,bah' ,world ,faith by #8,abdu'l-,bah ,edition #a1 7,september #bjjf7 ,,baha',i ,,terms ,,of ,,use ,you have permission to freely make and use copies of the text and any other information 7,content7 available on this ,site including printing1 emailing1 posting1 distributing1 copying1 downloading1 uploading1 transmitting1 displaying the ,content in whole or in part subject to the following3 #a4 ,our copyright notice and the source reference must be attached to the ,content2 #b4 ,the ,content may not be modified or altered in any way except to change the font or appearance2 #c4 ,the ,content must be used solely for a non-commercial purpose4 ,although this blanket permission to reproduce the ,content is given freely such that no special permission is required1 the ,bah' ,international ,community retains full copyright protection for all ,content included at this ,site under all applicable national and international laws4 ,for permission to publish1 transmit1 display or otherwise use the ,content for any commercial purpose1 please contact us 7http3_/_/reference4bahai4org_/en_/conta ct4html74 ,,contents ,baha'i ,terms of ,use ,bah' ,world ,faith ,,chapter ,,six3 ,,the ,,faith ,,of ,,bah',u',,ll,h ,,mankind ,,is ,,in ,,danger ,i ,,have ,,come ,,with ,,this ,,mission ,,the ,,blessed ,,perfection1 ,,bah',u',,ll,h ,,religion ,,is ,,progressive ,,this ,,radiant ,,century ,,the ,,most ,,great ,,peace ,,man ,,and ,,nature ,,science ,,and ,,spiritual ,,development ,,teachings ,,of ,,bah',u',,ll,h ,,the ,,educators ,,of ,,mankind ,,the ,,divine ,,standard ,,of ,,knowledge ,,the ,,sun ,,of ,,reality ,,the ,,source ,,of ,,unity ,,the ,,quickening ,,spirit ,,spiritual ,,existence ,,is ,,immortality ,,race ,,unity1 ,,assurance ,,of ,,world ,,peace ,,religion ,,and ,,civilization ,,industrial ,,justice ,,universal ,,peace ,,chapter ,,seven3 ,,soul1 ,,mind ,,and ,,spirit ,,the ,,origin ,,of ,,man ,,modification ,,of ,,species ,,the ,,kingdom ,,of ,,man ,,man ,,and ,,evolution ,,spiritual ,,nature ,,of ,,man ,,man',s ,,innate ,,powers ,,the ,,spirit ,,in ,,the ,,body ,,man',s ,,relation ,,to ,,god ,,soul1 ,,mind ,,and ,,spirit ,,five ,,physical ,,and ,,five ,,spiritual ,,powers ,,innate1 ,,inherited ,,and ,,acquired ,,character ,,man',s ,,knowledge ,,of ,,god ,,the ,,immortality ,,of ,,the ,,spirit ,,perfection ,,is ,,endless ,,the ,,evolution ,,of ,,man ,,in ,,the ,,other ,,world ,,progress ,,after ,,death ,,tablet ,,on ,,purity ,,god ,,and ,,the ,,universe ,,chapter ,,eight3 ,,the ,,loom ,,of ,,reality ,,his ,,deathless ,,splendor ,,the ,,new ,,heaven1 ,,the ,,new ,,earth ,,spiritual ,,spring ,,serve ,,the ,,kingdom ,,fulfillment ,,of ,,prophecy ,,heralds ,,of ,,his ,,name ,,the ,,world ,,is ,,infirm ,,the ,,covenant ,,race ,,unity ,,the ,,fire ,,of ,,the ,,love ,,of ,,god ,,ye ,,are ,,the ,,angels ,,reality ,,of ,,thanksgiving ,,the ,,straight ,,path ,,cut ,,thyself ,,from ,,the ,,world ,,arise ,,with ,,great ,,power ,,divine ,,assistance ,,proof ,,of ,,nobility ,,the ,,source ,,of ,,love ,,objective ,,and ,,subjective ,,faith ,,spiritual ,,capacity ,,the ,,beloved ,,of ,,god ,,if ,,one ,,possesses ,,the ,,love ,,of ,,god ,,the ,,magnet ,,of ,,the ,,kingdom ,,the ,,encompassing ,,spirit ,,souls ,,are ,,like ,,mirrors ,,the ,,world ,,of ,,vision ,,prayer ,,is ,,indispensable ,,turn ,,to ,,the ,,holy ,,spirit ,,inspiration ,,of ,,the ,,holy ,,spirit ,,the ,,intermediary ,,the ,,spirit ,,of ,,faith ,,trials ,a ,,gift ,,from ,,god ,,the ,,mystery ,,of ,,suffering ,,bah' ,,marriage ,,kindness ,,to ,,animals ,,economy ,a ,,great ,,treasure ,,means ,,of ,,livelihood ,,socialism ,,two ,,methods ,,of ,,healing ,,if ,,thou ,,desirest ,,health ,,duty ,,to ,,attain ,,science ,,work ,,is ,,worship ,,science ,,as ,,worship ,,music ,,severance ,,from ,,this ,,world ,,consolation ,,of ,,our ,,hearts ,,the ,,university ,,of ,,the ,,kingdom ,,the ,,unknowable ,,essence ,,faith ,,and ,,knowledge ,,knowledge ,,and ,,deeds ,,training ,,of ,,children ,,spiritual ,,knowledge ,,qualifications ,,of ,,the ,,enlightened ,,soul ,,eternal ,,sovereignty ,,confirmation ,,and ,,assistance ,,this ,,world ,a ,,mirage ,,protection ,,of ,,the ,,bah',s ,,the ,,return ,,of ,,christ ,,eternal ,,life ,,spreaders ,,of ,,calumny ,,the ,,spirit ,,of ,,christ ,,salvation ,,the ,,spiritual ,,church ,,the ,,supper ,,of ,,the ,,lord ,,understanding ,,the ,,mysteries ,,reincarnation ,,this ,,glad-,,tidings ,,consider ,,the ,,past ,,this ,,branch ,,will ,,ascend ,,after ,,this ,,storm ,,the ,,center ,,mental ,,and ,,spiritual ,,education ,,chapter ,,nine3 ,,the ,,divine ,,plan ,,the ,,cause ,,of ,,bah',u',,ll,h ,,the ,,community ,,of ,,the ,,greatest ,,name ,,god ,,loveth ,,those ,,who ,,work ,,in ,,groups ,,the ,,divine ,,shepherd ,,the ,,fundamental ,,aim ,,this ,,meeting ,,is ,,blessed ,,the ,,spiritual ,,election ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,justice ,,obedience ,,to ,,the ,,assembly #8,,abdu',l-,,bah ,,is ,,present ,,the ,,center ,,of ,,decision ,,the ,,basis ,,of ,,union ,,the ,,spiritual ,,assembly ,,mercy ,,and ,,justice ,,inter-,,assembly ,,union ,,the ,,mashriqu',l-,,adhk,r ,,the ,,collective ,,center ,,of ,,the ,,kingdom ,,bah',u',,ll,h ,,the ,,lord ,,of ,,hosts ,,the ,,master',s ,,last ,,tablet ,,to ,,america ,,excerpts ,,from ,,the ,,will ,,and ,,testament ,,of #8,,abdu',l-,,bah ,,bah' ,,world ,,faith ,selected ,writings of ,bah'u'llh and #8,abdu'l-,bah 7#8,abdu'l-,bah's ,section ,only7 ,,chapter ,,six3 ,,the ,,faith ,,of ,,bah',u',,ll,h ,,mankind ,,is ,,in ,,danger ,o people of the world6 ,the dawn of the ,sun of ,reality is assuredly for the illumination of the world and for the manifestation of mercy4 ,in the assemblage of the family of ,adam results and fruits are praiseworthy1 and the holy bestowals of every bounty are abundant4 ,it is an absolute mercy and a complete bounty1 the illumination of the world1 fellowship and harmony1 love and union2 nay1 rather1 mercifulness and oneness1 the elimination of discord and the unity of whosoever are on the earth in the utmost of freedom and dignity4 ,the ,blessed ,beauty said3 8,all are the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch40 ,he likened the world of existence to one tree and all the souls to leaves1 blossoms and fruits4 ,therefore all the branches1 leaves1 blossoms and fruits must be in the utmost of freshness1 and the bringing about of this delicacy and sweetness depends upon union and fellowship4 ,therefore they must assist each other with all their power and seek everlasting life4 ,thus the friends of ,god must manifest the mercy of the ,compassionate ,lord in the world of existence and must show forth the bounty of the visible and invisible ,king4 ,they must purify their sight1 and look upon mankind as the leaves1 blossoms and fruits of the tree of creation1 and must always be thinking of doing good to someone1 of love1 consideration1 affection and assistance to somebody4 ,they must see no enemy and count no one as an ill wisher4 ,they must consider every one on the earth as a friend2 regard the stranger as an intimate1 and the alien as a companion4 ,they must not be bound by any tie1 nay1 rather1 they should be free from every bond4 ,in this day the one who is favored in the threshold of grandeur is the one who offers the cup of faithfulness and bestows the pearl of gift to the enemies1 even to the fallen oppressor1 lends a helping hand1 and considers every bitter foe as an affectionate friend4 ,these are the commands of the ,blessed ,beauty1 these are the counsels of the ,greatest ,name4 ,o ye dear friends6 ,the world is engaged in war and struggle1 and mankind is in the utmost conflict and danger4 ,the darkness of unfaithfulness has enshrouded the earth and the illumination of faithfulness has become concealed4 ,all nations and tribes of the world have sharpened their claws and are warring and fighting with each other4 ,the edifice of man is shattered4 ,thousands of families are wandering disconsolate4 ,thousands of souls are besmeared with dust and blood in the arena of battle and struggle every year1 and the tent of happiness and life is overthrown4 ,the prominent men become commanders and boast of bloodshed1 and glory in destruction4 ,one says3 8,i have severed with my sword the necks of a nation10 and one3 8,i have levelled a kingdom to the dust02 and another3 8,i have overthrown the foundation of a government40 ,this is the pivot around which the pride and glory of mankind are revolving4 ,in all regions friendship and uprightness are denounced and reconciliation and regard for truth are despised4 ,the herald of peace1 reformation1 love and reconciliation is the ,religion of the ,blessed ,beauty which has pitched its tent on the apex of the world and proclaimed its summons to the people4 ,then1 ,o ye friends of ,god6 ,appreciate the value of this precious ,revelation1 move and act in accordance with it and walk in the straight path and the right way4 ,show it to the people4 ,raise the melody of the ,kingdom and spread abroad the teachings and ordinances of the loving ,lord so that the world may become another world1 the darkened earth may become illumined and the dead body of the people may obtain new life4 ,every soul may seek everlasting life through the breath of the ,merciful4 ,life in this mortal world will quickly come to an end1 and this earthly glory1 wealth1 comfort and happiness will soon vanish and be no more4 ,summon ye the people to ,god and call the souls to the manners and conduct of the ,supreme ,concourse4 ,to the orphans be ye kind fathers1 and to the unfortunate a refuge and shelter4 ,to the poor be a treasure of wealth1 and to the sick a remedy and healing4 ,be a helper of every oppressed one1 the protector of every destitute one1 be ye ever mindful to serve any soul of mankind4 ,attach no importance to self-seeking1 rejection1 arrogance1 oppression and enmity4 ,heed them not4 ,deal in the contrary way4 ,be kind in truth1 not only in appearance and outwardly4 ,every soul of the friends of ,god must concentrate his mind on this1 that he may manifest the mercy of ,god and the bounty of the ,forgiving ,one4 ,he must do good to every soul whom he encounters1 and render benefit to him1 becoming the cause of improving the morals and correcting the thoughts so that the light of guidance may shine forth and the bounty of ,his ,holiness the ,merciful ,one may encompass4 ,love is light in whatsoever house it may shine and enmity is darkness in whatsoever abode it dwell4 ,o friends of ,god6 ,strive ye so that this darkness may be utterly dispelled and the ,hidden ,mystery may be revealed and the realities of things made evident and manifest4 ,i ,,have ,,come ,,with ,,this ,,mission ,i have come from distant lands to visit the meetings and assemblies of this country4 ,in every meeting ,i find people gathered loving each other2 therefore ,i am greatly pleased4 ,the bond of union is evidenced in this assembly today where the power of ,god has brought together in faith1 agreement and concord those who are engaged in furthering the development of the human world4 ,it is my hope that all mankind may become similarly united in the bond and agreement of love4 ,unity is the expression of the loving power of ,god and reflects the reality of divinity4 ,it is resplendent in this day through the bestowals of light upon humanity4 ,throughout the universe the divine power is effulgent in endless images and pictures4 ,the world of creation1 the world of humanity may be likened to the earth itself and the divine power to the sun4 ,this ,sun has shone upon all mankind4 ,in the endless variety of its reflections the divine will is manifested4 ,consider how all are recipients of the bounty of the same ,sun4 ,at most the difference between them is that of degree1 for the effulgence is one effulgence1 the one light emanating from the ,sun4 ,this will express the oneness of the world of humanity4 ,the body-politic or the social unity of the human world may be likened to an ocean and each member1 each individual a wave upon that same ocean4 ,the light of the sun becomes apparent in each object according to the capacity of that object4 ,the difference is simply one of degree and receptivity4 ,the stone would be a recipient only to a limited extent2 another created thing might be as a mirror wherein the sun is fully reflected2 but the same light shines upon both4 ,the most important thing is to polish the mirrors of hearts in order that they may become illumined and receptive of the divine light4 ,one heart may possess the capacity of the polished mirror2 another be covered and obscured by the dust and dross of this world4 ,although the same ,sun is shining upon both1 in the mirror which is polished1 pure and sanctified you may behold the ,sun in all its fullness1 glory and power revealing its majesty and effulgence1 but in the mirror which is rusted and obscured there is no capacity for reflection although so far as the ,sun itself is concerned it is shining thereon and is neither lessened nor deprived4 ,therefore our duty lies in seeking to polish the mirrors of our hearts in order that we shall become reflectors of that light and recipients of the divine bounties which may be fully revealed through them4 ,this means the oneness of the world of humanity4 ,that is to say1 when this human body-politic reaches a state of absolute unity1 the effulgence of the eternal ,sun will make its fullest light and heat manifest4 ,therefore we must not make distinctions between individual members of the human family4 ,we must not consider any soul as barren or deprived4 ,our duty lies in educating souls so that the ,sun of the bestowals of ,god shall become resplendent in them1 and this is possible through the power of the oneness of humanity4 ,the more love is expressed among mankind and the stronger the power of unity1 the greater will be this reflection and revelation1 for the greatest bestowal of ,god is love4 ,love is the source of all the bestowals of ,god4 ,until love takes possession of the heart no other divine bounty can be revealed in it4 ,all the prophets have striven to make love manifest in the hearts of men4 ,his ,holiness ,jesus ,christ sought to create this love in the hearts4 ,he suffered all difficulties and ordeals that perchance the human heart might become the fountain-source of love4 ,therefore we must strive with all our heart and soul that this love may take possession of us so that all humanity whether it be in the east or in the west may be connected through the bond of this divine affection2 for we are all the waves of one sea2 we have come into being through the same bestowal and are recipients from the same center4 ,the lights of earth are all acceptable1 but the center of effulgence is the sun and we must direct our gaze to the sun4 ,god is the supreme center4 ,the more we turn toward this center of light1 the greater will be our capacity4 ,in the ,orient there were great differences among races and peoples4 ,they hated each other and there was no association among them4 ,various and divergent sects were hostile1 irreconcilable4 ,the different races were in constant war and conflict4 ,about sixty years ago ,bah'u'llh appeared upon the eastern horizon4 ,he caused love and unity to become manifest among these antagonistic peoples4 ,he united them with the bond of love2 their former hatred and animosity passed away2 love and unity reigned instead4 ,it was a dark world2 it became radiant4 ,a new springtime appeared through him1 for the ,sun of ,truth had risen again4 ,in the fields and meadows of human hearts variegated flowers of inner significance were blooming and the good fruits of the kingdom of ,god became manifest4 ,i have come here with this mission2 that through your endeavors1 through your heavenly morals1 through your devoted efforts a perfect bond of unity and love may be established between the east and the west1 so that the bestowals of ,god may descend upon all and that all may be seen to be the parts of the same tree1--the great tree of the human family4 ,for mankind may be likened to the branches1 leaves1 blossoms and fruit of that tree4 ,the favors of ,god are unending1 limitless4 ,infinite bounties have encompassed the world4 ,we must emulate the bounties of ,god1 and just as each one of them--the bounty of life for instance--surrounds and encompasses all1 so likewise must we be connected and blended together until each part shall become the expression of the whole4 ,consider2 we plant a seed4 ,a complete and perfect tree appears from it1 and from each seed of this tree another tree can be produced4 ,therefore the part is expressive of the whole1 for this seed was a part of the tree1 but therein potentially was the whole tree4 ,so each one of us may become expressive or representative of all the bounties of life to mankind4 ,this is the unity of the world of humanity4 ,this is the bestowal of ,god4 ,this is the felicity of the human world and this is the manifestation of the divine favor4 ,,the ,,blessed ,,perfection1 ,,bah',u',,ll,h ,the ,blessed ,perfection ,bah'u'llh belonged to the royal family of rn4 ,from earliest childhood ,he was distinguished among ,his relatives and friends4 ,they said3 8,this child has extraordinary power40 ,in wisdom1 intelligence and as a source of new knowledge ,he was advanced beyond ,his age and superior to ,his surroundings4 ,all who knew ,him were astonished at his precocity4 ,it was usual for them to say3 8,such a child will not live10 for it is commonly believed that precocious children do not reach maturity4 ,during the period of youth the ,blessed ,perfection did not enter school4 ,he was not willing to be taught4 ,this fact is well established among the rnians of ihrn4 ,nevertheless ,he was capable of solving the difficult problems of all who came to ,him4 ,in whatever meeting1 scientific assembly or theological discussion ,he was found1 ,he became the authority of explanation upon intricate and abstruse questions presented4 ,until ,his father passed away ,bah'u'llh did not seek position or political station notwithstanding ,his connection with the government4 ,this occasioned surprise and comment4 ,it was frequently said3 8,how is it that a young man of such keen intelligence and subtle perception does not seek lucrative appointments8 ,as a matter of fact every position is open to him40 ,this is a historical statement fully attested by the people of rn4 ,he was most generous1 giving abundantly to the poor4 ,none who came to ,him were turned away4 ,the doors of ,his house were open to all4 ,he always had many guests4 ,this unbounded generosity was conducive to greater astonishment from the fact that ,he sought neither position nor prominence4 ,in commenting upon this ,his friends said ,he would become impoverished1 for ,his expenses were many and ,his wealth becoming more and more limited4 8,why is he not thinking of his own affairs801 they inquired of each other2 but some who were wise declared3 8,this personage is connected with another world2 he has something sublime within him that is not evident now2 the day is coming when it will be manifested40 ,in truth the ,blessed ,perfection was a refuge for every weak one1 a shelter for every fearing one1 kind to every indigent one1 lenient and loving to all creatures4 ,he became well known in regard to these qualities before ,his ,holiness the ,bb appeared4 ,then ,bah'u'llh declared the ,bb's mission to be true and promulgated ,his teachings4 ,the ,bb announced that the greater manifestation would take place after ,him and called the promised one3 8,him whom ,god would manifest10 saying that nine years later the reality of ,his own mission would become apparent4 ,in ,his writings ,he stated that in the ninth year this expected one would be known2 in the ninth year they would attain to all glory and felicity2 in the ninth year they would advance rapidly4 ,between ,bah'u'llh and the ,bb there was communication privately4 ,the ,bb wrote a letter containing three hundred and sixty derivatives of the root 8,bah40 ,the ,bb was martyred in ,tabrz1 and ,bah'u'llh exiled into ,irq-,arabie in #aheb1 announced ,himself in ,baghdd4 ,for the rnian ,government had decided that as long as ,he remained in rn the peace of the country would be disturbed2 therefore ,he was exiled in the expectation that rn would become quiet4 ,his banishment1 however1 produced the opposite effect4 ,new tumult arose and the mention of ,his greatness and influence spread everywhere throughout the country4 ,the proclamation of ,his manifestation and mission was made in ,baghdd4 ,he called his friends together there and spoke to them of ,god4 ,afterward ,he left the city and went alone into the mountains of ,kurdistn where ,he made his abode in caves and grottoes4 ,a part of this time ,he lived in the city of ,sulimaniyye4 ,two years passed during which neither ,his friends nor family knew just where ,he was4 ,although solitary1 secluded and unknown in ,his retirement1 the report spread throughout ,kurdistn that this was a most remarkable and learned personage gifted with a wonderful power of attraction4 ,in a short time ,kurdistn was magnetized with ,his love4 ,during this period ,bah'u'llh lived in poverty4 ,his garments were those of the poor and needy4 ,his food was that of the indigent and lowly4 ,an atmosphere of majesty haloed ,him as the sun at midday4 ,everywhere ,he was greatly revered and beloved4 ,after two years ,he returned to ,baghdd4 ,friends ,he had known in ,sulimaniyye came to visit ,him4 ,they found ,him in his accustomed environment of ease and affluence and were astonished at the appointments of one who had lived in seclusion under such frugal conditions in ,kurdistn4 ,the rnian government believed the banishment of the ,blessed ,perfection from rn would be the extermination of ,his ,cause in that country4 ,these rulers now realized that it spread more rapidly4 ,his prestige increased1 ,his teachings became more widely circulated4 ,the chiefs of rn then used their influence to have ,bah'u'llh exiled from ,baghdd4 ,he was summoned to ,constantinople by the ,turkish authorities4 ,while in ,constantinople ,he ignored every restriction1 especially the hostility of ministers of state and clergy4 ,the official representatives of rn again brought their influence to bear upon the ,turkish authorities and succeeded in having ,bah'u'llh banished from ,constantinople to ,adrianople1 the object being to keep ,him as far away as possible from rn and render ,his communication with that country more difficult4 ,nevertheless the ,cause still spread and strengthened4 ,finally they consulted together and said3 8,we have banished ,bah'u'llh from place to place but each time he is exiled his cause is more widely extended1 his proclamation increases in power and day by day his lamp is becoming brighter4 ,this is due to the fact that we have exiled him to large cities and populous centers4 ,therefore we will send him to a penal colony as a prisoner so that all may know he is the associate of murderers1 robbers and criminals2 in a short time he and his followers will perish40 ,the sultan of ,turkey then banished ,him to the prison of ,akk in ,syria4 ,when ,bah'u'llh arrived at ,akk1 through the power of ,god ,he was able to hoist ,his banner4 ,his light at first had been a star2 now it became a mighty sun and the illumination of ,his ,cause expanded from the east to the west4 ,inside prison walls ,he wrote epistles to all the kings and rulers of nations summoning them to arbitration and ,universal ,peace4 ,some of the kings received ,his words with disdain and contempt4 ,one of these was the sultan of the ,ottoman kingdom4 ,napoleon ,,iii of ,france did not reply4 ,a second epistle was addressed to him4 ,it stated3 8,i have written you an epistle before this1 summoning you to the cause of ,god but you are of the heedless4 ,you have proclaimed that you were the defender of the oppressed2 now it hath become evident that you are not4 ,nor are you kind to your own suffering and oppressed people4 ,your actions are contrary to your own interests and your kingly pride must fall4 ,because of your arrogance ,god shortly will destroy your sovereignty4 ,france will flee away from you and you will be overwhelmed by a great conquest4 ,there will be lamentation and mourning1 women bemoaning the loss of their sons40 ,this arraignment of ,napoleon ,,iii was published and spread4 ,read it and consider3 ,one prisoner1 single and solitary1 without assistant or defender1 a foreigner and stranger imprisoned in the fortress of ,akk writing such letters to the emperor of ,france and sultan of ,turkey4 ,reflect upon this how ,bah'u'llh upraised the standard of ,his ,cause in prison4 ,refer to history4 ,it is without parallel4 ,no such thing has happened before that time nor since2 a prisoner and an exile advancing ,his ,cause and spreading ,his teachings broadcast so that eventually ,he became powerful enough to conquer the very king who banished ,him4 ,his ,cause spread more and more4 ,the ,blessed ,perfection was a prisoner twenty-five years4 ,during all this time ,he was subjected to the indignities and revilement of the people4 ,he was persecuted1 mocked and put in chains4 ,in rn ,his properties were pillaged and ,his possessions confiscated4 ,first1 banishment from rn to ,baghdd2 then to ,constantinople2 then ,adrianople2 finally from ,roumelia to the prison fortress of ,akk4 ,during ,his lifetime ,he was intensely active4 ,his energy was unlimited4 ,scarcely one night was passed in restful sleep4 ,he bore these ordeals1 suffered these calamities and difficulties in order that a manifestation of selflessness and service might become apparent in the world of humanity2 that the ,most ,great ,peace should become a reality2 that human souls might appear as the angels of heaven2 that heavenly miracles would be wrought among men2 that human faith should be strengthened and perfected2 that the precious1 priceless bestowal of ,god1 the human mind1 might be developed to its fullest capacity in the temple of the body2 and man become the reflection and likeness of ,god1 even as it hath been revealed in the ,bible3 8,we shall create man in ,our own image40 ,briefly2 the ,blessed ,perfection bore all these ordeals and calamities in order that our hearts might become enkindled and radiant1 our spirits be glorified1 our faults become virtues1 our ignorance transformed into knowledge2 in order that we might attain the real fruits of humanity and acquire heavenly graces2 although pilgrims upon earth we should travel the road of the heavenly kingdom2 although needy and poor we might receive the treasures of life eternal4 ,for this has ,he borne these difficulties and sorrows4 ,trust all to ,god4 ,the lights of ,god are resplendent4 ,the blessed epistles are spreading4 ,the blessed teachings are promulgated throughout the east and west4 ,soon you will see that the heavenly words have established the oneness of the world of humanity4 ,the banner of the ,most ,great ,peace has been unfurled and the 8great community0 is appearing4 ,,religion ,,is ,,progressive ,religion is the outer expression of the divine reality4 ,therefore it must be living1 vitalized1 moving and progressive4 ,if it be without motion and non-progressive it is without the divine life2 it is dead4 ,the divine institutes are continuously active and evolutionary2 therefore the revelation of them must be progressive and continuous4 ,all things are subject to re-formation4 ,this is a century of life and renewal4 ,sciences and arts1 industry and invention have been reformed4 ,law and ethics have been reconstituted1 reorganized4 ,the world of thought has been regenerated4 ,sciences of former ages and philosophies of the past are useless today4 ,present exigencies demand new methods of solution2 world problems are without precedent4 ,old ideas and modes of thought are fast becoming obsolete4 ,ancient laws and archaic ethical systems will not meet the requirements of modern conditions1 for this is clearly the century of a new life1 the century of the revelation of the reality and therefore the greatest of all centuries4 ,consider how the scientific developments of fifty years have surpassed and eclipsed the knowledge and achievements of all the former ages combined4 ,would the announcements and theories of ancient astronomers explain our present knowledge of the sun-worlds and planetary systems8 ,would the mask of obscurity which beclouded mediaeval centuries meet the demand for clear-eyed vision and understanding which characterizes the world today8 ,will the despotism of former governments answer the call for freedom which has risen from the heart of humanity in this cycle of illumination8 ,it is evident that no vital results are now forthcoming from the customs1 institutions and standpoints of the past4 ,in view of this1 shall blind imitations of ancestral forms and theological interpretations continue to guide and control the religious life and spiritual development of humanity today8 ,shall man gifted with the power of reason unthinkingly follow and adhere to dogma1 creeds and hereditary beliefs which will not bear the analysis of reason in this century of effulgent reality8 ,unquestionably this will not satisfy men of science1 for when they find premise or conclusion contrary to present standards of proof and without real foundation1 they reject that which has been formerly accepted as standard and correct and move forward from new foundations4 ,the divine prophets have revealed and founded religion4 ,they have laid down certain laws and heavenly principles for the guidance of mankind4 ,they have taught and promulgated the knowledge of ,god1 established praiseworthy ethical ideals and inculcated the highest standards of virtues in the human world4 ,gradually these heavenly teachings and foundations of reality have been beclouded by human interpretations and dogmatic imitations of ancestral beliefs4 ,the essential realities which the prophets labored so hard to establish in human hearts and minds while undergoing ordeals and suffering tortures of persecution1 have now well nigh vanished4 ,some of these heavenly messengers have been killed1 some imprisoned2 all of them despised and rejected while proclaiming the reality of divinity4 ,soon after their departure from this world1 the essential truth of their teachings was lost sight of and dogmatic imitations adhered to4 ,inasmuch as human interpretations and blind imitations differ widely1 religious strife and disagreement have arisen among mankind1 the light of true religion has been extinguished and the unity of the world of humanity destroyed4 ,the prophets of ,god voiced the spirit of unity and agreement4 ,they have been the founders of divine reality4 ,therefore if the nations of the world forsake imitations and investigate the reality underlying the revealed ,word of ,god they will agree and become reconciled4 ,for reality is one and not multiple4 ,the nations and religions are steeped in blind and bigoted imitations4 ,a man is a ,jew because his father was a ,jew4 ,the ,muammadan follows implicitly the footsteps of his ancestors in belief and observance4 ,the ,buddhist is true to his heredity as a ,buddhist4 ,that is to say they profess religious belief blindly and without investigation1 making unity and agreement impossible4 ,it is evident therefore that this condition will not be remedied without a reformation in the world of religion4 ,in other words the fundamental reality of the divine religions must be renewed1 reformed1 revoiced to mankind4 ,from the seed of reality1 religion has grown into a tree which has put forth leaves and branches1 blossoms and fruit4 ,after a time this tree has fallen into a condition of decay4 ,the leaves and blossoms have withered and perished2 the tree has become stricken and fruitless4 ,it is not reasonable that man should hold to the old tree1 claiming that its life forces are undiminished1 its fruit unequalled1 its existence eternal4 ,the seed of reality must be sown again in human hearts in order that a new tree may grow therefrom and new divine fruits refresh the world4 ,by this means the nations and peoples now divergent in religion will be brought into unity1 imitations will be forsaken and a universal brotherhood in the reality itself will be established4 ,warfare and strife will cease among mankind2 all will be reconciled as servants of ,god4 ,for all are sheltered beneath the tree of ,his providence and mercy4 ,god is kind to all2 ,he is the giver of bounty to all alike1 even as ,his ,holiness ,jesus ,christ has declared that ,god 8sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust02 that is to say1 the mercy of ,god is universal4 ,all humanity is under the protection of ,his love and favor1 and unto all ,he has pointed the way of guidance and progress4 ,progress is of two kinds1 material and spiritual4 ,the former is attained through observation of the surrounding existence and constitutes the foundation of civilization4 ,spiritual progress is through the breaths of the ,holy ,spirit and is the awakening of the conscious soul of man to perceive the reality of divinity4 ,material progress insures the happiness of the human world4 ,spiritual progress insures the happiness and eternal continuance of the soul4 ,the prophets of ,god have founded the laws of divine civilization4 ,they have been the root and fundamental source of all knowledge4 ,they have established the principles of human brotherhood or fraternity which is of various kinds1 such as the fraternity of family1 of race1 of nation and of ethical motives4 ,these forms of fraternity1 these bonds of brotherhood are merely temporal and transient in association4 ,they do not insure harmony and are usually productive of disagreement4 ,they do not prevent warfare and strife2 on the contrary they are selfish1 restricted and fruitful causes of enmity and hatred among mankind4 ,the spiritual brotherhood which is enkindled and established through the breaths of the ,holy ,spirit unites nations and removes the cause of warfare and strife4 ,it transforms mankind into one great family and establishes the foundations of the oneness of humanity4 ,it promulgates the spirit of international agreement and insures ,universal ,peace4 ,therefore we must investigate the foundation reality of this heavenly fraternity4 ,we must forsake all imitations and promote the reality of the divine teachings4 ,in accordance with these principles and actions and by the assistance of the ,holy ,spirit1 both material and spiritual happiness shall become realized4 ,until all nations and peoples become united by the bonds of the ,holy ,spirit in this real fraternity1 until national and international prejudices are effaced in the reality of this spiritual brotherhood1 true progress1 prosperity and lasting happiness will not be attained by man4 ,this is the century of new and universal nationhood4 ,sciences have advanced1 industries have progressed1 politics have been reformed1 liberty has been proclaimed1 justice is awakening4 ,this is the century of motion1 divine stimulus and accomplishment2 the century of human solidarity and altruistic service2 the century of ,universal ,peace and the reality of the divine kingdom4 ,,this ,,radiant ,,century ,in the estimation of historians this radiant century is equivalent to one hundred centuries of the past4 ,if comparison be made with the sum total of all former human achievements it will be found that the discoveries1 scientific advancement and material civilization of this present century have equaled1 yea far exceeded the progress and outcome of one hundred former centuries4 ,the production of books and compilations of literature alone bear witness that the output of the human mind in this century has been greater and more enlightening than all the past centuries together4 ,it is evident therefore that this century is of paramount importance4 ,reflect upon the miracles of accomplishment which have already characterized it1 the discoveries in every realm of human research1 inventions1 scientific knowledge1 ethical reforms and regulations established for the welfare of humanity1 mysteries of nature explored1 invisible forces brought into visibility and subjection1 a veritable wonder-world of new phenomena and conditions heretofore unknown to man now open to his uses and further investigation4 ,the east and west can communicate instantly4 ,a human being can soar in the skies or speed in submarine depths4 ,the power of steam has linked the continents4 ,trains cross the deserts and pierce the barriers of mountains2 ships find unerring pathways upon the trackless oceans4 ,day by day discoveries are increasing4 ,what a wonderful century this is6 ,it is an age of universal reformation4 ,laws and statutes of governments civil and federal are in process of change and transformation4 ,sciences and arts are being moulded anew4 ,thoughts are metamorphosed4 ,the foundations of human society are changing and strengthening4 ,today sciences of the past are useless4 ,the ,ptolemaic system of astronomy1 numberless other systems and theories of scientific and philosophical explanation are discarded1 known to be false and worthless4 ,ethical precedents and principles cannot be applied to the needs of the modern world4 ,thoughts and theories of past ages are fruitless now4 ,thrones and governments are crumbling and falling4 ,all conditions and requisites of the past unfitted and inadequate for the present time1 are undergoing radical reform4 ,it is evident therefore that counterfeit and spurious religious teaching1 antiquated forms of belief and ancestral imitations which are at variance with the foundation of divine reality must also pass away and be reformed4 ,they must be abandoned and new conditions be recognized4 ,the morals of humanity must undergo change4 ,new remedy and solution for human problems must be adopted4 ,human intellects themselves must change and be subject to the universal reformation4 ,just as the thoughts and hypotheses of past ages are fruitless today1 likewise dogmas and codes of human invention are obsolete and barren of product in religion4 ,nay1 it is true that they are the cause of enmity and conducive to strife in the world of humanity2 war and bloodshed proceed from them and the oneness of mankind finds no recognition in their observance4 ,therefore it is our duty in this radiant century to investigate the essentials of divine religion1 seek the realities underlying the oneness of the world of humanity and discover the source of fellowship and agreement which will unite mankind in the heavenly bond of love4 ,this unity is the radiance of eternity1 the divine spirituality1 the effulgence of ,god and the bounty of the ,kingdom4 ,we must investigate the divine source of these heavenly bestowals and adhere unto them steadfastly4 ,for if we remain fettered and restricted by human inventions and dogmas1 day by day the world of mankind will be degraded1 day by day warfare and strife will increase and satanic forces converge toward the destruction of the human race4 ,if love and agreement are manifest in a single family1 that family will advance1 become illumined and spiritual2 but if enmity and hatred exist within it destruction and dispersion are inevitable4 ,this is likewise true of a city4 ,if those who dwell within it manifest a spirit of accord and fellowship it will progress steadily and human conditions become brighter whereas through enmity and strife it will be degraded and its inhabitants scattered4 ,in the same way the people of a nation develop and advance toward civilization and enlightenment through love and accord1 and are disintegrated by war and strife4 ,finally1 this is true of humanity itself in the aggregate4 ,when love is realized and the ideal spiritual bonds unite the hearts of men1 the whole human race will be uplifted1 the world will continually grow more spiritual and radiant and the happiness and tranquillity of mankind be immeasurably increased4 ,warfare and strife will be uprooted1 disagreement and dissension pass away and ,universal ,peace unite the nations and peoples of the world4 ,all mankind will dwell together as one family1 blend as the waves of one sea1 shine as stars of one firmament and appear as fruits of the same tree4 ,this is the happiness and felicity of humankind4 ,this is the illumination of man1 the glory eternal and life everlasting2 this is the divine bestowal4 ,i desire this station for you and ,i pray ,god that the people of ,america may achieve this great end in order that the virtue of this democracy may be insured and their names be glorified eternally4 ,may the confirmations of ,god uphold them in all things and their memories become revered throughout the east and the west4 ,may they become the servants of the ,most ,high ,god1 near and dear to ,him in the oneness of the heavenly ,kingdom4 ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh endured ordeals and hardships sixty years4 ,there was no persecution1 vicissitude or suffering ,he did not experience at the hand of ,his enemies and oppressors4 ,all the days of ,his life were passed in difficulty and tribulation2 at one time in prison1 another in exile1 sometimes in chains4 ,he willingly endured these difficulties for the unity of mankind1 praying that the world of humanity might realize the radiance of ,god1 the oneness of humankind become a reality1 strife and warfare cease and peace and tranquillity be realized by all4 ,in prison ,he hoisted the banner of human solidarity1 proclaiming ,universal ,peace1 writing to the kings and rulers of nations summoning them to international unity and counselling arbitration4 ,his life was a vortex of persecution and difficulty1 yet catastrophes1 extreme ordeals and vicissitudes did not hinder the accomplishment of ,his work and mission4 ,nay1 on the contrary ,his power became greater and greater1 ,his efficiency and influence spread and increased until ,his glorious light shone throughout the ,orient1 love and unity were established and the differing religions found a center of contact and reconciliation4 ,therefore we also must strive in this pathway of love and service1 sacrificing life and possessions1 passing our days in devotion1 consecrating our efforts wholly to the cause of ,god1 so that1 ,god willing1 the ensign of universal religion may be uplifted in the world of mankind and the oneness of the world of humanity be established4 ,in your hearts ,i have beheld the reflection of a great and wonderful love4 ,the ,americans have shown me uniform kindness and ,i entertain a deep spiritual love for them4 ,i am pleased with the susceptibilities of your hearts4 ,i will pray for you asking divine assistance and then say farewell4 ,o my ,god6 ,o my ,god6 verily these servants are turning to ,thee1 supplicating ,thy kingdom of mercy4 ,verily they are attracted by ,thy holiness and set aglow with the fire of ,thy love1 seeking confirmation from ,thy wondrous kingdom and hoping for attainment in ,thy heavenly realm4 ,verily they long for the descent of ,thy bestowal1 desiring illumination from the ,sun of ,reality4 ,o ,lord6 make them radiant lamps1 merciful signs1 fruitful trees and shining stars4 ,may they come forth in ,thy service and be connected with ,thee by the bonds and ties of thy love1 longing for the lights of ,thy favor4 ,o ,lord6 make them signs of guidance1 standards of ,thy immortal kingdom1 waves of the sea of ,thy mercy1 mirrors of the light of ,thy majesty4 ,verily ,thou art the generous6 ,verily ,thou art the merciful6 ,verily ,thou art the precious1 the beloved6 ,,the ,,most ,,great ,,peace ,today there is no greater glory for man than that of service in the cause of the 8,most ,great ,peace40 ,peace is light whereas war is darkness4 ,peace is life2 war is death4 ,peace is guidance2 war is error4 ,peace is the foundation of ,god2 war is satanic institution4 ,peace is the illumination of the world of humanity2 war is the destroyer of human foundations4 ,when we consider outcomes in the world of existence we find that peace and fellowship are factors of upbuilding and betterment whereas war and strife are the causes of destruction and disintegration4 ,all created things are expressions of the affinity and cohesion of elementary substances1 and non-existence is the absence of their attraction and agreement4 ,various elements unite harmoniously in composition but when these elements become discordant1 repelling each other1 decomposition and non-existence result4 ,everything partakes of this nature and is subject to this principle1 for the creative foundation in all its degrees and kingdoms is an expression or outcome of love4 ,consider the restlessness and agitation of the human world today because of war4 ,peace is health and construction2 war is disease and dissolution4 ,when the banner of truth is raised1 peace becomes the cause of the welfare and advancement of the human world4 ,in all cycles and ages war has been a factor of derangement and discomfort whereas peace and brotherhood have brought security and consideration of human interests4 ,this distinction is especially pronounced in the present world conditions1 for warfare in former centuries had not attained the degree of savagery and destructiveness which now characterizes it4 ,if two nations were at war in olden times1 ten or twenty thousand would be sacrificed but in this century the destruction of one hundred thousand lives in a day is quite possible4 ,so perfected has the science of killing become and so efficient the means and instruments of its accomplishment that a whole nation can be obliterated in a short time4 ,therefore comparison with the methods and results of ancient warfare is out of the question4 ,according to an intrinsic law1 all phenomena of being attain to a summit and degree of consummation1 after which a new order and condition is established4 ,as the instruments and science of war have reached the degree of thoroughness and proficiency1 it is hoped that the transformation of the human world is at hand and that in the coming centuries all the energies and inventions of man will be utilized in promoting the interests of peace and brotherhood4 ,therefore may this esteemed and worthy society for the establishment of international peace be confirmed in its sincere intentions and empowered by ,god4 ,then will it hasten the time when the banner of universal agreement will be raised and international welfare will be proclaimed and consummated so that the darkness which now encompasses the world shall pass away4 ,sixty years ago ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh was in rn4 ,seventy years ago ,his ,holiness the ,bb appeared there4 ,these two blessed souls devoted their lives to the foundation of international peace and love among mankind4 ,they strove with heart and soul to establish the teachings by which divergent people might be brought together and no strife1 rancor or hatred prevail4 ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh addressing all humanity1 said that ,adam the parent of mankind may be likened to the tree of nativity upon which you are the leaves and blossoms4 ,inasmuch as your origin was one1 you must now be united and agreed2 you must consort with each other in joy and fragrance4 ,he pronounced prejudice1 whether religious1 racial1 patriotic1 political1 the destroyer of the body-politic4 ,he said that man must recognize the oneness of humanity1 for all in origin belong to the same household and all are servants of the same ,god4 ,therefore mankind must continue in the state of fellowship and love1 emulating the institutions of ,god and turning away from satanic promptings1 for the divine bestowals bring forth unity and agreement whereas satanic leadings induce hatred and war4 ,this remarkable personage was able by these principles to establish a bond of unity among the differing sects and divergent people of rn4 ,those who followed ,his teachings no matter from what denomination or faction they came were conjoined by the ties of love1 until now they cooperate and live together in peace and agreement4 ,they are real brothers and sisters4 ,no distinctions of class are observed among them and complete harmony prevails4 ,daily this bond of affinity is strengthening and their spiritual fellowship continually develops4 ,in order to insure the progress of mankind and to establish these principles ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh suffered every ordeal and difficulty4 ,his ,holiness the ,bb became a martyr1 and over twenty thousand men and women sacrificed their lives for their faith4 ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh was imprisoned and subjected to severe persecutions4 ,finally he was exiled from rn to ,mesopotamia2 from ,baghdd ,he was sent to ,constantinople and ,adrianople and from thence to the prison of ,akk in ,syria4 ,through all these ordeals ,he strove day and night to proclaim the oneness of humanity and promulgate the message of ,universal ,peace4 ,from the prison of ,akk ,he addressed the kings and rulers of the earth in lengthy letters summoning them to international agreement and explicitly stating that the standard of the 8,most ,great ,peace0 would surely be upraised in the world4 ,this has come to pass4 ,the powers of earth cannot withstand the privileges and bestowals which ,god has ordained for this great and glorious century4 ,it is a need and exigency of the time4 ,man can withstand anything except that which is divinely intended and indicated for the age and its requirements4 ,now1 praise be to ,god6 in all countries of the world1 lovers of peace are to be found and these principles are being spread among mankind1 especially in this country4 ,praise be to ,god6 this thought is prevailing and souls are continually arising as defenders of the oneness of humanity1 endeavoring to assist and establish international peace4 ,there is no doubt that this wonderful democracy will be able to realize it and the banner of international agreement will be unfurled here to spread onward and outward among all the nations of the world4 ,i give thanks to ,god that ,i find you imbued with such susceptibilities and lofty aspirations and ,i hope that you will be the means of spreading this light to all men4 ,thus may the ,sun of ,reality shine upon the east and west4 ,the enveloping clouds shall pass away and the heat of the divine rays will dispel the mist4 ,the reality of man shall develop and come forth as the image of ,god his creator4 ,the thoughts of man shall take such upward flight that former accomplishments shall appear as the play of children2--for the ideas and beliefs of the past and the prejudices regarding race and religion have ever been lowering and destructive to human evolution4 ,i am most hopeful that in this century these lofty thoughts shall be conducive to human welfare4 ,let this century be the sun of previous centuries the effulgences of which shall last forever1 so that in times to come they shall glorify the twentieth century1 saying the twentieth century was the century of lights1 the twentieth century was the century of life1 the twentieth century was the century of international peace1 the twentieth century was the century of divine bestowals and the twentieth century has left traces which shall last forever4 ,,man ,,and ,,nature ,from the time of the creation of ,adam to this day there have been two pathways in the world of humanity2 one the natural or materialistic1 the other the religious or spiritual4 ,the pathway of nature is the pathway of the animal realm4 ,the animal acts in accordance with the requirements of nature1 follows its own instincts and desires4 ,whatever its impulses and proclivities may be it has the liberty to gratify them2 yet it is a captive of nature4 ,it cannot deviate in the least degree from the road nature has established4 ,it is utterly minus spiritual susceptibilities1 ignorant of divine religion and without knowledge of the kingdom of ,god4 ,the animal possesses no power of ideation or conscious intelligence2 it is a captive of the senses and deprived of that which lies beyond them4 ,it is subject to what the eye sees1 the ear hears1 the nostrils sense1 the taste detects and touch reveals4 ,these sensations are acceptable and sufficient for the animal4 ,but that which is beyond the range of the senses1 that realm of phenomena through which the conscious pathway to the kingdom of ,god leads1 the world of spiritual susceptibilities and divine religion1--of these the animal is completely unaware1 for in its highest station it is a captive of nature4 ,one of the strangest things witnessed is that the materialists of today are proud of their natural instincts and bondage4 ,they state that nothing is entitled to belief and acceptance except that which is sensible or tangible4 ,by their own statements they are captives of nature1 unconscious of the spiritual world1 uninformed of the divine ,kingdom and unaware of heavenly bestowals4 ,if this be a virtue the animal has attained it to a superlative degree1 for the animal is absolutely ignorant of the realm of spirit and out of touch with the inner world of conscious realization4 ,the animal would agree with the materialist in denying the existence of that which transcends the senses4 ,if we admit that being limited to the plane of the senses is a virtue the animal is indeed more virtuous than man1 for it is entirely bereft of that which lies beyond1 absolutely oblivious of the kingdom of ,god and its traces whereas ,god has deposited within the human creature an illimitable power by which he can rule the world of nature4 ,consider how all other phenomenal existence and beings are captives of nature4 ,the sun1 that colossal center of our solar system1 the giant stars and planets1 the towering mountains1 the earth itself and its kingdoms of life lower than the human1--all are captives of nature except man4 ,no other created thing can deviate in the slightest degree from obedience to natural law4 ,the sun in its glory and greatness millions of miles away is held prisoner in its orbit of universal revolution1 captive of universal natural control4 ,man is the ruler of nature4 ,according to natural law and limitation he should remain upon the earth1 but behold how he violates this command and soars above the mountains in aeroplanes4 ,he sails in ships upon the surface of the ocean and dives into its depths in submarines4 ,man makes nature his servant2 harnesses the mighty energy of electricity for instance and imprisons it in a small lamp for his uses and convenience4 ,he speaks from the east to the west through a wire4 ,he is able to store and preserve his voice in a phonograph4 ,though he is a dweller upon earth he penetrates the mysteries of starry worlds inconceivably distant4 ,he discovers latent realities within the bosom of the earth1 uncovers treasures1 penetrates secrets and mysteries of the phenomenal world and brings to light that which according to nature's jealous laws should remain hidden1 unknown and unfathomable4 ,through an ideal inner power man brings these realities forth from the invisible plane to the visible4 ,this is contrary to nature's law4 ,it is evident therefore that man is ruler over nature's sphere and province4 ,nature is inert1 man is progressive4 ,nature has no consciousness1 man is endowed with it4 ,nature is without volition and acts perforce whereas man possesses a mighty will4 ,nature is incapable of discovering mysteries or realities whereas man is especially fitted to do so4 ,nature is not in touch with the realm of ,god1 man is attuned to its evidences4 ,nature is uninformed of ,god1 man is conscious of ,him4 ,man acquires divine virtues1 nature is denied them4 ,man can voluntarily discontinue vices1 nature has no power to modify the influence of its instincts4 ,altogether it is evident that man is more noble and superior2 that in him there is an ideal power surpassing nature4 ,he has consciousness1 volition1 memory1 intelligent power1 divine attributes and virtues of which nature is completely deprived1 bereft and minus2 therefore man is higher and nobler by reason of the ideal and heavenly force latent and manifest in him4 ,how strange then it seems that man1 notwithstanding his endowment with this ideal power1 will descend to a level beneath him and declare himself no greater than that which is manifestly inferior to his real station4 ,god has created such a conscious spirit within him that he is the most wonderful of all contingent beings4 ,in ignoring these virtues he descends to the material plane1 considers matter the ruler of existence and denies that which lies beyond4 ,is this virtue8 ,in its fullest sense this is animalistic1 for the animal realizes nothing more4 ,in fact from this standpoint the animal is the greater philosopher because it is completely ignorant of the kingdom of ,god1 possesses no spiritual susceptibilities and is uninformed of the heavenly world4 ,in brief1 this is a view of the pathway of nature4 ,the second pathway is that of religion1 the road of the divine ,kingdom4 ,it involves the acquisition of praiseworthy attributes1 heavenly illumination and righteous actions in the world of humanity4 ,this pathway is conducive to the progress and uplift of the world4 ,it is the source of human enlightenment1 training and ethical improvement2 the magnet which attracts the love of ,god because of the knowledge of ,god it bestows4 ,this is the road of the holy ,manifestations of ,god for they are in reality the foundation of the divine religion of oneness4 ,there is no change or transformation in this pathway4 ,it is the cause of human betterment1 the acquisition of heavenly virtues and the illumination of mankind4 ,alas6 that humanity is completely submerged in imitations and unrealities notwithstanding the truth of divine religion has ever remained the same4 ,superstitions have obscured the fundamental reality1 the world is darkened and the light of religion is not apparent4 ,this darkness is conducive to differences and dissensions2 rites and dogmas are many and various2 therefore discord has arisen among the religious systems whereas religion is for the unification of mankind4 ,true religion is the source of love and agreement amongst men1 the cause of the development of praiseworthy qualities2 but the people are holding to the counterfeit and imitation1 negligent of the reality which unifies2 so they are bereft and deprived of the radiance of religion4 ,they follow superstitions inherited from their fathers and ancestors4 ,to such an extent has this prevailed that they have taken away the heavenly light of divine truth and sit in the darkness of imitations and imaginations4 ,that which was meant to be conducive to life has become the cause of death2 that which should have been an evidence of knowledge is now a proof of ignorance2 that which was a factor in the sublimity of human nature has proved to be its degradation4 ,therefore the realm of the religionist has gradually narrowed and darkened and the sphere of the materialist has widened and advanced2 for the religionist has held to imitation and counterfeit1 neglecting and discarding holiness and the sacred reality of religion4 ,when the sun sets it is the time for bats to fly4 ,they come forth because they are creatures of the night4 ,when the lights of religion become darkened the materialists appear4 ,they are the bats of night4 ,the decline of religion is their time of activity2 they seek the shadows when the world is darkened and clouds have spread over it4 ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh has risen from the eastern horizon4 ,like the glory of the sun ,he has come into the world4 ,he has reflected the reality of divine religion1 dispelled the darkness of imitations1 laid the foundation of new teachings and resuscitated the world4 ,the first teaching of ,bah'u'llh is the investigation of reality4 ,man must seek the reality himself1 forsaking imitations and adherence to mere hereditary forms4 ,as the nations of the world are following imitations in lieu of truth and as imitations are many and various1 differences of belief have been productive of strife and warfare4 ,so long as these imitations remain the oneness of the world of humanity is impossible4 ,therefore we must investigate the reality in order that by its light the clouds and darkness may be dispelled4 ,reality is one reality2 it does not admit multiplicity or division4 ,if the nations of the world investigate reality they will agree and become united4 ,many people and sects in rn have sought reality through the guidance and teaching of ,bah'u'llh4 ,they have become united and now live in a state of agreement and love2 among them there is no longer the least trace of enmity and strife4 ,the ,jews were expecting the appearance of the ,messiah1 looking forward to it with devotion of heart and soul but because they were submerged in imitations they did not believe in ,his ,holiness ,jesus ,christ when he appeared4 ,finally they rose against ,him even to the extreme of persecution and shedding ,his blood4 ,had they investigated reality they would have accepted their promised ,messiah4 ,these blind imitations and hereditary prejudices have invariably become the cause of bitterness and hatred and have filled the world with darkness and violence of war4 ,therefore we must seek the fundamental truth in order to extricate ourselves from such conditions and then with illumined faces find the pathway to the kingdom of ,god4 ,the second teaching of ,bah'u'llh concerns the unity of mankind4 ,all are the servants of ,god and members of one human family4 ,god has created all and all are ,his children4 ,he rears1 nourishes1 provides for and is kind to all4 ,why should we be unjust and unkind8 ,this is the policy of ,god1 the lights of which have shone throughout the world4 ,his sun bestows its effulgence unsparingly upon all1 ,his clouds send down rain without distinction or favor1 ,his breezes refresh the whole earth4 ,it is evident that humankind without exception is sheltered beneath ,his mercy and protection4 ,some are imperfect2 they must be perfected4 ,the ignorant must be taught1 the sick healed1 the sleepers awakened4 ,the child must not be oppressed or censured because it is undeveloped2 it must be patiently trained4 ,the sick must not be neglected because they are ailing2 nay1 rather1 we must have compassion upon them and bring them healing4 ,briefly2 the old conditions of animosity1 bigotry and hatred between the religious systems must be dispelled and the new conditions of love1 agreement and spiritual brotherhood be established among them4 ,the third teaching of ,bah'u'llh is that religion must be the source of fellowship1 the cause of unity and the nearness of ,god to man4 ,if it rouses hatred and strife it is evident that absence of religion is preferable and an irreligious man better than one who professes it4 ,according to the divine will and intention religion should be the cause of love and agreement1 a bond to unify all mankind for it is a message of peace and good-will to man from ,god4 ,the fourth teaching of ,bah'u'llh is the agreement of religion and science4 ,god has endowed man with intelligence and reason whereby he is required to determine the verity of questions and propositions4 ,if religious beliefs and opinions are found contrary to the standards of science they are mere superstitions and imaginations2 for the antithesis of knowledge is ignorance1 and the child of ignorance is superstition4 ,unquestionably there must be agreement between true religion and science4 ,if a question be found contrary to reason1 faith and belief in it are impossible and there is no outcome but wavering and vacillation4 ,bah'u'llh has also taught that prejudices1 whether religious1 racial1 patriotic or political are destructive to the foundations of human development4 ,prejudices of any kind are the destroyers of human happiness and welfare4 ,until they are dispelled the advancement of the world of humanity is not possible1 yet racial1 religious and national bias are observed everywhere4 ,for thousands of years the world of humanity has been agitated and disturbed by prejudices4 ,as long as it prevails1 warfare1 animosity and hatred will continue4 ,therefore if we seek to establish peace we must cast aside this obstacle1 for otherwise agreement and composure are not to be attained4 ,fifth3 ,bah'u'llh set forth principles of guidance and teaching for economic readjustment4 ,regulations were revealed by ,him which insure the welfare of the commonwealth4 ,as the rich man enjoys his life surrounded by ease and luxuries1 so the poor man must likewise have a home and be provided with sustenance and comforts commensurate with his needs4 ,this readjustment of the social economic is of the greatest importance inasmuch as it insures the stability of the world of humanity2 and until it is effected1 happiness and prosperity are impossible4 ,sixth3 ,bah'u'llh teaches that an equal standard of human rights must be recognized and adopted4 ,in the estimation of ,god all men are equal2 there is no distinction or preferment for any soul in the dominion of ,his justice and equity4 ,seventh3 ,education is essential and all standards of training and teaching throughout the world of mankind should be brought into conformity and agreement2 a universal curriculum should be established and the basis of ethics be the same4 ,eighth3 ,a universal language shall be adopted and be taught by all the schools and institutions of the world4 ,a committee appointed by national bodies of learning shall select a suitable language to be used as a medium of international communication4 ,all must acquire it4 ,this is one of the great factors in the unification of man4 ,ninth3 ,bah'u'llh emphasized and established the equality of man and woman4 ,sex is not particularized to humanity2 it exists throughout the animate kingdoms but without distinction or preference4 ,in the vegetable kingdom there is complete equality between male and female of species4 ,likewise in the animal plane equality exists2 all are under the protection of ,god4 ,is it becoming to man that he1 the noblest of creatures1 should observe and insist upon such distinction8 ,woman's lack of progress and proficiency has been due to her need of equal education and opportunity4 ,had she been allowed this equality there is no doubt she would be the counterpart of man in ability and capacity4 ,the happiness of mankind will be realized when women and men coordinate and advance equally1 for each is the complement and helpmeet of the other4 ,the world of humanity cannot advance through mere physical powers and intellectual attainments2 nay1 rather1 the ,holy ,spirit is essential4 ,the divine ,father must assist the human world to attain maturity4 ,the body of man is in need of physical and mental energy but his spirit requires the life and fortification of the ,holy ,spirit4 ,without its protection and quickening the human world would be extinguished4 ,his ,holiness ,jesus ,christ declared1 8,let the dead bury their dead40 ,he also said1 8,that which is born of the flesh is flesh1 and that which is born of the spirit is spirit40 ,it is evident therefore according to ,his ,holiness that the human spirit which is not fortified by the presence of the ,holy ,spirit is dead and in need of resurrection by that divine power2 otherwise though materially advanced to high degrees man cannot attain full and complete progress4 ,,science ,,and ,,spiritual ,,development ,if we look with a perceiving eye upon the world of creation1 we find that all existing things may be classified as follows3 ,first--,mineral--that is to say matter or substance appearing in various forms of composition4 ,second--,vegetable--possessing the virtues of the mineral plus the power of augmentation or growth1 indicating a degree higher and more specialized than the mineral4 ,third--,animal--possessing the attributes of the mineral and vegetable plus the power of sense perception4 ,fourth--,human--the highest specialized organism of visible creation1 embodying the qualities of the mineral1 vegetable and animal plus an ideal endowment absolutely minus and absent in the lower kingdoms--the power of intellectual investigation into the mysteries of outer phenomena4 ,the outcome of this intellectual endowment is science which is especially characteristic of man4 ,this scientific power investigates and apprehends created objects and the laws surrounding them4 ,it is the discoverer of the hidden and mysterious secrets of the material universe and is peculiar to man alone4 ,the most noble and praiseworthy accomplishment of man therefore is scientific knowledge and attainment4 ,science may be likened to a mirror wherein the images of the mysteries of outer phenomena are reflected4 ,it brings forth and exhibits to us in the arena of knowledge all the product of the past4 ,it links together past and present4 ,the philosophical conclusions of bygone centuries1 the teachings of the prophets and wisdom of former sages are crystallized and reproduced in the scientific advancement of today4 ,science is the discoverer of the past4 ,from its premises of past and present we deduce conclusions as to the future4 ,science is the governor of nature and its mysteries1 the one agency by which man explores the institutions of material creation4 ,all created things are captives of nature and subject to its laws4 ,they cannot transgress the control of these laws in one detail or particular4 ,the infinite starry worlds and heavenly bodies are nature's obedient subjects4 ,the earth and its myriad organisms1 all minerals1 plants and animals are thralls of its dominion4 ,but man through the exercise of his scientific1 intellectual power can rise out of this condition1 can modify1 change and control nature according to his own wishes and uses4 ,science1 so to speak1 is the 8breaker0 of the laws of nature4 ,consider1 for example1 that man according to natural law should dwell upon the surface of the earth4 ,by overcoming this law and restriction however he sails in ships over the ocean1 mounts to the zenith in aeroplanes and sinks to the depths of the sea in submarines4 ,this is against the fiat of nature and a violation of her sovereignty and dominion4 ,nature's laws and methods1 the hidden secrets and mysteries of the universe1 human inventions and discoveries1 all our scientific acquisitions should naturally remain concealed and unknown1 but man through his intellectual acumen searches them out of the plane of the invisible1 draws them into the plane of the visible1 exposes and explains them4 ,for instance1 one of the mysteries of nature is electricity4 ,according to nature this force1 this energy should remain latent and hidden1 but man scientifically breaks through the very laws of nature1 arrests it and even imprisons it for his use4 ,in brief1 man through the possession of this ideal endowment of scientific investigation is the most noble product of creation1 the governor of nature4 ,he takes the sword from nature's hand and uses it upon nature's head4 ,according to natural law1 night is a period of darkness and obscurity1 but man by utilizing the power of electricity1 by wielding this electric sword overcomes the darkness and dispels the gloom4 ,man is superior to nature and makes nature do his bidding4 ,man is a sensitive being2 nature is minus sensation4 ,man has memory and reason2 nature lacks them4 ,man is nobler than nature4 ,there are powers within him of which nature is devoid4 ,it may be claimed that these powers are from nature itself and that man is a part of nature4 ,in answer to this statement we will say that if nature is the whole and man is a part of that whole1 how could it be possible for a part to possess qualities and virtues which are absent in the whole8 ,undoubtedly the part must be endowed with the same qualities and properties as the whole4 ,for example1 the hair is a part of the human anatomy4 ,it cannot contain elements which are not found in other parts of the body1 for in all cases the component elements of the body are the same4 ,therefore it is manifest and evident that man1 although in body a part of nature1 nevertheless in spirit possesses a power transcending nature2 for if he were simply a part of nature and limited to material laws he could possess only the things which nature embodies4 ,god has conferred upon and added to man a distinctive power1 the faculty of intellectual investigation into the secrets of creation1 the acquisition of higher knowledge1 the greatest virtue of which is scientific enlightenment4 ,this endowment is the most praiseworthy power of man1 for through its employment and exercise1 the betterment of the human race is accomplished1 the development of the virtues of mankind is made possible and the spirit and mysteries of ,god become manifest4 ,therefore ,i am greatly pleased with my visit to this university4 ,praise be to ,god6 that this country abounds in such institutions of learning where the knowledge of sciences and arts may readily be acquired4 ,as material and physical sciences are taught here and are constantly unfolding in wider vistas of attainment1 ,i am hopeful that spiritual development may also follow and keep pace with these outer advantages4 ,as material knowledge is illuminating those within the walls of this great temple of learning1 so also may the light of the spirit1 the inner and divine light of the real philosophy glorify this institution4 ,the most important principle of divine philosophy is the oneness of the world of humanity1 the unity of mankind1 the bond conjoining east and west1 the tie of love which blends human hearts4 ,therefore it is our duty to put forth our greatest efforts and summon all our energies in order that the bonds of unity and accord may be established among mankind4 ,for thousands of years we have had bloodshed and strife4 ,it is enough2 it is sufficient4 ,now is the time to associate together in love and harmony4 ,for thousands of years we have tried the sword and warfare2 let mankind for a time at least live in peace4 ,review history and consider how much savagery1 how much bloodshed and battle the world has witnessed4 ,it has been either religious warfare1 political warfare or some other clash of human interests4 ,the world of humanity has never enjoyed the blessing of ,universal ,peace4 ,year by year the implements of warfare have been increased and perfected4 ,consider the wars of past centuries2 only ten1 fifteen or twenty thousand at the most were killed but now it is possible to kill one hundred thousand in a single day4 ,in ancient times warfare was carried on with the sword2 today it is the smokeless gun4 ,formerly battleships were sailing vessels2 today they are dreadnoughts4 ,consider the increase and improvement in the weapons of war4 ,god has created us all human and all countries of the world are parts of the same globe4 ,we are all his servants4 ,he is kind and just to all4 ,why should we be unkind and unjust to each other8 ,he provides for all4 ,why should we deprive one another8 ,he protects and preserves all4 ,why should we kill our fellow-creatures8 ,if this warfare and strife be for the sake of religion1 it is evident that it violates the spirit and basis of all religion4 ,all the divine ,manifestations have proclaimed the oneness of ,god and the unity of mankind4 ,they have taught that men should love and mutually help each other in order that they might progress4 ,now if this conception of religion be true1 its essential principle is the oneness of humanity4 ,the fundamental truth of the ,manifestations is peace4 ,this underlies all religion1 all justice4 ,the divine purpose is that men should live in unity1 concord and agreement and should love one another4 ,consider the virtues of the human world and realize that the oneness of humanity is the primary foundation of them all4 ,read the ,gospel and the other holy books4 ,you will find their fundamentals are one and the same4 ,therefore unity is the essential truth of religion and when so understood embraces all the virtues of the human world4 ,praise be to ,god6 this knowledge has been spread1 eyes have been opened and ears have become attentive4 ,therefore we must endeavor to promulgate and practice the religion of ,god which has been founded by all the prophets4 ,and the religion of ,god is absolute love and unity4 ,,teachings ,,of ,,bah',u',,ll,h ,i will speak to you concerning the special teachings of ,bah'u'llh4 ,all the divine principles announced by the tongue of the prophets of the past are to be found in the words of ,bah'u'llh2 but in addition to these1 ,he has revealed certain new teachings which are not found in any of the sacred books of former times4 ,i shall mention some of them2 the others which are many in number may be found in the books1 tablets and epistles written by ,bah'u'llh1 such as the ,hidden ,words1 the ,glad-,tidings1 the ,words of ,paradise1 ,tajallyt1 ,tarazt and others4 ,likewise in the ,book of ,aqdas there are new teachings which cannot be found in any of the past books or epistles of the prophets4 ,a fundamental teaching of ,bah'u'llh is the oneness of the world of humanity4 ,addressing mankind1 ,he says3 8,ye are all leaves of one tree and the fruits of one branch40 ,by this it is meant that the world of humanity is like a tree1 the nations or peoples are the different limbs or branches of that tree and the individual human creatures are as the fruits and blossoms thereof4 ,in this way ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh expressed the oneness of humankind whereas in all religious teachings of the past1 the human world has been represented as divided into two parts1 one known as the people of the ,book of ,god or the pure tree and the other the people of infidelity and error or the evil tree4 ,the former were considered as belonging to the faithful and the others to the hosts of the irreligious and infidel2 one part of humanity the recipients of divine mercy and the other the object of the wrath of their ,creator4 ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh removed this by proclaiming the oneness of the world of humanity and this principle is specialized in ,his teachings for ,he has submerged all mankind in the sea of divine generosity4 ,some are asleep2 they need to be awakened4 ,some are ailing2 they need to be healed4 ,some are immature as children2 they need to be trained4 ,but all are recipients of the bounty and bestowals of ,god4 ,another new principle revealed by ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh is the injunction to investigate truth2 that is to say1 no man should blindly follow his ancestors and forefathers4 ,nay1 each must see with his own eyes1 hear with his own ears and investigate the truth himself in order that he may follow the truth instead of blind acquiescence and imitation of ancestral beliefs4 ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh has announced that the foundation of all the religions of ,god is one2 that oneness is truth and truth is oneness which does not admit of plurality4 ,this teaching is new and specialized to this ,manifestation4 ,he sets forth a new principle for this day in the announcement that religion must be the cause of unity1 harmony and agreement among mankind4 ,if it be the cause of discord and hostility1 if it leads to separation and creates conflict1 the absence of religion would be preferable in the world4 ,furthermore ,he proclaims that religion must be in harmony with science and reason4 ,if it does not conform to science and reconcile with reason it is superstition4 ,down to the present day it has been customary for man to accept a religious teaching even though it were not in accord with human reason and judgment4 ,the harmony of religious belief with reason is a new vista which ,bah'u'llh has opened for the soul of man4 ,he establishes the equality of man and woman4 ,this is peculiar to the teachings of ,bah'u'llh1 for all other religions have placed man above woman4 ,a new religious principle is that prejudice and fanaticism whether sectarian1 denominational1 patriotic or political are destructive to the foundation of human solidarity2 therefore man should release himself from such bonds in order that the oneness of the world of humanity may become manifest4 ,universal ,peace is assured by ,bah'u'llh as a fundamental accomplishment of the religion of ,god2 that peace shall prevail among nations1 governments and peoples1 among religions1 races and all conditions of mankind4 ,this is one of the special characteristics of the ,word of ,god revealed in this ,manifestation4 ,bah'u'llh declares that all mankind should attain knowledge and acquire an education4 ,this is a necessary principle of religious belief and observance characteristically new in this dispensation4 ,he has set forth the solution and provided the remedy for the economic question4 ,no religious books of the past ,prophets speak of this important human problem4 ,he has ordained and established the ,house of ,justice which is endowed with a political as well as a religious function1 the consummate union and blending of church and state4 ,this institution is under the protecting power of ,bah'u'llh ,himself4 ,a universal or international ,house of ,justice shall also be organized4 ,its rulings shall be in accordance with the commands and teachings of ,bah'u'llh1 and that which the universal ,house of ,justice ordains shall be obeyed by all mankind4 ,this international ,house of ,justice shall be appointed and organized from the ,houses of ,justice of the whole world1 and all the world shall come under its administration4 ,as to the most great characteristic of the revelation of ,baha'u'llah--a specific teaching not given by any of the ,prophets of the past--it is the ordination and appointment of the ,center of the ,covenant4 ,by this appointment and provision ,he has safeguarded and protected the religion of ,god against differences and schisms1 making it impossible for any one to create a new sect or faction of belief4 ,to insure unity and agreement ,he has entered into a ,covenant with all the people of the world including the ,interpreter and ,explainer of ,his teachings so that no one may interpret or explain the religion of ,god according to his own view or opinion and thus create a sect founded upon his individual understanding of the divine words4 ,the ,book of the ,covenant or ,testament of ,bah'u'llh is the means of preventing such a possibility1 for whosoever shall speak from the authority of himself alone shall be degraded4 ,be ye informed and cognizant of this4 ,,the ,,educators ,,of ,,mankind ,according to the statement of philosophers the difference in degree of humankind from lowest to highest is due to education4 ,the proofs they advance are these3 ,the civilization of ,europe and ,america is an evidence and outcome of education whereas the semi-civilized and barbarous peoples of ,africa bear witness in their condition that they have been deprived of its advantages4 ,education makes the ignorant wise1 the tyrant just1 promotes happiness1 strengthens the mind1 develops the will and makes fruitless trees of humanity fruitful4 ,therefore in the human world some have attained lofty degrees while others grope in the abyss of despair4 ,nevertheless the highest attainment is possible for every member of the human race even to the station of the prophets4 ,this is the statement and reasoning of the philosophers4 ,the prophets of ,god are the first educators4 ,they bestow universal education upon man and cause him to rise from lowest levels of savagery to the highest pinnacles of spiritual development4 ,the philosophers too are educators along lines of intellectual training4 ,at most they have only been able to educate themselves and a limited number about them1 to improve their own morals and1 so to speak1 civilize themselves2 but they have been incapable of universal education4 ,they have failed to cause an advancement for any given nation from savagery to civilization4 ,it is evident that although education improves the morals of mankind1 confers the advantages of civilization and elevates man from lowest degrees to the station of sublimity1 there is nevertheless a difference in the intrinsic or natal capacity of individuals4 ,ten children of the same age1 with equal station of birth1 taught in the same school1 partaking of the same food1 in all respects subject to the same environment1 their interests equal and in common1 will evidence separate and distinct degrees of capability and advancement2 some exceedingly intelligent and progressive1 some of mediocre ability1 others limited and incapable4 ,one may become a learned professor while another under the same course of education proves dull and stupid4 ,from all standpoints the opportunities have been equal but the results and outcomes vary from the highest to lowest degree of advancement4 ,it is evident therefore that mankind differs in natal capacity and intrinsic intellectual endowment4 ,nevertheless1 although capacities are not the same1 every member of the human race is capable of education4 ,his ,holiness ,jesus ,christ was an educator of humanity4 ,his teachings were altruistic2 ,his bestowal universal4 ,he taught mankind by the power of the ,holy ,spirit and not through human agency1 for the human power is limited whereas the divine power is illimitable and infinite4 ,the influence and accomplishment of ,christ will attest this4 ,galen the ,greek physician and philosopher who lived in the second century ,a4,d41 wrote a treatise upon the civilization of nations4 ,he was not a ,christian but he has borne testimony that religious beliefs exercise an extraordinary effect upon the problems of civilization4 ,in substance he says3 8,there are certain people among us1 followers of ,jesus the ,nazarene who was killed in ,jerusalem4 ,these people are truly imbued with moral principles which are the envy of philosophers4 ,they believe in ,god and fear ,him4 ,they have hopes in ,his favors1 therefore they shun all unworthy deeds and actions and incline to praiseworthy ethics and morals4 ,day and night they strive that their deeds may be commendable and that they may contribute to the welfare of humanity2 therefore each one of them is virtually a philosopher1 for these people have attained unto that which is the essence and purport of philosophy4 ,these people have praiseworthy morals even though they may be illiterate40 ,the purpose of this is to show that the holy ,manifestations of ,god1 the divine prophets1 are the first teachers of the human race4 ,they are universal educators and the fundamental principles they have laid down are the causes and factors of the advancement of nations4 ,forms and imitations which creep in afterward are not conducive to that progress4 ,on the contrary these are destroyers of human foundations established by the heavenly educators4 ,these are clouds which obscure the ,sun of ,reality4 ,if you reflect upon the essential teachings of ,jesus you will realize that they are the light of the world4 ,nobody can question their truth4 ,they are the very source of life and the cause of happiness to the human race4 ,the forms and superstitions which appeared and obscured the light did not affect the reality of ,christ4 ,for example1 ,his ,holiness ,jesus ,christ said3 8,put up the sword into the sheath40 ,the meaning is that warfare is forbidden and abrogated2 but consider the ,christian wars which took place afterward4 ,christian hostility and inquisition spared not even the learned2 he who proclaimed the revolution of the earth was imprisoned2 he who announced the new astronomical system was persecuted as a heretic2 scholars and scientists became objects of fanatical hatred and many were killed and tortured4 ,how do these actions conform with the teachings of ,jesus ,christ and what relation do they bear to his own example8 ,for ,christ declared3 8,love your enemies1 and pray for them that persecute you that you may be sons of your ,father which is in ,heaven2 for ,he maketh ,his sun to rise on the evil and the good1 and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust40 ,how can hatred1 hostility and persecution be reconciled with ,christ and ,his teachings8 ,therefore there is need of turning back to the original foundation4 ,the fundamental principles of the prophets are correct and true4 ,the imitations and superstitions which have crept in are at wide variance with the original precepts and commands4 ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh has revoiced and re-established the quintessence of the teachings of all the prophets1 setting aside the accessories and purifying religion from human interpretation4 ,he has written a book entitled ,hidden ,words4 ,the preface announces that it contains the essences of the words of the prophets of the past clothed in the garment of brevity for the teaching and spiritual guidance of the people of the world4 ,read it that you may understand the true foundations of religion and reflect upon the inspiration of the messengers of ,god4 ,it is light upon light4 ,we must not look for truth in the deeds and actions of nations2 we must investigate truth at its divine source and summon all mankind to unity in the reality itself4 ,,the ,,divine ,,standard ,,of ,,knowledge ,during my visit to ,london and ,paris last year ,i had many talks with the materialistic philosophers of ,europe4 ,the basis of all their conclusions is that the acquisition of knowledge of phenomena is according to a fixed1 invariable law1--a law mathematically exact in its operation through the senses4 ,for instance1 the eye sees a chair2 therefore there is no doubt of the chair's existence4 ,the eye looks up into the heavens and beholds the sun2 ,i see flowers upon this table2 ,i smell their fragrance2 ,i hear sounds outside1 etc1 etc4 ,this1 they say1 is a fixed mathematical law of perception and deduction1 the operation of which admits of no doubt whatever2 for inasmuch as the universe is subject to our sensing1 the proof is self-evident that our knowledge of it must be gained through the avenues of the senses4 ,that is to say1 the materialists announce1 that the criterion and standard of human knowledge is sense perception4 ,among the ,greeks and ,romans the criterion of knowledge was reason2 that whatever is provable and acceptable by reason must necessarily be admitted as true4 ,a third standard or criterion is the opinion held by theologians that traditions or prophetic statement and interpretations constitute the basis of human knowing4 ,there is still another1 a fourth criterion1 upheld by religionists and metaphysicians who say that the source and channel of all human penetration into the unknown is through inspiration4 ,briefly then1 these four criterions according to the declarations of men are3 ,first--,sense ,perception2 ,second--,reason2 ,third--,traditions2 ,fourth--,inspiration4 ,in ,europe ,i told the philosophers and scientists of materialism that the criterion of the senses is not reliable4 ,for instance1 consider a mirror and the images reflected in it4 ,these images have no actual corporeal existence4 ,yet if you had never seen a mirror you would firmly insist and believe that they were real4 ,the eye sees a mirage upon the desert as a lake of water but there is no reality in it4 ,as we stand upon the deck of a steamer the shore appears to be moving1 yet we know the land is stationary and we are moving4 ,the earth was believed to be fixed and the sun revolving about it but although this appears to be so1 the reverse is now known to be true4 ,a whirling torch makes a circle of fire appear before the eye1 yet we realize there is but one point of light4 ,we behold a shadow moving upon the ground but it has no material existence1 no substance4 ,in deserts the atmospheric effects are particularly productive of illusions which deceive the eye4 ,once ,i saw a mirage in which a whole caravan appeared traveling upward into the sky4 ,in the far north other deceptive phenomena appear and baffle human vision4 ,sometimes three or four suns called by scientists 8mock suns0 will be shining at the same time whereas we know the great solar orb is one and that it remains fixed and single4 ,in brief1 the senses are continually deceived and we are unable to separate that which is reality from that which is not4 ,as to the second criterion1 reason1 this likewise is unreliable and not to be depended upon4 ,this human world is an ocean of varying opinions4 ,if reason is the perfect standard and criterion of knowledge1 why are opinions at variance and why do philosophers disagree so completely with each other8 ,this is a clear proof that human reason is not to be relied upon as an infallible criterion4 ,for instance1 great discoveries and announcements of former centuries are continually upset and discarded by the wise men of today4 ,mathematicians1 astronomers1 chemical scientists continually disprove and reject the conclusions of the ancients2 nothing is fixed1 nothing final2 everything continually changing because human reason is progressing along new roads of investigation and arriving at new conclusions every day4 ,in the future much that is announced and accepted as true now will be rejected and disproved4 ,and so it will continue ad infinitum4 ,when we consider the third criterion1 traditions1 upheld by theologians as the avenue and standard of knowledge1 we find this source equally unreliable and unworthy of dependence4 ,for religious traditions are the report and record of understanding and interpretation of the ,book4 ,by what means has this understanding1 this interpretation been reached8 ,by the analysis of human reason4 ,when we read the ,book of ,god the faculty of comprehension by which we form conclusions is reason4 ,reason is mind4 ,if we are not endowed with perfect reason1 how can we comprehend the meanings of the ,word of ,god8 ,therefore human reason1 as already pointed out1 is by its very nature finite and faulty in conclusions4 ,it cannot surround the ,reality ,itself1 the ,infinite ,word4 ,inasmuch as the source of traditions and interpretations is human reason1 and human reason is faulty1 how can we depend upon its findings for real knowledge8 ,the fourth criterion ,i have named is inspiration through which it is claimed the reality of knowledge is attainable4 ,what is inspiration8 ,it is the influx of the human heart4 ,but what are satanic promptings which afflict mankind8 ,they are the influx of the heart also4 ,how shall we differentiate between them8 ,the question arises1 ,how shall we know whether we are following inspiration from ,god or satanic promptings of the human soul8 ,briefly1 the point is that in the human material world of phenomena these four are the only existing criterions or avenues of knowledge1 and all of them are faulty and unreliable4 ,what then remains8 ,how shall we attain the reality of knowledge8 ,by the breaths and promptings of the ,holy ,spirit which is light and knowledge ,itself4 ,through it the human mind is quickened and fortified into true conclusions and perfect knowledge4 ,this is conclusive argument showing that all available human criterions are erroneous and defective1 but the divine standard of knowledge is infallible4 ,therefore man is not justified in saying3 8,i know because ,i perceive through my senses02 or3 8,i know because it is proved through my faculty of reason02 or3 8,i know because it is according to tradition and interpretation of the holy book02 or3 8,i know because ,i am inspired40 ,all human standard of judgment is faulty1 finite4 ,,the ,,sun ,,of ,,reality ,in our solar system1 the center of illumination is the sun itself4 ,through the will of ,god this central luminary is the one source of the existence and development of all phenomenal things4 ,when we observe the organisms of the material kingdoms we find that their growth and training are dependent upon the heat and light of the sun4 ,without this quickening impulse there would be no growth of tree or vegetation1 neither would the existence of animal or human being be possible2 in fact no forms of created life would be manifest upon the earth4 ,but if we reflect deeply we will perceive that the great bestower and giver of life is ,god2 the sun is the intermediary of ,his will and plan4 ,without the bounty of the sun therefore the world would be in darkness4 ,all illumination of our planetary system proceeds or emanates from the solar center4 ,likewise in the spiritual realm of intelligence and idealism there must be a center of illumination1 and that center is the everlasting1 ever-shining ,sun1 the ,word of ,god4 ,its lights are the lights of reality which have shone upon humanity1 illumining the realm of thought and morals1 conferring the bounties of the divine world upon man4 ,these lights are the cause of the education of souls and the source of the enlightenment of hearts1 sending forth in effulgent radiance the message of the glad-tidings of the kingdom of ,god4 ,in brief1 the moral and ethical world and the world of spiritual regeneration are dependent for their progressive being upon that heavenly center of illumination4 ,it gives forth the light of religion and bestows the life of the spirit1 imbues humanity with archetypal virtues and confers eternal splendors4 ,this ,sun of ,reality1 this center of effulgences is the prophet or ,manifestation of ,god4 ,just as the phenomenal sun shines upon the material world producing life and growth1 likewise the spiritual or prophetic ,sun confers illumination upon the human world of thought and intelligence1 and unless it rose upon the horizon of human existence the kingdom of man would become dark and extinguished4 ,the ,sun of ,reality is one ,sun but it has different dawning-places1 just as the phenomenal sun is one although it appears at various points of the horizon4 ,during the time of spring the luminary of the physical world rises far to the north of the equinoctial2 in summer it dawns midway and in winter it appears in the most southerly point of its zodiacal journey4 ,these day springs or dawning-points differ widely but the sun is ever the same sun whether it be the phenomenal or spiritual luminary4 ,souls who focus their vision upon the ,sun of ,reality will be the recipients of light no matter from what point it rises1 but those who are fettered by adoration of the dawning-point are deprived when it appears in a different station upon the spiritual horizon4 ,furthermore1 just as the solar cycle has its four seasons the cycle of the ,sun of ,reality has its distinct and successive periods4 ,each brings its vernal season or springtime4 ,when the ,sun of ,reality returns to quicken the world of mankind a divine bounty descends from the heaven of generosity4 ,the realm of thoughts and ideals is set in motion and blessed with new life4 ,minds are developed1 hopes brighten1 aspirations become spiritual1 the virtues of the human world appear with freshened power of growth and the image and likeness of ,god become visible in man4 ,it is the springtime of the inner world4 ,after the spring1 summer comes with its fullness and fruitage spiritual2 autumn follows with its withering winds which chill the soul2 the ,sun seems to be going away until at last the mantle of winter overspreads and only faint traces of the effulgence of that divine ,sun remain4 ,just as the surface of the material world becomes dark and dreary1 the soil dormant1 the trees naked and bare and no beauty or freshness remain to cheer the darkness and desolation1 so the winter of the spiritual cycle witnesses the death and disappearance of divine growth and extinction of the light and love of ,god4 ,but again the cycle begins and a new springtime appears4 ,in it the former springtime has returned1 the world is resuscitated1 illumined and attains spirituality2 religion is renewed and reorganized1 hearts are turned to ,god1 the summons of ,god is heard and life is again bestowed upon man4 ,for a long time the religious world had been weakened and materialism had advanced2 the spiritual forces of life were waning1 moralities were becoming degraded1 composure and peace had vanished from souls and satanic qualities were dominating hearts2 strife and hatred overshadowed humanity1 bloodshed and violence prevailed4 ,god was neglected2 the ,sun of ,reality seemed to have gone completely2 deprivation of the bounties of heaven was a fact2 and so the season of winter fell upon mankind4 ,but in the generosity of ,god a new springtime dawned1 the lights of ,god shone forth1 the effulgent ,sun of ,reality returned and became manifest1 the realm of thoughts and kingdom of hearts became exhilarated1 a new spirit of life breathed into the body of the world and continuous advancement became apparent4 ,i hope that the lights of the ,sun of ,reality will illumine the whole world so that no strife and warfare1 no battles and bloodshed remain4 ,may fanaticism and religious bigotry be unknown1 all humanity enter the bond of brotherhood1 souls consort in perfect agreement1 the nations of earth at last hoist the banner of truth and the religions of the world enter the divine temple of oneness1 for the foundations of the heavenly religions are one reality4 ,reality is not divisible2 it does not admit multiplicity4 ,all the holy ,manifestations of ,god have proclaimed and promulgated the same reality4 ,they have summoned mankind to reality itself and reality is one4 ,the clouds and mists of imitations have obscured the ,sun of ,truth4 ,we must forsake these imitations1 dispel these clouds and mists and free the ,sun from the darkness of superstition4 ,then will the ,sun of ,truth shine most gloriously2 then all the inhabitants of the world will be united1 the religions will be one1 sects and denominations will reconcile1 all nationalities will flow together in the recognition of one ,fatherhood and all degrees of humankind gather in the shelter of the same tabernacle1 under the same banner4 ,until the heavenly civilization is founded1 no result will be forthcoming from material civilization1 even as you observe4 ,see what catastrophes overwhelm mankind4 ,consider the wars which disturb the world4 ,consider the enmity and hatred4 ,the existence of these wars and conditions indicates and proves that the heavenly civilization has not yet been established4 ,if the civilization of the ,kingdom be spread to all the nations1 this dust of disagreement will be dispelled1 these clouds will pass away and the ,sun of ,reality in its greatest effulgence and glory will shine upon mankind4 ,,the ,,source ,,of ,,unity ,what is real unity8 ,when we observe the human world we find various collective expressions of unity therein4 ,for instance1 man is distinguished from the animal by his degree or kingdom4 ,this comprehensive distinction includes all the posterity of ,adam and constitutes one great household or human family which may be considered the fundamental or physical unity of mankind4 ,furthermore1 a distinction exists between various groups of humankind according to lineage1 each group forming a racial unity separate from the others4 ,there is also the unity of tongue among those who use the same language as a means of communication2 national unity where various peoples live under one form of government such as ,french1 ,german1 ,british1 etc42 and political unity which conserves the civil rights of parties or factions of the same government4 ,all these unities are imaginary and without real foundation1 for no real result proceeds from them4 ,the purpose of true unity is real and divine outcomes4 ,from these limited unities mentioned only limited outcomes proceed whereas unlimited unity produces unlimited result4 ,for instance1 from the limited unity of race or nationality the results at most are limited4 ,it is like a family living alone and solitary2 there are no unlimited or universal outcomes from it4 ,the unity which is productive of unlimited results is first a unity of mankind which recognizes that all are sheltered beneath the overshadowing glory of the ,all-,glorious2 that all are servants of one ,god2 for all breathe the same atmosphere1 live upon the same earth1 move beneath the same heavens1 receive effulgence from the same sun and are under the protection of one ,god4 ,this is the most great unity1 and its results are lasting if humanity adheres to it2 but mankind has hitherto violated it1 adhering to sectarian or other limited unities such as racial1 patriotic or unity of self-interests2 therefore no great results have been forthcoming4 ,nevertheless it is certain that the radiance and favors of ,god are encompassing1 minds have developed1 perceptions have become acute1 sciences and arts are widespread and capacity exists for the proclamation and promulgation of the real and ultimate unity of mankind which will bring forth marvelous results4 ,it will reconcile all religions1 make warring nations loving1 cause hostile kings to become friendly and bring peace and happiness to the human world4 ,it will cement together the ,orient and ,occident1 remove forever the foundations of war and upraise the ensign of the ,most ,great ,peace4 ,these limited unities are therefore signs of that great unity which will make all the human family one by being productive of the attractions of conscience in mankind4 ,another unity is the spiritual unity which emanates from the breaths of the ,holy ,spirit4 ,this is greater than the unity of mankind4 ,human unity or solidarity may be likened to the body whereas unity from the breaths of the ,holy ,spirit is the spirit animating the body4 ,this is a perfect unity4 ,it creates such a condition in mankind that each one will make sacrifices for the other and the utmost desire will be to forfeit life and all that pertains to it in behalf of another's good4 ,this is the unity which existed among the disciples of ,his ,holiness ,jesus ,christ and bound together the prophets and holy souls of the past4 ,it is the unity which through the influence of the divine spirit is permeating the ,bah's so that each offers his life for the other and strives with all sincerity to attain his good-pleasure4 ,this is the unity which caused twenty thousand people in rn to give their lives in love and devotion to it4 ,it made the ,bb the target of a thousand arrows and caused ,bah'u'llh to suffer exile and imprisonment forty years4 ,this unity is the very spirit of the body of the world4 ,it is impossible for the body of the world to become quickened with life without its vivification4 ,his ,holiness ,jesus ,christ--may my life be a sacrifice to ,him6--promulgated this unity among mankind4 ,every soul who believed in ,jesus ,christ became revivified and resuscitated through this spirit1 attained to the zenith of eternal glory1 realized the life everlasting1 experienced the second birth and rose to the acme of good fortune4 ,in the ,word of ,god there is still another unity1 the oneness of the ,manifestations of ,god1 ,his ,holiness ,abraham1 ,moses1 ,jesus ,christ1 ,muammad1 the ,bb and ,bah'u'llh4 ,this is a unity divine1 heavenly1 radiant1 merciful2 the one reality appearing in its successive manifestations4 ,for instance1 the sun is one and the same but its points of dawning are various4 ,during the summer season it rises from the northern point of the ecliptic2 in winter it appears from the southern point of rising4 ,each month between it appears from a certain zodiacal position4 ,although these dawning-points are different1 the sun is the same sun which has appeared from them all4 ,the significance is the reality of prophethood which is symbolized by the sun1 and the holy ,manifestations are the dawning-places or zodiacal points4 ,there is also the divine unity or entity which is sanctified above all concept of humanity4 ,it cannot be comprehended nor conceived because it is infinite reality and cannot become finite4 ,human minds are incapable of surrounding that reality because all thoughts and conceptions of it are finite1 intellectual creations and not the reality of divine being which alone knows itself4 ,for example1 if we form a conception of divinity as a living1 almighty1 self-subsisting1 eternal being1 this is only a concept apprehended by a human intellectual reality4 ,it would not be the outward1 visible reality which is beyond the power of human mind to conceive or encompass4 ,we ourselves have an external1 visible entity but even our concept of it is the product of our own brain and limited comprehension4 ,the reality of divinity is sanctified above this degree of knowing and realization4 ,it has ever been hidden and secluded in its own holiness and sanctity above our comprehending4 ,although it transcends our realization1 its lights1 bestowals1 traces and virtues have become manifest in the realities of the prophets1 even as the sun becomes resplendent in various mirrors4 ,these holy realities are as reflectors1 and the reality of divinity is as the sun which although it is reflected from the mirrors1 and its virtues and perfections become resplendent therein1 does not stoop from its own station of majesty and glory and seek abode in the mirrors2 it remains in its heaven of sanctity4 ,at most it is this1 that its lights become manifest and evident in its mirrors or manifestations4 ,therefore its bounty proceeding from them is one bounty but the recipients of that bounty are many4 ,this is the unity of ,god2 this is oneness2--unity of divinity1 holy above ascent or descent1 embodiment1 comprehension or idealization2--divine unity4 ,the prophets are its mirrors2 its lights are revealed through them2 its virtues become resplendent in them1 but the ,sun of ,reality never descends from its own highest point and station4 ,this is unity1 oneness1 sanctity2 this is glorification whereby we praise and adore ,god4 ,,the ,,quickening ,,spirit ,the greatest power in the realm and range of human existence is spirit1--the divine breath which animates and pervades all things4 ,it is manifested throughout creation in different degrees or kingdoms4 ,in the vegetable kingdom it is the spirit augmentative or power of growth1 the animus of life and development in plants1 trees and organisms of the floral world4 ,in this degree of its manifestation1 spirit is unconscious of the powers which qualify the kingdom of the animal4 ,the distinctive virtue or plus of the animal is sense perception2 it sees1 hears1 smells1 tastes and feels but is incapable in turn1 of conscious ideation or reflection which characterize and differentiate the human kingdom4 ,the animal neither exercises nor apprehends this distinctive human power and gift4 ,from the visible it cannot draw conclusions regarding the invisible whereas the human mind from visible and known premises attains knowledge of the unknown and invisible4 ,for instance1 ,christopher ,columbus from information based upon known and provable facts drew conclusions which led him unerringly across the vast ocean to the unknown continent of ,america4 ,such power of accomplishment is beyond the range of animal intelligence4 ,therefore this power is a distinctive attribute of the human spirit and kingdom4 ,the animal spirit cannot penetrate and discover the mysteries of things4 ,it is a captive of the senses4 ,no amount of teaching1 for instance1 would enable it to grasp the fact that the sun is stationary and the earth moves around it4 ,likewise the human spirit has its limitations4 ,it cannot comprehend the phenomena of the kingdom transcending the human station1 for it is a captive of powers and life forces which have their operation upon its own plane of existence and it cannot go beyond that boundary4 ,there is however another spirit which may be termed the divine1 to which ,jesus ,christ refers when ,he declares that man must be born of its quickening and baptized with its living fire4 ,souls deprived of that spirit are accounted as dead1 though they are possessed of the human spirit4 ,his ,holiness ,jesus ,christ has pronounced them dead inasmuch as they have no portion of the divine spirit4 ,he says3 8,let the dead bury their dead40 ,in another instance ,he declares3 8,that which is born of the flesh is flesh2 and that which is born of the spirit is spirit40 ,by this ,he means that souls though alive in the human kingdom are nevertheless dead if devoid of this particular spirit of divine quickening4 ,they have not partaken of the divine life of the higher kingdom2 for the soul which partakes of the power of the divine spirit is verily living4 ,this quickening spirit has spontaneous emanation from the ,sun of ,truth1 from the reality of divinity and is not a revelation or a manifestation4 ,it is like the rays of the sun4 ,the rays are emanations from the sun4 ,this does not mean that the sun has become divisible2 that a part of the sun has come out into space4 ,this plant beside me has risen from the seed2 therefore it is a manifestation and unfoldment of the seed4 ,the seed1 as you can see1 has unfolded in manifestation and the result is this plant4 ,every leaf of the plant is a part of the seed4 ,but the reality of divinity is indivisible and each individual of human kind cannot be a part of it as is often claimed4 ,nay1 rather1 the individual realities of mankind when spiritually born are emanations from the reality of divinity1 just as the flame1 heat and light of the sun are the effulgence of the sun and not a part of the sun itself4 ,therefore a spirit has emanated from the reality of divinity1 and its effulgences have become visible in human entities or realities4 ,this ray and this heat are permanent4 ,there is no cessation in the effulgence4 ,as long as the sun exists the heat and light will exist1 and inasmuch as eternality is a property of divinity1 this emanation is everlasting4 ,there is no cessation in its outpouring4 ,the more the world of humanity develops1 the more the effulgences or emanations of divinity will become revealed1 just as the stone when it becomes polished and pure as a mirror will reflect in fuller degree the glory and splendor of the sun4 ,the mission of the prophets1 the revelation of the holy books1 the manifestation of the heavenly teachers and the purpose of divine philosophy all center in the training of the human realities so that they may become clear and pure as mirrors and reflect the light and love of the ,sun of ,reality4 ,therefore ,i hope that whether you be in the east or the west you will strive with heart and soul in order that day by day the world of humanity may become glorified1 more spiritual1 more sanctified2 and that the splendor of the ,sun of ,reality may be revealed fully in human hearts as in a mirror4 ,this is worthy of the world of mankind4 ,this is the true evolution and progress of humanity4 ,this is the supreme bestowal4 ,otherwise1 by simple development along material lines man is not perfected4 ,at most1 the physical aspect of man1 his natural or material conditions may become stabilized and improved but he will remain deprived of the spiritual or divine bestowal4 ,he is then like a body without a spirit1 a lamp without the light1 an eye without the power of vision1 an ear that hears no sound1 a mind incapable of perceiving1 an intellect minus the power of reason4 ,man has two powers1 and his development two aspects4 ,one power is connected with the material world and by it he is capable of material advancement4 ,the other power is spiritual and through its development his inner1 potential nature is awakened4 ,these powers are like two wings4 ,both must be developed1 for flight is impossible with one wing4 ,praise be to ,god6 material advancement has been evident in the world but there is need of spiritual advancement in like proportion4 ,we must strive unceasingly and without rest to accomplish the development of the spiritual nature in man1 and endeavor with tireless energy to advance humanity toward the nobility of its true and intended station4 ,for the body of man is accidental2 it is of no importance4 ,the time of its disintegration will inevitably come4 ,but the spirit of man is essential and therefore eternal4 ,it is a divine bounty4 ,it is the effulgence of the ,sun of ,reality and therefore of greater importance than the physical body4 ,,spiritual ,,existence ,,is ,,immortality ,according to divine philosophy1 there are two important and universal conditions in the world of material phenomena2 one which concerns life1 the other concerning death2 one relative to existence1 the other non-existence2 one manifest in composition1 the other in decomposition4 ,some define existence as the expression of reality or being1 and non-existence as non-being1 imagining that death is annihilation4 ,this is a mistaken idea1 for total annihilation is an impossibility4 ,at most1 composition is ever subject to decomposition or disintegration2 that is to say1 existence implies the grouping of material elements in a form or body1 and non-existence is simply the de-composing of these groupings4 ,this is the law of creation in its endless forms and infinite variety of expression4 ,certain elements have formed the composite creature man4 ,this composite association of the elements in the form of a human body is therefore subject to disintegration which we call death1 but after disintegration the elements themselves persist unchanged4 ,therefore total annihilation is an impossibility1 and existence can never become non-existence4 ,this would be equivalent to saying that light can become darkness1 which is manifestly untrue and impossible4 ,as existence can never become non-existence1 there is no death for man2 nay1 rather1 man is everlasting and everliving4 ,the rational proof of this is that the atoms of the material elements are transferable from one form of existence to another1 from one degree and kingdom to another1 lower or higher4 ,for example1 an atom of the soil or dust of earth may traverse the kingdoms from mineral to man by successive incorporations into the bodies of the organisms of those kingdoms4 ,at one time it enters into the formation of the mineral or rock2 it is then absorbed by the vegetable kingdom and becomes a constituent of the body and fibre of a tree2 again it is appropriated by the animal1 and at a still later period is found in the body of man4 ,throughout these degrees of its traversing the kingdoms from one form of phenomenal being to another1 it retains its atomic existence and is never annihilated nor relegated to non-existence4 ,non-existence therefore is an expression applied to change of form1 but this transformation can never be rightly considered annihilation1 for the elements of composition are ever present and existent as we have seen in the journey of the atom through successive kingdoms1 unimpaired2 hence there is no death2 life is everlasting4 ,so to speak1 when the atom entered into the composition of the tree1 it died to the mineral kingdom1 and when consumed by the animal1 it died to the vegetable kingdom1 and so on until its transference or transmutation into the kingdom of man2 but throughout its traversing it was subject to transformation and not annihilation4 ,death therefore is applicable to a change or transference from one degree or condition to another4 ,in the mineral realm there was a spirit of existence2 in the world of plant life and organisms it reappeared as the vegetative spirit2 thence it attained the animal spirit and finally aspired to the human spirit4 ,these are degrees and changes but not obliteration2 and this is a rational proof that man is everlasting1 everliving4 ,therefore death is only a relative term implying change4 ,for example1 we will say that this light before me1 having reappeared in another incandescent lamp1 has died in the one and lives in the other4 ,this is not death in reality4 ,the perfections of the mineral are translated into the vegetable and from thence into the animal1 the virtue always attaining a plus or superlative degree in the upward change4 ,in each kingdom we find the same virtues manifesting themselves more fully1 proving that the reality has been transferred from a lower to a higher form and kingdom of being4 ,therefore non-existence is only relative and absolute non-existence inconceivable4 ,this rose in my hand will become disintegrated and its symmetry destroyed1 but the elements of its composition remain changeless2 nothing affects their elemental integrity4 ,they cannot become non-existent2 they are simply transferred from one state to another4 ,through his ignorance1 man fears death2 but the death he shrinks from is imaginary and absolutely unreal2 it is only human imagination4 ,the bestowal and grace of ,god have quickened the realm of existence with life and being4 ,for existence there is neither change nor transformation2 existence is ever existence2 it can never be translated into non-existence4 ,it is gradation2 a degree below a higher degree is considered as non-existence4 ,this dust beneath our feet1 as compared with our being is non-existent4 ,when the human body crumbles into dust we can say it has become non-existent2 therefore its dust in relation to living forms of human being is as non-existent but in its own sphere it is existent1 it has its mineral being4 ,therefore it is well proved that absolute non-existence is impossible2 it is only relative4 ,the purpose is this2--that the everlasting bestowal of ,god vouchsafed to man is never subject to corruption4 ,inasmuch as ,he has endowed the phenomenal world with being1 it is impossible for that world to become non-being1 for it is the very genesis of ,god2 it is the realm of origination2 it is a creational and not a subjective world1 and the bounty descending upon it is continuous and permanent4 ,therefore man the highest creature of the phenomenal world is endowed with that continuous bounty bestowed by divine generosity without cessation4 ,for instance1 the rays of the sun are continuous1 the heat of the sun emanates from it without cessation2 no discontinuance of it is conceivable4 ,even so the bestowal of ,god is descending upon the world of humanity1 never ceasing1 continuous1 forever4 ,if we say that the bestowal of existence ceases or falters it is equivalent to saying that the sun can exist with cessation of its effulgence4 ,is this possible8 ,therefore the effulgences of existence are ever-present and continuous4 ,the conception of annihilation is a factor in human degradation1 a cause of human debasement and lowliness1 a source of human fear and abjection4 ,it has been conducive to the dispersion and weakening of human thought whereas the realization of existence and continuity has upraised man to sublimity of ideals1 established the foundations of human progress and stimulated the development of heavenly virtues2 therefore it behoves man to abandon thoughts of non-existence and death which are absolutely imaginary and see himself ever living1 everlasting in the divine purpose of his creation4 ,he must turn away from ideas which degrade the human soul1 so that day by day and hour by hour he may advance upward and higher to spiritual perception of the continuity of the human reality4 ,if he dwells upon the thought of non-existence he will become utterly incompetent2 with weakened will-power his ambition for progress will be lessened and the acquisition of human virtues will cease4 ,therefore you must thank ,god that ,he has bestowed upon you the blessing of life and existence in the human kingdom4 ,strive diligently to acquire virtues befitting your degree and station4 ,be as lights of the world which cannot be hid and which have no setting in horizons of darkness4 ,ascend to the zenith of an existence which is never beclouded by the fears and forebodings of non-existence4 ,when man is not endowed with inner perception he is not informed of these important mysteries4 ,the retina of outer vision though sensitive and delicate may nevertheless be a hindrance to the inner eye which alone can perceive4 ,the bestowals of ,god which are manifest in all phenomenal life are sometimes hidden by intervening veils of mental and mortal vision which render man spiritually blind and incapable but when those scales are removed and the veils rent asunder1 then the great signs of ,god will become visible and he will witness the eternal light filling the world4 ,the bestowals of ,god are all and always manifest4 ,the promises of heaven are ever present4 ,the favors of ,god are all-surrounding but should the conscious eye of the soul of man remain veiled and darkened he will be led to deny these universal signs and remain deprived of these manifestations of divine bounty4 ,therefore we must endeavor with heart and soul in order that the veil covering the eye of inner vision may be removed1 that we may behold the manifestations of the signs of ,god1 discern ,his mysterious graces1 and realize that material blessings as compared with spiritual bounties are as nothing4 ,the spiritual blessings of ,god are greatest4 ,when we were in the mineral kingdom1 although endowed with certain gifts and powers1 they were not to be compared with the blessings of the human kingdom4 ,in the matrix of the mother we were the recipients of endowments and blessings of ,god1 yet these were as nothing compared to the powers and graces bestowed upon us after birth into this human world4 ,likewise if we are born from the matrix of this physical and phenomenal environment into the freedom and loftiness of the life and vision spiritual1 we shall consider this mortal existence and its blessings as worthless by comparison4 ,in the spiritual world1 the divine bestowals are infinite1 for in that realm there is neither separation nor disintegration which characterize the world of material existence4 ,spiritual existence is absolute immortality1 completeness and unchangeable being4 ,therefore we must thank ,god that ,he has created for us both material blessings and spiritual bestowals4 ,he has given us material gifts and spiritual graces1 outer sight to view the lights of the sun and inner vision by which we may perceive the glory of ,god4 ,he has designed the outer ear to enjoy the melodies of sound and the inner hearing wherewith we may hear the voice of our creator4 ,we must strive with energies of heart1 soul and mind to develop and manifest the perfections and virtues latent within the realities of the phenomenal world1 for the human reality may be compared to a seed4 ,if we sow the seed1 a mighty tree appears from it4 ,the virtues of the seed are revealed in the tree2 it puts forth branches1 leaves1 blossoms1 and produces fruits4 ,all these virtues were hidden and potential in the seed4 ,through the blessing and bounty of cultivation these virtues became apparent4 ,similarly the merciful ,god our creator has deposited within human realities certain virtues latent and potential4 ,through education and culture1 these virtues deposited by the loving ,god will become apparent in the human reality even as the unfoldment of the tree from within the germinating seed4 ,,race ,,unity1 ,,assurance ,,of ,,world ,,peace ,today ,i am most happy1 for ,i see here a gathering of the servants of ,god4 ,i see the white and colored people together4 ,in the estimation of ,god there is no distinction of color2 all are one in the color and beauty of servitude to him4 ,color is not important2 the heart is all-important4 ,it matters not what the exterior may be if the heart be pure and white within4 ,god does not behold differences of hue and complexion2 ,he looks at the hearts4 ,he whose morals and virtues are praiseworthy is preferred in the presence of ,god2 he who is devoted to the ,kingdom is most beloved4 ,in the realm of genesis and creation the question of color is of least importance4 ,the mineral kingdom abounds with many-colored substances and compositions but we find no strife among them on that account4 ,in the kingdom of the plant and vegetable1 distinct and variegated hues exist but the fruit and flowers are not in conflict for that reason4 ,nay1 rather1 the very fact that there is difference and variety lends a charm to the garden4 ,if all were of the same color the effect would be monotonous and depressing4 ,when you enter a rose-garden the wealth of color and variety of floral forms spread before you a picture of wonder and beauty4 ,the world of humanity is like a garden and the various races are the flowers which constitute its adornment and decoration4 ,in the animal kingdom also we find variety of color4 ,see how the doves differ in beauty yet they live together in perfect peace1 and love each other4 ,they do not make difference of color a cause of discord and strife4 ,they view each other as the same species and kind4 ,they know they are one in kind4 ,often a white dove soars aloft with a black one4 ,throughout the animal kingdom we do not find the creatures separated because of color4 ,they recognize unity of species and oneness of kind4 ,if we do not find color distinction drawn in a kingdom of lower intelligence and reason1 how can it be justified among human beings1 especially when we know that all have come from the same source and belong to the same household8 ,in origin and intention of creation mankind is one4 ,distinctions of race and color have arisen afterward4 ,therefore today ,i am exceedingly glad that both white and colored people have gathered here and ,i hope the time will come when they shall live together in the utmost peace1 unity and friendship4 ,i wish to say one thing of importance to both in order that the white race may be just and kind to the colored and that the colored race may in turn be grateful and appreciative toward the white4 ,the great proclamation of liberty and emancipation from slavery was made upon this continent4 ,a long bloody war was fought by white men for the sake of colored people4 ,these white men forfeited their possessions and sacrificed their lives by thousands in order that colored men might be freed from bondage4 ,the colored population of the ,united ,states of ,america are possibly not fully informed of the wide-reaching effect of this freedom and emancipation upon their colored brethren in ,asia and ,africa where even more terrible conditions of slavery existed4 ,influenced and impelled by the example of the ,united ,states1 the ,european powers proclaimed universal liberty to the colored race and slavery ceased to exist4 ,this effort and accomplishment by the white nations should never be lost sight of4 ,both races should rejoice in gratitude1 for the institution of liberty and equality here became the cause of liberating your fellow-beings elsewhere4 ,the colored people of this country are especially fortunate1 for1 praise be to ,god6 conditions here are so much higher than in the ,east and comparatively few differences exist in the possibility of equal attainments with the white race4 ,may both develop toward the highest degree of equality and altruism4 ,may you be drawn together in friendship and may extraordinary development make brotherhood a reality and truth4 ,i pray in your behalf that there shall be no name other than that of humanity among you4 ,for instance we say 8a flock of doves10 without mention or distinction as to white or black2 we apply the name 8horse10 8deer10 8gazelle0 to other creatures1 referring to species and not to their variance in color4 ,it is my hope that through love and fellowship we may advance to such a degree of mutual recognition and estimate1 that the oneness of the human world may be realized in each and all present in this meeting4 ,therefore strive earnestly and put forth your greatest endeavor toward the accomplishment of this fellowship and the cementing of this bond of brotherhood between you4 ,such an attainment is not possible without will and effort on the part of each2 from one1 expressions of gratitude and appreciation2 from the other kindliness and recognition of equality4 ,each one should endeavor to develop and assist the other toward mutual advancement4 ,this is possible only by conjoining of effort and inclination4 ,love and unity will be fostered between you1 thereby bringing about the oneness of mankind4 ,for the accomplishment of unity between the colored and whites will be an assurance of the world's peace4 ,then racial prejudice1 national prejudice1 limited patriotism and religious bias will pass away and remain no longer4 ,i am pleased to see you at this gathering1 white and dark1 and ,i praise ,god that ,i have had this opportunity of seeing you loving each other1 for this is the means of the glory of humanity4 ,this is the means of the good-pleasure of ,god and of eternal bliss in ,his kingdom4 ,therefore ,i pray in your behalf that you may attain to the fullest degree of love and that the day may come when all differences between you may disappear4 ,,religion ,,and ,,civilization ,the greatest bestowal of ,god in the world of humanity is religion2 for assuredly the divine teachings of religion are above all other sources of instruction and development to man4 ,religion confers upon man eternal life and guides his footsteps in the world of morality4 ,it opens the doors of unending happiness and bestows everlasting honor upon the human kingdom4 ,it has been the basis of all civilization and progress in the history of mankind4 ,we will therefore investigate religion1 seeking from an unprejudiced standpoint to discover whether it is the source of illumination1 the cause of development and the animating impulse of all human advancement4 ,we will investigate independently1 free from the restrictions of dogmatic beliefs1 blind imitations of ancestral forms1 and the influence of mere human opinion2 for as we enter this question we will find some who declare that religion is a cause of uplift and betterment in the world1 while others assert just as positively that it is a detriment and a source of degradation to mankind4 ,we must give these questions thorough and impartial consideration so that no doubt or uncertainty may linger in our minds regarding them4 ,how shall we determine whether religion has been the cause of human advancement or retrogression8 ,we will first consider the founders of the religions--the prophets--review the story of their lives1 compare the conditions preceding their appearance with those subsequent to their departure1 following historical records and irrefutable facts instead of relying upon traditionary statements which are open to both acceptance and denial4 ,among the great prophets was ,his ,holiness ,abraham who being an iconoclast and a herald of the oneness of ,god1 was banished from ,his native land4 ,he founded a family upon which the blessing of ,god descended2 and it was owing to this religious basis and ordination that the ,abrahamic house progressed and advanced4 ,through the divine benediction1 noteworthy and luminous prophets issued from the lineage of ,his ,holiness4 ,there appeared ,isaac1 ,ishmael1 ,jacob1 ,joseph1 ,moses1 ,aaron1 ,david and ,solomon4 ,the ,holy ,land was conquered by the power of the ,covenant of ,god with ,abraham1 and the glory of the ,solomonic wisdom and sovereignty dawned4 ,all this was due to the religion of ,god which this blessed lineage established and upheld4 ,it is evident that throughout the history of ,abraham and ,his posterity this was the source of their honor1 advancement and civilization4 ,even today the descendants of ,his household and lineage are found throughout the world4 ,there is another and more significant aspect to this religious impulse and impetus4 ,the children of ,israel were in bondage and captivity in the land of ,egypt four hundred years4 ,they were in an extreme state of degradation and slavery under the tyranny and oppression of the ,egyptians4 ,while they were in the condition of abject poverty1 in the lowest degree of abasement1 ignorance and servility ,his ,holiness ,moses suddenly appeared among them4 ,although ,he was but a shepherd1 such majesty1 grandeur and efficiency became manifest in ,him through the power of religion1 that ,his influence continues to this day4 ,his prophethood was established throughout the land and the law of ,his ,word became the foundation of the laws of the nations4 ,this unique personage1 single and alone1 rescued the children of ,israel from bondage through the power of religious training and discipline4 ,he led them to the ,holy ,land and founded there a great civilization which has become permanent and renowned and under which these people attained the highest degree of honor and glory4 ,he freed them from bondage and captivity4 ,he imbued them with qualities of progressiveness and capability4 ,they proved to be a civilizing people with instincts toward education and scholastic attainment4 ,their philosophy became renowned2 their industries were celebrated throughout the nations4 ,in all lines of advancement which characterize a progressive people they achieved distinction4 ,in the splendor of the reign of ,solomon their sciences and arts advanced to such a degree that even the ,greek philosophers journeyed to ,jerusalem to sit at the feet of the ,hebrew sages and acquire the basis of ,israelitish law4 ,according to eastern history this is an established fact4 ,even ,socrates visited the ,jewish doctors in the ,holy ,land1 consorting with them and discussing the principles and basis of their religious belief4 ,after his return to ,greece he formulated his philosophical teaching of divine unity and advanced his belief in the immortality of the spirit beyond the dissolution of the body4 ,without doubt ,socrates absorbed these verities from the wise men of the ,jews with whom he came in contact4 ,hippocrates and other philosophers of the ,greeks likewise visited ,palestine and acquired wisdom from the ,jewish prophets1 studying the basis of ethics and morality1 returning to their country with contributions which have made ,greece famous4 ,when a movement fundamentally religious makes a weak nation strong1 changes a nondescript tribal people into a mighty and powerful civilization1 rescues them from captivity and elevates them to sovereignty1 transforms their ignorance into knowledge and endows them with an impetus of advancement in all degrees of development--7this is not theory1 but historical fact7--it becomes evident that religion is the cause of man's attainment to honor and sublimity4 ,but when we speak of religion we mean the essential foundation or reality of religion1 not the dogmas and blind imitations which have gradually encrusted it and which are the cause of the decline and effacement of a nation4 ,these are inevitably destructive and a menace and hindrance to a nation's life1--even as it is recorded in the ,torah and confirmed in history that when the ,jews became fettered by empty forms and imitations the wrath of ,god became manifest4 ,when they forsook the foundations of the law of ,god1 ,nebuchadnezzar came and conquered the ,holy ,land4 ,he killed and made captive the people of ,israel1 laid waste the country and populous cities and burned the villages4 ,seventy thousand ,jews were carried away captive to ,babylon4 ,he destroyed ,jerusalem1 despoiled the great temple1 desecrated the holy of holies and burned the ,torah1 the heavenly book of scriptures4 ,therefore we learn that allegiance to the essential foundation of the divine religions is ever the cause of development and progress1 whereas the abandonment and beclouding of that essential reality through blind imitations and adherence to dogmatic beliefs is the cause of a nation's debasement and degradation4 ,after their conquest by the ,babylonians1 the ,jews were successively subjugated by the ,greeks and ,romans4 ,under the ,roman general ,titus1 #gj ,a4,d41 the ,holy ,land was stripped and pillaged1 ,jerusalem razed to its foundations and the ,israelites scattered broadcast throughout the world4 ,so complete was their dispersion that they have continued without a country and government of their own to the present day4 ,from this review of the history of the ,jewish people we learn that the foundation of the religion of ,god laid by ,his ,holiness ,moses was the cause of their eternal honor and national prestige1 the animating impulse of their advancement and racial supremacy and the source of that excellence which will always command the respect and reverence of those who understand their peculiar destiny and outcome4 ,the dogmas and blind imitations which gradually obscured the reality of the religion of ,god proved to be ,israel's destructive influences causing the expulsion of these chosen people from the ,holy ,land of their ,covenant and promise4 ,what then is the mission of the divine prophets8 ,their mission is the education and advancement of the world of humanity4 ,they are the real teachers and educators1 the universal instructors of mankind4 ,if we wish to discover whether any one of these great souls or messengers was in reality a prophet of ,god we must investigate the facts surrounding ,his life and history2 and the first point of our investigation will be the education ,he bestowed upon mankind4 ,if ,he has been an educator1 if ,he has really trained a nation or people1 causing it to rise from the lowest depths of ignorance to the highest station of knowledge1 then we are sure that ,he was a prophet4 ,this is a plain and clear method of procedure1 proof that is irrefutable4 ,we do not need to seek after other proofs4 ,we do not need to mention miracles1 saying that out of rock water gushed forth1 for such miracles and statements may be denied and refused by those who hear them4 ,the deeds of ,moses are conclusive evidences of ,his prophethood4 ,if a man be fair1 unbiased and willing to investigate reality he will undoubtedly testify to the fact that ,moses was verily a man of ,god and a great personage4 ,in further consideration of this subject1 ,i wish you to be fair and reasonable in your judgment1 setting aside all religious prejudices4 ,we should earnestly seek and thoroughly investigate realities1 recognizing that the purpose of the religion of ,god is the education of humanity and the unity and fellowship of mankind4 ,furthermore we will establish the point that the foundations of the religions of ,god are one foundation4 ,this foundation is not multiple for it is reality itself4 ,reality does not admit of multiplicity although each of the divine religions is separable into two divisions4 ,one concerns the world of morality and the ethical training of human nature4 ,it is directed to the advancement of the world of humanity in general2 it reveals and inculcates the knowledge of ,god and makes possible the discovery of the verities of life4 ,this is ideal and spiritual teaching1 the essential quality of divine religion and not subject to change or transformation4 ,it is the one foundation of all the religions of ,god4 ,therefore the religions are essentially one and the same4 ,the second classification or division comprises social laws and regulations applicable to human conduct4 ,this is not the essential spiritual quality of religion4 ,it is subject to change and transformation according to the exigencies and requirements of time and place4 ,for instance in the time of ,noah certain requirements made it necessary that all sea foods be allowable or lawful4 ,during the time of the ,abrahamic prophethood it was considered allowable because of a certain exigency that a man should marry his aunt1 even as ,sarah was the sister of ,abraham's mother4 ,during the cycle of ,adam it was lawful and expedient for a man to marry his own sister1 even as ,abel1 ,cain and ,seth the sons of ,adam married their sisters4 ,but in the law of the ,pentateuch revealed by ,moses these marriages were forbidden and their custom and sanction abrogated4 ,other laws formerly valid were annulled during the time of ,moses4 ,for example1 it was lawful in ,abraham's cycle to eat the flesh of the camel1 but during the time of ,jacob this was prohibited4 ,such changes and transformations in the teaching of religion are applicable to the ordinary conditions of life but they are not important or essential4 ,his ,holiness ,moses lived in the wilderness of ,sinai where crime necessitated direct punishment4 ,there were no penitentiaries or penalties of imprisonment4 ,therefore according to the exigency of the time and place it was a law of ,god that an eye should be given for an eye and a tooth for a tooth4 ,it would not be practicable to enforce this law at the present time2 for instance to blind a man who accidentally blinded you4 ,in the ,torah there are many commands concerning the punishment of a murderer4 ,it would not be allowable or possible to carry out these ordinances today4 ,human conditions and exigencies are such that even the question of capital punishment1--the one penalty which most nations have continued to enforce for murder1--is now under discussion by wise men who are debating its advisability4 ,in fact1 laws for the ordinary conditions of life are only valid temporarily4 ,the exigencies of the time of ,moses justified cutting off a man's hand for theft but such a penalty is not allowable now4 ,time changes conditions1 and laws change to suit conditions4 ,we must remember that these changing laws are not the essentials2 they are the accidentals of religion4 ,the essential ordinances established by a ,manifestation of ,god are spiritual2 they concern moralities1 the ethical development of man and faith in ,god4 ,they are ideal and necessarily permanent2 expressions of the one foundation and not amenable to change or transformation4 ,therefore the fundamental basis of the revealed religion of ,god is immutable1 unchanging throughout the centuries1 not subject to the varying conditions of the human world4 ,christ ratified and proclaimed the foundation of the law of ,moses4 ,muammad and all the prophets have revoiced that same foundation of reality4 ,therefore the purposes and accomplishments of the divine messengers have been one and the same4 ,they were the source of advancement to the body-politic and the cause of the honor and divine civilization of humanity the foundation of which is one and the same in every dispensation4 ,it is evident then that the proofs of the validity and inspiration of a prophet of ,god are the deeds of beneficent accomplishment and greatness emanating from ,him4 ,if ,he proves to be instrumental in the elevation and betterment of mankind1 ,he is undoubtedly a valid and heavenly messenger4 ,i wish you to be reasonable and just in your consideration of the following statements3 ,at the time when the ,israelites had been dispersed by the power of the ,roman empire and the national life of the ,hebrew people had been effaced by their conquerors1--when the law of ,god had seemingly passed from them and the foundation of the religion of ,god was apparently destroyed1--,jesus ,christ appeared4 ,when ,his ,holiness arose among the ,jews1 the first thing ,he did was to proclaim the validity of the ,manifestation of ,moses4 ,he declared that the ,torah1 the ,old ,testament1 was the ,book of ,god and that all the prophets of ,israel were valid and true4 ,he extolled the mission of ,moses and through ,his proclamation the name of ,moses was spread throughout the world4 ,through ,christianity the greatness of ,moses became known among all nations4 ,it is a fact that before the appearance of ,christ1 the name of ,moses had not been heard in rn4 ,in ,india they had no knowledge of ,judaism and it was only through the ,christianizing of ,europe that the teachings of the ,old ,testament became spread in that region4 ,throughout ,europe there was not a copy of the ,old ,testament2 but consider this carefully and judge it aright2--through the instrumentality of ,christ1 through the translation of the ,new ,testament1 the little volume of the ,gospel1 the ,old ,testament1 the ,torah1 has been translated into six hundred languages and spread everywhere in the world4 ,the names of the ,hebrew prophets became household words among the nations1 who believed that the children of ,israel were verily the chosen people of ,god1 a holy nation under the especial blessing and protection of ,god1 and that therefore the prophets who had arisen in ,israel were the day springs of revelation and brilliant stars in the heaven of the will of ,god4 ,therefore ,his ,holiness ,christ really promulgated ,judaism for ,he was a ,jew and not opposed to the ,jews4 ,he did not deny the prophethood of ,moses2 on the contrary ,he proclaimed and ratified it4 ,he did not invalidate the ,torah2 ,he spread its teachings4 ,that portion of the ordinances of ,moses which concerned transactions and unimportant conditions underwent transformation but the essential teachings of ,moses were revoiced and confirmed by ,christ without change4 ,he left nothing unfinished or incomplete4 ,likewise through the supreme efficacy and power of the ,word of ,god ,he united most of the nations of the east and the west4 ,this was accomplished at a time when these nations were opposed to each other in hostility and strife4 ,he led them beneath the overshadowing tent of the oneness of humanity4 ,he educated them until they became united and agreed and through ,his spirit of conciliation the ,roman1 ,greek1 ,chaldean and ,egyptian were blended in a composite civilization4 ,this wonderful power and extraordinary efficacy of the ,word prove conclusively the validity of ,his ,holiness ,christ4 ,consider how ,his heavenly sovereignty is still permanent and lasting4 ,verily this is conclusive proof and manifest evidence4 ,from another horizon we see ,muammad the prophet of ,arabia appearing4 ,you may not know that the first address of ,muammad to ,his tribe was the statement1 8,verily1 ,moses was a prophet of ,god and the ,torah is a book of ,god4 ,verily1 ,o ye people1 ye must believe in the ,torah1 in ,moses and the prophets4 ,ye must accept all the prophets of ,israel as valid40 ,in the ,qur'n1 the ,muammadan ,bible1 there are seven statements or repetitions of the ,mosaic narrative1 and in all the historic accounts ,moses is praised4 ,muammad announces that ,his ,holiness ,moses was the greatest prophet of ,god1 that ,god guided ,him in the wilderness of ,sinai1 that through the light of guidance ,moses hearkened to the summons of ,god1 that ,he was the interlocutor of ,god and the bearer of the tablet of the ten commandments1 that all the contemporary nations of the world arose against ,him and that eventually ,moses conquered them1 for falsehood and error are ever overcome by truth4 ,there are many other instances of ,muammad's confirmation of ,moses4 ,i am mentioning but a few4 ,consider that ,his ,holiness ,muammad was born among the savage and barbarous tribes of ,arabia1 lived among them and was outwardly illiterate and uninformed of the holy books of ,god4 ,the ,arabian people were in the utmost ignorance and barbarism4 ,they buried their infant daughters alive1 considering this to be an evidence of a valorous and lofty nature4 ,they lived in bondage and serfdom under the rnian and ,roman governments and were scattered throughout the desert engaged in continual strife and bloodshed4 ,when the light of ,muammad dawned1 the darkness of ignorance was dispelled from the deserts of ,arabia4 ,in a short period of time those barbarous peoples attained a superlative degree of civilization which with ,baghdd as its center extended as far westward as ,spain and afterward influenced the greater part of ,europe4 ,what proof of prophethood could be greater than this1 unless we close our eyes to justice and remain obstinately opposed to reason4 ,today the ,christians are believers in ,moses1 accept ,him as a prophet of ,god and praise ,him most highly4 ,the ,muammadans are likewise believers in ,moses1 accept the validity of ,his prophethood1 at the same time believing in ,christ4 ,could it be said that the acceptance of ,moses by the ,christians and ,muammadans has been harmful and detrimental to those people8 ,on the contrary1 it has been beneficial to them1 proving that they have been fair-minded and just4 ,what harm could result to the ,jewish people then if they in return should accept ,his ,holiness ,christ and acknowledge the validity of the prophethood of ,his ,holiness ,muammad8 ,by this acceptance and praiseworthy attitude the enmity and hatred which have afflicted mankind so many centuries would be dispelled1 fanaticism and bloodshed pass away and the world be blessed by unity and agreement4 ,christians and ,muammadans believe and admit that ,moses was the interlocutor of ,god4 ,why do you not say that ,christ was the ,word of ,god8 ,why do you not speak these few words that will do away with all this difficulty8 ,then there will be no more hatred and fanaticism1 no more warfare and bloodshed in the ,land of ,promise4 ,then there will be peace among you forever4 ,verily1 ,i now declare to you that ,moses was the interlocutor of ,god and a most noteworthy prophet2 that ,moses revealed the fundamental law of ,god and founded the real ethical basis of the civilization and progress of humanity4 ,what harm is there in this8 ,have ,i lost anything by saying this to you and believing it as a ,bah'8 ,on the contrary it benefits me1 and ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh1 the founder of the ,bah' ,cause1 confirms me1 saying3 8,you have been fair and just in your judgment2 you have impartially investigated the truth and arrived at a true conclusion2 you have announced your belief in ,moses a prophet of ,god and accepted the ,torah the book of ,god40 ,inasmuch as it is possible for me to sweep away all evidences of prejudice by such a liberal and universal statement of belief why is it not possible for you to do likewise8 ,why not put an end to this religious strife and establish a bond of connection between the hearts of men8 ,why should not the followers of one religion praise the founder or teacher of another8 ,the other religionists extol the greatness of ,his ,holiness ,moses and admit that ,he was the founder of ,judaism4 ,why do the ,hebrews refuse to praise and accept the other great messengers who have appeared in the world8 ,what harm could there be in this8 ,what rightful objection8 ,none whatever4 ,you would lose nothing by such action and statement4 ,on the contrary you would contribute to the welfare of mankind4 ,you would be instrumental in establishing the happiness of the world of humanity4 ,the eternal honor of man depends upon the liberalism of this modern age4 ,inasmuch as our ,god is one ,god and the creator of all mankind1 ,he provides for and protects all4 ,we acknowledge him as a ,god of kindness1 justice and mercy4 ,why then should we1 ,his children and followers1 war and fight1 bringing sorrow and grief into the hearts of each other8 ,god is loving and merciful4 ,his intention in religion has ever been the bond of unity and affinity between humankind4 ,praise be to ,god6 the mediaeval ages of darkness have passed away and this century of radiance has dawned1--this century wherein the reality of things is becoming evident1--wherein science is penetrating the mysteries of the universe1 the oneness of the world of humanity is being established and service to mankind is the paramount motive of all existence4 ,shall we remain steeped in our fanaticisms and cling to our prejudices8 ,is it fitting that we should still be bound and restricted by ancient fables and superstitions of the past2 be handicapped by superannuated beliefs and the ignorances of dark ages1 waging religious wars1 fighting and shedding blood1 shunning and anathematizing each other8 ,is this becoming8 ,is it not better for us to be loving and considerate toward each other8 ,is it not preferable to enjoy fellowship and unity2 join in anthems of praise to the most high ,god and extol all ,his prophets in the spirit of acceptance and true vision8 ,then indeed this world will become a paradise and the promised ,day of ,god will dawn4 ,then according to the prophecy of ,isaiah the wolf and the lamb will drink from the same stream1 the owl and the vulture will nest together in the same branches and the lion and the calf pasture in the same meadow4 ,what does this mean8 ,it means that fierce and contending religions1 hostile creeds and divergent beliefs will reconcile and associate1 notwithstanding their former hatreds and antagonism4 ,through the liberalism of human attitude demanded in this radiant century they will blend together in perfect fellowship and love4 ,this is the spirit and meaning of ,isaiah's words4 ,there will never be a day when this prophecy will come to pass literally1 for these animals by their natures cannot mingle and associate in kindness and love4 ,therefore this prophecy symbolizes the unity and agreement of races1 nations and peoples who will come together in attitudes of intelligence1 illumination and spirituality4 ,the age has dawned when human fellowship will become a reality4 ,the century has come when all religions shall be unified4444 ,,industrial ,,justice ,you have questioned me about strikes4 ,this question is and will be for a long time the subject of great difficulties4 ,strikes are due to two causes4 ,one is the extreme sharpness and rapacity of the capitalists and manufacturers2 the other1 the excesses1 the avidity and ill-will of the workmen and artisans4 ,it is therefore necessary to remedy these two causes4 ,but the principal cause of these difficulties lies in the laws of the present civilization2 for they lead to a small number of individuals accumulating incomparable fortunes1 beyond their needs1 whilst the greater number remains destitute1 stripped and in the greatest misery4 ,this is contrary to justice1 to humanity1 to equity2 it is the height of iniquity1 the opposite to what causes divine satisfaction4 ,this contrast is peculiar to the world of man3 with other creatures1 that is to say with nearly all animals1 there is a kind of justice and equality4 ,thus in a shepherd's flock of sheep1 in a troop of deer in the country1 among the birds of the prairie1 of the plain1 of the hill or of the orchard1 almost every animal receives a just share based on equality4 ,with them such a difference in the means of existence is not to be found3 so they live in the most complete peace and joy4 ,it is quite otherwise with the human species1 which persists in the greatest error1 and in absolute iniquity4 ,consider an individual who has amassed treasures by colonizing a country for his profit3 he has obtained an incomparable fortune1 and has secured profits and incomes which flow like a river1 whilst a hundred thousand unfortunate people1 weak and powerless1 are in need of a mouthful of bread4 ,there is neither equality nor brotherhood4 ,so you see that general peace and joy are destroyed1 the welfare of humanity is partially annihilated1 and that collective life is fruitless4 ,indeed1 fortune1 honors1 commerce1 industry are in the hands of some industrials1 whilst other people are submitted to quite a series of difficulties and to limitless troubles3 they have neither advantages nor profits1 nor comforts1 nor peace4 ,then rules and laws should be established to regulate the excessive fortunes of certain private individuals1 and limit the misery of millions of the poor masses2 thus a certain moderation would be obtained4 ,however1 absolute equality is just as impossible1 for absolute equality in fortunes1 honors1 commerce1 agriculture1 industry1 would end in a want of comfort1 in discouragement1 in disorganization of the means of existence1 and in universal disappointment3 the order of the community would be quite destroyed4 ,thus1 there is a great wisdom in the fact that equality is not imposed by law3 it is1 therefore1 preferable for moderation to do its work4 ,the main point is1 by means of laws and regulations to hinder the constitution of the excessive fortunes of certain individuals1 and to protect the essential needs of the masses4 ,for instance1 the manufacturers and the industrials heap up a treasure each day1 and the poor artisans do not gain their daily sustenance3 that is the height of iniquity1 and no just man can accept it4 ,therefore1 laws and regulations should be established which would permit the workmen to receive from the factory owner their wages and a share in the fourth or the fifth part of the profits1 according to the wants of the factory2 or in some other way the body of workmen and the manufacturers should share equitably the profits and advantages4 ,indeed1 the direction and administration of affairs come from the owner of the factory1 and the work and labor1 from the body of the workmen4 ,in other words1 the workmen should receive wages which assure them an adequate support1 and when they cease work1 becoming feeble or helpless1 they should receive from the owner of the factory a sufficient pension4 ,the wages should be high enough to satisfy the workmen with the amount they receive1 so that they may be able to put a little aside for days of want and helplessness4 ,when matters will be thus fixed1 the owner of the factory will no longer put aside daily a treasure which he has absolutely no need of 7without taking into consideration that if the fortune is disproportionate1 the capitalist succumbs under a formidable burden1 and gets into the greatest difficulties and troubles2 the administration of an excessive fortune is very difficult1 and exhausts man's natural strength74 ,and1 the workmen and artisans will no longer be in the greatest misery and want1 they will no longer be submitted to the worst privations at the end of their life4 ,it is1 then1 clear and evident that the repartition of excessive fortunes amongst a small number of individuals1 while the masses are in misery1 is an iniquity and an injustice4 ,in the same way1 absolute equality would be an obstacle to life1 to welfare1 to order and to the peace of humanity4 ,in such a question a just medium is preferable4 ,it lies in the capitalists being moderate in the acquisition of their profits1 and in their having a consideration for the welfare of the poor and needy2 that is to say1 that the workmen and artisans receive a fixed and established daily wage1 and have a share in the general profits of the factory4 ,it would be well1 with regard to the social rights of manufacturers1 workmen and artisans1 that laws be established1 giving moderate profits to manufacturers1 and to workmen the necessary means of existence and security for the future4 ,thus1 when they become feeble and cease working1 get old and helpless1 and die leaving children under age1 these children will not be annihilated by excess of poverty4 ,and it is from the income of the factory itself1 to which they have a right1 that they will derive a little of the means of existence4 ,in the same way1 the workmen should no longer rebel and revolt1 nor demand beyond their rights2 they should no longer go out on strike1 they should be obedient and submissive1 and not ask for impudent wages4 ,but the mutual rights of both associated parties will be fixed and established according to custom by just and impartial laws4 ,in case one of the two parties should transgress1 the courts of justice would have to give judgment1 and by an efficacious fine put an end to the transgression2 thus order will be re-established1 and the difficulties settled4 ,the interference of courts of justice and of the ,government in difficulties pending between manufacturers and workmen is legal1 for the reason that current affairs between workmen and manufacturers cannot be compared with ordinary affairs between private persons1 which do not concern the public1 and with which the ,government should not occupy itself4 ,in reality1 although they appear to be matters between private persons1 these difficulties between patrons and workmen produce a general detriment2 for commerce1 industry1 agriculture and the general affairs of the country are all intimately linked together4 ,if one of these suffers an abuse1 the detriment affects the mass4 ,thus the difficulties between workmen and manufacturers become a cause of general detriment4 ,the court of justice and the ,government have therefore the right of interference4 ,when a difficulty occurs between two individuals with reference to private rights1 it is necessary for a third to settle the question3 this is the part of the ,government3 then the question of strikes--which cause troubles in the country and are often connected with the excessive vexations of the workmen1 as well as with the rapacity of manufacturers--how could it remain neglected8 ,good ,god6 is it possible that1 seeing one of his fellow-creatures starving1 destitute of everything1 a man can rest and live comfortably in his luxurious mansion8 ,he who meets another in the greatest misery1 can he enjoy his fortune8 ,that is why1 in the religion of ,god1 it is prescribed and established that wealthy men each year give over a certain part of their fortune for the maintenance of the poor and unfortunate4 ,that is the foundation of the religion of ,god1 and the most essential of the commandments4 ,as now man is not forced nor obliged by the ,government1 if by the natural tendency of his good heart1 with the greatest spirituality1 he goes to this expense for the poor1 this will be a thing very much praised1 approved and pleasing4 ,such is the meaning of the good works in the ,divine ,books and ,tablets4 ,,universal ,,peace ,this recent war has proved to the world and the people that war is destruction while ,universal ,peace is construction2 war is death while peace is life2 war is rapacity and bloodthirstiness while peace is beneficence and humaneness2 war is an appurtenance of the world of nature while peace is of the foundation of the religion of ,god2 war is darkness upon darkness while peace is heavenly light2 war is the destroyer of the edifice of mankind while peace is the everlasting life of the world of humanity2 war is like a devouring wolf while peace is like the angels of heaven2 war is the struggle for existence while peace is mutual aid and cooperation among the peoples of the world and the cause of the good-pleasure of the ,true ,one in the heavenly realm4 ,there is not one soul whose conscience does not testify that in this day there is no more important matter in the world than that of ,universal ,peace4 ,every just one bears witness to this and adores that esteemed ,assembly because its aim is that this darkness may be changed into light1 this bloodthirstiness into kindness1 this torment into bliss1 this hardship into ease and this enmity and hatred into fellowship and love4 ,therefore1 the effort of those esteemed souls is worthy of praise and commendation4 ,but the wise souls who are aware of the essential relationships emanating from the realities of things consider that one single matter cannot1 by itself1 influence the human reality as it ought and should1 for until the minds of men become united1 no important matter can be accomplished4 ,at present ,universal ,peace is a matter of great importance1 but unity of conscience is essential1 so that the foundation of this matter may become secure1 its establishment firm and its edifice strong4 ,therefore ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh1 fifty years ago1 expounded this question of ,universal ,peace at a time when ,he was confined in the fortress of ,akk and was wronged and imprisoned4 ,he wrote about this important matter of ,universal ,peace to all the great sovereigns of the world1 and established it among ,his friends in the ,orient4 ,the horizon of the ,east was in utter darkness1 nations displayed the utmost hatred and enmity towards each other1 religions thirsted for each other's blood1 and it was darkness upon darkness4 ,at such a time ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh shone forth like the sun from the horizon of the ,east and illumined rn with the lights of these teachings4 ,among ,his teachings was the declaration of ,universal ,peace4 ,people of different nations1 religions and sects who followed ,him came together to such an extent that remarkable gatherings were instituted consisting of the various nations and religions of the ,east4 ,every soul who entered these gatherings saw but one nation1 one teaching1 one pathway1 one order1 for the teachings of ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh were not limited to the establishment of ,universal ,peace4 ,they embraced many teachings which supplemented and supported that of ,universal ,peace4 ,among these teachings was the independent investigation of reality so that the world of humanity may be saved from the darkness of imitation and attain to the truth2 may tear off and cast away this ragged and outgrown garment of #a1jjj years ago and may put on the robe woven in the utmost purity and holiness in the loom of reality4 ,as reality is one and cannot admit of multiplicity1 therefore different opinions must ultimately become fused into one4 ,and among the teachings of ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh is the oneness of the world of humanity2 that all human beings are the sheep of ,god and ,he is the kind ,shepherd4 ,this ,shepherd is kind to all the sheep1 because ,he created them all1 trained them1 provided for them and protected them4 ,there is no doubt that the ,shepherd is kind to all the sheep and should there be among these sheep ignorant ones1 they must be educated2 if there be children1 they must be trained until they reach maturity2 if there be sick ones1 they must be cured4 ,there must be no hatred and enmity1 for as by a kind physician these ignorant1 sick ones should be treated4 ,and among the teachings of ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh is1 that religion must be the cause of fellowship and love4 ,if it becomes the cause of estrangement then it is not needed1 for religion is like a remedy2 if it aggravates the disease then it becomes unnecessary4 ,and among the teachings of ,bah'u'llh is1 that religion must be in conformity with science and reason1 so that it may influence the hearts of men4 ,the foundation must be solid and must not consist of imitations4 ,and among the teachings of ,bah'u'llh is1 that religious1 racial1 political1 economic and patriotic prejudices destroy the edifice of humanity4 ,as long as these prejudices prevail1 the world of humanity will not have rest4 ,for a period of #f1jjj years history informs us about the world of humanity4 ,during these #f1jjj years the world of humanity has not been free from war1 strife1 murder and bloodthirstiness4 ,in every period war has been waged in one country or another and that war was due to either religious prejudice1 racial prejudice1 political prejudice or patriotic prejudice4 ,it has therefore been ascertained and proved that all prejudices are destructive of the human edifice4 ,as long as these prejudices persist1 the struggle for existence must remain dominant1 and bloodthirstiness and rapacity continue4 ,therefore1 even as was the case in the past1 the world of humanity cannot be saved from the darkness of nature and cannot attain illumination except through the abandonment of prejudices and the acquisition of the morals of the ,kingdom4 ,if this prejudice and enmity are on account of religion 7consider that71 religion should be the cause of fellowship1 otherwise it is fruitless4 ,and if this prejudice be the prejudice of nationality 7consider that7 all mankind are of one nation2 all have sprung from the tree of ,adam1 and ,adam is the root of the tree4 ,that tree is one and all these nations are like branches1 while the individuals of humanity are like leaves1 blossoms and fruits thereof4 ,then the establishment of various nations and the consequent shedding of blood and destruction of the edifice of humanity result from human ignorance and selfish motives4 ,as to the patriotic prejudice1 this is also due to absolute ignorance1 for the surface of the earth is one native land4 ,every one can live in any spot on the terrestrial globe4 ,therefore all the world is man's birthplace4 ,these boundaries and outlets have been devised by man4 ,in the creation1 such boundaries and outlets were not assigned4 ,europe is one continent1 ,asia is one continent1 ,africa is one continent1 ,australia is one continent1 but some of the souls1 from personal motives and selfish interests1 have divided each one of these continents and considered a certain part as their own country4 ,god has set up no frontier between ,france and ,germany2 they are continuous4 ,yea1 in the first centuries1 selfish souls1 for the promotion of their own interests1 have assigned boundaries and outlets and have1 day by day1 attached more importance to these1 until this led to intense enmity1 bloodshed and rapacity in subsequent centuries4 ,in the same way this will continue indefinitely1 and if this conception of patriotism remains limited within a certain circle1 it will be the primary cause of the world's destruction4 ,no wise and just person will acknowledge these imaginary distinctions4 ,every limited area which we call our native country we regard as our mother-land1 whereas the terrestrial globe is the mother-land of all1 and not any restricted area4 ,in short1 for a few days we live on this earth and eventually we are buried in it1 it is our eternal tomb4 ,is it worth while that we should engage in bloodshed and tear one another to pieces for this eternal tomb8 ,nay1 far from it1 neither is ,god pleased with such conduct nor would any sane man approve of it4 ,consider6 ,the blessed animals engage in no patriotic quarrels4 ,they are in the utmost fellowship with one another and live together in harmony4 ,for example1 if a dove from the ,east and a dove from the ,west1 a dove from the ,north and a dove from the ,south chance to arrive1 at the same time1 in one spot1 they immediately associate in harmony4 ,so is it with all the blessed animals and birds4 ,but ferocious animals1 as soon as they meet1 attack and fight with each other1 tear each other to pieces and it is impossible for them to live peaceably together in one spot4 ,they are all unsociable and fierce1 savage and combative fighters4 ,regarding the economic prejudice1 it is apparent that whenever the ties between nations become strengthened and the exchange of commodities accelerated1 and any economic principle is established in one country1 it will ultimately affect the other countries and universal benefits will result4 ,then why this prejudice8 ,as to the political prejudice1 the policy of ,god must be followed and it is indisputable that the policy of ,god is greater than human policy4 ,we must follow the ,divine policy and that applies alike to all individuals4 ,he treats all individuals alike3 no distinction is made1 and that is the foundation of the ,divine ,religions4 ,and among the teachings of ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh is the origination of one language that may be spread universally among the people4 ,this teaching was revealed from the pen of ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh in order that this universal language may eliminate misunderstandings from among mankind4 ,and among the teachings of ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh is the equality of women and men4 ,the world of humanity has two wings--one is women and the other men4 ,not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly4 ,should one wing remain weak1 flight is impossible4 ,not until the world of women becomes equal to the world of men in the acquisition of virtues and perfections1 can success and prosperity be attained as they ought to be4 ,and among the teachings of ,bah'u'llh is voluntary sharing of one's property with others among mankind4 ,this voluntary sharing is greater than equality1 and consists in this1 that man should not prefer himself to others1 but rather should sacrifice his life and property for others4 ,but this should not be introduced by coercion so that it becomes a law and man is compelled to follow it4 ,nay1 rather1 man should voluntarily and of his own choice sacrifice his property and life for others1 and spend willingly for the poor1 just as is done in rn among the ,bah's4 ,and among the teachings of ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh is man's freedom1 that through the ideal ,power he should be free and emancipated from the captivity of the world of nature2 for as long as man is captive to nature he is a ferocious animal1 as the struggle for existence is one of the exigencies of the world of nature4 ,this matter of the struggle for existence is the fountain-head of all calamities and is the supreme affliction4 ,and among the teachings of ,bah'u'llh is that religion is a mighty bulwark4 ,if the edifice of religion shakes and totters1 commotion and chaos will ensue and the order of things will be utterly upset1 for in the world of mankind there are two safeguards that protect man from wrongdoing4 ,one is the law which punishes the criminal2 but the law prevents only the manifest crime and not the concealed sin2 whereas the ideal safeguard1 namely1 the religion of ,god1 prevents both the manifest and the concealed crime1 trains man1 educates morals1 compels the adoption of virtues and is the all-inclusive power which guarantees the felicity of the world of mankind4 ,but by religion is meant that which is ascertained by investigation and not that which is based on mere imitation1 the foundation of ,divine ,religions and not human imitations4 ,and among the teachings of ,bah'u'llh is that although material civilization is one of the means for the progress of the world of mankind1 yet until it becomes combined with ,divine civilization1 the desired result1 which is the felicity of mankind1 will not be attained4 ,consider6 ,these battleships that reduce a city to ruins within the space of an hour are the result of material civilization2 likewise the ,krupp guns1 the ,mauser rifles1 dynamite1 submarines1 torpedo boats1 armed aircraft and bombing aeroplanes--all these weapons of war are the malignant fruits of material civilization4 ,had material civilization been combined with ,divine civilization1 these fiery weapons would never have been invented4 ,nay1 rather1 human energy would have been wholly devoted to useful inventions and would have been concentrated on praiseworthy discoveries4 ,material civilization is like a lamp-glass4 ,divine civilization is the lamp itself and the glass without the light is dark4 ,material civilization is like the body4 ,no matter how infinitely graceful1 elegant and beautiful it may be1 it is dead4 ,divine civilization is like the spirit1 and the body gets its life from the spirit1 otherwise it becomes a corpse4 ,it has thus been made evident that the world of mankind is in need of the breaths of the ,holy ,spirit4 ,without the spirit the world of mankind is lifeless1 and without this light the world of mankind is in utter darkness4 ,for the world of nature is an animal world4 ,until man is born again from the world of nature1 that is to say1 becomes detached from the world of nature1 he is essentially an animal1 and it is the teachings of ,god which converts this animal into a human soul4 ,and among the teachings of ,bah'u'llh is the promotion of education4 ,every child must be instructed in sciences as much as is necessary4 ,if the parents are able to provide the expenses of this education1 it is all right1 otherwise the community must provide the means for the teaching of that child4 ,and among the teachings of ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh is justice and right4 ,until these are realized on the plane of existence1 all things shall be in disorder and remain imperfect4 ,the world of mankind is a world of oppression and cruelty1 and a realm of aggression and error4 ,in fine1 such teachings are numerous4 ,these manifold principles1 which constitute the greatest basis for the felicity of mankind and are of the bounties of the ,merciful1 must be added to the matter of ,universal ,peace and combined with it1 so that results may accrue4 ,otherwise the realization of ,universal ,peace 7by itself7 in the world of mankind is difficult4 ,as the teachings of ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh are combined with ,universal ,peace1 they are like a table provided with every kind of fresh and delicious food4 ,every soul can find1 at that table of infinite bounty1 that which he desires4 ,if the question is restricted to ,universal ,peace alone1 the remarkable results which are expected and desired will not be attained4 ,the scope of ,universal ,peace must be such that all the communities and religions may find their highest wish realized in it4 ,at present the teachings of ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh are such that all the communities of the world1 whether religious1 political or ethical1 ancient or modern1 find in the teachings of ,bah'u'llh the expression of their highest wish4 ,for example1 the people of religions find1 in the teaching of ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh1 the establishment of ,universal ,religion--a religion that perfectly conforms with present conditions1 which in reality effects the immediate cure of the incurable disease1 which relieves every pain1 and bestows the infallible antidote for every deadly poison4 ,for if we wish to arrange and organize the world of mankind in accordance with the present religious imitations and thereby to establish the felicity of the world of mankind1 it is impossible and impracticable--for example1 the enforcement of the laws of the ,old ,testament 7,torah7 and also of the other religions in accordance with present imitations4 ,but the essential basis of all the ,divine ,religions which pertains to the virtues of the world of mankind and is the foundation of the welfare of the world of man1 is found in the teachings of ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh in the most perfect presentation4 ,similarly1 with regard to the peoples who clamor for freedom3 the moderate freedom which guarantees the welfare of the world of mankind and maintains and preserves the universal relationships1 is found in its fullest power and extension in the teachings of ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh4 ,so with regard to political parties3 that which is the greatest policy directing the world of mankind1 nay1 rather1 the ,divine policy1 is found in the teachings of ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh4 ,likewise with regard to the party of 8equality0 which seeks the solution of the economic problems3 until now all proposed solutions have proved impracticable except the economic proposals in the teachings of ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh which are practicable and cause no distress to society4 ,so with the other parties3 when ye look deeply into this matter1 ye will discover that the highest aims of those parties are found in the teachings of ,bah'u'llh4 ,these teachings constitute the all-inclusive power among all men and are practicable4 ,but there are some teachings of the past1 such as those of the ,torah1 which cannot be carried out at the present day4 ,it is the same with the other religions and the tenets of the various sects and the different parties4 ,for example1 the question of ,universal ,peace1 about which ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh says that the ,supreme ,tribunal must be established3 although the ,league of ,nations has been brought into existence1 yet it is incapable of establishing ,universal ,peace4 ,but the ,supreme ,tribunal which ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh has described will fulfil this sacred task with the utmost might and power4 ,and ,his plan is this3 that the national assemblies of each country and nation--that is to say parliaments--should elect two or three persons who are the choicest men of that nation1 and are well informed concerning international laws and the relations between governments and aware of the essential needs of the world of humanity in this day4 ,the number of these representatives should be in proportion to the number of inhabitants of that country4 ,the election of these souls who are chosen by the national assembly1 that is1 the parliament1 must be confirmed by the upper house1 the congress and the cabinet and also by the president or monarch so these persons may be the elected ones of all the nation and the government4 ,from among these people the members of the ,supreme ,tribunal will be elected1 and all mankind will thus have a share therein1 for every one of these delegates is fully representative of his nation4 ,when the ,supreme ,tribunal gives a ruling on any international question1 either unanimously or by majority-rule1 there will no longer be any pretext for the plaintiff or ground of objection for the defendant4 ,in case any of the governments or nations1 in the execution of the irrefutable decision of the ,supreme ,tribunal1 be negligent or dilatory1 the rest of the nations will rise up against it1 because all the governments and nations of the world are the supporters of this ,supreme ,tribunal4 ,consider what a firm foundation this is6 ,but by a limited and restricted ,league the purpose will not be realized as it ought and should4 ,this is the truth about the situation1 which has been stated4 ,consider how powerful are the teachings of ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh4 ,at a time when ,his ,holiness was in the prison of ,akk and was under the restrictions and threats of two bloodthirsty kings1 notwithstanding this fact1 ,his teachings spread with all power in rn and other countries4 ,should any teaching1 or any principle1 or any community fall under the threat of a powerful and bloodthirsty monarch it will be annihilated within a short space of time4 ,at present for fifty years the ,bah's in rn and most regions have been under severe restrictions and the threat of sword and spear4 ,thousands of souls have given their lives in the arena of sacrifice and have fallen as victims under the swords of oppression and cruelty4 ,thousands of esteemed families have been uprooted and destroyed4 ,thousands of children have been made fatherless4 ,thousands of fathers have been bereft of their sons4 ,thousands of mothers have wept and lamented for their boys who have been beheaded4 ,all this oppression and cruelty1 rapacity and blood-thirstiness did not hinder or prevent the spread of the teachings of ,bah'u'llh4 ,they spread more and more every day1 and their power and might became more evident4 ,it may be that some foolish person among the rnians will affix his name to the contents of the ,tablets of ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh or to the explanations given in the letters of #8,abdu'l-,bah and send it to that esteemed ,assembly4 ,ye must be aware of this fact1 for any rnian who seeks fame or has some other intention will take the entire contents of the ,tablets of ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh and publish them in his own name or in that of his community1 just as happened at the ,universal ,races ,congress in ,london before the war4 ,an rnian took the substance of the ,epistles of ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh1 entered that ,congress1 gave them forth in his own name and published them1 whereas the wording was exactly that of ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh4 ,some such souls have gone to ,europe and have caused confusion in the minds of the people of ,europe and have disturbed the thoughts of some ,orientalists4 ,ye must bear this fact in mind1 for not a word of these teachings was heard in rn before the appearance of ,bah'u'llh4 ,investigate this matter so that it may become to you evident and manifest4 ,some souls are like parrots4 ,they learn any note which they may hear1 and sing it1 but they themselves are unaware of what they utter4 ,there is a sect in rn at present made up of a few souls who are called ,bbs1 who claim to be followers of ,his ,holiness the ,bb1 whereas they are utterly unaware of ,his ,holiness4 ,they have some secret teachings which are entirely opposed to the teachings of ,bah'u'llh and in rn people know this4 ,but when these souls come to ,europe1 they conceal their own teachings and utter those of ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh1 for they know that the teachings of ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh are powerful and they therefore declare publicly those teachings of ,bah'u'llh in their own name4 ,as to their secret teachings1 they say that they are taken from the ,book of ,bayn1 and the ,book of ,bayn is from ,his ,holiness the ,bb4 ,when ye get hold of the translation of the ,book of ,bayn1 which has been translated in rn1 ye will discover the truth that the teachings of ,bah'u'llh are utterly opposed to the teachings of this sect4 ,beware lest ye disregard this fact4 ,should ye desire to investigate the matter further1 inquire from rn4 ,in fine1 when traveling and journeying throughout the world1 wherever one finds construction1 it is the result of fellowship and love1 while everything that is in ruin shows the effect of enmity and hatred4 ,notwithstanding this1 the world of humanity has not become aware and has not awakened from the sleep of heedlessness4 ,again it engages in differences1 in disputes and wrangling1 that it may set up ranks of war and may run to and fro in the arena of battle and strife4 ,so it is with regard to the universe and its corruption1 existence and non-existence4 ,every contingent being is made up of different and numerous elements and the existence of everything is a result of composition4 ,that is to say1 when between simple elements a composition takes place a being arises2 the creation of beings comes about in this way4 ,and when that composition is upset1 it is followed by decomposition1 the elements disintegrate1 and that being becomes annihilated4 ,that is to say1 the annihilation of everything consists in the decomposition and the separation of elements4 ,therefore1 every composition among the elements is the cause of life1 while dissociation and separation are the cause of death4 ,in short1 attraction and harmony of things are the cause of the production of fruits and useful results1 while repulsion and inharmony of things are the cause of disturbance and annihilation4 ,from harmony and attraction1 all living contingent beings1 such as plant1 animal and man1 are realized1 and from inharmony and repulsion decay sets in and annihilation becomes manifest4 ,therefore whatever is the cause of harmony1 attraction and union among men is the life of the world of humanity1 and whatever is the cause of difference1 of repulsion and of separation is the cause of the death of mankind4 ,and when you pass by a garden wherein vegetable beds and plants1 flowers and fragrant herbs are all combined so as to form a harmonious whole1 this is an evidence that this plantation and this rose garden have been cultivated and arranged by the care of a perfect gardener1 while when you see a garden in disorder1 lacking arrangement and confused1 this indicates that it has been deprived of the care of a skillful gardener1 nay1 rather1 it is nothing but a mass of weeds4 ,it has therefore been made evident that fellowship and harmony are indicative of the training by the real ,educator1 while separation and dispersion prove wildness and deprivation of ,divine training4 ,should any one object that1 since the communities and nations and races and peoples of the world have different formalities1 customs1 tastes1 temperaments1 morals1 varied thoughts1 minds and opinions1 it is therefore impossible for ideal unity to be made manifest and complete union among men to be realized1 we say that differences are of two kinds3 ,one leads to destruction1 and that is like the difference between warring peoples and competing nations who destroy one another1 uproot each other's families1 do away with rest and comfort and engage in bloodshed and rapacity4 ,that is blameworthy4 ,but the other difference consists in variation4 ,this is perfection itself and the cause of the appearance of ,divine bounty4 ,consider the flowers of the rose garden4 ,although they are of different kinds1 various colors and diverse forms and appearances1 yet as they drink from one water1 are swayed by one breeze and grow by the warmth and light of one sun1 this variation and this difference cause each to enhance the beauty and splendor of the others4 ,the differences in manners1 in customs1 in habits1 in thoughts1 opinions and in temperaments is the cause of the adornment of the world of mankind4 ,this is praiseworthy4 ,likewise this difference and this variation1 like the difference and variation of the parts and members of the human body1 are the cause of the appearance of beauty and perfection4 ,as these different parts and members are under the control of the dominant spirit1 and the spirit permeates all the organs and members1 and rules all the arteries and veins1 this difference and this variation strengthen love and harmony and this multiplicity is the greatest aid to unity4 ,if in a garden the flowers and fragrant herbs1 the blossoms and fruits1 the leaves1 branches and trees are of one kind1 of one form1 of one color and of one arrangement1 there is no beauty or sweetness1 but when there is variety1 each will contribute to the beauty and charm of the others and will make an admirable garden1 and will appear in the utmost loveliness1 freshness and sweetness4 ,likewise1 when difference and variety of thoughts1 forms1 opinions1 characters and morals of the world of mankind come under the control of one ,supreme ,power and the influence of the ,word of the ,one ,true ,god1 they will appear and be displayed in the most perfect glory1 beauty1 exaltation and perfection4 ,today nothing but the power of the ,word of ,god which encompasses the realities of things can bring the thoughts1 the minds1 the hearts and the spirits under the shade of one ,tree4 ,he is the potent in all things1 the vivifier of souls1 the preserver and the controller of the world of mankind4 ,praise be to ,god1 in this day the light of the ,word of ,god has shone forth upon all regions1 and from all sects1 communities1 nations1 tribes1 peoples1 religions and denominations1 souls have gathered under the shadow of the ,word of ,oneness and have in the most intimate fellowship united and harmonized6 ,,chapter ,,seven3 ,,soul1 ,,mind ,,and ,,spirit ,,the ,,origin ,,of ,,man ,know that it is one of the most abstruse spiritual truths that the world of existence1 that is to say this endless universe1 has no beginning4 ,we have already explained that the names and attributes of the ,divinity themselves require the existence of beings4 ,although this subject has been explained in detail1 we will speak of it again briefly4 ,know that an educator without pupils cannot be imagined1 a monarch without subjects could not exist1 a master without scholars cannot be appointed1 a creator without a creature is impossible1 a provider without those provided for cannot be conceived2 for all the divine names and attributes demand the existence of beings4 ,if we could imagine a time when no beings existed1 this imagination would be the denial of the ,divinity of ,god4 ,moreover1 absolute non-existence cannot become existence4 ,if the beings were absolutely non-existent1 existence would not have come into being4 ,therefore1 as the ,essence of ,unity1 that is the existence of ,god1 is everlasting and eternal--that is to say1 it has neither beginning nor end--it is certain that this world of existence1 this endless universe1 has neither beginning nor end4 ,yes1 it may be that one of the parts of the universe1 one of the globes1 for example1 may come into existence1 or may be disintegrated1 but the other endless globes are still existing2 the universe would not be disordered nor destroyed2 on the contrary1 existence is eternal and perpetual4 ,as each globe has a beginning1 necessarily it has an end1 because every composition1 collective or particular1 must of necessity be decomposed2 the only difference is that some are quickly decomposed1 and others more slowly1 but it is impossible that a composed thing should not eventually be decomposed4 ,it is necessary1 therefore1 that we should know what each of the important existences was in the beginning--for there is no doubt that in the beginning the origin was one3 the origin of all numbers is one and not two4 ,then it is evident that in the beginning matter was one1 and that one matter appeared in different aspects in each element2 thus various forms were produced1 and these various aspects as they were produced became permanent1 and each element was specialized4 ,but this permanence was not definite1 and did not attain realization and perfect existence until after a very long time4 ,then these elements became composed1 and organized and combined in infinite forms2 or rather from the composition and combination of these elements innumerable beings appeared4 ,this composition and arrangement through the wisdom of ,god and ,his pre-existent might1 were produced from one natural organization1 which was composed and combined with the greatest strength1 conformably to wisdom1 and according to a universal law4 ,from this it is evident that it is the creation of ,god1 and is not a fortuitous composition and arrangement4 ,this is why from every natural composition a being can come into existence1 but from an accidental composition no being can come into existence4 ,for example1 if a man of his own mind and intelligence collects some elements and combines them1 a living being will not be brought into existence1 since the system is unnatural4 ,this is the answer to the implied question1 that1 since beings are made by the composition and the combination of elements1 why is it not possible for us to gather elements and mingle them together1 and so create a living being4 ,this is a false supposition1 for the origin of this composition is from ,god2 it is ,god who makes the combination1 and as it is done according to the natural system1 from each composition one being is produced1 and an existence is realized4 ,a composition made by man produces nothing1 because man cannot create4 ,briefly1 we have said that from the composition and combination of elements1 from their decomposition1 from their measure1 and from the effect of other beings upon them1 resulted forms1 endless realities1 and innumerable beings4 ,but it is clear that this terrestrial globe in its present form did not come into existence all at once2 but that this universal existence gradually passed through different phases until it became adorned with its present perfection4 ,universal beings resemble and can be compared to particular beings1 for both are subjected to one natural system1 one universal law and divine organization4 ,so you will find the smallest atoms in the universal system are similar to the greatest beings of the universe4 ,it is clear that they come into existence from one laboratory of might under one natural system1 and one universal law2 therefore they may be compared to one another4 ,thus the embryo of man in the womb of the mother gradually grows and develops1 and appears in different forms and conditions1 until in the degree of perfect beauty it reaches maturity1 and appears in a perfect form with the utmost grace4 ,and in the same way1 the seed of this flower which you see was in the beginning an insignificant thing1 and very small2 and it grew and developed in the womb of the earth1 and after appearing in various forms1 came forth in this condition with perfect freshness and grace4 ,in the same manner it is evident that this terrestrial globe having once found existence1 grew and developed in the matrix of the universe1 and came forth in different forms and conditions1 until gradually it attained this present perfection1 and became adorned with innumerable beings1 and appeared as a finished organization4 ,then it is clear that original matter1 which is in the embryonic state1 and the mingled and composed elements which were its earliest forms1 gradually grew and developed during many ages and cycles1 passing from one shape and form to another1 until they appeared in this perfection1 this system1 this organization and this establishment1 through the supreme wisdom of ,god4 ,let us return to our subject that man1 in the beginning of his existence and in the womb of the earth1 like the embryo in the womb of the mother1 gradually grew and developed1 and passed from one form to another1 from one shape to another1 until he appeared with this beauty and perfection1 this force and this power4 ,it is certain that in the beginning he had not this loveliness and grace and elegance1 and that he only by degrees attained this shape1 this form1 this beauty1 and this grace4 ,there is no doubt that the human embryo did not at once appear in this form1 neither did it then become the manifestation of the words3 8,praise be unto ,god1 the best of ,creators40 ,gradually1 it passed through various conditions and different shapes1 until it attained this form and beauty1 this perfection2 grace1 and loveliness4 ,thus it is evident and confirmed that the development and growth of man on this earth1 until he reached his present perfection1 resembled the growth and development of the embryo in the womb of the mother3 by degrees it passed from condition to condition1 from form to form1 from one shape to another1 for this is according to the requirement of the universal system and divine law4 ,that is to say1 the embryo passes through different states and traverses numerous degrees1 until it reaches the form in which it manifests the words3 8,praise be to ,god1 the best of ,creators10 and until the signs of reason and maturity appear4 ,and in the same way1 man's existence on this earth1 from the beginning until it reaches this state1 form1 and condition1 necessarily lasts a long time1 and goes through many degrees until it reaches this condition4 ,but from the beginning of man's existence he is a distinct species4 ,in the same way1 the embryo of man in the womb of the mother was at first in a strange form2 then this body passes from shape to shape1 from state to state1 from form to form1 until it appears in utmost beauty and perfection4 ,but even when in the womb of the mother and in this strange form1 entirely different from his present form and figure1 he is the embryo of the superior species1 and not of the animal2 his species and essence undergo no change4 ,now1 admitting that the traces of organs which have disappeared actually exist1 this is not a proof of the impermanence and the non-originality of the species4 ,at the most it proves that the form1 and fashion1 and the organs of man have progressed4 ,man was always a distinct species1 a man1 not an animal4 ,so1 if the embryo of man in the womb of the mother passes from one form to another1 so that the second form in no way resembles the first1 is this a proof that the species has changed8 that it was at first an animal1 and that its organs progressed and developed until it became a man8 ,no indeed6 ,how puerile and unfounded is this idea and this thought6 ,for the proof of the originality of the human species1 and of the permanency of the nature of man1 is clear and evident4 ,,modification ,,of ,,species ,we have now come to the question of the modification of species and of organic development3 that is to say1 to the point of inquiring whether man's descent is from the animal4 ,this theory has found credence in the minds of some ,european philosophers1 and it is now very difficult to make its falseness understood1 but in the future it will become evident and clear1 and the ,european philosophers will themselves realize its untruth4 ,for verily it is an evident error4 ,when man looks at the beings with a penetrating regard1 and attentively examines the condition of existences1 and when he sees the state1 the organization1 and the perfection of the world1 he will be convinced that in the possible world there is nothing more wonderful than that which already exists4 ,for all existing beings1 terrestrial and celestial1 as well as this limitless space and all that is in it1 have been created and organized1 composed1 arranged1 and perfected as they ought to be2 the universe has no imperfection2 so that if all beings became pure intelligence and reflected for ever and ever1 it is impossible that they could imagine anything better than that which exists4 ,if1 however1 the creation in the past had not been adorned with utmost perfection1 then existence would have been imperfect and meaningless1 and in this case creation would have been incomplete4 ,this question needs to be considered with the greatest attention and thought4 ,for example1 imagine that the world of possibility--that is1 the world of existence--resembles in a general way the body of man4 ,if this composition1 organization1 perfection1 beauty1 and completeness which now exist in the human body were different1 it would be absolute imperfection4 ,now1 if we imagine a time when man belonged to the animal world1 or when he was merely an animal1 we shall find that existence would have been imperfect2 that is to say1 there would have been no man1 and this chief member1 which in the body of the world is like the brain and mind in man1 would have been missing4 ,the world would then have been quite imperfect4 ,it is thus proved that if there had been a time when man was in the animal kingdom1 the perfection of existence would have been destroyed2 for man is the greatest member of this world1 and if the body was without this chief member1 surely it would be imperfect4 ,we consider man as the greatest member because1 among the creatures1 he is the sum of all existing perfections4 ,when we speak of man1 we mean the perfect one1 the foremost individual in the world1 who is the sum of spiritual and apparent perfections1 and who is like the sun among the beings4 ,then imagine that at one time the sun did not exist1 but that it was a planet--surely at such a time the relations of existence would be disordered4 ,how can such a thing be imagined8 ,to a man who examines the world of existence1 what we have said is sufficient4 ,there is another more subtle proof3 all these endless beings which inhabit the world1 whether man1 animal1 vegetable1 mineral--whatever they may be--are surely1 each one of them1 composed of elements4 ,there is no doubt that this perfection which is in all beings1 is caused by the creation of ,god from the composing elements1 by their appropriate mingling and proportionate quantities1 the mode of their composition1 and the influence of other beings4 ,for all beings are connected together like a chain1 and reciprocal help1 assistance1 and influence belonging to the properties of things1 are the causes of the existence1 development1 and growth of created beings4 ,it is confirmed through evidences and proofs that every being universally acts upon other beings1 either absolutely or through association4 ,finally1 the perfection of each individual being1 that is to say the perfection which you now see in man or apart from him1 with regard to their atoms1 members1 or powers1 is due to the composition of the elements1 to their measure1 to their balance1 to the mode of their combination1 and to mutual influence4 ,when all these are gathered together1 then man exists4 ,as the perfection of man is entirely due to the composition of the atoms of the elements1 to their measure1 to the method of their combination1 and to the mutual influence and action of the different beings--then1 since man was produced ten or a hundred thousand years ago from these earthly elements with the same measure and balance1 the same method of combination and mingling1 and the same influence of the other beings1 exactly the same man existed then as now4 ,this is evident and not worth debating4 ,a thousand million years hence1 if these elements of man are gathered together and arranged in this special proportion1 and if the elements are combined according to the same method1 and if they are affected by the same influence of other beings1 exactly the same man will exist4 ,for example1 if after a hundred thousand years there is oil1 fire1 a wick1 a lamp1 and the lighter of the lamp--briefly1 if there are all the necessaries which now exist1 exactly the same lamp will be obtained4 ,these are conclusive and evident facts4 ,but the arguments which these ,european philosophers have used raise doubtful proofs and are not conclusive4 ,,the ,,kingdom ,,of ,,man ,know that people belong to two categories1 that is to say1 they constitute two parties4 ,one party deny the spirit1 and say that man also is a species of animal2 for they say1 do we not see that animals and men share the same powers and senses8 ,these simple single elements which fill space are endlessly combined1 and from each of these combinations one of the beings is produced4 ,among these beings is the possessor of spirit1 of the powers and of the senses4 ,the more perfect the combination1 the nobler is the being4 ,the combination of the elements in the body of man is more perfect than the composition of any other being2 it is mingled in absolute equilibrium1 therefore it is more noble and more perfect4 8,it is not10 they say1 8that he has a special power and spirit which the other animals lack3 animals possess sensitive bodies1 but man in some powers has more sensation--although1 in what concerns the outer senses1 such as hearing1 sight1 taste1 smell1 touch1 and even in some interior powers like memory1 the animal is more richly endowed than man40 8,the animal1 too10 they say1 8has intelligence and perception03 all that they concede is that man's intelligence is greater4 ,this is what the philosophers of the present state2 this is their saying1 this is their supposition1 and thus their imagination decrees4 ,so with powerful arguments and proofs1 they make the descent of man go back to the animal1 and say that there was once a time when man was an animal2 that then the species changed1 and progressed little by little until it reached the present status of man4 ,but the theologians say3 ,no1 this is not so4 ,though man has powers and outer senses in common with the animal1 yet an extraordinary power exists in him of which the animal is bereft4 ,the sciences1 arts1 inventions1 trades1 and discoveries of realities1 are the results of this spiritual power4 ,this is a power which encompasses all things1 comprehends their realities1 discovers all the hidden mysteries of beings1 and through this knowledge controls them3 it even perceives things which do not exist outwardly2 that is to say1 intellectual realities which are not sensible1 and which have no outward existence1 because they are invisible2 so it comprehends the mind1 the spirit1 the qualities1 the characters1 the love and sorrow of man1 which are intellectual realities4 ,moreover1 these existing sciences1 arts1 laws1 and endless inventions of man at one time were invisible1 mysterious1 and hidden secrets2 it is only the all-encompassing human power which has discovered and brought them out from the plane of the invisible to the plane of the visible4 ,so telegraphy1 photography1 phonography1 and all such inventions and wonderful arts1 were at one time hidden mysteries3 the human reality discovered and brought them out from the plane of the invisible to the plane of the visible4 ,there was even a time when the qualities of this iron which you see--indeed of all the metals--were hidden mysteries2 men discovered this metal1 and wrought it in this industrial form4 ,it is the same with all the other discoveries and inventions of man1 which are innumerable4 ,this we cannot deny4 ,if we say that these are effects of powers which animals also have1 and of the powers of the bodily senses1 we see clearly and evidently that the animals are1 in regard to these powers1 superior to man4 ,for example1 the sight of animals is much more keen than the sight of man2 so also is their power of smell and taste4 ,briefly1 in the powers which animals and men have in common1 the animal is often the more powerful4 ,for example1 let us take the power of memory3 if you carry a pigeon from here to a distant country1 and there set it free1 it will return1 for it remembers the way4 ,take a dog from here to the center of ,asia1 set him free1 and he will come back here and never once lose the road4 ,so it is with the other powers such as hearing1 sight1 smell1 taste1 and touch4 ,thus it is clear that if there were not in man a power different from any of those of the animals1 the latter would be superior to man in inventions and the comprehension of realities4 ,therefore it is evident that man has a gift which the animal does not possess4 ,now1 the animal perceives sensible things1 but does not perceive intellectual realities4 ,for example1 that which is within the range of its vision the animal sees1 but that which is beyond the range of sight it is not possible for it to perceive1 and it cannot imagine it4 ,so it is not possible for the animal to understand that the earth has the form of a globe4 ,but man from known things proves unknown things1 and discovers unknown truths4 ,for example1 man sees the curve of the horizon1 and from this he infers the roundness of the earth4 ,the ,pole ,star at ,akk1 for instance1 is at #ccx1 that is to say1 it is #ccx above the horizon4 ,when a man goes towards the ,north ,pole1 the ,pole ,star rises one degree above the horizon for each degree of distance that he travels1 that is to say1 the altitude of the ,pole ,star will be #cdx1 then #djx1 then #ejx1 then #fjx1 then #gjx4 ,if he reaches the ,north ,pole the altitude of the ,pole ,star will be #ijx or have attained the zenith1 that is to say1 will be directly overhead4 ,this ,pole ,star and its ascension are sensible things4 ,the farther one goes towards the ,pole1 the higher the ,pole ,star rises2 from these two known truths an unknown thing has been discovered1 that is1 that the horizon is curved3 meaning that the horizon of each degree of the earth is a different horizon from that of another degree4 ,man perceives this1 and proves from it an invisible thing which is the roundness of the earth4 ,this it is impossible for the animal to perceive4 ,in the same way it cannot understand that the sun is the center and that the earth revolves around it4 ,the animal is the captive of the senses and bound by them2 all that is beyond the senses1 the things that they do not control1 the animal can never understand2 although in the outer senses it is greater than man4 ,hence it is proved and verified that in man there is a power of discovery by which he is distinguished from the animals1 and this is the spirit of man4 ,praise be to ,god6 man is always turned towards the heights1 and his aspiration is lofty2 he always desires to reach a greater world than the world in which he is1 and to mount to a higher sphere than that in which he is4 ,the love of exaltation is one of the characteristics of man4 ,i am astonished that certain philosophers of ,america and ,europe are content to gradually approach the animal world1 and so to go backwards2 for the tendency of existence must be towards exaltation4 ,nevertheless1 if you said to one of them1 ,you are an animal--he would be extremely hurt and angry4 ,what a difference between the human world and the world of the animal2 between the elevation of man and the abasement of the animal2 between the perfection of man and the ignorance of the animal2 between the light of man and the darkness of the animal2 between the glory of man and the degradation of the animal6 ,an ,arab child of ten years can manage two or three hundred camels in the desert1 and with his voice can lead them forward or turn them back4 ,a weak ,hindu can so control a huge elephant1 that the elephant becomes the most obedient of servants4 ,all things are subdued by the hand of man2 he can resist nature1 while all other creatures are captives of nature1 none can depart from her requirements4 ,man alone can resist nature4 ,nature attracts bodies to the center of the earth2 man through mechanical means goes far from it1 and soars in the air4 ,nature prevents man from crossing the seas1 man builds a ship1 and he travels and voyages across the great ocean1 and so on2 the subject is endless4 ,for example1 man drives engines over the mountains and through the wildernesses1 and gathers in one spot the news of the events of the ,east and ,west4 ,all this is contrary to nature4 ,the sea with its grandeur cannot deviate by an atom from the laws of nature2 the sun in all its magnificence cannot deviate as much as a needle's point from the laws of nature1 and can never comprehend the conditions1 the state1 the qualities1 the movements1 and the nature of man4 ,what1 then1 is the power in this small body of man which encompasses all this8 ,what is this ruling power by which he subdues all things8 ,one more point remains3 modern philosophers say3 8,we have never seen the spirit in man1 and in spite of our researches into the secrets of the human body1 we do not perceive a spiritual power4 ,how can we imagine a power which is not sensible80 ,the theologians reply3 8,the spirit of the animal also is not sensible1 and through its bodily powers it cannot be perceived4 ,by what do you prove the existence of the spirit of the animal8 ,there is no doubt that from its effects you prove that in the animal there is a power which is not in the plant1 and this is the power of the senses2 that is to say1 sight1 hearing1 and also other powers2 from these you infer that there is an animal spirit4 ,in the same way1 from the proofs and signs we have mentioned1 we argue that there is a human spirit4 ,since in the animal there are signs which are not in the plant1 you say this power of sensation is a property of the animal spirit2 you also see in man signs1 powers1 and perfections which do not exist in the animal2 therefore you infer that there is a power in him which the animal is without40 ,if we wish to deny everything that is not sensible1 then we must deny the realities which unquestionably exist4 ,for example1 ethereal matter is not sensible1 though it has an undoubted existence4 ,the power of attraction is not sensible1 though it certainly exists4 ,from what do we affirm these existences8 ,from their signs4 ,thus this light is the vibration of that ethereal matter1 and from this vibration we infer the existence of ether4 ,,man ,,and ,,evolution ,certain ,european philosophers agree that the species grows and develops1 and that even change and alteration are also possible4 ,one of the proofs that they give for this theory is that through the attentive study and verification of the science of geology it has become clear that the existence of the vegetable preceded that of the animal1 and that of the animal preceded that of man4 ,they admit that both the vegetable and the animal species have changed1 for in some of the strata of the earth they have discovered plants which existed in the past and are now extinct2 they have progressed1 grown in strength1 their form and appearance have changed1 and so the species have altered4 ,in the same way1 in the strata of the earth there are some species of animals which have changed and are transformed4 ,one of these animals is the serpent4 ,there are indications that the serpent once had feet2 but through the lapse of time those members have disappeared4 ,in the same way1 in the vertebral column of man there is an indication which amounts to a proof that1 like other animals1 he once had a tail4 ,at one time that member was useful1 but when man developed it was no longer of use1 and therefore it gradually disappeared4 ,as the serpent took refuge under the ground1 and became a creeping animal1 it was no longer in need of feet1 so they disappeared2 but their traces survive4 ,the principal argument is this3 that the existence of traces of members proves that they once existed2 and as now they are no longer of service1 they have gradually disappeared4 ,therefore while the perfect and necessary members have remained1 those which are unnecessary have gradually disappeared by the modification of the species1 but the traces of them continue4 ,the first answer to this argument is the fact that the animal having preceded man is not a proof of the evolution1 change1 and alteration of the species1 nor that man was raised from the animal world to the human world4 ,for while the individual appearance of these different beings is certain1 it is possible that man came into existence after the animal4 ,so when we examine the vegetable kingdom1 we see that the fruits of the different trees do not arrive at maturity at one time2 on the contrary1 some come first and others afterwards4 ,this priority does not prove that the later fruit of one tree was produced from the earlier fruit of another tree4 ,secondly1 these slight signs and traces of members have perhaps a great reason of which the mind is not yet cognizant4 ,how many things exist of which we do not yet know the reason6 ,so the science of physiology1 that is to say the knowledge of the composition of the members1 records that the reason and cause of the difference in the colors of animals1 and of the hair of men1 of the redness of the lips1 and of the variety of the colors of birds1 is still unknown2 it is secret and hidden4 ,but it is known that the pupil of the eye is black1 so as to attract the rays of the sun2 for if it were another color1 that is1 uniformly white1 it would not attract the rays of the sun4 ,therefore1 as the reason of the things we have mentioned is unknown1 it is possible that the reason and the wisdom of these traces of members1 whether they be in the animal or man1 are equally unknown4 ,certainly there is a reason1 even though it is not known4 ,thirdly1 let us suppose that there was a time when some animals1 or even man1 possessed some members which have now disappeared2 this is not a sufficient proof of the change and evolution of the species4 ,for man1 from the beginning of the embryonic period till he reaches the degree of maturity1 goes through different forms and appearances4 ,his aspect1 his form1 his appearance1 and color change2 he passes from one form to another1 and from one appearance to another4 ,nevertheless1 from the beginning of the embryonic period he is of the species of man2 that is to say1 an embryo of a man1 and not of an animal2 but this is not at first apparent1 but later it becomes visible and evident4 ,for example1 let us suppose that man once resembled the animal1 and that now he has progressed and changed2 supposing this to be true1 it is still not a proof of the change of species2 no1 as before mentioned1 it is merely like the change and alteration of the embryo of man until it reaches the degree of reason and perfection4 ,we will state it more clearly3 let us suppose that there was a time when man walked on his hands and feet1 or had a tail2 this change and alteration is like that of the ftus in the womb of the mother2 although it changes in all ways1 and grows and develops until it reaches the perfect form1 from the beginning it is a special species4 ,we also see in the vegetable kingdom that the original species of the genus do not change and alter1 but the form1 color1 and bulk will change and alter1 or even progress4 ,to recapitulate3 as man in the womb of the mother passes from form to form1 from shape to shape1 changes and develops1 and is still the human species from the beginning of the embryonic period--in the same way man1 from the beginning of his existence in the matrix of the world1 is also a distinct species1 that is1 man1 and has gradually evolved from one form to another4 ,therefore this change of appearance1 this evolution of members1 this development and growth1 even though we admit the reality of growth and progress1 does not prevent the species from being original4 ,man from the beginning was in this perfect form and composition1 and possessed capacity and aptitude for acquiring material and spiritual perfections1 and was the manifestation of these words1 8,we will make man in ,our image and likeness40 ,he has only become more pleasing1 more beautiful1 and more graceful4 ,civilization has brought him out of his wild state1 just as the wild fruits which are cultivated by a gardener became finer1 sweeter1 and acquire more freshness and delicacy4 ,the gardeners of the world of humanity are the ,prophets of ,god4 ,,spiritual ,,nature ,,of ,,man ,we have many times demonstrated and established that man is the noblest of beings1 the sum of all perfections1 and that all beings and all existences are the centers from which the glory of ,god is reflected1 that is to say1 the signs of the ,divinity of ,god are apparent in the realities of things and of creatures4 ,just as the terrestrial globe is the place where the rays of the sun are reflected--as its light1 its heat1 and its influence are apparent and visible in all the atoms of the earth--so1 in the same way1 the atoms of beings1 in this infinite space1 proclaim and prove one of the divine perfections4 ,nothing is deprived of this benefit2 it is either a sign of the mercy of ,god or it is a sign of ,his power1 ,his greatness1 ,his justice1 ,his lordship which imparts education2 or it is a sign of the generosity of ,god1 ,his vision1 ,his hearing1 ,his knowledge1 ,his grace1 and so on4 ,without doubt each being is the center of the shining forth of the glory of ,god3 that is to say1 the perfections of ,god appear from it and are resplendent in it4 ,it is like the sun1 which is resplendent in the desert1 upon the sea1 in the trees1 in the fruits and blossoms1 and in all earthly things4 ,the world1 indeed each existing being1 proclaims to us one of the names of ,god1 but the reality of man is the collective reality1 the general reality1 and is the center where the glory of all the perfections of ,god shine forth4 ,that is to say1 for each name1 each attribute1 each perfection which we affirm of ,god1 there exists a sign in man2 if it were otherwise1 man could not imagine these perfections1 and could not understand them4 ,so we say that ,god is the seer1 and the eye is the sign of ,his vision2 if this sight were not in man1 how could we imagine the vision of ,god8 for the blind1 that is one born blind1 cannot imagine sight2 and the deaf1 that is one deaf from birth1 cannot imagine hearing2 and the dead cannot realize life4 ,consequently the ,divinity of ,god1 which is the sum of all perfections1 reflects itself in the reality of man2 that is to say1 the ,essence of ,oneness is the gathering of all perfections1 and from this unity ,he casts a reflection upon the human reality4 ,man then is the perfect mirror facing the ,sun of ,truth1 and is the center of radiation3 the ,sun of ,truth shines in this mirror4 ,the reflection of the divine perfections appears in the reality of man1 so he is the representative of ,god1 the messenger of ,god4 ,if man did not exist1 the universe would be without result1 for the object of existence is the appearance of the perfections of ,god4 ,therefore it cannot be said there was a time when man was not4 ,all that we can say is that this terrestrial globe at one time did not exist1 and at its beginning man did not appear upon it4 ,but from the beginning which has no beginning1 to the end which has no end1 a perfect manifestation always exists4 ,this man of whom we speak is not every man2 we mean the perfect man4 ,for the noblest part of the tree is the fruit1 which is the reason of its existence2 if the tree had no fruit1 it would have no meaning4 ,therefore it cannot be imagined that the worlds of existence1 whether the stars or this earth1 were once inhabited by the donkey1 cow1 mouse1 and cat1 and that they were without man6 ,this supposition is false and meaningless4 ,the word of ,god is clear as the sun4 ,this is a spiritual proof1 but one which we cannot at the beginning put forth for the benefit of the materialists2 first we must speak of the logical proofs1 afterwards the spiritual proofs4 ,,man',s ,,innate ,,powers ,the beginning of the existence of man on the terrestrial globe resembles his formation in the womb of the mother4 ,the embryo in the womb of the mother gradually grows and develops until birth1 after which it continues to grow and develop until it reaches the age of discretion and maturity4 ,though in infancy the signs of the mind and spirit appear in man1 they do not reach the degree of perfection2 they are imperfect4 ,only when man attains maturity do the mind and the spirit appear and become evident in utmost perfection4 ,so also the formation of man in the matrix of the world was in the beginning like the embryo2 then gradually he made progress in perfection1 and grew and developed until he reached the state of maturity1 when the mind and spirit became visible in the greatest power4 ,in the beginning of his formation the mind and spirit also existed1 but they were hidden2 later they were manifested4 ,in the womb of the world mind and spirit also existed in the embryo1 but they were concealed2 afterwards they appeared4 ,so it is that in the seed the tree exists1 but it is hidden and concealed2 when it develops and grows1 the complete tree appears4 ,in the same way the growth and development of all beings is gradual2 this is the universal divine organization1 and the natural system4 ,the seed does not at once become a tree1 the embryo does not at once become a man1 the mineral does not suddenly become a stone4 ,no1 they grow and develop gradually1 and attain the limit of perfection4 ,all beings1 whether large or small1 were created perfect and complete from the first1 but their perfections appear in them by degrees4 ,the organization of ,god is one3 the evolution of existence is one3 the divine system is one4 ,whether they be small or great beings1 all are subject to one law and system4 ,each seed has in it from the first all the vegetable perfections4 ,for example1 in the seed all the vegetable perfections exist from the beginning1 but not visibly2 afterwards little by little they appear4 ,so it is first the shoot which appears from the seed1 then the branches1 leaves1 blossoms1 and fruits2 but from the beginning of its existence all these things are in the seed1 potentially1 though not apparently4 ,in the same way1 the embryo possesses from the first all perfections1 such as the spirit1 the mind1 the sight1 the smell1 the taste--in one word1 all the powers--but they are not visible1 and become so only by degrees4 ,similarly1 the terrestrial globe from the beginning was created with all its elements1 substances1 minerals1 atoms1 and organisms2 but these only appeared by degrees3 first the mineral1 then the plant1 afterward the animal1 and finally man4 ,but from the first these kinds and species existed1 but were undeveloped in the terrestrial globe1 and then appeared only gradually4 ,for the supreme organization of ,god1 and the universal natural system1 surrounds all beings1 and all are subject to this rule4 ,when you consider this universal system1 you see that there is not one of the beings1 which at its coming into existence has reached the limit of perfection4 ,no1 they gradually grow and develop1 and then attain the degree of perfection4 ,,the ,,spirit ,,in ,,the ,,body ,the wisdom of the appearance of the spirit in the body is this3 the human spirit is a ,divine ,trust1 and it must traverse all conditions2 for its passage and movement through the conditions of existence will be the means of its acquiring perfections4 ,so1 when a man travels and passes through different regions and numerous countries with system and method1 it is certainly a means of his acquiring perfection2 for he will see places1 scenes1 and countries1 from which he will discover the conditions and states of other nations4 ,he will thus become acquainted with the geography of countries1 and their wonders and arts2 he will familiarize himself with the habits1 customs1 and usages of peoples2 he will see the civilization and progress of the epoch2 he will become aware of the policy of governments1 and the power and capacity of each country4 ,it is the same when the human spirit passes through the conditions of existence3 it will become the possessor of each degree and station4 ,even in the condition of the body it will surely acquire perfections4 ,besides this1 it is necessary that the signs of the perfection of the spirit should be apparent in this world1 so that the world of creation may bring forth endless results1 and this body may receive life and manifest the divine bounties4 ,so1 for example1 the rays of the sun must shine upon the earth1 and the solar heat develop the earthly beings2 if the rays and heat of the sun did not shine upon the earth1 the earth would be uninhabited1 without meaning1 and its development would be retarded4 ,in the same way1 if the perfections of the spirit did not appear in this world1 this world would be unenlightened and absolutely brutal4 ,by the appearance of the spirit in the physical form1 this world is enlightened4 ,as the spirit of man is the cause of the life of the body1 so the world is in the condition of the body1 and man is in the condition of the spirit4 ,if there were no man1 the perfections of the spirit would not appear1 and the light of the mind would not be resplendent in this world4 ,this world would be like a body without a soul4 ,this world is also in the condition of a fruit-tree1 and man is like the fruit2 without fruit the tree would be useless4 ,moreover1 these members1 these elements1 this composition1 which are found in the organism of man1 are an attraction and magnet for the spirit2 it is certain that the spirit will appear in it4 ,so1 a mirror which is clear will certainly attract the rays of the sun4 ,it will become luminous1 and wonderful images will appear in it4 ,that is to say1 when these existing elements are gathered together according to the natural order1 and with perfect strength1 they become a magnet for the spirit1 and the spirit will become manifest in them with all its perfections4 ,under these conditions it cannot be said 8what is the necessity for the rays of the sun to descend upon the mirror80--for the connection which exists between the reality of things1 whether they be spiritual or material1 requires that when the mirror is clear and faces the sun1 the light of the sun must become apparent in it4 ,in the same way1 when the elements are arranged and combined in the most glorious system1 organization and manner1 the human spirit will appear and be manifest in them4 ,this is the decree of the ,powerful1 the ,wise4 ,,man',s ,,relation ,,to ,,god ,the connection between ,god and the creatures is that of the creator to the creation2 it is like the connection between the sun and the dark bodies of contingent beings1 and is the connection between the maker and the things that he has made4 ,the sun in its own essence is independent of the bodies which it lights2 for its light is in itself1 and is free and independent of the terrestrial globe2 so the earth is under the influence of the sun and receives its light1 whereas the sun and its rays are entirely independent of the earth4 ,but if there were no sun1 the earth and all earthly beings could not exist4 ,the dependence through the creatures upon ,god is a dependence of emanation3 that is to say1 creatures emanate from ,god1 they do not manifest ,him4 ,the relation is that of emanation and not that of manifestation4 ,the light of the sun emanates from the sun1 it does not manifest it4 ,the appearance through emanation is like the appearance of the rays from the luminary of the horizons of the world3 that is to say1 the holy essence of the ,sun of ,truth is not divided1 and does not descend to the condition of the creatures4 ,in the same way1 the globe of the sun does not become divided and does not descend to the earth3 no1 the rays of the sun1 which are its bounty1 emanate from it1 and illumine the dark bodies4 ,but the appearance through manifestation is the manifestation of the branches1 leaves1 blossoms and fruit from the seed2 for the seed in its own essence becomes branches and fruits1 and its reality enters into the branches1 the leaves1 and fruits4 ,this appearance through manifestation would be for ,god the ,most ,high1 simple imperfection1 and this is quite impossible2 for the implication would be that the ,absolute ,pre-existent is qualified with phenomenal attributes2 but if this were so1 pure independence would become mere poverty1 and true existence would become non-existence1 and this is impossible4 ,therefore all creatures emanate from ,god2 that is to say1 it is by ,god that all things are realized1 and by ,him that all beings have attained to existence4 ,the first thing which emanated from ,god is that universal reality1 which the ancient philosophers termed the 8,first ,mind10 and which the people of ,bah call the 8,first ,will40 ,this emanation1 in that which concerns its action in the world of ,god1 is not limited by time or place2 it is without beginning or end2 beginning and end in relation to ,god are one4 ,the pre-existence of ,god is the pre-existence of essence1 and also pre-existence of time1 and the phenomenality of contingency is essential and not temporal4444 ,though the 8,first ,mind0 is without beginning1 it does not become a sharer in the pre-existence of ,god1 for the existence of the universal reality in relation to the existence of ,god is nothingness1 and it has not the power to become an associate of ,god and like unto ,him in pre-existence4 ,this subject has been before explained4 ,the existence of living things signifies composition1 and their death decomposition4 ,but universal matter and the elements do not become absolutely annihilated and destroyed3 no1 their non-existence is simply transformation4 ,for instance1 when man is annihilated he becomes dust1 but he does not become absolutely non-existent2 he still exists in the shape of dust2 but transformation has taken place1 and this composition is accidentally decomposed4 ,the annihilation of the other beings is the same1 for existence does not become absolute non-existence1 and absolute non-existence does not become existence4 ,,soul1 ,,mind ,,and ,,spirit ,it has been before explained that spirit is universally divided into five categories3 the vegetable spirit1 the animal spirit1 the human spirit1 the spirit of faith1 and the ,holy ,spirit4 ,the vegetable spirit is the power of growth which is brought about in the seed through the influence of other existences4 ,the animal spirit is the power of all the senses1 which is realized from the composition and mingling of elements2 when this composition decomposes1 the power also perishes and becomes annihilated4 ,it may be likened to this lamp3 when the oil1 wick1 and fire are combined it is lighted1 and when this combination is dissolved1 that is to say1 when the combined parts are separated from one another1 the lamp also is extinguished4 ,the human spirit which distinguishes man from the animal is the rational soul2 and these two names--the human spirit and the rational soul--designate one thing4 ,this spirit1 which in the terminology of the philosophers is the rational soul1 embraces all beings1 and as far as human ability permits discovers the realities of things and becomes cognizant of their peculiarities and effects1 and of the qualities and properties of beings4 ,but the human spirit1 unless assisted by the spirit of faith1 does not become acquainted with the divine secrets and the heavenly realities4 ,it is like a mirror which1 although clear1 polished1 and brilliant1 is still in need of light4 ,until a ray of the sun reflects upon it1 it cannot discover the heavenly secrets4 ,but the mind is the power of the human spirit4 ,spirit is the lamp2 mind is the light which shines from the lamp4 ,spirit is the tree1 and the mind is the fruit4 ,mind is the perfection of the spirit1 and is its essential quality1 as the sun's rays are the essential necessity of the sun4 ,,five ,,physical ,,and ,,five ,,spiritual ,,powers ,in man five outer powers exist1 which are the agents of perception1 that is to say1 through these five powers man perceives material beings4 ,these are sight1 which perceives visible forms2 hearing1 which perceives audible sounds2 smell1 which perceives odors2 taste1 which perceives foods2 and feeling1 which is in all parts of the body1 and perceives tangible things4 ,these five powers perceive outward existences4 ,man has also spiritual powers3 imagination1 which conceives things2 thought1 which reflects upon realities2 comprehension1 which comprehends realities1 memory1 which retains whatever man imagines1 thinks1 and comprehends4 ,the intermediary between the five outward powers and the inward powers1 is the sense which they possess in common1 that is to say1 the sense which acts between the outer and inner powers1 conveys to the inward powers whatever the outer powers discern4 ,it is termed the common faculty1 because it communicates between the outward and inward powers1 and thus is common to the outward and inward powers4 ,for instance1 sight is one of the outer powers2 it sees and perceives this flower1 and conveys this perception to the inner power--the common faculty--which transmits this perception to the power of imagination1 which in its turn conceives and forms this image and transmits it to the power of thought2 the power of thought reflects1 and having grasped the reality1 conveys it to the power of comprehension2 the comprehension1 when it has comprehended it1 delivers the image of the object perceived to the memory1 and the memory keeps it in its repository4 ,the outward powers are five3 the power of sight1 of hearing1 of taste1 of smell1 and of feeling4 ,the inner powers are also five3 the common faculty1 and the powers of imagination1 thought1 comprehension1 and memory4 ,,innate1 ,,inherited ,,and ,,acquired ,,character ,with regard to the innate character1 although the divine creation is purely good1 yet the varieties of natural qualities in man come from the difference of degree2 all are excellent1 but they are more or less so1 according to the degree4 ,so all mankind possess intelligence and capacities1 but the intelligence1 the capacity1 and the worthiness of men differ4 ,this is evident4 ,for example1 take a number of children of one family1 of one place1 of one school1 instructed by one teacher1 reared on the same food1 in the same climate1 with the same clothing1 and studying the same lessons--it is certain that among these children some will be clever in the sciences1 some will be of average ability1 and some dull4 ,hence it is clear that in the original nature there exists a difference of degree1 and varieties of worthiness and capacity4 ,this difference does not imply good or evil1 but is simply a difference of degree4 ,one has the highest degree1 another the medium degree1 and another the lowest degree4 ,so man exists1 the animal1 the plant1 and the mineral exist also--but the degrees of these four existences vary4 ,what a difference between the existence of man and of the animal6 ,yet both are existences4 ,it is evident that in existence there are differences of degrees4 ,the variety of inherited qualities comes from strength and weakness of constitution2 that is to say1 when the two parents are weak1 the children will be weak2 if they are strong1 the children will be robust4 ,in the same way1 purity of blood has a great effect2 for the pure germ is like the superior stock which exists in plants and animals4 ,for example1 you see that children born from a weak and feeble father and mother will naturally have a feeble constitution and weak nerves2 they will be afflicted1 and will have neither patience1 nor endurance1 nor resolution1 nor perseverance1 and will be hasty2 for the children inherit the weakness and debility of their parents4 ,besides this1 an especial blessing is conferred on some families and some generations4 ,thus it is an especial blessing that from among the descendants of ,abraham should have come all the ,prophets of the children of ,israel4 ,this is a blessing that ,god has granted to this descent3 to ,moses from ,his father and mother1 to ,christ from ,his mother's line2 also to ,muammad and the ,bb1 and to all the ,prophets and the ,holy ,manifestations of ,israel4 ,hence it is evident that inherited character also exists1 and to such a degree that if the characters are not in conformity with their origin1 although they belong physically to that lineage1 spiritually they are not considered members of the family2 like ,canaan1 who is not reckoned as being of the race of ,noah4 ,but the difference of the qualities with regard to culture is very great2 for education has great influence4 ,through education the ignorant become learned1 the cowardly become valiant2 through cultivation the crooked branch becomes straight1 the acid1 bitter fruit of the mountains and woods becomes sweet and delicious1 and the five-petalled flower becomes hundred-petalled4 ,through education savage nations become civilized1 and even the animals become domesticated4 ,education must be considered as most important2 for as diseases in the world of bodies are extremely contagious1 so1 in the same way1 qualities of spirit and heart are extremely contagious4 ,education has a universal influence and the differences caused by it are very great4 ,perhaps some one will say1 that since the capacity and worthiness of men differ1 therefore the difference of capacity certainly causes the difference of characters4 ,but this is not so2 for capacity is of two kinds1 natural capacity and acquired capacity4 ,the first1 which is the creation of ,god1 is purely good--in the creation of ,god there is no evil2 but the acquired capacity has become the cause of the appearance of evil4 ,for example1 ,god has created all men in such a manner1 and has given them such a constitution and such capacities1 that they are benefited by sugar and honey1 and harmed and destroyed by poison4 ,this nature and constitution is innate1 and ,god has given it equally to all mankind4 ,but man begins little by little to accustom himself to poison1 by taking a small quantity each day1 and gradually increasing it1 until he reaches such a point that he cannot live without a gram of opium every day4 ,the natural capacities are thus completely perverted4 ,observe how much the natural capacity and constitution can be changed1 until by different habits and training they become entirely perverted4 ,one does not criticize vicious people because of their innate capacities and nature1 but rather for their acquired capacities and nature4 ,in creation there is no evil2 all is good4 ,certain qualities and natures innate in some men and apparently blameworthy are not so in reality4 ,for example1 from the beginning of his life you can see in a nursing child the signs of desire1 of anger1 and of temper4 ,then1 it may be said1 good and evil are innate in the reality of man1 and this is contrary to the pure goodness of nature and creation4 ,the answer to this is that desire1 which is to ask for something more1 is a praiseworthy quality provided that it is used suitably4 ,so1 if a man has the desire to acquire science and knowledge1 or to become compassionate1 generous1 and just1 it is most praiseworthy4 ,if he exercises his anger and wrath against the bloodthirsty tyrants who are like ferocious beasts1 it is very praiseworthy2 but if he does not use these qualities in a right way1 they are blameworthy4 ,then it is evident that in creation and nature evil does not exist at all2 but when the natural qualities of man are used in an unlawful way1 they are blameworthy4 ,so1 if a rich and generous person gives a sum of money to a poor man for his own necessities1 and if the poor man spends that sum of money on unlawful things1 that will be blameworthy4 ,it is the same with all the natural qualities of man1 which constitute the capital of life2 if they be used and displayed in an unlawful way1 they become blameworthy4 ,therefore it is clear that creation is purely good4 ,consider that the worst of qualities and most odious of attributes1 which is the foundation of all evil1 is lying4 ,no worse or more blameworthy quality than this can be imagined to exist2 it is the destroyer of all human perfections1 and the cause of innumerable vices4 ,there is no worse characteristic than this2 it is the foundation of all evils4 ,notwithstanding all this1 if a doctor consoles a sick man by saying3 8,thank ,god you are better1 and there is hope of your recovery10 though these words are contrary to the truth1 yet they may become the consolation of the patient and the turning-point of the illness4 ,this is not blameworthy4 ,,man',s ,,knowledge ,,of ,,god ,know that there are two kinds of knowledge3 the knowledge of the essence of a thing1 and the knowledge of its qualities4 ,the essence of a thing is known through its qualities1 otherwise it is unknown and hidden4 ,as our knowledge of things1 even of created and limited things1 is knowledge of their qualities and not of their essence1 how is it possible to comprehend in its essence the ,divine ,reality1 which is unlimited8 ,for the substance of the essence of anything is not comprehended1 but only its qualities4 ,for example1 the substance of the sun is unknown1 but is understood by its qualities1 which are heat and light4 ,the substance of the essence of man is unknown and not evident1 but by its qualities it is characterized and known4 ,thus everything is known by its qualities and not by its essence4 ,although the mind encompasses all things1 and the outward beings are comprehended by it1 nevertheless these beings with regard to their essence are unknown2 they are only known with regard to their qualities4 ,then how can the eternal everlasting ,lord1 who is held sanctified from comprehension and conception1 be known by ,his essence8 ,that is to say1 as things can only be known by their qualities and not by their essence1 it is certain that the ,divine ,reality is unknown with regard to its essence1 and is known with regard to its attributes4 ,besides1 how can the phenomenal reality embrace the ,pre-existent ,reality8 ,for comprehension is the result of encompassing--embracing must be1 so that comprehension may be--and the ,essence of ,unity surrounds all1 and is not surrounded4 ,also the difference of condition in the world of beings is an obstacle to comprehension4 ,for example3 this mineral belongs to the mineral kingdom2 however far it may rise1 it can never comprehend the power of growth4 ,the plants1 the trees1 whatever progress they may make1 cannot conceive of the power of sight or the powers of the other senses2 and the animal cannot imagine the condition of man1 that is to say1 his spiritual powers4 ,difference of condition is an obstacle to knowledge2 the inferior degree cannot comprehend the superior degree4 ,how then can the phenomenal reality comprehend the ,pre-existent ,reality8 ,knowing ,god1 therefore1 means the comprehension and the knowledge of ,his attributes1 and not of ,his ,reality4 ,this knowledge of the attributes is also proportioned to the capacity and power of man2 it is not absolute4 ,philosophy consists in comprehending the reality of things as they exist1 according to the capacity and the power of man4 ,for the phenomenal reality can comprehend the ,pre-existent attributes only to the extent of the human capacity4 ,the mystery of ,divinity is sanctified and purified from the comprehension of the beings1 for all that comes to the imagination is that which man understands1 and the power of the understanding of man does not embrace the ,reality of the ,divine ,essence4 ,all that man is able to understand are the attributes of ,divinity1 the radiance of which appears and is visible in worlds and souls4 ,when we look at the worlds and the souls1 we see wonderful signs of the divine perfections1 which are clear and apparent2 for the reality of things proves the ,universal ,reality4 ,the ,reality of ,divinity may be compared to the sun1 which from the height of its magnificence shines upon all the horizons and each horizon1 and each soul1 receives a share of its radiance4 ,if this light and these rays did not exist1 beings would not exist2 all beings express something1 and partake of some ray and portion of this light4 ,the splendors of the perfections1 bounties1 and attributes of ,god shine forth and radiate from the reality of the ,perfect ,man1 that is to say1 the ,unique ,one1 the universal ,manifestation of ,god4 ,other beings receive only one ray1 but the universal ,manifestation is the mirror for this ,sun1 which appears and becomes manifest in it1 with all its perfections1 attributes1 signs1 and wonders4 ,the knowledge of the ,reality of the ,divinity is impossible and unattainable1 but the knowledge of the ,manifestations of ,god is the knowledge of ,god1 for the bounties1 splendors1 and divine attributes are apparent in them4 ,therefore if man attains to the knowledge of the ,manifestations of ,god1 he will attain to the knowledge of ,god2 and if he be neglectful of the knowledge of the ,holy ,manifestation1 he will be bereft of the knowledge of ,god4 ,it is then ascertained and proved that the ,holy ,manifestations are the center of the bounty1 signs1 and perfections of ,god4 ,blessed are those who receive the light of the divine bounties from the enlightened ,dawning-points6 ,we hope that the friends of ,god1 like an attractive force1 will draw these bounties from the source itself1 and that they will arise with such illumination and signs that they will be evident proofs of the ,sun of ,reality4 ,,the ,,immortality ,,of ,,the ,,spirit ,the immortality of the spirit is mentioned in the ,holy ,books2 it is the fundamental basis of the divine religions4 ,now punishments and rewards are said to be of two kinds4 ,firstly1 the rewards and punishments of this life2 secondly1 those of the other world4 ,but the paradise and hell of existence are found in all the worlds of ,god1 whether in this world or in the spiritual heavenly worlds4 ,gaining these rewards is the gaining of eternal life4 ,that is why ,christ said1 8,act in such a way that you may find eternal life1 and that you may be born of water and the spirit1 so that you may enter into the ,kingdom40 ,the rewards of this life are the virtues and perfections which adorn the reality of man4 ,for example1 he was dark and becomes luminous1 he was ignorant and becomes wise1 he was neglectful and becomes vigilant1 he was asleep and becomes awakened1 he was dead and becomes living1 he was blind and becomes a seer1 he was deaf and becomes a hearer1 he was earthly and becomes heavenly1 he was material and becomes spiritual4 ,through these rewards he gains spiritual birth1 and becomes a new creature4 ,he becomes the manifestation of the verse in the ,gospel where it is said of the disciples that they were born not of blood1 nor of the will of the flesh1 nor of the will of man1 but of ,god2 that is to say1 they were delivered from the animal characteristics and qualities which are the characteristics of human nature1 and they became qualified with the divine characteristics1 which are the bounty of ,god2 this is the meaning of the second birth4 ,for such people there is no greater torture than being veiled from ,god1 and no more severe punishment than sensual vices1 dark qualities1 lowness of nature1 engrossment in carnal desires4 ,when they are delivered through the light of faith from the darkness of these vices1 and become illuminated with the radiance of the ,sun of ,reality1 and ennobled with all the virtues1 they esteem this the greatest reward1 and they know it to be the true paradise4 ,in the same way they consider that the spiritual punishment1 that is to say the torture and punishment of existence1 is to be subjected to the world of nature1 to be veiled from ,god1 to be brutal and ignorant1 to fall into carnal lusts1 to be absorbed in animal frailties2 to be characterized with dark qualities1 such as falsehood1 tyranny1 cruelty1 attachment to the affairs of the world1 and being immersed in satanic ideas2 for them1 these are the greatest punishments and tortures4 ,likewise the rewards of the other world are the eternal life which is clearly mentioned in all the ,holy ,books1 the divine perfections1 the eternal bounties1 and everlasting felicity4 ,the rewards of the other world are the perfections and the peace obtained in the spiritual worlds after leaving this world2 whilst the rewards of this life are the real luminous perfections which are realized in this world1 and which are the cause of eternal life1 for they are the very progress of existence4 ,it is like the man who passes from the embryonic world to the state of maturity1 and becomes the manifestation of these words3 8,blessed be ,god1 the best of creators40 ,the rewards of the other world are peace1 the spiritual graces1 the various spiritual gifts in the ,kingdom of ,god1 the gaining of the desires of the heart and the soul1 and the meeting of ,god in the world of eternity4 ,in the same way the punishments of the other world1 that is to say1 the torments of the other world1 consist in being deprived of the special divine blessings and the absolute bounties1 and falling into the lowest degrees of existence4 ,he who is deprived of these divine favors1 although he continues after death1 is considered as dead by the people of truth4 ,the logical proof of the immortality of the spirit is this1 that no sign can come from a non-existing thing2 that is to say1 it is impossible that from absolute non-existence signs should appear1 for the signs are the consequence of an existence1 and the consequence depends upon the existence of the principle4 ,so1 from a non-existing sun no light can radiate1 from a non-existing sea no waves appear1 from a non-existing cloud no rain falls2 a non-existing tree yields no fruit2 a non-existing man neither manifests nor produces anything4 ,therefore as long as signs of existence appear1 they are a proof that the possessor of the sign is existent4 ,consider that today the ,kingdom of ,christ exists3 from a non-existing king how could such a great kingdom be manifested8 ,how1 from a non-existing sea1 can the waves mount so high8 ,from a non-existing garden1 how can such fragrant breezes be wafted8 ,reflect that no effect1 no trace1 no influence remains of any being after its members are dispersed and its elements are decomposed1 whether it be a mineral1 a vegetable1 or an animal4 ,there is only the human reality and the spirit of man which1 after the disintegration of the members1 dispersing of the particles1 and the destruction of the composition1 persists1 and continues to act and to have power4 ,this question is extremely subtle3 consider it attentively4 ,this is a rational proof which we are giving1 so that the wise may weigh it in the balance of reason and justice4 ,but if the human spirit will rejoice and be attracted to the ,kingdom of ,god1 if the inner sight becomes opened1 and the spiritual hearing strengthened1 and the spiritual feelings predominant1 he will see the immortality of the spirit as clearly as he sees the sun1 and the glad tidings and signs of ,god will encompass him4 ,know that the power and the comprehension of the human spirit are of two kinds3 that is to say1 they perceive and act in two different modes4 ,one way is through instruments and organs3 thus with this eye it sees1 with this ear it hears1 with this tongue it talks4 ,such is the action of the spirit1 and the perception of the reality of man1 by means of organs4 ,that is to say1 that the spirit is the seer1 through the eyes2 the spirit is the hearer1 through the ear2 the spirit is the speaker1 through the tongue4 ,the other manifestation of the powers and actions of the spirit is without instruments and organs4 ,for example1 in the state of sleep without eyes it sees1 without an ear it hears1 without a tongue it speaks1 without feet it runs4 ,briefly1 these actions are beyond the means of instruments and organs4 ,how often it happens that it sees a dream in the world of sleep1 and its signification becomes apparent two years afterwards in corresponding events4 ,in the same way1 how many times it happens that a question which one cannot solve in the world of wakefulness1 is solved in the world of dreams4 ,in wakefulness the eye sees only for a short distance1 but in dreams he who is in the ,east sees the ,west3 awake he sees the present1 in sleep he sees the future4 ,in wakefulness1 by means of rapid transit1 at the most he can travel only twenty farsakha an hour2 in sleep1 in the twinkling of an eye1 he traverses the ,east and ,west4 ,for the spirit travels in two different ways3 without means1 which is spiritual traveling2 and with means1 which is material traveling3 as birds which fly1 and those which are carried4 ,in the time of sleep this body is as though dead2 it does not see nor hear1 it does not feel1 it has no consciousness1 no perception3 that is to say1 the powers of man have become inactive1 but the spirit lives and subsists4 ,nay1 its penetration is increased1 its flight is higher1 and its intelligence is greater4 ,to consider that after the death of the body the spirit perishes1 is like imagining that a bird in a cage will be destroyed if the cage is broken1 though the bird has nothing to fear from the destruction of the cage4 ,our body is like the cage1 and the spirit is like the bird4 ,we see that without the cage this bird flies in the world of sleep2 therefore if the cage becomes broken1 the bird will continue and exist3 its feelings will be even more powerful1 its perceptions greater1 and its happiness increased4 ,in truth1 from hell it reaches a paradise of delights1 because for the thankful birds there is no paradise greater than freedom from the cage4 ,that is why with utmost joy and happiness the martyrs hasten to the plain of sacrifice4 ,in wakefulness the eye of man sees at the utmost as far as one hour of distance1 because through the instrumentality of the body the power of the spirit is thus determined2 but with the inner sight and the mental eye it sees ,america1 and it can perceive that which is there1 and discover the conditions of things and organize affairs4 ,if1 then1 the spirit were the same as the body1 it would be necessary that the power of the inner sight should also be in the same proportion4 ,therefore it is evident that this spirit is different from the body1 and that the bird is different from the cage1 and that the power and penetration of the spirit is stronger without the intermediary of the body4 ,now1 if the instrument is abandoned1 the possessor of the instrument continues to act4 ,for example1 if the pen is abandoned or broken1 the writer remains living and present2 if a house is ruined1 the owner is alive and existing4 ,this is one of the logical evidences for the immortality of the soul4 ,there is another3 this body becomes weak1 or heavy1 or sick1 or it finds health2 it becomes tired or rested2 sometimes the hand or leg is amputated1 or its physical power is crippled2 it becomes blind or deaf or dumb2 its limbs may become paralyzed2 briefly1 the body may have all the imperfections4 ,nevertheless1 the spirit in its original state1 in its own spiritual perception1 will be eternal and perpetual2 it neither finds any imperfection nor will it become crippled4 ,but when the body is wholly subjected to disease and misfortune1 it is deprived of the bounty of the spirit2 like a mirror which1 when it becomes broken1 or dirty1 or dusty1 cannot reflect the rays of the sun1 nor any longer show its bounties4 ,we have already explained that the spirit of man is not in the body1 because it is freed and sanctified from entrance and exit1 which are bodily conditions4 ,the connection of the spirit with the body is like that of the sun with the mirror4 ,briefly1 the human spirit is in one condition2 it neither becomes ill from the diseases of the body1 nor cured by its health2 it does not become sick1 nor weak1 nor miserable1 nor poor1 nor light1 nor small4 ,that is to say1 it will not be injured because of the infirmities of the body1 and no effect will be visible even if the body becomes weak or if the hands and feet and tongue be cut off1 or if it loses the power of hearing or sight4 ,therefore it is evident and certain that the spirit is different from the body1 and that its duration is independent of that of the body2 on the contrary1 the spirit with the utmost greatness rules in the world of the body1 and its power and influence1 like the bounty of the sun in the mirror1 are apparent and visible4 ,but when the mirror becomes dusty or breaks1 it will cease to reflect the rays of the sun4 ,,perfection ,,is ,,endless ,know that the conditions of existence are limited to the conditions of servitude1 of prophethood1 and of ,deity1 but the divine and the contingent perfections are unlimited4 ,when you reflect deeply1 you discover that also outwardly the perfections of existence are also unlimited1 for you cannot find a being so perfect that you cannot imagine a superior one4 ,for example1 you cannot see a ruby in the mineral kingdom1 a rose in the vegetable kingdom1 or a nightingale in the animal kingdom1 without imagining that there might be better specimens4 ,as the divine bounties are endless1 so human perfections are endless4 ,if it were possible to reach a limit of perfection1 then one of the realities of the beings might reach the condition of being independent of ,god1 and the contingent might attain to the condition of the absolute4 ,but for every being there is a point which it cannot overpass2 that is to say1 he who is in the condition of servitude1 however far he may progress in gaining limitless perfections1 will never reach the condition of ,deity4 ,it is the same with the other beings3 a mineral1 however far it may progress in the mineral kingdom1 cannot gain the vegetable power2 also in a flower1 however far it may progress in the vegetable kingdom1 no power of the senses will appear4 ,so this silver mineral cannot gain hearing or sight2 it can only improve in its own condition1 and become a perfect mineral1 but it cannot acquire the power of growth1 or the power of sensation1 or attain to life2 it can only progress in its own condition4 ,for example1 ,peter cannot become ,christ4 ,all that he can do is1 in the condition of servitude1 to attain endless perfections2 for every existing reality is capable of making progress4 ,as the spirit of man after putting off this material form has an everlasting life1 certainly any existing being is capable of making progress2 therefore it is permitted to ask for advancement1 forgiveness1 mercy1 beneficence1 and blessings for a man after his death1 because existence is capable of progression4 ,that is why in the prayers of ,bah'u'llh forgiveness and remission of sins are asked for those who have died4 ,moreover1 as people in this world are in need of ,god1 they will also need ,him in the other world4 ,the creatures are always in need1 and ,god is absolutely independent1 whether in this world or in the world to come4 ,the wealth of the other world is nearness to ,god4 ,consequently it is certain that those who are near the ,divine ,court are allowed to intercede1 and this intercession is approved by ,god4 ,but intercession in the other world is not like intercession in this world3 it is another thing1 another reality1 which cannot be expressed in words4 ,if a wealthy man at the time of his death bequeaths a gift to the poor and miserable1 and gives a part of his wealth to be spent for them1 perhaps this action may be the cause of his pardon and forgiveness1 and of his progress in the ,divine ,kingdom4 ,also a father and mother endure the greatest troubles and hardships for their children2 and often when the children have reached the age of maturity1 the parents pass on to the other world4 ,rarely does it happen that a father and mother in this world see the reward of the care and trouble they have undergone for their children4 ,therefore children1 in return for this care and trouble1 must show forth charity and beneficence1 and must implore pardon and forgiveness for their parents4 ,so you ought1 in return for the love and kindness shown you by your father1 to give to the poor for his sake1 with greatest submission and humility implore pardon and remission of sins1 and ask for the supreme mercy4 ,it is even possible that the condition of those who have died in sin and unbelief may become changed2 that is to say1 they may become the object of pardon through the bounty of ,god1 not through ,his justice2 for bounty is giving without desert1 and justice is giving what is deserved4 ,as we have power to pray for these souls here1 so likewise we shall possess the same power in the other world1 which is the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,are not all the people in that world the creatures of ,god8 ,therefore in that world also they can make progress4 ,as here they can receive light by their supplication1 there also they can plead for forgiveness1 and receive light through entreaties and supplications4 ,thus as souls in this world1 through the help of the supplications1 the entreaties1 and the prayers of the holy ones1 can acquire development1 so is it the same after death4 ,through their own prayers and supplications they can also progress2 more especially when they are the object of the intercession of the ,holy ,manifestations4 ,,the ,,evolution ,,of ,,man ,,in ,,the ,,other ,,world ,know that nothing which exists remains in a state of repose1 that is to say1 all things are in motion4 ,everything is either growing or declining1 all things are either coming from non-existence into being1 or going from existence into non-existence4 ,so this flower1 this hyacinth1 during a certain period of time was coming from the world of non-existence into being1 and now it is going from being into non-existence4 ,this state of motion is said to be essential--that is1 natural2 it cannot be separated from beings because it is their essential requirement1 as it is the essential requirement of fire to burn4 ,thus it is established that this movement is necessary to existence1 which is either growing or declining4 ,now1 as the spirit continues to exist after death1 it necessarily progresses or declines3 and in the other world1 to cease to progress is the same as to decline2 but it never leaves its own condition1 in which it continues to develop4 ,for example1 the reality of the spirit of ,peter1 however far it may progress1 will not reach to the condition of the ,reality of ,christ2 it progresses only in its own environment4 ,look at this mineral3 however far it may evolve1 it only evolves in its own condition2 you cannot bring the crystal to a state where it can attain to sight3 this is impossible4 ,so the moon which is in the heavens1 however far it might evolve1 could never become a luminous sun2 but in its own condition it has apogee and perigee4 ,however far the disciples might progress1 they could never become ,christ4 ,it is true that coal could become a diamond1 but both are in the mineral condition and their component elements are the same4 ,,progress ,,after ,,death ,when we consider beings with the seeing eye1 we observe that they are limited to three sorts3 that is to say1 as a whole1 they are either mineral1 vegetable1 or animal2 each of these three classes containing species4 ,man is the highest species because he is the possessor of the perfections of all the classes2 that is1 he has a body which grows and which feels4 ,as well as having the perfections of the mineral1 of the vegetable1 and of the animal1 he also possesses an especial excellence which the other beings are without2 that is1 the intellectual perfections4 ,therefore man is the most noble of beings4 ,man is in the highest degree of materiality1 and at the beginning of spirituality2 that is to say1 he is the end of imperfection and the beginning of perfection4 ,he is at the last degree of darkness1 and at the beginning of light2 that is why it has been said that the condition of man is the end of the night and the beginning of day1 meaning that he is the sum of all the degrees of imperfection1 and that he possesses the degrees of perfection4 ,he has the animal side as well as the angelic side2 and the aim of an educator is to so train human souls1 that their angelic aspect may overcome their animal side4 ,then1 if the divine power in man which is his essential perfection1 overcomes the satanic power1 which is absolute imperfection1 he becomes the most excellent among the creatures2 but if the satanic power overcomes the divine power1 he becomes the lowest of the creatures4 ,that is why he is the end of imperfection and the beginning of perfection4 ,not in any other of the species in the world of existence is there such a difference1 contrast1 contradiction1 and opposition1 as in the species of man4 ,thus the reflection of the ,divine ,light was in man1 as in ,christ1 and see how loved and honored ,he is6 ,at the same time we see man worshipping a stone1 a clod of earth1 or a tree3 how vile he is1 in that his object of worship should be the lowest existence--that is a stone1 or clay1 without spirit2 a mountain1 a forest1 or a tree4 ,what shame is greater for man than to worship the lowest existence8 ,in the same way1 knowledge is a quality of man1 and so is ignorance2 truthfulness is a quality of man1 so is falsehood2 trustworthiness and treachery1 justice and injustice1 are qualities of man1 and so forth4 ,briefly1 all the perfections and virtues1 and all the vices1 are qualities of man4 ,consider equally the differences between individual men4 ,the ,christ was in the form of man1 and ,caiaphas was in the form of man2 ,moses and ,pharaoh1 ,abel and ,cain1 ,bah'u'llh and ,yay1 were men4 ,man is said to be the greatest representative of ,god1 and he is the ,book of ,creation because all the mysteries of beings exist in him4 ,if he comes under the shadow of the ,true ,educator and is rightly trained1 he becomes the essence of essences1 the light of lights1 the spirit of spirits2 he becomes the center of the divine appearances1 the source of spiritual qualities1 the rising-place of heavenly lights1 and the receptacle of divine inspirations4 ,if he is deprived of this education he becomes the manifestation of satanic qualities1 the sum of animal vices1 and the source of all dark conditions4 ,the reason of the mission of the ,prophets is to educate men2 so that this piece of coal may become a diamond1 and this fruitless tree may be engrafted1 and yield the sweetest1 most delicious fruits4 ,when man reaches the noblest state in the world of humanity1 then he can make further progress in the conditions of perfection1 but not in state2 for such states are limited1 but the divine perfections are endless4 ,both before and after putting off this material form1 there is progress in perfection1 but not in state4 ,so beings are consummated in perfect man4 ,there is no other being higher than a perfect man4 ,but man when he has reached this state can still make progress in perfections but not in state1 because there is no state higher than that of a perfect man to which he can transfer himself4 ,he only progresses in the state of humanity1 for the human perfections are infinite4 ,thus1 however learned a man may be1 we can imagine one more learned4 ,hence1 as the perfections of humanity are endless1 man can also make progress in perfections after leaving this world4 ,,tablet ,,on ,,purity ,cleanliness and sanctity in all conditions are characteristics of pure beings and necessities of free souls4 ,the first perfection consists in cleanliness and sanctity and in purity from every defect4 ,when man in all conditions is pure and immaculate1 he will become the center of the reflection of the manifest ,light4 ,in all his actions and conduct there must first be purity1 then beauty and independence4 ,the channel must be cleansed before it is filled with sweet water4 ,the pure eye comprehendeth the sight and the meeting of ,god2 the pure nostril inhaleth the perfumes of the rose-garden of bounty2 the pure heart becometh the mirror of the beauty of truth4 ,this is why1 in the heavenly ,books1 the divine counsels and commands have been compared to water4 ,so1 in the ,qur'n it is said1 8and we have caused a pure water to descend from heaven20 and in the ,gospel1 8,except a man hath received the baptism of water and of the spirit1 he cannot enter into the ,kingdom of ,god40 ,then it is evident that the divine teachings are the heavenly grace and the showers of the mercy of ,god1 which purify the hearts of men4 ,the meaning is1 in all conditions1 cleanliness and sanctity1 purity and delicacy exalt humanity and make the contingent beings progress4 ,even when applied to physical things1 delicacy causeth the attainment of spirituality1 as it is established in the ,holy ,scriptures4 ,external cleanliness1 although it is but a physical thing1 hath a great influence upon spirituality4 ,for example1 although sound is but the vibrations of the air which affect the tympanum of the ear1 and vibrations of the air are but an accident among the accidents which depend upon the air1 consider how much marvelous notes or a charming song influence the spirits6 ,a wonderful song giveth wings to the spirit and filleth the heart with exaltation4 ,to return to the subject1 the fact of having a pure and spotless body likewise exerciseth an influence upon the spirit of man4 ,now1 see how much purity is approved in the ,court of ,god1 that it should be especially mentioned in the ,holy ,books of the ,prophets4 ,so the ,holy ,books forbid the eating of any unclean thing1 or the use of anything which is not pure4 ,certain prohibitions are absolute and imperative for all3 he who commits that which is forbidden is detested by ,god and excluded from the number of the elect4 ,this applieth to the things forbidden by an absolute prohibition and of which the perpetration is a grave sin2 they are so vile that even to mention them is shameful4 ,there are other forbidden things which do not cause an immediate evil and of which the pernicious effect is only gradually produced4 ,they are also abhorred1 blamed and rejected by ,god1 but their prohibition is not recorded in an absolute way1 although cleanliness and sanctity1 spotlessness and purity1 the preservation of health and independence are required by these interdictions4 ,one of these last prohibitions is the smoking of tobacco1 which is unclean1 malodorous1 disagreeable and vulgar and of which the gradual harmfulness is universally recognized4 ,all clever physicians have judged1 and have also shown by experiment1 that one of the constituents of tobacco is a mortal poison and that smokers are exposed to different indispositions and maladies4 ,that is why cleanly people have a marked aversion for its use4 ,his supreme ,highness the ,bb--may my soul be ,his sacrifice6 --in the beginning of ,his ,cause1 openly forbade it and all the friends abandoned its use4 ,but1 as it was a time for caution and he who abstained from smoking was ill treated1 persecuted and even killed1 therefore the friends were obliged1 as a matter of prudence1 to smoke4 ,later1 the ,kitb-i-,aqdas was revealed and as the prohibition of tobacco was not clearly stated in it1 the friends did not renounce it4 ,but the ,blessed ,perfection had always a marked aversion for its use4 ,at the beginning of the ,cause1 for certain reasons1 ,he smoked a little1 but later ,he abandoned it completely1 and the holy souls who obeyed ,him in all circumstances1 also entirely gave up smoking4 ,i wish to say that1 in the sight of ,god1 the smoking of tobacco is a thing which is blamed and condemned1 very unclean1 and of which the result is by degrees injurious4 ,besides it is a cause of expense and of loss of time and it is a harmful habit4 ,so1 for those who are firm in the ,covenant1 it is a thing reprobated by the reason and by tradition1 the renouncement of which giveth gradual repose and tranquility1 permitteth one to have stainless hands and a clean mouth1 and hair which is not pervaded by a bad odor4 ,without any doubt1 the friends of ,god on receiving this epistle will renounce this injurious habit by all means1 even if it be necessary to do so by degrees4 ,this is my hope4 ,as to the question of opium1 disgusting and execrated1 ,i resign myself to ,god for its punishment4 ,the formal text of the ,kitb-i-,aqdas forbids and reproves it and1 according to reason1 its use leads to madness4 ,experience hath shown that he who giveth himself up to it is completely excluded from the world of humanity4 ,let us take refuge in ,god against the perpetration of so shameful a thing1 which is the destruction of the foundations of humanity and which causeth a perpetual unhappiness4 ,it taketh possession of the soul of man1 killeth the reason1 weakeneth the intelligence1 maketh a living man dead and extinguisheth the natural heat4 ,it is impossible to imagine anything more pernicious4 ,happy is he who never mentioneth the word opium6 ,but what is the fate of those who make use of it6 ,o friends of ,god6 ,force and violence1 constraint and oppression are condemned in this divine cycle1 but to prevent the use of opium1 all means must be employed1 so that the human species may be delivered and freed from this great calamity4 ,otherwise1 alas6 for all the negligent before ,god4 ,o ,lord6 ,give to the people of ,bah cleanliness and holiness in all conditions1 purify and free them from all defilement1 deliver them from the use of all that is execrated1 liberate them from the chains of habits1 so that they may be pure and free1 clean and spotless1 that they may be worthy servants of the ,sacred ,threshold and may deserve to enter into relation with ,god4 ,deliver them from alcohol and tobacco1 and save them from opium1 the purveyor of madness6 ,make them companions of the holy breezes1 in order that they may know the pleasures of the wine of the love of ,god1 and that they may attain to the joy and the happiness of attraction to the ,kingdom of ,abh6 ,hast ,thou not said1 8,all that thou hast in thy cellar will not appease the thirst of my love--bring me1 ,o cup-bearer of the wine of the spirit1 a cup full as the sea60 ,o friends of ,god6 ,experience hath shown how much the renouncing of tobacco1 wine and opium1 giveth health1 strength and intellectual enjoyments1 penetration of judgment and physical vigor4 ,there exists today a tribe which refrains and abstains from tobacco1 alcohol and opium and it completely excels all others in power1 in bravery1 in health1 beauty and grace4 ,a single one of these men can withstand ten men of other tribes1 and this hath been universally proved2 that is to say1 generally1 the individuals of this tribe are superior to the individuals of the other tribes4 ,therefore strive that the greatest cleanliness and sanctity1 which is the great desire of #8,abdu'l-,bah1 should be resplendent among the ,bah's1 and that the companions of ,god should surpass the rest of mankind in all conditions and perfections2 that they may be physically and morally superior to others2 that through cleanliness and purity1 refinement and health1 they may be the chief of wise men1 and that by their affranchisement1 their prudence1 and the control of their desires1 they may be the princes of the pure1 the free and the wise4 ,,god ,,and ,,the ,,universe 444,by materialists1 whose belief with regard to ,divinity hath been explained1 is not meant philosophers in general1 but rather that group of materialists of narrow vision that worship that which is sensed1 that depend upon the five senses only1 and whose criterion of knowledge is limited to that which can be perceived by the senses4 ,all that can be sensed is to them real1 whilst whatever falleth not under the power of the senses is either unreal or doubtful4 ,the existence of the ,deity they regard as wholly doubtful4 ,it is as thou hast written1 not philosophers in general but narrow-minded materialists that are meant4 ,as to deistic philosophers1 such as ,socrates1 ,plato and ,aristotle1 they are indeed worthy of esteem and of the highest praise1 for they have rendered distinguished services to mankind4 ,in like manner we regard the materialistic1 accomplished1 moderate philosophers1 that have been of service 7to mankind74 ,we regard knowledge and wisdom as the foundation of the progress of mankind1 and extol philosophers that are endowed with broad vision4 ,peruse carefully the ,san ,francisco ,university ,journal that the truth may be revealed to thee4 ,now concerning mental faculties1 they are in truth of the inherent properties of the soul1 even as the radiation of light is the essential property of the sun4 ,the rays of the sun are renewed but the sun itself is ever the same and unchanged4 ,consider how the human intellect develops and weakens1 and may at times come to naught1 whereas the soul changeth not4 ,for the mind to manifest itself1 the human body must be whole2 and a sound mind cannot be but in a sound body1 whereas the soul dependeth not upon the body4 ,it is through the power of the soul that the mind comprehendeth1 imagineth and exerteth its influence1 whilst the soul is a power that is free4 ,the mind comprehendeth the abstract by the aid of the concrete1 but the soul hath limitless manifestations of its own4 ,the mind is circumscribed1 the soul limitless4 ,it is by the aid of such senses as those of sight1 hearing1 taste1 smell and touch1 that the mind comprehendeth1 whereas1 the soul is free from all agencies4 ,the soul as thou observest1 whether it be in sleep or waking1 is in motion and ever active4 ,possibly it may1 whilst in a dream1 unravel an intricate problem1 incapable of solution in the waking state4 ,the mind1 moreover1 understandeth not whilst the senses have ceased to function1 and in the embryonic stage and in early infancy the reasoning power is totally absent1 whereas the soul is ever endowed with full strength4 ,in short1 the proofs are many that go to show that despite the loss of reason1 the power of the soul would still continue to exist4 ,the spirit however possesseth various grades and stations4 ,as to the existence of spirit in the mineral3 it is indubitable that minerals are endowed with a spirit and life according to the requirements of that stage4 ,this unknown secret1 too1 hath become known unto the materialists who now maintain that all beings are endowed with life1 even as ,he saith in the ,qur'n1 8,all things are living40 ,in the vegetable world1 too1 there is the power of growth1 and that power of growth is the spirit4 ,in the animal world there is the sense of feeling1 but in the human world there is an all-embracing power4 ,in all the preceding stages the power of reason is absent1 but the soul existeth and revealeth itself4 ,the sense of feeling understandeth not the soul1 whereas the reasoning power of the mind proveth the existence thereof4 ,in like manner the mind proveth the existence of an unseen ,reality that embraceth all beings1 and that existeth and revealeth itself in all stages1 the essence whereof is beyond the grasp of the mind4 ,thus the mineral world understandeth neither the nature nor the perfections of the vegetable world2 the vegetable world understandeth not the nature of the animal world1 neither the animal world the nature of the reality of man that discovereth and embraceth all things4 ,the animal is the captive of nature and cannot transgress the rules and laws thereof4 ,in man1 however1 there is a discovering power that transcendeth the world of nature and controlleth and interfereth with the laws thereof4 ,for instance1 all minerals1 plants and animals are captives of nature4 ,the sun itself with all its majesty is so subservient to nature that it hath no will of its own and cannot deviate a hair's-breadth from the laws thereof4 ,in like manner all other beings1 whether of the mineral1 the vegetable or the animal world1 cannot deviate from the laws of nature1 nay1 all are the slaves thereof4 ,man1 however1 though in body the captive of nature is yet free in his mind and soul1 and hath the mastery over nature4 ,consider3 according to the law of nature man liveth1 moveth and hath his being on earth1 yet his soul and mind interfere with the laws thereof1 and1 even as the bird he flieth in the air1 saileth speedily upon the seas and as the fish soundeth the deep and discovereth the things therein4 ,verily this is a grievous defeat inflicted upon the laws of nature4 ,so is the power of electrical energy3 this unruly violent force that cleaveth mountains is yet imprisoned by man within a globe6 ,this is manifestly interfering with the laws of nature4 ,likewise man discovereth those hidden secrets of nature that in conformity with the laws thereof must remain concealed1 and transfereth them from the invisible plane to the visible4 ,this1 too1 is interfering with the law of nature4 ,in the same manner he discovereth the inherent properties of things that are the secrets of nature4 ,also he bringeth to light the past events that have been lost to memory1 and foreseeth by his power of induction future happenings that are as yet unknown4 ,furthermore1 communication and discovery are limited by the laws of nature to short distances1 whereas man1 through that inner power of his that discovereth the reality of all things1 connecteth the ,east with the ,west4 ,this1 too1 is interfering with the laws of nature4 ,similarly1 according to the law of nature all shadows are fleeting1 whereas man fixeth them upon the plate1 and this1 too1 is interference with a law of nature4 ,ponder and reflect3 all sciences1 arts1 crafts1 inventions and discoveries1 have been once the secrets of nature and in conformity with the laws thereof must remain hidden2 yet man through his discovering power interfereth with the laws of nature and transfereth these hidden secrets from the invisible to the visible plane4 ,this again is interfering with the laws of nature4 ,in fine1 that inner faculty in man1 unseen of the eye1 wresteth the sword from the hands of nature1 and giveth it a grievous blow4 ,all other beings1 however great1 are bereft of such perfections4 ,man hath the powers of will and understanding1 but nature hath them not4 ,nature is constrained1 man is free4 ,nature is bereft of understanding1 man understandeth4 ,nature is unaware of past events1 but man is aware of them4 ,nature forecasteth not the future2 man by his discerning power seeth that which is to come4 ,nature hath no consciousness of itself1 man knoweth about all things4 ,should any one suppose that man is but a part of the world of nature1 and he being endowed with these perfections1 these being but manifestations of the world of nature1 and thus nature is the originator of these perfections and is not deprived therefrom1 to him we make reply and say3--the part dependeth upon the whole2 the part cannot possess perfections whereof the whole is deprived4 ,by nature is meant those inherent properties and necessary relations derived from the realities of things4 ,and these realities of things1 though in the utmost diversity1 are yet intimately connected one with the other4 ,for these diverse realities an all-unifying agency is needed that shall link them all one to the other4 ,for instance1 the various organs and members1 the parts and elements1 that constitute the body of man1 though at variance1 are yet all connected one with the other by that all-unifying agency known as the human soul1 that causeth them to function in perfect harmony and with absolute regularity1 thus making the continuation of life possible4 ,the human body1 however1 is utterly unconscious of that all-unifying agency1 and yet acteth with regularity and dischargeth its functions according to its will4 ,now concerning philosophers1 they are of two schools4 ,thus ,socrates the wise believed in the unity of ,god and the existence of the soul after death2 as his opinion was contrary to that of the narrow-minded people of his time1 that divine sage was poisoned by them4 ,all divine philosophers and men of wisdom and understanding1 when observing these endless beings1 have considered that in this great and infinite universe all things end in the mineral kingdom1 that the outcome of the mineral kingdom is the vegetable kingdom1 the outcome of the vegetable kingdom is the animal kingdom and the outcome of the animal kingdom the world of man4 ,the consummation of this limitless universe with all its grandeur and glory hath been man himself1 who in this world of being toileth and suffereth for a time1 with divers ills and pains1 and ultimately disintegrates1 leaving no trace and no fruit after him4 ,were it so1 there is no doubt that this infinite universe with all its perfections has ended in sham and delusion with no result1 no fruit1 no permanence and no effect4 ,it would be utterly without meaning4 ,they were thus convinced that such is not the case1 that this ,great ,workshop with all its power1 its bewildering magnificence and endless perfections1 cannot eventually come to naught4 ,that still another life should exist is thus certain1 and1 just as the vegetable kingdom is unaware of the world of man1 so we1 too1 know not of the ,great ,life hereafter that followeth the life of man here below4 ,our non-comprehension of that life1 however1 is no proof of its non-existence4 ,the mineral world1 for instance1 is utterly unaware of the world of man and cannot comprehend it1 but the ignorance of a thing is no proof of its non-existence4 ,numerous and conclusive proofs exist that go to show that this infinite world cannot end with this human life4 ,now concerning the essence of ,divinity3 in truth it is on no account determined by anything apart from its own nature1 and can in no wise be comprehended4 ,for whatsoever can be conceived by man is a reality that hath limitations and is not unlimited2 it is circumscribed1 not all-embracing4 ,it can be comprehended by man1 and is controlled by him4 ,similarly it is certain that all human conceptions are contingent1 not absolute2 that they have a mental existence1 not a material one4 ,moreover1 differentiation of stages in the contingent world is an obstacle to understanding4 ,how then can the contingent conceive the ,reality of the absolute8 ,as previously mentioned1 differentiation of stages in the contingent plane is an obstacle to understanding4 ,minerals1 plants and animals are bereft of the mental faculties of man that discover the realities of all things1 but man himself comprehendeth all the stages beneath him4 ,every superior stage comprehendeth that which is inferior and discovereth the reality thereof1 but the inferior one is unaware of that which is superior and cannot comprehend it4 ,thus man cannot grasp the ,essence of ,divinity1 but can1 by his reasoning power1 by observation1 by his intuitive faculties and the revealing power of his faith1 believe in ,god1 discover the bounties of ,his ,grace4 ,he becometh certain that though the ,divine ,essence is unseen of the eye1 and the existence of the ,deity is intangible1 yet conclusive 7spiritual7 proofs assert the existence of that unseen ,reality4 ,the ,divine ,essence as it is in itself is however beyond all description4 ,for instance1 the nature of ether is unknown1 but that it existeth is certain by the effects it produceth1 heat1 light and electricity being the waves thereof4 ,by these waves the existence of ether is thus proven4 ,and as we consider the outpourings of ,divine ,grace we are assured of the existence of ,god4 ,for instance1 we observe that the existence of beings is conditioned upon the coming together of various elements and their non-existence upon the decomposition of their constituent elements4 ,for decomposition causes the dissociation of the various elements4 ,thus1 as we observe the coming together of elements giveth rise to the existence of beings1 and knowing that beings are infinite1 they being the effect1 how can the ,cause be finite8 ,now1 formation is of three kinds and of three kinds only3 accidental1 necessary1 and voluntary4 ,the coming together of the various constituent elements of beings cannot be accidental1 for unto every effect there must be a cause4 ,it cannot be compulsory1 for then the formation must be an inherent property of the constituent parts and the inherent property of a thing can in no wise be dissociated from it1 such as light that is the revealer of things1 heat that causeth the expansion of elements and the 7solar7 rays which are the essential property of the sun4 ,thus under such circumstances the decomposition of any formation is impossible1 for the inherent properties of a thing cannot be separated from it4 ,the third formation remaineth and that is the voluntary one1 that is1 an unseen force described as the ,ancient ,power1 causeth these elements to come together1 every formation giving rise to a distinct being4 ,as to the attributes and perfections such as will1 knowledge1 power and other ancient attributes that we ascribe to that ,divine ,reality1 these are the signs that reflect the existence of beings in the visible plane and not the absolute perfections of the ,divine ,essence that cannot be comprehended4 ,for instance1 as we consider created things we observe infinite perfections1 and the created things being in the utmost regularity and perfection we infer that the ,ancient ,power on whom dependeth the existence of these beings1 cannot be ignorant2 thus we say ,he is ,all-,knowing4 ,it is certain that it is not impotent1 it must be then ,all-,powerful2 it is not poor1 it must be ,all-,possessing2 it is not non-existent1 it must be ,ever-,living4 ,the purpose is to show that these attributes and perfections that we recount for that ,universal ,reality are only in order to deny imperfections1 rather than to assert the perfections that the human mind can conceive4 ,thus we say ,his attributes are unknowable4 ,in fine1 that ,universal ,reality with all its qualities and attributes that we recount is holy and exalted above all minds and understandings4 ,as we1 however1 reflect with broad minds upon this infinite universe1 we observe that motion without a motive force1 and an effect without a cause are both impossible2 that every being hath come to exist under numerous influences and continually undergoeth reaction4 ,these influences1 too1 are formed under the action of still other influences4 ,for instance1 plants grow and flourish through the outpourings of vernal showers1 whilst the cloud itself is formed under various other agencies and these agencies in their turn are reacted upon by still other agencies4 ,for example1 plants and animals grow and develop under the influence of what the philosophers of our day designate as hydrogen and oxygen and are reacted upon by the effects of these two elements2 and these in turn are formed under still other influences4 ,the same can be said of other beings whether they affect other things or be affected4 ,such process of causation goes on1 and to maintain that this process goes on indefinitely is manifestly absurd4 ,thus such a chain of causation must of necessity lead eventually to ,him who is the ,ever-,living1 the ,all-,powerful1 who is ,self-,dependent and the ,ultimate ,cause4 ,this ,universal ,reality cannot be sensed1 it cannot be seen4 ,it must be so of necessity1 for it is ,all-,embracing1 not circumscribed1 and such attributes qualify the effect and not the cause4 ,and as we reflect1 we observe that man is like unto a tiny organism contained within a fruit2 this fruit hath developed out of the blossom1 the blossom hath grown out of the tree1 the tree is sustained by the sap1 and the sap formed out of earth and water4 ,how then can this tiny organism comprehend the nature of the garden1 conceive of the gardener and comprehend his being8 ,that is manifestly impossible4 ,should that organism understand and reflect1 it would observe that this garden1 this tree1 this blossom1 this fruit would in nowise have come to exist by themselves in such order and perfection4 ,similarly the wise and reflecting soul will know of a certainty that this infinite universe with all its grandeur and order could not have come to exist by itself4 ,similarly in the world of being there exist forces unseen of the eye1 such as the force of ether previously mentioned1 that cannot be sensed1 that cannot be seen4 ,however from the effects it produceth1 that is from its waves and vibrations1 light1 heat1 electricity appear and are made evident4 ,in like manner is the power of growth1 of feeling1 of understanding1 of thought1 of memory1 of imagination and of discernment2 all these inner faculties are unseen of the eye and cannot be sensed1 yet all are evident by the effects they produce4 ,now as to the ,power that knoweth no limitations2 limitation itself proveth the existence of the unlimited1 for the limited is known through the unlimited1 just as weakness itself proveth the existence of power1 ignorance the existence of knowledge1 poverty the existence of wealth4 ,without wealth there would be no poverty1 without knowledge no ignorance1 without light no darkness4 ,darkness itself is a proof of the existence of light for darkness is the absence of light4 ,now concerning nature1 it is but the essential properties and the necessary relations inherent in the realities of things4 ,and though these infinite realities are diverse in their character yet they are in the utmost harmony and closely connected together4 ,as one's vision is broadened and the matter observed carefully1 it will be made certain that every reality is but an essential requisite of other realities4 ,thus to connect and harmonize these diverse and infinite realities an all-unifying ,power is necessary1 that every part of existent being may in perfect order discharge its own function4 ,consider the body of man1 and let the part be an indication of the whole4 ,consider how these diverse parts and members of the human body are closely connected and harmoniously united one with the other4 ,every part is the essential requisite of all other parts and has a function by itself4 ,it is the mind that is the all-unifying agency that so uniteth all the component parts one with the other that each dischargeth its specific function in perfect order1 and thereby cooperation and reaction are made possible4 ,all parts function under certain laws that are essential to existence4 ,should that all-unifying agency that directeth all these parts be harmed in any way there is no doubt that the constituent parts and members will cease functioning properly2 and though that all-unifying agency in the temple of man be not sensed or seen and the reality thereof be unknown1 yet by its effects it manifesteth itself with the greatest power4 ,thus it hath been proven and made evident that these infinite beings in this wondrous universe will discharge their functions properly only when directed and controlled by that ,universal ,reality1 so that order may be established in the world4 ,for example1 interaction and cooperation between the constituent parts of the human body are evident and indisputable1 yet this does not suffice2 an all-unifying agency is necessary that shall direct and control the component parts1 so that these through interaction and cooperation may discharge in perfect order their necessary and respective functions4 ,you are well aware1 praised be the ,lord1 that both interaction and cooperation are evident and proven amongst all beings1 whether large or small4 ,in the case of large bodies interaction is as manifest as the sun1 whilst in the case of small bodies1 though interaction be unknown1 yet the part is an indication of the whole4 ,all these interactions therefore are connected with that all-embracing power which is their pivot1 their center1 their source and their motive power4 ,for instance1 as we have observed1 cooperation among the constituent parts of the human body is clearly established1 and these parts and members render services unto all the component parts of the body4 ,for instance1 the hand1 the foot1 the eye1 the ear1 the mind1 the imagination all help the various parts and members of the human body1 but all these interactions are linked by an unseen1 all-embracing power1 that causeth these interactions to be produced with perfect regularity4 ,this is the inner faculty of man1 that is his spirit and his mind1 both of which are invisible4 ,in like manner consider machinery and workshops and the interaction existing among the various component parts and sections1 and how connected they are one with the other4 ,all these relations and interactions1 however1 are connected with a central power which is their motive force1 their pivot and their source4 ,this central power is either the power of steam or the skill of the master-mind4 ,it hath therefore been made evident and proved that interaction1 cooperation and interrelation amongst beings are under the direction and will of a motive ,power which is the origin1 the motive force and the pivot of all interactions in the universe4 ,likewise every arrangement and formation that is not perfect in its order we designate as accidental1 and that which is orderly1 regular1 perfect in its relations and every part of which is in its proper place and is the essential requisite of the other constituent parts1 this we call a composition formed through will and knowledge4 ,there is no doubt that these infinite beings and the association of these diverse elements arranged in countless forms must have proceeded from a ,reality that could in no wise be bereft of will or understanding4 ,this is clear and proven to the mind and no one can deny it4 ,it is not meant1 however1 that that ,universal ,reality or the attributes thereof have been comprehended4 ,neither its ,essence nor its true attributes hath any one comprehended4 ,we maintain1 however1 that these infinite beings1 these necessary relations1 this perfect arrangement must of necessity have proceeded from a source that is not bereft of will and understanding1 and this infinite composition cast into infinite forms must have been caused by an all-embracing ,wisdom4 ,this none can dispute save he that is obstinate and stubborn1 and denieth the clear and unmistakable evidence1 and becometh the object of the blessed ,verse3 8,they are deaf1 they are dumb1 they are blind and shall return no more40 ,now regarding the question whether the faculties of the mind and the human soul are one and the same4 ,these faculties are but the inherent properties of the soul1 such as the power of imagination1 of thought1 of understanding2 powers that are the essential requisites of the reality of man1 even as the solar ray is the inherent property of the sun4 ,the temple of man is like unto a mirror1 his soul is as the sun1 and his mental faculties even as the rays that emanate from that source of light4 ,the ray may cease to fall upon the mirror1 but it can in no wise be dissociated from the sun4 ,in short1 the point is this1 that the world of man is supernatural in its relation to the vegetable kingdom1 though in reality it is not so4 ,relatively to the plant1 the reality of man1 his power of hearing and sight1 are all supernatural1 and for the plant to comprehend that reality and the nature of the powers of man's mind is impossible4 ,in like manner for man to comprehend the ,divine ,essence and the nature of the great ,hereafter is in no wise possible4 ,the merciful outpourings of that ,divine ,essence1 however1 are vouchsafed unto all beings and it is incumbent upon man to ponder in his heart upon the effusions of the ,divine ,grace1 the soul being counted as one1 rather than upon the ,divine ,essence itself4 ,this is the utmost limit for human understanding4 ,as it hath previously been mentioned1 these attributes and perfections that we recount of the ,divine ,essence1 these we have derived from the existence and observation of beings1 and it is not that we have comprehended the essence and perfection of ,god4 ,when we say that the ,divine ,essence understandeth and is free1 we do not mean that we have discovered the ,divine ,will and ,purpose1 but rather that we have acquired knowledge of them through the ,divine ,grace revealed and manifested in the realities of things4 ,now concerning our social principles1 namely the teachings of ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh spread far and wide fifty years ago1 they verily comprehend all other teachings4 ,it is clear and evident that without these teachings progress and advancement for mankind are in no wise possible4 ,every community in the world findeth in these ,divine ,teachings the realization of its highest aspirations4 ,these teachings are even as the tree that beareth the best fruits of all trees4 ,philosophers1 for instance1 find in these heavenly teachings the most perfect solution of their social problems1 and similarly a true and noble exposition of matters that pertain to philosophical questions4 ,in like manner men of faith behold the reality of religion manifestly revealed in these heavenly teachings1 and clearly and conclusively prove them to be the real and true remedy for the ills and infirmities of all mankind4 ,should these sublime teachings be diffused1 mankind shall be freed from all perils1 from all chronic ills and sicknesses4 ,in like manner are the ,bah' economic principles the embodiment of the highest aspirations of all wage-earning classes and of economists of various schools4 ,in short1 all sections and parties have their aspirations realized in the teachings of ,bah'u'llh4 ,as these teachings are declared in churches1 in mosques and in other places of worship1 whether those of the followers of ,buddha or of ,confucius1 in political circles or amongst materialists1 all shall bear witness that these teachings bestow a fresh life upon mankind and constitute the immediate remedy for all the ills of social life4 ,none can find fault with any of these teachings1 nay rather1 once declared they will all be acclaimed1 and all will confess their vital necessity1 exclaiming1 8,verily this is the truth and naught is there beside the truth but manifest error40 ,in conclusion1 these few words are written1 and unto everyone they will be a clear and conclusive evidence of the truth4 ,ponder them in thine heart4 ,the will of every sovereign prevaileth during his reign1 the will of every philosopher findeth expression in a handful of disciples during his lifetime1 but the ,power of the ,holy ,spirit shineth radiantly in the realities of the ,messengers of ,god1 and strengtheneth their will in such wise as to influence a great nation for thousands of years and to regenerate the human soul and revive mankind4 ,consider how great is this power6 ,it is an extraordinary ,power1 an all-sufficient proof of the truth of the mission of the ,prophets of ,god1 and a conclusive evidence of the power of ,divine ,inspiration4 ,,chapter ,,eight3 ,,the ,,loom ,,of ,,reality ,,his ,,deathless ,,splendor ,he is the ,all-,glorious4 ,the world's great ,light1 once resplendent upon all mankind1 has set to shine everlastingly from the ,abh horizon1 ,his ,kingdom of fadeless glory1 shedding splendor upon ,his loved ones from on high1 and breathing into their hearts and souls the breath of eternal life4 ,ponder in your hearts that which ,he hath foretold in ,his ,tablet of 8,the ,divine ,vision0 that hath been spread throughout the world4 ,therein ,he saith3 8,thereupon she wailed and exclaimed #8,may the world and all that is therein be a ransom for ,thy woes1 ,o ,sovereign of heaven and earth6 ,wherefore hast ,thou left ,thyself in the hands of the dwellers of this prison-city of ,akk8 ,hasten ,thou to other realms1 to ,thy retreats above1 unknown as yet to the mortal glance of the children of the world4' ,we smiled and spake not4 ,reflect upon these most exalted words1 and comprehend the purpose of this hidden and sacred mystery40 ,o ye beloved of the ,lord6 ,beware1 beware lest ye hesitate and waver4 ,let not fear fall upon you1 neither be troubled nor dismayed4 ,take ye good heed lest this calamitous day slacken the flames of your ardor1 and quench your tender hopes4 ,today is the day for steadfastness and constancy4 ,blessed are they that stand firm and immovable as the rock1 and brave the storm and stress of this tempestuous hour4 ,they1 verily1 shall be the recipients of ,god's grace1 verily shall receive ,his divine assistance1 and shall be the truly victorious4 ,they shall shine amidst mankind with a radiance which the dwellers of the ,pavilion of ,glory laud and magnify4 ,to them is proclaimed this celestial call1 revealed in ,his most holy ,book3 8,o ,my people6 ,be not perplexed should the star of ,my presence disappear1 and the ocean of ,my utterance be stilled4 ,in ,my presence among you there was the wisdom of ,god1 and in ,my absence from you there is yet another1 inscrutable to all but the ,one1 the ,all-,knowing4 ,verily1 ,we behold you from ,our realm of effulgent glory1 and will graciously aid whosoever striveth for the triumph of ,our ,cause with the hosts of the celestial ,concourse and a company of ,our chosen angels40 ,the ,sun of ,truth1 that most great ,light1 has set upon the horizon of the world to rise with deathless splendor over the ,realm of the ,limitless4 ,in ,his most holy ,book ,he calleth the firm and steadfast of ,his friends3 8,o peoples of the world6 ,should the radiance of ,my beauty be veiled1 and the temple of ,my body be hidden1 feel not perturbed1 nay arise and bestir yourselves1 that ,my ,cause may triumph1 and ,my ,word be heard by all mankind40 ,,the ,,new ,,heaven1 ,,the ,,new ,,earth ,o ye beloved of ,god6 ,o ye children of ,his ,kingdom6 ,verily1 verily the new heaven and the new earth are come4 ,the holy ,city1 new ,jerusalem1 hath come down from on high in the form of a maid of heaven1 veiled1 beauteous1 and unique1 and prepared for reunion with her lovers on earth4 ,the angelic company of the celestial ,concourse have joined in a call that hath rung throughout the universe1 all loudly and mightily acclaiming3 8,hail1 ,o ,city of ,god6 ,abide ,thou1 and make ,thy habitation with the pure1 virtuous and holy servants of ,thine2 for they are ,thy people1 and ,thou art their ,lord40 ,he hath wiped away their tears1 kindled their light1 rejoiced their hearts and enraptured their souls4 ,death shall no more overtake them1 neither shall sorrow1 crying and tribulation afflict them4 ,the ,lord ,god ,omnipotent hath been enthroned in ,his ,kingdom and hath made all things new4 ,this is the truth1 and what truth greater than the ,revelation of ,st4 ,john the divine8 ,he is the ,alpha and ,omega4 ,he is the ,one that will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life1 and bestow upon the sick the remedy of true salvation4 ,he whom such grace aideth is verily he that receiveth the most glorious heritage from the prophets of ,god and ,his holy ones4 ,the ,lord will be his ,god1 and he ,his dearly-beloved son4 ,rejoice1 then1 ,o ye beloved of the ,lord and ,his chosen ones1 and ye the children of ,god and ,his people1 raise your voice and laud and magnify the ,lord1 the ,most ,high2 for ,his light hath beamed forth1 ,his signs have appeared1 and the billows of ,his rising ocean have scattered on every shore many a precious pearl4 ,,spiritual ,,spring ,do ye know in what cycle ye are created and in what age ye exist8 ,this is the age of the ,blessed ,perfection and this is the time of the ,greatest ,name6 ,this is the century of the ,manifestation1 the age of the ,sun of the ,horizons and the beautiful springtime of ,his ,holiness the ,eternal ,one6 ,the earth is in motion and growth2 the mountains1 hills and prairies are green and pleasant2 the bounty is overflowing2 the mercy universal2 the rain is descending from the cloud of mercy2 the brilliant ,sun is shining2 the full moon is ornamenting the horizon of ether2 the great ocean-tide is flooding every little stream2 the gifts are successive2 the favors consecutive2 and the refreshing breeze is blowing1 wafting the fragrant perfume of the blossoms4 ,boundless treasure is in the hand of the ,king of ,kings6 ,lift the hem of thy garment in order to receive it4 ,if we are not happy and joyous at this season1 for what other season shall we wait and for what other time shall we look8 ,this is the time for growing2 the season for joyous gathering6 ,take the cup of the ,testament in thy hand2 leap and dance with ecstasy in the triumphal procession of the ,covenant6 ,lay your confidence in the everlasting bounty1 turn to the presence of the generous ,god2 ask assistance from the ,kingdom of ,abh2 seek confirmation from the ,supreme ,world2 turn thy vision to the horizon of eternal wealth2 and pray for help from the ,source of ,mercy6 ,soon shall ye see the friends attaining their longed-for destination and pitching their tents1 while we are but in the first day of our journey4 ,this period of time is the ,promised ,age1 the assembling of the human race to the 8,resurrection ,day0 and now is the great 8,day of ,judgment40 ,soon the whole world1 as in springtime1 will change its garb4 ,the turning and falling of the autumn leaves is past2 the bleakness of the winter time is over4 ,the new year hath appeared and the spiritual springtime is at hand4 ,the black earth is becoming a verdant garden2 the deserts and mountains are teeming with red flowers2 from the borders of the wilderness the tall grasses are standing like advance guards before the cypress and jessamine trees2 while the birds are singing among the rose branches like the angels in the highest heavens1 announcing the glad-tidings of the approach of that spiritual spring1 and the sweet music of their voices is causing the real essence of all things to move and quiver4 ,,serve ,,the ,,kingdom ,when the darkness of ignorance and heedlessness concerning the realm of eternity and bereavement from the ,true ,one had encircled the universe1 then the resplendent ,luminary dawned and the brilliant ,light illumined the horizon of the ,east4 ,hence1 the ,sun of ,reality shone forth1 scattering the sparkling lights of the ,kingdom to the ,east and to the ,west4 ,those who had seeing eyes found the ,most ,great ,glad-,tidings1 began to cry the call1 8,o blessed are we6 ,o blessed are we60--and have beheld the reality of things in themselves1 have discovered the mysteries of the ,kingdom1 were released from superstition and doubts1 perceived the lights of ,truth and became so intoxicated with the cup of the love of ,god1 that1 wholly forgetting themselves and the world while dancing1 they ran with utmost joy and ecstasy to the city of ,martyrdom1 sacrificing their minds and their lives upon the altar of ,love4 ,but those who were blinded became astonished and on account of these joyous acclamations were bewildered and beginning to cry1 8,where is the light80 and said1 8,we do not behold any light1 we do not see any rising sun6 ,it is void of any truth6 ,this is pure imagination60 ,however1 they have hastened bat-like in the darkness below the ground1 and according to their own thoughts they have found a little comfort and tranquillity4 ,nevertheless1 it is yet the early dawn and the strength of the heat and the rays of the ,sun of ,truth have not yet made their torrid and complete impression4 ,when it reacheth the zenith1 the heat will interpenetrate with such great intensity that it will move and spur to the greatest velocity even the insects below the earth4 ,although they are not able to behold the light1 yet the penetration of the heat will move and agitate all of them4 ,consequently1 ,o ye friends of ,god1 be ye thankful that in the ,day of the ,effulgence ye have turned your faces to the ,orb of the regions and beheld the ,lights6 ,ye have received a portion from the rays of ,truth and are endowed with a share from the ,everlasting ,outpouring4 ,therefore1 ye must not rest one minute1 but thank ,him for this bestowal4 ,be ye not seated and silent6 ,diffuse the glad-tidings of the ,kingdom far and wide to the ears1 promulgate the ,word of ,god1 and put into practice the advices and covenants of ,god2 that is1 arise ye with such qualities and attributes that ye may continually bestow life to the body of the world1 and nurse the infants of the universe up to the station of maturity and perfection4 ,enkindle with all your might in every meeting the light of the love of ,god1 gladden and cheer every heart with the utmost loving-kindness1 show forth your love to the strangers just as you show forth to your relations4 ,if a soul is seeking to quarrel1 ask ye for reconciliation2 if he blame you1 praise him2 if he give you a deadly poison1 bestow ye an all-healing antidote2 if he createth death1 administer ye eternal life2 if he becometh a thorn1 change ye into roses and hyacinths4 ,perchance1 through such deeds and words1 this darkened world will become illuminated1 this terrestrial universe will become transformed into a heavenly realm1 and this satanic prison become a divine court2 warfare and bloodshed be annihilated1 and love and faithfulness hoist the tent of unity upon the apex of the world4 ,these are the results of the divine advices and exhortations1 and the epitome of the teachings of the ,bah' ,cycle4 ,,fulfillment ,,of ,,prophecy ,a fire from the ,kingdom hath been kindled in the heart of the world1 in the ,blessed ,tree1 whose flame shall ere long set aglow the pillars of the earth and its rays illumine the horizons of the nations4 ,all the signs have appeared1 all the prophetic references have become clear1 all that was revealed in the ,books and ,scriptures hath become fully manifest1 and there is no ground for any one to hesitate in regard thereto4 ,some people of former times and some sects avoided certain others as strangers1 but now the glorious beloved ,one hath ridden upon ,his swift coursing steed1 encircling about in the arena of truth and all that was hidden became manifest4 ,let there be no more silence nor reticence1 taciturnity nor negligence4 ,the ,candle is lighted--yet the moths continue motionless and melancholy behind the veils4 ,now is the time to roar like unto a sea and seek to ascend heavenward6 ,if we desire to reach the apex of the ,supreme ,kingdom1 we must unfurl our wings2 if we wish to dive into the depths of the ocean1 we must teach our limbs swimming4 ,the time is short and the ,divine ,courser moves swiftly on2 let us keep up and compete with each other and let us light a brilliant candle6 ,,heralds ,,of ,,his ,,name ,o phoenix of that immortal flame kindled in the sacred ,tree6 ,bah'u'llh 7may my life1 my soul1 my spirit1 be offered up as a sacrifice unto ,his lowly servants7 hath1 during ,his last days on earth1 given the most emphatic promise that1 through the outpourings of the grace of ,god and the aid and assistance vouchsafed from ,his ,kingdom on high1 souls will arise and holy beings appear who1 as stars1 would adorn the firmament of divine ,guidance2 illumine the dayspring of loving kindness and bounty2 manifest the signs of the unity of ,god2 shine with the light of sanctity and purity2 receive their full measure of divine inspiration2 raise high the sacred torch of faith2 stand firm as the rock and immovable as the mountain2 and grow to become luminaries in the heavens of ,his ,revelation1 mighty channels of ,his grace1 means for the bestowals of ,god's bountiful care1 heralds calling forth the name of the one true ,god1 and establishers of the world's supreme foundation4 ,these shall labor ceaselessly by day and by night1 shall heed neither trial nor woe1 shall suffer no respite in their efforts1 shall seek no repose1 shall disregard all ease and comfort and1 detached and unsullied1 shall consecrate every fleeting moment of their life to the diffusion of the divine fragrance and the exaltation of ,god's holy ,word4 ,their face will radiate heavenly gladness1 and their hearts be filled with joy4 ,their souls will be inspired1 and their foundation stand secure4 ,they shall scatter in the world1 and travel throughout all regions4 ,they shall raise their voice in every assembly1 and adorn and revive every gathering4 ,they shall speak in every tongue1 and interpret every hidden meaning4 ,they shall reveal the mysteries of the ,kingdom1 and manifest unto every one the signs of ,god4 ,they shall burn brightly even as a candle in the heart of every assembly1 and beam forth as a star upon every horizon4 ,the gentle breeze wafted from the garden of their hearts shall perfume and revive the souls of men1 and the revelations of their minds1 even as showers1 reinvigorate the peoples and nations of the world4 ,i am waiting1 eagerly waiting for these holy ones to appear2 and yet1 how long will they delay their coming8 ,my prayer and ardent supplication1 at eventide and at dawn1 is that these shining stars may soon shed their radiance upon the world1 that their sacred countenance may be unveiled to mortal eyes1 and the billows of grace1 rising from ,his oceans above1 may flow upon all mankind4 ,pray ye also and supplicate unto ,him that through the bountiful aid of the ,ancient ,beauty these souls may be unveiled to the eyes of the world4 ,the glory of ,god rest upon thee1 and upon him whose face is illumined with that everlasting light that shineth from ,his ,kingdom of ,glory4 ,,the ,,world ,,is ,,infirm ,o ye friends of ,god6 ,the world is like the body of man--it hath become sick1 feeble and infirm4 ,its eye is devoid of sight1 its ear hath become destitute of hearing and its faculties of sense are entirely dissolved4 ,the friends of ,god must become as wise physicians and care for and heal this sick person1 in accord with the divine teachings1 in order that--,god willing--it may perchance gain health1 find eternal healing and that its lost powers may be restored2 and that the person of the world may find such health1 freshness and purity that it will appear in the utmost beauty and charm4 ,the first remedy is to guide the people1 so that they may turn unto ,god1 hearken unto the divine commandments and go forth with a hearing ear and seeing eye4 ,after this swift and certain remedy hath been applied1 then according to the divine teachings1 they ought to be trained in the conduct1 morals and deeds of the ,supreme ,concourse1 encouraged and inspired with the gifts of the ,kingdom of ,abh4 ,the hearts should be purified and cleansed from every trace of hatred and rancor and enabled to engage in truthfulness1 conciliation1 uprightness and love toward the world of humanity2 so that the ,east and the ,west may embrace each other like unto two lovers1 enmity and animosity may vanish from the human world and the universal peace be established6 ,o ye friends of ,god6 ,be kind to all peoples and nations1 have love for all of them1 exert yourselves to purify the hearts as much as you can1 and bestow abundant effort in rejoicing the souls4 ,be ye a sprinkling of rain to every meadow and a water of life to every tree4 ,be ye as fragrant musk to every nostril and a soul-refreshing breeze to every invalid4 ,be ye salutary water to every thirsty one1 a wise guide to every one led astray1 an affectionate father or mother to every orphan1 and1 in the utmost joy and fragrance1 a son or daughter to every one bent with age4 ,be ye a rich treasure to every indigent one2 consider love and union as a delectable paradise1 and count annoyance and hostility as the torment of hell-fire4 ,exert with your soul2 seek no rest in body2 supplicate and beseech with your heart and search for divine assistance and favor1 in order that ye may make this world the ,paradise of ,abh and this terrestrial globe the arena of the ,supreme ,kingdom4 ,if ye make an effort1 it is certain that these lights will shine1 this cloud of mercy shall rain1 this soul-nourishing breeze shall waft1 and the scent of this most fragrant musk be diffused4 ,,the ,,covenant ,o ye beloved of ,god1 know that steadfastness and firmness in this new and wonderful ,covenant is indeed the spirit that quickeneth the hearts which are overflowing with the love of the ,glorious ,lord2 verily1 it is the power which penetrates into the hearts of the people of the world6 ,your ,lord hath assuredly promised ,his servants who are firm and steadfast to render them victorious at all times1 to exalt their word1 propagate their power1 diffuse their lights1 strengthen their hearts1 elevate their banners1 assist their hosts1 brighten their stars1 increase the abundance of the showers of mercy upon them1 and enable the brave lions to conquer4 ,hasten1 hasten1 ,o ye firm believers6 ,hasten1 hasten1 ,o ye steadfast6 ,abandon the heedless1 set aside every ignorant1 take hold of the strong rope1 be firm in this ,great ,cause1 draw light from this ,evident ,light1 be patient and be steadfast in this wise ,religion6 ,ye shall see the hosts of inspiration descending successively from the ,supreme ,world1 the procession of attraction falling incessantly from the heights of heaven1 the abundance of the ,kingdom of ,el-,abha outpouring continually and the teachings of ,god penetrating with the utmost power1 while the heedless are indeed in evident loss4 ,iscariot must not be forgotten2 the ,divine sheep must constantly be guarded against devouring wolves2 the light of the ,cause of ,god must be protected from contrary winds by means of a chimney2 the oppressed fowls must be shielded against the birds of prey2 blooming roses should be saved from the outstretched hands of injustice and the lambs of ,god must be fortified against the fierce claws of ravenous animals4 ,were it not for the protecting power of the ,covenant to guard the impregnable fort of the ,cause of ,god1 there would arise among the ,bah's1 in one day1 a thousand different sects as was the case in former ages4 ,but in this ,blessed ,dispensation1 for the sake of the permanency of the ,cause of ,god and the avoidance of dissension amongst the people of ,god1 the ,blessed ,beauty 7may my soul be a sacrifice unto ,him71 has through the ,supreme ,pen written the ,covenant and the ,testament2 ,he appointed a ,center1 the ,exponent of the ,book and the annuller of disputes4 ,whatever is written or said by ,him is conformable to the truth and under the protection of the ,blessed ,beauty4 ,he is infallible4 ,the express purpose of this last ,will and ,testament is to set aside disputes from the world4 ,suffer the friends to become firm in the ,covenant and give the message of the ,kingdom of ,abh to other souls4 ,praise be to ,god that the believers in ,america are steadfast but the firmer they are the better that no one might be able to intrude and introduce disputes1 for disputes destroy the foundation of ,god's ,institution4 ,his ,holiness ,abraham1 on ,him be peace1 made a covenant concerning ,his ,holiness ,moses and gave the glad-tidings of ,his coming4 ,his ,holiness ,moses made a covenant concerning the ,promised ,one1 i4e4 ,his ,holiness ,christ1 and announced the good news of ,his ,manifestation to the world4 ,his ,holiness ,christ made a covenant concerning the ,paraclete and gave the tidings of ,his coming4 ,his ,holiness the ,prophet ,muammad made a covenant concerning ,his ,holiness the ,bb and the ,bb was the ,one promised by ,muammad1 for ,muammad gave the tidings of ,his coming4 ,the ,bb made a ,covenant concerning the ,blessed ,beauty of ,bah'u'llh and gave the glad-tidings of ,his coming for the ,blessed ,beauty was the ,one promised by ,his ,holiness the ,bb4 ,bah'u'llh made a covenant concerning a promised ,one who will become manifest after one thousand or thousands of years4 ,he likewise1 with ,his ,supreme ,pen1 entered into a great ,covenant and ,testament with all the ,bah's whereby they were all commanded to follow the ,center of the ,covenant after ,his departure1 and turn not away even to a hair's breadth from obeying ,him4 ,in the ,book of ,aqdas1 ,he has given positive command in two clear instances and has explicitly appointed the ,interpreter of the ,book4 ,also in all the ,divine ,tablets1 especially in the ,chapter of ,the ,branch--all the meanings of which mean the ,servitude of #8,abdu'l-,bah1 that is #8,abdu'l-,bah--all that was needed to explain the ,center of the ,covenant and the ,interpreter of the ,book has been revealed from the ,supreme ,pen4 ,now as #8,abdu'l-,bah is the ,interpreter of the ,book ,he says that the 8,chapter of ,the ,branch0 means #8,abdu'l-,bah1 that is1 the ,servitude of #8,abdu'l-,bah1 and none other4 ,,race ,,unity ,you have written that there were several meetings of joy and happiness1 one for white and another for colored people4 ,praise be to ,god6 ,as both races are under the protection of the ,all-,knowing ,god1 therefore the lamps of unity must be lighted in such a manner in these meetings that no distinction be perceived between the white and colored4 ,colors are phenomenal1 but the realities of men are essence4 ,when there exists unity of the essence what power has the phenomenal8 ,when the light of reality is shining what power has the darkness of the unreal8 ,if it be possible1 gather together these two races1 black and white1 into one ,assembly1 and put such love into their hearts that they shall not only unite but even intermarry4 ,be sure that the result of this will abolish differences and disputes between black and white4 ,moreover1 by the ,will of ,god1 may it be so4 ,this is a great service to humanity4 ,,the ,,fire ,,of ,,the ,,love ,,of ,,god ,o friend6 ,be set aglow with the fire of the love of ,god1 so that the hearts of the people will become enlightened by the light of thy love4 ,supplicate to ,god1 pray to ,him and invoke ,him at midnight and at dawn4 ,be humble and submissive to ,god and chant the verses of thanksgiving at morn and eve1 for that ,he guided thee unto the ,manifest ,light and showed to thee the straight ,path and destined to thee the station of nearness in ,his wonderful ,kingdom4 ,verily ,i ask ,god to augment for thee1 every day1 the light of guidance and ,his gift of virtue1 comfort and ease4 ,thus thou mayest set a good example in that region2 that ,he may lift up the veil from before the eyes of thy mother and father1 so that they may witness the lights of the ,kingdom of ,god1 which have encompassed all regions4 ,,ye ,,are ,,the ,,angels ,verily1 ,i1 from this brilliant and ,blessed ,spot1 speak to you face to face1 while ye are in that far distant country1 saying3 8,o people of loyalty1 ,o people of faithfulness1 ,o people who are awakened by the ,breath of ,god1 ,o people who are inhaling the scent of life from the ,spirit of ,god6 ,the path hath become smooth1 the way straightened1 the carpet of the ,kingdom is spread1 the ,tabernacle hath been elevated upon the ,hill of ,might1 the powers of heaven have been shaken1 the corners of the earth have quaked1 the sun has been darkened1 the moon ceased to give light1 the stars have fallen1 the nations of the earth have lamented1 and the ,son of ,man hath come upon the clouds of heaven with power and great glory1 and ,he hath sent ,his angels with the sound of the great trumpet1 and no one knows the meaning of these emblems save the wise and informed4 8,ye are the angels1 if your feet be firm1 your spirits rejoiced1 your secret thoughts pure1 your eyes consoled1 your ears opened1 your breasts dilated with joy1 and your souls gladdened1 and if you arise to assist the ,covenant1 to resist dissension and to be attracted to the ,effulgence6 ,verily1 ,i say unto you that the ,word of ,god has assuredly been explained and has become an evident sign and a strong and solid proof1 and its traces shall be spread in the ,east and ,west1 and to these all heads shall bow and all souls shall submit and kneel down with their faces to the ground40 ,,reality ,,of ,,thanksgiving ,in these times thanksgiving for the bounty of the ,merciful ,one consists in the illumination of the heart and the feeling of the soul4 ,this is the reality of thanksgiving4 ,but1 although offering thanks through speech or writings is approvable1 yet1 in comparison with that1 it is but unreal1 for the foundation is spiritual feelings and merciful sentiments4 ,i hope that you may be favored therewith4 ,but the lack of capacity and merit in the ,day of ,judgment does not prevent one from bounty and generosity1 for it is the day of grace and not justice1 and to give every one his due is justice4 ,consequently1 do not look upon thy capacity1 nay1 rather1 look upon the infinite grace of the ,bounty of ,abh whose grace is comprehending and whose bounty is perfect4 ,,the ,,straight ,,path ,thank ,god for guiding thee unto the ,straight ,path1 manifesting unto thee the ,evident ,light4 ,he shall give thee a draught of the cup whereby thy spiritual power will be increased4 ,thou shalt advance unto the ,lofty ,station1 acquire heavenly qualities and attain knowledge of the significances of the words of ,god in this glorious day4 ,it is incumbent upon thee to turn wholly unto the ,kingdom of ,god1 to enter entirely into this wonderful ,cause1 and to make thy thought1 remembrance and effort confined to the education of thy character1 the enlightenment through the light of ,abh1 and to guide the people to the source of the mercy of thy ,lord1 the ,clement1 the ,merciful4 ,comfort thy mother and endeavor to do what is conducive to the happiness of her heart4 ,approach not those who are drowned in the sea of this world1 but rather be enkindled by the fire of the love of ,god4 ,be thou such a flame whereby the hearts may be set aglow4 ,it is incumbent upon thee to assemble continuously with the beloved of ,god and to meet with those whose faces are illumined with the light of the love of ,god4 ,verily1 ,i supplicate to ,god to make thee sincere in this love1 to illumine thee with the light of ,his ,kingdom1 and to destine unto thee the illumination by the light of ,his attributes1 to make thee a sign of mercy1 a bird warbling the verses of unity2 that thou mayest be nurtured in the bosom of ,his providence1 and become a growing tree bearing fruit in the ,paradise of ,el-,abha4 ,verily1 thy ,lord confirmeth him whom ,he willeth1 and ,he is the ,forgiving1 the ,merciful4 ,,cut ,,thyself ,,from ,,the ,,world ,if thou seekest to be intoxicated with the cup of the ,most ,mighty ,gift1 cut thyself from the world and be quit of self and desire4 ,exert thyself night and day until spiritual powers may penetrate thy heart and soul4 ,abandon the body and the material1 until the merciful powers may become manifest2 because not until the soil is become pure will it develop through the heavenly bounty2 not until the heart is purified1 will the radiance of the ,sun of ,truth shine therein4 ,i beg of ,god that thou wilt day by day increase the purity of thy heart1 the cheerfulness of thy soul1 the light of thy insight and the search for ,truth4 ,,arise ,,with ,,great ,,power ,arise with every power to assist the ,covenant of ,god and serve in ,his vineyard4 ,be confident that a confirmation will be granted unto you and a success on ,his part is given unto you4 ,verily1 ,he shall support you by the angels of ,his holiness and reinforce you with the breaths of the ,spirit that ye may mount the ,ark of ,safety1 set forth the evident signs1 impart the spirit of life1 declare the essence of ,his commands and precepts1 guide the sheep who are straying from the fold in all directions1 and give the blessings4 ,ye have to use every effort in your power and strive earnestly and wisely in this new century4 ,by ,god1 verily the ,lord of ,hosts is your support1 the angels of heaven your assistance1 the ,holy ,spirit your companion and the ,center of the ,covenant your helper4 ,be not idle1 but active and fear not4 ,look unto those who have been in the former ages--how they have resisted all nations and suffered all persecutions and afflictions1 and how their stars shone1 their attacks proved successful1 their teachings established1 their regions expanded1 their hearts gladdened1 their ideas cleared and their motives effective4 ,ye are now in a great station and noble rank and ye shall find yourselves in evident success and prosperity1 the like of which the eye of existence never saw in former ages4 ,,divine ,,assistance ,o thou who warmest thyself by the fire of the love of ,god1 spreading from the ,tree of the ,covenant6 ,let thy soul be at ease and thy heart in peace concerning the perfect success and progress which the pen is not able to express1 for in a short time thou shalt see the flag of the ,kingdom waving in those far and wide regions1 and the lights of the ,truth shining brilliantly in its dawn above those horizons1 and thou shalt know that thou art the center of the circle of the love of ,god1 the axis around which souls revolve in their way and supplication to ,god4 ,therefore1 thou must widen thy heart1 dilate thy breast1 have patience in plenty1 calmness of soul and cut thyself from everything but ,god6 ,by ,god1 the truth is1 if thou goest according to the teachings of ,el-,abd and followest the steps of ,him who is annihilated in ,god1 thou shalt see that the cohorts of the ,kingdom of ,god will come to thy help1 one after another1 and that the hosts of the ,might of ,god will be in thy presence in steady succession1 the gates of the great victory opened and the rays of the brilliant morning diffused6 ,by thy life1 ,o my beloved6 if thou didst know what ,god had ordained for thee1 thou wouldst fly with delight and thy happiness1 gladness and joy would increase every hour4 ,el-,bah be upon thee6 ,,proof ,,of ,,nobility ,the necessity and the particularity of the assured and believing ones is to be firm in the ,cause of ,god and withstand the hidden and evident tests4 ,thanks be to ,god that you are distinguished and made eminent by this blessing4 ,anybody can be happy in the state of comfort1 ease1 health1 success1 pleasure and joy2 but if one will be happy and contented in the time of trouble1 hardship and prevailing disease1 it is the proof of nobility4 ,thanks be to ,god that that dear servant of ,god is extremely patient under the disastrous circumstances1 and in the place of complaining gives thanks4 ,,the ,,source ,,of ,,love ,the advent of the prophets and the revelation of the ,holy ,books is intended to create love between souls and friendship between the inhabitants of the earth4 ,real love is impossible unless one turn his face towards ,god and be attracted to ,his ,beauty4 ,,objective ,,and ,,subjective ,,faith ,thou hast written of a verse in the ,gospels1 asking if at the time of ,christ all souls did hear ,his call4 ,know that faith is of two kinds4 ,the first is objective faith that is expressed by the outer man1 obedience of the limbs and senses4 ,the other faith is subjective1 and unconscious obedience to the will of ,god4 ,there is no doubt that1 in the day of a ,manifestation such as ,christ1 all contingent beings possessed subjective faith and had unconscious obedience to ,his ,holiness ,christ4 ,for all parts of the creational world are of one whole4 ,christ the ,manifestor reflecting the divine ,sun represented the whole4 ,all the parts are subordinate and obedient to the whole4 ,the contingent beings are the branches of the tree of life while the ,messenger of ,god is the root of that tree4 ,the branches1 leaves and fruit are dependent for their existence upon the root of the tree of life4 ,this condition of unconscious obedience constitutes subjective faith4 ,but the discerning faith that consists of true knowledge of ,god and the comprehension of divine words1 of such faith there is very little in any age4 ,that is why ,his ,holiness ,christ said to ,his followers1 8,many are called but few are chosen40 ,,spiritual ,,capacity ,those souls who have the capacity and ability to receive the outpourings of the ,kingdom and the confirmation of the ,holy ,spirit1 they become attracted through one word4 ,but people who have not the capacity1 no matter how much one explain the divine behests and advices or breathe the breath of the ,holy ,spirit1 it will not make an effect2 nay1 rather they add to their hardness and heedlessness4 ,no sooner is the oil touched by fire than it is ignited1 but the heat of the fire will not make any effect upon the black stone4 ,now praise be to ,god that thou didst have a pure aim and great capacity so that as soon as thou didst hear the 8,word0 thou didst become attracted4 ,indeed this is one of the most great gifts of ,god4 ,,the ,,beloved ,,of ,,god ,the spiritual love of ,god maketh man pure and holy and clotheth him with the garment of virtue and purity4 ,and when man attacheth his heart wholly to ,god and becometh related to the ,blessed ,perfection1 the divine bounty will dawn4 ,this love is not physical1 nay1 rather1 it is absolutely spiritual4 ,the souls whose consciences are enlightened through the light of the love of ,god1 they are like unto shining lights and resemble stars of holiness in the heaven of purity4 ,the real and great love is the love of ,god4 ,that is holy above the imaginations and thoughts of men4 ,the beloved of ,god must each be the essence of purity and holiness2 so may they be known by their purity1 freedom and meekness in every land2 they may drink from the eternal chalice of the love of ,god1 enjoy its ecstasy1 and through meeting the ,beauty of ,abh1 they should be joyful1 active1 aglow with zeal and wonderful4 ,this is the station of the sincere4 ,this is the quality of those who are firm4 ,this is the illumination of the faces of those who are near4 ,therefore1 ,o ye friends of ,god1 ye must in perfect purity attain spiritual unity and agreement to a degree that ye may express one spirit and one life4 ,in this condition physical bodies play no part2 the command and authority are in the hand of the spirit4 ,when the spirit becometh all inclusive1 the spiritual union shall be attained4 ,night and day endeavor to attain perfect harmony2 be thoughtful concerning your own spiritual developments and close your eyes to the shortcomings of one another4 ,by good deeds1 pure lives1 humility and meekness be a lesson for others4 ,,if ,,one ,,possesses ,,the ,,love ,,of ,,god ,o thou son of the ,kingdom6 ,if one possesses the love of ,god1 everything that he undertakes is useful1 but if the undertaking is without the love of ,god1 then it is hurtful and the cause of veiling one's self from the ,lord of the ,kingdom4 ,but with the love of ,god every bitterness is changed into sweetness and every gift becometh precious4 ,for instance1 a musical and melodious voice imparteth life to an attracted heart but lureth toward lust those souls who are engulfed in passion and desire4 ,with the love of ,god all sciences are accepted and beloved1 but without it1 are fruitless2 nay1 rather the cause of insanity4 ,every science is like unto a tree2 if the fruit of it is the love of ,god1 that is a blessed tree4 ,otherwise it is dried wood and finally a food for fire4 ,o thou sincere servant of the ,true ,one and the spiritual physician of the people6 ,whenever thou presentest thyself at the bed of a patient turn thy face toward the ,lord of the ,kingdom and supplicate assistance from the ,holy ,spirit and heal the ailments of the sick one4 ,i beg of ,god to bestow upon thee an eloquent tongue4 ,,the ,,magnet ,,of ,,the ,,kingdom ,note that thy ,lord hath manifested the ,magnet of the souls and hearts in the ,pole of the existing world1 to which all the sacred hearts are attracted from the far distant lands and countries4 ,the iron body is attractable although at long distances away2 but the earthen one is not although in contact and very close4 ,therefore1 thank thou ,god for being an attractable body1 to be drawn to the ,magnet of the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,,the ,,encompassing ,,spirit ,verily1 ,i say unto thee that the gifts of thy ,lord are encircling thee in a similar way as the spirit encircles the body at the beginning of the amalgamation of the elements and natures in the womb2 the power of the spirit begins then to appear in the body gradually and successively according to the preparation and capacity to receive that everlasting abundance4 ,,souls ,,are ,,like ,,mirrors ,souls are like unto mirrors1 and the bounty of ,god is like unto the sun4 ,when the mirrors pass beyond all coloring and attain purity and polish1 and are confronted with the sun1 they will reflect in full perfection its light and glory4 ,in this condition one should not consider the mirror1 but the power of the light of the sun1 which hath penetrated the mirror1 making it a reflector of the heavenly glory4 ,,the ,,world ,,of ,,vision ,as to the question whether the souls will recognize each other in the spiritual world3 ,this fact is certain2 for the ,kingdom is the world of vision where all the concealed realities will become disclosed4 ,how much more the well-known souls will become manifest4 ,the mysteries of which man is heedless in this earthly world1 those he will discover in the heavenly world1 and there will he be informed of the secret of truth2 how much more will he recognize or discover persons with whom he hath been associated4 ,undoubtedly1 the holy souls who find a pure eye and are favored with insight will1 in the kingdom of lights1 be acquainted with all mysteries1 and will seek the bounty of witnessing the reality of every great soul4 ,even they will manifestly behold the ,beauty of ,god in that world4 ,likewise will they find all the friends of ,god1 both those of the former and recent times1 present in the heavenly assemblage4 ,,prayer ,,is ,,indispensable ,o thou spiritual friend6 ,thou hast asked the wisdom of prayer4 ,know thou that prayer is indispensable and obligatory1 and man under no pretext whatsoever is excused from performing the prayer unless he be mentally unsound1 or an insurmountable obstacle prevent him4 ,the wisdom of prayer is this3 ,that it causeth a connection between the servant and the ,true ,one1 because in that state man with all heart and soul turneth his face towards ,his ,highness the ,almighty1 seeking ,his association and desiring ,his love and compassion4 ,the greatest happiness for a lover is to converse with his beloved1 and the greatest gift for a seeker is to become familiar with the object of his longing2 that is why with every soul who is attracted to the ,kingdom of ,god1 his greatest hope is to find an opportunity to entreat and supplicate before his ,beloved1 appeal for ,his mercy and grace and be immersed in the ocean of ,his utterance1 goodness and generosity4 ,besides all this1 prayer and fasting is the cause of awakening and mindfulness and conducive to protection and preservation from tests4444 ,,turn ,,to ,,the ,,holy ,,spirit ,know thou1 that letter sent to thee by me1 was only because of my perfect love for thee and my pity upon thee1 for ,i had the desire that the fragrance of the ,holy ,spirit1 which hath perfumed all regions and imbued the entire body of the world with the ,spirit of ,life1 should pass over thee and abide with thee4 ,notwithstanding the high position it occupieth1 still1 with an eloquent tongue1 through which the ,spirit moveth1 hearts are attracted and bosoms burn1 it speaketh to the pure hearts and to the good and righteous souls in every spot of the earth4 ,this is the powerful ,spirit1 the dazzling light1 the brilliant star and the overwhelming and universal abundance4 ,and1 from its traces1 spread and divulged everywhere1 thou wilt know and realize its influence and comprehend its radiance4 ,i ask ,god to expose thee to its fragrance1 move thee by its breeze1 enkindle thee by its coals of fire and illuminate thee by its brightness4 ,turn thyself wholly to it--thus thou shalt be enabled to ascertain its influence and power1 the strength of its life and the greatness of its confirmation4 ,verily1 ,i say unto thee1 that if for the appearance of that ,divine ,essence thou desirest to have a definite proof1 an indisputable testimony and a strong1 convincing evidence1 thou must prepare thyself to make thy heart empty and thine eye ready to look only toward the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,then1 at that time1 the radiance of that widespread effulgence will descend upon thee successively1 and that motion rendered thee by the ,holy ,spirit will make thee dispense with any other strong evidence that leadeth to the appearance of this ,light1 because the greatest and strongest proof for showing the abundance of the ,spirit to the bodies is the very appearance of its power and influence in those bodies4 ,,inspiration ,,of ,,the ,,holy ,,spirit ,i now assure thee1 ,o servant of ,god1 that1 if thy mind become empty and pure from every mention and thought and thy heart attracted wholly to the ,kingdom of ,god1 forget all else besides ,god and come in communion with the ,spirit of ,god1 then the ,holy ,spirit will assist thee with a power which will enable thee to penetrate all things1 and a ,dazzling ,spark which enlightens all sides1 a ,brilliant ,flame in the zenith of the heavens1 will teach thee that which thou dost not know of the facts of the universe and of the divine doctrine4 ,verily1 ,i say unto thee1 every soul which ariseth today to guide others to the path of safety and infuse in them the ,spirit of ,life1 the ,holy ,spirit will inspire that soul with evidences1 proofs and facts and the lights will shine upon it from the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,do not forget what ,i have conveyed unto thee from the breath of the ,spirit4 ,verily1 it is the shining morning and the rosy dawn which will impart unto thee the lights1 reveal the mysteries and make thee competent in science1 and through it the pictures of the ,supreme ,world will be printed in thy heart and the facts of the secrets of the ,kingdom of ,god will shine before thee4 ,,the ,,intermediary ,unless the ,holy ,spirit become intermediary1 one cannot attain directly to the bounties of ,god4 ,do not overlook the obvious truths1 for it is a self-evident fact that a child cannot be instructed without a teacher1 and knowledge is a bounty from the bounties of ,god4 ,the soil is not covered with grass and green without the rain of the cloud2 therefore the cloud is the intermediary between the divine bounties and the soil4 ,a body doth not develop and grow without the soul2 therefore the soul is the medium of the spiritual life4 ,,the ,,spirit ,,of ,,faith ,now as to what thou askest concerning the spirit and its 8return0 to this world of humanity and this elemental space3 ,know that spirit in general is divided into five sorts--the vegetable spirit1 the animal spirit1 the human spirit1 the spirit of faith1 and the divine spirit of sanctity4 ,the vegetable spirit is the virtue augmentative1 or growing or vegetative faculty1 which results from the admixture of the simple elements1 with the cooperation of water1 air and heat4 ,the animal spirit is the virtue perceptive resulting from the admixture and absorption of the vital elements generated in the heart1 which apprehend sense-impressions4 ,the human spirit consists of the rational1 or logical1 reasoning faculty1 which apprehends general ideas and things intelligible and perceptible4 ,now these 8spirits0 are not reckoned as ,spirit in the terminology of the ,scriptures and the usage of the people of the ,truth1 inasmuch as the laws governing them are as the laws which govern all phenomenal being in respect to generation1 corruption1 production1 change and reversion1 as is clearly indicated in the ,gospel where it says3 8,let the dead bury their dead20 8,that which is born of the flesh is flesh1 and that which is born of the ,spirit is ,spirit02 inasmuch as he who would bury these dead was alive with the vegetative1 animal and rational human soul1 yet did ,christ--to whom be glory6--declare such dead and devoid of life1 in that this person was devoid of the spirit of faith1 which is of the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,in brief1 for these three spirits there is no restitution or 8return10 but they are subordinate to reversions and production and corruption4 ,but the spirit of faith which is of the ,kingdom consists of the all-comprehending grace and the perfect attainment and the power of sanctity and the divine effulgence from the ,sun of ,truth on luminous light-seeking essences from the presence of the divine ,unity4 ,and by this ,spirit is the life of the spirit of man1 when it is fortified thereby1 as ,christ saith3 8,that which is born of the ,spirit is ,spirit40 ,and this ,spirit hath both restitution and return1 inasmuch as it consists of the ,light of ,god and the unconditioned grace4 ,so1 having regard to this state and station1 ,christ announced that ,john the ,baptist was ,elias1 who was to come before ,christ4 ,and the likeness of this station is as that of lamps kindled3 for these in respect to their glasses and oil-holders1 are different1 but in respect to their light1 ,one1 and in respect to their illumination1 ,one2 nay1 each one is identical with the other1 without imputation of plurality1 or diversity or multiplicity or separateness4 ,this is the ,truth and beyond the ,truth there is only error4 ,,trials ,a ,,gift ,,from ,,god ,thou hast written concerning the tests that have come upon thee4 ,to the sincere ones1 tests are as a gift from ,god1 the ,exalted1 for a heroic person hasteneth1 with the utmost joy and gladness1 to the tests of a violent battlefield1 but the coward is afraid and trembles and utters moaning and lamentation4 ,likewise1 an expert student prepareth and memorizeth his lessons and exercises with the utmost effort1 and in the day of examination he appeareth with infinite joy before the master4 ,likewise1 the pure gold shineth radiantly in the fire of test4 ,consequently1 it is made clear that for holy souls1 trials are as the gift of ,god1 the ,exalted2 but for weak souls they are an unexpected calamity4 ,this test is just as thou hast written3 it removeth the rust of egotism from the mirror of the heart until the ,sun of ,truth may shine therein4 ,for1 no veil is greater than egotism and no matter how thin that covering may be1 yet it will finally veil man entirely and prevent him from receiving a portion from the eternal bounty4 ,,the ,,mystery ,,of ,,suffering ,as to the subject of babes and infants and weak ones who are afflicted by the hands of oppressors3 ,this contains great wisdom and this subject is of paramount importance4 ,in brief1 for those souls there is a recompense in another world and many details are connected with this matter4 ,for those souls that suffering is the greatest mercy of ,god4 ,verily that mercy of the ,lord is far better and preferable to all the comfort of this world and the growth and development of this place of mortality4 ,if it be the will of ,god1 when thou shalt be present this will be explained in detail by word of mouth4 ,,bah' ,,marriage ,as to the question of marriage1 according to the law of ,god3 ,first you must select one1 and then it depends on the consent of the father and mother4 ,before your selection they have no right of interference4 ,bah' marriage is union and cordial affection between the two parties4 ,they must1 however1 exercise the utmost care and become acquainted with each other's character4 ,this eternal bond should be made secure by a firm covenant1 and the intention should be to foster harmony1 fellowship and unity and to attain everlasting life444 ,in a true ,bah' marriage the two parties must become fully united both spiritually and physically1 so that they may attain eternal union throughout all the worlds of ,god1 and improve the spiritual life of each other4 ,this is ,bah' matrimony4 ,among the majority of the people marriage consists of physical relationship and this union and relationship is temporary for at the end physical separation is destined and ordained4 ,but the marriage of the people of ,bah must consist of both physical and spiritual relationship for both of them are intoxicated with the wine of one cup1 are attracted by one ,peerless ,countenance1 are quickened with one ,life and are illumined with one ,light4 ,this is the spiritual relationship and everlasting union4 ,likewise in the physical world they are bound together with strong and unbreakable ties4 ,when relationship1 union and concord exist between the two from a physical and spiritual standpoint1 that is the real union1 therefore everlasting4 ,but if the union is merely from the physical point of view1 unquestionably it is temporal and at the end separation is inevitable4 ,consequently when the people of ,bah desire to enter the sacred union of marriage1 eternal connection and ideal relationship1 spiritual and physical association of thoughts and conceptions of life must exist between them1 so that in all the grades of existence and all the worlds of ,god this union may continue forever and ever for this real union is a splendor of the light of the love of ,god4 ,likewise if the souls become real believers they will find themselves ushered into this exalted state of relationship1 becoming the manifestors of the love of the ,merciful and exhilarated with the cup of the love of ,god4 ,undoubtedly that union and relationship is eternal4 ,the souls who sacrifice self1 become detached from the imperfections of the realm of man and free from the shackles of this ephemeral world1 assuredly the splendors of the rays of divine union shall shine in their hearts and in the eternal paradise they shall find ideal relationship1 union and happiness4 ,,kindness ,,to ,,animals ,then1 ,o ye friends of ,god6 ,ye must not only have kind and merciful feelings for mankind1 but ye should also exercise the utmost kindness towards every living creature4 ,the physical sensibilities and instincts are common to animal and man4 ,man is1 however1 negligent of this reality and imagines that sensibility is peculiar to mankind1 therefore he practices cruelty to the animal4 ,in reality what difference is there in physical sensations6 ,sensibility is the same whether you harm man or animal3 there is no difference4 ,nay1 rather1 cruelty to the animal is more painful because man has a tongue and he sighs1 complains and groans when he receives an injury and complains to the government and the government protects him from cruelty2 but the poor animal cannot speak1 it can neither show its suffering nor is it able to appeal to the government4 ,if it is harmed a thousand times by man it is not able to defend itself in words nor can it seek justice or retaliate4 ,therefore one must be very considerate towards animals and show greater kindness to them than to man4 ,educate the children in their infancy in such a way that they may become exceedingly kind and merciful to the animals4 ,if an animal is sick they should endeavor to cure it2 if it is hungry1 they should feed it2 if it is thirsty1 they should satisfy its thirst2 if it is tired1 they should give it rest4 ,man is generally sinful and the animal is innocent2 unquestionably one must be more kind and merciful to the innocent4 ,the harmful animals1 such as the bloodthirsty wolf1 the poisonous snake and other injurious animals are excepted1 because mercy towards these is cruelty to man1 and other animals4 ,for instance1 if you show kindness to a wolf this becomes a tyranny to the sheep1 for it may destroy an entire flock of sheep4 ,if you give the opportunity to a mad dog it may be the cause of the destruction of a thousand animals and men4 ,therefore1 sympathy to the ferocious animal is cruelty to the peaceful animal1 so they should be done away with4 ,to the blessed animals1 however1 the utmost kindness should be exercised3 the more the better it will be4 ,this sympathy and kindness is one of the fundamental principles of the divine kingdom4 ,ye should pay great attention to this question4 ,,economy ,a ,,great ,,treasure ,it behoveth thee to sever thyself from all desires save thy ,lord1 the ,supreme1 expecting no help or aid from anyone in the universe1 not even from thy father or children4 ,resign thyself to ,god6 ,content thyself with but little of this world's goods6 ,verily1 economy is a great treasure4 ,if one of thy relations oppress thee1 complain not against him before the magistrate2 rather manifest magnificent patience during every calamity and hardship4 ,verily thy ,master is the ,lord of ,faithfulness6 ,forgive and overlook the shortcomings which have appeared in that one1 for the sake of love and affection4 ,know that nothing will benefit thee in this life save supplication and invocation unto ,god1 service in ,his vineyard1 and1 with a heart full of love1 be in constant servitude unto ,him4 ,if thy daily living become difficult1 soon thy ,lord will bestow upon thee that which shall satisfy thee4 ,be patient in the time of affliction and trial1 endure every difficulty and hardship with a dilated heart1 attracted spirit and eloquent tongue in remembrance of the ,merciful4 ,verily this is the life of satisfaction1 the spiritual existence1 heavenly repose1 divine benediction and the celestial table6 ,soon thy ,lord will extenuate thy straitened circumstances even in this world4 ,,means ,,of ,,livelihood ,thou hast asked regarding the means of livelihood4 ,trust in ,god and engage in your work and practice economy2 the confirmations of ,god shall descend and you will be enabled to pay off your debts4 ,be ye occupied always with the mention of ,bah'u'llh and seek ye no other hope and desire save ,him4 ,,socialism ,thou hast asked whether to enlist in the ,socialist party4 ,the ,bah's must be in the ,bah' ,cause which comprehends all the degrees and is perfect from every standpoint4 ,,two ,,methods ,,of ,,healing ,there are two ways of healing sickness1 material means and spiritual means4 ,the first is by the use of remedies1 of medicines2 the second consists in praying to ,god and in turning to ,him4 ,both means should be used and practiced4 ,illness caused by physical accident should be treated with medical remedies2 those which are due to spiritual causes disappear through spiritual means4 ,thus an illness caused by affliction1 fear1 nervous impressions1 will be healed by spiritual rather than by physical treatment4 ,hence1 both kinds of remedies should be considered4 ,moreover1 they are not contradictory1 and thou shouldst accept the physical remedies as coming from the mercy and favor of ,god1 who hath revealed and made manifest medical science so that ,his servants may profit from this kind of treatment also4 ,thou shouldst give equal attention to spiritual treatments1 for they produce marvelous effects4 ,now1 if thou wishest to know the divine remedy which will heal man from all sickness and will give him the health of the divine kingdom1 know that it is the precepts and teachings of ,god4 ,guard them sacredly4 ,,if ,,thou ,,desirest ,,health ,if the health and well-being of the body be expended in the path of the ,kingdom1 this is very acceptable and praiseworthy2 and if it is expended to the benefit of the human world in general--even though it be to their material benefit and be a means of doing good--that is also acceptable4 ,but if the health and welfare of man be spent in sensual desires1 in a life on the animal plane1 and in devilish pursuits--then disease is better than such health2 nay1 death itself is preferable to such a life4 ,if thou art desirous of health1 wish thou health for serving the ,kingdom4 ,i hope thou mayest attain a perfect insight1 an inflexible resolution1 a complete health and spiritual and physical strength in order that thou mayest drink from the fountain of eternal life and be assisted by the spirit of divine confirmation4 ,,duty ,,to ,,attain ,,science ,now as to what thou askest concerning giving up the scientific attainment in ,paris for the sake of confining thy days to the delivery of this ,truth1 it is indeed acceptable and beloved1 but if thou acquire both it would be better and more perfect1 because in this new century the attainment of science1 arts and belles lettres1 whether divine or worldly1 material or spiritual1 is a matter which is acceptable before ,god and a duty which is incumbent upon us to accomplish4 ,therefore1 never deny the spiritual things to the material1 rather both are incumbent upon thee4 ,nevertheless1 at the time when thou art working for such a scientific attainment1 thou must be controlled by the attraction of the love of thy ,glorious ,lord and mindful of mentioning ,his splendid ,name4 ,this being the case1 thou must attain the art thou art studying to its perfection4 ,,work ,,is ,,worship ,in this great dispensation1 art 7or a profession7 is identical with an act of worship and this is a clear text of the ,blessed ,perfection4 ,therefore1 extreme effort should be made in art and this will not prevent the teaching of the people in that region4 ,nay1 rather1 each should assist the other in art and guidance4 ,for instance1 when the studying of art is with the intention of obeying the command of ,god this study will certainly be done easily and great progress will soon be made therein2 and when others discover this fragrance of spirituality in the action itself1 this same will cause their awakening4 ,likewise1 managing art with propriety will become the means of sociability and affinity2 and sociability and affinity themselves tend to guide others to the ,truth4 ,,science ,,as ,,worship ,thy letter was received4 ,praise be to ,god it imparted the good news of thy health and safety and indicated that thou art ready to enter into an agricultural school4 ,this is highly suitable4 ,strive as much as possible to become proficient in the science of agriculture for in accordance with the ,divine ,teachings1 the acquisition of sciences and the perfection of arts is considered as acts of worship4 ,if a man engages with all his power in the acquisition of a science or in the perfection of an art1 it is as if he has been worshipping ,god in the churches and temples4 ,thus as thou enterest a school of agriculture and strivest in the acquisition of that science thou art day and night engaged in acts of worship--acts that are accepted at the threshold of the ,almighty4 ,what bounty greater than this that science should be considered as an act of worship and art as service to the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,,music ,this wonderful age has rent asunder the veils of superstition and has condemned the prejudice of the people of the ,east4 ,among some of the nations of the ,orient1 music and harmony was not approved of1 but the ,manifested ,light1 ,bah'u'llh1 in this glorious period has revealed in ,holy ,tablets that singing and music are the spiritual food of the hearts and souls4 ,in this dispensation1 music is one of the arts that is highly approved and is considered to be the cause of the exaltation of sad and desponding hearts4 ,therefore 444 set to music the verses and the divine words so that they may be sung with soul-stirring melody in the ,assemblies and gatherings1 and that the hearts of the listeners may become tumultuous and rise towards the ,kingdom of ,abh in supplication and prayer4 ,,severance ,,from ,,this ,,world ,thou hast written of the severe calamity that has befallen thee--the death of thy respected husband4 ,that honorable personage has been so much subjected to the stress and pain of this world that his highest wish became deliverance from it4 ,such is this mortal abode--a storehouse of afflictions and suffering4 ,it is negligence that binds man to it for no comfort can be secured by any soul in this world1 from monarch down to the least subject4 ,if once it should offer man a sweet cup1 a hundred bitter ones will follow it and such is the condition of this world4 ,the wise man therefore does not attach himself to this mortal life and does not depend upon it2 even at some moments he eagerly wishes death that he may thereby be freed from these sorrows and afflictions4 ,thus it is seen that some1 under extreme pressure of anguish1 have committed suicide4 ,as to him rest assured2 he will be immersed in the ocean of pardon and forgiveness and will become the recipient of bounty and favor4 ,,consolation ,,of ,,our ,,hearts ,from the death of that beloved youth due to his separation from you the utmost sorrow and grief has been occasioned1 for he flew away in the flower of his age and the bloom of his youth1 to the heavenly nest4 ,but as he has been freed from this sorrow-stricken shelter and has turned his face toward the everlasting nest of the ,kingdom and has been delivered from a dark and narrow world and has hastened to the sanctified realm of ,light1 therein lies the consolation of our hearts4 ,the inscrutable divine wisdom underlies such heart-rending occurrences4 ,it is as if a kind gardener transfers a fresh and tender shrub from a narrow place to a vast region4 ,this transference is not the cause of the withering1 the waning or the destruction of that shrub1 nay rather it makes it grow and thrive1 acquire freshness and delicacy and attain verdure and fruition4 ,this hidden secret is well-known to the gardener1 while those souls who are unaware of this bounty suppose that the gardener in his anger and wrath has uprooted the shrub4 ,but to those who are aware this concealed fact is manifest and this predestined decree considered a favor4 ,do not feel grieved and disconsolate therefore at the ascension of that bird of faithfulness1 nay under all circumstances pray and beg for that youth forgiveness and elevation of station4 ,i hope that you will attain to the utmost patience1 composure and resignation1 and ,i supplicate and entreat at the ,threshold of ,oneness and beg pardon and forgiveness4 ,my hope from the infinite bounties of ,god is that ,he may cause this dove of the garden of faith to abide on the branch of the ,supreme ,concourse that it may sing in the best of tunes the praises and the excellencies of the ,lord of names and attributes4 ,,the ,,university ,,of ,,the ,,kingdom ,thou hast written that thou art a student in the progressive spiritual school4 ,happy is thy condition6 ,if the various progressive schools join themselves to the universal university of the ,kingdom1 such knowledge and sciences will be brought into light that man will see that the potentialities of the 8,open ,tablet0 of existence are infinite2 will realize that all the created things are as letters and words2 will be instructed in the lessons of the degrees of significances2 will perceive the signs of oneness in the primordial atoms of the earth2 will hear the voice of the ,lord of the ,kingdom2 will behold the confirmations of the ,holy ,spirit and will find such ecstasy and joy that1 being unable to contain himself in the vast area of existence1 he will prepare himself for the journey toward the ,kingdom and will hasten to the immensity of the ,realm of ,might4 ,as soon as a bird is fledged1 it cannot keep itself on the ground2 nay1 rather it soareth up toward the ,supreme ,apex--except the birds whose feet are tied1 whose wings are clipped and feathers broken and who are soiled with water and clay4 ,o thou seeker of ,truth6 ,the realm of the ,kingdom is a unit4 ,the only difference lies in this3 ,that when the season of spring dawneth1 a new and wonderful motion and rejuvenation is witnessed in all the existing things2 the mountains and meadows are revived2 the trees find freshness and delicacy and are clothed with radiant and bright leaves1 blossoms and fruits4 ,in a like manner the preceding ,manifestations form an inseparable link with the subsequent dispensations2 nay1 rather they are identical with each other4 ,since the world is constantly developing itself1 the rays become stronger1 the outpouring becometh greater and the sun appeareth in the meridian orbit4 ,o thou yearner after the ,kingdom6 ,each ,manifestation is the heart of the world and the proficient ,physician of every patient4 ,the world of humanity is sick1 but that skilled ,physician hath the healing remedy and ,he bestoweth divine teachings1 exhortations and advices which are the remedy of every ailment and the dressing for every wound4 ,undoubtedly1 the wise physician discovereth the needs of the patient at every season and prescribeth medicine4 ,therefore1 when thou wilt compare the teachings of the ,beauty of ,abh with the requisitions and necessities of the present time1 thou wilt conclude that they are to the sick body of the world the swift healing antidote2 nay1 rather they are the remedy of everlasting health4 ,the prescription of the proficient physicians of the past and the future will not be the same2 nay1 rather they will be in accord with the ailment of the patient4 ,although the medicine is changed1 yet all of these are for the sole purpose of the healing of the sick4 ,in former dispensations the sick body of the world could not bear the strong and overpowering remedies4 ,that is why ,his ,highness the ,christ said3 8,i have yet many things to say unto you1 but ye cannot bear them now4 ,howbeit1 when ,he1 the ,spirit of the ,comforter1 who is sent by the ,father1 is come1 ,he will guide you into all truth40 ,therefore1 in this age of lights1 specific teachings have become universal1 in order that the outpouring of the ,merciful ,one environ both the ,east and the ,west1 the oneness of the kingdom of humanity become visible and the luminosity of truth enlighten the world of consciousness4 ,the descent of the ,new ,jerusalem is the heavenly religion which secures the prosperity of the human world and is the effulgence of the illumination of the realm of ,god4 ,,the ,,unknowable ,,essence ,all the people have formed a god in the world of thought1 and that form of their own imagination they worship2 when the fact is that the imagined form is finite and the human mind is infinite4 ,surely the infinite is greater than the finite1 for imagination is accidental while the mind is essential2 surely the essential is greater than the accidental4 ,therefore consider3 ,all the sects and peoples worship their own thought2 they create a god in their own minds and acknowledge him to be the creator of all things1 when that form is a superstition--thus people adore and worship imagination4 ,that ,essence of the ,divine ,entity and the ,unseen of the unseen is holy above imagination and is beyond thought4 ,consciousness doth not reach ,it4 ,within the capacity of comprehension of a produced reality that ,ancient ,reality cannot be contained4 ,it is a different world2 from it there is no information2 arrival thereat is impossible2 attainment thereto is prohibited and inaccesible4 ,this much is known3 ,it exists and ,its existence is certain and proven--but the condition is unknown4 ,all the philosophers and the doctors knew that ,it is1 but they were perplexed in the comprehension of ,its existence and were at last discouraged1 and in great despair they left this world4 ,for the comprehension of the condition and mysteries of that ,reality of realities and ,mystery of mysteries there is need for another power and another sense4 ,that power and sense is not possessed by mankind1 therefore they have not found any information4 ,for example3 ,if a man possess the power of hearing1 the power of tasting1 the power of smelling and the power of feeling1 but no power of seeing1 he cannot see4 ,hence1 through the powers and senses present in man the realization of the ,unseen ,reality1 which is pure and holy above the reach of doubts1 is impossible4 ,other powers are needed and other senses required4 ,if those powers and senses are obtained1 then information can be had2 otherwise1 not4 ,,faith ,,and ,,knowledge ,regarding the 8two wings0 of the soul3 ,these signify wings of ascent4 ,one is the wing of knowledge1 the other of faith1 as this is the means of the ascent of the human soul to the lofty station of divine perfections4 ,,knowledge ,,and ,,deeds ,although a person of good deeds is acceptable at the ,threshold of the ,almighty1 yet it is first 8to know10 and then 8to do40 ,although a blind man produceth a most wonderful and exquisite art1 yet he is deprived of seeing it4 ,consider how most animals labor for man1 draw loads and facilitate travel2 yet1 as they are ignorant1 they receive no reward for this toil and labor4 ,the cloud raineth1 roses and hyacinths grow2 the plain and meadow1 the garden and trees become green and blossom2 yet they do not realize the results and outcome of all these4 ,the lamp is lighted1 but as it hath not a conscious knowledge of itself1 no one hath become glad because of it4 ,moreover1 a soul of excellent deeds and good manners will undoubtedly advance from whatever horizon he beholdeth the lights radiating4 ,herein lies the difference3 ,by faith is meant1 first1 conscious knowledge1 and second1 the practice of good deeds4 ,,training ,,of ,,children ,as to thy question concerning training children3 ,it is incumbent upon thee to nurture them from the breast of the love of ,god1 to urge them towards spiritual matters1 to turn unto ,god and to acquire good manners1 best characteristics and praiseworthy virtues and qualities in the world of humanity1 and to study sciences with the utmost diligence2 so that they may become spiritual1 heavenly and attracted to the fragrances of sanctity from their childhood and be reared in a religious1 spiritual and heavenly training4 ,verily1 ,i beg of ,god to confirm them therein4 ,,spiritual ,,knowledge ,if thou wishest the divine knowledge and recognition1 purify thy heart from all beside ,god1 be wholly attracted to the ideal1 beloved ,one2 search for and choose ,him and apply thyself to rational and authoritative arguments4 ,for arguments are a guide to the path and by this the heart will be turned unto the ,sun of ,truth4 ,and when the heart is turned unto the ,sun1 then the eye will be opened and will recognize the ,sun through the ,sun itself4 ,then man will be in no need of arguments 7or proofs71 for the ,sun is altogether independent1 and absolute independence is in need of nothing1 and proofs are one of the things of which absolute independence has no need4 ,be not like ,thomas2 be thou like ,peter4 ,i hope you will be healed physically1 mentally and spiritually4 ,,qualifications ,,of ,,the ,,enlightened ,,soul ,as to the seven qualifications 7of the divinely enlightened soul7 of which thou hast asked an explanation1 it is as follows3 ,,knowledge4 ,man must attain the knowledge of ,god4 ,,faith4 ,,steadfastness4 ,,truthfulness4 ,truthfulness is the foundation of all the virtues of the world of humanity4 ,without truthfulness1 progress and success in all of the worlds of ,god are impossible for a soul4 ,when this holy attribute is established in man1 all the divine qualities will also become realized4 ,,uprightness4 ,and this is one of the greatest divine attainments4 ,,fidelity4 ,this is also a beautiful trait of the heavenly man4 ,,evanescence or ,humility4 ,that is to say1 man must become evanescent in ,god4 ,must forget his own selfish conditions that he may thus arise to the station of sacrifice4 ,it should be to such a degree that if he sleep1 it should not be for pleasure1 but to rest the body in order to do better1 to speak better1 to explain more beautifully1 to serve the servants of ,god and to prove the truths4 ,when he remains awake1 he should seek to be attentive1 serve the ,cause of ,god and sacrifice his own stations for those of ,god4 ,when he attains to this station1 the confirmations of the ,holy ,spirit will surely reach him1 and man with this power can withstand all who inhabit the earth4 ,,eternal ,,sovereignty ,all the people of the world are1 as thou dost observe1 in the sleep of negligence4 ,they have forgotten ,god altogether4 ,they are all busy in war and strife4 ,they are undergoing misery and destruction4 ,they are1 like unto the loathsome worms1 trying to lodge in the depth of the ground1 while a single flood of rain sweeps all their nests and lodging away4 ,nevertheless1 they do not come to their senses4 ,where is the majesty of the ,emperor of ,russia8 ,where is the might of the ,german ,emperor8 ,where is the greatness of the ,emperor of ,austria8 ,in a short time all these palaces were turned into ruins and all these pretentious edifices underwent destruction4 ,they left no fruit and no trace1 save eternal ruin4 ,the souls who have been enlightened with the light of the ,kingdom1 however1 have founded eternal sovereignty4 ,they shine1 like unto the stars1 upon the horizon of everlasting glory4 ,the ,apostles were fishers4 ,consider thou to what a high station they did rise2 and to what great sovereignty they did attain1 whose duration and permanence runs to eternity6 ,mary ,magdalen was a peasant woman4 ,she was without any name and fame or consequence4 ,but her candle is1 in the assemblage of the world1 lighted till eternity4 ,,confirmation ,,and ,,assistance ,it is known and clear that today the unseen divine assistance encompasseth those who deliver the ,message4 ,and if the work of delivering the ,message be neglected1 the assistance shall be entirely cut off1 for it is impossible that the friends of ,god could receive assistance unless they be engaged in delivering the ,message4 ,under all conditions the ,message must be delivered1 but with wisdom4 ,if it be not possible openly1 it must be done quietly4 ,the friends should be engaged in educating the souls and should become instruments in aiding the world of humanity to acquire spiritual joy and fragrance4 ,for example3 ,if every one of the friends 7believers7 were to establish relations of friendship and right dealings with one of the negligent souls1 associate and live with him with perfect kindliness1 and meanwhile through good conduct and moral behavior lead him to divine instruction1 to heavenly advice and teachings1 surely he would gradually arouse that negligent person and would change his ignorance into knowledge4 ,souls are liable to estrangement4 ,such methods should be adopted that the estrangement should be first removed1 then the ,word will have effect4 ,if one of the believers be kind to one of the negligent ones and with perfect love should gradually make him understand the reality of the ,cause of ,god in such a way that the latter should know in what manner the ,religion of ,god hath been founded and what its object is1 doubtless he will become changed2 excepting abnormal souls who are reduced to the state of ashes and whose hearts are like stones1 yea1 even harder4 ,if by this method every one of the friends of ,god were to try to lead one soul to the right path1 the number of the believers would be doubled every year4 ,but this should be carried out with perfect wisdom and in such a manner that no harm would ever result therefrom4 ,,this ,,world ,a ,,mirage ,o beloved of ,god6 ,know ye that the world is like unto a mirage which the thirsty one thinks to be water2 its water is a vapor2 its mercy a difficulty2 its repose hardship and ordeal2 leave it to its people and turn unto the ,kingdom of your ,lord the ,merciful4 ,thus the lights of mercy and beneficence may shine upon you1 the heavenly table descend for you1 your ,lord may bestow upon you the greatest gifts and favors1 whereby your breasts may become dilated1 your hearts gladdened1 your souls purified1 and your eyes enlightened4 ,o beloved of ,god6 ,is there any giver save ,god8 ,he chooseth for ,his mercy whomsoever ,he desireth4 ,he shall open unto you the doors of ,his knowledge1 fill your hearts with ,his love1 rejoice your spirits by the wafting of ,his holy fragrances1 illumine your faces by the ,manifest ,light and elevate your names among the people4 ,,protection ,,of ,,the ,,bah',s ,throughout these years of disturbance and commotion when the world of humanity was physically and spiritually afflicted1 the friends of ,god passed the day in rest1 ease and comfort4 ,in the western countries only a few shared in the hardship and affliction of other souls while the mass of the friends and the maid-servants of the ,merciful 444 have been living quietly and peacefully4 ,in the ,orient every nation became distracted and every gathering dispersed save the friends of ,god who remained all protected and sheltered from every trouble and calamity in the ,fort of ,bah'u'llh's protection4 ,verily this is a divine miracle--that we helpless1 friendless1 unprotected1 unsupported wanderers in these regions should be saved amidst the fire of oppression and tyranny4 ,this is ,god's miracle4 ,,the ,,return ,,of ,,christ ,in the day of ,christ all nations were expecting that ,his ,holiness ,christ should come from heaven1 and ,he came from heaven1 though outwardly ,he came from the womb of ,mary4 ,hence1 ,he hath said in the ,gospels3 8,no one shall ascend to heaven except the one who hath come from heaven40 ,now all the people expect ,him to come from heaven4 ,if thou wishest to find the truth1 compare the days of the ,manifestation of the ,beauty of ,abh with the days of ,christ2 consider this is identically like that and the same doubts and oppositions are put forth4 ,as to the proofs and arguments of the ,beauty of ,abh1 these are manifest like the sun4 ,if thou wishest a discerning eye and seekest for a hearing ear1 set thou aside that which thou hast heard from fathers and ancestors1 for such things are imitation--and then seek for the truth with the utmost attention until the divine confirmation may reach thee and the matter may be properly disclosed unto thee4 ,,eternal ,,life ,concerning thy question whether all the souls enjoy eternal life3 ,know thou those souls partake of the eternal life in whom the spirit of life is breathed from the ,presence of ,god and all beside them are dead--without life1 as ,christ hath explained in the texts of the ,gospel4 ,any person whose insight is opened by ,god seeth the souls in their stations after the disintegration of the bodies4 ,verily they are living and are subsisting before their ,lord and he seeth also the dead souls submerged in the gulfs of mortality4 ,then know thou verily all the souls are created according to the nature of ,god and all are in the state of purity at the time of their births4 ,but afterward they differ from one another insofar as they acquire excellencies or defects4 ,nevertheless1 the creatures have different degrees in existence insofar as the creation goes1 for capacities are different1 but all of them are good and pure1 then afterward they are polluted and defiled4 ,although there are different states of creation1 yet all of them are beneficial4 ,glance thou over the temple of man1 its members and its parts4 ,among them there are the eye1 ear1 nose1 mouth1 hands and fingers4 ,notwithstanding the differences between these organs1 all of them are useful in their proper spheres4 ,but if one of them is out of order1 there is need of a remedy and if the medicine does not heal1 then the amputation of that member becomes necessary4 ,,spreaders ,,of ,,calumny ,in sooth1 there will be found in those regions certain persons like the ,pharisees of the time of ,christ1 who1 night and day1 will exert themselves with all heart and soul to cast forth doubts1 in order that they may deprive the souls of the glad-tidings of the ,holy ,spirit4 ,they will disseminate false rumors and utter many a calumny and will publish and announce stories4 ,they will undertake all these only for the sake of earthly vanities4 ,and some ,pharisees among the missionaries of the ,gospel will hasten thither from rn and say1 8,we are aware of the secret of the matter40 ,all they may say is sheer slander4 ,now know you these things1 that in its time you may dispel and annihilate the darkness of those suspicions1 like unto a manifest light4 ,i beg of ,god that ,he may grant thee a power that thou mayest resist all in the earth--how much more these weak1 hired individuals who receive salary and bribe for spreading such calumnies6 ,be ye admonished1 ,o possessors of understanding6 ,,the ,,spirit ,,of ,,christ ,the body is composed1 in truth1 of corporeal elements and every composition is necessarily subject to decomposition2 but the spirit is an essence1 simple1 pure1 spiritual1 eternal1 perpetual and divine4 ,he who seeketh ,christ from the point of view of ,his body hath1 in truth1 debased ,him and hath gone astray from ,him2 but he who seeketh ,christ from the point of view of ,his ,spirit will grow from day to day in joy1 attraction1 zeal1 proximity1 perception and vision4 ,thou hast then to seek the ,spirit of ,christ in this marvelous day4 ,the heaven whither ,christ ascended is not an infinite space4 ,his heaven is much rather the kingdom of ,his ,lord1 the ,munificent4 ,as ,he said1 8,the ,son of ,man is in heaven40 ,it is known then that ,his heaven is beyond the boundaries that surround existence and that ,he is elevated for the people who adore4 ,pray ,god to ascend to this heaven1 to taste of its food--and know thou that the people have not understood to this day the mystery of the ,holy ,scriptures4 ,they believe that ,christ was deprived of ,his heaven when ,he was in this world1 that ,he had fallen from the heights of ,his elevation and that later ,he ascended to this elevated pinnacle--that is to say1 towards the heaven which doth not exist1 for there is only space4 ,they expect that ,he will descend from this heaven seated upon a cloud4 ,they believe that there is in the heavens a cloud upon which ,he will be seated and by which ,he will descend2 while1 in reality1 the clouds are vapors which rise from the earth and which do not descend from the heavens4 ,the cloud mentioned in the ,holy ,scriptures is the human body1 because it is a veil for them1 like a cloud1 which prevents them from seeing the ,sun of ,truth which is shining in the horizon of ,christ4 ,,salvation ,you ask if1 through the appearance of the kingdom of ,god1 every soul hath been saved4 ,the ,sun of ,reality hath appeared to all the world4 ,this luminous appearance is salvation and life2 but only he who hath opened the eye of reality and who hath seen these lights will be saved4 ,,the ,,spiritual ,,church ,thou hast questioned how thou canst accept this divine ,cause1 for thou art a member of the church4 ,in the day of the ,manifestation of ,christ1 many souls became portionless and deprived because they were members of the ,holy of ,holies in ,jerusalem4 ,according to that membership1 they became veiled from that brilliant ,beauty4 ,therefore1 turn thou thy face to the ,church of ,god which consists in divine instructions and merciful exhortations4 ,for what similarity is there between the church of stone and cement and the celestial ,holy of ,holies6 ,endeavor that thou mayest enter in this ,church of ,god4 ,although thou has given oath to attend the church1 yet thy spirit is under the ,covenant and ,testament of the spiritual ,divine ,church4 ,thou shouldst protect this4 ,although they consider the wine and the bread in the church as the blood and body of ,christ1 yet this is but the appearance and not the reality4 ,but the reality of ,christ is the words of the ,holy ,spirit4 ,if thou art able1 take a portion thereof4 ,the performance of baptismal celebration would cleanse the body1 but the spirit hath no share2 but the divine teachings and the exhortations of the ,beauty of ,abh will baptize the soul4 ,this is the real baptism4 ,i hope that thou wilt receive this baptism4 ,,the ,,supper ,,of ,,the ,,lord ,the ,supper of the ,lord which ,his ,highness the ,spirit ate with the apostles was a heavenly supper and not one of material bread and water1 for material objects have no connection with spiritual objects4 ,as at that time material food was also present1 therefore the leaders of the religion of ,christ thought that it was material food which was changed into spiritual food4 ,the proof that it was not material food is this3 ,the apostles upon many occasions partook of material food with ,his ,highness ,christ1 yet the supper of that night became designated as the 8,lord's ,supper40 ,from this designation it is plain and evident that they ate heavenly food at that supper4 ,that heavenly food consisted of the love of ,god1 the knowledge of ,god1 the mysteries of ,god and the bestowal of ,god4 ,,understanding ,,the ,,mysteries ,shouldst thou come with the whole of thy being to ,god and be attracted to the lights of the ,kingdom of ,god and be enkindled by the fire of the love of ,god1 then wilt thou see that which thou canst not see today1 wilt comprehend the inner significance of the ,word of ,god and thoroughly understand the mysteries contained in the holy ,books4 ,but as to the ,jewish doctors1 ,christian priests and monks who read those ,books1 verily1 they know the letter only and they utter the words1 as parrots1 without understanding their inner meanings4 ,they comprehend them not1 because they are engrossed in worldly desires and lusts and their hearts are attached to mundane allurements4 ,verily1 are they not heedless of ,god and understand nothing and find not the right path8 ,,reincarnation ,as to what thou hast written concerning 8,reincarnation03 ,believing in reincarnation is one of the old tenets held by most nations and creeds1 as well as by the ,greek and ,roman philosophers and wise men1 the old ,egyptians and the chief ,assyrians4 ,but all these sayings and superstitions are vanity in the sight of ,god4 ,the greatest argument produced by those who held to reincarnation has been this3 8,that it is necessary to the justice of ,god to give every one his due4 ,now everybody who is afflicted by any calamity is said to have sinned2 but when a little child1 which is still in the womb of its mother and hath just been formed1 is found to be blind1 deaf or imperfect1 how could it have committed any sin that we might say this imperfection is given to it as a punishment therefor--so1 though such a child hath not done outwardly any sin in the womb of its mother1 yet they say it must have sinned when it was in its former body1 which hath caused it to suffer this punishment40 ,indeed1 these people have been negligent of the fact that had the creation been carried out in a uniform fashion1 how could the statement be true1 that 8,god doeth whatever ,he wisheth and ,god doeth whatever ,he desireth60 ,though the fact of 8,return0 is mentioned in the ,divine ,books1 by this is intended the return of the qualities1 characters1 perfections1 truths and lights1 which re-appear in every age1 and not of certain persons and souls4 ,for example3 ,if we say this lamp is the return of that of last night1 or that the last year's flower hath returned in the garden1 in this sense the return of the individual1 or identity1 or personality is not meant2 nay1 rather1 it is intended that the same qualities and states existing in that lamp or flower1 which are now seen in this lamp or flower1 have returned4 ,that is1 the same perfections and virtues and properties which existed in the past springtime have returned during this present springtime4 ,for instance3 ,when one says1 these fruits are the same as those of last year2 in this sense1 he hath reference to the freshness and delicacy of the fruit1 which hath returned1 although there is no doubt that the identical fruit of last year hath not returned4 ,have the friends of ,god found such enjoyments and repose during their existence on this visible earth1 that they might wish to have their return renewed and repeated constantly8 ,are all these calamities1 injuries1 trials and difficulties of the once coming not sufficient for them that they should wish a repeated life in this world8 ,hath this cup been of such sweetness that they should long for it successively and repeatedly8 ,no6 the friends of the ,beauty of ,el-,bah never seek any recompense or reward except the meeting and the visit in the ,kingdom of ,el-,bah2 and they never walk but in the valley of desire to attain the ,supreme ,height4 ,they only wish the immortal blessing and the eternal gift1 which are sanctified above the worldly understanding4 ,because1 when thou lookest with the iron sight1 thou wilt find that all mankind is suffering in this earthly world2 there is no one in such tranquillity that this state might have been a reward for his good deeds in a former life and there is no soul so happy that this might be the fruit of his past pain6 ,had the life of a man in his spiritual being been only confined to his life in this world1 the creation would have proved useless2 the divine qualities would have no result and effect2 nay1 all things1 created beings and the world of creation would have proved abortive4 ,i ask pardon of ,god for such false imaginations and for such errors6 ,as the usefulness and powers of the life were not seen in that dark and narrow world1 but when it is brought into this vast world1 all the use of its growth and development becometh manifest and obvious in it1 so likewise1 reward and punishment1 paradise and hell1 and the requital of deeds and actions done by it in the present life become manifest and evident when it is transferred to the world to come--which is far from this world6 ,had the life and growth of the child in the womb been confined to that condition1 then the existence of the child in the womb would have proved utterly abortive and unintelligible2 as would the life of this world1 were its deeds1 actions and their results not to appear in the world to come4 ,therefore1 know thou that the ,true ,one possesseth invisible worlds which human meditation is unable to comprehend and the intellect of man hath no power to imagine4 ,when thou wilt purify and clarify thy spiritual nostrils from every worldly moisture1 then thou wilt inhale the holy fragrances diffusing from the merciful gardens of these worlds4 ,,this ,,glad-,,tidings ,o my friend1 verily the ,cause is great and great1 and the penetration of the ,word of ,god in the temple of all the regions is similar to the pervasion of the soul in a sound body4 ,by the life of ,bah1 verily1 the power of the ,kingdom of ,god hath taken hold of the pillars of the world1 and hath possessed all the nations4 ,thou wilt surely find the standards of the ,testament waving in all regions1 the chanting of the verses of unity raised in exalted assemblies1 and the lights of the ,sun of ,truth and its heat dispersing the thick clouds massed on the horizon4 ,be rejoiced at this glad-tidings1 whereby the hearts of the sincere among the beloved are cheered4 ,,consider ,,the ,,past ,consider the past1 so that thou mayest become informed of the mysteries which shall be disclosed in the future4 ,when the disciples were calling in the name of ,christ1 the ,jews scoffed1 scorned and laughed at them4 ,they were saying1 8,they are taken with madness1 and madness is made an art40 ,they even beat them with whips1 threw stones at them1 prevented the people from approaching them1 and were saying1 8,this man is naught but a sorcerer1 blasphemeth ,god and is possessed of a devil40 ,then observe how that persecution and scorn were changed to glory1 honor and reverence4 ,ultimately1 they honored their sublime stations and acknowledged their loftiness1 which was exalted1 promoted and glorified in the center of the horizons until it reached the degree of exaggeration in deeds4 ,they made for them likenesses and pictures1 decorated with jewels shining in the eyes2 they placed these likenesses or pictures in the temples1 churches and monasteries built on the tops of the mountains1 and worshipped them with respect1 glory1 majesty and reverence4 ,this is the condition of the neglectful ones who are deprived of the ,truth at the day of their existence among them4 ,after the ascension of their spirits unto the center of purity and piety1 then the negligent ones repent and return1 making likenesses and pictures according to their own ideas1 which do not bear resemblance1 and worship the same4 ,this is the station of the ignorant ones who are as animals1 following every croaker and shaken by every wind4 8,forsake them to play in their shallow waters40 ,,this ,,branch ,,will ,,ascend ,o maid-servant of ,god6 ,this prison is indeed more precious and sweet than a garden to me1 this fetter is greater than any liberty and the confinement is broader than the most spacious wilderness4 ,therefore1 grieve not on this account4 ,verily1 if my ,lord destine unto me and causes me to taste the sweetness of the cup of the great martyrdom1 my greatest desire will be fulfilled4 ,fear not if this ,branch be severed from the material earth and cast aside the leaves--nay1 rather1 its leaves will flourish1 for this ,branch will grow after it is cut from the earth1 will ascend until it shelters the universe1 its foliage will reach the supreme ,apex and bear fruits1 imparting fragrant perfume unto the world4 ,,after ,,this ,,storm ,o ye beloved of ,god6 ,when the winds blow severely1 rains fall fiercely1 the lightning flashes1 the thunder roars1 the bolt descends and storms of trial become severe1 grieve not2 for after this storm1 verily1 the divine spring will arrive1 the hills and fields will become verdant1 the expanses of grain will joyfully wave1 the earth will become covered with blossoms1 the trees will be clothed with green garments and adorned with blossoms and fruits4 ,thus blessings become manifest in all countries4 ,these favors are results of those storms and hurricanes4 ,the discerning man rejoiceth at the day of trials1 his breast becometh dilated at the time of severe storms1 his eyes become brightened when seeing the showers of rain and gusts of wind1 whereby trees are uprooted2 because he foreseeth the result and the end1 the leaves1 blossoms and fruits2 while the ignorant person becometh troubled when he seeth a storm1 is saddened when it raineth severely1 is terrified by the thunder and trembleth at the surging of the waves which storm the shores4 ,as ye have heard of the former times1 when ,christ--glory be to ,him6--appeared1 a storm of trials arose1 afflictions appeared1 the winds of tests blew1 the thunder of temptation descended and hosts of people surrounded the houses of the friends2 then the weak ones were shaken and were misled after once being guided2 but the disciples withstood the hardships and endured the storms of ordeals1 remaining firm in the ,religion of ,god4 ,then observe that which occurred after the storm and what appeared subsequent to that severity1 whereby the members trembled4 ,god changed the sorrow to joy1 the destructive darkness of calamity into the shining light from the ,supreme ,concourse4 ,the people at the beginning persecuted and reviled the believers in ,god and said of them3 8,these are the people of aberration40 ,then1 when their light appeared1 their stars shone and their lamps illuminated1 the people returned into love and affinity2 they prayed to them1 offered words of glory night and day and remembered them in eulogy1 reverence1 honor and majesty4 ,therefore1 ,o ye beloved of ,god1 be not grieved when people stand against you1 persecute you1 afflict and trouble you and say all manner of evil against you4 ,the darkness will pass away and the light of the manifest signs will appear1 the veil will be withdrawn and the ,light of ,reality will shine forth from the unseen ,kingdom of ,el-,abh4 ,this we inform you before it occurs1 so that when the hosts of people arise against you for my love1 be not disturbed or troubled2 nay1 rather1 be firm as a mountain1 for this persecution and reviling of the people upon you is a pre-ordained matter4 ,blessed is the soul who is firm in the path6 ,,the ,,center ,the light hath a center and if one desire to seek it otherwise but from the center1 he can never attain to it4 ,in this solar system the source of light is the sun and every light is acquired from it2 even the lamps of the night are ignited through the sun1 for if there were no sun the trees would not grow nor the mines develop1 so that the oil be extracted from those trees and mines1 and the lamps of the night be lit by it4 ,is it possible that one attain to the light in this globular sphere without the mediation of the sun8 ,no1 by the life of ,god6 ,to suppose it1 is pure imagination4 ,but the truth is this3 ,the main source of the lights is the sun and the rays are shed from it upon all the regions4 ,,mental ,,and ,,spiritual ,,education ,the republic of wise men believes that the difference in minds and opinions is due to the difference of education and the acquisition of ethics4 ,that is1 that minds are equal in origin1 but education and the acquisition of ethics cause minds to differ and comprehensions to be at variance2 that this difference is not in entity but in education and teaching2 that there is no individual distinction for any soul4 ,hence1 the members of the human race all possess the capacity of attaining to the highest station1 and the proof they adduce therefor is this3 8,the inhabitants of a country like ,africa are all as wandering savages and wild animals2 they lack intelligence and knowledge2 all are uncivilized2 not one civilized and wise man is to be found among them4 ,on the contrary1 consider the civilized countries1 the inhabitants of which are living in the highest state of culture and ethics1 solidarity and inter-dependence2 possessing1 with few exceptions1 acute power of comprehension and sound mind4 ,therefore1 it is made clear and evident that the superiority and inferiority of minds and comprehensions arises from education and cultivation1 or from their lack and absence4 ,a bent branch is straightened by training and the wild fruit of the jungle is made the product of the orchard4 ,an ignorant man by learning becomes knowing1 and the world of savagery1 through the bounty of a wise educator1 is changed into a civilized kingdom4 ,the sick is healed by medication1 and the poor man1 by learning the arts of commerce1 is made rich4 ,the follower1 by attaining the virtues of the leader1 becomes great1 and the lowly man1 by the education of the teacher1 rises from the nadir of oblivion to the zenith of celebrity40 ,these are the proofs of the wise men4 ,the prophets also acknowledge this opinion1 towit3 ,that education hath a great effect upon the human race1 but they declare that minds and comprehensions are originally different4 ,and this matter is self-evident2 it cannot be refuted4 ,we see that certain children of the same age1 nativity and race1 nay1 from the same household1 under the tutorship of one teacher1 differ in their minds and comprehensions4 ,one advanceth rapidly1 another is slow in catching the rays of culture1 still another remaineth in the lowest degree of stupidity4 ,no matter how much the shell is educated1 it can never become the radiant pearl4 ,the black stone will not become the world illuming gem4 ,the calocynth and the thorny cactus can never by training and development become the blessed tree4 ,that is to say1 training doth not change the human gem1 but it produceth a marvelous effect4 ,by this effective power all that is registered latent of virtues and capacities in the human reality will be revealed4 ,cultivation by the farmer maketh of the grain the harvest1 and the effort of the gardener maketh of the seed a noble tree4 ,the gentle teacher promoteth the children of the school to the lofty altitude and the bestowal of the trainer placeth the little child upon the throne of ether4 ,therefore1 it is demonstrated and proven that minds are different in the original entity or nature1 and that education commandeth a decided and great influence4 ,were there no educator1 all souls would remain savage1 and were it not for the teacher1 the children would be ignorant creatures4 ,it is for this reason that1 in this ,new ,cycle1 education and training are recorded in the ,book of ,god as obligatory and not voluntary4 ,that is1 it is enjoined upon the father and mother1 as a duty1 to strive with all effort to train the daughter and the son1 to nurse them from the breast of knowledge and to rear them in the bosom of sciences and arts4 ,should they neglect this matter1 they shall be held responsible and worthy of reproach in the presence of the stern ,lord4 ,this is a sin unpardonable1 for they have made that poor babe a wanderer in the ,sahara of ignorance1 unfortunate and tormented2 to remain during a lifetime a captive of ignorance and pride1 negligent and without discernment4 ,verily1 if that babe depart from this world at the age of infancy1 it is sweeter and better4 ,in this sense1 death is better than life2 deprivation than salvation2 non-existence lovelier than existence2 the grave better than the palace2 and the narrow1 dingy tomb better than the spacious1 regal home2 for in the sight of mankind that child is abased and degraded and in the sight of ,god weak and defective4 ,in gatherings it is ashamed and humiliated and in the arena of examination subdued and defeated by young and old4 ,what a mistake is this6 ,what an everlasting humiliation6 ,therefore1 the beloved of ,god and the maid-servants of the ,merciful must train their children with life and heart and teach them in the school of virtue and perfection4 ,they must not be lax in this matter2 they must not be inefficient4 ,truly1 if a babe did not live at all it were better than to let it grow ignorant1 for that innocent babe1 in later life1 would become afflicted with innumerable defects1 responsible to and questioned by ,god1 reproached and rejected by the people4 ,what a sin this would be and what an omission6 ,the first duty of the beloved of ,god and the maid-servants of the ,merciful is this3 ,they must strive by all possible means to educate both sexes1 male and female2 girls like boys2 there is no difference whatsoever between them4 ,the ignorance of both is blameworthy1 and negligence in both cases is reprovable4 8,are they who know and they who do not know equal80 ,the command is decisive concerning both4 ,if it be considered through the eye of reality1 the training and culture of daughters is more necessary than that of sons1 for these girls will come to the station of motherhood and will mold the lives of the children4 ,the first trainer of the child is the mother4 ,the babe1 like unto a green and tender branch1 will grow according to the way it is trained4 ,if the training be right1 it will grow right1 and if crooked1 the growth likewise1 and unto the end of life it will conduct itself accordingly4 ,hence1 it is firmly established that an untrained and uneducated daughter1 on becoming a mother1 will be the prime factor in the deprivation1 ignorance1 negligence and the lack of training of many children4 ,o ye beloved of ,god and the maid-servants of the ,merciful6 ,teaching and learning1 according to the decisive texts of the ,blessed ,beauty1 is a duty4 ,whosoever is indifferent therein depriveth himself of the great bounty4 ,beware6 ,beware6 that ye fail not in this matter4 ,endeavor with heart1 with life1 to train your children1 especially the daughters4 ,no excuse is acceptable in this matter4 ,thus may eternal glory and everlasting supremacy1 like unto the mid-day sun1 shine forth in the assemblage of the people of ,bah1 and the heart of #8,abdu'l-,bah become happy and thankful4 ,,chapter ,,nine3 ,,the ,,divine ,,plan ,,the ,,cause ,,of ,,bah',u',,ll,h ,the ,cause of ,bah'u'llh is the same as the ,cause of ,christ4 ,it is the same ,temple and the same ,foundation4 ,both of these are spiritual springtimes and seasons of the soul-refreshing awakening and the cause of the renovation of the life of mankind4 ,the spring of this year is the same as the spring of last year4 ,the origins and ends are the same4 ,the sun of today is the sun of yesterday4 ,in the coming of ,christ1 the divine teachings were given in accordance with the infancy of the human race4 ,the teachings of ,bah'u'llh have the same basic principles1 but are according to the stage of the maturity of the world and the requirements of this illumined age4 ,,the ,,community ,,of ,,the ,,greatest ,,name ,o ye ,cohorts of ,god6 ,today in the present world each community is wandering in a wilderness1 moving in accord with some passion and desire1 and running to and fro in pursuance of his own imagination4 ,among the communities of the world1 this community of the 8,most ,great ,name0 is free from every thought1 keeping aloof from every project and scheme1 arising with the purest designs and intentions1 and striving and endeavoring with the utmost hope to live in accordance with the divine teachings in order that the surface of the earth become the delectable paradise1 the nether world become the mirror of the ,kingdom1 the universe become another universe1 and the human race attain to higher morals1 conduct and manners4 ,o ye ,cohorts of ,god6 ,through the protection and help of the ,blessed ,perfection--may my life be a sacrifice to ,his beloved ones6 --you must conduct and deport yourselves in such a manner that you may stand out among other souls distinguished by a brilliancy like unto the sun4 ,if any one of you enters a city he must become the center of attraction because of the sincerity1 faithfulness1 love1 honesty1 fidelity1 truthfulness and loving-kindness of his disposition and nature toward all the inhabitants of the world1 that the people of the city may all cry out3 8,this person is unquestionably a ,bah'2 for his manners1 his behavior1 his conduct1 his morals1 his nature and his disposition are of the attributes of the ,bah's40 ,until you do attain to this station1 you have not fulfilled the ,covenant and the ,testament of ,god4 ,for according to the irrefutable texts1 ,he has taken from us a firm covenant that we may live and act in accord with the divine exhortations1 commands and lordly teachings4 ,o ye ,cohorts of ,god6 ,now is the time when the signs and the perfections of the 8,most ,great ,name0 become manifest and clear in this golden cycle in order that it may become demonstrated and established beyond doubt that this period is the period of the ,blessed ,perfection1 and this cycle is distinguished from all other cycles and epochs4 ,,god ,,loveth ,,those ,,who ,,work ,,in ,,groups ,o ye friends of ,god6 ,today is the day of union and this age is the age of harmony in the world of existence4 8,verily1 ,god loveth those who are working in ,his path in groups1 for they are a solid foundation40 ,consider ye that he says 8in groups10 united and bound together1 supporting one another4 8,to work10 mentioned in this holy verse1 does not mean1 in this greatest age1 to perform it with swords1 spears1 shafts and arrows1 but rather with sincere intentions1 good designs1 useful advices1 divine moralities1 beautiful actions1 spiritual qualities1 educating the public1 guiding the souls of mankind1 diffusing spiritual fragrances1 explaining divine illustrations1 showing convincing proofs and doing charitable deeds4 ,when the holy souls1 through the angelic power1 will arise to show forth these celestial characteristics1 establishing a band of harmony1 each of these souls shall be regarded as one thousand persons and the waves of this greatest ocean shall be considered as the army of the hosts of the ,supreme ,concourse4 ,what a great blessing it is when the torrents1 streams1 currents1 tides1 and drops are all gathered in one place6 ,they will form a great ocean and the real harmony shall overcome and reign in such a manner that all the rules1 laws1 distinctions and differences of the imaginations of these souls shall disappear and vanish like little drops and shall be submerged in the ocean of spiritual unity4 ,by the ,ancient ,beauty1 in this case and condition1 the blessings of the great ocean will overflow and canals shall become as spacious as an endless ocean and each drop shall become as a boundless sea6 ,o ye friends of ,god6 ,strive to attain to this high and sublime station and show forth such a brightness in these days that its radiance may appear from the eternal horizons4 ,this is the real foundation of the ,cause of ,god2 this is the essence of the divine doctrine2 this is the cause of the revelation of the heavenly ,scriptures2 this is the means of the appearance of the ,sun of the divine world2 this is the way of the establishment of ,god upon the bodily throne4 ,,the ,,divine ,,shepherd ,every flock of the sheep of ,god which is protected under the shadow of the ,divine ,shepherd will not be scattered1 but when the sheep are dispersed from the flock1 they will necessarily be caught and torn by the wolf4 ,therefore1 it is incumbent upon you to flock together6 ,it is incumbent upon you to be united6 ,it is incumbent upon you to expose yourselves to the fragrances of ,god at every time and moment6 ,,the ,,fundamental ,,aim ,the aim of the appearance of the ,blessed ,perfection--may my life be a sacrifice for ,his beloved ones6--was the unity and agreement of all the people of the world4 ,therefore1 my utmost desire1 firstly1 is the accord and union and love of the believers and after that of all the people of the world4 ,now1 if unity and agreement is not established among the believers1 ,i will become heartbroken and the afflictions will leave a greater imprint upon me4 ,but if the fragrance of love and unity among the believers is wafted to my nostrils1 every trial will become a mercy1 every unhappiness a joy1 every difficulty an expansion1 every misery a treasure and every hardship a felicity4 ,,this ,,meeting ,,is ,,blessed ,praise be to ,god6 that ye are gathered in one assembly like unto the stars of the ,pleiades1 are illumined with the light of the knowledge of ,god and through the outpouring of the cloud of the love of ,god1 ye are the fresh flowers of the meadow and plain2 ye are intimate and familiar with infinite unity and love4 ,therefore1 this meeting is blessed4 ,but if it is firmly established and become constant1 it will bring forth great results and most weighty developments will be attained4 ,consequently1 persevere ye in renewing your meetings and display utmost magnanimity in firmness and steadfastness4 ,when the root of the tree of the garden is well established and its protection is safeguarded1 it will bring forth luscious fruits4 ,likewise1 when the regiment of an army and the individuals of a cohort are united and related with ease1 untold triumphs will be acquired4 ,but if they come together one day and disperse another day1 no fruits will be produced4 ,therefore1 as ye have prepared an army of heaven and become the host of life1 ye must continue to hold meetings1 have spiritual communications1 be firm in resolution1 steadfast in purpose and be constant and persevering so that ye may win celestial conquests4 ,,the ,,spiritual ,,election ,the blessed letter indicating the election of the ,spiritual ,meeting was received and proved a source of joy4 ,thank ,god1 the beloved of that city1 in perfect unity1 love and oneness1 held the new election and were confirmed and strengthened to elect such holy souls as are near the divine ,threshold and known by the republic of the beloved to be firm and steadfast in the ,covenant4 ,now they 7the members7 must1 in perfect spirit and fragrance1 in sincerity of heart1 in attraction by the fragrances of ,god and by the confirmations of the ,holy ,spirit1 engage in service2 in the promotion of the ,word of ,god2 the diffusion of the fragrances of ,god2 the training of souls2 the promulgation of the ,most ,great ,peace4 ,they must raise the ,banner of ,guidance and become the host of the ,supreme ,concourse4 ,indeed1 blessed souls have been elected4 ,when ,i read their names1 spiritual joy was immediately realized1 for1 praise be to ,god6 certain souls have appeared in that continent who are servants of the ,kingdom1 self-sacrificing ones of the ,peerless ,majesty4 ,o ye friends of mine6 ,illuminate the meeting with the light of the love of ,god1 make it joyful and happy through the melody of the ,kingdom of ,holiness1 and with heavenly food and through the 8,lord's ,supper0 confer life4 ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,justice ,o thou party who art assisted by the hosts of the ,kingdom of ,el-,abh6 ,blessed are ye who are assembled in the shadow of the ,word of ,god1 who are abiding in the cave of the ,covenant of ,god1 who are comforted by dwelling in the ,paradise of ,el-,abh1 who are cheerfully moved with the breezes which blow from the point of the providence of ,god1 and who have arisen to render service to the ,cause of ,god1 to promulgate the ,religion of ,god1 to promote the ,word of ,god and to hoist the standards of sanctity in those regions and climes4 ,by the life of ,el-,bah6 ,verily1 the perfect and divine power will breathe in you with bounties from the ,holy ,spirit and enable you to accomplish a thing the like of which hath never been seen by the eye of existence4 ,o party of the ,covenant6 ,verily1 the ,beauty of ,el-,bah hath promised the most great assistance to the beloved who are firm in the ,covenant and to confirm them through the mightiest power4 ,ye will surely find in your luminous assembly such signs as will shine within hearts and souls4 ,adhere to the hem of the robe of the ,lofty ,one and do your best to spread the ,covenant of ,god and to be kindled with the fire of the love of ,god1 so that your hearts may move with joy through the fragrances of humbleness which are being diffused from the heart of #8,abdu'l-,bah4 ,make feet firm1 strengthen hearts and rely upon the everlasting bounties which will successively pour on you from the ,kingdom of ,el-,abh4 ,know1 verily1 the lights of ,bah will shine forth unto you during your gathering together in the brilliant ,paradise4 ,it is incumbent on you to have union and harmony4 ,it is incumbent upon you to have affinity and accord1 so that ye may become united in body and soul as the ,pleiades1 and as strings of brilliant pearls4 ,thereby your foundation will be laid1 your argument will become manifest1 your stars will beam forth and your souls will be comforted4 ,whenever ye enter the council-chamber1 recite this prayer with a heart throbbing with the love of ,god and a tongue purified from all but ,his remembrance1 that the ,all-,powerful may graciously aid you to achieve supreme victory3-- 8,o ,god1 my ,god6 ,we are servants of ,thine that have turned with devotion to ,thy ,holy ,face1 that have detached ourselves from all beside ,thee in this glorious ,day4 ,we have gathered in this spiritual assembly1 united in our views and thoughts1 with our purposes harmonized to exalt ,thy ,word amidst mankind4 ,o ,lord1 our ,god6 ,make us the signs of ,thy ,divine ,guidance1 the ,standards of ,thy exalted ,faith amongst men1 servants to ,thy mighty ,covenant4 ,o ,thou our ,lord ,most ,high6 ,manifestations of ,thy ,divine ,unity in ,thine ,abh ,kingdom1 and resplendent stars shining upon all regions4 ,lord6 ,aid us to become seas surging with the billows of ,thy wondrous ,grace1 streams flowing from ,thy all-glorious ,heights1 goodly fruits upon the ,tree of ,thy heavenly ,cause1 trees waving through the breezes of ,thy ,bounty in ,thy celestial ,vineyard4 ,o ,god6 ,make our souls dependent upon the ,verses of ,thy ,divine ,unity1 our hearts cheered with the outpourings of ,thy ,grace1 that we may unite even as the waves of one sea and become merged together as the rays of ,thine effulgent ,light2 that our thoughts1 our views1 our feelings may become as one reality1 manifesting the spirit of union throughout the world4 ,thou art the ,gracious1 the ,bountiful1 the ,bestower1 the ,almighty1 the ,merciful1 the ,compassionate40 ,the signature of that meeting should be the ,spiritual ,gathering 7,house of ,spirituality7 and the wisdom is that hereafter the government should not infer by the term 8,house of ,justice0 that a court is signified1 that it is connected with political affairs1 or that at any time it will interfere with governmental affairs4 ,hereafter1 enemies will be many4 ,they would use this subject as a cause for disturbing the mind of the government and confusing the thoughts of the public4 ,the intention was to make known that by the term ,spiritual ,gathering 7,house of ,spirituality71 that ,gathering has not the least connection with material affairs1 and that its whole aim and consultation is confined to matters connected with spiritual affairs4 ,,obedience ,,to ,,the ,,assembly ,in this day1 the gathering of a board for consultation is of great importance and a great necessity4 ,for all1 obedience to it is a necessity1 especially because the members 7of it7 are the hands of the ,cause4 ,so they 7members7 must confer and consult in such a way that neither disagreement nor abhorrence may occur4 ,when meeting for consultation1 each must use perfect liberty in stating his views and unveiling the proof of his demonstration4 ,if another contradicts him1 he must not become excited because if there be no investigation or verification of questions and matters1 the agreeable view will not be discovered neither understood4 ,the brilliant light which comes from the collision of thoughts is the 8lightener0 of facts4 ,if all views are in harmony at the end of a conference1 it will be excellent2 but if1 ,god forbid6 disagreement occurs1 then the decision must be according to the greater number in harmony4 ,if1 after reaching the result1 one or other of the members does not agree with it1 neither of the other members nor any one must argue with or reproach him1 but keep silence2 then they will write to this ,servant4 ,none 7of the members of the board7 must spread the matters or methods pertaining to the conference4 ,at the opening of the conference they are to ask ,god for special assistance and help and for their ,ruler and his assistants and for the ,governors of the country4 ,during the conference no hint must be entertained regarding political affairs4 ,all conferences must be regarding the matters of benefit1 both as a whole and individually1 such as the guarding of all in all cases1 their protection and preservation1 the improvement of character1 the training of children1 etc4 ,if any person wishes to speak of government affairs1 or to interfere with the order of ,governors1 the others must not combine with him because the ,cause of ,god is withdrawn entirely from political affairs2 the political realm pertains only to the ,rulers of those matters3 it has nothing to do with the souls who are exerting their utmost energy to harmonizing affairs1 helping character and inciting 7the people7 to strive for perfections4 ,therefore no soul is allowed to interfere with 7political7 matters1 but only in that which is commanded4 #8,,abdu',l-,,bah ,,is ,,present ,thou hast written concerning the meetings and the gathering places of the believers of ,god4 ,such assemblies and congregations will greatly aid the promotion of the ,word--and all the audience1 whether friends or not friends1 become affected4 ,but when the friends have the intention of entering in these meetings and assemblies1 they must first make the purpose pure1 disengage the heart from all other reflections1 ask the inexhaustible divine confirmation and with the utmost devotion and humility set their feet in the gathering-place4 ,let them not introduce any topic in the meeting except the mentioning of the ,true ,one1 neither must they confuse that merciful assembly with perplexed outside questions4 ,they must either teach or open their tongues in propounding argument1 either commune or supplicate and pray to ,god1 either read ,tablets or give out advices or exhortations4 ,make ye an effort in every meeting that the ,lord's ,supper may become realized and the heavenly food descend4 ,this heavenly food is knowledge1 understanding1 faith1 assurance1 love1 affinity1 kindness1 purity of purpose1 attraction of hearts and the union of souls4 ,it was this manner of the ,lord's ,supper which descended from the heavenly kingdom in the day of ,christ4 ,when the meeting is conducted after this manner1 then #8,abdu'l-,bah also is present in heart and soul1 though ,his body may not be with you4 ,,the ,,center ,,of ,,decision ,if any differences of opinion may arise in those regions you must keep yourself entirely aloof and show forth love and kindness to all1 saying it is better to refer to the ordained ,center all the affairs4 ,whatever ,he commands that very thing is acceptable and beloved4 ,you must be satisfied with this4 ,strife is the cause of the dispersion of the ,word of ,god4 ,whatever ,i say and write1 that is the duty of all to comply with4 ,beside that no other word is permitted4 ,regarding the establishment of the board of translation4 ,this matter is yet a theory1 but its realization depends upon many affairs which are far from attainment at present4 ,until these affairs are realized1 the board of translation will not find an outward expression4 ,the most great work to accomplish is this3--that ye must strive so that the believers of ,god in ,america may arise to union and concord4 ,the most important feat in this day is harmony and agreement4 ,no soul must interfere with another and no one must find fault with the rest4 ,praise be to ,god that all of them are believers in the ,beauty of ,abh1 and #8,abdu'l-,bah is glad and happy on that account4 ,but they must arise to perform good deeds according to divine instructions1 so that they may guide the people with heavenly actions and manners3--to such an extent that all the inhabitants of the world may draw conclusions from their behavior and deeds1 that these persons are ,bah's4 ,for the manifestation of such deeds and actions from anybody else except ,bah's is impossible and impracticable4 ,this is the foundation of the religion of ,god and the law of ,god6 ,blessed is the one who practices them6 ,,the ,,basis ,,of ,,union ,organize ye ,spiritual ,assemblies2 lay ye the foundation of union and concord in this world2 destroy ye the fabric of strife and war from the face of the earth2 construct ye the temple of harmony and agreement2 enkindle ye the light of the realm of the oneness of humanity2 open ye your eyes2 gaze and behold ye the other world6 ,the kingdom of peace1 salvation1 uprightness and reconciliation is founded in the invisible world1 and it will by degrees become manifest and apparent through the power of the ,word of ,god6 ,i supplicate ,god that ye may become the army of that kingdom1 in order that by the power of the ,most ,great ,name1 the friends of ,god may conquer this world through love1 friendship and the strength of the ,kingdom of peace2 the human race become compassionate1 and bloodshed and carnage be completely effaced from the universe4 ,the spirit of truth is soaring on the supreme apex1 like unto a bird1 in order that it may discover a severed heart and alight therein and make its nest4 ,i hope that all the friends become manifestors of knowledge and the centers of merciful feelings4 ,each of them become like unto an angel and radiate heavenly deeds1 thoughts and actions4 ,,the ,,spiritual ,,assembly ,thy letter was received4 ,thou hast written of the organization of an assembly in that city4 ,look not at the small number2 nay1 rather seek the pure hearts4 ,one holy soul is better than one thousand other souls4 ,if a few souls gather together in a beloved meeting with the feelings of the ,kingdom1 with the divine attractions1 with pure hearts and with absolute purity and holiness1 to consort in spirit and fragrance1 that gathering will have its effect upon all the world4 ,the conditions1 the words and the deeds of that gathering will lead a world to eternal happiness and will be an evidence of the favors of the ,kingdom4 ,the ,holy ,spirit will strengthen them and the hosts of the ,supreme ,concourse will render them victorious and the angels of ,abh will come in succession4 ,by angels is meant the divine confirmations and heavenly powers4 ,angels are also those holy souls who have severed attachment to the earthly world1 who are free from the fetters of self and passion and who have attached their hearts to the divine realm and the merciful kingdom4 ,they are of the kingdom1 heavenly2 they are of the merciful ,one1 divine4 ,they are the manifestations of the divine grace and the dawns of spiritual bounty4 ,the spiritual meetings1 which are organized in this cycle of ,god and this divine century1 have never had their simile or likeness in bygone cycles4 ,for the great meetings were under the protection of aristocratic men1 while these meetings are under the protection of the bounty of ,el-,abh4 ,the helper or supporter of those was either a prince or a king2 either a priest was the principal1 or a great republic2 but the helper1 the assistant1 the confirmer and the inspirer of these spiritual meetings is ,his ,majesty the everlasting ,god4 ,consider not the present condition1 but rather foresee the future and the end4 ,a seed in the beginning is very small1 but in the end a great tree4 ,one should not consider the seed1 but the tree and its abundance of blossoms1 leaves and fruits4 ,consider the days of ,jesus1 when there was only a small body of people1 and then observe the great tree which grew from that seed and what an abundant fruit it produced4 ,this is greater than that1 forasmuch as it is the calling of the ,lord of ,hosts and the voice of the trumpet of the living ,god2 it is the summons unto the harmony and unison of the world1 and it is the banner of faithfulness1 trustworthiness and friendship among the different nations and sects of the universe2 it is the light of the ,sun of ,truth and the spirituality of the ,majestic ,one4 ,verily this great cycle will encompass all the horizons and ultimately all the nations will gather together under this standard4 ,o ye who are firm in the ,covenant6 #8,abdu'l-,bah is constantly engaged in ideal communication with any ,spiritual ,assembly which is instituted through the divine bounty1 and the members of which are in the utmost devotion turning to the divine kingdom and are firm in the ,covenant4 ,to them ,he is heartily attached and with them ,he is linked by everlasting ties4 ,thus correspondence with them is sincere1 constant and uninterrupted4 ,the ,spiritual ,assemblies which are organized for the sake of teaching the truth1 whether ,assemblies for men1 ,assemblies for women or mixed ,assemblies are all accepted and are conducive to the spreading of the fragrances of ,god4 ,this is essential4 ,likewise the public meetings in which one day during the week the believers gather to be engaged in the commemoration of ,god1 to read ,communes and deliver effective speeches is acceptable and beloved4 ,but now is not the time--it is utterly impossible to establish the ,house of ,justice which is mentioned in the ,book of ,aqdas1 nay rather it is impracticable and not to be thought of1 that is for the time when the ,cause is proclaimed and the ,commands have become effective4 ,therefore now is not the time for the ,house of ,justice1 which must be established by general election4 ,its mention is not permissible and its realization impossible4 ,endeavor ye as much as possible that differences may not arise in the affairs2 let not every insignificant matter become the cause of disagreement4 ,if such conditions exist the end will be complete dispersion4 ,the believers and maid-servants of the ,merciful must all consider how to produce harmony1 so that the unity of the human world may be realized1 not that every wholly unimportant subject become conducive to differences of opinion4 ,it is my hope that the friends and the maid-servants of ,america become united on all subjects and not disagree at all4 ,if they agree upon a subject1 even though it be wrong1 it is better than to disagree and be in the right1 for this difference will produce the demolition of the divine foundation4 ,though one of the parties may be in the right and they disagree that will be the cause of a thousand wrongs1 but if they agree and both parties are in the wrong1 as it is in unity the truth will be revealed and the wrong made right4 ,the members of the ,spiritual ,meeting must endeavor1 by the power of the ,holy ,spirit1 to make the souls real ,bah's4 ,if they attain this glorious purpose1 that country will be illumined and that land will become a veritable paradise1 all nations will look to that assembly and from the explanation and exposition thereof receive realities and meanings4 ,trust no man save him whose breast hath been dilated by ,god through the light of faith1 whom ,god hath confirmed in ,his religion1 and who is severed from all else save ,god and attracted by ,his fragrances4 ,in future1 of course1 certain people will come to you claiming faith2 do not believe them nor trust them1 unless after critical examination1 search and investigation1 and a long period of waiting1 they shall appear to be faithful and truthful in word1 confident in heart1 attracted in spirit1 pure in intention1 patient in hardship1 enduring the most severe tests2 then associate with them4 ,because some sects will send certain men to mingle with you in order to throw suspicion upon those who are weak1 therefore avoid them carefully4 ,but let such be hidden that you may not become a cause of hindrance4 ,thou hast written regarding the articles and papers which are written by the believers of ,god and the forwarding of them to this land for correction4 ,this servant1 on account of the multitude of works and occupations1 hath no time whatever to attend to this matter4 ,if these articles are read in the spiritual assembly of each city in ,america and the printing and spreading of them is advised and approved by the assembly1 it is acceptable4 ,this permission is granted so that those souls do not become disappointed and may be engaged in the composition and printing of instructive papers4 ,,mercy ,,and ,,justice ,the foundation of the ,kingdom of ,god is laid upon justice1 fairness1 mercy1 sympathy and kindness to every soul4 ,then strive ye with heart and soul to practice love and kindness to the world of humanity at large1 except to those souls who are selfish and insincere4 ,it is not advisable to show kindness to a person who is a tyrant1 a traitor or a thief because kindness encourages him to become worse and does not awaken him4 ,the more kindness you show to a liar the more he is apt to lie1 for he thinks that you know not1 while you do know1 but extreme kindness keeps you from revealing your knowledge4 ,,inter-,,assembly ,,union ,the ,spiritual ,meeting of men and the ,spiritual ,meeting of women in ,chicago are indeed endeavoring to serve4 ,if they unite1 as they should1 they will produce great results4 ,especially1 if the ,spiritual ,meetings of ,chicago unite with those of ,new ,york and become bound together1 in a short while the fragrance of the divine garden1 which giveth life1 will perfume all regions4 ,the ,spiritual ,meeting of ,consultation of ,new ,york must be in the utmost union and harmony with the ,spiritual ,meeting of ,consultation of ,chicago1 and that which they deem advisable to publish1 these two ,meetings of ,consultation must unitedly approve of it and deem its publication advisable4 ,then the ,meeting of ,consultation must send one copy thereof to ,akk1 in order that it may be also approved of here and then returned1 and that then it may be printed and published4 ,that the two ,spiritual ,meetings of ,chicago and ,new ,york must be in unity and harmony is very important1 and when a ,spiritual ,meeting may be also organized in ,washington in a befitting manner1 these two meetings must be also in unity and harmony with that meeting4 ,to be brief1 it hath been decided by the desire of ,god that union and harmony may day by day increase among the friends of ,god and the maid-servants of the ,merciful ,one1 in the ,west4 ,not until this is realized will the affairs advance by any means whatever6 ,and the greatest means for the union and harmony of all is ,spiritual ,meetings4 ,this matter is very important and is as a magnet for divine confirmation4 ,if the beauty of this ,divine ,beloved ,one--that is1 unity of believers--does appear in the ornament of the ,kingdom of ,abh1 it is certain that those countries will1 in a short time1 become the ,paradise of ,abh and the light of unity and singleness will shine upon the whole world from the ,west4 ,we are endeavoring with all heart and soul1 have no rest night and day1 nor a moment of tranquillity1 so that we may make the world of humanity the mirror of the divine unity2 how much more the beloved of ,god6 ,and this wish and hope shall appear and shine forth at that time when the true friends of ,god may arise and act in accord with the teachings of the ,beauty of ,abh--may my life be a sacrifice to ,his beloved ones6 ,one of the teachings is that love and faithfulness must so prevail in the hearts that men may see the stranger as a friend1 the sinner as an intimate fellow1 may count enemies as allies1 regard foes as loving comrades1 call their executioner the giver of life1 consider the denier as a believer and the unbeliever as a faithful one--that is1 men must behave in such a manner as may befit the believers1 the faithful1 the friend and the confidant4 ,if this lamp may shine in a befitting manner in the assemblage of the world you will find that the regions will become fragrant and the world become a delectable paradise1 the surface of the earth will become an excellent garden1 the world will become as one home1 the different nations will become as one kind1 and the peoples and nationalities of the ,east and ,west will become as one household4 ,i hope such a day may come and such lights may dawn and such a ,countenance may appear in the utmost beauty4 ,o ye dear friends of mine6 ,the ,assemblies of those regions must be connected with one another and must communicate with each other4 ,even communicate with the ,assemblies of the ,east1 so that this may become the means of the great unity and concord4 ,,the ,,mashriqu',l-,,adhk,r ,ye have written regarding the erection of the ,temple and the purchase of the ground1 or the finding of a place to be as a home for the gathering of the believers4 ,at this moment that #8,abdu'l-,bah is immersed in the ocean of calamities1 this news caused him joy and happiness1 that--praise be to ,god6--the friends and the maid-servants of the ,merciful are thinking to serve the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,concerning the erection of the ,temple3 ,now all the believers must become united1 so that the ,temple may be built soon in one place4 ,for should the believers undertake the erection of the ,temple in many places1 it will not become completed anywhere2 and as in ,chicago they have preceded every other place to plan the erection of the ,temple1 undoubtedly to cooperate and help them is nobler and a necessity4 ,then1 when it is built in one place1 it will become erected in many other places4 ,if1 for the present1 you prepare or establish a home in ,new ,york1 though by renting it1 to become a center for the gathering of the believers of ,god1 it is very acceptable4 ,god willing1 in all the states of ,america in the future there will be erected ,temples with infinite architectural beauty1 art1 with pleasing proportion and handsome and attractive appearances2 especially in ,new ,york4 ,but for the present1 be ye satisfied with a rented place4 ,o friends of #8,abdu'l-,bah and ,his co-sharers and partners in the servitude of the ,lord of ,hosts6 ,verily the greatest affair and the most important matter today is to establish a ,mashriqu'l-,adhkr and to found a ,temple from which the voice of praisings may rise to the ,kingdom of the majestic ,lord4 ,blessings be upon you for having thought to do so and intending to erect such an edifice1 advancing all in devoting your wealth in this great purpose and in this splendid work4 ,you will soon see the angels of confirmation following after you and the hosts of reinforcement crowding before you4 ,when the ,mashriqu'l-,adhkr is accomplished1 when the lights are emanating therefrom1 the righteous ones are presenting themselves therein1 the prayers are performed with supplication towards the mysterious ,kingdom1 the voice of glorification is raised to the ,lord1 the ,supreme1 then the believers shall rejoice1 the hearts shall be dilated and overflow with the love of the ,all-living and ,self-existent ,god4 ,the people shall hasten to worship in that heavenly ,temple1 the fragrances of ,god will be elevated1 the divine teachings will be established in the hearts like the establishment of the ,spirit in mankind2 the people will then stand firm in the ,cause of your ,lord1 the ,merciful4 ,praise and greetings be upon you4 ,now the day has arrived in which the edifice of ,god1 the divine sanctuary1 the spiritual temple1 shall be erected in ,america6 ,i entreat ,god to assist the confirmed believers in accomplishing this great service and with entire zeal to rear this mighty structure which shall be renowned throughout the world4 ,the support of ,god will be with those believers in that district that they may be successful in their undertaking1 for the ,cause is great and great2 because this is the first ,mashriqu'l-,adhkr in that country and from it the praise of ,god shall ascend to the ,kingdom of ,mystery and the tumult of ,his exaltation and greetings from the whole world shall be heard6 ,whosoever arises for the service of this building shall be assisted with a great power from ,his ,supreme ,kingdom and upon him spiritual and heavenly blessings shall descend1 which shall fill his heart with wonderful consolation and enlighten his eyes by beholding the glorious and eternal ,god6 ,the contribution that thou hast made to the ,temple is beloved4 ,the ,temple is the most great foundation of the world of humanity and it hath many branches4 ,although the ,temple is the place of worship1 with it is connected a hospital1 pharmacy1 pilgrims' house1 school for the orphans1 and a university for the study of high sciences4 ,every ,temple is connected with these five things4 ,i hope that now in ,america they will build a ,temple and gradually add to it the hospital1 school1 university1 pharmacy and pilgrims' house with the utmost efficiency and thoroughness4 ,thou shouldst make known to the believers these details1 so that they may realize how important the ,temple is4 ,the ,temple is not only a place for worship2 nay1 it is perfect in every way4 ,thy letter hath arrived and the contents have given glad-tidings that the ground for the ,temple hath been bought and also told about the meeting which was held concerning the needs for the ,temple4 ,from this news great fragrance and joy were produced4 ,thanks be to ,god that thou hast helped to establish a meeting for this purpose4 ,i hope that the members of this meeting will become the receivers of the divine benevolence and be aided by the heavenly assistances4 ,but consult with the ,house of ,spirituality of ,chicago4 ,ye must all be perfectly united and harmonious until1 through this harmony1 ye may perpetually receive help from the ,kingdom of ,god4 ,concerning the members of this spiritual meeting1 you suggested that they be selected from all the spiritual meetings of the other cities of ,america4 ,i quite approve and am very much pleased with this plan4 ,this will become the cause of harmony in the ,word in all ,america4 ,therefore1 ask every spiritual meeting in the other cities that they will each select one and send him1 and from these selected ones and with those who are selected from the ,chicago meeting1 establish a new meeting for the provision of the needs of the ,temple4 ,if this be established with perfect fragrance and joy1 it will produce great results4 ,in this new meeting1 especially for the establishment of the ,temple1 women are also to be members4 ,give to all the divine friends the glad-tidings of the boundless heavenly blessings and tell them that the glances of the eyes of ,providence are upon them and the perfect favor and bounty are descending upon them4 ,thy detailed letter was received4 ,its contents indicated that thou didst travel in the cities of ,america and visited the friends of ,god until thou didst reach the general ,convention held in ,chicago for the building of the ,mashriqu'l-,adhkr4 ,in thy letter thou hast written in praise and commendation of the illumination of that ,convention4 ,truly ,i say1 the ,convention of the ,bah' delegates in ,chicago was a heavenly gathering and confirmed by ,divine ,assistance4 ,the splendor of the ,kingdom of ,abh shone forth and the soul-refreshing breeze wafted from the direction of ,providence4 ,it was an effulgence from the rays of the ,sun of ,truth that the friends of ,god gathered in that illumined ,assembly with the utmost love1 unity and concord4 ,the intentions of every one were reinforced by divine confirmation1 the aim of every one was service in the ,cause of ,god1 servitude in the ,threshold of the ,almighty and the erection of the ,mashriqu'l-,adhkr4 ,the results of that ,convention in the future will be far-reaching and most important1 and evident signs shall become manifest4 ,as it was the first general ,convention in ,america1 it displayed wonderful influence4 ,the gathering of that illumined ,assembly in such a short space of time would have been impossible without the power of the divine ,covenant and ,testament4 ,but the ,covenant has such a great sway that it astonishes the minds4 ,in every region the sign of the power of the ,convention is apparent and manifest4 ,for instance1 in rn the fire of revolution blazed in such wise that all communities1 government and nations1 became afflicted with the most severe trials2 but the power of the ,covenant protected the ,bah' friends to such a degree that in this turbulent storm no dust fell upon them1 except in one locality1 which became the cause of the spreading of the ,religion of ,god and the diffusion of the ,word of ,god4 ,now all the parties in rn are wondering how the people of ,bah were guarded and protected4 ,praise be to ,god that in ihrn and all the provinces of rn the ,call of ,god has been raised1 the ,ensign of the ,covenant has been unfurled1 the cry of 8,y-,bah'u'l-,abh60 has been heard and the melody of the ,kingdom of ,abh has been promulgated among the people of intelligence4444 ,thou hast written concerning the organization of a council for the building of the ,mashriqu'l-,adhkr4 ,this news brought much spirit and fragrance1 for the nine delegates1 sent by the various assemblies1 gathered in that meeting and consulted concerning the building of the ,mashriqu'l-,adhkr4 ,the ,mashriqu'l-,adhkr is the most important matter and the greatest divine institute4 ,consider how the first institute of ,his ,holiness ,moses1 after ,his exodus from ,egypt1 was the 8,tent of ,martyrdom0 which ,he raised and which was the traveling ,temple4 ,it was a tent which they pitched in the desert1 wherever they abode1 and worshipped in it4 ,likewise1 after ,his ,holiness ,christ--may the spirit of the world be a sacrifice to ,him6--the first institute by the disciples was a ,temple4 ,they planned a church in every country4 ,consider the ,gospel and the importance of the ,mashriqu'l-,adhkr will become evident4 ,in fine1 ,i hope that all the beloved of ,god1 collectively1 in the continent of ,america1 men and women1 will strive night and day until the ,mashriqu'l-,adhkr be erected in the utmost solidity and beauty4 ,,the ,,collective ,,center ,,of ,,the ,,kingdom ,,to ,,the ,,assemblies ,,and ,,meetings ,,of ,,the ,,believers ,,of ,,god ,,and ,,the ,,maid-,,servants ,,of ,,the ,,merciful ,,in ,,the ,,united ,,states ,,and ,,canada3 ,upon them be ,bah'u'llh ,el-,abh6 ,,he ,,is ,,god6 ,o ye heavenly souls1 sons and daughters of the ,kingdom6 ,god says in the ,qur'n3 8,take ye hold of the ,cord of ,god1 all of you1 and become ye not disunited40 ,in the contingent world there are many collective centers which are conducive to association and unity between the children of men4 ,for example1 patriotism is a collective center2 nationalism is a collective center2 identity of interests is a collective center2 political alliance is a collective center2 the union of ideals is a collective center1 and the prosperity of the world of humanity is dependent upon the organization and promotion of the collective centers4 ,nevertheless1 all the above institutions are in reality1 the matter and not the substance1 accidental and not eternal--temporary and not everlasting4 ,with the appearance of great revolutions and upheavals1 all these collective centers are swept away4 ,but the ,collective ,center of the ,kingdom1 embodying the ,institutes and ,divine ,teachings1 is the eternal ,collective ,center4 ,it establishes relationship between the ,east and the ,west1 organizes the oneness of the world of humanity1 and destroys the foundation of differences4 ,it overcomes and includes all the other collective centers4 ,like unto the ray of the sun1 it dispels entirely the darkness1 encompassing all the regions1 bestows ideal life1 and causes the effulgence of divine illumination4 ,through the breaths of the ,holy ,spirit it performs miracles2 the ,orient and the ,occident embrace each other1 the ,north and ,south become intimates and associates2 conflicting and contending opinions disappear2 antagonistic aims are brushed aside1 the law of the struggle for existence is abrogated1 and the canopy of the oneness of the world of humanity is raised on the apex of the globe1 casting its shade over all the races of men4 ,consequently1 the real ,collective ,center is the body of the divine teachings1 which include all the degrees and embrace all the universal relations and necessary laws of humanity4 ,consider6 ,the people of the ,east and the ,west were in the utmost strangeness4 ,now to what a high degree they are acquainted with each other and united together6 ,how far are the inhabitants of rn from the remotest countries of ,america6 ,and now observe how great has been the influence of the heavenly power1 for the distance of thousands of miles has become identical with one step6 ,how various nations that have had no relations or similarity with each other are now united and agreed through this divine potency6 ,indeed to ,god belongs power in the past and in the future6 ,and verily ,god is powerful over all things6 ,consider6 ,when the rain1 the heat1 the sun and the gentle zephyrs cooperate with each other1 what beautiful gardens are produced6 ,how the various kinds of hyacinths1 flowers1 trees and plants associate with each other and are conducive to the adornment and charm of one another6 ,hence the oneness of the bounty of the sun1 the oneness of rain and the oneness of the breeze have so overcome all other considerations1 that the variety of hues1 fragrances and tastes have increased the adornment1 the attraction and sweetness of the whole4 ,in a similar manner1 when the divine ,collective ,center and the outpouring of the ,sun of ,reality and the breaths of the ,holy ,spirit are brought together1 the variety of races and the differences existing between countries will become the cause of the embellishment1 decoration and elegance of the world of humanity4 ,therefore1 the believers of ,god throughout all the ,republics of ,america1 through the divine power1 must become the cause of the promotion of heavenly teachings and the establishment of the oneness of humanity4 ,every one of the important souls must arise1 blowing over all parts of ,america the breath of life conferring upon the people a new spirit1 baptizing them with the fire of the love of ,god1 the water of life1 and the breaths of the ,holy ,spirit--so that the second birth may become realized4 ,for it is written in the ,gospel3 8,that which is born of the flesh is flesh2 and that which is born of the spirit is spirit40 ,therefore1 ,o ye believers of ,god in the ,united ,states and ,canada6 ,select ye important personages1 or that they by themselves1 becoming severed from rest and composure of the world1 may arise and travel throughout ,alaska1 the ,republic of ,mexico1 and south of ,mexico1 in the ,central ,american ,republics1 such as ,guatemala1 ,honduras1 ,salvador1 ,nicaragua1 ,costa ,rica1 ,panama and ,belize2 and through the great ,south ,american ,republics1 such as ,argentine1 ,uruguay1 ,paraguay1 ,brazil1 ,french ,guiana1 ,dutch ,guiana1 ,british ,guiana1 ,venezuela1 ,ecuador1 ,peru1 ,bolivia and ,chile2 also in the group of the ,west ,indies ,islands such as ,cuba1 ,haiti1 ,porto ,rico1 ,jamaica and ,santo ,domingo1 and the group of ,islands of the ,lesser ,antilles1 the ,islands of ,bahama and the ,islands of ,bermuda2 likewise to the ,islands of the east1 west and south of ,south ,america1 such as ,trinidad1 ,falkland ,islands1 ,galapago ,islands1 ,juan ,fernandez and ,tobago4 ,visit ye especially the city of ,bahia1 on the eastern shore of ,brazil4 ,because in the past years this city was christened with the name1 ,bahia1 there is no doubt that it has been through the inspiration of the ,holy ,spirit4 ,consequently1 the believers of ,god must display the utmost effort1 upraise the divine melody throughout those regions1 promulgate the heavenly teachings and waft over all1 the spirit of eternal life2 so that those ,republics may become so illumined with the splendors and the effulgences of the ,sun of ,reality that they may become the objects of the praise and commendation of all other countries4 ,likewise1 ye must give great attention to the ,republic of ,panama1 for in that point the ,occident and the ,orient find each other united through the ,panama ,canal1 and it is also situated between the two great oceans4 ,that place will become very important in the future4 ,the ,teachings once established there1 they will unite the ,east and the ,west1 the ,north and the ,south4 ,hence the intention must be purified1 the effort ennobled and exalted1 so that ye may establish affinity between the hearts of the world of humanity4 ,this glorious aim will not become realized save through the promotion of divine teachings which are the foundations of the holy religions4 ,consider how the religions of ,god served the world of humanity6 ,how the religion of ,torah became conducive to the glory and honor and progress of the ,israelitish nation6 ,how the breaths of the ,holy ,spirit of ,his ,holiness ,christ created affinity and unity between divergent communities and quarreling families6 ,how the sacred power of ,his ,holiness ,muammad became the means of uniting and harmonizing the contentious tribes and the different clans of ,peninsular ,arabia--to such an extent that one thousand tribes were welded into one tribe1 strife and discord was done away with1 all of them unitedly and with one accord strove in advancing the cause of culture and civilization1 and thus were freed from the lowest degree of degradation1 soaring toward the height of everlasting glory6 ,is it possible to find a greater ,collective ,center in the phenomenal world than this8 ,in comparison to this ,divine ,collective ,center1 the national collective center1 the patriotic collective center1 the political collective center1 and the cultural and intellectual collective center are like child's play6 ,now strive ye that the ,collective ,center of the sacred religions1 for the inculcation of which all the ,prophets were manifested and which is no other than the spirit of the ,divine ,teachings1--be spread in all parts of ,america--so that each one of you may shine forth from the horizon of ,reality like unto the morning star1 divine illumination may overcome the darkness of nature1 and the world of humanity may become enlightened4 ,this is the most great work6 ,should ye become confirmed therein1 this world will become another world1 the surface of the earth will become the delectable ,paradise1 and eternal ,institutions be founded4 ,let whosoever travels to different parts to teach1 peruse over mountain1 desert1 land and sea this supplication6 ,o ,god6 ,o ,god6 ,thou seest my weakness1 lowliness and humility amongst ,thy creatures2 nevertheless ,i have trusted on ,thee and have arisen in the promotion of ,thy ,teachings amongst ,thy strong servants1 relying on ,thy power and might6 ,o ,lord6 ,i am a broken-winged bird and desire to soar in this ,thy space to which there is no limit4 ,how is it possible for me to do this save through ,thy providence and grace1 ,thy confirmation and assistance6 ,o ,lord6 ,have pity on my weakness and strengthen me with ,thy power6 ,o ,lord6 ,have pity on my impotency and assist me with ,thy might and majesty6 ,o ,lord6 ,should the breaths of the ,holy ,spirit confirm the weakest of creatures1 he shall attain to the highest station of greatness and shall possess anything he desireth4 ,indeed ,thou hast assisted ,thy servants in the past1 and they were the weakest of ,thy creatures1 the lowliest of ,thy servants and the most insignificant of those who lived upon the earth2 but through ,thy sanction and potency they took precedence over the most glorious of ,thy people and the most noble of ,thy mankind4 ,whereas formerly they were as moths1 they became royal falcons and whereas before they were as bubbles they became seas4 ,through ,thy bestowal1 ,thy mercy and ,thy most great favor1 they became stars shining in the horizon of guidance1 birds singing in the rose garden of immortality1 lions roaring in the forest of knowledge and wisdom1 and whales swimming in the oceans of life4 ,verily1 ,thou art the clement1 the powerful1 the mighty1 and the most merciful of the merciful6 ,,bah',u',,ll,h ,,the ,,lord ,,of ,,hosts ,,to ,,the ,,believers ,,of ,,god ,,and ,,the ,,maid-,,servants ,,of ,,the ,,merciful ,,of ,,the ,,bah' ,,assemblies ,,in ,,the ,,united ,,states ,,and ,,canada3 ,upon them be ,bah'u'llh ,el-,abh6 ,,he ,,is ,,god6 ,o ye apostles of ,bah'u'llh1--,may my life be a ransom to you6 ,the blessed ,person of the ,promised ,one is interpreted in the ,holy ,book as the ,lord of ,hosts1 i4e41 the heavenly armies4 ,by heavenly armies those souls are intended who are entirely freed from the human world1 transformed into celestial spirits and have become divine angels4 ,such souls are the rays of the ,sun of ,reality who will illumine all the continents4 ,each one is holding in his hand a trumpet1 blowing the breath of life over all the regions4 ,they are delivered from human qualities and the defects of the world of nature1 are characterized with the characteristics of ,god1 and are attracted with the fragrances of the ,merciful4 ,like unto the apostles of ,christ1 who were filled with ,him1 these souls also have become filled with ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh1 i4e41 the love of ,bah'u'llh has so mastered every organ1 part and limb of their bodies1 as to leave no effect by the promptings of the human world4 ,these souls are the armies of ,god and the conquerors of the ,east and the ,west4 ,should one of them turn his face toward some direction and summon the people to the ,kingdom of ,god1 all the ideal forces and lordly confirmations will rush to his support and reinforcement4 ,he will behold all the doors open and all the strong fortifications and impregnable castles razed to the ground4 ,singly and alone he will attack the armies of the world1 defeat the right and left wings of the hosts of all the countries1 break through the lines of the legions of all the nations and carry his attack to the very center of the powers of the earth4 ,this is the meaning of the ,hosts of ,god4 ,any soul from among the believers of ,bah'u'llh who attains to this station1 will become known as the ,apostle of ,bah'u'llh4 ,therefore strive ye with heart and soul--so that ye may reach this lofty and exalted position1 be established on the throne of everlasting glory1 and crown your heads with the shining diadem of the ,kingdom1 whose brilliant jewels may irradiate upon centuries and cycles4 ,o ye kind friends6 ,uplift your magnanimity and soar high toward the apex of heaven--so that your blessed hearts may become illumined more and more1 day by day1 through the ,rays of the ,sun of ,reality1 i4e41 ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh2 at every moment the spirits may obtain a new life1 and the darkness of the world of nature may be entirely dispelled--thus ye may become incarnate light and personified spirit1 become entirely unaware of the sordid matters of this world and in touch with the affairs of the divine world4 ,consider ye what doors ,his ,holiness ,bah'u'llh has opened before you1 and what a high and exalted station ,he has destined for you1 and what bounties ,he has prepared for you6 ,should we become intoxicated with this cup1 the sovereignty of this globe of earth will become lower in our estimation than the children's plays4 ,should they place in the arena the crown of the government of the whole world1 and invite each one of us to accept it1 undoubtedly we shall not condescend1 and shall refuse to accept it4 ,to attain to this supreme station is1 however1 dependent on the realization of certain conditions4 ,the first condition is firmness in the ,covenant of ,god4 ,for the power of the ,covenant will protect the ,cause of ,bah'u'llh from the doubts of the people of error4 ,it is the fortified fortress of the ,cause of ,god and the firm pillar of the religion of ,god4 ,today no power can conserve the oneness of the ,bah' world save the ,covenant of ,god2 otherwise differences like unto a most great tempest will encompass the ,bah' world4 ,it is evident that the axis of the oneness of the world of humanity is the power of the ,covenant and nothing else4 ,had the ,covenant not come to pass1 had it not been revealed from the ,supreme ,pen and had not the ,book of the ,covenant1 like unto the ray of the ,sun of ,reality1 illuminated the world1 the forces of the ,cause of ,god would have been utterly scattered and certain souls who were the prisoners of their own passions and lusts would have taken into their hands an axe1 cutting the root of this ,blessed ,tree4 ,every person would have pushed forward his own desire and every individual aired his own opinion6 ,notwithstanding this great ,covenant1 a few negligent souls galloped with their chargers into the battlefield1 thinking perchance they might be able to weaken the foundation of the ,cause of ,god3 but praise be to ,god1 all of them were afflicted with regret and loss1 and ere long they shall see themselves in poignant despair4 ,therefore1 in the beginning one must make his steps firm in the ,covenant--so that the confirmations of ,bah'u'llh may encircle from all sides1 the cohorts of the ,supreme ,concourse may become the supporters and the helpers1 and the exhortations and advices of #8,abdu'l-,bah1 like unto the pictures engraved on stone1 may remain permanent and ineffaceable in the tablets of the hearts4 ,the second condition3 ,fellowship and love amongst the believers4 ,the divine friends must be attracted to and enamored of each other and ever be ready and willing to sacrifice their own lives for each other4 ,should one soul from amongst the believers meet another1 it must be as though a thirsty one with parched lips has reached to the fountain of the water of life1 or a lover has met his true beloved4 ,for one of the greatest divine wisdoms regarding the appearance of the ,holy ,manifestations is this3 ,the souls may come to know each other and become intimate with each other2 the power of the love of ,god may make all of them the waves of one sea1 the flowers of one rose garden and the stars of one heaven4 ,this is the wisdom for the appearance of the ,holy ,manifestations6 ,when the most great bestowal reveals itself in the hearts of the believers1 the world of nature will be transformed1 the darkness of the contingent being will vanish1 and heavenly illumination will be obtained4 ,then the whole world will become the ,paradise of ,abh1 every one of the believers of ,god will become a blessed tree1 producing wonderful fruits4 ,o ye friends6 ,fellowship1 fellowship6 ,love1 love6 ,unity1 unity6 --,so that the power of the ,bah' ,cause may appear and become manifest in the world of existence4 ,just at this moment ,i am engaged in your commemoration and this heart is in the utmost glow and excitement6 ,were ye to realize how this conscience is attracted with the love of the friends1 unquestionably ye would obtain such a degree of joy and fragrance that ye would all become enamored with each other6 ,the third condition3 ,teachers must continually travel to all parts of the continent1 nay1 rather1 to all parts of the world1 but they must travel like #8,abdu'l-,bah1 who journeyed throughout the cities of ,america4 ,he was sanctified and free from every attachment and in the utmost severance4 ,just as ,his ,holiness ,christ says3 8,shake off the very dust from your feet40 ,ye have observed that while in ,america many souls in the utmost of supplication and entreaty desired to offer some gifts1 but this servant1 in accord with the exhortations and behests of the ,blessed ,perfection1 never accepted a thing1 although on certain occasions we were in most straitened circumstances4 ,but on the other hand1 if a soul for the sake of ,god1 voluntarily and out of his pure desire1 wishes to offer a contribution 7toward the expenses of a teacher7 in order to make the contributor happy1 the teacher may accept a small sum1 but must live with utmost contentment4 ,the aim is this3 ,the intention of the teacher must be pure1 his heart independent1 his spirit attracted1 his thought at peace1 his resolution firm1 his magnanimity exalted and in the love of ,god a shining torch4 ,should he become as such1 his sanctified breath will even affect the rock2 otherwise there will be no result whatsoever4 ,as long as a soul is not perfected1 how can he efface the defects of others6 ,unless he is detached from aught else save ,god1 how can he teach the severance to others6 ,in short1 ,o ye believers of ,god6 ,endeavor ye2 so that ye may take hold of every means in the promulgation of the religion of ,god and the diffusion of the fragrances of ,god4 ,amongst other things is the holding of the meetings for teaching--so that blessed souls and the old ones from amongst the believers may gather together the youths of the love of ,god in schools of instruction and teach them all the divine proofs and irrefragable arguments1 explain and elucidate the history of the ,cause1 and interpret also the prophecies and proofs which are recorded and are extant in the divine ,books and ,epistles regarding the ,manifestation of the ,promised ,one1 so that the young ones may go in perfect knowledge in all these degrees4 ,likewise1 whenever it is possible a committee must be organized for the translation of the ,tablets4 ,wise souls who have mastered and studied perfectly the rnian1 ,arabic and foreign languages1 or know one of the foreign languages--must commence translating ,tablets and books containing the proofs of this ,revelation1 and publishing those books1 circulate them throughout the five continents of the globe4 ,similarly1 the ,magazine1 the ,star of the ,west must be edited in the utmost regularity1 but its contents must be the promulgator of the ,cause of ,god--so that both in the ,east and the ,west1 they may become informed of the most important events4 ,in short1 in all the meetings1 whether public or private1 nothing should be discussed save that which is under consideration1 and all the articles be centered around the ,cause of ,god4 ,promiscuous talks must not be dragged in and contention is absolutely forbidden4 ,the teachers traveling in different directions must know the language of the country in which they will enter4 ,for example1 a person being proficient in the ,japanese language may travel in ,japan1 or a person knowing the ,chinese language may hasten to ,china1 and so forth4 ,in short1 after this universal war1 the people have obtained extraordinary capacity to hearken to the divine teachings1 for the wisdom of this war is this3 ,that it may become proven to all that the fire of war is world-consuming1 whereas the rays of peace are world-enlightening4 ,one is death1 the other is life2 this is extinction1 that is immortality2 one is the most great calamity1 the other is the most great bounty2 this is darkness1 that is light2 this is eternal humiliation and that is everlasting glory2 one is the destroyer of the foundation of man1 the other is the founder of the prosperity of the human race4 ,consequently1 a number of souls may arise and act in accordance with the aforesaid conditions1 and hasten to all parts of the world1 especially from ,america to ,europe1 ,africa1 ,asia and ,australia1 and travel through ,japan and ,china4 ,likewise1 from ,germany teachers and believers may travel to the continents of ,america1 ,africa1 ,japan and ,china2 in brief1 they may travel through all the continents and islands of the globe4 ,thus in a short space of time1 most wonderful results will be produced1 the banner of ,universal ,peace will be waving on the apex of the world and the lights of the oneness of the world of humanity may illumine the universe4 ,in brief1 ,o ye believers of ,god6 ,the text of the ,divine ,book is this3 ,if two souls quarrel and contend about a question of the ,divine questions1 differing and disputing1 both are wrong4 ,the wisdom of this incontrovertible law of ,god is this3 ,that between two souls from amongst the believers of ,god1 no contention and dispute might arise2 that they may speak with each other with infinite amity and love4 ,should there appear the least trace of controversy1 they must remain silent1 and both parties must continue their discussions no longer1 but ask the reality of the question from the ,interpreter4 ,this is the irrefutable command6 ,,the ,,master',s ,,last ,,tablet ,,to ,,america ,o ye friends of ,god6 #8,abdu'l-,bah is day and night thinking of you and mentioning you1 for the friends of ,god are dear to ,him4 ,every morning at dawn ,i supplicate the ,kingdom of ,god and ask that you may be filled with the breath of the ,holy ,spirit1 so that you may become brilliant candles1 shine with the light of guidance and dispel the darkness of error4 ,rest assured that the confirmations of the ,abh ,kingdom will continuously reach you4 ,through the power of the divine springtime1 the downpour of the celestial clouds and the heat of the ,sun of ,reality1 the tree of life is just beginning to grow4 ,before long1 it will produce buds1 bring forth leaves and fruits1 and cast its shade over the ,east and the ,west4 ,this ,tree of ,life is the ,book of the ,covenant4 ,in ,america1 in these days1 severe winds have surrounded the ,lamp of the ,covenant1 hoping that this brilliant ,light may be extinguished1 and this ,tree of ,life may be uprooted4 ,certain weak1 capricious1 malicious and ignorant souls have been shaken by the earthquake of hatred1 of animosity1 have striven to efface the ,divine ,covenant and ,testament1 and render the clear water muddy so that in it they might fish4 ,they have arisen against the ,center of the ,covenant like the people of ,bayn who attacked the ,blessed ,beauty and every moment uttered a calumny4 ,every day they seek a pretext and secretly arouse doubts1 so that the ,covenant of ,bah'u'llh may be completely annihilated in ,america4 ,o friends of ,god6 ,be awake1 be awake2 be vigilant1 be vigilant6 ,his ,holiness1 the ,bb1 made a ,covenant for ,bah'u'llh with all the people of the ,bayn1 so that on the day of appearance of 8,him ,whom ,god shall manifest0--and of the radiation of the ,light of ,bah'u'llh1 they might believe and be assured1 arise in service and promulgate the ,word of ,god4 ,later the people of the ,bayn1 like ,mrz ,yay and many others1 arose against the ,blessed ,beauty1 invented every sort of calumny1 aroused doubt in the minds of the people1 and from the ,books of ,his ,holiness the ,bb--that were full of references to 8,him ,whom ,god shall manifest0--tried to prove ,bah'u'llh false4 ,every day they wrote and spread a pamphlet opposing ,bah'u'llh1 caused trouble and perplexity among the people2 they inflicted the greatest injury and cruelty1 yet counted themselves firm in the ,covenant of ,his ,holiness1 the ,bb4 ,however1 when the light of the ,covenant of ,his ,holiness1 the ,bb1 lighted the universe1 then all the faithful and sincere souls were freed from the darkness of the violation of the people of the ,bayn and shone like brilliant candles4 ,bah'u'llh1 in all the ,tablets and ,epistles1 forbade the true and firm friends from associating and meeting the violators of the ,covenant of ,his ,holiness1 the ,bb1 saying that no one should go near them because their breath is like the poison of the snake that kills instantly4 ,in the ,hidden ,words1 ,he says3 8,esteem the friendship of the just1 but withhold both mind and hand from the company of the wicked40 ,addressing one of the friends1 ,he says3 8,it is clear to your honor that before long ,satan1 in the garb of man1 will reach that land and will try to mislead the friends of the ,divine ,beauty through temptations which arouse the desires of self1 and will cause them to follow the footsteps of ,satan away from the right and glorious path1 and prevent them from attaining the ,blessed ,shore of the ,king of ,oneness4 ,this is a hidden information of which we have informed the chosen ones lest they may be deprived of their praiseworthy station by associating with the embodiments of hatred4 ,therefore1 it is incumbent upon all the friends of ,god to shun any person in whom they perceive the emanation of hatred for the ,glorious ,beauty of ,abh1 though he may quote all the ,heavenly ,utterances and cling to all the ,books40 ,he continues-- ,glorious be ,his ,name6--8,protect yourselves with utmost vigilance1 lest you be entrapped in the snare of deception and fraud40 ,this is the advice of the ,pen of ,destiny4 ,in another address1 ,he says3 8,therefore1 to avoid these people will be the nearest path by which to attain the divine good pleasure2 because their breath is infectious1 like unto poison40 ,in another ,tablet1 ,he says3 8,o ,kzim1 close thine eye to the people of the world2 drink the water of knowledge from the heavenly cup bearers1 and listen not to the nonsensical utterances of the manifestations of ,satan1 because the manifestations of ,satan are occupying today the observation posts of the glorious path of ,god1 and preventing the people by every means of deception and ruse4 ,before long you will witness the turning away of the people of ,bayn from the ,manifestation of the ,merciful40 ,in another ,tablet1 ,he says3 8,endeavor to your utmost to protect yourselves1 because ,satan appears in different robes and appeals to everyone according to each person's own way1 until he becomes like unto him--then he will leave him alone40 ,in another ,tablet1 ,he says3 8,shun any man in whom you perceive enmity for this ,servant1 though he may appear in the garb of piety of the former and later people1 or may arise to the worship of the two worlds40 ,in another ,tablet1 ,he says3 8,o ,mahdi6 ,be informed by these utterances and shun the manifestations of the people of hell1 the rising place of ,nimrods1 the rising place of ,pharees1 the fountain of ,tagut1 and the soothsayers40 ,again ,he says3 8,say1 ,o my friend and my pure ones6 ,listen to the ,voice of this ,beloved ,prisoner in this ,great ,prison4 ,if you detect in any man the least perceptible breath of violation1 shun him and keep away from him40 ,then ,he says3 8,verily1 they are manifestations of ,satan40 ,in another ,tablet1 ,he says3 8,and turn your faces to the ,great ,countenance for before long the foul odors of the wicked persons will pass over these regions4 ,god willing1 you may remain protected during these days40 ,in the #ahth chapter of the ,gospel of ,matthew1 #fth to #ith verses1 ,his ,holiness ,christ says3 8,but whosoever shall offend one of these little ones which believe in ,me1 it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea4 ,woe unto the world because of offenses1 for it must needs be that offenses come1 but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh4 ,wherefore if thy hand or thy feet offend thee1 cut them off and cast them from thee2 it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed1 rather than having two hands or two feet1 to be cast into everlasting fire4 ,and if thine eye offend thee1 pluck it out and cast it from thee40 ,and in the #bast chapter and #chth verse of the ,gospel of ,matthew1 ,he says3 8,but when the husbandmen saw the son1 they said among themselves1 this is the heir1 come let us kill him and let us seize on his inheritance4 ,and they caught him and cast him out of the vineyard and slew him40 ,also in the #bbnd chapter and the #adth verse of the ,gospel of ,matthew1 ,he says 8,but many are called and few are chosen40 ,in the ,holy ,writings of ,his ,holiness1 ,bah'u'llh1 in a thousand places at least1 the violators of the ,covenant are execrated and condemned4 ,some of the heavenly passages will be mentioned4 ,in short1 all the friends in ,america know that the founders of this sedition--namely1 the violators of the ,covenant--are people whose aims are known to all the friends4 ,yet1 ,o glorious ,god1 they are deceived by them6 ,praise be to ,god1 you know with perfect clearness that ,his ,holiness ,christ1 was extremely kind and loving1 yet there were people like ,judas ,iscariot who--by their own deeds--separated themselves from ,christ4 ,therefore1 what fault of ,christ's could that be8 ,now the ,nakazene say that #8,abdu'l-,bah is despotic1 drives some people out and excommunicates like the ,pope4 ,this is not so at all6 ,any person who has left 7the ,cause71 did so because of his own actions1 intrigues and evil plots4 ,if this objection be raised against #8,abdu'l-,bah1 they must also object to the ,blessed ,beauty who1 with distinct and conclusive command1 forbids the friends from companionship and familiarity with the violators of the people of ,bayn4 ,supplication6 ,o ,lord of the ,covenant6 ,o luminous ,star of the world6 ,the persecuted #8,abdu'l-,bah has fallen into the hands of persons who appear as sheep and in reality are ferocious wolves2 they exercise every sort of oppression1 endeavor to destroy the foundation of the ,covenant1--and claim to be ,bah's4 ,they strike at the root of the ,tree of the ,covenant--and count themselves persecuted--just as did the people of ,bayn who broke the ,covenant of ,his ,holiness1 the ,bb1 and from six directions shot arrows of reproach and calumny at ,thy ,blessed ,body4 ,notwithstanding this great oppression1 they call themselves oppressed4 ,now this ,servant of ,thy ,threshold has also fallen into the hands of oppressors4 ,every hour they contrive new intrigues and fraud1 and bring forth new calumny4 ,y-,bah'u'l-,abh6 ,protect the ,stronghold of ,thy ,cause from these thieves1 and safeguard the lamps of the ,kingdom from these malevolent winds6 ,y-,bah'u'l-,abh6 #8,abdu'l-,bah did not rest a moment until ,he had raised ,thy ,cause and the ,standard of the ,kingdom of ,abh waved over the world4 ,now some people have arisen with intrigues and evil aspirations to trample this flag in ,america1 but ,my hope is in ,thy confirmations4 ,leave ,me not single1 alone and oppressed6 ,as ,thou didst promise1 verbally and in writing1 that ,thou wouldst protect this deer of the pasture of ,thy love from the attacks of the hounds of hatred and animosity1 and that ,thou wouldst safeguard this persecuted sheep from the claws and teeth of the ferocious wolves1--now do ,i await the appearance of ,thy bounties and the realization of ,thy definite promise4 ,thou art the true ,protector1 and ,thou art the ,lord of the ,covenant6 ,therefore1 protect this ,lamp which ,thou hast lighted1 from the severe winds4 ,y-,bah'u'l-,abh6 ,i have forsaken the world and its people1 am heartbroken because of the unfaithful1 and am weary4 ,in the cage of this world ,i flutter like a frightened bird and long for the flight to ,thy ,kingdom4 ,y-,bah'u'l-,abh6 ,make me to drink the cup of sacrifice1 and free ,me6 ,relieve ,me from these difficulties1 hardships1 afflictions and troubles6 ,thou art the assister1 the helper1 the protector and the supporter6 ,now some of the writings1 prayers and verses of the ,blessed ,beauty will be mentioned in which association with the violators is forbidden4 ,in the rnian ,commune1 ,he says3 8,protect this ,servant from the doubts of the persons who have turned away from ,thee and are deprived of the sea of ,thy knowledge4 ,o ,god6 ,o ,god6 ,protect this ,servant through ,thy bounty and generosity from the evil of ,thine enemies who have broken ,thy ,covenant and ,testament40 ,in another place ,he says3 8,o ,my ,god and the ,aim of ,my ,life6 ,protect this weak one with ,thy ,mighty hand from the voice of the ,naegh40 ,also ,he says3 8,ye have taken one whom ,i hate to be thy beloved1 and ,my enemy to be thy friend40 ,also ,he says3 8,the company of the wicked ones increaseth sorrow1 and the association with the pious ones removeth rust from the heart4 ,the one who desires to associate with ,god1 let him associate with ,his friends2 the one who wishes to hear the ,words of ,god1 let him hear the words of ,his chosen ones40 ,also ,he says3 8,do not associate with the wicked1 because the company of the wicked changeth the light of life into the fire of remorse4 ,if thou asketh for the bounties of the ,holy ,spirit1 associate with the pure ones1 because they have quaffed the eternal chalice from the hands of the ,cupbearer of eternity40 ,also ,he says3 8,the greatest of degradation is to leave the ,shadow of ,god and enter under the shadow of ,satan40 ,also ,he says3 8,o ye servants6 ,there is nothing in this heart save the effulgences of the splendor of the morn of ,meeting1 and it does not speak but the absolute truth from your ,lord4 ,therefore1 do not follow self2 break not ,god's ,covenant and violate not ,his ,testament4 ,proceed with perfect steadfastness1 and with heart1 soul and tongue1 turn unto ,him1 and be not of the thoughtless40 ,and still ,he says3 8,you have forgotten ,god's ,covenant and violated ,his ,testament40 ,and again ,he says3 8,if anyone comes to you with the book of the wicked1 put him behind you40 8,among the people are those who have broken the ,covenant1 and among them are those who have followed what was ordained by the ,all-,knower1 the ,all-,wise4 ,my affliction is not from ,my imprisonment and persecution1 or from what comes to ,me from ,my rebellious servants1--but from the actions of those who attribute themselves to this persecuted ,one and commit among the people that which is degrading to the honor of ,god4 ,verily1 they are of the seditious40 ,likewise speaking for the violators1 ,he says3 8,thou hast made the pulpits for ,thy mention1 the proclamation of ,thy ,word and the manifestation of ,thy ,cause1 and we have ascended them to proclaim the breaking of ,thy ,covenant and ,testament40 ,likewise1 ,he says3 8,take what has been ordained for you and follow not those who have broken ,god's ,covenant and ,testament1 for lo6 they are the people of error40 ,again ,he says3 8,those who have broken the ,covenant of ,god1 notwithstanding ,his ,commands1 and have turned away1 they are the people of error before the most ,opulent1 the ,exalted40 ,and ,he says3 8,those who have been faithful to ,god's ,covenant are of the highest ones in the sight of the exalted ,lord4 ,those who have become negligent are of the people of fire in the sight of ,thy ,lord1 the ,beloved1 the ,independent40 ,likewise ,he says3 8,blessed is the servant or maid-servant who believes1 and woe to the polytheists who have violated the ,covenant of ,god and ,his ,testament1 and deviated from ,my ,right ,path40 ,likewise ,he says3 8,i implore of ,thee not to deprive me of what ,thou possessest or what ,thou hast ordained for ,thy chosen ones who have not broken ,thy ,covenant and ,testament4 ,say6 ,die with your hatred6 ,verily1 ,he is come by ,whom the pillars of the world have been shaken and because of ,whom the feet have stumbled--save those who have not broken the ,covenant1 but have followed what ,god revealed in ,his ,book40 ,likewise ,he says3 8,the ,supreme ,concourse will pray for the one who is adorned with the garment of faithfulness between heaven and earth2 but he who breaks the ,covenant is cursed by heaven and earth40 ,likewise ,he says3 8,take hold of what has been revealed unto you1 with a power superior to that of the hands of the unbelievers who have violated the ,covenant of ,god and ,his ,testament1 and have turned from the ,face40 ,also ,he says3 8,o ,yay6 ,verily the ,book has come6 ,take it with a power from ,us and do not follow those who have broken the ,covenant of ,god and ,his ,testament1 and have denied what has been revealed from the ,powerful1 the ,all-,knower40 ,likewise ,he says3 8,i awoke this morning1 ,o ,my ,god1 under the shadow of ,thy great bounty and have taken1 with ,thy power1 the pen to mention ,thee with such mention as shall be a light unto the pure1 and fire unto the wicked who have violated ,thy ,covenant1 denied ,thy ,verses and put aside the ,kawther of life which appeared by ,thy command and was revealed by the finger of ,thy will40 ,here1 in a ,tablet to #8,abdu'l-,bah1 ,he says also3 8,o ,god6 ,this is a ,branch which has sprung forth from the ,tree of ,oneness1 the ,sadrat of ,thy ,unity4 ,o ,god6 ,thou seest ,him looking to ,thee and clinging to the rope of ,thy ,bounties4 ,protect ,him in the shelter of ,thy ,mercy6 ,thou knowest1 ,o ,my ,god1 that ,i do not desire ,him save for what ,thou dost desire ,him1 and ,i do not choose ,him save for what ,thou dost choose ,him4 ,assist ,him with the ,hosts of ,thy earth and ,thy heaven4 ,assist1 ,o ,god1 those who assist ,him1 and choose those who choose ,him4 ,confirm those who draw nigh unto ,him1 and debase those who deny ,him and do not want ,him4 ,o ,god1 ,thou seest that at this moment of ,revelation ,my ,pen shakes and ,my ,being trembles4 ,i ask ,thee1 ,by ,my impatience in ,thy ,love and ,my willingness to proclaim ,thy ,cause1 to ordain for ,him and ,his friends1 what ,thou hast ordained for ,thy ,messengers and the faithful ones of ,thy ,revelation4 ,verily1 ,thou art the powerful and the omnipotent6 ,by ,god1 ,o people1 ,my eye weeps1 and the eye of #8,al weeps in the ,supreme ,concourse2 ,my heart throbs1 and the heart of ,muammad throbs in the ,courts of ,abh2 ,my heart and the hearts of the ,prophets lament with the people of knowledge1 if you are those who are possessed of sight4 ,my sorrow is not for ,myself1 but for the ,one ,who comes after ,me in the ,shadow of the ,cause with a clear1 undeniable reign2 because these will not acknowledge ,his ,manifestation and will deny ,his evidences and verses1 will dispute ,his power1 will antagonize ,him and will be traitors to ,his ,cause--as they did to ,his ,person in those days--and ye were witnesses40 ,again in a ,tablet to #8,abdu'l-,bah1 ,he says3 8,o ,greatest ,branch6 ,verily1 ,thy illness caused ,me sorrow1 but ,god will cure ,thee1 and ,he is the most generous and best helper4 ,glory be upon ,thee and upon those who serve ,thee and encircle ,thee6 ,woe and torment be upon him who opposes and torments ,thee6 ,blessed is he who befriends ,thee1 and hell be for him who opposes ,thee60 ,likewise ,he says3 8,is it possible that after the dawning of the sun of ,thy ,testament from the horizon of ,thy greatest ,tablet1 that any feet shall slip away from the right ,path8 ,we said1 ,o ,my ,supreme ,pen1 it behoves ,thee to do as ,thou hast been bidden by ,god1 the exalted and the great4 ,do not ask about that which melts ,thy heart and those of the denizens of ,paradise who encompass ,thy wonderful ,cause4 ,thou shouldst not know what ,we have hidden from ,thee4 ,thy ,lord is the veiler and the knower4 ,turn ,thy most luminous ,face to the greatest aspect and say3 ,o ,my ,merciful ,god6 ,decorate the ,heaven of ,bayn with the stars of steadfastness1 trust and truth4 ,verily1 ,thou art the ,powerful over what ,thou willest4 ,there is no ,god save ,thee1 the wise and the generous40 ,in short1 from these ,holy ,utterances and those of ,his ,holiness ,christ1 it becomes clear1 evident and proved1 that man should associate with people who are firm in the ,covenant and ,testament1 and befriend the pure ones2 because bad associates bring about infection of bad qualities4 ,it is like leprosy2 it is impossible for a man to associate and befriend a leper and not be infected4 ,this command is for the sake of protection and to safeguard4 ,consider this text of the ,new ,testament3 the brothers of ,his ,holiness ,christ1 came to ,him and they said3 8,these are your brothers40 ,he answered that ,his brothers were those who believed in ,god1 and refused to associate with ,his own brothers4 ,likewise ,qurratu'l-#8,ayn1 who is celebrated in all the world1 when she believed in ,god and was attracted to the ,divine ,breaths1 she forsook her two eldest sons1 although they were her two oldest children1 because they did not become believers1 and thereafter did not meet them4 ,she said3 8,all the friends of ,god are my children1 but these two are not4 ,i will have nothing to do with them40 ,consider6 ,the ,divine ,gardener cuts off the dry or weak branch from the good tree and grafts to it1 a branch from another tree4 ,he both separates and unites4 ,this is that which ,his ,holiness ,christ says3 that from all the world they come and enter the ,kingdom1 and the children of the ,kingdom shall be cast out4 ,noah's grandson1 ,canaan1 was detested in the sight of ,noah and others were accepted4 ,the brothers of the ,blessed ,beauty detached themselves from ,him1 and the ,blessed ,beauty never met them4 ,he said3 8,this is an eternal separation between you and ,me40 ,all this was not because the ,blessed ,beauty was despotic2 but because these persons1 through their own actions and words deprived themselves from the bounties and bestowals of the ,blessed ,beauty4 ,his ,holiness ,christ did not exercise despotism in the case of ,judas ,iscariot and ,his own brothers1--but they separated themselves4 ,in short1 the point is this3 #8,abdu'l-,bah is extremely kind1 but when the disease is leprosy1 what am ,i to do8 ,just as in bodily diseases we must prevent intermingling and infection and put into effect sanitary laws--because the infectious physical diseases uproot the foundation of humanity2 likewise one must protect and safeguard the blessed souls from the breaths and fatal spiritual diseases2 otherwise violation1 like the plague1 will become a contagion and all will perish4 ,in the early days1 after the ,ascension of the ,blessed ,beauty1 the center of violation was alone2 little by little the infection spread2 and this was due to companionship and association4 ,,excerpts ,,from ,,the ,,will ,,and ,,testament ,,of #8,,abdu',l-,,bah ,all-praise to ,him ,who1 by the ,shield of ,his ,covenant1 hath guarded the ,temple of ,his ,cause from the darts of doubtfulness1 ,who by the ,hosts of ,his ,testament hath preserved the ,sanctuary of ,his ,most ,beneficent ,law and protected ,his ,straight and ,luminous ,path1 staying thereby the onslaught of the company of ,covenant-breakers1 that have threatened to subvert ,his ,divine ,edifice2 ,who hath watched over ,his ,mighty ,stronghold and ,all-glorious ,faith1 through the aid of men whom the slander of the slanderer affects not1 whom no earthly calling1 glory and power can turn aside from the ,covenant of ,god and ,his ,testament1 established firmly by ,his clear and manifest words1 writ and revealed by ,his ,all-glorious ,pen and recorded in the ,preserved ,tablet4 ,salutation and praise1 blessing and glory rest upon that primal branch of the ,divine and ,sacred ,lote-,tree1 grown out1 blest1 tender1 verdant and flourishing from the ,twin ,holy ,trees2 the most wondrous1 unique and priceless pearl that doth gleam from out the twin surging seas2 upon the offshoots of the ,tree of ,holiness1 the twigs of the ,celestial ,tree1 they that in the ,day of the ,great ,dividing have stood fast and firm in the ,covenant2 upon the ,hands 7pillars7 of the ,cause of ,god that have diffused widely the ,divine ,fragrances1 declared ,his ,proofs1 proclaimed ,his ,faith1 published abroad ,his ,law1 detached themselves from all things but ,him1 stood for righteousness in this world1 and kindled the ,fire of the ,love of ,god in the very hearts and souls of ,his servants2 upon them that have believed1 rested assured1 stood steadfast in ,his ,covenant and followed the ,light that after my passing shineth from the ,dayspring of ,divine ,guidance--for behold6 he is the blest and sacred bough that hath branched out from the ,twin ,holy ,trees4 ,well is it with him that seeketh the shelter of his shade that shadoweth all mankind4 ,o ye beloved of the ,lord6 ,the greatest of all things is the protection of the ,true ,faith of ,god1 the preservation of ,his ,law1 the safeguarding of ,his ,cause and service unto ,his ,word4 ,ten thousand souls have shed streams of their sacred blood in this path1 their precious lives they offered in sacrifice unto ,him1 hastened wrapt in holy ecstasy unto the glorious field of martyrdom1 upraised the ,standard of ,god's ,faith and writ with their life-blood upon the ,tablet of the world the verses of ,his ,divine ,unity4 ,the sacred breast of ,his ,holiness1 the ,exalted ,one1 7may my life be a sacrifice unto ,him7 was made a target to many a dart of woe1 and in ,mzindarn1 the ,blessed feet of the ,abh ,beauty 7may my life be offered up for ,his loved ones7 were so grievously scourged as to bleed and be sore wounded4 ,his neck also was put into captive chains and ,his feet made fast in the stocks4 ,in every hour1 for a period of fifty years1 a new trial and calamity befell ,him and fresh afflictions and cares beset ,him4 ,one of them3 after having suffered intense vicissitudes1 ,he was made homeless and a wanderer and fell a victim to still new vexations and troubles4 ,in #8,irq1 the ,day-,star of the world was so exposed to the wiles of the people of malice as to be eclipsed in splendor4 ,later on ,he was sent an exile to the ,great ,city 7,constantinople7 and thence to the ,land of ,mystery 7,adrianople71 whence1 grievously wronged1 ,he was eventually transferred to the ,most ,great ,prison 7,akk74 ,he ,whom the world hath wronged 7may my life be offered up for ,his loved ones7 was four times banished from city to city1 till at last condemned to perpetual confinement1 ,he was incarcerated in this ,prison1 the prison of highway robbers1 of brigands and of manslayers4 ,all this is but one of the trials that have afflicted the ,blessed ,beauty1 the rest being even as grievous as this4 ,according to the direct and sacred command of ,god we are forbidden to utter slander1 are commanded to show forth peace and amity1 are exhorted to rectitude of conduct1 straightforwardness and harmony with all the kindreds and peoples of the world4 ,we must obey and be the well-wishers of the governments of the land1 regard disloyalty unto a just king as disloyalty to ,god ,himself and wishing evil to the government a transgression of the ,cause of ,god4 ,o ,god1 my ,god6 ,thou seest this wronged servant of ,thine1 held fast in the talons of ferocious lions1 of ravening wolves1 of bloodthirsty beasts4 ,graciously assist me1 through my love for ,thee1 that ,i may drink deep of the chalice that brimmeth over with faithfulness to ,thee and is filled with ,thy bountiful ,grace2 so that1 fallen upon the dust1 ,i may sink prostrate and senseless whilst my vesture is dyed crimson with my blood4 ,this is my wish1 my heart's desire1 my hope1 my pride1 my glory4 ,grant1 ,o ,lord my ,god1 and my ,refuge1 that in my last hour1 my end1 may even as musk shed its fragrance of glory6 ,is there a bounty greater than this8 ,nay1 by ,thy ,glory6 ,i call ,thee to witness that no day passeth but that ,i quaff my fill from this cup1 so grievous are the misdeeds wrought by them that have broken the ,covenant1 kindled discord1 showed their malice1 stirred sedition in the land and dishonored ,thee amidst ,thy servants4 ,lord6 ,shield ,thou from these ,covenant-breakers the mighty ,stronghold of ,thy ,faith and protect ,thy secret ,sanctuary from the onslaught of the ungodly4 ,thou art in truth the ,mighty1 the ,powerful1 the ,gracious1 the ,strong4 ,o ,god1 my ,god6 ,shield ,thy trusted servants from the evils of self and passion1 protect them with the watchful eye of ,thy loving kindness from all rancor1 hate and envy1 shelter them in the impregnable stronghold of ,thy ,cause and1 safe from the darts of doubtfulness1 make them the manifestations of ,thy glorious ,signs1 illumine their faces with the effulgent rays shed from the ,dayspring of ,thy ,divine ,unity1 gladden their hearts with the verses revealed from ,thy ,holy ,kingdom1 strengthen their loins by ,thy all-swaying power that cometh from ,thy ,realm of ,glory4 ,thou art the ,all-bountiful1 the ,protector1 the ,almighty1 the ,gracious6 ,o ye that stand fast in the ,covenant6 ,when the hour cometh that this wronged and broken winged bird will have taken its flight unto the celestial concourse1 when it will have hastened to the ,realm of the ,unseen and its mortal frame will have been either lost or hidden neath the dust1 it is incumbent upon the ,afnn1 that are steadfast in the ,covenant of ,god1 and have branched from the ,tree of ,holiness2 the ,hands1 7pillars7 of the ,cause of ,god1 7the glory of the ,lord rest upon them71 and all the friends and loved ones1 one and all to bestir themselves and arise with heart and soul and in one accord1 to diffuse the sweet savors of ,god1 to teach ,his ,cause and to promote ,his ,faith4 ,it behoveth them not to rest for a moment1 neither to seek repose4 ,they must disperse themselves in every land1 pass by every clime and travel throughout all regions4 ,bestirred1 without rest and steadfast to the end they must raise in every land the triumphal cry 8,o ,thou the ,glory of ,glories60 7,y-,bah'u'l-,abh71 must achieve renown in the world wherever they go1 must burn brightly even as a candle in every meeting and must kindle the flame of ,divine love in every assembly2 that the light of truth may rise resplendent in the midmost heart of the world1 that throughout the ,east and throughout the ,west a vast concourse may gather under the shadow of the ,word of ,god1 that the sweet savors of holiness may be diffused1 that faces may shine radiantly1 hearts be filled with the ,divine spirit and souls be made heavenly4 ,in these days1 the most important of all things is the guidance of the nations and peoples of the world4 ,teaching the ,cause is of utmost importance for it is the head corner-stone of the foundation itself4 ,this wronged servant has spent his days and nights in promoting the ,cause and urging the peoples to service4 ,he rested not a moment1 till the fame of the ,cause of ,god was noised abroad in the world and the celestial strains from the ,abh ,kingdom roused the ,east and the ,west4 ,the beloved of ,god must also follow the same example4 ,this is the secret of faithfulness1 this is the requirement of servitude to the ,threshold of ,bah6 ,the disciples of ,christ forgot themselves and all earthly things1 forsook all their cares and belongings1 purged themselves of self and passion and with absolute detachment scattered far and wide and engaged in calling the peoples of the world to the ,divine ,guidance1 till at last they made the world another world1 illumined the surface of the earth and even to their last hour proved self-sacrificing in the pathway of that ,beloved ,one of ,god4 ,finally in various lands they suffered glorious martyrdom4 ,let them that are men of action follow in their footsteps6 ,o my loving friends6 ,after the passing away of this wronged one1 it is incumbent upon the ,aghsn 7,branches71 the ,afnn 7,twigs7 of the ,sacred ,lote-,tree1 the ,hands 7pillars7 of the ,cause of ,god and the loved ones of the ,abh ,beauty to turn unto ,shoghi ,effendi--the youthful branch branched from the two hallowed and sacred ,lote-,trees and the fruit grown from the union of the two offshoots of the ,tree of ,holiness1--as he is the sign of ,god1 the chosen branch1 the guardian of the ,cause of ,god1 he unto whom all the ,aghsn1 the ,afnn1 the ,hands of the ,cause of ,god and ,his loved ones must turn4 ,he is the expounder of the words of ,god and after him will succeed the first-born of his lineal descendants4 ,the sacred and youthful branch1 the guardian of the ,cause of ,god1 as well as the ,universal ,house of ,justice1 to be universally elected and established1 are both under the care and protection of the ,abh ,beauty1 under the shelter and unerring guidance of ,his ,holiness1 the ,exalted ,one 7may my life be offered up for them both74 ,whatsoever they decide is of ,god4 ,whoso obeyeth him not1 neither obeyeth them1 hath not obeyed ,god2 whoso rebelleth against him and against them hath rebelled against ,god2 whoso opposeth him hath opposed ,god2 whoso contendeth with them hath contended with ,god2 whoso disputeth with him hath disputed with ,god2 whoso denieth him hath denied ,god2 whoso disbelieveth in him hath disbelieved in ,god2 whoso deviateth1 separateth himself and turneth aside from him hath in truth deviated1 separated himself and turned aside from ,god4 ,may the wrath1 the fierce indignation1 the vengeance of ,god rest upon him6 ,the mighty stronghold shall remain impregnable and safe through obedience to him who is the guardian of the ,cause of ,god4 ,it is incumbent upon the members of the ,house of ,justice1 upon all the ,aghsn1 the ,afnn1 the ,hands of the ,cause of ,god to show their obedience1 submissiveness and subordination unto the guardian of the ,cause of ,god1 to turn unto him and be lowly before ,him4 ,he that opposeth him hath opposed the ,true ,one1 will make a breach in the ,cause of ,god1 will subvert ,his word and will become a manifestation of the ,center of ,sedition4 ,beware1 beware1 lest the days after the ascension 7of ,bah'u'llh7 be repeated when the ,center of ,sedition waxed haughty and rebellious and with ,divine ,unity for his excuse deprived himself and perturbed and poisoned others4 ,no doubt every vainglorious one that purposeth dissension and discord will not openly declare his evil purposes1 nay rather1 even as impure gold1 would he seize upon divers measures and various pretexts that he may separate the gathering of the people of ,bah4 ,my object is to show that the ,hands of the ,cause of ,god must be ever watchful and so soon as they find anyone beginning to oppose and protest against the guardian of the ,cause of ,god cast him out from the congregation of the people of ,bah and in no wise accept any excuse from him4 ,how often hath grievous error been disguised in the garb of truth1 that it might sow the seeds of doubt in the hearts of men6 ,o ye beloved of the ,lord6 ,it is incumbent upon the guardian of the ,cause of ,god to appoint in his own life-time him that shall become his successor1 that differences may not arise after his passing4 ,he that is appointed must manifest in himself detachment from all worldly things1 must be the essence of purity1 must show in himself the fear of ,god1 knowledge1 wisdom and learning4 ,thus1 should the first-born of the guardian of the ,cause of ,god not manifest in himself the truth of the words3--8,the child is the secret essence of its sire10 that is1 should he not inherit of the spiritual within him 7the guardian of the ,cause of ,god7 and his glorious lineage not be matched with a goodly character1 then must he 7the guardian of the ,cause of ,god71 choose another branch to succeed him4 ,the ,hands of the ,cause of ,god must elect from their own number1 nine persons that shall at all times be occupied in the important services in the work of the guardian of the ,cause of ,god4 ,the election of these nine must be carried either unanimously or by majority from the company of the ,hands of the ,cause of ,god and these whether unanimously or by a majority vote1 must give their assent to the choice of the one whom the guardian of the ,cause of ,god hath chosen as his successor4 ,this assent must be given in such wise as the assenting and dissenting voices may not be distinguished4 ,o friends6 ,the ,hands of the ,cause of ,god must be nominated and appointed by the guardian of the ,cause of ,god4 ,all must be under his shadow and obey his command4 ,should any1 within or without the company of the ,hands of the ,cause of ,god disobey1 and seek division1 the wrath of ,god and ,his vengeance will be upon him1 for he will have caused a breach in the true ,faith of ,god4 ,the obligations of the ,hands of the ,cause of ,god are to diffuse the ,divine ,fragrances1 to edify the souls of men1 to promote learning1 to improve the character of all men and to be1 at all times and under all conditions1 sanctified and detached from earthly things4 ,they must manifest the fear of ,god by their conduct1 their manners1 their deeds and their words4 ,this body of the ,hands of the ,cause of ,god is under the direction of the guardian of the ,cause of ,god4 ,he must continually urge them to strive and endeavor to the utmost of their ability to diffuse the sweet savors of ,god1 and to guide all the peoples of the world1 for it is the light of ,divine ,guidance that causeth all the universe to be illumined4 ,to disregard1 though it be for a moment1 this absolute command which is binding upon everyone1 is in no wise permitted1 that the existent world may become even as the ,abh ,paradise1 that the surface of the earth may become heavenly1 that contention and conflict amidst peoples1 kindreds1 nations and governments may disappear1 that all the dwellers on earth may become one people and one race1 that the world may become even as one home4 ,should differences arise they shall be amicably and conclusively settled by the ,supreme ,tribunal1 that shall include members from all the governments and peoples of the world4 ,o ye beloved of the ,lord6 ,in this sacred ,dispensation1 conflict and contention are in no wise permitted4 ,every aggressor deprives himself of ,god's grace4 ,it is incumbent upon everyone to show the utmost love1 rectitude of conduct1 straightforwardness and sincere kindliness unto all the peoples and kindreds of the world1 be they friends or strangers4 ,so intense must be the spirit of love and loving-kindness1 that the stranger may find himself a friend1 the enemy a true brother1 no difference whatsoever existing between them4 ,for universality is of ,god and all limitations earthly4 ,thus man must strive that his reality may manifest virtues and perfections1 the light whereof may shine upon everyone4 ,the light of the sun shineth upon all the world and the merciful showers of ,divine ,providence fall upon all peoples4 ,the vivifying breeze reviveth every living creature and all beings endued with life obtain their share and portion at ,his heavenly board4 ,in like manner1 the affections and loving-kindness of the servants of the ,one ,true ,god must be bountifully and universally extended to all mankind4 ,regarding this1 restrictions and limitations are in no wise permitted4 ,wherefore1 ,o my loving friends6 ,consort with all the peoples1 kindreds and religions of the world with the utmost truthfulness1 uprightness1 faithfulness1 kindliness1 good-will and friendliness2 that all the world of being may be filled with the holy ecstasy of the grace of ,bah1 that ignorance1 enmity1 hate and rancor may vanish from the world and the darkness of estrangement amidst the peoples and kindreds of the world may give way to the ,light of ,unity4 ,should other peoples and nations be unfaithful to you show your fidelity unto them1 should they be unjust toward you show justice towards them1 should they keep aloof from you attract them to yourself1 should they show their enmity be friendly towards them1 should they poison your lives sweeten their souls1 should they inflict a wound upon you be a salve to their sores4 ,such are the attributes of the sincere6 ,such are the attributes of the truthful4 ,and now1 concerning the ,house of ,justice which ,god hath ordained as the source of all good and freed from all error1 it must be elected by universal suffrage1 that is1 by the believers4 ,its members must be manifestations of the fear of ,god and daysprings of knowledge and understanding1 must be steadfast in ,god's faith and the well-wishers of all mankind4 ,by this ,house is meant the ,universal ,house of ,justice1 that is1 in all countries1 a secondary ,house of ,justice must be instituted1 and these secondary ,houses of ,justice must elect the members of the ,universal one4 ,unto this body all things must be referred4 ,it enacteth all ordinances and regulations that are not to be found in the explicit ,holy ,text4 ,by this body all the difficult problems are to be resolved and the guardian of the ,cause of ,god is its sacred head and the distinguished member for life of that body4 ,should he not attend in person its deliberations1 he must appoint one to represent him4 ,should any of the members commit a sin1 injurious to the common weal1 the guardian of the ,cause of ,god hath at his own discretion the right to expel him1 whereupon the people must elect another one in his stead4 ,this ,house of ,justice enacteth the laws and the government enforceth them4 ,the legislative body must reinforce the executive1 the executive must aid and assist the legislative body so that through the close union and harmony of these two forces1 the foundation of fairness and justice may become firm and strong1 that all the regions of the world may become even as ,paradise itself4 ,o ye beloved of the ,lord6 ,it is incumbent upon you to be submissive to all monarchs that are just and show your fidelity to every righteous king4 ,serve ye the sovereigns of the world with utmost truthfulness and loyalty4 ,show obedience unto them and be their well-wishers4 ,without their leave and permission do not meddle with political affairs1 for disloyalty to the just sovereign is disloyalty to ,god himself4 ,this is my counsel and the commandment of ,god unto you4 ,well is it with them that act accordingly4 ,o dearly beloved friends6 ,i am now in very great danger and the hope of even an hour's life is lost to me4 ,i am thus constrained to write these lines for the protection of the ,cause of ,god1 the preservation of ,his ,law1 the safeguarding of ,his ,word1 and the safety of ,his ,teachings4 ,by the ,ancient ,beauty6 ,this wronged one hath in no wise borne nor doth he bear a grudge against any one2 towards none doth he entertain any ill-feeling and uttereth no word save for the good of the world4 ,my supreme obligation1 however1 of necessity1 prompteth me to guard and preserve the ,cause of ,god4 ,thus1 with the greatest regret1 ,i counsel you saying3--8,guard ye the ,cause of ,god1 protect ,his law and have the utmost fear of discord4 ,this is the foundation of the belief of the people of ,bah 7may my life be offered up for them74 #8,his ,holiness1 the ,exalted ,one1 7the ,bb7 is the ,manifestation of the ,unity and ,oneness of ,god and the ,forerunner of the ,ancient ,beauty4 ,his ,holiness the ,abh ,beauty1 7may my life be a sacrifice for ,his steadfast friends7 is the ,supreme ,manifestation of ,god and the ,dayspring of ,his ,most ,divine ,essence4 ,all others are servants unto ,him and do ,his bidding4'0 ,unto the ,most ,holy ,book every one must turn and all that is not expressly recorded therein must be referred to the ,universal ,house of ,justice4 ,that which this body1 whether unanimously or by a majority doth carry1 that is verily the ,truth and the ,purpose of ,god himself4 ,whoso doth deviate therefrom is verily of them that love discord1 hath shown forth malice and turned away from the ,lord of the ,covenant4 ,by this ,house is meant that ,universal ,house of ,justice which is to be elected from all countries1 that is1 from those parts in the ,east and ,west where the loved ones are to be found1 after the manner of the customary elections in ,western countries such as those of ,england4 ,it is incumbent upon these members 7of the ,universal ,house of ,justice7 to gather in a certain place and deliberate upon all problems which have caused difference1 questions that are obscure and matters that are not expressly recorded in the ,book4 ,whatsoever they decide has the same effect as the ,text itself4 ,and inasmuch as this ,house of ,justice hath power to enact laws that are not expressly recorded in the ,book and bear upon daily transactions1 so also it hath power to repeal the same4 ,thus for example1 the ,house of ,justice enacteth today a certain law and enforceth it1 and a hundred years hence1 circumstances having profoundly changed and the conditions having altered1 another ,house of ,justice will then have power1 according to the exigencies of the time1 to alter that law4 ,this it can do because that law formeth no part of the ,divine ,explicit ,text4 ,the ,house of ,justice is both the ,initiator and the ,abrogator of its own laws4 ,and now1 one of the greatest and most fundamental principles of the ,cause of ,god is to shun and avoid entirely the ,covenant-breakers1 for they will utterly destroy the ,cause of ,god1 exterminate ,his ,law and render of no account all efforts exerted in the past4 ,o friends6 ,it behoveth you to call to mind with tenderness the trials of ,his ,holiness1 the ,exalted ,one and show your fidelity to the ,ever-,blest ,beauty4 ,the utmost endeavor must be exerted lest all these woes1 trials and afflictions1 all this pure and sacred blood that hath been shed so profusely in the ,path of ,god1 may prove to be in vain4 ,o ye beloved of the ,lord6 ,strive with all your heart to shield the ,cause of ,god from the onslaught of the insincere1 for souls such as these cause the straight to become crooked and all benevolent efforts to produce contrary results4 ,o ,god1 my ,god6 ,i call ,thee1 ,thy ,prophets and ,thy ,messengers1 ,thy ,saints and ,thy ,holy ,ones1 to witness that ,i have declared conclusively ,thy ,proofs unto ,thy loved ones and set forth clearly all things unto them1 that they may watch over ,thy ,faith1 guard ,thy ,straight ,path and protect ,thy ,resplendent ,law4 ,thou art1 verily1 the ,all-,knowing1 the ,all-wise6 ,whosoever and whatsoever meeting becometh a hindrance to the diffusion of the ,light of ,faith1 let the loved ones give them counsel and say3 8,of all the gifts of ,god the greatest is the gift of ,teaching4 ,it draweth unto us the ,grace of ,god and is our first obligation4 ,of such a gift how can we deprive ourselves8 ,nay1 our lives1 our goods1 our comforts1 our rest1 we offer them all as a sacrifice for the ,abh ,beauty and teach the ,cause of ,god40 ,caution and prudence1 however1 must be observed even as recorded in the ,book4 ,the veil must in no wise be suddenly rent asunder4 ,the ,glory of ,glories rest upon you4 ,o ye the faithful loved ones of #8,abdu'l-,bah6 ,it is incumbent upon you to take the greatest care of ,shoghi ,effendi1 the twig that hath branched from and the fruit given forth by the two hallowed and ,divine ,lote-,trees1 that no dust of despondency and sorrow may stain his radiant nature1 that day by day he may wax greater in happiness1 in joy and spirituality1 and may grow to become even as a fruitful tree4 ,for he is1 after #8,abdu'l-,bah1 the guardian of the ,cause of ,god1 the ,afnn1 the ,hands 7pillars7 of the ,cause and the beloved of the ,lord must obey him and turn unto him4 ,he that obeyeth him not1 hath not obeyed ,god2 he that turneth away from him1 hath turned away from ,god and he that denieth him1 hath denied the ,true ,one4 ,beware lest anyone falsely interpret these words1 and like unto them that have broken the ,covenant after the ,day of ,ascension 7of ,bah'u'llh7 advance a pretext1 raise the standard of revolt1 wax stubborn and open wide the door of false interpretation4 ,to none is given the right to put forth his own opinion or express his particular convictions4 ,all must seek guidance and turn unto the ,center of the ,cause and the ,house of ,justice4 ,and he that turneth unto whatsoever else is indeed in grievous error4 ,the ,glory of ,glories rest upon you6