled and unconcealed, this Wronged One hath, at all times, proclaimed -before the face of all the peoples of the world that which will serve as -the key for unlocking the doors of sciences, of arts, of knowledge, of -well-being, of prosperity and wealth. Neither have the wrongs inflicted by -the oppressors succeeded in silencing the shrill voice of the Most Exalted -Pen, nor have the doubts of the perverse or of the seditious been able to -hinder Him from revealing the Most Sublime Word. I earnestly beseech God -that He may protect and purge the people of Bahá from the idle fancies and -corrupt imaginings of the followers of the former Faith. - -O people of God! Righteous men of learning who dedicate themselves to the -guidance of others and are freed and well guarded from the promptings of a -base and covetous nature are, in the sight of Him Who is the Desire of the -world, stars of the heaven of true knowledge. It is essential to treat -them with deference. They are indeed fountains of soft-flowing water, -stars that shine resplendent, fruits of the blessed Tree, exponents of -celestial power, and oceans of heavenly wisdom. Happy is he that followeth -them. Verily such a soul is numbered in the Book of God, the Lord of the -mighty Throne, among those with whom it shall be well. - -The glory which proceedeth from God, the Lord of the Throne on High and of -the earth below, rest upon you, O people of Bahá, O ye the companions of -the Crimson Ark, and upon such as have inclined their ears to your sweet -voices and have observed that whereunto they are bidden in this mighty and -wondrous Tablet. - - - - - - ISHRÁQÁT (SPLENDOURS) - - -This is the Epistle of God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting - -He is God, exalted is He, the Lord of wisdom and utterance. - -PRAISE be unto God, incomparable in majesty, power and beauty, peerless in -glory, might and grandeur; too high is He for human imaginations to -comprehend Him or for any peer or equal to be ascribed unto Him. He hath -clearly set forth His straight Path in words and utterances of highest -eloquence. Verily He is the All-Possessing, the Most Exalted. When He -purposed to call the new creation into being, He sent forth the Manifest -and Luminous Point from the horizon of His Will; it passed through every -sign and manifested itself in every form until it reached the zenith, as -bidden by God, the Lord of all men. - -This Point is the focal centre of the circle of Names and marketh the -culmination of the manifestations of Letters in the world of creation. -Through it have appeared indications of the impenetrable Mystery, the -adorned Symbol, He Who standeth revealed in the Most Great Name—a Name -which is recorded in the luminous Tablet and is inscribed in the holy, the -blessed, the snow-white Scroll. And when the Point was joined to the -second Letter(25) which appeareth in the beginning of the Mathání,(26) it -traversed the heavens of exposition and utterance. Then the eternal Light -of God shed its radiance, flared up in the midmost heart of the firmament -of testimony and produced two Luminaries. Glorified be the Merciful One, -unto Whom no allusion can be made, Whom no expression can define, nor any -assertion reveal, nor any evidence describe. He is in truth the Ordainer, -the All-Bountiful, both in the beginning and in the end. And He provided -for them protectors and defenders from among the hosts of power and might. -Verily, He is the Help in Peril, the Mighty, the Unconstrained. - -The preamble of this Epistle is being revealed twice, even as was the -Mathání(27) - -Praise be unto God Who hath manifested the Point, hath unfolded therefrom -the knowledge of all things, whether of the past or of the future—a Point -He hath chosen to be the Herald of His Name and the Harbinger of His Great -Revelation which hath caused the limbs of all mankind to quake and the -splendour of His light to shine forth above the horizon of the world. -Verily, this is the Point which God hath ordained to be an ocean of light -for the sincere among His servants and a flame of fire to the froward -amidst His creatures and the impious among His people—they who bartered -away the gift of God for unbelief, and the celestial food for hypocrisy, -and led their associates to a wretched abode. These are the people who -have manifested sedition throughout the world and have violated His -Covenant on the Day when the immortal Being mounted His throne and the -Crier raised His Voice from the haven of security and peace in the holy -Vale. - -O followers of the Bayán! Fear ye the All-Merciful. This is the One Who -hath been glorified by Muḥammad, the Apostle of God, and before Him by the -Spirit(28) and yet before Him by the One Who discoursed with God.(29) This -is the Point of the Bayán calling aloud before the Throne, saying: ‘By the -righteousness of God, ye have been created to glorify this Most Great -Announcement, this Perfect Way which lay hid within the souls of the -Prophets, which was treasured in the hearts of the chosen ones of God and -was written down by the glorious Pen of your Lord, the Possessor of -Names.’ - -Say: Die in your wrath, O malicious ones! Verily He Whose knowledge -nothing escapeth hath appeared. He Who hath caused the countenance of -divine knowledge to be wreathed in smiles is come. Through Him the kingdom -of utterance is embellished, every receptive soul hath set his face -towards the Lord of Revelations, everyone resting on his knees hath stood -up, and every indolent one hath rushed forth to attain the Sinai of -assurance. This is the Day that God hath ordained to be a blessing unto -the righteous, a retribution for the wicked, a bounty for the faithful and -a fury of His wrath for the faithless and the froward. Verily He hath been -made manifest, invested by God with invincible sovereignty. He hath -revealed that wherewith naught on the earth or in the heavens can compare. - -Fear ye the All-Merciful, O people of the Bayán, and commit not that which -the followers of the Qur’án have committed—they who in the daytime and in -the night season professed belief in the Faith of God, yet when the Lord -of all men did appear, turned aside from Him and pronounced so cruel a -sentence against Him that, on the Day of Return, the Mother Book sorely -bewailed His plight. Call ye to mind and ponder upon their deeds and -words, their stations and merits and the things they brought to pass when -He Who conversed on Sinai unloosed His tongue, when there was a blast on -the Trumpet, whereupon all that are in heaven and on earth swooned away -except such as are reckoned among the letters of affirmation. - -O people of the Bayán! Abandon your idle fancies and vain imaginings, then -with the eye of fairness look at the Dayspring of His Revelation and -consider the things He hath manifested, the words He hath divinely -revealed and the sufferings that have befallen Him at the hands of His -enemies. He is the One Who hath willingly accepted every manner of -tribulation for the proclamation of His Cause and the exaltation of His -Word. At one time He suffered imprisonment in the land of Tá (Ṭihrán), at -another in the land of Mím (Mázindarán), then once again in the former -land, for the sake of the Cause of God, the Maker of the heavens. In His -love for the Cause of God, the Almighty, the All-Bountiful, He was -subjected there to chains and fetters. - -O people of the Bayán! Have ye forgotten My exhortations, which My Pen -hath revealed and My tongue hath uttered? Have ye bartered away My -certitude in exchange for your idle fancies and My Way for your selfish -desires? Have ye cast away the precepts of God and His remembrance and -have ye forsaken His laws and ordinances? Fear ye God and abandon vain -imaginings to the begetters thereof and leave superstitions to the -devisers thereof and misgivings to the breeders thereof. Advance ye then -with radiant faces and stainless hearts towards the horizon above which -the Day-Star of certitude shineth resplendent at the bidding of God, the -Lord of Revelations. - -Praise be unto God Who hath made the Most Great Infallibility the shield -for the temple of His Cause in the realm of creation, and hath assigned -unto no one a share of this lofty and sublime station—a station which is a -vesture which the fingers of transcendent power have woven for His august -Self. It befitteth no one except Him Who is seated upon the mighty throne -of ‘He doeth what He pleaseth’. Whoso accepteth and recognizeth that which -is written down at this moment by the Pen of Glory is indeed reckoned in -the Book of God, the Lord of the beginning and the end, among the -exponents of divine unity, they that uphold the concept of the oneness of -God. - -When the stream of words reached this stage, the sweet savours of true -knowledge were shed abroad and the day-star of divine unity shone forth -above the horizon of His holy utterance. Blessed is he whom His Call hath -attracted to the summit of glory, who hath drawn nigh to the ultimate -Purpose, and who hath recognized through the shrill voice of My Pen of -Glory that which the Lord of this world and of the next hath willed. Whoso -faileth to quaff the choice wine which We have unsealed through the -potency of Our Name, the All-Compelling, shall be unable to discern the -splendours of the light of divine unity or to grasp the essential purpose -underlying the Scriptures of God, the Lord of heaven and earth, the -sovereign Ruler of this world and of the world to come. Such a man shall -be accounted among the faithless in the Book of God, the All-Knowing, the -All-Informed. - -O thou honoured enquirer!(30) We bear witness that thou didst firmly -adhere unto seemly patience during the days when the Pen was held back -from movement and the Tongue hesitated to set forth an explanation -regarding the wondrous sign, the Most Great Infallibility. Thou hast asked -this Wronged One to remove for thee its veils and coverings, to elucidate -its mystery and character, its state and position, its excellence, -sublimity and exaltation. By the life of God! Were We to unveil the pearls -of testimony which lie hid within the shells of the ocean of knowledge and -assurance or to let the beauties of divine mystery which are hidden within -the chambers of utterance in the Paradise of true understanding, step out -of their habitation, then from every direction violent commotion would -arise among the leaders of religion and thou wouldst witness the people of -God held fast in the teeth of such wolves as have denied God both in the -beginning and in the end. Therefore We restrained the Pen for a -considerable lapse of time in accordance with divine wisdom and for the -sake of protecting the faithful from those who have bartered away heavenly -blessings for disbelief and have chosen for their people the abode of -perdition.(31) - -O thou seeker who art gifted with keen insight. I swear by Him Who -attracted the Concourse on High through the potency of His most sublime -Word! Verily, the birds abiding within the domains of My Kingdom and the -doves dwelling in the rose-garden of My wisdom utter such melodies and -warblings as are inscrutable to all but God, the Lord of the kingdoms of -earth and heaven; and were these melodies to be revealed even to an extent -smaller than a needle’s eye, the people of tyranny would utter such -calumnies as none among former generations hath ever uttered, and would -commit such deeds as no one in past ages and centuries hath ever -committed. They have rejected the bounty of God and His proofs and have -repudiated the testimony of God and His signs. They have gone astray and -have caused the people to go astray, yet perceive it not. They worship -vain imaginings but know it not. They have taken idle fancies for their -lords and have neglected God, yet understand not. They have abandoned the -most great Ocean and are hastening towards the pool, but comprehend not. -They follow their own idle fancies while turning aside from God, the Help -in Peril, the Self-Subsisting. - -Say, by the righteousness of God! The All-Merciful is come invested with -power and sovereignty. Through His power the foundations of religions have -quaked and the Nightingale of Utterance hath warbled its melody upon the -highest branch of true understanding. Verily, He Who was hidden in the -knowledge of God and is mentioned in the Holy Scriptures hath appeared. -Say, this is the Day when the Speaker on Sinai hath mounted the throne of -Revelation and the people have stood before the Lord of the worlds. This -is the Day wherein the earth hath told out her tidings and hath laid bare -her treasures; when the oceans have brought forth their pearls and the -divine Lote-Tree its fruit; when the Sun hath shed its radiance and the -Moons have diffused their lights, and the Heavens have revealed their -stars, and the Hour its signs, and the Resurrection its dreadful majesty; -when the pens have unloosed their outpourings and the spirits have laid -bare their mysteries. Blessed is the man who recognizeth Him and attaineth -His presence, and woe betide such as deny Him and turn aside from Him. I -beseech God to aid His servants to return unto Him. Verily He is the -Pardoner, the Forgiving, the Merciful. - -O thou who hast set thy face towards the Realm on High and hast quaffed My -sealed wine from the hand of bounteousness! Know thou that the term -‘Infallibility’ hath numerous meanings and divers stations. In one sense -it is applicable to the One Whom God hath made immune from error. -Similarly it is applied to every soul whom God hath guarded against sin, -transgression, rebellion, impiety, disbelief and the like. However, the -Most Great Infallibility is confined to the One Whose station is -immeasurably exalted beyond ordinances or prohibitions and is sanctified -from errors and omissions. Indeed He is a Light which is not followed by -darkness and a Truth not overtaken by error. Were He to pronounce water to -be wine or heaven to be earth or light to be fire, He speaketh the truth -and no doubt would there be about it; and unto no one is given the right -to question His authority or to say why or wherefore. Whosoever raiseth -objections will be numbered with the froward in the Book of God, the Lord -of the worlds. ‘Verily He shall not be asked of His doings but all others -shall be asked of their doings.’(32) He is come from the invisible heaven, -bearing the banner ‘He doeth whatsoever He willeth’ and is accompanied by -hosts of power and authority while it is the duty of all besides Him to -strictly observe whatever laws and ordinances have been enjoined upon -them, and should anyone deviate therefrom, even to the extent of a hair’s -breadth, his work would be brought to naught. - -Consider thou and call to mind the time when Muḥammad appeared. He said, -and His word is the truth: ‘Pilgrimage to the House(33) is a service due -to God.’(34) And likewise are the daily prayer, fasting, and the laws -which shone forth above the horizon of the Book of God, the Lord of the -World and the true Educator of the peoples and kindreds of the earth. It -is incumbent upon everyone to obey Him in whatsoever God hath ordained; -and whosoever denieth Him hath disbelieved in God, in His verses, in His -Messengers and in His Books. Were He to pronounce right to be wrong or -denial to be belief, He speaketh the truth as bidden by God. This is a -station wherein sins or trespasses neither exist nor are mentioned. -Consider thou the blessed, the divinely-revealed verse in which pilgrimage -to the House is enjoined upon everyone. It devolved upon those invested -with authority after Him(35) to observe whatever had been prescribed unto -them in the Book. Unto no one is given the right to deviate from the laws -and ordinances of God. Whoso deviateth therefrom is reckoned with the -trespassers in the Book of God, the Lord of the Mighty Throne. - -O thou who hast fixed thy gaze upon the Dawning-Place of the Cause of God! -Know thou for a certainty that the Will of God is not limited by the -standards of the people, and God doth not tread in their ways. Rather is -it incumbent upon everyone to firmly adhere to God’s straight Path. Were -He to pronounce the right to be the left or the south to be the north, He -speaketh the truth and there is no doubt of it. Verily He is to be praised -in His acts and to be obeyed in His behests. He hath no associate in His -judgement nor any helper in His sovereignty. He doeth whatsoever He -willeth and ordaineth whatsoever He pleaseth. Know thou moreover that all -else besides Him have been created through the potency of a word from His -presence, while of themselves they have no motion nor stillness, except at -His bidding and by His leave. - -O thou who soarest in the atmosphere of love and fellowship and hast fixed -thy gaze upon the light of the countenance of thy Lord, the King of -creation! Render thanks unto God, inasmuch as He hath unravelled for thee -that which was hidden and enshrined in His knowledge so that everyone may -become aware that within His realm of supreme infallibility He hath not -taken a partner nor a counsellor unto Himself. He is in truth the -Dayspring of divine precepts and commandments and the Fountainhead of -knowledge and wisdom, while all else besides Him are but His subjects and -under His rule, and He is the supreme Ruler, the Ordainer, the -All-Knowing, the All-Informed. - -As to thyself, whenever thou art enraptured by the vitalizing breaths of -the revealed verses and art carried away by the pure, life-giving water -proffered by the hand of the bounty of thy Lord, the sovereign Ruler of -the Day of Resurrection, lift up thy voice and say: - -O my God! O my God! I yield Thee thanks that Thou hast directed me towards -Thyself, hast guided me unto Thy horizon, hast clearly set forth for me -Thy Path, hast revealed to me Thy testimony and enabled me to set my face -towards Thee, while most of the doctors and divines among Thy servants -together with such as follow them have, without the least proof or -evidence from Thee, turned away from Thee. Blessing be unto Thee, O Lord -of Names, and glory be unto Thee, O Creator of the heavens, inasmuch as -Thou hast, through the power of Thy Name, the Self-Subsisting, given me to -drink of Thy sealed wine, hast caused me to draw nigh unto Thee and hast -enabled me to recognize the Dayspring of Thine utterance, the -Manifestation of Thy signs, the Fountainhead of Thy laws and commandments -and the Source of Thy wisdom and bestowals. Blessed is the land that hath -been ennobled by Thy footsteps, wherein the throne of Thy sovereignty is -established and the fragrance of Thy raiment is diffused. By Thy glory and -majesty, by Thy might and power, I desire not my sight save to behold Thy -beauty, nor my hearing save to hearken to Thy call and Thy verses. - -O my God! O my God! Debar not the eyes from that for which Thou hast -created them, nor the faces from turning to Thy horizon, or from paying -homage at the portals of Thy majesty, or from appearing in the presence of -Thy throne, or from bowing down before the splendours of the Day-Star of -Thy bounty. - -I am the one, O Lord, whose heart and soul, whose limbs, whose inner and -outer tongue testify to Thy unity and Thy oneness, and bear witness that -Thou art God and that there is no God but Thee. Thou didst bring mankind -into being to know Thee and to serve Thy Cause, that their station might -thereby be elevated upon Thine earth and their souls be uplifted by virtue -of the things Thou hast revealed in Thy Scriptures, Thy Books and Thy -Tablets. Yet no sooner didst Thou manifest Thyself and reveal Thy signs -than they turned away from Thee and repudiated Thee and rejected that -which Thou didst unveil before their eyes through the potency of Thy might -and Thy power. They rose up to inflict harm upon Thee, to extinguish Thy -light and to put out the flame that blazeth in Thy Burning Bush. Their -iniquity waxed so grievous that they conspired to shed Thy blood and to -violate Thy honour. And likewise acted he(36) whom Thou hadst nurtured -with the hand of Thy loving-kindness, hadst protected from the mischief of -the rebellious among Thy creatures and the froward amidst Thy servants, -and whom Thou hadst set the task of writing Thy holy verses before Thy -throne. - -Alas! Alas! for the things he perpetrated in Thy days to such an extent -that he violated Thy Covenant and Thy Testament, rejected Thy holy Writ, -rose up in rebellion and committed that which caused the denizens of Thy -Kingdom to lament. Then no sooner had he found his hopes shattered and had -perceived the odour of utter failure than he raised his voice and gave -tongue to that which caused Thy chosen ones, who are nigh unto Thee, and -the inmates of the pavilion of glory, to be lost in bewilderment. - -Thou seest me, O my God, writhing in anguish upon the dust, like unto a -fish. Deliver me, have mercy upon me, O Thou Whose aid is invoked by all -men, O Thou within Whose grasp lie the reins of power over all men and -women. Whenever I ponder my grievous shortcomings and my great trespasses, -despair assaileth me from every direction, and whenever I pause to -meditate upon the ocean of Thy bounteousness and the heaven of Thy grace -and the day-star of Thy tender compassion, I inhale the fragrance of hope -diffused from right and left, from north and south, as if every created -thing imparteth unto me the joyous tidings that the clouds of the heaven -of Thy mercy will pour down their rain upon me. By Thy might, O Thou Who -art the Mainstay of the sincere ones and the Desire of them that enjoy -near access unto Thee! Thy manifold favours and blessings and the -revelations of Thy grace and loving-kindness have truly emboldened me. -How, otherwise, can utter nothingness magnify the Name of Him Who hath, by -a word, brought creation into being, and how can an evanescent creature -extol Him Who hath demonstrated that no description can ever express Him -and no word of praise magnify His glory? He hath from everlasting been -immeasurably exalted above the understanding of His creatures and -sanctified from the conceptions of His servants. - -O Lord! Thou beholdest this lifeless one before Thy face; suffer him, -through Thy generosity and bountiful favour, not to be deprived of the -chalice of immortal life. And Thou seest this afflicted one standing -before Thy throne; turn him not away from the ocean of Thy healing. I -entreat Thee to enable me at all times and under all conditions to -remember Thee, to magnify Thy Name and to serve Thy Cause, though I am -well aware that whatever proceedeth from a servant cannot transcend the -limitations of his soul, nor beseem Thy Lordship, nor be worthy of the -court of Thy glory and Thy majesty. - -Thy might beareth me witness! Were it not to celebrate Thy praise, my -tongue would be of no use to me, and were it not for the sake of rendering -service to Thee, my existence would avail me not. But for the pleasure of -beholding the splendours of Thy realm of glory, why should I cherish -sight? And but for the joy of giving ear to Thy most sweet voice, of what -use is hearing? - -Alas! Alas! I know not, O my God, my Mainstay, my heart’s Desire, whether -Thou hast ordained for me that which shall bring solace to mine eyes, -gladden my bosom and rejoice my heart, or whether Thine irrevocable -decree, O King of eternity and the sovereign Lord of all nations, will -debar me from presenting myself before Thy throne. I swear by Thy glory -and majesty and by Thy dominion and power, the darkness of my remoteness -from Thee hath destroyed me. What hath become of the light of Thy -nearness, O Desire of every understanding heart? The tormenting agony of -separation from Thee hath consumed me. Where is the effulgent light of Thy -reunion, O Well-Beloved of such as are wholly devoted to Thee? - -Thou seest, O my God, what hath befallen me in Thy Path at the hand of -those who have denied Thy Truth, have violated Thy Covenant, cavilled at -Thy signs, rejected the blessings Thou didst vouchsafe, disbelieved the -verses Thou didst send down and have refused to acknowledge the testimony -Thou didst fulfil. - -O Lord! The tongue of my tongue and the heart of my heart and the spirit -of my spirit and my outward and inmost beings bear witness to Thy unity -and Thy oneness, Thy power and Thine omnipotence, Thy grandeur and Thy -sovereignty, and attest Thy glory, loftiness and authority. I testify that -Thou art God and that there is none other God besides Thee. From -everlasting Thou hast been a treasure hidden from the sight and minds of -men and shalt continue to remain the same for ever and ever. The powers of -earth can never frustrate Thee, nor can the might of the nations alarm -Thee. Thou art the One Who hath unlocked the door of knowledge before the -faces of Thy servants that they may recognize Him Who is the Day-Star of -Thy Revelation, the Dawning-Place of Thy signs, the Heaven of Thy -manifestation and the Sun of Thy divine beauty. In Thy holy Books, in Thy -Scriptures and Thy Scrolls Thou hast promised all the peoples of the world -that Thou Thyself shalt appear and shalt remove the veils of glory from -Thy face, even as Thou didst announce in Thy words unto Thy Friend(37) -through Whom the Day-Star of Revelation shone brightly above the horizon -of Ḥijáz, and the dawning light of divine Truth shed its radiance among -all men, proclaiming: ‘The Day when mankind shall stand before the Lord of -the worlds.’(38) And before Muḥammad Thou didst impart this glad-tiding -unto Him Who conversed with Thee,(39) saying: ‘Bring forth thy people from -the darkness into the light and remind them of the days of God.’(40) -Moreover Thou didst proclaim this truth unto the Spirit(41) and unto Thy -Prophets and Thy Messengers, whether of the remote or more recent past. If -all that which Thou hast sent down in glorification of this Most Great -Remembrance, this Great Announcement, were to stream forth from the -wellspring of Thy most august Pen, the inmates of the cities of knowledge -and understanding would be dumbfounded, except such as Thou wouldst -deliver through the potency of Thy might and wouldst protect as a token of -Thy bountiful favour and Thy grace. I bear witness that Thou hast in truth -fulfilled Thy pledge and hast made manifest the One Whose advent was -foretold by Thy Prophets, Thy chosen ones and by them that serve Thee. He -hath come from the heaven of glory and power, bearing the banners of Thy -signs and the standards of Thy testimonies. Through the potency of Thine -indomitable power and strength, He stood up before the faces of all men -and summoned all mankind to the summit of transcendent glory and unto the -all-highest Horizon, in such wise that neither the oppression of the -ecclesiastics nor the onslaught of the rulers was able to deter Him. He -arose with inflexible resolve and, unloosing His tongue, proclaimed in -ringing tones: ‘He Who is the All-Bountiful is come, riding aloft on the -clouds. Advance, O people of the earth, with shining faces and radiant -hearts!’ - -Great indeed is the blessedness of him who attaineth Thy presence, -drinketh the wine of reunion proffered by the hand of Thy bounteousness, -inhaleth the fragrance of Thy signs, unlooseth his tongue in celebrating -Thy praise, soareth high in Thy heavens, is carried away by the sweetness -of Thy Voice, gaineth admittance into the most exalted Paradise and -attaineth the station of revelation and vision before the throne of Thy -majesty. - -I beg of Thee by the Most Great Infallibility which Thou hast chosen to be -the dayspring of Thy Revelation, and by Thy most sublime Word through -whose potency Thou didst call the creation into being and didst reveal Thy -Cause, and by this Name which hath caused all other names to groan aloud -and the limbs of the sages to quake, I beg of Thee to make me detached -from all else save Thee, in such wise that I may move not but in -conformity with the good-pleasure of Thy Will, and speak not except at the -bidding of Thy Purpose, and hear naught save the words of Thy praise and -Thy glorification. - -I magnify Thy Name, O my God, and offer thanksgiving unto Thee, O my -Desire, inasmuch as Thou hast enabled me to clearly perceive Thy straight -Path, hast unveiled Thy Great Announcement before mine eyes and hast aided -me to set my face towards the Dayspring of Thy Revelation and the -Fountainhead of Thy Cause, whilst Thy servants and Thy people turned away -from Thee. I entreat Thee, O Lord of the Kingdom of eternity, by the -shrill voice of the Pen of Glory, and by the Burning Fire which calleth -aloud from the verdant Tree, and by the Ark which Thou hast specially -chosen for the people of Bahá, to grant that I may remain steadfast in my -love for Thee, be well pleased with whatsoever Thou hast prescribed for me -in Thy Book and may stand firm in Thy service and in the service of Thy -loved ones. Graciously assist then Thy servants, O my God, to do that -which will serve to exalt Thy Cause and will enable them to observe -whatsoever Thou hast revealed in Thy Book. - -Verily Thou art the Lord of Strength, Thou art potent to ordain whatsoever -Thou willest and within Thy grasp Thou holdest the reins of all created -things. No God is there but Thee, the All-Powerful, the All-Knowing, the -All-Wise. - -O Jalíl! We have unveiled to thine eyes the sea and the waves thereof, the -sun and the radiance thereof, the heavens and the stars thereof, the -shells and the pearls thereof. Render thou thanks unto God for so great a -bounty, so gracious a favour that hath pervaded the whole world. - -O thou who hast set thy face towards the splendours of My Countenance! -Vague fancies have encompassed the dwellers of the earth and debarred them -from turning towards the Horizon of Certitude, and its brightness, and its -manifestations and its lights. Vain imaginings have withheld them from Him -Who is the Self-Subsisting. They speak as prompted by their own caprices, -and understand not. Among them are those who have said: ‘Have the verses -been sent down?’ Say ‘Yea, by Him Who is the Lord of the heavens!’ ‘Hath -the Hour come?’ ‘Nay, more; it hath passed, by Him Who is the Revealer of -clear tokens! Verily, the Inevitable is come, and He, the True One, hath -appeared with proof and testimony. The Plain is disclosed, and mankind is -sore vexed and fearful. Earthquakes have broken loose, and the tribes have -lamented, for fear of God, the Lord of Strength, the All-Compelling.’ Say: -‘The stunning trumpet-blast hath been loudly raised, and the Day is God’s, -the One, the Unconstrained.’ And they say: ‘Hath the Catastrophe come to -pass?’ Say: ‘Yea, by the Lord of Lords!’ ‘Is the Resurrection come?’ ‘Nay, -more; He Who is the Self-Subsisting hath appeared with the Kingdom of His -signs.’ ‘Seest thou men laid low?’ ‘Yea, by my Lord, the Most High, the -Most Glorious!’ ‘Have the tree-stumps been uprooted?’ ‘Yea, more; the -mountains have been scattered in dust; by Him the Lord of attributes!’ -They say: ‘Where is Paradise, and where is Hell?’ Say: ‘The one is reunion -with Me; the other thine own self, O thou who dost associate a partner -with God and doubtest.’ They say: ‘We see not the Balance.’ Say: ‘Surely, -by my Lord, the God of Mercy! None can see it except such as are endued -with insight.’ They say: ‘Have the stars fallen?’ Say: ‘Yea, when He Who -is the Self-Subsisting dwelt in the Land of Mystery.(42) Take heed, ye who -are endued with discernment!’ All the signs appeared when We drew forth -the Hand of Power from the bosom of majesty and might. Verily, the Crier -hath cried out, when the promised time came, and they that have recognized -the splendours of Sinai have swooned away in the wilderness of hesitation, -before the awful majesty of thy Lord, the Lord of creation. The trumpet -asketh: ‘Hath the Bugle been sounded?’ Say: ‘Yea, by the King of -Revelation! when He mounted the throne of His Name, the All-Merciful.’ -Darkness hath been chased away by the dawning light of the mercy of thy -Lord, the Source of all light. The breeze of the All-Merciful hath wafted, -and the souls have been quickened in the tombs of their bodies. Thus hath -the decree been fulfilled by God, the Mighty, the Beneficent. They who -reject the truth have said: ‘When were the heavens cleft asunder?’ Say: -‘While ye lay in the graves of waywardness and error.’ Among the faithless -is he who rubbeth his eyes, and looketh to the right and to the left. Say: -‘Blinded art thou. No refuge hast thou to flee to.’ And among them is he -who saith: ‘Have men been gathered together?’ Say: ‘Yea, by My Lord! -whilst thou didst lie in the cradle of idle fancies.’ And among them is he -who saith: ‘Hath the Book been sent down through the power of the true -Faith?’ Say: ‘The true Faith itself is astounded. Fear ye, O ye men of -understanding heart!’ And among them is he who saith: ‘Have I been -assembled with others, blind?’ Say: ‘Yea, by Him that rideth upon the -clouds!’ Paradise is decked with mystic roses, and hell hath been made to -blaze with the fire of the impious. Say: ‘The light hath shone forth from -the horizon of Revelation, and the whole earth hath been illumined at the -coming of Him Who is the Lord of the Day of the Covenant!’ The doubters -have perished, whilst he that turned, guided by the light of assurance, -unto the Dayspring of Certitude hath prospered. Blessed art thou, who hast -fixed thy gaze upon Me, for this Tablet which hath been sent down for -thee—a Tablet which causeth the souls of men to soar. Commit it to memory, -and recite it. By My life! It is a door to the mercy of thy Lord. Well is -it with him that reciteth it at eventide and at dawn. We, verily, heard -thy praise of this Cause, through which the mountain of knowledge was -crushed, and men’s feet have slipped. My glory be upon thee and upon -whomsoever hath turned unto the Almighty, the All-Bounteous. The Tablet is -ended, but the theme is unexhausted. Be patient, for thy Lord is patient. - -These are verses We sent down previously, and We have sent them unto thee, -that thou mayest be acquainted with what their lying tongues have spoken, -when God came unto them with might and sovereignty. The foundations of -idle fancies have trembled, and the heaven of vain imaginings hath been -cleft asunder, and yet the people are in doubt and in contention with Him. -They have denied the testimony of God and His proof, after He came from -the heaven of power with the kingdom of His signs. They have cast away -what had been prescribed, and perpetrated what had been forbidden them in -the Book. They have abandoned their God, and clung unto their desires. -They truly have strayed and are in error. They read the verses and deny -them. They behold the clear tokens and turn aside. They truly are lost in -strange doubt. - -We have admonished Our loved ones to fear God, a fear which is the -fountainhead of all goodly deeds and virtues. It is the commander of the -hosts of justice in the city of Bahá. Happy the man that hath entered the -shadow of its luminous standard, and laid fast hold thereon. He, verily, -is of the Companions of the Crimson Ark, which hath been mentioned in the -Qayyúm-i-Asmá. - -Say: O people of God! Adorn your temples with the adornment of -trustworthiness and piety. Help, then, your Lord with the hosts of goodly -deeds and a praiseworthy character. We have forbidden you dissension and -conflict in My Books, and My Scriptures, and My Scrolls, and My Tablets, -and have wished thereby naught else save your exaltation and advancement. -Unto this testify the heavens and the stars thereof, and the sun and the -radiance thereof, and the trees and the leaves thereof, and the seas and -the waves thereof, and the earth and the treasures thereof. We pray God to -assist His loved ones, and aid them in that which beseemeth them in this -blest, this mighty, and wondrous station. Moreover We beseech Him to -graciously enable those who surround Me to observe that which My Pen of -Glory hath enjoined upon them. - -O Jalíl! Upon thee be My glory and My loving providence. Verily We have -enjoined the people to do what is meet and seemly and yet they have -committed such things as have caused My heart and My Pen to lament. -Incline thine ear to that which is sent down from the heaven of My Will -and the realm of My good-pleasure. I sorrow not for My captivity, nor for -the things that have befallen Me at the hand of Mine enemies. Nay, My -sorrows are occasioned by those who claim to be related to Me and yet -commit that which causeth the voice of My lamentations to be lifted up and -My tears to flow. We have exhorted them at length in various Tablets and -beseech God to graciously assist them, to enable them to draw nigh unto -Him and to confirm them in that which would bring peace to the hearts and -tranquillity to the souls and would stay their hands from whatsoever -ill-beseemeth His days. - -Say, O My loved ones in My lands! Give ye ear unto the counsels of Him Who -admonisheth you for the sake of God. He hath in truth created you, hath -revealed before your eyes that which exalteth you and promoteth your -interests. He hath made known unto you His straight Path and hath -acquainted you with His Great Announcement. - -O Jalíl! Admonish men to fear God. By God! This fear is the chief -commander of the army of thy Lord. Its hosts are a praiseworthy character -and goodly deeds. Through it have the cities of men’s hearts been opened -throughout the ages and centuries, and the standards of ascendancy and -triumph raised above all other standards. - -We will now mention unto thee Trustworthiness and the station thereof in -the estimation of God, thy Lord, the Lord of the Mighty Throne. One day of -days We repaired unto Our Green Island. Upon Our arrival, We beheld its -streams flowing, and its trees luxuriant, and the sunlight playing in -their midst. Turning Our face to the right, We beheld what the pen is -powerless to describe; nor can it set forth that which the eye of the Lord -of Mankind witnessed in that most sanctified, that most sublime, that -blest, and most exalted Spot. Turning, then, to the left We gazed on one -of the Beauties of the Most Sublime Paradise, standing on a pillar of -light, and calling aloud saying: ‘O inmates of earth and heaven! Behold ye -My beauty, and My radiance, and My revelation, and My effulgence. By God, -the True One! I am Trustworthiness and the revelation thereof, and the -beauty thereof. I will recompense whosoever will cleave unto Me, and -recognize My rank and station, and hold fast unto My hem. I am the most -great ornament of the people of Bahá, and the vesture of glory unto all -who are in the kingdom of creation. I am the supreme instrument for the -prosperity of the world, and the horizon of assurance unto all beings.’ -Thus have We sent down for thee that which will draw men nigh unto the -Lord of creation. - -The Pen of the Most High turneth from the eloquent language(43) to the -luminous one(44) that thou, O Jalíl, mayest appreciate the tender mercy of -thy Lord, the Incomparable One and mayest be of them that are truly -grateful. - -O thou who hast fixed thy gaze upon the all-glorious Horizon! The Call is -raised but hearing ears are numbered, nay non-existent. This Wronged One -findeth himself in the maw of the serpent, yet He faileth not to make -mention of the loved ones of God. So grievous have been Our sufferings in -these days that the Concourse on High are moved to tears and to -lamentation. Neither the adversities of the world nor the harm inflicted -by its nations could deter Him Who is the King of Eternity from voicing -His summons or frustrate His purpose. When those who had for years been -hiding behind the veils perceived that the horizon of the Cause was -resplendent and that the Word of God was all-pervasive, they rushed forth -and with swords of malice inflicted such harm as no pen can portray nor -any tongue describe. - -They that judge with fairness testify that since the early days of the -Cause this Wronged One hath arisen, unveiled and resplendent, before the -faces of kings and commoners, before the rulers and the divines, and hath, -in ringing tones, summoned all men unto the straight Path. He hath had no -helper save His Pen, nor any succourer other than Himself. - -Those who are ignorant or heedless of the motivating purpose of the Cause -of God have rebelled against Him. Such men are the foreboders of evil, -whom God hath mentioned in His Book and Tablets and against whose -influence, clamour and deception He hath warned His people. Well is it -with those who, in the face of the remembrance of the Lord of Eternity, -regard the peoples of the world as utter nothingness, as a thing -forgotten, and hold fast to the firm handle of God in such wise that -neither doubts nor insinuations, nor swords, nor cannon could hold them -back or deprive them of His presence. Blessed are the steadfast; blessed -are they that stand firm in His Faith. - -In response to thy request the Pen of Glory hath graciously described the -stations and grades of the Most Great Infallibility. The purpose is that -all should know of a certainty that the Seal of the Prophets(45)—may the -souls of all else but Him be offered up for His sake—is without likeness, -peer or partner in His Own station. The Holy Ones(46)—may the blessings of -God be upon them—were created through the potency of His Word, and after -Him they were the most learned and the most distinguished among the people -and abide in the utmost station of servitude. The divine Essence, -sanctified from every comparison and likeness, is established in the -Prophet, and God’s inmost Reality, exalted above any peer or partner, is -manifest in Him. This is the station of true unity and of veritable -singleness. The followers of the previous Dispensation grievously failed -to acquire an adequate understanding of this station. The Primal -Point(47)—may the life of all else but Him be offered up for His -sake—saith: ‘If the Seal of the Prophets had not uttered the word -“Successorship”, such a station would not have been created.’ - -The people aforetime joined partners with God, though they professed -belief in His unity; and although they were the most ignorant amongst men, -they considered themselves the most accomplished. But, as a token of -divine retribution upon those heedless ones, their erroneous beliefs and -pursuits have, in this Day of Judgement, been made clear and evident to -every man of discernment and understanding. - -Beseech thou God, the True One, that He may graciously shield the -followers of this Revelation from the idle fancies and corrupt imaginings -of such as belong to the former Faith, and may not deprive them of the -effulgent splendours of the day-star of true unity. - -O Jalíl! He Whom the world hath wronged now proclaimeth: The light of -Justice is dimmed, and the sun of Equity veiled from sight. The robber -occupieth the seat of the protector and guard, and the position of the -faithful is seized by the traitor. A year ago an oppressor ruled over this -city, and at every instant caused fresh harm. By the righteousness of the -Lord! He wrought that which cast terror into the hearts of men. But to the -Pen of Glory the tyranny of the world hath never been nor will it ever be -a hindrance. In the abundance of Our grace and loving-kindness We have -revealed specially for the rulers and ministers of the world that which is -conducive to safety and protection, tranquillity and peace; haply the -children of men may rest secure from the evils of oppression. He, verily, -is the Protector, the Helper, the Giver of victory. It is incumbent upon -the men of God’s House of Justice to fix their gaze by day and by night -upon that which hath shone forth from the Pen of Glory for the training of -peoples, the upbuilding of nations, the protection of man and the -safeguarding of his honour. - -The first Ishráq - -When the Day-Star of Wisdom rose above the horizon of God’s Holy -Dispensation it voiced this all-glorious utterance: They that are -possessed of wealth and invested with authority and power must show the -profoundest regard for religion. In truth, religion is a radiant light and -an impregnable stronghold for the protection and welfare of the peoples of -the world, for the fear of God impelleth man to hold fast to that which is -good, and shun all evil. Should the lamp of religion be obscured, chaos -and confusion will ensue, and the lights of fairness and justice, of -tranquillity and peace cease to shine. Unto this will bear witness every -man of true understanding. - -The second Ishráq - -We have enjoined upon all mankind to establish the Most Great Peace—the -surest of all means for the protection of humanity. The sovereigns of the -world should, with one accord, hold fast thereunto, for this is the -supreme instrument that can ensure the security and welfare of all peoples -and nations. They, verily, are the manifestations of the power of God and -the daysprings of His authority. We beseech the Almighty that He may -graciously assist them in that which is conducive to the well-being of -their subjects. A full explanation regarding this matter hath been -previously set forth by the Pen of Glory; well is it with them that act -accordingly. - -The third Ishráq - -It is incumbent upon everyone to observe God’s holy commandments, inasmuch -as they are the wellspring of life unto the world. The heaven of divine -wisdom is illumined with the two luminaries of consultation and compassion -and the canopy of world order is upraised upon the two pillars of reward -and punishment. - -The fourth Ishráq - -In this Revelation the hosts that can render it victorious are the hosts -of praiseworthy deeds and upright character. The leader and commander of -these hosts hath ever been the fear of God, a fear that encompasseth all -things and reigneth over all things. - -The fifth Ishráq - -Governments should fully acquaint themselves with the conditions of those -they govern, and confer upon them positions according to desert and merit. -It is enjoined upon every ruler and sovereign to consider this matter with -the utmost care that the traitor may not usurp the position of the -faithful, nor the despoiler rule in the place of the trustworthy. Among -the officials who in the past have governed in this Most Great Prison -some, praise be to God, were adorned with justice, but as to others, We -take refuge with God. We beseech the One true God to guide them one and -all, that haply they may not be deprived of the fruit of faith and -trustworthiness, nor be withheld from the light of equity and justice. - -The sixth Ishráq is union and concord amongst the children of men. From -the beginning of time the light of unity hath shed its divine radiance -upon the world, and the greatest means for the promotion of that unity is -for the peoples of the world to understand one another’s writing and -speech. In former Epistles We have enjoined upon the Trustees of the House -of Justice either to choose one language from among those now existing or -to adopt a new one, and in like manner to select a common script, both of -which should be taught in all the schools of the world. Thus will the -earth be regarded as one country and one home. The most glorious fruit of -the tree of knowledge is this exalted word: Of one tree are all ye the -fruit, and of one bough the leaves. Let not man glory in this that he -loveth his country, let him rather glory in this that he loveth his kind. -Concerning this We have previously revealed that which is the means of the -reconstruction of the world and the unity of nations. Blessed are they -that attain thereunto. Blessed are they that act accordingly. - -The seventh Ishráq - -The Pen of Glory counselleth everyone regarding the instruction and -education of children. Behold that which the Will of God hath revealed -upon Our arrival in the Prison City and recorded in the Most Holy -Book.(48) Unto every father hath been enjoined the instruction of his son -and daughter in the art of reading and writing and in all that hath been -laid down in the Holy Tablet. He that putteth away that which is commanded -unto him, the Trustees are then to take from him that which is required -for their instruction, if he be wealthy, and if not the matter devolveth -upon the House of Justice. Verily, have We made it a shelter for the poor -and needy. He that bringeth up his son or the son of another, it is as -though he hath brought up a son of Mine; upon him rest My Glory, My -Loving-Kindness, My Mercy, that have compassed the world. - -The eighth Ishráq - -This passage, now written by the Pen of Glory, is accounted as part of the -Most Holy Book: The men of God’s House of Justice have been charged with -the affairs of the people. They, in truth, are the Trustees of God among -His servants and the daysprings of authority in His countries. - -O people of God! That which traineth the world is Justice, for it is -upheld by two pillars, reward and punishment. These two pillars are the -sources of life to the world. Inasmuch as for each day there is a new -problem and for every problem an expedient solution, such affairs should -be referred to the House of Justice that the members thereof may act -according to the needs and requirements of the time. They that, for the -sake of God, arise to serve His Cause, are the recipients of divine -inspiration from the unseen Kingdom. It is incumbent upon all to be -obedient unto them. All matters of State should be referred to the House -of Justice, but acts of worship must be observed according to that which -God hath revealed in His Book. - -O people of Bahá! Ye are the dawning-places of the love of God and the -daysprings of His loving-kindness. Defile not your tongues with the -cursing and reviling of any soul, and guard your eyes against that which -is not seemly. Set forth that which ye possess. If it be favourably -received, your end is attained; if not, to protest is vain. Leave that -soul to himself and turn unto the Lord, the Protector, the -Self-Subsisting. Be not the cause of grief, much less of discord and -strife. The hope is cherished that ye may obtain true education in the -shelter of the tree of His tender mercies and act in accordance with that -which God desireth. Ye are all the leaves of one tree and the drops of one -ocean. - -The ninth Ishráq - -The purpose of religion as revealed from the heaven of God’s holy Will is -to establish unity and concord amongst the peoples of the world; make it -not the cause of dissension and strife. The religion of God and His divine -law are the most potent instruments and the surest of all means for the -dawning of the light of unity amongst men. The progress of the world, the -development of nations, the tranquillity of peoples, and the peace of all -who dwell on earth are among the principles and ordinances of God. -Religion bestoweth upon man the most precious of all gifts, offereth the -cup of prosperity, imparteth eternal life, and showereth imperishable -benefits upon mankind. It behoveth the chiefs and rulers of the world, and -in particular the Trustees of God’s House of Justice, to endeavour to the -utmost of their power to safeguard its position, promote its interests and -exalt its station in the eyes of the world. In like manner it is incumbent -upon them to enquire into the conditions of their subjects and to acquaint -themselves with the affairs and activities of the divers communities in -their dominions. We call upon the manifestations of the power of God—the -sovereigns and rulers on earth—to bestir themselves and do all in their -power that haply they may banish discord from this world and illumine it -with the light of concord. - -It is incumbent upon everyone to firmly adhere to and observe that which -hath streamed forth from Our Most Exalted Pen. God, the True One, beareth -Me witness, and every atom in existence is moved to testify that such -means as lead to the elevation, the advancement, the education, the -protection and the regeneration of the peoples of the earth have been -clearly set forth by Us and are revealed in the Holy Books and Tablets by -the Pen of Glory. - -We entreat God to graciously aid His servants. What this Wronged One doth -expect from everyone is justice and fairness. Let no one be content with -mere hearing; rather doth it behove everyone to ponder that which this -Wronged One hath revealed. I swear by the Day-Star of utterance, shining -above the horizon of the Kingdom of the All-Merciful, had there been any -expounder or speaker discernible, We would not have made Ourself the -object of the censure, ridicule and slander of the people. - -Upon Our arrival in ‘Iráq We found the Cause of God sunk in deep apathy -and the breeze of divine revelation stilled. Most of the believers were -faint and dispirited, nay utterly lost and dead. Hence there was a second -blast on the Trumpet, whereupon the Tongue of Grandeur uttered these -blessed words: ‘We have sounded the Trumpet for the second time.’ Thus the -whole world was quickened through the vitalizing breaths of divine -revelation and inspiration. - -Certain souls have now sallied forth from behind the veils, intent on -inflicting harm upon this Wronged One. They have hindered and denied the -outpouring of this priceless bounty. - -O ye that judge with fairness! If this Cause is to be denied then what -other cause in this world can be vindicated or deemed worthy of -acceptance? - -Such as have turned away from the Cause of God are diligently seeking to -collect the Holy Writings of this Revelation; and they have already, -through gestures of friendship, managed to secure certain of these -Writings from those who held them in their possession. Moreover, when they -meet the followers of any religion, they hold themselves out as believers -therein. Say, die ye in your wrath! Verily He hath appeared with so great -an authority that no man of vision, of hearing, of insight, of justice or -of equity can ever deny Him. Unto this beareth witness in this resplendent -Hour the Pen of Him Who is the Ancient of Days. - -O Jalíl! Upon thee be My glory. We exhort the loved ones of God to perform -good deeds that perchance they may be graciously assisted and may hold -fast to that which hath been sent down from the heaven of His Revelation. -The benefits arising from this divine utterance shall fall upon such as -observe His precepts. We beseech God to enable them to do that which is -pleasing and acceptable unto Him, to grant that they may deal equitably -and may observe justice in this all-compelling Cause, to acquaint them -with His Holy Writings and to direct their steps towards His straight -Path. - -Our Exalted Herald—may the life of all else besides Him be offered up for -His sake—hath revealed certain laws. However, in the realm of His -Revelation these laws were made subject to Our sanction, hence this -Wronged One hath put some of them into effect by embodying them in the -Kitáb-i-Aqdas in different words. Others We set aside. He holdeth in His -hand the authority. He doeth what He willeth and He ordaineth whatsoever -He pleaseth. He is the Almighty, the All-Praised. There are also -ordinances newly revealed. Blessed are they that attain. Blessed are they -that observe His precepts. - -The people of God should make the utmost endeavour that perchance the fire -of hatred and malice which smouldereth in the breasts of kindreds and -peoples may, through the living waters of utterance and the exhortations -of Him Who is the Desire of the world, be quenched and the trees of human -existence may be adorned with wondrous and excellent fruit. He is, in -truth, the Admonisher, the Compassionate, the All-Bountiful. - -May the brightness of His glory shining above the horizon of bounty rest -upon you, O people of Bahá, upon every one who standeth firm and steadfast -and upon those that are well grounded in the Faith and are endued with -true understanding. - -As to thy question concerning interest and profit on gold and silver: Some -years ago the following passage was revealed from the heaven of the -All-Merciful in honour of the one who beareth the name of God, entitled -Zaynu’l-Muqarrabín(49)—upon him be the glory of the Most Glorious. -He—exalted be His Word—saith: Many people stand in need of this. Because -if there were no prospect for gaining interest, the affairs of men would -suffer collapse or dislocation. One can seldom find a person who would -manifest such consideration towards his fellow-man, his countryman or -towards his own brother and would show such tender solicitude for him as -to be well-disposed to grant him a loan on benevolent terms.(50) Therefore -as a token of favour towards men We have prescribed that interest on money -should be treated like other business transactions that are current -amongst men. Thus, now that this lucid commandment hath descended from the -heaven of the Will of God, it is lawful and proper to charge interest on -money, that the people of the world may, in a spirit of amity and -fellowship and with joy and gladness, devotedly engage themselves in -magnifying the Name of Him Who is the Well-Beloved of all mankind. Verily -He ordaineth according to His Own choosing. He hath now made interest on -money lawful, even as He had made it unlawful in the past. Within His -grasp He holdeth the kingdom of authority. He doeth and ordaineth. He is -in truth the Ordainer, the All-Knowing. - -Render thou thanks unto thy Lord, O Zaynu’l-Muqarrabín, for this manifest -bounty. - -Many ecclesiastics in Persia have, through innumerable designs and -devices, been feeding on illicit gains obtained by usury. They have -contrived ways to give its outward form a fair semblance of lawfulness. -They make a plaything of the laws and ordinances of God, but they -understand not. - -However, this is a matter that should be practised with moderation and -fairness. Our Pen of Glory hath, as a token of wisdom and for the -convenience of the people, desisted from laying down its limit. -Nevertheless We exhort the loved ones of God to observe justice and -fairness, and to do that which would prompt the friends of God to evince -tender mercy and compassion towards each other. He is in truth the -Counsellor, the Compassionate, the All-Bountiful. God grant that all men -may be graciously aided to observe that which the Tongue of the One true -God hath uttered. And if they put into practice what We have set forth, -God—exalted be His glory—will assuredly double their portion through the -heaven of His bounty. Verily He is the Generous, the Forgiving, the -Compassionate. Praise be unto God, the Most Exalted, the Most Great. - -Nevertheless the conduct of these affairs hath been entrusted to the men -of the House of Justice that they may enforce them according to the -exigencies of the time and the dictates of wisdom. - -Once again We exhort all believers to observe justice and fairness and to -show forth love and contentment. They are indeed the people of Bahá, the -companions of the Crimson Ark. Upon them be the peace of God, the Lord of -all Names, the Creator of the heavens. - - - - - - LAWḤ-I-HIKMAT (TABLET OF WISDOM) - - - _This Tablet was addressed to Áqá Muḥammad, a distinguished - believer from the town of Qá’in, who was surnamed Nabíl-i-Akbar - (see Memorials of the Faithful pages 1–5). Another distinguished - believer of Qá’in, Mullá Muḥammad-‘Alí, was known as - Nabíl-i-Qá’iní (see Memorials of the Faithful pages 49–54). In the - abjad notation the name ‘Muḥammad’ has the same numerical value as - ‘Nabíl’._ - - -THIS is an Epistle which the All-Merciful hath sent down from the Kingdom -of Utterance. It is truly a breath of life unto those who dwell in the -realm of creation. Glorified be the Lord of all worlds! In this Epistle -mention is made of him who magnifieth the Name of God, his Lord, and who -is named Nabíl in a weighty Tablet. - -O Muḥammad! Hearken unto the Voice proceeding out of the Realm of Glory, -calling aloud from the celestial Tree which hath risen above the land of -Za’farán(51): Verily, no God is there but Me, the Omniscient, the Wise. Be -thou as the breezes of the All-Merciful for the trees of the realm of -existence and foster their growth through the potency of the Name of thy -Lord, the Just, the All-Informed. We desire to acquaint thee with that -which will serve as a reminder unto the people, that they may put away the -things current amongst them and set their faces towards God, the Lord of -the sincere. - -We exhort mankind in these days when the countenance of Justice is soiled -with dust, when the flames of unbelief are burning high and the robe of -wisdom rent asunder, when tranquillity and faithfulness have ebbed away -and trials and tribulations have waxed severe, when covenants are broken -and ties are severed, when no man knoweth how to discern light and -darkness or to distinguish guidance from error. - -O peoples of the world! Forsake all evil, hold fast that which is good. -Strive to be shining examples unto all mankind, and true reminders of the -virtues of God amidst men. He that riseth to serve My Cause should -manifest My wisdom, and bend every effort to banish ignorance from the -earth. Be united in counsel, be one in thought. Let each morn be better -than its eve and each morrow richer than its yesterday. Man’s merit lieth -in service and virtue and not in the pageantry of wealth and riches. Take -heed that your words be purged from idle fancies and worldly desires and -your deeds be cleansed from craftiness and suspicion. Dissipate not the -wealth of your precious lives in the pursuit of evil and corrupt -affection, nor let your endeavours be spent in promoting your personal -interest. Be generous in your days of plenty, and be patient in the hour -of loss. Adversity is followed by success and rejoicings follow woe. Guard -against idleness and sloth, and cling unto that which profiteth mankind, -whether young or old, whether high or low. Beware lest ye sow tares of -dissension among men or plant thorns of doubt in pure and radiant hearts. - -O ye beloved of the Lord! Commit not that which defileth the limpid stream -of love or destroyeth the sweet fragrance of friendship. By the -righteousness of the Lord! Ye were created to show love one to another and -not perversity and rancour. Take pride not in love for yourselves but in -love for your fellow-creatures. Glory not in love for your country, but in -love for all mankind. Let your eye be chaste, your hand faithful, your -tongue truthful and your heart enlightened. Abase not the station of the -learned in Bahá and belittle not the rank of such rulers as administer -justice amidst you. Set your reliance on the army of justice, put on the -armour of wisdom, let your adorning be forgiveness and mercy and that -which cheereth the hearts of the well-favoured of God. - -By My life! Thy grievances have plunged Me into sorrow. Regard not the -children of the world and all their doings but fix thy gaze upon God and -His never-ending dominion. Verily, He calleth to thy remembrance that -which is the source of delight for all mankind. Drink thou the life-giving -water of blissful joy from the chalice of utterance proffered by the -Fountainhead of divine Revelation—He Who hath made mention of thee in this -mighty stronghold. Endeavour to the utmost of thy powers to establish the -word of truth with eloquence and wisdom and to dispel falsehood from the -face of the earth. Thus directeth thee the Dayspring of divine knowledge -from this luminous horizon. - -O thou who speakest in My Name! Consider the people and the things they -have wrought in My days. We revealed unto one of the rulers that which -overpowereth all the dwellers of the earth, and requested him to bring Us -face to face with the learned men of this age, that We might set forth for -him the testimony of God, His proofs, His glory and His majesty; and -naught did We intend thereby but the highest good. However, he committed -that which hath caused the inmates of the cities of justice and equity to -lament. Thus hath judgement been given between Me and him. Verily thy Lord -is the Ordainer, the All-Informed. In such circumstances as thou seest, -how can the Celestial Bird soar into the atmosphere of divine mysteries -when its wings have been battered with the stones of idle fancy and bitter -hatred, and it is cast into a prison built of unyielding stone? By the -righteousness of God! The people have perpetrated a grievous injustice. - -As regards thine assertions about the beginning of creation, this is a -matter on which conceptions vary by reason of the divergences in men’s -thoughts and opinions. Wert thou to assert that it hath ever existed and -shall continue to exist, it would be true; or wert thou to affirm the same -concept as is mentioned in the sacred Scriptures, no doubt would there be -about it, for it hath been revealed by God, the Lord of the worlds. Indeed -He was a hidden treasure. This is a station that can never be described -nor even alluded to. And in the station of ‘I did wish to make Myself -known’, God was, and His creation had ever existed beneath His shelter -from the beginning that hath no beginning, apart from its being preceded -by a Firstness which cannot be regarded as firstness and originated by a -Cause inscrutable even unto all men of learning. - -That which hath been in existence had existed before, but not in the form -thou seest today. The world of existence came into being through the heat -generated from the interaction between the active force and that which is -its recipient. These two are the same, yet they are different. Thus doth -the Great Announcement inform thee about this glorious structure. Such as -communicate the generating influence and such as receive its impact are -indeed created through the irresistible Word of God which is the Cause of -the entire creation, while all else besides His Word are but the creatures -and the effects thereof. Verily thy Lord is the Expounder, the All-Wise. - -Know thou, moreover, that the Word of God—exalted be His glory—is higher -and far superior to that which the senses can perceive, for it is -sanctified from any property or substance. It transcendeth the limitations -of known elements and is exalted above all the essential and recognized -substances. It became manifest without any syllable or sound and is none -but the Command of God which pervadeth all created things. It hath never -been withheld from the world of being. It is God’s all-pervasive grace, -from which all grace doth emanate. It is an entity far removed above all -that hath been and shall be. - -We are loath to enlarge on this subject, inasmuch as the unbelievers have -inclined their ears towards Us in order to hear that which might enable -them to cavil against God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting. And -since they are unable to attain to mysteries of knowledge and wisdom from -what hath been unravelled by the Source of divine splendour, they rise in -protest and burst into clamour. But it is true to say that they object to -that which they comprehend, not to the expositions given by the Expounder, -nor the truths imparted by the One true God, the Knower of things unseen. -Their objections, one and all, turn upon themselves, and I swear by thy -life that they are devoid of understanding. - -Every thing must needs have an origin and every building a builder. -Verily, the Word of God is the Cause which hath preceded the contingent -world—a world which is adorned with the splendours of the Ancient of Days, -yet is being renewed and regenerated at all times. Immeasurably exalted is -the God of Wisdom Who hath raised this sublime structure. - -Look at the world and ponder a while upon it. It unveileth the book of its -own self before thine eyes and revealeth that which the Pen of thy Lord, -the Fashioner, the All-Informed, hath inscribed therein. It will acquaint -thee with that which is within it and upon it and will give thee such -clear explanations as to make thee independent of every eloquent -expounder. - -Say: Nature in its essence is the embodiment of My Name, the Maker, the -Creator. Its manifestations are diversified by varying causes, and in this -diversity there are signs for men of discernment. Nature is God’s Will and -is its expression in and through the contingent world. It is a -dispensation of Providence ordained by the Ordainer, the All-Wise. Were -anyone to affirm that it is the Will of God as manifested in the world of -being, no one should question this assertion. It is endowed with a power -whose reality men of learning fail to grasp. Indeed a man of insight can -perceive naught therein save the effulgent splendour of Our Name, the -Creator. Say: This is an existence which knoweth no decay, and Nature -itself is lost in bewilderment before its revelations, its compelling -evidences and its effulgent glory which have encompassed the universe. - -It ill beseemeth thee to turn thy gaze unto former or more recent times. -Make thou mention of this Day and magnify that which hath appeared -therein. It will in truth suffice all mankind. Indeed expositions and -discourses in explanation of such things cause the spirits to be chilled. -It behoveth thee to speak forth in such wise as to set the hearts of true -believers ablaze and cause their bodies to soar. - -Whoso firmly believeth today in the rebirth of man and is fully conscious -that God, the Most Exalted, wieldeth supreme ascendancy and absolute -authority over this new creation, verily such a man is reckoned with them -that are endued with insight in this most great Revelation. Unto this -beareth witness every discerning believer. - -Walk thou high above the world of being through the power of the Most -Great Name, that thou mayest become aware of the immemorial mysteries and -be acquainted with that wherewith no one is acquainted. Verily, thy Lord -is the Helper, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. Be thou as a throbbing -artery, pulsating in the body of the entire creation, that through the -heat generated by this motion there may appear that which will quicken the -hearts of those who hesitate. - -At the time when We were hidden behind countless veils of light thou didst -commune with Me and didst witness the luminaries of the heaven of My -wisdom and the billows of the ocean of Mine utterance. Verily thy Lord is -the Truthful, the Faithful. Great indeed is the blessedness of him who -hath attained the liberal effusions of this ocean in the days of his Lord, -the Most Bountiful, the All-Wise. - -During Our sojourn in ‘Iráq when We were at the house of one named Majíd, -We set forth clearly for thee the mysteries of creation and the origin, -the culmination and the cause thereof. However since Our departure We have -limited Ourself to this affirmation: ‘Verily, no God is there but Me, the -Ever-Forgiving, the Bountiful.’ - -Teach thou the Cause of God with an utterance which will cause the bushes -to be enkindled, and the call ‘Verily, there is no God but Me, the -Almighty, the Unconstrained’ to be raised therefrom. Say: Human utterance -is an essence which aspireth to exert its influence and needeth -moderation. As to its influence, this is conditional upon refinement which -in turn is dependent upon hearts which are detached and pure. As to its -moderation, this hath to be combined with tact and wisdom as prescribed in -the Holy Scriptures and Tablets. Meditate upon that which hath streamed -forth from the heaven of the Will of thy Lord, He Who is the Source of all -grace, that thou mayest grasp the intended meaning which is enshrined in -the sacred depths of the Holy Writings. - -Those who have rejected God and firmly cling to Nature as it is in itself -are, verily, bereft of knowledge and wisdom. They are truly of them that -are far astray. They have failed to attain the lofty summit and have -fallen short of the ultimate purpose; therefore their eyes were shut and -their thoughts differed, while the leaders among them have believed in God -and in His invincible sovereignty. Unto this beareth witness thy Lord, the -Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting. - -When the eyes of the people of the East were captivated by the arts and -wonders of the West, they roved distraught in the wilderness of material -causes, oblivious of the One Who is the Causer of Causes, and the -Sustainer thereof, while such men as were the source and the wellspring of -Wisdom never denied the moving Impulse behind these causes, nor the -Creator or the Origin thereof. Thy Lord knoweth, yet most of the people -know not. - -Now We have, for the sake of God, the Lord of Names, set Ourself the task -of mentioning in this Tablet some accounts of the sages,(52) that the eyes -of the people may be opened thereby and that they may become fully assured -that He is in truth the Maker, the Omnipotent, the Creator, the -Originator, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. - -Although it is recognized that the contemporary men of learning are highly -qualified in philosophy, arts and crafts, yet were anyone to observe with -a discriminating eye he would readily comprehend that most of this -knowledge hath been acquired from the sages of the past, for it is they -who have laid the foundation of philosophy, reared its structure and -reinforced its pillars. Thus doth thy Lord, the Ancient of Days, inform -thee. The sages aforetime acquired their knowledge from the Prophets, -inasmuch as the latter were the Exponents of divine philosophy and the -Revealers of heavenly mysteries. Men quaffed the crystal, living waters of -Their utterance, while others satisfied themselves with the dregs. -Everyone receiveth a portion according to his measure. Verily He is the -Equitable, the Wise. - -Empedocles, who distinguished himself in philosophy, was a contemporary of -David, while Pythagoras lived in the days of Solomon, son of David, and -acquired Wisdom from the treasury of prophethood. It is he who claimed to -have heard the whispering sound of the heavens and to have attained the -station of the angels. In truth thy Lord will clearly set forth all -things, if He pleaseth. Verily, He is the Wise, the All-Pervading. - -The essence and the fundamentals of philosophy have emanated from the -Prophets. That the people differ concerning the inner meanings and -mysteries thereof is to be attributed to the divergence of their views and -minds. We would fain recount to thee the following: One of the Prophets -once was communicating to his people that with which the Omnipotent Lord -had inspired Him. Truly, thy Lord is the Inspirer, the Gracious, the -Exalted. When the fountain of wisdom and eloquence gushed forth from the -wellspring of His utterance and the wine of divine knowledge inebriated -those who had sought His threshold, He exclaimed: ‘Lo! All are filled with -the Spirit.’ From among the people there was he who held fast unto this -statement and, actuated by his own fancies, conceived the idea that the -spirit literally penetrateth or entereth into the body, and through -lengthy expositions he advanced proofs to vindicate this concept; and -groups of people followed in his footsteps. To mention their names at this -point, or to give thee a detailed account thereof, would lead to -prolixity, and would depart from the main theme. Verily, thy Lord is the -All-Wise, the All-Knowing. There was also he who partook of the choice -wine whose seal had been removed by the Key of the Tongue of Him Who is -the Revealer of the Verses of thy Lord, the Gracious, the Most Generous. - -Verily, the philosophers have not denied the Ancient of Days. Most of them -passed away deploring their failure to fathom His mystery, even as some of -them have testified. Verily, thy Lord is the Adviser, the All-Informed. - -Consider Hippocrates, the physician. He was one of the eminent -philosophers who believed in God and acknowledged His sovereignty. After -him came Socrates who was indeed wise, accomplished and righteous. He -practised self-denial, repressed his appetites for selfish desires and -turned away from material pleasures. He withdrew to the mountains where he -dwelt in a cave. He dissuaded men from worshipping idols and taught them -the way of God, the Lord of Mercy, until the ignorant rose up against him. -They arrested him and put him to death in prison. Thus relateth to thee -this swift-moving Pen. What a penetrating vision into philosophy this -eminent man had! He is the most distinguished of all philosophers and was -highly versed in wisdom. We testify that he is one of the heroes in this -field and an outstanding champion dedicated unto it. He had a profound -knowledge of such sciences as were current amongst men as well as of those -which were veiled from their minds. Methinks he drank one draught when the -Most Great Ocean overflowed with gleaming and life-giving waters. He it is -who perceived a unique, a tempered, and a pervasive nature in things, -bearing the closest likeness to the human spirit, and he discovered this -nature to be distinct from the substance of things in their refined form. -He hath a special pronouncement on this weighty theme. Wert thou to ask -from the worldly wise of this generation about this exposition, thou -wouldst witness their incapacity to grasp it. Verily, thy Lord speaketh -the truth but most people comprehend not. - -After Socrates came the divine Plato who was a pupil of the former and -occupied the chair of philosophy as his successor. He acknowledged his -belief in God and in His signs which pervade all that hath been and shall -be. Then came Aristotle, the well-known man of knowledge. He it is who -discovered the power of gaseous matter. These men who stand out as leaders -of the people and are pre-eminent among them, one and all acknowledged -their belief in the immortal Being Who holdeth in His grasp the reins of -all sciences. - -I will also mention for thee the invocation voiced by Bálinus who was -familiar with the theories put forward by the Father of Philosophy -regarding the mysteries of creation as given in his chrysolite tablets, -that everyone may be fully assured of the things We have elucidated for -thee in this manifest Tablet, which, if pressed with the hand of fairness -and knowledge, will yield the spirit of life for the quickening of all -created things. Great is the blessedness of him who swimmeth in this ocean -and celebrateth the praise of his Lord, the Gracious, the Best-Beloved. -Indeed the breezes of divine revelation are diffused from the verses of -thy Lord in such wise that no one can dispute its truth, except those who -are bereft of hearing, of vision, of understanding and of every human -faculty. Verily thy Lord beareth witness unto this, yet the people -understand not. - -This man hath said: ‘I am Bálinus, the wise one, the performer of wonders, -the producer of talismans.’ He surpassed everyone else in the diffusion of -arts and sciences and soared unto the loftiest heights of humility and -supplication. Give ear unto that which he hath said, entreating the -All-Possessing, the Most Exalted: ‘I stand in the presence of my Lord, -extolling His gifts and bounties and praising Him with that wherewith He -praiseth His Own Self, that I may become a source of blessing and guidance -unto such men as acknowledge my words.’ And further he saith: ‘O Lord! -Thou art God and no God is there but Thee. Thou art the Creator and no -creator is there except Thee. Assist me by Thy grace and strengthen me. My -heart is seized with alarm, my limbs tremble, I have lost my reason and my -mind hath failed me. Bestow upon me strength and enable my tongue to speak -forth with wisdom.’ And still further he saith: ‘Thou art in truth the -Knowing, the Wise, the Powerful, the Compassionate.’ It was this man of -wisdom who became informed of the mysteries of creation and discerned the -subtleties which lie enshrined in the Hermetic writings.(53) - -We have no wish to mention anything further but We shall utter that which -the Spirit hath instilled into My heart. In truth there is no God but Him, -the Knowing, the Mighty, the Help in Peril, the Most Excellent, the -All-Praised. By My life! In this Day the celestial Tree is loath to -proclaim aught else to the world but this affirmation: ‘Verily, there is -none other God but Me, the Peerless, the All-Informed.’ - -Had it not been for the love I cherish for thee, I would not have uttered -a single word of what hath been mentioned. Appreciate the value of this -station and preserve it as thou wouldst thine eye and be of them that are -truly thankful. - -Thou knowest full well that We perused not the books which men possess and -We acquired not the learning current amongst them, and yet whenever We -desire to quote the sayings of the learned and of the wise,(54) presently -there will appear before the face of thy Lord in the form of a tablet all -that which hath appeared in the world and is revealed in the Holy Books -and Scriptures. Thus do We set down in writing that which the eye -perceiveth. Verily His knowledge encompasseth the earth and the heavens. - -This is a Tablet wherein the Pen of the Unseen hath inscribed the -knowledge of all that hath been and shall be—a knowledge that none other -but My wondrous Tongue can interpret. Indeed My heart as it is in itself -hath been purged by God from the concepts of the learned and is sanctified -from the utterances of the wise. In truth naught doth it mirror forth but -the revelations of God. Unto this beareth witness the Tongue of Grandeur -in this perspicuous Book. - -Say, O people of the earth! Beware lest any reference to wisdom debar you -from its Source or withhold you from the Dawning-Place thereof. Fix your -hearts upon your Lord, the Educator, the All-Wise. - -For every land We have prescribed a portion, for every occasion an -allotted share, for every pronouncement an appointed time and for every -situation an apt remark. Consider Greece. We made it a Seat of Wisdom for -a prolonged period. However, when the appointed hour struck, its throne -was subverted, its tongue ceased to speak, its light grew dim and its -banner was hauled down. Thus do We bestow and withdraw. Verily thy Lord is -He Who giveth and divesteth, the Mighty, the Powerful. - -In every land We have set up a luminary of knowledge, and when the time -foreordained is at hand, it will shine resplendent above its horizon, as -decreed by God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. If it be Our Will We are -fully capable of describing for thee whatever existeth in every land or -hath come to pass therein. Indeed the knowledge of thy Lord pervadeth the -heavens and the earth. - -Know thou, moreover, that the people aforetime have produced things which -the contemporary men of knowledge have been unable to produce. We recall -unto thee Murtús who was one of the learned. He invented an apparatus -which transmitted sound over a distance of sixty miles. Others besides him -have also discovered things which no one in this age hath beheld. Verily -thy Lord revealeth in every epoch whatsoever He pleaseth as a token of -wisdom on His part. He is in truth the supreme Ordainer, the All-Wise. - -A true philosopher would never deny God nor His evidences, rather would he -acknowledge His glory and overpowering majesty which overshadow all -created things. Verily We love those men of knowledge who have brought to -light such things as promote the best interests of humanity, and We aided -them through the potency of Our behest, for well are We able to achieve -Our purpose. - -Beware, O My loved ones, lest ye despise the merits of My learned servants -whom God hath graciously chosen to be the exponents of His Name ‘the -Fashioner’ amidst mankind. Exert your utmost endeavour that ye may develop -such crafts and undertakings that everyone, whether young or old, may -benefit therefrom. We are quit of those ignorant ones who fondly imagine -that Wisdom is to give vent to one’s idle imaginings and to repudiate God, -the Lord of all men; even as We hear some of the heedless voicing such -assertions today. - -Say: The beginning of Wisdom and the origin thereof is to acknowledge -whatsoever God hath clearly set forth, for through its potency the -foundation of statesmanship, which is a shield for the preservation of the -body of mankind, hath been firmly established. Ponder a while that ye may -perceive what My most exalted Pen hath proclaimed in this wondrous Tablet. -Say, every matter related to state affairs which ye raise for discussion -falls under the shadow of one of the words sent down from the heaven of -His glorious and exalted utterance. Thus have We recounted unto thee that -which will exhilarate thy heart, will bring solace to thine eyes and will -enable thee to arise for the promotion of His Cause amidst all peoples. - -O My Nabíl! Let nothing grieve thee, rather rejoice with exceeding -gladness inasmuch as I have mentioned thy name, have turned My heart and -My face towards thee and have conversed with thee through this irrefutable -and weighty exposition. Ponder in thy heart upon the tribulations I have -sustained, the imprisonment and the captivity I have endured, the -sufferings that have befallen Me and the accusations that the people have -levelled against Me. Behold, they are truly wrapped in a grievous veil. - -When the discourse reached this stage, the dawn of divine mysteries -appeared and the light of utterance was quenched. May His glory rest upon -the people of wisdom as bidden by One Who is the Almighty, the -All-Praised. - -Say: Magnified be Thy Name, O Lord my God! I beseech Thee by Thy Name -through which the splendour of the light of wisdom shone resplendent when -the heavens of divine utterance were set in motion amidst mankind, to -graciously aid me by Thy heavenly confirmations and enable me to extol Thy -Name amongst Thy servants. - -O Lord! Unto Thee have I turned my face, detached from all save Thee and -holding fast to the hem of the robe of Thy manifold blessings. Unloose my -tongue therefore to proclaim that which will captivate the minds of men -and will rejoice their souls and spirits. Strengthen me then in Thy Cause -in such wise that I may not be hindered by the ascendancy of the -oppressors among Thy creatures nor withheld by the onslaught of the -disbelievers amidst those who dwell in Thy realm. Make me as a lamp -shining throughout Thy lands that those in whose hearts the light of Thy -knowledge gloweth and the yearning for Thy love lingereth may be guided by -its radiance. - -Verily, potent art Thou to do whatsoever Thou willest, and in Thy grasp -Thou holdest the kingdom of creation. There is none other God but Thee, -the Almighty, the All-Wise. - - - - - - ASL-I-KULLU’L-KHAYR (WORDS OF WISDOM) - - -In the Name of God, the Exalted, the Most High - -THE source of all good is trust in God, submission unto His command, and -contentment with His holy will and pleasure. - -The essence of wisdom is the fear of God, the dread of His scourge and -punishment, and the apprehension of His justice and decree. - -The essence of religion is to testify unto that which the Lord hath -revealed, and follow that which He hath ordained in His mighty Book. - -The source of all glory is acceptance of whatsoever the Lord hath -bestowed, and contentment with that which God hath ordained. - -The essence of love is for man to turn his heart to the Beloved One, and -sever himself from all else but Him, and desire naught save that which is -the desire of his Lord. - -True remembrance is to make mention of the Lord, the All-Praised, and -forget aught else beside Him. - -True reliance is for the servant to pursue his profession and calling in -this world, to hold fast unto the Lord, to seek naught but His grace, -inasmuch as in His Hands is the destiny of all His servants. - -The essence of detachment is for man to turn his face towards the courts -of the Lord, to enter His Presence, behold His Countenance, and stand as -witness before Him. - -The essence of understanding is to testify to one’s poverty, and submit to -the Will of the Lord, the Sovereign, the Gracious, the All-Powerful. - -The source of courage and power is the promotion of the Word of God, and -steadfastness in His Love. - -The essence of charity is for the servant to recount the blessings of his -Lord, and to render thanks unto Him at all times and under all conditions. - -The essence of faith is fewness of words and abundance of deeds; he whose -words exceed his deeds, know verily his death is better than his life. - -The essence of true safety is to observe silence, to look at the end of -things and to renounce the world. - -The beginning of magnanimity is when man expendeth his wealth on himself, -on his family and on the poor among his brethren in his Faith. - -The essence of wealth is love for Me; whoso loveth Me is the possessor of -all things, and he that loveth Me not is indeed of the poor and needy. -This is that which the Finger of Glory and Splendour hath revealed. - -The source of all evil is for man to turn away from his Lord and set his -heart on things ungodly. - -The most burning fire is to question the signs of God, to dispute idly -that which He hath revealed, to deny Him and carry one’s self proudly -before Him. - -The source of all learning is the knowledge of God, exalted be His Glory, -and this cannot be attained save through the knowledge of His Divine -Manifestation. - -The essence of abasement is to pass out from under the shadow of the -Merciful and seek the shelter of the Evil One. - -The source of error is to disbelieve in the One true God, rely upon aught -else but Him, and flee from His Decree. - -True loss is for him whose days have been spent in utter ignorance of his -self. - -The essence of all that We have revealed for thee is Justice, is for man -to free himself from idle fancy and imitation, discern with the eye of -oneness His glorious handiwork, and look into all things with a searching -eye. - -Thus have We instructed thee, manifested unto thee Words of Wisdom, that -thou mayest be thankful unto the Lord, thy God, and glory therein amidst -all peoples. - - - - - - LAWḤ-I-MAQSÚD (TABLET OF MAQSÚD) - - - _Out of respect, the Bahá’ís, rather than addressing Bahá’u’lláh - directly, would write to His amanuensis, Mírzá Áqá Ján, surnamed - ‘Servant of God’ and ‘Servant-in-Attendance’. The reply would be - in the form of a letter from Mírzá Áqá Ján quoting words of - Bahá’u’lláh, but would, in fact, be dictated in its entirety by - Bahá’u’lláh. Thus all parts of the Tablet, even those which - ostensibly are the words of Mírzá Áqá Ján himself, are Sacred - Scripture revealed by Bahá’u’lláh. The Tablet of Maqsúd is in this - form. It was addressed to Mírzá Maqsúd, one of the early believers - living at that time in Damascus and Jerusalem._ - - -He is God, exalted is He, the Lord of Majesty and Power - -A PRAISE which is exalted above every mention or description beseemeth the -Adored One, the Possessor of all things visible and invisible, Who hath -enabled the Primal Point to reveal countless Books and Epistles and Who, -through the potency of His sublime Word, hath called into being the entire -creation, whether of the former or more recent generations. Moreover He -hath in every age and cycle, in conformity with His transcendent wisdom, -sent forth a divine Messenger to revive the dispirited and despondent -souls with the living waters of His utterance, One Who is indeed the -Expounder, the true Interpreter, inasmuch as man is unable to comprehend -that which hath streamed forth from the Pen of Glory and is recorded in -His heavenly Books. Men at all times and under all conditions stand in -need of one to exhort them, guide them and to instruct and teach them. -Therefore He hath sent forth His Messengers, His Prophets and chosen ones -that they might acquaint the people with the divine purpose underlying the -revelation of Books and the raising up of Messengers, and that everyone -may become aware of the trust of God which is latent in the reality of -every soul. - -Man is the supreme Talisman. Lack of a proper education hath, however, -deprived him of that which he doth inherently possess. Through a word -proceeding out of the mouth of God he was called into being; by one word -more he was guided to recognize the Source of his education; by yet -another word his station and destiny were safeguarded. The Great Being -saith: Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education -can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to -benefit therefrom. If any man were to meditate on that which the -Scriptures, sent down from the heaven of God’s holy Will, have revealed, -he would readily recognize that their purpose is that all men shall be -regarded as one soul, so that the seal bearing the words ‘The Kingdom -shall be God’s’ may be stamped on every heart, and the light of Divine -bounty, of grace, and mercy may envelop all mankind. The One true God, -exalted be His glory, hath wished nothing for Himself. The allegiance of -mankind profiteth Him not, neither doth its perversity harm Him. The Bird -of the Realm of Utterance voiceth continually this call: ‘All things have -I willed for thee, and thee, too, for thine own sake.’ If the learned and -worldly-wise men of this age were to allow mankind to inhale the fragrance -of fellowship and love, every understanding heart would apprehend the -meaning of true liberty, and discover the secret of undisturbed peace and -absolute composure. Were the earth to attain this station and be illumined -with its light it could then be truly said of it: ‘Thou shall see in it no -hollows or rising hills.’(55) - -Blessing and peace be upon Him(56) through Whose advent Bathá(57) is -wreathed in smiles, and the sweet savours of Whose raiment have shed -fragrance upon all mankind—He Who came to protect men from that which -would harm them in the world below. Exalted, immensely exalted is His -station above the glorification of all beings and sanctified from the -praise of the entire creation. Through His advent the tabernacle of -stability and order was raised throughout the world and the ensign of -knowledge hoisted among the nations. May blessings rest also upon His -kindred and His companions through whom the standard of the unity of God -and of His singleness was uplifted and the banners of celestial triumph -were unfurled. Through them the religion of God was firmly established -among His creatures and His Name magnified amidst His servants. I entreat -Him—exalted is He—to shield His Faith from the mischief of His enemies who -tore away the veils, rent them asunder and finally caused the banner of -Islám to be reversed amongst all peoples. - -Thy letter from which the fragrance of reunion was inhaled hath been -received. Praised be God that following the firm decree of separation, the -breeze of nearness and communion hath been stirred and the soil of the -heart is refreshed with the waters of joy and gladness. We offer -thanksgiving unto God in all circumstances and cherish the hope that -He—exalted be His glory—may through His gracious providence guide all who -dwell on earth towards that which is acceptable and pleasing unto Him. - -Behold the disturbances which, for many a long year, have afflicted the -earth, and the perturbation that hath seized its peoples. It hath either -been ravaged by war, or tormented by sudden and unforeseen calamities. -Though the world is encompassed with misery and distress, yet no man hath -paused to reflect what the cause or source of that may be. Whenever the -True Counsellor uttered a word in admonishment, lo, they all denounced Him -as a mover of mischief and rejected His claim. How bewildering, how -confusing is such behaviour! No two men can be found who may be said to be -outwardly and inwardly united. The evidences of discord and malice are -apparent everywhere, though all were made for harmony and union. The Great -Being saith: O well-beloved ones! The tabernacle of unity hath been -raised; regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the fruits of one -tree, and the leaves of one branch. We cherish the hope that the light of -justice may shine upon the world and sanctify it from tyranny. If the -rulers and kings of the earth, the symbols of the power of God, exalted be -His glory, arise and resolve to dedicate themselves to whatever will -promote the highest interests of the whole of humanity, the reign of -justice will assuredly be established amongst the children of men, and the -effulgence of its light will envelop the whole earth. The Great Being -saith: The structure of world stability and order hath been reared upon, -and will continue to be sustained by, the twin pillars of reward and -punishment. And in another connection He hath uttered the following in the -eloquent tongue:(58) Justice hath a mighty force at its command. It is -none other than reward and punishment for the deeds of men. By the power -of this force the tabernacle of order is established throughout the world, -causing the wicked to restrain their natures for fear of punishment. - -In another passage He hath written: Take heed, O concourse of the rulers -of the world! There is no force on earth that can equal in its conquering -power the force of justice and wisdom. I, verily, affirm that there is -not, and hath never been, a host more mighty than that of justice and -wisdom. Blessed is the king who marcheth with the ensign of wisdom -unfurled before him, and the battalions of justice massed in his rear. He -verily is the ornament that adorneth the brow of peace and the countenance -of security. There can be no doubt whatever that if the day-star of -justice, which the clouds of tyranny have obscured, were to shed its light -upon men, the face of the earth would be completely transformed. - -The Great Being, wishing to reveal the prerequisites of the peace and -tranquillity of the world and the advancement of its peoples, hath -written: The time must come when the imperative necessity for the holding -of a vast, an all-embracing assemblage of men will be universally -realized. The rulers and kings of the earth must needs attend it, and, -participating in its deliberations, must consider such ways and means as -will lay the foundations of the world’s Great Peace amongst men. Such a -peace demandeth that the Great Powers should resolve, for the sake of the -tranquillity of the peoples of the earth, to be fully reconciled among -themselves. Should any king take up arms against another, all should -unitedly arise and prevent him. If this be done, the nations of the world -will no longer require any armaments, except for the purpose of preserving -the security of their realms and of maintaining internal order within -their territories. This will ensure the peace and composure of every -people, government and nation. We fain would hope that the kings and -rulers of the earth, the mirrors of the gracious and almighty name of God, -may attain unto this station, and shield mankind from the onslaught of -tyranny. - -Likewise He saith: Among the things which are conducive to unity and -concord and will cause the whole earth to be regarded as one country is -that the divers languages be reduced to one language and in like manner -the scripts used in the world be confined to a single script. It is -incumbent upon all nations to appoint some men of understanding and -erudition to convene a gathering and through joint consultation choose one -language from among the varied existing languages, or create a new one, to -be taught to the children in all the schools of the world. - -The day is approaching when all the peoples of the world will have adopted -one universal language and one common script. When this is achieved, to -whatsoever city a man may journey, it shall be as if he were entering his -own home. These things are obligatory and absolutely essential. It is -incumbent upon every man of insight and understanding to strive to -translate that which hath been written into reality and action. - -In these days the tabernacle of justice hath fallen into the clutches of -tyranny and oppression. Beseech ye the One true God—exalted be His -glory—not to deprive mankind of the ocean of true understanding, for were -men but to take heed they would readily appreciate that whatever hath -streamed from and is set down by the Pen of Glory is even as the sun for -the whole world and that therein lie the welfare, security and true -interests of all men; otherwise the earth will be tormented by a fresh -calamity every day and unprecedented commotions will break out. God grant -that the people of the world may be graciously aided to preserve the light -of His loving counsels within the globe of wisdom. We cherish the hope -that everyone may be adorned with the vesture of true wisdom, the basis of -the government of the world. - -The Great Being saith: The heaven of statesmanship is made luminous and -resplendent by the brightness of the light of these blessed words which -hath dawned from the dayspring of the Will of God: It behoveth every ruler -to weigh his own being every day in the balance of equity and justice and -then to judge between men and counsel them to do that which would direct -their steps unto the path of wisdom and understanding. This is the -cornerstone of statesmanship and the essence thereof. From these words -every enlightened man of wisdom will readily perceive that which will -foster such aims as the welfare, security and protection of mankind and -the safety of human lives. Were men of insight to quaff their fill from -the ocean of inner meanings which lie enshrined in these words and become -acquainted therewith, they would bear witness to the sublimity and the -excellence of this utterance. If this lowly one were to set forth that -which he perceiveth, all would testify unto God’s consummate wisdom. The -secrets of statesmanship and that of which the people are in need lie -enfolded within these words. This lowly servant earnestly entreateth the -One true God—exalted be His glory—to illumine the eyes of the people of -the world with the splendour of the light of wisdom that they, one and -all, may recognize that which is indispensable in this day. - -That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of -the entire human race. The Great Being saith: Blessed and happy is he that -ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the -earth. In another passage He hath proclaimed: It is not for him to pride -himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the -whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens. - -Such exhortations to union and concord as are inscribed in the Books of -the Prophets by the Pen of the Most High bear reference unto specific -matters; not a union that would lead to disunity or a concord which would -create discord. This is the station where measures are set unto -everything, a station where every deserving soul shall be given his due. -Well is it with them that appreciate the meaning and grasp the intent of -these words, and woe betide the heedless. Unto this all the evidences of -nature, in their very essences, bear ample testimony. Every discerning man -of wisdom is well acquainted with that which We have mentioned, but not -those who have strayed far from the living fountain of fairmindedness and -are roving distraught in the wilderness of ignorance and blind fanaticism. - -The Great Being saith: O ye children of men! The fundamental purpose -animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests -and promote the unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love -and fellowship amongst men. Suffer it not to become a source of dissension -and discord, of hate and enmity. This is the straight Path, the fixed and -immovable foundation. Whatsoever is raised on this foundation, the changes -and chances of the world can never impair its strength, nor will the -revolution of countless centuries undermine its structure. Our hope is -that the world’s religious leaders and the rulers thereof will unitedly -arise for the reformation of this age and the rehabilitation of its -fortunes. Let them, after meditating on its needs, take counsel together -and, through anxious and full deliberation, administer to a diseased and -sorely-afflicted world the remedy it requireth. - -The Great Being saith: The heaven of divine wisdom is illumined with the -two luminaries of consultation and compassion. Take ye counsel together in -all matters, inasmuch as consultation is the lamp of guidance which -leadeth the way, and is the bestower of understanding. - -At the outset of every endeavour, it is incumbent to look to the end of -it. Of all the arts and sciences, set the children to studying those which -will result in advantage to man, will ensure his progress and elevate his -rank. Thus the noisome odours of lawlessness will be dispelled, and thus -through the high endeavours of the nation’s leaders, all will live -cradled, secure and in peace. - -The Great Being saith: The learned of the day must direct the people to -acquire those branches of knowledge which are of use, that both the -learned themselves and the generality of mankind may derive benefits -therefrom. Such academic pursuits as begin and end in words alone have -never been and will never be of any worth. The majority of Persia’s -learned doctors devote all their lives to the study of a philosophy the -ultimate yield of which is nothing but words. - -It is incumbent upon them who are in authority to exercise moderation in -all things. Whatsoever passeth beyond the limits of moderation will cease -to exert a beneficial influence. Consider for instance such things as -liberty, civilization and the like. However much men of understanding may -favourably regard them, they will, if carried to excess, exercise a -pernicious influence upon men. - -If this point were to be expounded an elaborate explanation would be -required which, it is feared, might become tedious. It is the ardent hope -of this lowly one that God—exalted be His glory—may grant all men that -which is good. For he who is endowed therewith is the possessor of all -things. The Great Being saith: The Tongue of Wisdom proclaimeth: He that -hath Me not is bereft of all things. Turn ye away from all that is on -earth and seek none else but Me. I am the Sun of Wisdom and the Ocean of -Knowledge. I cheer the faint and revive the dead. I am the guiding Light -that illumineth the way. I am the royal Falcon on the arm of the Almighty. -I unfold the drooping wings of every broken bird and start it on its -flight. - -And likewise He saith: The heaven of true understanding shineth -resplendent with the light of two luminaries: tolerance and righteousness. - -O my friend! Vast oceans lie enshrined within this brief saying. Blessed -are they who appreciate its value, drink deep therefrom and grasp its -meaning, and woe betide the heedless. This lowly one entreateth the people -of the world to observe fairness, that their tender, their delicate and -precious hearing which hath been created to hearken unto the words of -wisdom may be freed from impediments and from such allusions, idle fancies -or vain imaginings as ‘cannot fatten nor appease the hunger’, so that the -true Counsellor may be graciously inclined to set forth that which is the -source of blessing for mankind and of the highest good for all nations. - -At present the light of reconciliation is dimmed in most countries and its -radiance extinguished while the fire of strife and disorder hath been -kindled and is blazing fiercely. Two great powers who regard themselves as -the founders and leaders of civilization and the framers of constitutions -have risen up against the followers of the Faith associated with Him Who -conversed with God.(59) Be ye warned, O men of understanding. It ill -beseemeth the station of man to commit tyranny; rather it behoveth him to -observe equity and be attired with the raiment of justice under all -conditions. Beseech ye the One true God that He may, through the power of -the hand of loving-kindness and spiritual education, purge and purify -certain souls from the defilement of evil passions and corrupt desires, -that they may arise and unloose their tongues for the sake of God, that -perchance the evidences of injustice may be blotted out and the splendour -of the light of justice may shed its radiance upon the whole world. The -people are ignorant, and they stand in need of those who will expound the -truth. - -The Great Being saith: The man of consummate learning and the sage endowed -with penetrating wisdom are the two eyes to the body of mankind. God -willing, the earth shall never be deprived of these two greatest gifts. -That which hath been set forth and will be revealed in the future is but a -token of this Servant’s ardent desire to dedicate Himself to the service -of all the kindreds of the earth. - -O my friend! In all circumstances one should seize upon every means which -will promote security and tranquillity among the peoples of the world. The -Great Being saith: In this glorious Day whatever will purge you from -corruption and will lead you towards peace and composure, is indeed the -Straight Path. - -Please God, the peoples of the world may be led, as the result of the high -endeavours exerted by their rulers and the wise and learned amongst men, -to recognize their best interests. How long will humanity persist in its -waywardness? How long will injustice continue? How long is chaos and -confusion to reign amongst men? How long will discord agitate the face of -society? - -This humble servant is filled with wonder, inasmuch as all men are endowed -with the capacity to see and hear, yet we find them deprived of the -privilege of using these faculties. This servant hath been prompted to pen -these lines by virtue of the tender love he cherisheth for thee. The winds -of despair are, alas, blowing from every direction, and the strife that -divideth and afflicteth the human race is daily increasing. The signs of -impending convulsions and chaos can now be discerned, inasmuch as the -prevailing order appeareth to be lamentably defective. I beseech God, -exalted be His glory, that He may graciously awaken the peoples of the -earth, may grant that the end of their conduct may be profitable unto -them, and aid them to accomplish that which beseemeth their station. - -Were man to appreciate the greatness of his station and the loftiness of -his destiny he would manifest naught save goodly character, pure deeds, -and a seemly and praiseworthy conduct. If the learned and wise men of -goodwill were to impart guidance unto the people, the whole earth would be -regarded as one country. Verily this is the undoubted truth. This servant -appealeth to every diligent and enterprising soul to exert his utmost -endeavour and arise to rehabilitate the conditions in all regions and to -quicken the dead with the living waters of wisdom and utterance, by virtue -of the love he cherisheth for God, the One, the Peerless, the Almighty, -the Beneficent. - -No man of wisdom can demonstrate his knowledge save by means of words. -This showeth the significance of the Word as is affirmed in all the -Scriptures, whether of former times or more recently. For it is through -its potency and animating spirit that the people of the world have -attained so eminent a position. Moreover words and utterances should be -both impressive and penetrating. However, no word will be infused with -these two qualities unless it be uttered wholly for the sake of God and -with due regard unto the exigencies of the occasion and the people. - -The Great Being saith: Human utterance is an essence which aspireth to -exert its influence and needeth moderation. As to its influence, this is -conditional upon refinement which in turn is dependent upon hearts which -are detached and pure. As to its moderation, this hath to be combined with -tact and wisdom as prescribed in the Holy Scriptures and Tablets. - -Every word is endowed with a spirit, therefore the speaker or expounder -should carefully deliver his words at the appropriate time and place, for -the impression which each word maketh is clearly evident and perceptible. -The Great Being saith: One word may be likened unto fire, another unto -light, and the influence which both exert is manifest in the world. -Therefore an enlightened man of wisdom should primarily speak with words -as mild as milk, that the children of men may be nurtured and edified -thereby and may attain the ultimate goal of human existence which is the -station of true understanding and nobility. And likewise He saith: One -word is like unto springtime causing the tender saplings of the -rose-garden of knowledge to become verdant and flourishing, while another -word is even as a deadly poison. It behoveth a prudent man of wisdom to -speak with utmost leniency and forbearance so that the sweetness of his -words may induce everyone to attain that which befitteth man’s station. - -O friend of mine! The Word of God is the king of words and its pervasive -influence is incalculable. It hath ever dominated and will continue to -dominate the realm of being. The Great Being saith: The Word is the master -key for the whole world, inasmuch as through its potency the doors of the -hearts of men, which in reality are the doors of heaven, are unlocked. No -sooner had but a glimmer of its effulgent splendour shone forth upon the -mirror of love than the blessed word ‘I am the Best-Beloved’ was reflected -therein. It is an ocean inexhaustible in riches, comprehending all things. -Every thing which can be perceived is but an emanation therefrom. High, -immeasurably high is this sublime station, in whose shadow moveth the -essence of loftiness and splendour, wrapt in praise and adoration. - -Methinks people’s sense of taste hath, alas, been sorely affected by the -fever of negligence and folly, for they are found to be wholly unconscious -and deprived of the sweetness of His utterance. How regrettable indeed -that man should debar himself from the fruits of the tree of wisdom while -his days and hours pass swiftly away. Please God, the hand of divine power -may safeguard all mankind and direct their steps towards the horizon of -true understanding. - -Verily our Lord of Mercy is the Helper, the Knowing, the Wise. - -I would like to add that thy second letter which had been sent from -Jerusalem hath been received and that which thou hadst written and set -forth therein was perused and read in His presence. He bade me write as -follows: - -O Maqsúd! We have heard thy voice and perceived the sighing and -lamentation thou didst raise in thy longing and eagerness. Praised be God! -The sweet savours of love could be inhaled from every word thereof. Please -God, this bounty may last for ever. The Servant-in-Attendance recited the -verses thou hast composed. Thy name is often mentioned in the presence of -this Wronged One and the glances of Our loving-kindness and compassion are -directed towards thee. - -Great is the station of man. Great must also be his endeavours for the -rehabilitation of the world and the well-being of nations. I beseech the -One true God to graciously confirm thee in that which beseemeth man’s -station. - -Be thou guided by wisdom under all conditions, inasmuch as persons who -harbour evil motives have been and are still diligently engaged in -intriguing. Gracious God! Unto that immeasurably exalted Being Who seeketh -naught but to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men, and to -revive the world and ennoble its life, they have imputed such charges as -the tongue and the pen are ashamed to recount. - -We have remembered thee and make mention of thee now. We entreat -Him—exalted is His glory—to protect thee with the hands of might and power -and enable thee to recognize that which will serve thy best interests both -in this world and in the next. He is the Lord of Mankind, the Possessor of -the Throne on High and of the world below. No God is there besides Him, -the Omnipotent, the Powerful. God grant that this Wronged One may observe -fidelity. He hath not forgotten nor will He ever forget thee. - -Thou hast mentioned thine intention to stay in Damascus until spring, then -to proceed to Mosul, should the means be forthcoming. This lowly servant -entreateth God—exalted is His glory—to provide such means as is deemed -expedient, and to aid thee. He is Potent and Powerful. - -Although all the inhabitants of this region have been treated with the -utmost kindness, yet no evidence of fellowship can be discerned from them. -Thou shouldst observe much tact and wisdom, for they seek at all times to -cavil at and deny the Cause. May the One true God grant them equity. - -Concerning thine own affairs, if thou wouldst content thyself with -whatever might come to pass it would be praiseworthy. To engage in some -profession is highly commendable, for when occupied with work one is less -likely to dwell on the unpleasant aspects of life. God willing thou mayest -experience joy and radiance, gladness and exultation in any city or land -where thou mayest happen to sojourn. This lowly servant will never forget -that distinguished and kind friend. He hath remembered and will continue -to remember thee. The decree lieth with God, the Lord of all worlds. I -fain would hope He may vouchsafe divine assistance and grant confirmation -in that which is pleasing and acceptable unto Him. - -Every word of thy poetry is indeed like unto a mirror in which the -evidences of the devotion and love thou cherishest for God and His chosen -ones are reflected. Well is it with thee who hast quaffed the choice wine -of utterance and partaken of the soft flowing stream of true knowledge. -Happy is he who hath drunk his fill and attained unto Him and woe betide -the heedless. Its perusal hath truly proved highly impressive, for it was -indicative of both the light of reunion and the fire of separation. - -Far be it from us to despair at any time of the incalculable favours of -God, for if it were His wish He could cause a mere atom to be transformed -into a sun and a single drop into an ocean. He unlocketh thousands of -doors, while man is incapable of conceiving even a single one. - -So heedless is this servant that with words such as these he seeketh to -vindicate the supreme power of God—exalted be His glory. I implore pardon -of God, the Most Great, for these assertions and affirm that this servant -at all times recognizeth his grievous trespasses and misdeeds. He -entreateth remission of his sins from the ocean of the forgiveness of his -Lord, the Most Exalted, and beggeth for that which will make him wholly -devoted to God and enable him to utter His praise, turn himself toward Him -and to put his whole trust in Him. Verily He is the Potent, the Forgiving, -the Merciful. Praised be God, the Almighty, the All-Knowing. - -This lowly one hath read the descriptions of the dialogue with the -traveller which thou hast recounted in thy letter to my Lord, may my life -be offered up for His sake. The explanations which were set forth awaken -the people from the slumber of heedlessness. Indeed the actions of man -himself breed a profusion of satanic power. For were men to abide by and -observe the divine teachings, every trace of evil would be banished from -the face of the earth. However, the widespread differences that exist -among mankind and the prevalence of sedition, contention, conflict and the -like are the primary factors which provoke the appearance of the satanic -spirit. Yet the Holy Spirit hath ever shunned such matters. A world in -which naught can be perceived save strife, quarrels and corruption is -bound to become the seat of the throne, the very metropolis, of Satan. - -How vast the number of the loved and chosen ones of God who have lamented -and moaned by day and by night that haply a sweet and fragrant breeze -might blow from the court of His good-pleasure and dispel altogether the -loathsome and foul-smelling odours from the world. However, this ultimate -goal could not be attained, and men were deprived thereof by virtue of -their evil deeds, which brought upon them the retribution of God, in -accordance with the basic principles of His divine rule. Ours is the duty -to remain patient in these circumstances until relief be forthcoming from -God, the Forgiving, the Bountiful. - -Magnified be Thy Name, O Lord of all beings and Desire of all created -things! I beseech Thee, by the Word which hath caused the Burning Bush to -lift up its Voice and the Rock to cry out, whereby the well-favoured have -hastened to attain the court of Thy presence and the pure in heart the -dayspring of the light of Thy countenance, and by the sighing of Thy true -lovers in their separation from Thy chosen ones and by the lamentation of -them that long to behold Thy face before the dawning splendour of the -light of Thy Revelation, to graciously enable Thy servants to recognize -what Thou hast ordained for them by Thy bounty and Thy grace. Prescribe -for them then through Thy Pen of Glory that which will direct their steps -to the ocean of Thy generosity and will lead them unto the living waters -of Thy heavenly reunion. - -O Lord! Look not at the things they have wrought, rather look unto the -loftiness of Thy celestial bounty which hath preceded all created things, -visible and invisible. O Lord! Illumine their hearts with the effulgent -light of Thy knowledge and brighten their eyes with the shining splendour -of the day-star of Thy favours. - -I entreat Thee, O Lord of Names and Creator of the heavens, by the blood -spilt in Thy Path, and by the heads carried aloft on spears for the sake -of Thy love, and by the souls that have melted in their separation from -Thy loved ones, and by the hearts broken for the exaltation of Thy Word, -to grant that the dwellers of Thy realm may unite together in their -allegiance to Thine incomparable Word so that they may all acknowledge Thy -unity and Thy oneness. There is no God but Thee, the Omnipotent, the Most -Exalted, the Knowing, the Wise. - -I fain would hope that He Who is the All-Sufficing, the Inaccessible, may -heed the solicitation of this lowly servant, may attire the people of the -world with the raiment of goodly deeds and purge them from evil -inclinations. He is the Mighty, the Powerful, the All-Wise, the -All-Perceiving. He heareth and seeth; He is the All-Hearing, the -All-Seeing. - - - - - - SÚRIY-I-VAFÁ(60) (TABLET TO VAFÁ) - - -He is the All-Knowing - -O VAFÁ! Render thanks unto thy Lord for having aided thee to embrace His -Cause, enabled thee to recognize the Manifestation of His Own Self and -raised thee up to magnify Him Who is the Most Great Remembrance in this -glorious Announcement. - -Blessed art thou O Vafá, inasmuch as thou hast been faithful to the -Covenant of God and His Testament at a time when all men have violated it -and have repudiated the One in Whom they had believed, and this -notwithstanding that He hath appeared invested with every testimony, and -hath dawned from the horizon of Revelation clothed with undoubted -sovereignty. - -It behoveth thee, however, to exert thine utmost to attain the very -essence of fidelity. This implieth to be well assured in thy heart and to -testify with thy tongue to that whereunto God hath testified for His Own -exalted Self, proclaiming: ‘Verily, self-subsisting am I within the Realm -of Glory.’ Whoso is enabled in these days to solemnly affirm this truth, -hath attained unto all good, and the heavenly Spirit shall descend upon -him in the daytime and in the night season, shall graciously assist him to -glorify the Name of his Lord and suffer him to unloose his tongue and -uphold with his words the Cause of his Lord, the Merciful, the -Compassionate. And none can ever achieve this except he who hath purged -his heart from whatsoever is created between heaven and earth, and hath -entirely detached himself from all but God, the sovereign Lord, the -Almighty, the Gracious. - -Arise thou to serve the Cause and say: I swear by the righteousness of -God! Verily this is the Primal Point, arrayed in His new attire and -manifested in His glorious Name. He at present beholdeth everything from -this Horizon. Indeed He is supreme over all things. Amongst the Concourse -on High He is known as the Most Great Announcement and in the Realms of -Eternity as the Ancient Beauty, and before the Throne by this Name(61) -which hath caused the footsteps of them that are endued with understanding -to slip. - -Say, I swear by God! In this Revelation even before a single verse was -sent down from the realm of holiness and sublimity, the supreme testimony -of God had been fulfilled for all the inmates of heaven and the dwellers -on earth; moreover, We have revealed the equivalent of whatsoever was sent -down in the Dispensation of the Bayán. Fear ye God and suffer not your -deeds to be rendered vain and be not of them that are sunk in -heedlessness. Open your eyes that ye may behold the Ancient Beauty from -this shining and luminous station. - -Say, God is my witness! The Promised One Himself hath come down from -heaven, seated upon the crimson cloud with the hosts of revelation on His -right, and the angels of inspiration on His left, and the Decree hath been -fulfilled at the behest of God, the Omnipotent, the Almighty. Thereupon -the footsteps of everyone have slipped except such as God hath protected -through His tender mercy and numbered with those who have recognized Him -through His Own Self and detached themselves from all that pertaineth to -the world. - -Hearken thou unto the Words of thy Lord and purify thy heart from every -illusion so that the effulgent light of the remembrance of thy Lord may -shed its radiance upon it, and it may attain the station of certitude. - -Know thou moreover that thy letter reached Our presence and We perceived -and perused its contents. We noted the questions thou hast asked and will -readily answer thee. It behoveth everyone in this Day to ask God that -which he desireth, and thy Lord will heed his petition with wondrous and -undeniable verses. - -Thou hast asked regarding the subject of the return. Know thou that the -end is like unto the beginning. Even as thou dost consider the beginning, -similarly shouldst thou consider the end, and be of them that truly -perceive. Nay, rather consider the beginning as the end itself, and so -conversely, that thou mayest acquire a clear perception. Know thou -moreover that every created thing is continually brought forth and -returned at the bidding of thy Lord, the God of power and might. - -As to the Return, as God hath purposed in His sacred and exalted Tablets -wherein He hath made this theme known unto His servants; by this is meant -the return of all created things in the Day of Resurrection, and this is -indeed the essence of the Return as thou hast witnessed in God’s own days -and thou art of them that testify to this truth. - -Verily God is fully capable of causing all names to appear in one name, -and all souls in one soul. Surely powerful and mighty is He. And this -Return is realized at His behest in whatever form He willeth. Indeed He is -the One Who doeth and ordaineth all things. Moreover, thou shouldst not -perceive the fulfilment of the Return and the Resurrection save in the -Word of thy Lord, the Almighty, the All-Knowing. For instance, were He to -take a handful of earth and declare it to be the One Whom ye have been -following in the past, it would undoubtedly be just and true, even as His -real Person, and to none is given the right to question His authority. He -doeth what He willeth and ordaineth whatsoever He pleaseth. Moreover, in -this station take thou heed not to turn thy gaze unto limitations and -allusions, but rather unto that whereby the Revelation itself hath been -fulfilled and be of them that are discerning. Thus do We explain for thee -in a lucid and explicit language that thou mayest comprehend that which -thou didst seek from thine ancient Lord. - -Consider thou the Day of Resurrection. Were God to pronounce the lowliest -of creatures among the faithful to be the First One to believe in the -Bayán, thou shouldst have no misgivings about it and must be of them that -truly believe. In this station look not upon human limitations and names -but rather upon that whereby the rank of the First One to believe is -vindicated, which is faith in God, and recognition of His Being and -assurance in the fulfilment of His irresistible and binding command. - -Consider thou the Revelation of the Point of the Bayán—exalted is His -glory. He pronounced the First One(62) to believe in Him to be Muḥammad, -the Messenger of God. Doth it beseem a man to dispute with Him by saying -that this man is from Persia, the Other from Arabia, or this one was -called Ḥusayn while the Other bore the name of Muḥammad? Nay, I swear by -God’s holy Being, the Exalted, the Most Great. Surely no man of -intelligence and insight would ever pay attention unto limitations or -names, but rather unto that with which Muḥammad was invested, which was -none other than the Cause of God. Such a man of insight would likewise -consider Ḥusayn and the position he occupied in the Cause of God, the -Omnipotent, the Exalted, the Knowing, the Wise. And since the First One to -believe in God in the Dispensation of the Bayán was invested with command -similar to that with which Muḥammad, the Messenger of God, was invested, -therefore the Báb pronounced him to be the latter, namely His return and -resurrection. This station is sanctified from every limitation or name, -and naught can be seen therein but God, the One, the Peerless, the -All-Knowing. - -Know thou moreover that in the Day of Revelation were He to pronounce one -of the leaves to be the manifestation of all His excellent titles, unto no -one is given the right to utter why or wherefore, and should one do so he -would be regarded as a disbeliever in God and be numbered with such as -have repudiated His Truth. - -Beware, beware lest thou behave like unto the people of the Bayán. For -indeed they erred grievously, misguided the people, ignored the Covenant -of God and His Testament and joined partners with Him, the One, the -Incomparable, the All-Knowing. Verily they failed to recognize the Point -of the Bayán, for had they recognized Him they would not have rejected His -manifestation in this luminous and resplendent Being. And since they fixed -their eyes on names, therefore when He replaced His Name ‘the Most -Exalted’ by ‘the Most Glorious’ their eyes were dimmed. They have failed -to recognize Him in these days and are reckoned with those that perish. -Indeed, had they known Him through His own Self or by virtue of that which -He hath revealed, they would not have repudiated Him when He appeared in -this glorious and incomparable Name, which God hath ordained to be the -Sword of His Revelation between heaven and earth, and through which truth -is separated from error, even from now until the Day when mankind shall -stand before the Lord of the worlds. - -Know thou moreover that in the Day of His Manifestation all things besides -God shall be brought forth and placed equally, irrespective of their rank -being high or low. The Day of Return is inscrutable unto all men until -after the divine Revelation hath been fulfilled. He is in truth the One -Who ordaineth whatsoever He willeth. When the Word of God is revealed unto -all created things whoso then giveth ear and heedeth the Call is, indeed, -reckoned among the most distinguished souls, though he be a carrier of -ashes. And he who turneth away is accounted as the lowliest of His -servants, though he be a ruler amongst men and the possessor of all the -books that are in the heavens and on earth. - -It behoveth thee to look with divine insight upon the things We have -revealed and sent unto thee and not towards the people and that which is -current amongst them. They are in this day like unto a blind man who, -while moving in the sunshine, demandeth: Where is the sun? Is it shining? -He would deny and dispute the truth, and would not be of them that -perceive. Never shall he be able to discern the sun or to understand that -which hath intervened between him and it. He would object within himself, -voice protests, and would be among the rebellious. Such is the state of -this people. Leave them unto themselves, saying: Unto you be that which ye -desire and unto us that which we desire. Wretched indeed is the plight of -the ungodly. - -Know thou moreover that the former Manifestation affirmed that the return -and rising of the spirits would occur on the Day of Resurrection, while in -truth there is a return and resurrection for every created thing. However -We do not wish to mention aught that is not set forth in the Bayán, lest -perchance the people of malice raise a great outcry. O would that that -which interveneth between the children of men and their Creator were -dispelled that they might be enabled to behold God’s invincible -sovereignty and dominion, quaff from the wellspring of His heavenly -streams, be sprinkled with the outpourings of the ocean of true -understanding and be purged from the defilements of the ungodly and the -suspicious. - -As to thy question concerning the worlds of God. Know thou of a truth that -the worlds of God are countless in their number, and infinite in their -range. None can reckon or comprehend them except God, the All-Knowing, the -All-Wise. Consider thy state when asleep. Verily, I say, this phenomenon -is the most mysterious of the signs of God amongst men, were they to -ponder it in their hearts. Behold how the thing which thou hast seen in -thy dream is, after a considerable lapse of time, fully realized. Had the -world in which thou didst find thyself in thy dream been identical with -the world in which thou livest, it would have been necessary for the event -occurring in that dream to have transpired in this world at the very -moment of its occurrence. Were it so, you yourself would have borne -witness unto it. This being not the case, however, it must necessarily -follow that the world in which thou livest is different and apart from -that which thou hast experienced in thy dream. This latter world hath -neither beginning nor end. It would be true if thou wert to contend that -this same world is, as decreed by the All-Glorious and Almighty God, -within thy proper self and is wrapped up within thee. It would equally be -true to maintain that thy spirit, having transcended the limitations of -sleep and having stripped itself of all earthly attachment, hath, by the -act of God, been made to traverse a realm which lieth hidden in the -innermost reality of this world. Verily I say, the creation of God -embraceth worlds besides this world, and creatures apart from these -creatures. In each of these worlds He hath ordained things which none can -search except Himself, the All-Searching, the All-Wise. Do thou meditate -on that which We have revealed unto thee, that thou mayest discover the -purpose of God, thy Lord, and the Lord of all worlds. In these words the -mysteries of Divine Wisdom have been treasured. We have refrained from -dwelling upon this theme owing to the sorrow that hath encompassed Us from -the actions of them that have been created through Our words, if ye be of -them that will hearken unto Our Voice. - -Where is the one who can help Me and shield Me from the swords of these -faithless souls? Where is the man of insight who will behold the Words of -God with his own eyes and rid himself of the opinions and notions of the -peoples of the earth? - -O servant! Warn thou the servants of God not to reject that which they do -not comprehend. Say, implore God to open to your hearts the portals of -true understanding that ye may be apprised of that of which no one is -apprised. Verily, He is the Giver, the Forgiving, the Compassionate. - -Thou hast moreover asked Me concerning the ordinances of God. Know thou of -a truth that whatsoever hath been prescribed in the Book is indeed the -truth, no doubt is there about it, and it is incumbent upon everyone to -observe that which hath been sent down by Him Who is the Revealer, the -All-Knowing. Were a man to put them away despite his being aware thereof, -God would truly be clear of such a one and We too would be clear of him, -inasmuch as His ordinances constitute the fruits of the divine Tree and -none other than the heedless and the wayward will deviate therefrom. - -As to Paradise: It is a reality and there can be no doubt about it, and -now in this world it is realized through love of Me and My good-pleasure. -Whosoever attaineth unto it God will aid him in this world below, and -after death He will enable him to gain admittance into Paradise whose -vastness is as that of heaven and earth. Therein the Maids of glory and -holiness will wait upon him in the daytime and in the night season, while -the day-star of the unfading beauty of his Lord will at all times shed its -radiance upon him and he will shine so brightly that no one shall bear to -gaze at him. Such is the dispensation of Providence, yet the people are -shut out by a grievous veil. Likewise apprehend thou the nature of -hell-fire and be of them that truly believe. For every act performed there -shall be a recompense according to the estimate of God, and unto this the -very ordinances and prohibitions prescribed by the Almighty amply bear -witness. For surely if deeds were not rewarded and yielded no fruit, then -the Cause of God—exalted is He—would prove futile. Immeasurably high is He -exalted above such blasphemies! However, unto them that are rid of all -attachments a deed is, verily, its own reward. Were We to enlarge upon -this theme numerous Tablets would need to be written. - -I swear by the righteousness of the One true God! The Pen is unable to -move by reason of that which hath befallen its Lord, and it weepeth sore, -and so do I weep, and likewise weepeth the eye of Him Who is the Essence -of Grandeur behind the Tabernacle of Names while seated on the Throne of -His glorious Name. - -Purge thou thy heart that We may cause fountains of wisdom and utterance -to gush out therefrom, thus enabling thee to raise thy voice among all -mankind. Unloose thy tongue and proclaim the truth for the sake of the -remembrance of thy merciful Lord. Be not afraid of anyone, place thy whole -trust in God, the Almighty, the All-Knowing. Say, O people, fulfil -whatever ye understand of the Persian Bayán and whatever ye understand not -ask this unerring Remembrance that He may set forth clearly that which God -hath intended in His Book, for in truth He knoweth that which is enshrined -in the Bayán by virtue of the Will of Him Who is the Omnipotent, the -Powerful. - -Thou hast enquired about the warning We gave to the people at the time of -Our departure from ‘Iráq to the effect that when the Sun disappeareth from -sight, birds of darkness will be in motion and the standards of Samírí(63) -will be reared high. I swear by God! Those birds have stirred in these -days and Samírí hath raised his clamour. Well is it with him who -recognizeth and is numbered with men of understanding. We have also warned -them against the appearance of the calf. God is My witness! All Our -warnings have come to pass, as indeed, they are bound to, inasmuch as they -have issued from the fingers of glory and might. Beseech thou God to -protect thee from the mischief of these men and to purify thee from the -insinuations of the froward. Strengthen thy loins then for the promotion -of the Cause and pay no attention unto the words uttered by the people of -the Bayán, for they are truly incapable of understanding and have failed -to comprehend the essence of the Cause as is revealed in this august, this -Most Great Announcement. Thus have We inspired thee, and infused into thy -heart that which will make thee independent of the allusions of mankind. - -The glory of God be upon thee and upon them that give ear unto the words -thou dost utter for the love of God, thy Lord, and remain steadfast in His -Cause. All praise be unto God, the Lord of the worlds. - - - - - - LAWḤ-I-SÍYYID-I-MIHDÍY-I-DAHÁJÍ (TABLET TO SIYYID MIHDÍY-I-DAHÁJÍ) - - -He is the Most Holy, the Most Great, the Most Exalted, the Most High - -O MY Name!(64) Yield thou praise unto God for having graciously chosen -thee to be a shower of bounty for that which We have sown in the pure and -blessed soil and enabled thee to serve as a springtime of tender mercy for -the wondrous and sublime trees We have planted. Indeed so great is this -favour that of all created things in the world of existence, none can ever -hope to rival it. We have moreover given thee to drink the choice wine of -utterance from the chalice of the heavenly bestowals of thy merciful Lord, -which is none other than this Tongue of holiness—a Tongue that, as soon as -it was unloosed, quickened the entire creation, set in motion all beings -and caused the Nightingale to pour forth its melodies. This is the -Fountain of living water for all that dwell in the realm of being. - -Oftentimes have We wafted upon thee the sweet savours of the All-Merciful -from this Branch which moveth over the Tablet of thy Lord, the Mighty, the -Unconstrained. By the righteousness of the One true God! Were all created -things, visible and invisible, to direct themselves towards Him, thou -wouldst find them winging their flight unto the Supreme Goal, the Spot -wherein the divine Lote-Tree exclaimeth: Verily, no God is there but Me, -the Almighty, the All-Bountiful. - -Great is thy blessedness, inasmuch as thou hast been journeying throughout -the lands of God, and been the embodiment of joy and assurance for the -people of Bahá who have renounced all else but Him, and set their hearts -towards this Court which hath shed its radiance upon all realms, and -sprinkled them with the surging waters of this Ocean wherewith thou -thyself hast been sprinkled—an Ocean which hath encompassed all created -things. - -Indeed thou didst grasp the significance of rendering assistance unto God -and didst arise to achieve this through the power of wisdom and utterance. -Say: To assist Me is to teach My Cause. This is a theme with which whole -Tablets are laden. This is the changeless commandment of God, eternal in -the past, eternal in the future. Comprehend this, O ye men of insight. -They that have passed beyond the bounds of wisdom fail to understand the -meaning of assisting God as set forth in the Book. Say: Fear ye God and -sow not the seeds of dissension amongst men. Observe ye that which hath -been enjoined upon you by your Lord, the Almighty, the All-Knowing. He -knoweth the reality of victory and hath taught it to you with an utterance -that the vain imaginings of them that rove distraught in the wilderness of -doubt can never corrupt. - -O My Name! Suffer all created things to quaff once again from this chalice -which hath caused the seas to rise. Kindle then in the hearts the blazing -fire which this crimson Tree hath ignited, that they may arise to extol -and magnify His Name amidst the adherents of all Faiths. - -Numerous letters from thee have been presented before Our Throne. We have -perused them as a token of grace on Our part, and for each name thou didst -mention therein We have revealed that which will stir the minds of men and -will cause the spirits to soar. Moreover We have repeatedly enabled thee -to hearken unto the warblings of the birds of heaven and to incline thine -ear to the songs of the nightingales pouring forth their melodies upon the -branches. Thus was the Pen of God set in motion in thy remembrance that -thou mightest admonish men through the power of this utterance which is -divinely ordained to be the revealer of the signs of His glory. - -Blessed is the spot wherein the anthem of His praise is raised, and -blessed the ear that hearkeneth unto that which hath been sent down from -the heaven of the loving-kindness of thy Lord, the All-Merciful. - -Exhort thou the servants of God unto that whereunto We have exhorted thee -that they may abstain from whatsoever is forbidden them in the Mother -Book. Those who perpetrate deeds that would create turmoil among the -people have indeed strayed far from helping God and His Cause and are -numbered with the mischief-makers in the Tablet which God hath designated -to be the dawning-place of all Tablets. - -Say: If it be Our pleasure We shall render the Cause victorious through -the power of a single word from Our presence. He is in truth the -Omnipotent, the All-Compelling. Should it be God’s intention, there would -appear out of the forests of celestial might the lion of indomitable -strength whose roaring is like unto the peals of thunder reverberating in -the mountains. However, since Our loving providence surpasseth all things, -We have ordained that complete victory should be achieved through speech -and utterance, that Our servants throughout the earth may thereby become -the recipients of divine good. This is but a token of God’s bounty -vouchsafed unto them. Verily thy Lord is the All-Sufficing, the Most -Exalted. - -Say: Fear ye God and commit not such deeds as would cause My loved ones on -earth to lament. Thus biddeth you this Pen which hath set the Pen of Glory -in motion within the arena of wisdom and true understanding. - -Convey My greetings unto those whose faces mirror forth the radiance of -Bahá, then mention to them this utterance which cheereth the eyes of the -righteous. The glory of God rest upon thee and upon such as have firmly -clung to the Cord of God, the Revealer of verses.... - -Restrain thou the inhabitants of those regions from provocative acts, from -strife, dissension or aught else that would create trouble. That which is -praiseworthy in these days is the promotion of the Cause. For instance if -those people who pursue certain aims were to dedicate themselves to the -teaching of the Cause, all the dwellers of those regions would, ere long, -be invested with the mantle of faith. - -Should anyone perceive the sweetness of the following passage in the -Tablet revealed in honour of Nabíl of Qá’in,(65) he would readily -comprehend the significance of assistance: Human utterance is an essence -which aspireth to exert its influence and needeth moderation. As to its -influence, this is conditional upon refinement, which in turn is dependent -upon hearts which are detached and pure. As to its moderation, this hath -to be combined with tact and wisdom as prescribed in the Holy Scriptures -and Tablets. - -O My Name! Utterance must needs possess penetrating power. For if bereft -of this quality it would fail to exert influence. And this penetrating -influence dependeth on the spirit being pure and the heart stainless. -Likewise it needeth moderation, without which the hearer would be unable -to bear it, rather he would manifest opposition from the very outset. And -moderation will be obtained by blending utterance with the tokens of -divine wisdom which are recorded in the sacred Books and Tablets. Thus -when the essence of one’s utterance is endowed with these two requisites -it will prove highly effective and will be the prime factor in -transforming the souls of men. This is the station of supreme victory and -celestial dominion. Whoso attaineth thereto is invested with the power to -teach the Cause of God and to prevail over the hearts and minds of men. - -O My Name! The Day-Star of utterance, shining resplendent from the -dayspring of divine Revelation, hath so illumined the Scrolls and Tablets -that the kingdom of utterance and the exalted dominion of understanding -vibrate with joy and ecstasy and shine forth with the splendour of His -light, yet the generality of mankind comprehend not. - -The reason why the subject of aid and assistance hath time and again -streamed and will continue to stream from the Pen of Providence is to warn -the friends of God lest they engage in activities that would give rise to -strife and turmoil. It is incumbent upon them, one and all, to diligently -seek ways to help the Cause of God in such manner as We have explained. -This is but a token of His grace especially conferred upon His loved ones -that every one of them may attain the station characterized by the words: -‘Whoso quickeneth a soul hath verily quickened all mankind.’ - -Temporal ascendancy hath been and will continue to be under the shadow of -this station. Its appointed hour is pre-ordained in the Book of God. He is -truly cognizant thereof and it will be manifested through the potency of -His might. Verily He is the Powerful, the All-Subduing, the Omnipotent, -the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. - -The sanctified souls should ponder and meditate in their hearts regarding -the methods of teaching. From the texts of the wondrous, heavenly -Scriptures they should memorize phrases and passages bearing on various -instances, so that in the course of their speech they may recite divine -verses whenever the occasion demandeth it, inasmuch as these holy verses -are the most potent elixir, the greatest and mightiest talisman. So potent -is their influence that the hearer will have no cause for vacillation. I -swear by My life! This Revelation is endowed with such a power that it -will act as the lodestone for all nations and kindreds of the earth. -Should one pause to meditate attentively he would recognize that no place -is there, nor can there be, for anyone to flee to. - -In such manner hath the Kitáb-i-Aqdas been revealed that it attracteth and -embraceth all the divinely appointed Dispensations. Blessed those who -peruse it. Blessed those who apprehend it. Blessed those who meditate upon -it. Blessed those who ponder its meaning. So vast is its range that it -hath encompassed all men ere their recognition of it. Ere long will its -sovereign power, its pervasive influence and the greatness of its might be -manifested on earth. Verily, thy God is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. - -O My Name! Hearken thou unto My Voice coming from the direction of My -Throne. He wisheth to make mention of thy name at all times inasmuch as -thou hast proved thyself steadfast in extolling His virtues amongst men. -Indeed thy Lord loveth fidelity as found in the realm of creation, and He -hath given it precedence over most of the praiseworthy qualities. Verily, -He is Potent and Powerful. - -Know thou moreover that We have heard the praise thou hast uttered in thy -communion with God, thy Lord, the Exalted, the Gracious. Great indeed is -the blessedness awaiting thee, inasmuch as thou hast curtailed thine own -affairs in favour of this inviolable, this mighty and enlightened Cause. -We entreat God to make thy call a magnet which will attract the -embodiments of names in the world of existence that all beings may -spontaneously hasten to heed it. No God is there besides Him, the Exalted, -the Pre-Eminent, the Ever-Blessed, the Sublime, the Most August, the Most -Glorious, the Most Bountiful, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. - - - - - - LAWḤ-I-BURHÁN (TABLET OF THE PROOF) - - - _This Tablet was revealed after the martyrdom of the King of - Martyrs and the Beloved of Martyrs (see God Passes By pages - 200–201) and was addressed to Shaykh Muḥammad Báqir, denounced by - Bahá’u’lláh as the ‘Wolf’. In this Tablet Bahá’u’lláh refers to - Mír Muḥammad Ḥusayn, the Imám Jum’ih of Iṣfáhán, surnamed the - ‘She-Serpent’, who was Shaykh Muḥammad Báqir’s accomplice in the - persecution of the Bahá’ís. (See God Passes By, pages 198, 200–201 - and 219). The Epistle to the Son of the Wolf was addressed to - Shaykh Muḥammad Taqíy-i-Najafí, the son of Shaykh Muḥammad Báqir._ - - -HE is the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise! The winds of hatred -have encompassed the Ark of Bathá,(66) by reason of that which the hands -of the oppressors have wrought. O Báqir! Thou hast pronounced sentence -against them for whom the books of the world have wept, and in whose -favour the scriptures of all religions have testified. Thou, who art gone -far astray, art indeed wrapt in a thick veil. By God Himself! Thou hast -pronounced judgement against them through whom the horizon of faith hath -been illumined. Unto this bear witness They Who are the Dawning-Places of -Revelation and the Manifestations of the Cause of thy Lord, the Most -Merciful, Who have sacrificed Their souls and all that They possessed in -His straight Path. The Faith of God hath cried everywhere, by reason of -thy tyranny, and yet thou disportest thyself and art of them that exult. -There is no hatred in Mine heart for thee nor for anyone. Every man of -learning beholdeth thee, and such as are like thee, engulfed in evident -folly. Hadst thou realized that which thou hast done, thou wouldst have -cast thyself into the fire, or abandoned thine home and fled into the -mountains, or wouldst have groaned until thou hadst returned unto the -place destined for thee by Him Who is the Lord of strength and of might. O -thou who art even as nothing! Rend thou asunder the veils of idle fancies -and vain imaginings, that thou mayest behold the Day-Star of knowledge -shining from this resplendent Horizon. Thou hast torn in pieces a remnant -of the Prophet Himself, and imagined that thou hadst helped the Faith of -God. Thus hath thy soul prompted thee, and thou art truly one of the -heedless. Thine act hath consumed the hearts of the Concourse on high, and -those of such as have circled round the Cause of God, the Lord of the -worlds. The soul of the Chaste One(67) melted, by reason of thy cruelty, -and the inmates of Paradise wept sore in that blessed Spot. - -Judge thou fairly, I adjure thee by God. What proof did the Jewish doctors -adduce wherewith to condemn Him Who was the Spirit of God,(68) when He -came unto them with truth? What could have been the evidence produced by -the Pharisees and the idolatrous priests to justify their denial of -Muḥammad, the Apostle of God when He came unto them with a Book that -judged between truth and falsehood with a justice which turned into light -the darkness of the earth, and enraptured the hearts of such as had known -Him? Indeed thou hast produced, in this day, the same proofs which the -foolish divines advanced in that age. Unto this testifieth He Who is the -King of the realm of grace in this great Prison. Thou hast, truly, walked -in their ways, nay, hast surpassed them in their cruelty, and hast deemed -thyself to be helping the Faith and defending the Law of God, the -All-Knowing, the All-Wise. By Him Who is the Truth! Thine iniquity hath -made Gabriel to groan, and hath drawn tears from the Law of God, through -which the breezes of justice have been wafted over all who are in heaven -and on earth. Hast thou fondly imagined that the judgement thou didst -pronounce hath profited thee? Nay, by Him Who is the King of all Names! -Unto thy loss testifieth He with Whom is the knowledge of all things as -recorded in the preserved Tablet. When thou didst pen thy judgement, thou -wast accused by thy very pen. Unto this doth bear witness the Pen of God, -the Most High, in His inaccessible station. - -O thou who hast gone astray! Thou hast neither seen Me, nor associated -with Me, nor been My companion for the fraction of a moment. How is it, -then, that thou hast bidden men to curse Me? Didst thou, in this, follow -the promptings of thine own desires, or didst thou obey thy Lord? Produce -thou a sign, if thou art one of the truthful. We testify that thou hast -cast behind thy back the Law of God, and laid hold on the dictates of thy -passions. Nothing, in truth, escapeth His knowledge; He, verily, is the -Incomparable, the All-Informed. O heedless one! Hearken unto that which -the Merciful hath revealed in the Qur’án: ‘Say not to every one who -meeteth you with a greeting, “Thou art not a believer.”’(69) Thus hath He -decreed in Whose grasp are the kingdoms of Revelation and of creation, if -thou be of them that hearken. Thou hast set aside the commandment of God, -and clung unto the promptings of thine own desire. Woe, then, unto thee, O -careless one that doubtest! If thou deniest Me, by what proof canst thou -vindicate the truth of that which thou dost possess? Produce it, then, O -thou who hast joined partners with God, and turned aside from His -sovereignty that hath encompassed the worlds! - -O foolish one! Know thou that he is truly learned who hath acknowledged My -Revelation, and drunk from the Ocean of My knowledge, and soared in the -atmosphere of My love, and cast away all else besides Me, and taken firm -hold on that which hath been sent down from the Kingdom of My wondrous -utterance. He, verily, is even as an eye unto mankind, and as the spirit -of life unto the body of all creation. Glorified be the All-Merciful Who -hath enlightened him, and caused him to arise and serve His great and -mighty Cause. Verily, such a man is blessed by the Concourse on high, and -by them who dwell within the Tabernacle of Grandeur, who have quaffed My -sealed Wine in My Name, the Omnipotent, the All-Powerful. O Báqir! If thou -be of them that occupy such a sublime station, produce then a sign from -God, the Creator of the heavens. And shouldst thou recognize thy -powerlessness, do thou rein in thy passions, and return unto thy Lord, -that perchance He may forgive thee thy sins which have caused the leaves -of the Divine Lote-Tree to be burnt up, and the Rock to cry out, and the -eyes of men of understanding to weep. Because of thee the Veil of Divinity -was rent asunder, and the Ark foundered, and the She-Camel was hamstrung, -and the Spirit(70) groaned in His sublime retreat. Disputest thou with Him -Who hath come unto thee with the testimonies of God and His signs which -thou possessest and which are in the possession of them that dwell on -earth? Open thine eyes that thou mayest behold this Wronged One shining -forth above the horizon of the will of God, the Sovereign, the Truth, the -Resplendent. Unstop, then, the ear of thine heart that thou mayest hearken -unto the speech of the Divine Lote-Tree that hath been raised up in truth -by God, the Almighty, the Beneficent. Verily, this Tree, notwithstanding -the things that befell it by reason of thy cruelty and of the -transgressions of such as are like thee, calleth aloud and summoneth all -men unto the Sadratu’l-Muntahá(71) and the Supreme Horizon. Blessed is the -soul that hath gazed on the Most Mighty Sign, and the ear that hath heard -His most sweet Voice, and woe to whosoever hath turned aside and done -wickedly. - -O thou who hast turned away from God! Wert thou to look with the eye of -fairness upon the Divine Lote-Tree, thou wouldst perceive the marks of thy -sword on its boughs, and its branches, and its leaves, notwithstanding -that God created thee for the purpose of recognizing and of serving it. -Reflect, that haply thou mayest recognize thine iniquity and be numbered -with such as have repented. Thinkest thou that We fear thy cruelty? Know -thou and be well assured that from the first day whereon the voice of the -Most Sublime Pen was raised betwixt earth and heaven We offered up Our -souls, and Our bodies, and Our sons, and Our possessions in the path of -God, the Exalted, the Great, and We glory therein amongst all created -things and the Concourse on high. Unto this testify the things which have -befallen Us in this straight Path. By God! Our hearts were consumed, and -Our bodies were crucified, and Our blood was spilt, while Our eyes were -fixed on the horizon of the loving-kindness of their Lord, the Witness, -the All-Seeing. The more grievous their woes, the greater waxed the love -of the people of Bahá. Unto their sincerity hath borne witness what the -All-Merciful hath sent down in the Qur’án. He saith: ‘Wish ye, then, for -death, if ye are sincere.’(72) Who is to be preferred, he that hath -sheltered himself behind curtains, or he that hath offered himself in the -path of God? Judge thou fairly, and be not of them that rove distraught in -the wilderness of falsehood. So carried away have they been by the living -waters of the love of the Most Merciful, that neither the arms of the -world nor the swords of the nations have deterred them from setting their -faces towards the ocean of the bounty of their Lord, the Giver, the -Generous. - -By God! Troubles have failed to unnerve Me, and the repudiation of the -divines hath been powerless to weaken Me. I have spoken, and still speak -forth before the face of men: ‘The door of grace hath been unlocked and He -Who is the Dayspring of Justice is come with perspicuous signs and evident -testimonies, from God, the Lord of strength and of might!’ Present thyself -before Me that thou mayest hear the mysteries which were heard by the Son -of ‘Imrán(73) upon the Sinai of Wisdom. Thus commandeth thee He Who is the -Dawning-Place of the Revelation of thy Lord, the God of Mercy, from His -great Prison. - -Hath leadership made thee proud? Peruse thou what God hath revealed to the -Sovereign ruler, the Sulṭán of Turkey, who hath incarcerated Me in this -fortified stronghold, so that thou mayest be informed of the condition of -this Wronged One, as decreed by God, the One, the Single, the -All-Informed. Art thou happy to see the abject and worthless as thy -followers? They support thee as did a people before them, they that -followed Annas, who, without clear proof and testimony, pronounced -judgement against the Spirit.(74) - -Peruse thou the Kitáb-i-Íqán and that which the All-Merciful hath sent -down unto the King of Paris(75) and to such as are like him, that thou -mayest be made aware of the things that have happened in the past, and be -persuaded that We have not sought to spread disorder in the land after it -had been well-ordered. We exhort, wholly for the sake of God, His -servants. Let him who wisheth turn unto Him, and him who wisheth turn -aside. Our Lord, the Merciful, is verily the All-Sufficing, the -All-Praised. O concourse of divines! This is the day whereon nothing -amongst all things, nor any name amongst all names, can profit you save -through this Name which God hath made the Manifestation of His Cause and -the Dayspring of His Most Excellent Titles unto all who are in the kingdom -of creation. Blessed is that man that hath recognized the fragrance of the -All-Merciful and been numbered with the steadfast. Your sciences shall not -profit you in this day, nor your arts, nor your treasures, nor your glory. -Cast them all behind your backs, and set your faces towards the Most -Sublime Word through which the Scriptures and the Books and this lucid -Tablet have been distinctly set forth. Cast away, O concourse of divines, -the things ye have composed with the pens of your idle fancies and vain -imaginings. By God! The Day-Star of Knowledge hath shone forth above the -horizon of certitude. - -O Báqir! Read and call thou to mind that which was said of old by a -believer of thy stock: ‘Will ye slay a man because he saith my Lord is -God, when He hath already come to you with signs from your Lord? If he be -a liar, on him will be his lie, but if he be a man of truth, part of what -he threateneth will fall upon you. In truth God guideth not him who is a -transgressor, a liar.’(76) - -O thou who art gone astray! If thou hast any doubt concerning Our conduct, -know thou that We bear witness unto that whereunto God hath Himself borne -witness ere the creation of the heavens and of the earth, that there is -none other God but Him, the Almighty, the All-Bounteous. We testify that -He is One in His Essence, One in His attributes. He hath none to equal Him -in the whole universe, nor any partner in all creation. He hath sent forth -His Messengers, and sent down His Books, that they may announce unto His -creatures the Straight Path. - -Hath the Sháh been informed, and chosen to close his eyes to thine acts? -Or hath he been seized with fear at the howling of a pack of wolves who -have cast the Path of God behind their backs and followed in thy way -without any clear proof or Book? We have heard that the provinces of -Persia have been adorned with the adornment of justice. When We observed -closely, however, We found them to be the dawning-places of tyranny and -the daysprings of injustice. We behold justice in the clutches of tyranny. -We beseech God to set it free through the power of His might and His -sovereignty. He, verily, overshadoweth all that is in the heavens and on -earth. To none is given the right to protest against anyone concerning -that which hath befallen the Cause of God. It behoveth whosoever hath set -his face towards the Most Sublime Horizon to cleave tenaciously unto the -cord of patience, and to put his reliance in God, the Help in Peril, the -Unconstrained. O ye loved ones of God! Drink your fill from the -well-spring of wisdom, and walk ye in the garden of wisdom, and soar ye in -the atmosphere of wisdom, and speak forth with wisdom and eloquence. Thus -biddeth you your Lord, the Almighty, the All-Knowing. - -O Báqir! Rely not on thy glory, and thy power. Thou art even as the last -trace of sunlight upon the mountain-top. Soon will it fade away, as -decreed by God, the All-Possessing, the Most High. Thy glory and the glory -of such as are like thee have been taken away, and this verily is what -hath been ordained by the One with Whom is the Mother Tablet. Where is he -to be found who contended with God, and whither is gone he that gainsaid -His signs, and turned aside from His sovereignty? Where are they who have -slain His chosen ones and spilt the blood of His holy ones? Reflect, that -haply thou mayest perceive the breaths of thine acts, O foolish doubter! -Because of you the Apostle(77) lamented, and the Chaste One(78) cried out, -and the countries were laid waste, and darkness fell upon all regions. O -concourse of divines! Because of you the people were abased, and the -banner of Islám was hauled down, and its mighty throne subverted. Every -time a man of discernment hath sought to hold fast unto that which would -exalt Islám, ye raised a clamour, and thereby was he deterred from -achieving his purpose, while the land remained fallen in clear ruin. - -Consider the Sulṭán of Turkey! He did not want war, but those like you -desired it. When its fires were enkindled and its flames rose high, the -government and the people were thereby weakened. Unto this beareth witness -every man of equity and perception. Its calamities waxed so great that the -smoke thereof surrounded the Land of Mystery(79) and its environs, and -what had been revealed in the Tablet of the Sulṭán was made manifest. Thus -hath it been decreed in the Book, at the behest of God, the Help in Peril, -the Self-Subsisting. - -O My Supreme Pen! Leave Thou the mention of the Wolf, and call Thou to -remembrance the She-Serpent(80) whose cruelty hath caused all created -things to groan, and the limbs of the holy ones to quake. Thus biddeth -Thee the Lord of all names, in this glorious station. The Chaste One(81) -hath cried out by reason of thine iniquity, and yet thou dost imagine -thyself to be of the family of the Apostle of God! Thus hath thy soul -prompted thee, O thou who hast withdrawn thyself from God, the Lord of all -that hath been and shall be. Judge thou equitably, O She-Serpent! For what -crime didst thou sting the children(82) of the Apostle of God, and pillage -their possessions? Hast thou denied Him Who created thee by His command -‘be, and it was’? Thou hast dealt with the children of the Apostle of God -as neither ‘Ád hath dealt with Húd, nor Thámúd with Ṣáliḥ, nor the Jews -with the Spirit of God,(83) the Lord of all being. Gainsayest thou the -signs of thy Lord which no sooner were sent down from the heaven of His -Cause than all the books of the world bowed down before them? Meditate, -that thou mayest be made aware of thine act, O heedless outcast! Ere long -will the breaths of chastisement seize thee, as they seized others before -thee. Wait, O thou who hast joined partners with God, the Lord of the -visible and the invisible. This is the day which God hath announced -through the tongue of His Apostle. Reflect, that thou mayest apprehend -what the All-Merciful hath sent down in the Qur’án and in this inscribed -Tablet. This is the day whereon He Who is the Dayspring of Revelation hath -come with clear tokens which none can number. This is the day whereon -every man endued with perception hath discovered the fragrance of the -breeze of the All-Merciful in the world of creation, and every man of -insight hath hastened unto the living waters of the mercy of His Lord, the -King of Kings. O heedless one! The tale of the Sacrifice(84) hath been -retold, and he who was to be offered up hath directed his steps towards -the place of sacrifice, and returned not, by reason of that which thy hand -hath wrought, O perverse hater! Didst thou imagine that martyrdom could -abase this Cause? Nay, by Him Whom God hath made to be the Repository of -His Revelation, if thou be of them that comprehend. Woe betide thee, O -thou who hast joined partners with God, and woe betide them that have -taken thee as their leader, without a clear token or a perspicuous Book. -How numerous the oppressors before thee who have arisen to quench the -light of God, and how many the impious who murdered and pillaged until the -hearts and souls of men groaned by reason of their cruelty! The sun of -justice hath been obscured, inasmuch as the embodiment of tyranny hath -been stablished upon the throne of hatred, and yet the people understand -not. The children of the Apostle have been slain and their possessions -pillaged. Say: Was it, in thine estimation, their possessions or -themselves that denied God? Judge fairly, O ignorant one that hath been -shut out as by a veil from God. Thou hast clung to tyranny and cast away -justice; whereupon all created things have lamented, and still thou art -among the wayward. Thou hast put to death the aged, and plundered the -young. Thinkest thou that thou wilt consume that which thine iniquity hath -amassed? Nay, by Myself! Thus informeth thee He Who is cognizant of all. -By God! The things thou possessest shall profit thee not, nor what thou -hast laid up through thy cruelty. Unto this beareth witness Thy Lord, the -All-Knowing. Thou hast arisen to put out the light of this Cause; ere long -will thine own fire be quenched, at His behest. He, verily, is the Lord of -strength and of might. The changes and chances of the world, and the -powers of the nations, cannot frustrate Him. He doeth what He pleaseth, -and ordaineth what He willeth through the power of His sovereignty. -Consider the she-camel. Though but a beast, yet hath the All-Merciful -exalted her to so high a station that the tongues of the earth made -mention of her and celebrated her praise. He, verily, overshadoweth all -that is in the heavens and on earth. No God is there but Him, the -Almighty, the Great. Thus have We adorned the heaven of Our Tablet with -the suns of Our words. Blessed the man that hath attained thereunto and -been illumined with their light, and woe betide such as have turned aside, -and denied Him, and strayed far from Him. Praised be God, the Lord of the -worlds! - - - - - - KITÁB-I-‘AHD (BOOK OF THE COVENANT) - - -ALTHOUGH the Realm of Glory hath none of the vanities of the world, yet -within the treasury of trust and resignation We have bequeathed to Our -heirs an excellent and priceless heritage. Earthly treasures We have not -bequeathed, nor have We added such cares as they entail. By God! In -earthly riches fear is hidden and peril is concealed. Consider ye and call -to mind that which the All-Merciful hath revealed in the Qur’án: ‘Woe -betide every slanderer and defamer, him that layeth up riches and counteth -them.’(85) Fleeting are the riches of the world; all that perisheth and -changeth is not, and hath never been, worthy of attention, except to a -recognized measure. - -The aim of this Wronged One in sustaining woes and tribulations, in -revealing the Holy Verses and in demonstrating proofs hath been naught but -to quench the flame of hate and enmity, that the horizon of the hearts of -men may be illumined with the light of concord and attain real peace and -tranquillity. From the dawning-place of the divine Tablet the day-star of -this utterance shineth resplendent, and it behoveth everyone to fix his -gaze upon it: We exhort you, O peoples of the world, to observe that which -will elevate your station. Hold fast to the fear of God and firmly adhere -to what is right. Verily I say, the tongue is for mentioning what is good, -defile it not with unseemly talk. God hath forgiven what is past. -Henceforward everyone should utter that which is meet and seemly, and -should refrain from slander, abuse and whatever causeth sadness in men. -Lofty is the station of man! Not long ago this exalted Word streamed forth -from the treasury of Our Pen of Glory: Great and blessed is this Day—the -Day in which all that lay latent in man hath been and will be made -manifest. Lofty is the station of man, were he to hold fast to -righteousness and truth and to remain firm and steadfast in the Cause. In -the eyes of the All-Merciful a true man appeareth even as a firmament; its -sun and moon are his sight and hearing, and his shining and resplendent -character its stars. His is the loftiest station, and his influence -educateth the world of being. - -Every receptive soul who hath in this Day inhaled the fragrance of His -garment and hath, with a pure heart, set his face towards the all-glorious -Horizon is reckoned among the people of Bahá in the Crimson Book. Grasp -ye, in My Name, the chalice of My loving-kindness, drink then your fill in -My glorious and wondrous remembrance. - -O ye that dwell on earth! The religion of God is for love and unity; make -it not the cause of enmity or dissension. In the eyes of men of insight -and the beholders of the Most Sublime Vision, whatsoever are the effective -means for safeguarding and promoting the happiness and welfare of the -children of men have already been revealed by the Pen of Glory. But the -foolish ones of the earth, being nurtured in evil passions and desires, -have remained heedless of the consummate wisdom of Him Who is, in truth, -the All-Wise, while their words and deeds are prompted by idle fancies and -vain imaginings. - -O ye the loved ones and the trustees of God! Kings are the manifestations -of the power, and the daysprings of the might and riches, of God. Pray ye -on their behalf. He hath invested them with the rulership of the earth and -hath singled out the hearts of men as His Own domain. - -Conflict and contention are categorically forbidden in His Book. This is a -decree of God in this Most Great Revelation. It is divinely preserved from -annulment and is invested by Him with the splendour of His confirmation. -Verily He is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. - -It is incumbent upon everyone to aid those daysprings of authority and -sources of command who are adorned with the ornament of equity and -justice. Blessed are the rulers and the learned among the people of Bahá. -They are My trustees among My servants and the manifestations of My -commandments amidst My people. Upon them rest My glory, My blessings and -My grace which have pervaded the world of being. In this connection the -utterances revealed in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas are such that from the horizon of -their words the light of divine grace shineth luminous and resplendent. - -O ye My Branches! A mighty force, a consummate power lieth concealed in -the world of being. Fix your gaze upon it and upon its unifying influence, -and not upon the differences which appear from it. - -The Will of the divine Testator is this: It is incumbent upon the Aghsán, -the Afnán and My Kindred to turn, one and all, their faces towards the -Most Mighty Branch. Consider that which We have revealed in Our Most Holy -Book: ‘When the ocean of My presence hath ebbed and the Book of My -Revelation is ended, turn your faces toward Him Whom God hath purposed, -Who hath branched from this Ancient Root.’ The object of this sacred verse -is none other except the Most Mighty Branch [‘Abdu’l-Bahá]. Thus have We -graciously revealed unto you Our potent Will, and I am verily the -Gracious, the All-Powerful. Verily God hath ordained the station of the -Greater Branch [Muḥammad ‘Alí] to be beneath that of the Most Great Branch -[‘Abdu’l-Bahá]. He is in truth the Ordainer, the All-Wise. We have chosen -‘the Greater’ after ‘the Most Great’, as decreed by Him Who is the -All-Knowing, the All-Informed. - -It is enjoined upon everyone to manifest love towards the Aghsán, but God -hath not granted them any right to the property of others. - -O ye My Aghsán, My Afnán and My Kindred! We exhort you to fear God, to -perform praiseworthy deeds and to do that which is meet and seemly and -serveth to exalt your station. Verily I say, fear of God is the greatest -commander that can render the Cause of God victorious, and the hosts which -best befit this commander have ever been and are an upright character and -pure and goodly deeds. - -Say: O servants! Let not the means of order be made the cause of confusion -and the instrument of union an occasion for discord. We fain would hope -that the people of Bahá may be guided by the blessed words: ‘Say: all -things are of God.’ This exalted utterance is like unto water for -quenching the fire of hate and enmity which smouldereth within the hearts -and breasts of men. By this single utterance contending peoples and -kindreds will attain the light of true unity. Verily He speaketh the truth -and leadeth the way. He is the All-Powerful, the Exalted, the Gracious. - -It is incumbent upon everyone to show courtesy to, and have regard for the -Aghsán, that thereby the Cause of God may be glorified and His Word -exalted. This injunction hath time and again been mentioned and recorded -in the Holy Writ. Well is it with him who is enabled to achieve that which -the Ordainer, the Ancient of Days hath prescribed for him. Ye are bidden -moreover to respect the members of the Holy Household, the Afnán and the -kindred. We further admonish you to serve all nations and to strive for -the betterment of the world. - -That which is conducive to the regeneration of the world and the salvation -of the peoples and kindreds of the earth hath been sent down from the -heaven of the utterance of Him Who is the Desire of the world. Give ye a -hearing ear to the counsels of the Pen of Glory. Better is this for you -than all that is on the earth. Unto this beareth witness My glorious and -wondrous Book. - - - - - - LAWḤ-I-ARD-I-BÁ (TABLET OF THE LAND OF BÁ) - - -PRAISE be to Him Who hath honoured the Land of Bá(86) through the presence -of Him round Whom all names revolve. All the atoms of the earth have -announced unto all created things that from behind the gate of the -Prison-city there hath appeared and above its horizon there hath shone -forth the Orb of the beauty of the great, the Most Mighty Branch of -God—His ancient and immutable Mystery—proceeding on its way to another -land. Sorrow, thereby, hath enveloped this Prison-city, whilst another -land rejoiceth. Exalted, immeasurably exalted is our Lord, the Fashioner -of the heavens and the Creator of all things, He through Whose sovereignty -the doors of the prison were opened, thereby causing what was promised -aforetime in the Tablets to be fulfilled. He is verily potent over what He -willeth, and in His grasp is the dominion of the entire creation. He is -the All-Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. - -Blessed, doubly blessed, is the ground which His footsteps have trodden, -the eye that hath been cheered by the beauty of His countenance, the ear -that hath been honoured by hearkening to His call, the heart that hath -tasted the sweetness of His love, the breast that hath dilated through His -remembrance, the pen that hath voiced His praise, the scroll that hath -borne the testimony of His writings. We beseech God—blessed and exalted be -He—that He may honour us with meeting Him soon. He is, in truth, the -All-Hearing, the All-Powerful, He Who is ready to answer. - - - - - - EXCERPTS FROM OTHER TABLETS - - - - - “GOD testifieth that there is none other God but...” - - -GOD testifieth that there is none other God but Him and that He Who hath -come from the heaven of divine revelation is the Hidden Secret, the -Impenetrable Mystery, Whose advent hath been foretold in the Book of God -and hath been heralded by His Prophets and Messengers. Through Him the -mysteries have been unravelled, the veils rent asunder and the signs and -evidences disclosed. Lo! He hath now been made manifest. He bringeth to -light whatsoever He willeth, and treadeth upon the high places of the -earth, invested with transcendent majesty and power. - -Blessed is that strong one who will shatter the gods of vain imaginings -through the potency of the Name of his Lord, He Who ruleth over all men. - -O My Afnán! We would fain mention thy name as a token of grace on Our -part, that the sweet savours of My remembrance may attract thee unto My -Kingdom and draw thee nigh unto the Tabernacle of My majesty which hath -been hoisted through the power of this Name—a Name which hath caused every -foundation to tremble. - -Say: O peoples of the earth! By the righteousness of God! Whatever ye have -been promised in the Books of your Lord, the Ruler of the Day of Return, -hath appeared and been made manifest. Beware lest the changes and chances -of the world hold you back from Him Who is the Sovereign Truth. Ere long -will everything visible perish and only that which hath been revealed by -God, the Lord of lords, shall endure. - -Say: This is the Day of meritorious deeds, did ye but know it. This is the -Day of the glorification of God and of the exposition of His Word, could -ye but perceive it. Abandon the things current amongst men and hold fast -unto that which God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting, hath enjoined -upon you. The day is fast approaching when all the treasures of the earth -shall be of no profit to you. Unto this beareth witness the Lord of Names, -He Who proclaimeth: Verily, no God is there besides Him, the Sovereign -Truth, the Knower of things unseen. - -Well is it with thee, O My Afnán, inasmuch as thou wert honoured to -receive My Holy Verses, hast inhaled the sweet savours of My Revelation -and responded to My Call at a time when My servants and My creatures, -casting the Mother Book behind their backs and, clinging to the dictates -of the exponents of idle fancy and vain imaginings, have denounced Me. -Thus hath the Tongue of Grandeur spoken in the kingdom of utterance at the -bidding of God, the Lord of Creation. - -Persevere thou conscientiously in the service of the Cause and, through -the power of the Name of thy Lord, the Possessor of all things visible and -invisible, preserve the station conferred upon thee. I swear by the -righteousness of God! Were anyone apprised of that which is veiled from -the eyes of men, he would become so enraptured as to wing his flight unto -God, the Lord of all that hath been and shall be. - -May His glory rest upon thee and upon such as have drawn nigh unto Him and -apprehended the meaning of that which the exalted Pen of God, the -Almighty, the All-Loving, hath recorded in this Tablet. - - - - - “ALL praise be to Thee, O my God, inasmuch as Thou...” - - -ALL praise be to Thee, O my God, inasmuch as Thou hast adorned the world -with the splendour of the dawn following the night wherein was born the -One Who heralded the Manifestation of Thy transcendent sovereignty, the -Dayspring of Thy divine Essence and the Revelation of Thy supreme -Lordship. I beseech Thee, O Creator of the heavens and Fashioner of names, -to graciously aid those who have sheltered beneath the shadow of Thine -abounding mercy and have raised their voices amidst the peoples of the -world for the glorification of Thy Name. - -O my God! Thou beholdest the Lord of all mankind confined in His Most -Great Prison, calling aloud Thy Name, gazing upon Thy face, proclaiming -that which hath enraptured the denizens of Thy kingdoms of revelation and -of creation. O my God! I behold Mine own Self captive in the hands of Thy -servants, yet the light of Thy sovereignty and the revelations of Thine -invincible power shine resplendent from His face, enabling all to know of -a certainty that Thou art God, and that there is none other God but Thee. -Neither can the power of the powerful frustrate Thee, nor the ascendancy -of the rulers prevail against Thee. Thou doest whatsoever Thou willest by -virtue of Thy sovereignty which encompasseth all created things, and -ordainest that which Thou pleasest through the potency of Thy behest which -pervadeth the entire creation. - -I implore Thee by the glory of Thy Manifestation and by the power of Thy -might, Thy sovereignty and Thine exaltation to render victorious those who -have arisen to serve Thee, who have aided Thy Cause and humbled themselves -before the splendour of the light of Thy face. Make them then, O my God, -triumphant over Thine enemies and cause them to be steadfast in Thy -service, that through them the evidences of Thy dominion may be -established throughout Thy realms and the tokens of Thine indomitable -power be manifested in Thy lands. Verily Thou art potent to do what Thou -willest; no God is there but Thee, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting. - -This glorious Tablet hath been revealed on the Anniversary of the Birth -[of the Báb] that thou mayest recite it in a spirit of humility and -supplication and give thanks unto thy Lord, the All-Knowing, the -All-Informed. Make thou every effort to render service unto God, that from -thee may appear that which will immortalize thy memory in His glorious and -exalted heaven. - -Say: Glorified art Thou, O my God! I implore Thee by the Dawning-Place of -Thy signs and by the Revealer of Thy clear tokens to grant that I may, -under all conditions, hold fast the cord of Thy loving providence and -cling tenaciously to the hem of Thy generosity. Reckon me then with those -whom the changes and chances of the world have failed to deter from -serving Thee and from bearing allegiance unto Thee, whom the onslaught of -the people hath been powerless to hinder from magnifying Thy Name and -celebrating Thy praise. Graciously assist me, O my Lord, to do whatever -Thou lovest and desirest. Enable me then to fulfil that which will exalt -Thy Name and will set ablaze the fire of Thy love. - -Thou art, in truth, the Forgiving, the Bountiful. - - - - - “O ḤUSAYN! God grant thou shalt ever be bright and...” - - -O ḤUSAYN! God grant thou shalt ever be bright and radiant, beaming with -the light of the Sun of Truth, and mayest unloose thy tongue in magnifying -the Name of God, which is the most laudable of all acts. - -Consider the multitude of souls who seemed to be intensely eager and -athirst, yet when the Ocean of living waters did surge forth in the world -of being, they remained deprived thereof, inasmuch as they failed to -relinquish idle fancy and to become consciously aware of Him Who is the -Object of all knowledge. This failure is in recompense for the deeds their -hands had formerly wrought. - -Render thou thanks unto the Beloved of the world for having graciously -aided thee to attain confirmation in this glorious Cause. Entreat Him -moreover to make His loved ones steadfast therein, for the inflammatory -writings of the mischief-makers are widespread and the clamour of the -foreboders of evil is raised high. Happy are they that have cast behind -their backs all else save God and have held fast unto that which the Lord -of strength and power hath enjoined upon them. - -His Glory be upon thee and upon such as have been enabled to recognize and -embrace this mighty Cause. - - - - - “THIS is a Tablet which the Lord of all being hath sent...” - - -THIS is a Tablet which the Lord of all being hath sent down from His -glorious station in honour of him who hath believed in God, the Almighty, -the All-Loving. - -Blessed is the wayfarer who hath recognized the Desired One, and the -seeker who hath heeded the Call of Him Who is the intended Aim of all -mankind, and the learned one who hath believed in God, the Help in Peril, -the Self-Subsisting. - -How vast the number of the learned who have turned aside from the way of -God and how numerous the men devoid of learning who have apprehended the -truth and hastened unto Him, saying, ‘Praised be Thou, O Lord of all -things, visible and invisible.’ - -By the righteousness of God! The world’s horizon is resplendent with the -light of the Most Great Luminary, yet the generality of mankind perceive -it not. Verily He Who is the Sovereign Truth moveth before the eyes of all -men. Unto this beareth witness the One Who is proclaiming in the midmost -heart of the world, ‘In truth no God is there but Me, Omnipotent over all -things, whether of the past or of the future.’ - -Great is the blessedness of the believer who hath directed himself towards -Him and hath gained admittance into His presence, and woe betide every -disbeliever who hath turned away from God and followed the wayward and the -outcast. - - - - - “O FRIEND! In the Bayán We directed everyone in this...” - - -O FRIEND! In the Bayán We directed everyone in this Most Great Revelation -to see with his own eyes and hear with his own ears. However when the -horizon of the world was illumined with the resplendent light of this -Revelation, many people forgot this divine commandment, lost sight of this -heavenly exhortation and immersed themselves in the vain imaginings which -their minds had devised. Indeed the face of the sun of justice and -fairness is hidden behind the clouds of idle fancy which the foolish ones -have conceived. Therefore it is not to be wondered at that the movements -of the birds of darkness attract attention. Through the potency of the -Name of the Best-Beloved, invite thou the receptive souls unto God’s holy -court, that perchance they may not remain deprived of the heavenly -Fountain of living water. He is in truth the Gracious, the Forgiving. - -The gaze of the loving-kindness of God—exalted and glorified is He—hath -everlastingly been directed towards His beloved friends; verily He is the -One Who knoweth and remembereth. - - - - - “O JAVÁD! Such is the greatness of this Day that the Hour...” - - -O JAVÁD! Such is the greatness of this Day that the Hour itself is seized -with perturbation, and all heavenly Scriptures bear evidence to its -overpowering majesty. In this Day the Book solemnly testifieth to His -glory and the Balance is moved to lift up its voice. This is the Day -wherein the Ṣiraṭ calleth aloud: ‘I am the straight Path’, and Mount Sinai -exclaimeth: ‘Verily the Lord of Revelation is come.’ - -Being overcome by the drunkenness of corrupt inclinations, the people of -the earth find themselves in a state of stupor. They are, therefore, -debarred from the wondrous signs of God, are prevented from attaining the -ultimate goal and are deprived of the liberal effusions of divine grace. - -It behoveth the people of God to be forbearing. They should impart the -Word of God according to the hearer’s particular measure of understanding -and capacity, that perchance the children of men may be roused from -heedlessness and set their faces towards this Horizon which is -immeasurably exalted above every horizon. - -O Javád! The manifold bounties of God have ever been and will continue to -be vouchsafed unto thee. Praised be God! Thou hast been shielded from the -most great terror and hast succeeded in drawing nigh unto the Most Great -Bounty at a time when all men were prevented from recognizing the eternal -King by the interposition of the veils of outward glory, namely the -divines of this day. Cherish thou as dearly as thine own life this -testimony pronounced by the All-Glorious Pen and strive with all thy might -to preserve it by the potency of the Name of Him Who is the Beloved One of -the entire creation, that this sublime honour may be proof against the -eyes and the hands of robbers. Verily thy Lord is the Expounder, the -All-Knowing. - -Convey the greetings of this Wronged One unto all the beloved friends in -that region and call to their minds Our wondrous and exalted remembrances, -that haply they may forsake the things current amongst them, may set their -hearts on that which pertaineth unto God and remain purged from unseemly -deeds and pursuits. - -May the glory of the Almighty, the All-Wise, be upon thee and upon such as -are related unto thee. - - - - - “WE make mention of him who hath been attracted by Our...” - - -WE make mention of him who hath been attracted by Our Call when it was -raised from the summit of transcendent glory and hath set his face towards -God, the Lord of creation. He is numbered with such as have heard and -responded to the summons of their Lord at a time when the peoples of the -world are wrapt in palpable veils. He testifieth unto that whereunto God -hath testified, and acknowledgeth his belief in that which the Tongue of -Grandeur hath uttered. Unto this beareth witness the Lord of Names in this -wondrous Tablet. - -O My exalted Pen! Bring him, on My behalf, the joyful tidings concerning -the things that God, the Powerful, the Omnipotent, hath reserved for him. -Indeed he hath, for most of the time, been hemmed in by manifold sorrows, -and verily his merciful Lord is the One Who seeth and knoweth all things. -Rejoice thou with exceeding gladness inasmuch as this Wronged One hath -turned His face towards thee, hath mentioned thy name aforetime and doth -mention it at this very moment. - -Unto My loved friends give thou remembrances in My Name and convey to them -the tidings of the gracious bounties of their Lord, the Giver, the -All-Generous. From this exalted station We send Our greetings unto such -believers as have taken fast hold on the Sure Handle and quaffed the -choice wine of constancy from the hand of favour of their Lord, the -Almighty, the All-Praised. - -In this Day the faculty of hearing exclaimeth, ‘This is my Day, wherein I -hearken unto the wondrous Voice coming from the precincts of the Prison of -my Lord, the Perspicuous, the Hearing.’ And the faculty of sight calleth -aloud, ‘Verily this is my Day, for I behold the Dayspring of glory shining -resplendent at the bidding of Him Who is the Ordainer, the All-Powerful.’ -Blessed the ear that hath heard the call, ‘Behold, and thou shalt see -Me.’(87) and happy the eye that hath gazed upon the most wondrous Sign, -dawning from this luminous horizon. - -Say: O concourse of the rulers and of the learned and the wise! The -Promised Day is come and the Lord of Hosts hath appeared. Rejoice ye with -great joy by reason of this supreme felicity. Aid Him then through the -power of wisdom and utterance. Thus biddeth you the One Who hath ever -proclaimed, ‘Verily, no God is there but Me, the All-Knowing, the -All-Wise.’ - -May His glory rest upon thee and upon those who are with thee and such -ones as cherish thee and give ear to the words thou utterest in -glorification of this mighty, this transcendent Revelation. - - - - - “O THOU who bearest My Name, Júd [Bounty]! Upon...” - - -O THOU who bearest My Name, Júd(88) [Bounty]! Upon thee be My Glory. Give -ear unto that which thou didst hear aforetime when the Day-Star of -testimony was shining resplendent above the horizon of ‘Iráq, when Baghdád -served as the Seat of the Throne of thy Lord, the Exalted, the Mighty. - -I bear witness that thou hast hearkened unto the melody of God and His -sweet accents, inclined thine ear to the cooing of the Dove of divine -Revelation and hast heard the Nightingale of fidelity pouring forth its -notes upon the Branch of Glory: Verily there is none other God but Me, the -Incomparable, the All-Informed. - -O thou who bearest My Name! The glances of the loving-kindness of God have -been and continue to be directed towards thee. While in His presence, thou -hast heard the Voice of the One true God—exalted be His glory—and hast -beheld the unveiled splendour of the Light of divine knowledge. Ponder a -while! How sublime is the Utterance of Him Who is the Sovereign Truth and -how abject are the idle contentions of the people! The accumulations of -vain fancy have obstructed men’s ears and stopped them from hearing the -Voice of God, and the veils of human learning and false imaginings have -prevented their eyes from beholding the splendour of the light of His -countenance. With the arm of might and power We have rescued a number of -souls from the slough of impending extinction and enabled them to attain -the Dayspring of glory. Moreover We have laid bare the divine mysteries -and in most explicit language foretold future events, that neither the -doubts of the faithless, nor the denials of the froward, nor the -whisperings of the heedless may keep back the seekers of truth from the -Source of the light of the One true God. Nevertheless some people seem to -have been seized with epilepsy, others are torn up even as hollow -tree-stumps. They abandon God, the Most Exalted—He before Whose revelation -of a single verse, all the Scriptures of the past and of more recent times -pale into lowliness and insignificance—and set their hearts on lying tales -and follow empty words. - -Thou hast surely quaffed from the ocean of Mine utterance and hast -witnessed the effulgent splendour of the orb of My wisdom. Thou hast also -heard the sayings of the infidels who neither are acquainted with the -fundamentals of the Faith, nor have tasted this choice Wine whose seal -hath been broken through the power of My Name, the Help in Peril, the -Self-Subsisting. Beseech thou God that the believers who are endued with -true understanding may be graciously enabled to do that which is pleasing -unto Him. - -How strange that despite this ringing Call, despite the appearance of this -most wondrous Revelation, We notice that men, for the most part, have -fixed their hearts on the vanities of the world and are sorely dismayed -and troubled by reason of prevailing doubts and evil suggestions. Say: -This is the Day of God Himself; fear ye God and be not of them that have -disbelieved in Him. Cast the idle tales behind your backs and behold My -Revelation through Mine eyes. Unto this have ye been exhorted in heavenly -Books and Scriptures, in the Scrolls and Tablets. - -Arise thou to serve the Cause of thy Lord; then give the people the joyful -tidings concerning this resplendent Light whose revelation hath been -announced by God through His Prophets and Messengers. Admonish everyone -moreover to observe prudence as ordained by Him, and in the Name of God -advise them, saying: It behoveth every one in this Day of God to dedicate -himself to the teaching of the Cause with utmost prudence and -steadfastness. Should he discover a pure soil, let him sow the seed of the -Word of God, otherwise it would be preferable to observe silence. - -Not long ago this most sublime Word was revealed in the Crimson Book by -the All-Glorious Pen: ‘The heaven of divine wisdom is illumined with two -luminaries: consultation and compassion’. Please God, everyone may be -enabled to observe this weighty and blessed word. - -Certain people seem to be entirely bereft of understanding. By clinging to -the cord of idle fancy they have debarred themselves from the Sure Handle. -I swear by My life! Were they to reflect a while with fairness on that -which the All-Merciful hath sent down, they would, one and all, -spontaneously give utterance to these words, ‘Verily Thou art the Truth, -the manifest Truth.’ - -It behoveth thee to turn thy gaze in all circumstances unto the One true -God, and seek diligently to serve His Cause. Call thou to mind when thou -wert in My company, within the Tabernacle of Glory, and didst hear from Me -that which He Who conversed with God [Moses] heard upon the Sinai of -divine knowledge. Thus did We graciously aid thee, enabled thee to -recognize the truth and cautioned thee, that thou mightest render thanks -unto thy bountiful Lord. Thou shouldst safeguard this sublime station -through the potency of My Name, the Omnipotent, the Faithful. - -Convey greetings on My behalf to My loved ones and suffer them to hearken -unto My sweet Voice. Thus biddeth thee the One Who hath bidden thee in the -past; I am in truth the Ordainer, the All-Informed. Glory be upon thee and -upon those who give ear to thy words concerning this momentous Cause and -who love thee for the sake of God, the Lord of the worlds. - - - - - “O ḤAYDAR! This Wronged One hath heard thy voice...” - - -O ḤAYDAR!(89) This Wronged One hath heard thy voice raised in the service -of the Cause of God and is well aware of the feeling of joy which His love -hath roused in thy heart and of thy pangs of anguish at that which hath -befallen His loved ones. I swear by the Lord of mercy! The whole world is -overwhelmed with sorrow whilst mankind is perplexed with doubts and -dissensions. The people of God, the Lord of Names, are so grievously beset -by enemies that the supreme Paradise hath lamented and the inmates of -highest Heaven and those who, day and night, circle round the Throne have -groaned aloud. - -O ‘Alí! Woes and sorrows are powerless to restrain thy Lord, the -All-Merciful. Indeed He hath risen to champion the Cause of God in such -wise that neither the overpowering might of the world nor the tyranny of -the nations can ever alarm Him. He calleth aloud betwixt earth and heaven, -saying: The Promised Day is come. The Lord of creation proclaimeth: -Verily, there is no God besides Me, the Almighty, the All-Bountiful. - -O ‘Alí! The immature wish to put out the light of God with their mouths -and to extinguish by their acts the flame in the Burning Bush. Say, -wretched indeed is your plight, O ye embodiments of delusion. Fear ye God -and reject not the heavenly grace which hath shed radiance upon all -regions. Say, He Who is the Exponent of the hidden Name hath appeared, did -ye but know it. He Whose advent hath been foretold in the heavenly -Scriptures is come, could ye but understand it. The world’s horizon is -illumined by the splendours of this Most Great Revelation. Haste ye with -radiant hearts and be not of them that are bereft of understanding. The -appointed Hour hath struck and mankind is laid low. Unto this bear witness -the honoured servants of God. - -O Ḥaydar-‘Alí! I swear by the righteousness of God! The Blast hath been -blown on the Trumpet of the Bayán as decreed by the Lord, the Merciful, -and all that are in the heavens and on the earth have swooned away except -such as have detached themselves from the world, cleaving fast unto the -Cord of God, the Lord of mankind. This is the Day in which the earth -shineth with the effulgent light of thy Lord, but the people are lost in -error and have been shut out as by a veil. We desire to regenerate the -world, yet they have resolved to put an end to My life. Thus have their -hearts prompted them in this Day—a Day which hath been made bright by the -radiant light of the countenance of its Lord, the Omnipotent, the -Almighty, the Unconstrained. The Mother Book hath lifted up its Voice, but -the people are bereft of hearing. The Preserved Tablet hath been revealed -with truth, yet the generality of mankind peruse it not. They have denied -the gracious favour of God after it hath been sent down unto them and have -turned away from God, the Knower of things unseen. They firmly cling to -the hem of idle fancies, turning their backs on the hidden Name of the -Almighty. - -Say, O concourse of divines! Be fair in your judgement, I adjure you by -God. Produce then whatever proofs and testimonies ye possess, if ye are to -be reckoned among the inmates of this glorious habitation. Set your hearts -towards the Dayspring of divine Revelation that We may disclose before -your eyes the equivalent of all such verses, proofs, testimonies, -affirmations and evidences as ye and other kindreds of the earth possess. -Fear ye God and be not of them that well deserve the chastisement of God, -the Lord of creation. - -This is the Day in which the Ocean of knowledge hath lifted up its Voice -and hath brought forth its pearls. Would that ye knew it! The heaven of -the Bayán hath been raised up in truth at the behest of God, the Help in -Peril, the Self-Subsisting. I swear by God! The Essence of knowledge -exclaimeth and saith: Lo! He Who is the Object of all knowledge is come -and through His advent the sacred Books of God, the Gracious, the Loving, -have been embellished. Every revelation of grace, every evidence of goodly -gifts emanateth from Him and unto Him doth it return. - -Fear ye God, O concourse of the foolish, and do not inflict tribulations -upon those who have willed naught but that which God hath willed. -Moreover, if ye heed my call, follow not your selfish desires. The day is -approaching when everything now discernible will have faded away and ye -shall weep for having failed in your duty towards God. Unto this -testifieth this inscribed Tablet. - -Rejoice thou with great joy that We have remembered thee both now and in -the past. Indeed the sweet savours of this remembrance shall endure and -shall not change throughout the eternity of the Names of God, the Lord of -mankind. We have graciously accepted thy devotions, thy praise, thy -teaching work and the services thou hast rendered for the sake of this -mighty Announcement. We have also hearkened unto that which thy tongue -hath uttered at the meetings and gatherings. Verily thy Lord heareth and -observeth all things. We have attired thee with the vesture of My -good-pleasure in My heavenly Kingdom, and from the Divine Lote-Tree which -is raised on the borders of the vale of security and peace, situate in the -luminous Spot beyond the glorious City, We call aloud unto thee saying: In -truth there is no God but Me, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. We have -brought thee into being to serve Me, to glorify My Word and to proclaim My -Cause. Centre thine energies upon that wherefor thou hast been created by -virtue of the Will of the supreme Ordainer, the Ancient of Days. - -At this moment We call to remembrance Our loved ones and bring them the -joyous tidings of God’s unfailing grace and of the things that have been -provided for them in My lucid Book. Ye have tolerated the censure of the -enemies for the sake of My love and have steadfastly endured in My Path -the grievous cruelties which the ungodly have inflicted upon you. Unto -this I Myself bear witness, and I am the All-Knowing. How vast the number -of places that have been ennobled with your blood for the sake of God. How -numerous the cities wherein the voice of your lamentation hath been raised -and the wailing of your anguish uplifted. How many the prisons into which -ye have been cast by the hosts of tyranny. Know ye of a certainty that He -will render you victorious, will exalt you among the peoples of the world -and will demonstrate your high rank before the gaze of all nations. Surely -He will not suffer the reward of His favoured ones to be lost. - -Take heed lest the deeds wrought by the embodiments of idle fancy sadden -you or the acts committed by every wayward oppressor grieve you. Seize ye -the chalice of constancy through the power of His Name, quaff then -therefrom by virtue of the sovereignty of God, the Powerful, the -Omnipotent. Thus hath the Day-Star of My tender compassion and -loving-kindness shone forth above the horizon of this Tablet that ye may -render thanks unto your Lord, the Almighty, the All-Bountiful. - -The glory that hath dawned resplendent from the heaven of Mine utterance -rest upon thee and upon them that have directed themselves towards thee -and inclined their ears to the words which thy mouth hath uttered -concerning this glorious, this august Revelation. - - - - - “BY the righteousness of God! The Mother Book is made...” - - -BY the righteousness of God! The Mother Book is made manifest, summoning -mankind unto God, the Lord of the worlds, while the seas proclaim: The -Most Great Ocean hath appeared, from whose waves one can hear the -thundering cry: ‘Verily, no God is there but Me, the Peerless, the -All-Knowing.’ And the trees raising their clamour exclaim: O people of the -world! The voice of the Divine Lote-Tree is clearly sounding and the -shrill cry of the Pen of Glory is ringing loud: Give ye ear and be not of -the heedless. The sun is calling out: O concourse of the divines! The -heaven of religions is split and the moon cleft asunder and the peoples of -the earth are brought together in a new resurrection. Fear ye God and -follow not the promptings of your passions, rather follow Him unto Whom -have testified the Scriptures of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. - -The episode of Sinai hath been re-enacted in this Revelation and He Who -conversed upon the Mount is calling aloud: Verily, the Desired One is -come, seated upon the throne of certitude, could ye but perceive it. He -hath admonished all men to observe that which is conducive to the -exaltation of the Cause of God and will guide mankind unto His Straight -Path. - -How vast the number of the down-trodden who have been enraptured by the -Call of God! How numerous the potentates who have risen up to commit acts -of aggression that have caused the inmates of the all-highest Paradise to -lament and the dwellers of this glorious habitation to wail with grief! -How great the multitude of the poor who have quaffed the choice wine of -divine revelation and how many the rich who have turned away, repudiated -the truth and voiced their disbelief in God, the Lord of this blessed and -wondrous Day! - -Say: Fear ye God, then observe equity in your judgement of this Great -Announcement before which, as soon as it shone forth, every momentous -announcement bowed low in adoration. Say: O concourse of the foolish! If -ye reject Him, by what evidence can ye prove your allegiance to the former -Messengers of God or vindicate your belief in that which He hath sent down -from His mighty and exalted Kingdom? What benefit do your possessions -bestow upon you? What protection can your treasures afford you? None, I -swear by the Spirit of God that pervadeth all that are in the heavens and -on the earth. Cast away that which ye have put together with the hands of -idle fancy and vain imaginings and take fast hold of the Book of God which -hath been sent down by virtue of His all-compelling and inviolable -authority. - -Thy letter was presented before this Wronged One and in thine honour have -We revealed this Tablet from which the fragrance of the gracious favour of -thy Lord, the Compassionate, the Bountiful, is diffused. We beseech God to -make thee as a banner upraised in the city of His remembrance, and to -exalt thy station in this Cause—a Cause beneath whose shadow the sincere -ones of God shall behold the peoples and kindreds of the earth seeking -shelter. Verily, thy Lord knoweth and informeth. Moreover We entreat Him -to nourish thee with the best of what hath been treasured in His Book. He -is in truth the One Who doth hear and answer the call. - -Persevere thou in helping His Cause through the strengthening power of the -hosts of wisdom and utterance. Thus hath it been decreed by God, the -Gracious, the All-Praised. Blessed is the believer who hath in this Day -embraced the Truth and the man of fixed resolve whom the hosts of tyranny -have been powerless to affright. - -The glory which hath shone forth above the horizon of utterance be upon -thee and upon such believers as have seized the chalice of His sealed wine -through the power of His Name, the Self-Subsisting, and drunk deep despite -those that have rejected the One in Whom they had formerly professed -belief—they that have disputed the truth of this Great Announcement -whereunto God hath testified in His precious and ancient Book. - - - - - “O MUḤAMMAD ḤUSAYN! Be thou prepared to receive the...” - - -O MUḤAMMAD ḤUSAYN! Be thou prepared to receive the outpourings of the -loving-kindness of God, the Lord of the worlds. The All-Merciful hath -deigned to bestow upon thee pearls of knowledge from the Ocean of the -grace of God, the Almighty, the Most Exalted. - -Where is the man of insight who will recognize and perceive the truth? -Where is to be found the man of hearing who will hearken unto My wondrous -Voice calling from the realm of glory? Where is the soul who will set his -face towards the Divine Lote-Tree in such wise that neither the -overpowering might of the kings, nor the violent commotions of their -subjects may frustrate him, lifting up his voice amidst the entire -creation through the power of wisdom and utterance and testifying unto -that whereunto hath testified God, that verily no God is there besides -Him, the Powerful, the Invincible, the Omnipotent, the Knowing, the Wise. - -O Ḥusayn! Thy name hath been mentioned in the Most Great Prison before -this Wronged One and We have revealed for thee that with which none of the -books of the world can compare. Unto this beareth witness the King of -eternity; yet the generality of mankind are numbered among the heedless. -From the dawning-place of testimony We have raised the Call unto all that -dwell in the realm of creation. Amongst men there are those who have been -carried away by the fragrance of the utterance of their Lord in such -manner that they have forsaken everything which pertaineth unto men in -their eagerness to attain the court of the presence of God, the Lord of -the mighty throne. There are also those who are sore perplexed and -wavering. Others have made haste, winged their way to answer the Call of -their Lord, the Ancient of Days. Still others have turned aside, rejected -the truth and eventually disbelieved in God, the Almighty, the -All-Praised. And there are yet others who have pronounced judgement -against Him with such cruelty that every wise and discerning soul hath -been moved to lament. We have graciously summoned them unto the river that -is life indeed, while they have, with manifest injustice, decreed the -shedding of My blood. Thus hath the Day-Star of wisdom shone forth from -above the horizon of the utterance of thy Lord, the All-Merciful. Shouldst -thou attain unto its light, it behoveth thee to magnify the praise of thy -Lord and say, I yield Thee thanks, O God of the worlds. - -Blessed art thou and are they whom the world and its vanities have failed -to deter from this luminous Horizon. - -Convey greetings on My behalf unto My loved ones. We exhort them to -observe wisdom as decreed in My wondrous Book. - - - - - “O MY handmaiden and My leaf! Rejoice with great joy...” - - -O MY handmaiden and My leaf! Rejoice with great joy inasmuch as thy call -hath ascended unto the Divine Lote-Tree and is answered from the -all-glorious Horizon. Verily, no God is there but Me, the Wronged One, the -Exile. - -We have revealed Ourself unto men, have unveiled the Cause, guided all -mankind towards God’s Straight Path, promulgated the laws and have -enjoined upon everyone that which shall truly profit them both in this -world and in the next; yet they have pronounced judgement to shed My -blood, whereat the Maid of Heaven hath wept sore, Sinai hath lamented and -the Faithful Spirit was made to sigh with grief. - -In these days the people have debarred themselves from the effusions of -divine grace by following in the footsteps of every ignorant one that hath -gone astray. They have cast the Ocean of divine knowledge behind their -backs and fixed their eyes upon such foolish men as claim to be well -versed in learning without being supported by any evidence from God, the -Lord of mankind. - -Well is it with thee inasmuch as thou hast forsaken idle imaginings and -taken fast hold of the Cord of God that no man can sever. Consider the -gracious favour of God—exalted be His glory. How numerous are the kings -and queens on earth who, despite much yearning, anticipation and waiting, -have been debarred from Him Who is the Desire of the world, whilst thou -didst attain. God willing, thou mayest accomplish a deed whose fragrance -shall endure as long as the Names of God—exalted be His glory—will endure. -By the righteousness of God! The title ‘O My handmaiden’ far excelleth -aught else that can be seen in the world. Ere long the eyes of mankind -shall be illumined and cheered by recognizing that which Our Pen of Glory -hath revealed. - -Blessed art thou and blessed is the mother that hath nursed thee. -Appreciate the value of this station and arise to serve His Cause in such -wise that the idle fancies and insinuations of the doubters withhold thee -not from this high resolve. The Day-Star of certitude is shining -resplendent but the people of the world are holding fast unto vain -imaginings. The Ocean of divine knowledge hath risen high whilst the -children of men are clinging to the hem of the foolish. But for the -unfailing grace of God—exalted be His glory—no antidote could ever cure -these inveterate diseases. - -Convey My greetings unto the handmaidens of God in that region and give -them the joyful tidings that His tender mercy and grace are vouchsafed -unto them. High indeed is the station We have destined for thee. It -behoveth thee to yield praise and thanksgiving unto thy Lord, the -Bountiful, the Most Generous. Glorified be God, the Exalted, the Great. - - - - - “AT one time this sublime Word was heard from the...” - - -AT one time this sublime Word was heard from the Tongue of Him Who is the -Possessor of all being and the Lord of the throne on high and of earth -below—exalted is the glory of His utterance—: Piety and detachment are -even as two most great luminaries of the heaven of teaching. Blessed the -one who hath attained unto this supreme station, this habitation of -transcendent holiness and sublimity. - - - - - “THIS is a Tablet sent down by the All-Merciful from the...” - - -THIS is a Tablet sent down by the All-Merciful from the Kingdom of -utterance unto all that dwell on earth. Happy is the man who hearkeneth -and heedeth and woe betide him who hath erred and doubted. This is the Day -that hath been illumined by the effulgent light of the Countenance of -God—the Day when the Tongue of Grandeur is calling aloud: The Kingdom is -God’s, the Lord of the Day of Resurrection. - -Thy name hath been mentioned in Our Presence and We have deigned to reveal -for thee that which the tongue of no one among the peoples of the world -can recount. Rejoice with exceeding joy inasmuch as thou hast been -remembered in the Most Great Prison and the Countenance of the Ancient of -Days hath turned towards thee from this exalted habitation. - -We have truly revealed the signs, demonstrated the irrefutable testimonies -and have summoned all men unto the straight Path. Among the people there -are those who have turned away and repudiated the truth, others have -pronounced judgement against Us without any proof or evidence. The first -to turn away from Us have been the world’s spiritual leaders in this -age—they that call upon Us in the daytime and in the night season and -mention My Name while resting on their lofty thrones. However, when I -revealed Myself unto men they rose against Me in such wise that even the -stones groaned and lamented bitterly. - -Great is thy blessedness inasmuch as thou hast hearkened unto His Voice, -set thy face towards Him and heeded the Call of thy Lord when He came -invested with invincible power and sovereignty. - - - - - “O MY handmaiden, O My leaf! Render thou thanks unto...” - - -O MY handmaiden, O My leaf! Render thou thanks unto the Best-Beloved of -the world for having attained this boundless grace at a time when the -world’s learned and most distinguished men have remained deprived thereof. -We have designated thee ‘a leaf’ that thou mayest, like unto leaves, be -stirred by the gentle wind of the Will of God—exalted be His glory—even as -the leaves of the trees are stirred by onrushing winds. Yield thou thanks -unto thy Lord by virtue of this brilliant utterance. Wert thou to perceive -the sweetness of the title ‘O My handmaiden’ thou wouldst find thyself -detached from all mankind, devoutly engaged day and night in communion -with Him Who is the sole Desire of the world. - -In words of incomparable beauty We have made fitting mention of such -leaves and handmaidens as have quaffed from the living waters of heavenly -grace and have kept their eyes directed towards God. Happy and blessed are -they indeed. Ere long shall God reveal their station whose loftiness no -word can befittingly express nor any description adequately describe. - -We admonish thee to do that which will serve to promote the interests of -the Cause of God amongst men and women. He doth hear the call of the -friends and beholdeth their actions. Verily, He is the Hearing and the -Seeing. - -Upon thee and upon them be the glory of God, the Powerful, the -All-Knowing, the All-Wise. - - - - - “O HANDMAID of God! Hearken unto the Voice of the...” - - -O HANDMAID of God! Hearken unto the Voice of the Lord of Names, Who from -His Prison hath directed His gaze towards thee and is making mention of -thee. - -He hath extended assistance to every wayfarer, hath graciously responded -to every petitioner and granted admittance to every seeker after truth. In -this Day the Straight Path is made manifest, the Balance of divine justice -is set and the light of the sun of His bounty is resplendent, yet the -oppressive darkness of the people of tyranny hath, even as clouds, -intervened and caused a grievous obstruction between the Day-Star of -heavenly grace and the people of the world. Blessed is he who hath rent -the intervening veils asunder and is illumined by the radiant light of -divine Revelation. Consider how numerous were those who accounted -themselves among the wise and the learned, yet in the Day of God were -deprived of the outpourings of heavenly bounties. - -O My leaf, O My handmaid! Appreciate the value of this blessing and of -this tender mercy which hath encompassed thee and guided thy steps unto -the Dayspring of glory. - -Convey greetings on behalf of this Wronged One to such handmaidens as -worship God and cheer their hearts with the assurance of His loving -providence. - - - - - “FIX your gaze upon wisdom in all things, for it is an...” - - -FIX your gaze upon wisdom in all things, for it is an unfailing antidote. -How often hath it turned a disbeliever into a believer or a foe into a -friend? Its observance is highly essential, inasmuch as this theme hath -been set forth in numerous Tablets revealed from the empyrean of the Will -of Him Who is the Manifestation of the light of divine unity. Well is it -with them that act accordingly. - -Centre your attention unceasingly upon that which will cause the Word of -God to be exalted. In this Most Great Revelation goodly deeds and a -praiseworthy character are regarded as the hosts of God, likewise is His -blessed and holy Word. These hosts are the lodestone of the hearts of men -and the effective means for unlocking doors. Of all the weapons in the -world this is the keenest. - -Beseech thou God to graciously assist all men to observe that which His -all-glorious Pen hath recorded in the sacred Books and Tablets. - - - - - “THIS Wronged One doth mention him who hath set his...” - - -THIS Wronged One doth mention him who hath set his face toward the -Incomparable One, the All-Knowing, him who beareth witness unto His unity -even as the All-Glorious Pen hath borne witness as it moveth swiftly -within the arena of utterance. Blessed is the soul that hath recognized -its Lord and woe betide him who hath grievously erred and doubted. - -Man is like unto a tree. If he be adorned with fruit, he hath been and -will ever be worthy of praise and commendation. Otherwise a fruitless tree -is but fit for fire. The fruits of the human tree are exquisite, highly -desired and dearly cherished. Among them are upright character, virtuous -deeds and a goodly utterance. The springtime for earthly trees occurreth -once every year, while the one for human trees appeareth in the Days of -God—exalted be His glory. Were the trees of men’s lives to be adorned in -this divine Springtime with the fruits that have been mentioned, the -effulgence of the light of Justice would, of a certainty, illumine all the -dwellers of the earth and everyone would abide in tranquillity and -contentment beneath the sheltering shadow of Him Who is the Object of all -mankind. The Water for these trees is the living water of the sacred Words -uttered by the Beloved of the world. In one instant are such trees planted -and in the next their branches shall, through the outpourings of the -showers of divine mercy, have reached the skies. A dried-up tree, however, -hath never been nor will be worthy of any mention. - -Happy is the faithful one who is attired with the vesture of high -endeavour and hath arisen to serve this Cause. Such a soul hath truly -attained the desired Goal and hath apprehended the Object for which it -hath been created. But a myriad times alas for the wayward who are like -unto dried-up leaves fallen upon the dust. Ere long mortal blasts shall -carry them away to the place ordained for them. Ignorant did they arrive, -ignorant did they linger and ignorant did they retire to their abodes. - -The world is continually proclaiming these words: Beware, I am evanescent, -and so are all my outward appearances and colours. Take ye heed of the -changes and chances contrived within me and be ye roused from your -slumber. Nevertheless there is no discerning eye to see, nor is there a -hearing ear to hearken. - -In this Day the inner ear exclaimeth and saith: Indeed well is it with me, -today is my day, inasmuch as the Voice of God is calling aloud. And the -essence of vision crieth out: Blessed am I, this is my day, for the -Ancient Beauty is shining resplendent from the most exalted Horizon. - -It behoveth the people of Bahá to invoke and entreat the Lord of Names -that perchance the people of the world may not be deprived of the -effusions of grace in His days. - -In the past the divines were perplexed over this question, a question -which He Who is the Sovereign Truth hath, during the early years of His -life, Himself heard them ask repeatedly: ‘What is that Word which the -Qá’im will pronounce whereby the leaders of religion are put to flight?’ -Say, that Word is now made manifest and ye have fled ere ye heard it -uttered, although ye perceive it not. And that blessed, that hidden, that -concealed and treasured Word is this: ‘”HE” hath now appeared in the -raiment of “I”. He Who was hidden from mortal eyes exclaimeth: Lo! I am -the All-Manifest.’ This is the Word which hath caused the limbs of -disbelievers to quake. Glorified be God! All the heavenly Scriptures of -the past attest to the greatness of this Day, the greatness of this -Manifestation, the greatness of His signs, the greatness of His Word, the -greatness of His constancy, the greatness of His pre-eminent station. Yet -despite all this the people have remained heedless and are shut out as by -a veil. Indeed all the Prophets have yearned to attain this Day. David -saith: ‘Who will bring me into the Strong City?’(90) By Strong City is -meant Akká. Its fortifications are very strong and this Wronged One is -imprisoned within its walls. Likewise it is revealed in the Qur’án: ‘Bring -forth thy people from the darkness into the light and announce to them the -days of God.’(91) - -The glory with which this Day is invested hath been explicitly mentioned -and clearly set forth in most heavenly Books and Scriptures. However, the -divines of the age have debarred men from this transcendent station, and -have kept them back from this Pinnacle of Glory, this Supreme Goal. - -Blessed art thou inasmuch as the darkness of vain imaginings hath been -powerless to hinder thee from the light of certitude, and the onslaught of -the people hath failed to deter thee from the Lord of mankind. Appreciate -thou the value of this high station and beseech God—exalted is His -glory—to graciously enable thee to safeguard it. Imperishable dominion -hath exclusively pertained unto the One true God and His loved ones and -will continue to pertain unto them everlastingly. - -The glory that hath shone forth from the horizon of eternity rest upon -thee and upon such as have taken fast hold of the Cord of God that no man -can sever. - - - - - “HE Who leadeth to true victory is come. By the righteousness...” - - -HE Who leadeth to true victory is come. By the righteousness of God! He is -fully capable of revolutionizing the world through the power of a single -Word. Having enjoined upon all men to observe wisdom, He Himself hath -adhered to the cord of patience and resignation. - -The clay clods of the world have set forth to visit the embellished, the -luminous, the crimson City of God, and certain emissaries from Persia are -secretly stirring up mischief, though to outward seeming they pretend to -be gentle and meek. Gracious God! When will this world-afflicting -craftiness be transformed into sincerity? The exhortations of God, the -True One, have compassed the world, but until now their influence hath not -been disclosed. Men’s unseemly deeds have kept them back from attaining -unto Him. We entreat God—exalted and glorified is He—to pour down, out of -the clouds of divine grace, the overflowing rain of His bounty upon all -His servants. Verily potent is He over all things. - -O ‘Alí Ḥaydar! O thou who hast risen to serve My Cause and art engaged in -magnifying the praise of God, the Lord of the mighty throne! Unto the -emblems of justice and the exponents of equity it is indubitably clear and -evident that this Wronged One, strengthened by the transcendent power of -the Kingdom, is seeking to efface from among the peoples and kindreds of -the earth every evidence of disorder, discord, dissension, differences or -divisions; and it is for no other reason but this great, this momentous -object that He hath again and again been cast into prison and many a day -and a night hath been subjected to chains and fetters. Blessed are they -that judge this impregnable Cause, this glorious Announcement, with -fairness and equity. - - - - - “THIS is a Tablet sent down by the Lord of mercy that the...” - - -THIS is a Tablet sent down by the Lord of mercy that the people of the -world may be enabled to draw nigh unto this Ocean which hath surged -through the potency of His august Name. Amongst men there are those who -have turned away from Him and gainsaid His testimony, while others have -quaffed the wine of assurance in the glory of His Name which pervadeth all -created things. A grievous loss hath indeed been suffered by those that -have inclined their ears to the croaking of the raven, and refused to -hearken unto the sweet warblings of the Bird of Heaven singing upon the -twigs of the Tree of eternity: Verily there is none other God but Me, the -All-Knowing, the All-Wise. This is the Day that hath been illumined by the -splendours of the light of Our countenance—the Day around which all days -and nights circle in adoration. Blessed is the man of insight who hath -perceived, and the sore athirst who hath quaffed from this luminous -Fountain. Blessed the man who acknowledgeth the truth, earnestly striving -to serve the Cause of his Lord, the Powerful, the Almighty. - -O servant who hast fixed his gaze upon My face! Hearken unto the Voice of -thy Lord, the All-Glorious, calling aloud from the dayspring of grandeur -and majesty. Verily His Call will draw thee nigh unto the realm of glory -and will cause thee to extol His praise in such wise that every created -thing will be enraptured, and to magnify His glory in such manner as to -influence the entire creation. Truly thy Lord is the Protector, the -Gracious, the All-Informed. - -Gather thou together the friends of God in that land and acquaint them -with My incomparable remembrance. We have revealed for them a Tablet from -which the fragrance of the All-Merciful hath been wafted upon the realm of -existence, that they may rejoice with exceeding gladness and remain -steadfast in this wondrous Cause. - -While in prison We have revealed a Book which We have entitled ‘The Most -Holy Book’. We have enacted laws therein and adorned it with the -commandments of thy Lord, Who exerciseth authority over all that are in -the heavens and on the earth. Say: Take hold of it, O people, and observe -that which hath been sent down in it of the wondrous precepts of your -Lord, the Forgiving, the Bountiful. It will truly prosper you both in this -world and in the next and will purge you of whatsoever ill beseemeth you. -He is indeed the Ordainer, the Expounder, the Giver, the Generous, the -Gracious, the All-Praised. - -Great is thy blessedness inasmuch as thou hast been faithful to the -Covenant of God and His Testament and for thy being honoured with this -Tablet through which thy name is recorded in My Preserved Tablet. Dedicate -thyself to the service of the Cause of thy Lord, cherish His remembrance -in thy heart and celebrate His praise in such wise that every wayward and -heedless soul may thereby be roused from slumber. - -Thus have We deigned to bestow upon thee a token of favour from Our -presence; and I verily am the Forgiving, the All-Merciful. - - - - - “WE desire to mention him who hath set his face towards...” - - -WE desire to mention him who hath set his face towards Us and to let him -once again drink deep from the life-giving waters of Our gracious -providence that he may be enabled to draw nigh unto My Horizon, be adorned -with Mine attributes, soar in Mine atmosphere, be confirmed in that which -will cause the sanctity of My Cause to be manifested amongst My people and -to celebrate My praise in a manner that will cause every hesitating soul -to hasten, every motionless creature to wing its flight, every mortal -frame to be consumed, every chilled heart to be stirred with life and -every dejected spirit to surge with delight. Thus doth it behove him who -hath turned his face to Mine, hath entered beneath the shadow of My -loving-kindness and received My verses which have pervaded the whole -world. - -O ‘Alí! He Who is the Dayspring of divine Revelation is calling unto thee -through this most wondrous utterance. By the righteousness of God! If thou -wert present before My Throne and didst hearken unto the Tongue of might -and grandeur, thou wouldst sacrifice thy body, thy soul, thine entire -being as a token of thy love for God, the Sovereign, the Protector, the -All-Knowing, the All-Wise, and wouldst so thrill to the fascination of His -Voice that every pen would be powerless to recount thy station and every -eloquent speaker would be confounded in his attempt to describe it. Ponder -a while concerning this Revelation and its invincible sovereignty; aid it -then as it beseemeth thy Lord, the Gracious, the All-Bountiful. Direct -thou the people unto the Dayspring of glory. Verily it is He Himself Who -is established upon His mighty Throne. Through Him hath the horizon of -this Prison been made to shine and by Him have all that are in the heavens -and on the earth been illumined. - -We have deigned to mention thy name in the past as well as in this -gracious Tablet that thou mayest once again inhale the sweet fragrance of -the All-Merciful. This is but a token of My favour unto thee. Render thou -thanks unto thy Lord, the All-Bountiful, the All-Seeing. - -Grieve thou not at men’s failure to apprehend the Truth. Ere long thou -shalt find them turning towards God, the Lord of all mankind. We have -indeed, through the potency of the Most Sublime Word, encompassed the -whole world, and the time is approaching when God will have subdued the -hearts of all that dwell on earth. He is in truth the Omnipotent, the -All-Powerful. - -We also remember thy brother from this land that he may rejoice at My -mention of him and be of them that reflect. - -O friend! The Best-Beloved is calling thee from His Most Great Prison and -exhorteth thee to observe that which Mine exalted Pen hath revealed in My -Most Holy Book that thou mayest hold fast unto it with such resolve and -power as is born of Me; and I verily am the Ordainer, the All-Wise. - -Great is indeed your blessedness inasmuch as His unfailing grace hath been -vouchsafed unto you and ye have been aided to recognize this Cause—a Cause -through whose potency the heavens have been folded together and every -lofty and towering mountain hath been scattered in dust. - -Moreover through Our boundless grace We make mention of your mother who -hath been privileged to recognize God. We send her Our greetings from this -glorious station. We remember every one of you, men and women, and from -this Spot—the Scene of incomparable glory—regard you all as one soul and -send you the joyous tidings of divine blessings which have preceded all -created things, and of My remembrance that pervadeth everyone, whether -young or old. The glory of God rest upon you, O people of Bahá. Rejoice -with exceeding gladness through My remembrance, for He is indeed with you -at all times. - - - - - “GIVE ear unto that which the Spirit imparteth unto thee from...” - - -GIVE ear unto that which the Spirit imparteth unto thee from the verses of -God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting, that His Call may attract -thee to the Summit of transcendent glory and draw thee nigh unto the -Station where thou shalt behold thine entire being set ablaze with the -fire of the love of God in such wise that neither the ascendancy of the -rulers nor the whisperings of their vassals can quench it, and thou wilt -arise amidst the peoples of the world to celebrate the praise of thy Lord, -the Possessor of Names. This is that which well beseemeth thee in this -Day. - -We will recount for thee the thing that hath happened in the past that -thou mayest perceive the sweetness of this utterance and become aware of -such events as have transpired in former times. Verily thy Lord is the -Admonisher, the Gracious, the Best-Beloved. - -Call thou to mind the days when He Who conversed with God tended, in the -wilderness, the sheep of Jethro, His father-in-law. He hearkened unto the -Voice of the Lord of mankind coming from the Burning Bush which had been -raised above the Holy Land, exclaiming, ‘O Moses! Verily I am God, thy -Lord and the Lord of thy forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.’ He was so -carried away by the captivating accent of the Voice that He detached -Himself from the world and set out in the direction of Pharaoh and his -people, invested with the power of thy Lord Who exerciseth sovereignty -over all that hath been and shall be. The people of the world are now -hearing that which Moses did hear, but they understand not. - -Say, I swear by the righteousness of God! Ere long the pomp of the -ministers of state and the ascendancy of the rulers shall pass away, the -palaces of the potentates shall be laid waste and the imposing buildings -of the emperors reduced to dust, but what shall endure is that which We -have ordained for you in the Kingdom. It behoveth you, O people, to make -the utmost endeavour that your names may be mentioned before the Throne -and ye may bring forth that which will immortalize your memories -throughout the eternity of God, the Lord of all being. - -Remember thou on My behalf the loved ones in that land, convey My -greetings to them and gladden their hearts with the tidings of that which -hath been revealed for them from this glorious station. - -Say, take heed lest the overpowering might of the oppressors alarm you. -The day is approaching when every emblem of vainglory will have been -reduced to nothingness; then shall ye behold the invincible sovereignty of -your Lord ruling over all things visible and invisible. - -Beware lest the veils deter you from the outpourings of His bounty in this -Day. Cast away the things that keep you back from God and persevere on -this far-stretching Way. We desire naught for you but that which profiteth -you as hath been recorded in His Preserved Tablet. We often remember Our -loved ones; however, We have found them wanting in that which becometh -them at the Court of the favour of their Lord, the Gracious, the -Forgiving, save those whom God desireth to exempt. Verily, potent is He to -do what He willeth. He giveth and withholdeth. He is indeed the Eternal -Truth, the Knower of things unseen. - -Seize ye, O loved ones of the All-Merciful, the chalice of eternal life -proffered by the hand of the bountiful favours of your Lord, the Possessor -of the entire creation, then drink ye deep therefrom. I swear by God, it -will so enrapture you that ye shall arise to magnify His Name and proclaim -His utterances amidst the peoples of the earth and shall conquer the -cities of the hearts of men in the name of your Lord, the Almighty, the -All-Praised. - -Moreover, We announce unto everyone the joyful tidings concerning that -which We have revealed in Our Most Holy Book—a Book from above whose -horizon the day-star of My commandments shineth upon every observer and -every observed one. Hold ye fast unto it and fulfil that which is revealed -therein. Indeed better is this for you than whatsoever hath been created -in the world, did ye but know it. Beware lest the transitory things of -human life withhold you from turning unto God, the True One. Ponder ye in -your hearts the world and its conflicts and changes, so that ye may -discern its merit and the station of those who have set their hearts upon -it and have turned away from that which hath been sent down in Our -Preserved Tablet. - -Thus have We revealed these holy verses and sent them unto thee that thou -mayest arise to glorify the Name of God, the Help in Peril, the -Self-Subsisting. The glory of God be upon thee and upon such as have -partaken of this choice, sealed Wine. - - - - - “THIS Wronged One hath perused thy letter in the Most...” - - -THIS Wronged One hath perused thy letter in the Most Great Prison and is -apprised of thine enquiry concerning the commandments of God on the -subjects of resurrection and the means of livelihood. Thou hast done well -to ask these questions, for the benefit thereof will be gained by thyself -as well as other servants of God, both outwardly and inwardly. Verily thy -Lord knoweth all things and readily answereth the call. - -The supreme cause for creating the world and all that is therein is for -man to know God. In this Day whosoever is guided by the fragrance of the -raiment of His mercy to gain admittance into the pristine Abode, which is -the station of recognizing the Source of divine commandments and the -Dayspring of His Revelation, hath everlastingly attained unto all good. -Having reached this lofty station a twofold obligation resteth upon every -soul. One is to be steadfast in the Cause with such steadfastness that -were all the peoples of the world to attempt to prevent him from turning -to the Source of Revelation, they would be powerless to do so. The other -is observance of the divine ordinances which have streamed forth from the -wellspring of His heavenly-propelled Pen. For man’s knowledge of God -cannot develop fully and adequately save by observing whatsoever hath been -ordained by Him and is set forth in His heavenly Book. - -A year ago the Most Holy Book was sent down from the heaven of the bounty -of the Lord of Names. God willing, thou mayest be graciously enabled to -fulfil that which hath been revealed therein. - -Concerning the means of livelihood, thou shouldst, while placing thy whole -trust in God, engage in some occupation. He will assuredly send down upon -thee from the heaven of His favour that which is destined for thee. He is -in truth the God of might and power. - -Yield thou thanks unto God that thy letter hath reached the presence of -this Prisoner and from the Seat of divine authority the answer hath been -revealed and is being sent to thee. This is an incalculable blessing -vouchsafed by God. Although it is not evident at present, it soon shall -be. It behoveth thee to say: - -Magnified be Thy Name, O Lord my God! I am the one who hath turned his -face towards Thee and hath placed his whole reliance in Thee. I implore -Thee by Thy Name whereby the ocean of Thine utterance hath surged and the -breezes of Thy knowledge have stirred, to grant that I may be graciously -aided to serve Thy Cause and be inspired to remember Thee and praise Thee. -Send down then upon me from the heaven of Thy generosity that which will -preserve me from anyone but Thee and will profit me in all Thy worlds. - -Verily, Thou art the Powerful, the Inaccessible, the Supreme, the Knowing, -the Wise. - - - - - - -FOOTNOTES - - - 1 Sometimes referred to as Tablet to the Christians. - - 2 Jesus. - - 3 Jesus. - - 4 Jesus. - - 5 Qur’án 81:6, 10. - - 6 Mírzá Hádí Dawlat-Ábádí, one of the divines of Iṣfáhán, who became a - follower of the Báb, later supported Mírzá Yaḥyá, and was appointed - his representative in Írán and his successor. During the - persecutions against the Bábís he recanted his faith. - - 7 The insignia of a mullá. - - 8 Qur’án 6:91. - - 9 Ustád ‘Alí-Akbar, one of the staunch believers in Yazd. He designed - the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of Ishqábád and his design was approved by - ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Ustád ‘Alí-Akbar offered up his life as a martyr in - Yazd in 1903. - - 10 Arabic. - - 11 Ḥájí Mírzá Ḥaydar-‘Alí, outstanding Persian Bahá’í teacher and - author. He spent nine years in prison and exile in Khártúm, - travelled extensively in Írán, and passed away in 1920 in the Holy - Land. Western pilgrims knew him as the Angel of Mount Carmel. - - 12 Qur’án 34:12. - - 13 Jesus. - - 14 Ḥájí Mullá Hádí Sabzívarí, a renowned philosopher and poet of Írán - contemporary with Bahá’u’lláh. He passed away in 1873. - - 15 Mírzá Abu’l-Qásim Faráhání, the Qá’im Maqám, a distinguished poet - and scholar during the reign of Fatḥ ‘Alí Sháh. He was a friend of - Mírzá Buzurg, father of Bahá’u’lláh. Qá’im Maqám became Prime - Minister of Persia in 1821, but in 1835 he was put to death by order - of Muḥammad Sháh, at the instigation of Ḥájí Mírzá Aqásí. - - 16 cf. Qur’án 4:129. - - 17 Qur’án 59:9. - - 18 Muḥammad Javád-i-Qazvíní, upon whom Bahá’u’lláh bestowed the title - Ismu’lláhi’l-Júd (The Name of God, Bounty). He transcribed numerous - Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh during His Ministry, but subsequently broke - the Covenant. (See God Passes By pages 247 and 319.) - - 19 A village near Iṣfáhán. - - 20 Mírzá Hádí Dawlat-Ábádí, one of the divines of Iṣfáhán, who became a - follower of the Báb, later supported Mírzá Yaḥyá, and was appointed - his representative in Írán and his successor. During the - persecutions against the Bábís he recanted his faith. - - 21 Mírzá Ashraf, who was martyred in the city of Iṣfáhán. (See God - Passes By p. 201.) - - 22 The two Hands of the Cause of God, Ḥájí Mullá ‘Alí-Akbar Sháhmírzádí - and Ḥájí Abu’l-Ḥasan Ardakání, Amín-i-Iláhí (Trustee of - Ḥuqúqu’lláh), were originally arrested in Ṭihrán, imprisoned in - Qazvín in the year 1891, and then transferred to prison in Ṭihrán. - - 23 Prince Maḥmúd Mírzá, the Jalálu’d’Dawlih, Governor of Yazd, Persia. - - 24 Jamálu’d-Dín-i-Afghání. (See God Passes By pp. 296, 317.) - - 25 i.e., the letter ‘B’, the second letter of the alphabet. - - 26 The opening chapter of the Qur’án, which begins with the letter ‘B’: - Bismi’lláhi’r-Rahmáni’r-Raḥím (In the Name of God, the - Compassionate, the Merciful). This chapter of the Qur’án was - revealed twice, once in Mecca and once in Medina. - - 27 The opening chapter of the Qur’án, which begins with the letter ‘B’: - Bismi’lláhi’r-Rahmáni’r-Raḥím (In the Name of God, the - Compassionate, the Merciful). This chapter of the Qur’án was - revealed twice, once in Mecca and once in Medina. - - 28 Jesus. - - 29 Moses. - - 30 This Tablet was addressed to Jalíl-i-Khú’í, one of the early - believers in Ádhirbayján, Persia. After the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh - he broke the Covenant. - - 31 cf. Qur’án 14:33. - - 32 cf. Qur’án 21:23. - - 33 Mecca. - - 34 Qur’án 3:91. - - 35 Muḥammad. - - 36 Mírzá Yaḥyá. - - 37 Muḥammad. - - 38 Qur’án 83:6. - - 39 Moses. - - 40 Qur’án 14:5. - - 41 Jesus. - - 42 Adrianople. - - 43 Arabic. - - 44 Persian. - - 45 Muḥammad. - - 46 The Imáms. - - 47 The Báb. - - 48 Kitáb-i-Aqdas. - - 49 One of the early believers who is best known to the friends for his - reliable transcriptions of the Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh. (See - Memorials of the Faithful pp. 150–153.) - - 50 Such loans as bear no interest and are repayable whenever the - borrower pleases. - - 51 In a Tablet Bahá’u’lláh states, ‘The Holy Tree [Sadrat] is, in a - sense, the Manifestation of the One True God, exalted be He. The - Blessed Tree in the land of Za’farán referreth to the land which is - flourishing, blessed, holy and all-perfumed, where that Tree hath - been planted.’ - - 52 In many of the passages that follow concerning the Greek - philosophers, Bahá’u’lláh quotes verbatim from the works of such - Muslim historians as Abu’l-Fatḥ-i-Sháhristání (1076–1153 A.D.) and - Imádu’d-Dín Abu’l-Fidá (1273–1331 A.D.). - - 53 In one of His Tablets Bahá’u’lláh wrote: ‘The first person who - devoted himself to philosophy was Ídrís. Thus was he named. Some - called him also Hermes. In every tongue he hath a special name. He - it is who hath set forth in every branch of philosophy thorough and - convincing statements. After him Bálinus derived his knowledge and - sciences from the Hermetic Tablets and most of the philosophers who - followed him made their philosophical and scientific discoveries - from his words and statements...’. In the Qur’án, Súrá 19, verses 57 - and 58, is written: ‘And commemorate Ídrís in the Book; for he was a - man of truth, a Prophet; And we uplifted him to a place on high.’ - - 54 In many of the passages that follow concerning the Greek - philosophers, Bahá’u’lláh quotes verbatim from the works of such - Muslim historians as Abu’l-Fatḥ-i-Sháhristání (1076–1153 A.D.) and - Imádu’d-Dín Abu’l-Fidá (1273–1331 A.D.). - - 55 Qur’án 20:106. - - 56 Muḥammad. - - 57 Mecca. - - 58 Arabic. - - 59 Moses. - - 60 Muḥammad Ḥusayn, one of the early believers of Shíráz, surnamed - ‘Vafá (Fidelity) by Bahá’u’lláh. - - 61 The Most Great Name. - - 62 Mullá Ḥusayn. - - 63 The maker of the Golden Calf. See Qur’án 20:87–98. - - 64 Siyyid Mihdíy-i-Dahájí, to whom this Tablet was addressed, had been - given by Bahá’u’lláh the title Ismu’lláhi’l-Mihdí, ‘The Name of God, - Mihdí. He later broke the Covenant. (See God Passes By, page 319.) - - 65 Nabíl-i-Akbar. See p. 135. - - 66 Mecca. - - 67 Fátimih, daughter of Muḥammad. - - 68 Jesus. - - 69 Qur’án 4:96. - - 70 Jesus. - - 71 The Sacred Lote-Tree, the Tree beyond which there is no passing (See - Qur’án 53:8–18). A symbol of the Manifestation of God. (See God - Passes By p. 94.) - - 72 Qur’án 2:88. - - 73 Moses. - - 74 Jesus. - - 75 Napoleon III. - - 76 Qur’án 40:29. - - 77 Muḥammad. - - 78 Fátimih, daughter of Muḥammad. - - 79 Adrianople. - - 80 The Imám-Jum’ih of Iṣfáhán, see page 203. - - 81 Fátimih. - - 82 The King of Martyrs and the Beloved of Martyrs. - - 83 Jesus. - - 84 Ishmael. - - 85 Qur’án 104:1–2. - - 86 Beirut. This Tablet is ‘a letter dictated by Bahá’u’lláh and - addressed by Mírzá Áqá Ján, His amanuensis, to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá while - the latter was on a visit to Beirut.’ (The World Order of - Bahá’u’lláh, p. 136.) - - 87 Qur’án 7:139. - - 88 Muḥammad Javád-i-Qazvíní, upon whom Bahá’u’lláh bestowed the title - Ismu’lláhi’l-Júd (The Name of God, Bounty). He transcribed numerous - Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh during His Ministry, but subsequently broke - the Covenant. (See God Passes By pages 247 and 319.) - - 89 Ḥájí Mírzá Ḥaydar-‘Alí, outstanding Persian Bahá’í teacher and - author. He spent nine years in prison and exile in Khártúm, - travelled extensively in Írán, and passed away in 1920 in the Holy - Land. Western pilgrims knew him as the Angel of Mount Carmel. - - 90 Psalms 59:9; 108:10. - - 91 Qur’án 14:5. - - - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TABLETS OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH REVEALED AFTER THE KITAB-I-AQDAS*** - - - -CREDITS - - -October 2005 - - Converted from Microsoft Word document format to TEI master - format. - Joshua Hutchinson - -June 2006 - - Added PGHeader/PGFooter. - Joshua Hutchinson - - - -A WORD FROM PROJECT GUTENBERG - - -This file should be named 17310-0.txt or 17310-0.zip. - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - - - http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/3/1/17310/ - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one — the old editions will be -renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one -owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and -you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without permission -and without paying copyright royalties. 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