,! ,_w ,ord] ( ,bah'u'llh by ,%oghi ,eff5di ,edition #a1 7,septemb] #bjjf7 ,,baha',i ,,t]ms ,,( ,,use ,y h p]mission to freely make & use copies ( ! text & any o!r in=mation 7,cont5t7 available on ?is ,site includ+ pr9t+1 email+1 po/+1 di/ribut+1 copy+1 d[nload+1 upload+1 transmitt+1 display+ ! ,cont5t 9 :ole or 9 "p subject to ! foll[+3 #a4 ,our copyright notice & ! s\rce ref]5ce mu/ be atta*$ to ! ,cont5t2 #b4 ,! ,cont5t may n be modifi$ or alt]$ 9 any way except to *ange ! font or appe>ance2 #c4 ,! ,cont5t mu/ be us$ solely = a non-comm]cial purpose4 ,al?\gh ?is blanket p]mission to reproduce ! ,cont5t is giv5 freely su* t no special p]mission is requir$1 ! ,bah' ,int]national ,community reta9s full copyright protection = all ,cont5t includ$ at ?is ,site "u all applicable national & int]national laws4 ,= p]mission to publi%1 transmit1 display or o!rwise use ! ,cont5t = any comm]cial purpose1 please contact u 7http3_/_/ref]5ce4bahai4org_/en_/contact 4html74 ,,cont5ts ,baha'i ,t]ms ( ,use ,! ,_w ,ord] ( ,bah'u'llh ,! ,_w ,ord] ( ,bah'u'llh ,s\rces ( ! ,bah' ,_w ,ord] ,local & ,national ,h\ses ( ,ju/ice ,! ,in/itution ( ,gu>dian%ip ,! ,animat+ ,purpose ( ,bah' ,in/itutions ,situation 9 ,egypt ,,! ,,_w ,,ord] ,,( ,,bah',u',,ll,h3 ,,fur!r ,,consid]ations ,! ,_w ,ord] ( ,bah'u'llh3 ,fur!r ,consid]ations ,a ,bless+ 9 ,disguise ,di/+ui%+ ,features ( ,bah' ,_w ,ord] ,! ,onslaught ( ,all ,peoples & ,k9dr$s ,diff]5ce ,betwe5 ,bah' ,fai? & ,ecclesia/ical ,organizations ,a ,liv+ ,organism ,! ,greate/ ,drama ( ! ,_w's ,spiritual ,hi/ory ,,! ,,goal ,,( ,a ,,new ,,_w ,,ord] ,! ,goal ( a ,new ,_w ,ord] ,a ,w>-,we>y ,_w ,! ,signs ( ,imp5d+ ,*aos ,! ,impot5ce ( ,/atesman%ip ,! ,guid+ ,pr9ciples ( ,_w ,ord] ,sev5 ,lights ( ,unity ,a ,_w ,sup]-,/ate ,unity 9 ,div]sity ,! ,pr9ciple ( ,on5ess ,! ,f$]ation ( ,mank9d ,! ,fire ( ,ordeal ,! ,m\?piece ( ,god ,,! ,,gold5 ,,age ,,( ,,! ,,cause ,,( ,,bah',u',,ll,h ,! ,gold5 ,age ( ! ,cause ( ,bah'u'llh ,am]ica's ,contribution to ! ,cause ,decl9e ( ,mortal ,dom9ion ,contra/ ) ,religions ( ! ,pa/ ,fundam5tal ,pr9ciple ( ,religi\s ,tru? ,necessity = a ,fre% ,revelation ,! ,/ation ( ! ,bb ,! ,outp\r+ ( ,div9e ,grace ,! ,div9e ,polity ,our ,belov$ ,temple ,,am]ica ,,& ,,! ,,mo/ ,,great ,,peace ,am]ica & ! ,mo/ ,great ,peace ,,! ,,disp5sation ,,( ,,bah',u',,ll,h ,! ,disp5sation ( ,bah'u'llh ,! ,bb #8,abdu'l-,bah ,! ,adm9i/rative ,ord] ,,! ,,unfoldm5t ,,( ,,_w ,,civilization ,! ,unfoldm5t ( ,_w ,civilization ,humanity's ,com+ ( ,age ,! ,process ( ,integration ,! ,f9al ,consummation ,pangs ( ,dea? & ,bir? ,univ]sal ,f]m5tation ,?is ,age ( ,transition ,collapse ( ,islm ,det]ioration ( ,*ri/ian ,in/itutions ,signs ( ,moral ,d[nfall ,breakd[n ( ,political & ,economic ,/ructure ,bah'u'llh's ,pr9ciple ( ,collective ,security ,community ( ! ,mo/ ,great ,"n ,a ,_w ,religion ,div9e ,retribution ,_w ,unity ! ,goal ,,! ,,_w ,,ord] ,,( ,,bah',u',,ll,h ,! ,_w ,ord] ( ,bah'u'llh ,to ! memb]s ( ! ,national ,spiritual ,assembly ( ! ,bah's ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates & ,canada4 ,de>ly-belov$ co-work]s3 ,i h be5 acqua9t$ by ! p]usal ( y\r late/ communications ) ! nature ( ! d\bts t h be5 publicly express$1 by "o :o is :olly mis9=m$ z to ! true precepts ( ! ,cause1 reg>d+ ! validity ( in/itutions t /& inextricably int]wov5 ) ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh4 ,n t ,i = a mom5t view su* fa9t misgiv+s 9 ! light ( an op5 *all5ge to ! /ructure t embodies ! ,fai?1 nor is x because ,i "q 9 ! lea/ ! unyield+ t5acity ( ! fai? ( ! ,am]ican believ]s1 if ,i v5ture to dwell ^u :at seems to me appropriate obs]vations at ! pres5t /age ( ! evolution ( our belov$ ,cause4 ,i am inde$ incl9$ to welcome ^! express$ appreh5sions inasmu* z !y af=d me an opportunity to famili>ize ! elect$ repres5tatives ( ! believ]s ) ! orig9 & ! "* ( ! in/itutions :i* /& at ! v basis ( ! ,_w ,ord] u%]$ 9 by ,bah'u'llh4 ,we %\ld feel truly ?ankful = su* futile attempts to und]m9e our belov$ ,fai?--attempts t protrude _! ugly face f "t to "t1 seem = a :ile able to create a brea* 9 ! ranks ( ! fai?ful1 rec$e f9ally into ! obscurity ( oblivion1 & are ?\ght ( no m4 ,su* incid5ts we %\ld reg>d z ! int]positions ( ,provid5ce1 design$ to =tify our fai?1 to cl>ify our vision1 & to deep5 our und]/&+ ( ! ess5tials ( ,8 ,div9e ,revelation4 ,s\rces ( ! ,bah' ,_w ,ord] ,x w\ld1 h[ev]1 be helpful & in/ructive to be> 9 m9d c]ta9 basic pr9ciples ) ref]5ce to ! ,w & ,te/am5t ( #8,abdu'l-,bah1 :i*1 toge!r ) ! ,kitb-i-,aqdas1 con/itutes ! *ief depository :]e9 are en%r9$ ^? priceless elem5ts ( t ,div9e ,civilization1 ! e/abli%m5t ( :i* is ! prim>y mission ( ! ,bah' ,fai?4 ,a /udy ( ! provisions ( ^! sacr$ docum5ts w reveal ! close relation%ip t exi/s betwe5 !m1 z well z ! id5tity ( purpose & me?od :i* !y inculcate4 ,f> f reg>d+ _! specific provisions z incompatible & contradictory 9 _s1 e fair-m9d$ inquir] w readily admit t !y are n only complem5t>y1 b t !y mutually confirm "o ano!r1 & are insep>able p>ts ( "o complete unit4 ,a comp>ison ( _! cont5ts ) ! re/ ( ,bah' sacr$ ,writ+s w simil>ly e/abli% ! con=mity ( :atev] !y conta9 ) ! _s z well z ! lett] ( ! au!nticat$ writ+s & say+s ( ,bah'u'llh & #8,abdu'l-,bah4 ,9 fact1 he :o reads ! ,aqdas ) c>e & dilig5ce w n f9d x h>d to discov] t ! ,mo/ ,holy ,book itself anticipates 9 a numb] ( passages ! in/itutions :i* #8,abdu'l-,bah orda9s 9 ,8 ,w4 ,by leav+ c]ta9 matt]s unspecifi$ & unregulat$ 9 ,8 ,book ( ,laws1 ,bah'u'llh seems to h delib]ately left a gap 9 ! g5]al s*eme ( ,bah' ,disp5sation1 :i* ! unequivocal provisions ( ! ,ma/]'s ,w h fill$4 ,to attempt to divorce ! "o f ! o!r1 to ins9uate t ! ,tea*+s ( ,bah'u'llh h n be5 upheld1 9 _! entirety & ) absolute integrity1 by :at #8,abdu'l-,bah has reveal$ 9 ,8 ,w1 is an unp>donable affront to ! unsw]v+ fidelity t has *>act]iz$ ! life & labors ( our belov$ ,ma/]4 ,i w n attempt 9 ! lea/ to ass]t or demon/rate ! au!nticity ( ! ,w & ,te/am5t ( #8,abdu'l-,bah1 = t 9 itself w\ld betray an appreh5sion on my "p z to ! unanim\s confid5ce ( ! believ]s 9 ! g5u95ess ( ! la/ writt5 wi%es ( our dep>t$ ,ma/]4 ,i w only conf9e my obs]vations to ^? issues :i* may assi/ !m to appreciate ! ess5tial unity t und]lies ! spiritual1 ! humanit>ian1 & ! adm9i/rative pr9ciples enunciat$ by ! ,au?or & ! ,int]pret] ( ! ,bah' ,fai?4 ,i am at a loss to expla9 t /range m5tality t incl9es to uphold z ! sole crit]ion ( ! tru? ( ! ,bah' ,tea*+s :at is admitt$ly only an obscure & unau!nticat$ translation ( an oral /atem5t made by #8,abdu'l-,bah1 9 defiance & total disreg>d ( ! available text ( all ( ,8 univ]sally recogniz$ writ+s4 ,i truly deplore ! un=tunate di/ortions t h result$ 9 days pa/ f ! incapacity ( ! int]pret] to grasp ! mean+ ( #8,abdu'l-,bah1 & f 8 incompet5ce to r5d] adequately su* tru?s z h be5 reveal$ to him by ! ,ma/]'s /atem5ts4 ,mu* ( ! confusion t has obscur$ ! und]/&+ ( ! believ]s %\ld be attribut$ to ?is d\ble error involv$ 9 ! inexact r5d]+ ( an only p>tially und]/ood /atem5t4 ,n infrequ5tly has ! int]pret] ev5 fail$ to convey ! exact purport ( ! inquir]'s specific que/ions1 &1 by 8 defici5cy ( und]/&+ & expression 9 convey+ ! answ] ( #8,abdu'l-,bah1 has be5 responsible = reports :olly at v>iance ) ! true _s & purpose ( ! ,cause4 ,x 0 *iefly 9 view ( ! mislead+ nature ( ! reports ( ! in=mal conv]sations ( #8,abdu'l-,bah ) visit+ pilgrims1 t ,i h insi/5tly urg$ ! believ]s ( ! ,we/ to reg>d su* /atem5ts z m]ely p]sonal impressions ( ! say+s ( _! ,ma/]1 & to quote & consid] z au!ntic only su* translations z are bas$ ^u ! au!nticat$ text ( ,8 record$ utt]ances 9 ! orig9al tongue4 ,x %\ld be rememb]$ by e foll[] ( ! ,cause t ! sy/em ( ,bah' adm9i/ration is n an innovation impos$ arbitr>ily ^u ! ,bah's ( ! _w s9ce ! ,ma/]'s pass+1 b d]ives its au?ority f ! ,w & ,te/am5t ( #8,abdu'l-,bah1 is specifically prescrib$ 9 unnumb]$ ,tablets1 & re/s 9 "s ( its ess5tial features ^u ! explicit provisions ( ! ,kitb-i-,aqdas4 ,x ?us unifies & correlates ! pr9ciples sep>ately laid d[n by ,bah'u'llh & #8,abdu'l-,bah1 & is indissolubly b\nd ) ! ess5tial v]ities ( ! ,fai?4 ,to dissociate ! adm9i/rative pr9ciples ( ! ,cause f ! purely spiritual & humanit>ian tea*+s w\ld be tantam\nt to a mutilation ( ! body ( ! ,cause1 a sep>ation t c only result 9 ! dis9tegration ( its compon5t p>ts1 & ! ext9ction ( ! ,fai? itself4 ,local & ,national ,h\ses ( ,ju/ice ,x %\ld be c>efully borne 9 m9d t ! local z well z ! int]national ,h\ses ( ,ju/ice h be5 expressly enjo9$ by ! ,kitb-i-,aqdas2 t ! in/itution ( ! ,national ,spiritual ,assembly1 z an int]m$i>y body1 & ref]r$ to 9 ! ,ma/]'s ,w z ! 8,second>y ,h\se ( ,ju/ice10 has ! express sanction ( #8,abdu'l-,bah2 & t ! me?od to be pursu$ = ! election ( ! ,int]national & ,national ,h\ses ( ,ju/ice has be5 set =? by ,him 9 ,8 ,w1 z well z 9 a numb] ( ,8 ,tablets4 ,moreov]1 ! in/itutions ( ! local & national ,funds1 t are n[ ! necess>y adjuncts to all local & national spiritual assemblies1 h n only be5 e/abli%$ by #8,abdu'l-,bah 9 ! ,tablets ,he reveal$ to ! ,bah's ( ! ,ori5t1 b _! importance & necessity h be5 repeat$ly emphasiz$ by ,him 9 ,8 utt]ances & writ+s4 ,! conc5tration ( au?ority 9 ! h&s ( ! elect$ repres5tatives ( ! believ]s2 ! necessity ( ! submission ( e adh]5t ( ! ,fai? to ! consid]$ judgm5t ( ,bah' ,assemblies2 ,8 pref]5ce = unanimity 9 decision2 ! decisive "* ( ! majority vote2 & ev5 ! desirability = ! ex]cise ( close sup]vision ov] all ,bah' publications1 h be5 s$ul\sly in/ill$ by #8,abdu'l-,bah1 z evid5c$ by ,8 au!nticat$ & widely-scatt]$ ,tablets4 ,to accept ,8 broad & humanit>ian ,tea*+s on "o h&1 & to reject & dismiss ) neglectful indiff]5ce ,8 m *all5g+ & di/+ui%+ precepts1 w\ld be an act ( manife/ disloyalty to t :i* ,he has *]i%$ mo/ 9 ,8 life4 ,t ! ,spiritual ,assemblies ( today w be replac$ 9 "t by ! ,h\ses ( ,ju/ice1 & are to all int5ts & purposes id5tical & n sep>ate bodies1 is abundantly confirm$ by #8,abdu'l-,bah ,himself4 ,he has 9 fact 9 a ,tablet address$ to ! memb]s ( ! fir/ ,*icago ,spiritual ,assembly1 ! fir/ elect$ ,bah' body in/itut$ 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 ref]r$ to !m z ! memb]s ( ! 8,h\se ( ,ju/ice0 = t city1 & has ?us ) ,8 own p5 e/abli%$ beyond any d\bt ! id5tity ( ! pres5t ,bah' ,spiritual ,assemblies ) ! ,h\ses ( ,ju/ice ref]r$ to by ,bah'u'llh4 ,= reasons :i* are n difficult to discov]1 x has be5 f\nd advisable to be/[ ^u ! elect$ repres5tatives ( ,bah' communities ?r\gh\t ! _w ! tempor>y appellation ( ,spiritual ,assemblies1 a t]m :i*1 z ! position & aims ( ! ,bah' ,fai? are bett] und]/ood & m fully recogniz$1 w gradually be sup]s$$ by ! p]man5t & m appropriate designation ( ,h\se ( ,ju/ice4 ,n only w ! pres5t-day ,spiritual ,assemblies be /yl$ diff]5tly 9 future1 b !y w be enabl$ also to add to _! pres5t functions ^? p[]s1 duties1 & pr]ogatives necessitat$ by ! recognition ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh1 n m]ely z "o ( ! recogniz$ religi\s sy/ems ( ! _w1 b z ! ,/ate ,religion ( an indep5d5t & ,sov]eign ,p[]4 ,& z ! ,bah' ,fai? p]meates ! masses ( ! peoples ( ,ea/ & ,we/1 & its tru? is embrac$ by ! majority ( ! peoples ( a numb] ( ! ,sov]eign ,/ates ( ! _w1 w ! ,univ]sal ,h\se ( ,ju/ice atta9 ! pl5itude ( its p[]1 & ex]cise1 z ! supreme organ ( ! ,bah' ,commonweal?1 all ! rights1 ! duties1 & responsibilities incumb5t ^u ! _w's future sup]-/ate4 ,x mu/ be po9t$ out1 h[ev]1 9 ?is connection t1 contr>y to :at has be5 confid5tly ass]t$1 ! e/abli%m5t ( ! ,supreme ,h\se ( ,ju/ice is 9 no way dep5d5t ^u ! adoption ( ! ,bah' ,fai? by ! mass ( ! peoples ( ! _w1 nor does x presuppose its acceptance by ! majority ( ! inhabitants ( any "o c\ntry4 ,9 fact1 #8,abdu'l-,bah1 ,himself1 9 "o ( ,8 e>lie/ ,tablets1 contemplat$ ! possibility ( ! =mation ( ! ,univ]sal ,h\se ( ,ju/ice 9 ,8 own lifetime1 & b = ! unfavorable circum/ances prevail+ "u ! ,turki% rgime1 w\ld h1 9 all probability1 tak5 ! prelim9>y /eps = its e/abli%m5t4 ,x w be evid5t1 !re=e1 t giv5 favorable circum/ances1 "u :i* ! ,bah's ( ,p]sia & ( ! adjo9+ c\ntries "u ,soviet rule1 may be enabl$ to elect _! national repres5tatives1 9 accordance ) ! guid+ pr9ciples laid d[n 9 #8,abdu'l-,bah's writ+s1 ! only rema9+ ob/acle 9 ! way ( ! def9ite =mation ( ! ,int]national ,h\se ( ,ju/ice w h be5 remov$4 ,= ^u ! ,national ,h\ses ( ,ju/ice ( ! ,ea/ & ! ,we/ devolves ! task1 9 con=mity ) ! explicit provisions ( ! ,w1 ( elect+ directly ! memb]s ( ! ,int]national ,h\se ( ,ju/ice4 ,n until !y are !mselves fully repres5tative ( ! rank & file ( ! believ]s 9 _! respective c\ntries1 n until !y h acquir$ ! weight & ! exp]i5ce t w enable !m to function vigor\sly 9 ! organic life ( ! ,cause1 c !y approa* _! sacr$ task1 & provide ! spiritual basis = ! con/itution ( s augu/ a body 9 ! ,bah' _w4 ,! ,in/itution ( ,gu>dian%ip ,x mu/ be also cle>ly und]/ood by e believ] t ! in/itution ( ,gu>dian%ip does n "u any circum/ances abrogate1 or ev5 9 ! slighte/ degree detract f1 ! p[]s grant$ to ! ,univ]sal ,h\se ( ,ju/ice by ,bah'u'llh 9 ! ,kitb-i-,aqdas1 & repeat$ly & solemnly confirm$ by #8,abdu'l-,bah 9 ,8 ,w4 ,x does n con/itute 9 any mann] a contradiction to ! ,w & ,writ+s ( ,bah'u'llh1 nor does x nullify any ( ,8 reveal$ in/ructions4 ,x enhances ! pre/ige ( t exalt$ assembly1 /abilizes its supreme position1 safegu>ds its unity1 assures ! cont9uity ( its labors1 )\t presum+ 9 ! slighte/ to infr+e ^u ! inviolability ( its cle>ly-def9$ sph]e ( jurisdiction4 ,we /& inde$ too close to s monum5tal a docum5t to claim = ourselves a complete und]/&+ ( all its implications1 or to presume to h grasp$ ! manifold my/]ies x und\bt$ly conta9s4 ,only future g5]ations c compreh5d ! value & ! significance atta*$ to ?is ,div9e ,ma/]piece1 :i* ! h& ( ! ,ma/]-build] ( ! _w has design$ = ! unification & ! triumph ( ! _w-wide ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh4 ,only ^? :o come aft] u w be 9 a position to realize ! value ( ! surpris+ly /rong emphasis t has be5 plac$ on ! in/itution ( ! ,h\se ( ,ju/ice & ( ! ,gu>dian%ip4 ,!y only w appreciate ! significance ( ! vigor\s language employ$ by #8,abdu'l-,bah ) ref]5ce to ! b& ( ,cov5ant-break]s t has oppos$ ,him 9 ,8 days4 ,to !m alone w be reveal$ ! suitability ( ! in/itutions initiat$ by #8,abdu'l-,bah to ! "* ( ! future society :i* is to em]ge out ( ! *aos & confusion ( ! pres5t age4 ,9 ?is connection1 ,i _c b feel amus$ at ! prepo/]\s & fanta/ic idea t ,muammad-#8,al1 ! prime mov] & ! focal c5t] ( unyield+ ho/ility to ! p]son ( #8,abdu'l-,bah1 %\ld h freely associat$ himself ) ! memb]s ( ! family ( #8,abdu'l-,bah 9 ! =g+ ( a w :i* 9 ! words ( ! writ] h]self1 is b a 8recital ( ! plott+s0 9 :i* = ?irty ye>s ,muammad-#8,al has be5 busily engag$4 ,to su* a hopeless victim ( confus$ ideas1 ,i feel ,i c be/ reply by a g5u9e expression ( compassion & pity1 m+l$ ) my hopes = h] deliv]ance f s pr(\nd a delusion4 ,x 0 9 view ( ! a=esaid obs]vations1 t ,i h1 aft] ! un=tunate & unavoidable delay occasion$ by my ill heal? & abs5ce f ! ,holy ,l& dur+ ! ,ma/]'s pass+1 hesitat$ to resort to ! indiscrim9ate circulation ( ! ,w1 realiz+ full well t x 0 prim>ily direct$ to ! recogniz$ believ]s1 & only indirectly conc]n$ ! l>g] body ( ! fri5ds & sympa?iz]s ( ! ,cause4 ,! ,animat+ ,purpose ( ,bah' ,in/itutions ,& n[1 x behooves u to reflect on ! animat+ purpose & ! prim>y functions ( ^! div9ely-e/abli%$ in/itutions1 ! sacr$ "* & ! univ]sal efficacy ( :i* c be demon/rat$ only by ! _s !y diffuse & ! "w !y actually a*ieve4 ,i ne$ n dwell ^u :at ,i h already reit]at$ & emphasiz$ t ! adm9i/ration ( ! ,cause is to be conceiv$ z an in/rum5t & n a sub/itute = ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh1 t x %\ld be reg>d$ z a *annel ?r\gh :i* ,8 promis$ bless+s may fl[1 t x %\ld gu>d aga9/ su* rigidity z w\ld clog & fett] ! lib]at+ =ces releas$ by ,8 ,revelation4 ,i ne$ n enl>ge at ! pres5t mom5t ^u :at ,i h /at$ 9 ! pa/1 t contributions to ! local & national ,funds are ( a purely volunt>y "*2 t no co]cion or solicitation ( funds is to be tol]at$ 9 ! ,cause2 t g5]al appeals address$ to ! communities z a body %\ld be ! only =m 9 :i* ! f9ancial requirem5ts ( ! ,fai? are to be met2 t ! f9ancial support accord$ to a v few work]s 9 ! tea*+ & adm9i/rative fields is ( a tempor>y nature2 t ! pres5t re/rictions impos$ on ! publication ( ,bah' lit]ature w be def9itely aboli%$2 t ! ,_w ,unity activity is be+ c>ri$ out z an exp]im5t to te/ ! efficacy ( ! indirect me?od ( tea*+2 t ! :ole ma*9]y ( assemblies1 ( committees & conv5tions is to be reg>d$ z a means1 & n an end 9 itself2 t !y w rise or fall accord+ to _! capacity to fur!r ! int]e/s1 to cord9ate ! activities1 to apply ! pr9ciples1 to embody ! ideals & execute ! purpose ( ! ,bah' ,fai?4 ,:o1 ,i may ask1 :5 view+ ! int]national "* ( ! ,cause1 its f>-flung ramifications1 ! increas+ complexity ( its affairs1 ! div]sity ( its adh]5ts1 & ! /ate ( confusion t assails on e side ! infant ,fai? ( ,god1 c = a mom5t "q ! necessity ( "s sort ( adm9i/rative ma*9]y t w insure1 amid ! /orm & /ress ( a /ruggl+ civilization1 ! unity ( ! ,fai?1 ! pres]vation ( its id5tity1 & ! protection ( its int]e/s8 ,to repudiate ! validity ( ! assemblies ( ! elect$ m9i/]s ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh w\ld be to reject ^? c\ntless ,tablets ( ,bah'u'llh & #8,abdu'l-,bah :]e9 ,!y h extoll$ ! /ation ( ! 8tru/ees ( ! ,m]ciful10 enum]at$ _! privileges & duties1 emphasiz$ ! glory ( _! mission1 reveal$ ! imm5sity ( _! task1 & w>n$ !m ( ! attacks !y mu/ ne$s expect f ! unwisdom ( _! fri5ds z well z f ! malice ( _! enemies4 ,x is surely = ^? to ^: h&s s priceless a h]itage has be5 committ$ to pray]fully wat* le/ ! tool %\ld sup]s$e ! ,fai? itself1 le/ undue conc]n = ! m9ute details aris+ f ! adm9i/ration ( ! ,cause obscure ! vision ( its promot]s1 le/ p>tiality1 ambition1 & worldl9ess t5d 9 ! c\rse ( "t to becl\d ! radiance1 /a9 ! purity1 & impair ! effectiv5ess ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh4 ,situation 9 ,egypt ,i h already ref]r$ 9 my previ\s communications ( ,janu>y #aj1 #aibf1 & ,febru>y #ab1 #aibg1 to ! p]plex+ yet highly significant situation t has aris5 9 ,egypt z a result ( ! f9al judgm5t ( ! ,muslim ecclesia/ical c\rt 9 t c\ntry pron\nc$ aga9/ our ,egyptian bre?r51 d5\nc+ !m z h]etics1 expell+ !m f _! mid/1 & refus+ !m ! application & b5efits ( ! ,muslim ,law4 ,i h also acqua9t$ y ) ! difficulties ) :i* !y are fac$1 & ! plans :i* !y h conceiv$1 9 ord] to obta9 f ! ,egyptian civil au?orities a recognition ( ! indep5d5t /atus ( _! ,fai?4 ,x mu/ be expla9$1 h[ev]1 t 9 ! ,muslim c\ntries ( ! ,ne> & ,middle ,ea/1 ) ! exception ( ,turkey :i* has lately aboli%$ all ecclesia/ical c\rts "u its rule1 e recogniz$ religi\s community has1 9 matt]s ( p]sonal /atus su* z m>riage1 divorce & inh]itance1 its own ecclesia/ical c\rt1 totally indep5d5t ( ! civil & crim9al tribunals1 !re be+ 9 su* in/ances no civil code promulgat$ by ! gov]nm5t & embrac+ all ! diff]5t religi\s communities4 ,hi!rto reg>d$ z a sect ( ,islm1 ! ,bah's ( ,egypt1 :o = ! mo/ "p are ( ,muslim orig91 & unable !re=e to ref] = purposes ( m>riage & divorce to ! recogniz$ religi\s tribunals ( any o!r d5om9ation1 f9d !mselves 9 consequ5ce 9 a delicate & anomal\s position4 ,!y h naturally resolv$ to ref] _! case to ! ,egyptian ,gov]nm5t1 & h prep>$ = ?is purpose a petition to be address$ to ! head ( ! ,egyptian ,cab9et4 ,9 ?is docum5t !y h set =? ! motives compell+ !m to seek recognition f _! rul]s1 h ass]t$ _! read9ess & _! qualifications to ex]cise ! functions ( an indep5d5t ,bah' c\rt1 h assur$ !m ( _! implicit ob$i5ce & loyalty to ! ,/ate1 & ( _! ab/95ce f int]f]5ce 9 ! politics ( _! c\ntry4 ,!y h also decid$ to accompany ! text ( _! petition ) a copy ( ! judgm5t ( ! ,c\rt1 ) selections f ,bah' writ+s1 & ) ! docum5t t sets =? ! pr9ciples ( _! national con/itution :i*1 ) few exceptions1 is id5tical ) ! ,decl>ation & ,by-laws promulgat$ by y\r ,assembly4 ,i h insi/$ t ! provisions ( _! con/itution %\ld1 9 all its details1 con=m to ! text ( ! ,decl>ation ( ,tru/ & ,by-laws :i* y h e/abli%$1 endeavor+ !reby to pres]ve ! uni=mity :i* ,i feel is ess5tial 9 all ,bah' ,national ,con/itutions4 ,i w\ld l1 !re=e1 9 ?is connection to reque/ ( y :at ,i h already intimat$ to !m1 t :atev] am5dm5ts y may decide to introduce 9 ! text ( ! ,decl>ation & ,by-laws %\ld be duly communicat$ to me1 t ,i may take ! necess>y /eps = ! introduction ( simil> *anges 9 ! text ( all o!r ,national ,bah' ,con/itutions4 ,x w be readily admitt$ t 9 view ( ! peculi> privileges grant$ to recogniz$ religi\s ,communities 9 ! ,islamic c\ntries ( ! ,ne> & ,middle ,ea/1 ! reque/ :i* is to be submitt$ by ! ,bah' ,egyptian ,national ,assembly to ! ,gov]nm5t ( ,egypt is m sub/antial & f>-rea*+ ?an :at has already be5 grant$ by ! ,f$]al ,au?orities to y\r ,assembly4 ,= _! petition is *iefly conc]n$ ) a =mal reque/ = recognition by ! highe/ civil au?orities 9 ,egypt ( ! ,egyptian ,national ,spiritual ,assembly z a recogniz$ & indep5d5t ,bah' c\rt1 free & able to execute & apply 9 all matt]s ( p]sonal /atus su* laws & ord9ances z h be5 promulgat$ by ,bah'u'llh 9 ! ,kitb-i-,aqdas4 ,i h ask$ !m to approa* in=mally ! au?orities conc]n$1 & to make ! fulle/ possible inquiry z a prelim9>y measure to ! =mal pres5tation ( _! hi/oric petition4 ,any assi/ance :i* y\r ,assembly1 aft] c>eful delib]ation1 may f9d x advisable to (f] to ! valiant promot]s ( ! ,fai? 9 t l& w be deeply appreciat$1 & w s]ve to confirm ! solid>ity t *>act]izes ! ,bah' ,communities ( ,ea/ & ,we/4 ,:atev] ! outcome ( ?is mighty issue--& none c fail to appreciate ! incalculable possibilities ( ! pres5t situation--we c re/ assur$ t ! guid+ ,h& t has releas$ ^! =ces w1 9 ,8 inscrutable wisdom & by ,8 omnipot5t p[]1 cont9ue to %ape & direct _! c\rse = ! glory1 ! ultimate emancipation1 & ! unqualifi$ recognition ( ,8 ,fai?4 ,y\r true bro!r1 ,%oghi4 ,haifa1 ,pale/9e4 ,febru>y #bg1 #aibi4 ,,! ,,_w ,,ord] ,,( ,,bah',u',,ll,h3 ,,fur!r ,,consid]ations ,! ,_w ,ord] ( ,bah'u'llh3 ,fur!r ,consid]ations ,to ! belov$ ( ! ,"l & ! h&maids ( ! ,m]ciful ?r\gh\t ! ,we/4 ,de>ly-belov$ co-work]s3 ,amid ! reports t h ( late rea*$ ! ,holy ,l&1 mo/ ( :i* witness to ! triumphant m>* ( ! ,cause1 a few seem to betray a c]ta9 appreh5sion reg>d+ ! validity ( ! in/itutions :i* /& insep>ably associat$ ) ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh4 ,^! express$ misgiv+s appe> to be actuat$ by c]ta9 :isp]+s :i* h emanat$ f qu>t]s :i* are ei!r :olly mis9=m$ reg>d+ ! fundam5tals ( ! ,bah' ,revelation1 or :i* delib]ately contrive to s[ ! se$s ( diss5sion 9 ! he>ts ( ! fai?ful4 ,a ,bless+ 9 ,disguise ,view$ 9 ! light ( pa/ exp]i5ce1 ! inevitable result ( su* futile attempts1 h[ev] p]si/5t & malici\s !y may be1 is to contribute to a wid] & deep] recognition by believ]s & unbeliev]s alike ( ! di/+ui%+ features ( ! ,fai? proclaim$ by ,bah'u'llh4 ,^! *all5g+ criticisms1 :e!r or n dictat$ by malice1 _c b s]ve to galvanize ! s\ls ( its ard5t support]s1 & to consolidate ! ranks ( its fai?ful promot]s4 ,!y w purge ! ,fai? f ^? p]nici\s elem5ts ^: cont9u$ association ) ! believ]s t5ds to discr$it ! fair "n ( ! ,cause1 & to t>ni% ! purity ( its _s4 ,we %\ld welcome1 !re=e1 n only ! op5 attacks :i* its av[$ enemies p]si/5tly laun* aga9/ x1 b %\ld also view z a bless+ 9 disguise e /orm ( mis*ief ) :i* !y :o apo/atize _! fai? or claim to be its fai?ful expon5ts assail x f "t to "t4 ,in/ead ( und]m9+ ! ,fai?1 su* assaults1 bo? f )9 & f )\t1 re9=ce its f\ndations1 & excite ! int5sity ( its flame4 ,design$ to becl\d its radiance1 !y proclaim to all ! _w ! exalt$ "* ( its precepts1 ! complet5ess ( its unity1 ! uniqu5ess ( its position1 & ! p]vasiv5ess ( its influ5ce4 ,i d n feel = "o mom5t t su* clamor1 mo/ly attributable to impot5t rage aga9/ ! resi/less m>* ( ! ,cause ( ,god1 c ev] di/ress ! valiant w>riors ( ! ,fai?4 ,= ^! h]oic s\ls1 :e!r !y be cont5d+ 9 ,am]ica's impregnable /ronghold1 or /ruggl+ 9 ! he>t ( ,europe1 & across ! seas z f> z ! cont95t ( ,au/ralasia1 h already abundantly demon/rat$ ! t5acity ( _! ,fai? & ! abid+ value ( _! conviction4 ,di/+ui%+ ,features ( ,bah' ,_w ,ord] ,i feel x1 h[ev]1 incumb5t ^u me by virtue ( ! responsibility atta*$ to ! ,gu>dian%ip ( ! ,fai?1 to dwell m fully ^u ! ess5tial "* & ! di/+ui%+ features ( t _w ord] z conceiv$ & proclaim$ by ,bah'u'llh4 ,i feel impell$1 at ! pres5t /age ( ! evolution ( ! ,bah' ,revelation1 to /ate c&idly & )\t any res]vation1 :atev] ,i reg>d may t5d to insure ! pres]vation ( ! integrity ( ! nasc5t in/itutions ( ! ,fai?4 ,i /rongly feel ! urge to elucidate c]ta9 facts1 :i* w\ld at once reveal to e fair-m9d$ obs]v] ! unique "* ( t ,div9e ,civilization ! f\ndations ( :i* ! un]r+ h& ( ,bah'u'llh has laid1 & ! ess5tial elem5ts ( :i* ! ,w & ,te/am5t ( #8,abdu'l-,bah has disclos$4 ,i consid] x my duty to w>n e beg9n] 9 ! ,fai? t ! promis$ glories ( ! ,sov]eignty :i* ! ,bah' tea*+s =e%ad[1 c be reveal$ only 9 ! fullness ( "t1 t ! implications ( ! ,aqdas & ! ,w ( #8,abdu'l-,bah1 z ! tw9 repositories ( ! con/itu5t elem5ts ( t ,sov]eignty1 are too f>-rea*+ = ?is g5]ation to grasp & fully appreciate4 ,i _c refra9 f appeal+ to !m :o /& id5tifi$ ) ! ,fai? to disreg>d ! prevail+ notions & ! fleet+ fa%ions ( ! day1 & to realize z nev] be=e t ! explod$ !ories & ! tott]+ in/itutions ( pres5t-day civilization mu/ ne$s appe> 9 %>p contra/ ) ^? ,god-giv5 in/itutions :i* are de/9$ to arise ^u _! ru94 ,i pray t !y may realize ) all _! he>t & s\l ! ineffable glory ( _! call+1 ! ov]:elm+ responsibility ( _! mission1 & ! a/\nd+ imm5sity ( _! task4 ,= let e e>ne/ uphold] ( ! ,cause ( ,bah'u'llh realize t ! /orms :i* ?is /ruggl+ ,fai? ( ,god mu/ ne$s enc\nt]1 z ! process ( ! dis9tegration ( society advances1 %all be fi]c] ?an any :i* x has already exp]i5c$4 ,let him be aw>e t s soon z ! full measure ( ! /up5d\s claim ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh comes to be recogniz$ by ^? "t-honor$ & p[]ful /rongholds ( or?odoxy1 ^: delib]ate aim is to ma9ta9 _! /ranglehold ov] ! ?\ghts & consci5ces ( m51 ?is infant ,fai? w h to cont5d ) enemies m p[]ful & m insidi\s ?an ! cruelle/ torture-mong]s & ! mo/ fanatical cl]ics :o h afflict$ x 9 ! pa/4 ,:at foes may n 9 ! c\rse ( ! convulsions t %all seize a dy+ civilization be br\ght into exi/5ce1 :o w re9=ce ! indignities :i* h already be5 heap$ ^u x6 ,! ,onslaught ( ,all ,peoples & ,k9dr$s ,we h only to ref] to ! w>n+s utt]$ by #8,abdu'l-,bah 9 ord] to realize ! ext5t & "* ( ! =ces t are de/9$ to conte/ ) ,god's holy ,fai?4 ,9 ! d>ke/ mom5ts ( ,8 life1 "u #8,abdu'l-amd's rgime1 :5 ,he /ood ready to be deport$ to ! mo/ inhospitable regions ( ,nor!rn ,africa1 & at a "t :5 ! auspici\s light ( ! ,bah' ,revelation _h only begun to break ^u ! ,we/1 ,he1 9 ,8 p>t+ message to ! c\s9 ( ! ,bb1 utt]$ ^! prophetic & om9\s words3 8,h[ great1 h[ v great is ! ,cause6 ,h[ v fi]ce ! onslaught ( all ! peoples & k9dr$s ( ! e>?4 ,ere long %all ! clamor ( ! multitude ?r\gh\t ,africa1 ?r\gh\t ,am]ica1 ! cry ( ! ,european & ( ! ,turk1 ! groan+ ( ,india & ,*9a1 be he>d f f> & ne>4 ,"o & all1 !y %all arise ) all _! p[] to resi/ ,8 ,cause4 ,!n %all ! knights ( ! ,"l1 assi/$ by ,8 grace f on high1 /r5g!n$ by fai?1 aid$ by ! p[] ( und]/&+1 & re9=c$ by ! legions ( ! ,cov5ant1 arise & make manife/ ! tru? ( ! v]se3 #8,behold ! confusion t ha? befall5 ! tribes ( ! defeat$6'0 ,/up5d\s z is ! /ruggle :i* ,8 words =e%ad[1 !y also te/ify to ! complete victory :i* ! uphold]s ( ! ,greate/ ,"n are de/9$ ev5tually to a*ieve4 ,peoples1 nations1 adh]5ts ( div]s fai?s1 w jo9tly & successively arise to %att] its unity1 to sap its =ce1 & to degrade its holy "n4 ,!y w assail n only ! _s :i* x inculcates1 b ! adm9i/ration :i* is ! *annel1 ! in/rum5t1 ! embodim5t ( t _s4 ,= z ! au?ority ) :i* ,bah'u'llh has inve/$ ! future ,bah' ,commonweal? becomes m & m app>5t1 ! fi]c] %all be ! *all5ge :i* f e qu>t] w be ?r[n at ! v]ities x en%r9es4 ,diff]5ce ,betwe5 ,bah' ,fai? & ,ecclesia/ical ,organizations ,x behooves u1 de> fri5ds1 to endeavor n only to famili>ize ourselves ) ! ess5tial features ( ?is supreme ,h&iwork ( ,bah'u'llh1 b also to grasp ! fundam5tal diff]5ce exi/+ betwe5 ?is _w-embrac+1 div9ely-appo9t$ ,ord] & ! *ief ecclesia/ical organizations ( ! _w1 :e!r !y p]ta9 to ! ,*ur* ( ,*ri/1 or to ! ord9ances ( ! ,muammadan ,disp5sation4 ,= ^? ^: priceless privilege is to gu>d ov]1 adm9i/] ! affairs1 & advance ! int]e/s ( ^! ,bah' in/itutions w h1 soon] or lat]1 to face ?is se>*+ "q3 8,:]e & h[ does ?is ,ord] e/abli%$ by ,bah'u'llh1 :i* to outw>d seem+ is b a replica ( ! in/itutions e/abli%$ 9 ,*ri/ianity & ,islm1 diff] f !m8 ,are n ! tw9 in/itutions ( ! ,h\se ( ,ju/ice & ( ! ,gu>dian%ip1 ! in/itution ( ! ,h&s ( ! ,cause ( ,god1 ! in/itution ( ! national & local ,assemblies1 ! in/itution ( ! ,ma%riqu'l-,adhkr1 b diff]5t names = ! in/itutions ( ! ,papacy & ! ,caliphate1 ) all _! att5d+ ecclesia/ical ord]s :i* ! ,*ri/ians & ,moslems uphold & advocate8 ,:at c possibly be ! ag5cy t c safegu>d ^! ,bah' in/itutions1 s /rik+ly resemblant1 9 "s ( _! features1 to ^? :i* h be5 re>$ by ! ,fa!rs ( ! ,*ur* & ! ,apo/les ( ,muammad1 f witness+ ! det]ioration 9 "*1 ! brea* ( unity1 & ! ext9ction ( influ5ce1 :i* h befall5 all organiz$ religi\s hi]>*ies8 ,:y %\ld !y n ev5tually suff] ! self-same fate t has ov]tak5 ! in/itutions :i* ! successors ( ,*ri/ & ,muammad h re>$80 ,^u ! answ] giv5 to ^! *all5g+ que/ions w1 9 a great measure1 dep5d ! success ( ! ef=ts :i* believ]s 9 e l& are n[ ex]t+ = ! e/abli%m5t ( ,god's k+dom ^u ! e>?4 ,few w fail to recognize t ! ,_s brea!d by ,bah'u'llh ^u ! _w1 & :i* is manife/+ itself ) v>y+ degrees ( int5sity ?r\gh ! ef=ts consci\sly display$ by ,8 av[$ support]s & indirectly ?r\gh c]ta9 humanit>ian organizations1 c nev] p]meate & ex]cise an abid+ influ5ce ^u mank9d unless & until x inc>nates itself 9 a visible ,ord]1 :i* w\ld be> ,8 "n1 :olly id5tify itself ) ,8 pr9ciples1 & function 9 con=mity ) ,8 laws4 ,t ,bah'u'llh 9 ,8 ,book ( ,aqdas1 & lat] #8,abdu'l-,bah 9 ,8 ,w--a docum5t :i* confirms1 supplem5ts1 & correlates ! provisions ( ! ,aqdas--h set =? 9 _! entirety ^? ess5tial elem5ts = ! con/itution ( ! _w ,bah' ,commonweal?1 no "o :o has read !m w d5y4 ,accord+ to ^! div9ely-orda9$ adm9i/rative pr9ciples1 ! ,disp5sation ( ,bah'u'llh--! ,ark ( human salvation--mu/ ne$s be model$4 ,f !m1 all future bless+s mu/ fl[1 & ^u !m its inviolable au?ority mu/ ultimately re/4 ,= ,bah'u'llh1 we %\ld readily recognize1 has n only imbu$ mank9d ) a new & reg5]at+ ,_s4 ,he has n m]ely enunciat$ c]ta9 univ]sal pr9ciples1 or prop\nd$ a p>ticul> philosophy1 h[ev] pot5t1 s\nd & univ]sal ^! may be4 ,9 addition to ^! ,he1 z well z #8,abdu'l-,bah aft] ,him1 has1 unlike ! ,disp5sations ( ! pa/1 cle>ly & specifically laid d[n a set ( ,laws1 e/abli%$ def9ite in/itutions1 & provid$ = ! ess5tials ( a ,div9e ,economy4 ,^! are de/9$ to be a patt]n = future society1 a supreme in/rum5t = ! e/abli%m5t ( ! ,mo/ ,great ,peace1 & ! "o ag5cy = ! unification ( ! _w1 & ! proclamation ( ! reign ( righte\sness & ju/ice ^u ! e>?4 ,n only h !y reveal$ all ! directions requir$ = ! practical realization ( ^? ideals :i* ! ,prophets ( ,god h visualiz$1 & :i* f "t immemorial h inflam$ ! imag9ation ( se]s & poets 9 e age4 ,!y h also1 9 unequivocal & emphatic language1 appo9t$ ^? tw9 in/itutions ( ! ,h\se ( ,ju/ice & ( ! ,gu>dian%ip z _! *os5 ,successors1 de/9$ to apply ! pr9ciples1 promulgate ! laws1 protect ! in/itutions1 adapt loyally & intellig5tly ! ,fai? to ! requirem5ts ( progressive society1 & consummate ! incorruptible inh]itance :i* ! ,f\nd]s ( ! ,fai? h bequea!d to ! _w4 ,%\ld we look back ^u ! pa/1 7 we to se>* out ! ,gospel & ! ,qur'n1 we w readily recognize t nei!r ! ,*ri/ian nor ! ,islamic ,disp5sations c (f] a p>allel ei!r to ! sy/em ( ,div9e ,economy s ?or\ghly e/abli%$ by ,bah'u'llh1 or to ! safegu>ds :i* ,he has provid$ = its pres]vation & advancem5t4 ,!re91 ,i am pr(\ndly conv9c$1 lies ! answ] to ^? que/ions to :i* ,i h already ref]r$4 ,none1 ,i feel1 w "q ! fact t ! fundam5tal reason :y ! unity ( ! ,*ur* ( ,*ri/ 0 irretrievably %att]$1 & its influ5ce 0 9 ! c\rse ( "t und]m9$1 0 t ! ,edifice :i* ! ,fa!rs ( ! ,*ur* re>$ aft] ! pass+ ( ,8 ,fir/ ,apo/le 0 an ,edifice t re/$ 9 n[ise ^u ! explicit directions ( ,*ri/ ,himself4 ,! au?ority & features ( _! adm9i/ration 7 :olly inf]r$1 & indirectly d]iv$1 ) m or less ju/ification1 f c]ta9 vague & fragm5t>y ref]5ces :i* !y f\nd scatt]$ among/ ,8 utt]ances z record$ 9 ! ,gospel4 ,n "o ( ! sacram5ts ( ! ,*ur*2 n "o ( ! rites & c]emonies :i* ! ,*ri/ian ,fa!rs h elaborately devis$ & o/5tati\sly obs]v$2 n "o ( ! elem5ts ( ! sev]e discipl9e !y rigor\sly impos$ ^u ! primitive ,*ri/ians2 none ( ^! repos$ on ! direct au?ority ( ,*ri/1 or emanat$ f ,8 specific utt]ances4 ,n "o ( ^! did ,*ri/ conceive1 none did ,he specifically inve/ ) suffici5t au?ority to ei!r int]pret ,8 ,^w1 or to add to :at ,he _h n specifically enjo9$4 ,= ?is reason1 9 lat] g5]ations1 voices 7 rais$ 9 prote/ aga9/ ! self-appo9t$ ,au?ority :i* arrogat$ to itself privileges & p[]s :i* did n emanate f ! cle> text ( ! ,gospel ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 & :i* con/itut$ a grave dep>ture f ! _s :i* t ,gospel did inculcate4 ,!y argu$ ) =ce & ju/ification t ! canons promulgat$ by ! ,c\ncils ( ! ,*ur* 7 n div9ely-appo9t$ laws1 b 7 m]ely human devices :i* did n ev5 re/ ^u ! actual utt]ances ( ,jesus4 ,_! cont5tion c5t]$ ar\nd ! fact t ! vague & inconclusive words1 address$ by ,*ri/ to ,pet]1 8,?\ art ,pet]1 & ^u ?is rock ,i w build my ,*ur*10 c\ld nev] ju/ify ! extreme measures1 ! elaborate c]emonials1 ! fett]+ cre$s & dogmas1 ) :i* ,8 successors h gradually burd5$ & obscur$ ,8 ,fai?4 ,_h x be5 possible = ! ,*ur* ,fa!rs1 ^: unw>rant$ au?ority 0 ?us fi]cely assail$ f e side1 to refute ! d5unciations heap$ ^u !m by quot+ specific utt]ances ( ,*ri/ reg>d+ ! future adm9i/ration ( ,8 ,*ur*1 or ! nature ( ! au?ority ( ,8 ,successors1 !y w\ld surely h be5 capable ( qu5*+ ! flame ( controv]sy1 & pres]v+ ! unity ( ,*ri/5dom4 ,! ,gospel1 h[ev]1 ! only repository ( ! utt]ances ( ,*ri/1 af=d$ no su* %elt] to ^! h>ass$ lead]s ( ! ,*ur*1 :o f\nd !mselves helpless 9 ! face ( ! pitiless onslaught ( _! enemy1 & :o ev5tually _h to submit to ! =ces ( s*ism :i* invad$ _! ranks4 ,9 ! ,muammadan ,revelation1 h[ev]1 al?\gh ,8 ,fai? z comp>$ ) t ( ,*ri/ 01 s f> z ! adm9i/ration ( ,8 ,disp5sation is conc]n$1 m complete & m specific 9 its provisions1 yet 9 ! matt] ( succession1 x gave no writt51 no b9d+ & conclusive in/ructions to ^? ^: mission 0 to propagate ,8 ,cause4 ,= ! text ( ! ,qur'n1 ! ord9ances ( :i* reg>d+ pray]1 fa/+1 m>riage1 divorce1 inh]itance1 pilgrimage1 & ! l1 h aft] ! revolution ( ?irte5 hundr$ ye>s rema9$ intact & op]ative1 gives no def9ite guidance reg>d+ ! ,law ( ,succession1 ! s\rce ( all ! diss5sions1 ! controv]sies1 & s*isms :i* h dismemb]$ & discr$it$ ,islm4 ,n s ) ! ,revelation ( ,bah'u'llh4 ,unlike ! ,disp5sation ( ,*ri/1 unlike ! ,disp5sation ( ,muammad1 unlike all ! ,disp5sations ( ! pa/1 ! apo/les ( ,bah'u'llh 9 e l&1 :]ev] !y labor & toil1 h be=e !m 9 cle>1 9 unequivocal & emphatic language1 all ! laws1 ! regulations1 ! pr9ciples1 ! in/itutions1 ! guidance1 !y require = ! prosecution & consummation ( _! task4 ,bo? 9 ! adm9i/rative provisions ( ! ,bah' ,disp5sation1 & 9 ! matt] ( succession1 z embodi$ 9 ! tw9 in/itutions ( ! ,h\se ( ,ju/ice & ( ! ,gu>dian%ip1 ! foll[]s ( ,bah'u'llh c summon to _! aid su* irrefutable evid5ces ( ,div9e ,guidance t none c resi/1 t none c belittle or ignore4 ,!re9 lies ! di/+ui%+ feature ( ! ,bah' ,revelation4 ,!re9 lies ! /r5g? ( ! unity ( ! ,fai?1 ( ! validity ( a ,revelation t claims n to de/roy or belittle previ\s ,revelations1 b to connect1 unify1 & fulfill !m4 ,?is is ! reason :y ,bah'u'llh & #8,abdu'l-,bah h bo? reveal$ & ev5 insi/$ ^u c]ta9 details 9 connection ) ! ,div9e ,economy :i* !y h bequea!d to u1 _! foll[]s4 ,?is is :y su* an emphasis has be5 plac$ 9 _! ,w & ,te/am5t ^u ! p[]s & pr]ogatives ( ! m9i/]s ( _! ,fai?4 ,= no?+ %ort ( ! explicit directions ( _! ,book1 & ! surpris+ly emphatic language ) :i* !y h clo!d ! provisions ( _! ,w1 c\ld possibly safegu>d ! ,fai? = :i* !y h bo? s glori\sly labor$ all _! lives4 ,no?+ %ort ( ?is c\ld protect x f ! h]esies & calumnies ) :i* d5om9ations1 peoples1 & gov]nm5ts h endeavor$1 & w1 ) increas+ vigor1 endeavor to assail x 9 future4 ,we %\ld also be> 9 m9d t ! di/+ui%+ "* ( ! ,bah' ,revelation does n solely consi/ 9 ! complet5ess & unque/ionable validity ( ! ,disp5sation :i* ! tea*+s ( ,bah'u'llh & #8,abdu'l-,bah h e/abli%$4 ,its excell5ce lies also 9 ! fact t ^? elem5ts :i* 9 pa/ ,disp5sations h1 )\t ! lea/ au?ority f _! ,f\nd]s1 be5 a s\rce ( corruption & ( incalculable h>m to ! ,fai? ( ,god1 h be5 /rictly exclud$ by ! cle> text ( ,bah'u'llh's writ+s4 ,^? unw>rant$ practices1 9 connection ) ! sacram5t ( baptism1 ( communion1 ( confession ( s9s1 ( asceticism1 ( prie/ly dom9ation1 ( elaborate c]emonials1 ( holy w> & ( polygamy1 h "o & all be5 rigidly suppress$ by ! ,p5 ( ,bah'u'llh2 :il/ ! rigidity & rigor ( c]ta9 obs]vances1 su* z fa/+1 :i* are necess>y to ! devotional life ( ! individual1 h be5 consid]ably abat$4 ,a ,liv+ ,organism ,x %\ld also be borne 9 m9d t ! ma*9]y ( ! ,cause has be5 s fa%ion$1 t :atev] is deem$ necess>y to incorporate into x 9 ord] to keep x 9 ! =efront ( all progressive movem5ts1 c1 accord+ to ! provisions made by ,bah'u'llh1 be safely embodi$ !re94 ,to ?is te/ify ! words ( ,bah'u'llh1 z record$ 9 ! ,eigh? ,leaf ( ! exalt$ ,p>adise3 8,x is incumb5t ^u ! ,tru/ees ( ! ,h\se ( ,ju/ice to take c\nsel toge!r reg>d+ ^? ?+s :i* h n outw>dly be5 reveal$ 9 ! ,book1 & to en=ce t :i* is agreeable to !m4 ,god w v]ily inspire !m ) :atsoev] ,he wille?1 & ,he1 v]ily1 is ! ,provid]1 ! ,omnisci5t40 ,n only has ! ,h\se ( ,ju/ice be5 inve/$ by ,bah'u'llh ) ! au?ority to legislate :atsoev] has n be5 explicitly & outw>dly record$ 9 ,8 holy ,writ1 ^u x has also be5 conf]r$ by ! ,w & ,te/am5t ( #8,abdu'l-,bah ! "r & p[] to abrogate1 accord+ to ! *anges & requirem5ts ( ! "t1 :atev] has be5 already enact$ & en=c$ by a prec$+ ,h\se ( ,ju/ice4 ,9 ?is connection1 ,he reveal$ ! foll[+ 9 ,8 ,w3 8,& inasmu* z ! ,h\se ( ,ju/ice ha? p[] to enact laws t are n expressly record$ 9 ! ,book & be> ^u daily transactions1 s also x ha? p[] to repeal ! same4 ,?us = example1 ! ,h\se ( ,ju/ice enacte? today a c]ta9 law & en=ce? x1 & a hundr$ ye>s h5ce1 circum/ances hav+ pr(\ndly *ang$ & ! conditions hav+ alt]$1 ano!r ,h\se ( ,ju/ice w !n h p[]1 accord+ to ! exig5cies ( ! "t1 to alt] t law4 ,?is x c d because t law =me? no "p ( ! div9e explicit text4 ,! ,h\se ( ,ju/ice is bo? ! initiator & ! abrogator ( its own laws40 ,su* is ! immutability ( ,8 reveal$ ,^w4 ,su* is ! ela/icity :i* *>act]izes ! functions ( ,8 appo9t$ m9i/]s4 ,! fir/ pres]ves ! id5tity ( ,8 ,fai?1 & gu>ds ! integrity ( ,8 law4 ,! second enables x1 ev5 z a liv+ organism1 to exp& & adapt itself to ! ne$s & requirem5ts ( an ev]-*ang+ society4 ,de> fri5ds6 ,feeble ?\gh our ,fai? may n[ appe> 9 ! eyes ( m51 :o ei!r d5\nce x z an (f%oot ( ,islm1 or contemptu\sly ignore x z "o m ( ^? obscure sects t ab\nd 9 ! ,we/1 ?is priceless gem ( ,div9e ,revelation1 n[ /ill 9 its embryonic /ate1 %all evolve )9 ! %ell ( ,8 law1 & %all =ge ahead1 undivid$ & unimpair$1 till x embraces ! :ole ( mank9d4 ,only ^? :o h already recogniz$ ! supreme /ation ( ,bah'u'llh1 only ^? ^: he>ts h be5 t\*$ by ,8 love1 & h become famili> ) ! pot5cy ( ,8 _s1 c adequately appreciate ! value ( ?is ,div9e ,economy--,8 ine/imable gift to mank9d4 ,lead]s ( religion1 expon5ts ( political !ories1 gov]nors ( human in/itutions1 :o at pres5t are witness+ ) p]plexity & dismay ! bankruptcy ( _! ideas1 & ! dis9tegration ( _! h&iwork1 w\ld d well to turn _! gaze to ! ,revelation ( ,bah'u'llh1 & to m$itate ^u ! ,_w ,ord] :i*1 ly+ en%r9$ 9 ,8 tea*+s1 is sl[ly & imp]ceptibly ris+ amid ! welt] & *aos ( pres5t-day civilization4 ,!y ne$ h no d\bt or anxiety reg>d+ ! nature1 ! orig9 or validity ( ! in/itutions :i* ! adh]5ts ( ! ,fai? are build+ up ?r\gh\t ! _w4 ,= ^! lie emb$d$ 9 ! tea*+s !mselves1 unadult]at$ & unobscur$ by unw>rantable inf]5ces1 or unau?oriz$ int]pretations ( ,8 ,^w4 ,h[ press+ & sacr$ ! responsibility t n[ weighs ^u ^? :o are already acqua9t$ ) ^! tea*+s6 ,h[ glori\s ! task ( ^? :o are call$ ^u to v9dicate _! tru?1 & demon/rate _! practicability to an unbeliev+ _w6 ,no?+ %ort ( an immovable conviction 9 _! div9e orig91 & _! uniqu5ess 9 ! annals ( religion2 no?+ %ort ( an unwav]+ purpose to execute & apply !m to ! adm9i/rative ma*9]y ( ! ,cause1 c be suffici5t to e/abli% _! reality1 & insure _! success4 ,h[ va/ is ! ,revelation ( ,bah'u'llh6 ,h[ great ! magnitude ( ,8 bless+s %[]$ ^u humanity 9 ?is day6 ,& yet1 h[ poor1 h[ inadequate our conception ( _! significance & glory6 ,?is g5]ation /&s too close to s colossal a ,revelation to appreciate1 9 _! full measure1 ! inf9ite possibilities ( ,8 ,fai?1 ! unprec$5t$ "* ( ,8 ,cause1 & ! my/]i\s disp5sations ( ,8 ,provid5ce4 ,9 ! qn1 ,bah'u'llh1 wi%+ to emphasize ! transc5d5t "* ( ?is new ,day ( ,god1 re9=ces ! /r5g? ( ,8 argum5t by ,8 ref]5ce to ! text ( a correct & au?oriz$ tradition1 :i* reveals ! foll[+3 8,k is tw5ty & sev5 lett]s4 ,all t ! ,prophets h reveal$ are two lett]s !re(4 ,no man ?us f> ha? kn[n m ?an ^! two lett]s4 ,b :5 ! ,q'im %all arise1 ,he w cause ! rema9+ tw5ty & five lett]s to be made manife/40 ,& !n imm$iately foll[ ^! confirm+ & illum9at+ words ( ,bah'u'llh3 8,consid]3 ,he ha? decl>$ k to consi/ ( tw5ty & sev5 lett]s1 & reg>d$ all ! prophets1 f ,adam ev5 unto ,muammad1 ! #8seal1' z exp\nd]s ( only two lett]s !re(4 ,he also sai? t ! ,q'im w reveal all ! rema9+ tw5ty & five lett]s4 ,behold f ?is utt]ance h[ great & l(ty is ,8 /ation6 ,8 rank excelle? t ( all ! prophets1 & ,8 revelation transc5de? ! compreh5sion & und]/&+ ( all _! *os5 ones4 ,a revelation1 ( :i* ! prophets ( ,god1 ,8 sa9ts & *os5 ones h ei!r n be5 in=m$ or :i*1 9 pursuance ( ,god's inscrutable decree1 !y h n disclos$--su* a revelation1 ^! vile & villa9\s p h s\ght to measure ) _! own defici5t m9ds1 _! own defici5t le>n+ & und]/&+40 ,9 ano!r passage ( ! same ,book1 ,bah'u'llh1 ref]r+ to ! trans=mation effect$ by e ,revelation 9 ! ways1 ?\ghts & mann]s ( ! p1 reveals ^! words3 8,is n ! object ( e ,revelation to effect a trans=mation 9 ! :ole "* ( mank9d1 a trans=mation t %all manife/ itself1 bo? outw>dly & inw>dly1 t %all affect bo? its inn] life & ext]nal conditions8 ,= if ! "* ( mank9d be n *ang$1 ! futility ( ,god's univ]sal ,manife/ations w\ld be app>5t40 ,did n ,*ri/ ,himself1 address+ ,8 disciples1 utt] ^! words3 8,i h yet _m ?+s to say unto y1 b ye _c be> !m n[4 ,h[beit :5 ,he1 ! ,_s ( ,tru?1 is come1 ,he w guide y into all tru?08 ,f ! text ( ?is recogniz$ tradition1 z well z f ! words ( ,*ri/1 z atte/$ by ! ,gospel1 e unprejudic$ obs]v] w readily appreh5d ! magnitude ( ! ,fai? :i* ,bah'u'llh has reveal$1 & recognize ! /agg]+ weight ( ! claim ,he has advanc$4 ,no wond] if #8,abdu'l-,bah has portray$ 9 su* lurid colors ! fi]c5ess ( ! agitation t %all c5t] 9 ! days to come r\nd ! nasc5t in/itutions ( ! ,fai?4 ,we c n[ b fa9tly disc]n ! beg9n+s ( t turmoil :i* ! rise & asc5dancy ( ! ,cause ( ,god is de/9$ to ca/ 9 ! _w4 ,! ,greate/ ,drama ( ! ,_w's ,spiritual ,hi/ory ,:e!r 9 ! f]oci\s & insidi\s campaign ( repression & cruelty :i* ! rul]s ( ,russia h laun*$ aga9/ ! uphold]s ( ! ,fai? "u _! rule2 :e!r 9 ! unyield+ animosity ) :i* ! ,%iites ( ,islm are trampl+ ^u ! sacr$ rights ( ! adh]5ts ( ! ,cause 9 connection ) ,bah'u'llh's h\se 9 ,baghdd2 :e!r 9 ! impot5t rage :i* has impell$ ! ecclesia/ical lead]s ( ! ,sunnite sect ( ,islm to expel our ,egyptian bre?r5 f _! mid/--9 all ( ^! we c p]ceive ! manife/ations ( ! rel5tless hate :i* peoples1 religions1 & gov]nm5ts ent]ta9 = s pure1 s innoc5t1 s glori\s a ,fai?4 ,ours is ! duty to pond] ^! ?+s 9 our he>t1 to /rive to wid5 our vision1 & to deep5 our compreh5sion ( ?is ,cause1 & to arise1 resolutely & unres]v$ly1 to play our "p1 h[ev] small1 9 ?is greate/ drama ( ! _w's spiritual hi/ory4 ,y\r bro!r & co-work]1 ,%oghi4 ,haifa1 ,pale/9e1 ,m>* #ba1 #aicj4 ,,! ,,goal ,,( ,a ,,new ,,_w ,,ord] ,! ,goal ( a ,new ,_w ,ord] ,fell[-believ]s 9 ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh3 ,! inexorable m>* ( rec5t ev5ts has c>ri$ humanity s ne> to ! goal =e%ad[$ by ,bah'u'llh t no responsible foll[] ( ,8 ,fai?1 view+ on all sides ! di/ress+ evid5ces ( ! _w's travail1 c rema9 unmov$ at ! ?\ght ( its approa*+ deliv]ance4 ,x w\ld n seem inappropriate1 at a "t :5 we are commemorat+ ! _w ov] ! t]m9ation ( ! fir/ decade s9ce #8,abdu'l-,bah's sudd5 removal f our mid/1 to pond]1 9 ! light ( ! tea*+s bequea!d by ,him to ! _w1 su* ev5ts z h t5d$ to ha/5 ! gradual em]g5ce ( ! ,_w ,ord] anticipat$ by ,bah'u'llh4 ,t5 ye>s ago1 ?is v day1 !re fla%$ ^u ! _w ! news ( ! pass+ ( ,him ,:o alone1 ?r\gh ! ennobl+ influ5ce ( ,8 love1 /r5g? & wisdom1 c\ld h prov$ its /ay & solace 9 ! _m afflictions x 0 de/9$ to suff]4 ,h[ well we1 ! little b& ( ,8 av[$ support]s :o lay claim to h recogniz$ ! ,light t %one )9 ,him1 c /ill rememb] ,8 repeat$ allusions1 9 ! ev5+ ( ,8 e>?ly life1 to ! tribulation & turmoil ) :i* an unreg5]ate humanity 0 to be increas+ly afflict$4 ,h[ poignantly "s ( u c recall ,8 pregnant rem>ks1 9 ! pres5ce ( ! pilgrims & visitors :o ?rong$ ,8 doors on ! morr[ ( ! jubilant celebrations t greet$ ! t]m9ation ( ! ,_w ,w>--a w>1 :i* by ! horrors x evok$1 ! losses x entail$ & ! complications x eng5d]$1 0 de/9$ to ex]t s f>-rea*+ an influ5ce on ! =tunes ( mank9d4 ,h[ s]5ely1 yet h[ p[]fully1 ,he /ress$ ! cruel deception :i* a ,pact1 hail$ by peoples & nations z ! embodim5t ( triumphant ju/ice & ! unfail+ in/rum5t ( an abid+ peace1 held 9 /ore = an unrep5t$ humanity4 ,peace1 ,peace1 h[ (t5 we he>d ,him rem>k1 ! lips ( pot5tates & peoples unceas+ly proclaim1 :]eas ! fire ( unqu5*$ hatr$s /ill sm\ld]s 9 _! he>ts4 ,h[ (t5 we he>d ,him raise ,8 voice1 :il/ ! tumult ( triumphant en?usiasm 0 /ill at its height & long be=e ! fa9te/ misgiv+s c\ld h be5 felt or express$1 confid5tly decl>+ t ! ,docum5t1 extoll$ z ! ,*>t] ( a lib]at$ humanity1 conta9$ )9 itself se$s ( su* bitt] deception z w\ld fur!r enslave ! _w4 ,h[ abundant are n[ ! evid5ces t atte/ ! p]spicacity ( ,8 un]r+ judgm5t6 ,t5 ye>s ( unceas+ turmoil1 s lad5 ) angui%1 s fraught ) incalculable consequ5ces to ! future ( civilization1 h br\ght ! _w to ! v]ge ( a calamity too awful to contemplate4 ,sad inde$ is ! contra/ betwe5 ! manife/ations ( confid5t en?usiasm 9 :i* ! ,pl5ipot5ti>ies at ,v]sailles s freely indulg$ & ! cry ( unconceal$ di/ress :i* victors & vanqui%$ alike are n[ rais+ 9 ! h\r ( bitt] delusion4 ,a ,w>-,we>y ,_w ,nei!r ! =ce :i* ! fram]s & gu>antors ( ! ,peace ,treaties h mu/]$1 nor ! l(ty ideals :i* orig9ally animat$ ! au?or ( ! ,cov5ant ( ! ,league ( ,nations1 h prov$ a suffici5t bulw>k aga9/ ! =ces ( int]nal disruption ) :i* a /ructure s labori\sly contriv$ _h be5 consi/5tly assail$4 ,nei!r ! provisions ( ! s-call$ ,settlem5t :i* ! victori\s ,p[]s h s\ght to impose1 nor ! ma*9]y ( an in/itution :i* ,am]ica's illu/ri\s & f>-see+ ,presid5t _h conceiv$1 h prov$1 ei!r 9 conception or practice1 adequate in/rum5ts to ensure ! integrity ( ! ,ord] !y _h /riv5 to e/abli%4 8,! ills f :i* ! _w n[ suff]s10 wrote #8,abdu'l-,bah 9 ,janu>y1 #aibj1 8w multiply2 ! gloom :i* envelops x w deep54 ,! ,balkans w rema9 discont5t$4 ,its re/lessness w increase4 ,! vanqui%$ ,p[]s w cont9ue to agitate4 ,!y w resort to e measure t may rek9dle ! flame ( w>4 ,movem5ts1 newly-born & _w-wide 9 _! range1 w ex]t _! utmo/ ef=t = ! advancem5t ( _! designs4 ,! ,movem5t ( ! ,left w acquire great importance4 ,its influ5ce w spread40 ,economic di/ress1 s9ce ^? words 7 writt51 toge!r ) political confusion1 f9ancial upheavals1 religi\s re/lessness & racial animosities1 seem to h conspir$ to add immeasurably to ! burd5s "u :i* an impov]i%$1 a w>-we>y _w is groan+4 ,su* has be5 ! cumulative effect ( ^! successive crises1 foll[+ "o ano!r ) su* bewild]+ rapidity1 t ! v f\ndations ( society are trembl+4 ,! _w1 to :i*ev] cont95t we turn our gaze1 to h[ev] remote a region our survey may ext5d1 is ev]y:]e assail$ by =ces x c nei!r expla9 nor control4 ,europe1 hi!rto reg>d$ z ! cradle ( a highly-vaunt$ civilization1 z ! tor*-be>] ( lib]ty & ! ma9spr+ ( ! =ces ( _w indu/ry & comm]ce1 /&s bewild]$ & p>alyz$ at ! sight ( s trem5d\s an upheaval4 ,long-*]i%$ ideals 9 ! political no less ?an 9 ! economic sph]e ( human activity are be+ sev]ely te/$ "u ! pressure ( reaction>y =ces on "o h& & ( an insidi\s & p]si/5t radicalism on ! o!r4 ,f ! he>t ( ,asia di/ant rumbl+s1 om9\s & insi/5t1 port5d ! /eady onslaught ( a cre$ :i*1 by its negation ( ,god1 ,8 ,laws & ,pr9ciples1 ?reat5s to disrupt ! f\ndations ( human society4 ,! clamor ( a nasc5t nationalism1 c\pl$ ) a recrudesc5ce ( skepticism & unbelief1 come z add$ mis=tunes to a cont95t hi!rto reg>d$ z ! symbol ( age-long /ability & undi/urb$ resignation4 ,f d>ke/ ,africa ! fir/ /irr+s ( a consci\s & det]m9$ revolt aga9/ ! aims & me?ods ( political & economic imp]ialism c be increas+ly disc]n$1 add+ _! %>e to ! gr[+ vicissitudes ( a tr\bl$ age4 ,n ev5 ,am]ica1 :i* until v rec5tly prid$ itself on its traditional policy ( alo(ness & ! self-conta9$ "* ( its economy1 ! invuln]ability ( its in/itutions & ! evid5ces ( its gr[+ prosp]ity & pre/ige1 has be5 able to resi/ ! impell+ =ces t h swept h] into ! vortex ( an economic hurricane t n[ ?reat5s to impair ! basis ( h] own indu/rial & economic life4 ,ev5 f>-away ,au/ralia1 :i*1 ow+ to its remot5ess f ! /orm-c5t]s ( ,europe1 w\ld h be5 expect$ to be immune f ! trials & torm5ts ( an ail+ cont95t1 has be5 caught 9 ?is :irlpool ( passion & /rife1 impot5t to extricate h]self f _! ensn>+ influ5ce4 ,! ,signs ( ,imp5d+ ,*aos ,nev] inde$ h !re be5 su* widespread & basic upheavals1 :e!r 9 ! social1 economic or political sph]es ( human activity z ^? n[ go+ on 9 diff]5t p>ts ( ! _w4 ,nev] h !re be5 s _m & v>i$ s\rces ( dang] z ^? t n[ ?reat5 ! /ructure ( society4 ,! foll[+ words ( ,bah'u'llh are inde$ significant z we pause to reflect ^u ! pres5t /ate ( a /rangely disord]$ _w3 8,h[ long w humanity p]si/ 9 its wayw>dness8 ,h[ long w inju/ice cont9ue8 ,h[ long is *aos & confusion to reign among/ m58 ,h[ long w discord agitate ! face ( society8 ,! w9ds ( despair are1 alas1 bl[+ f e direction1 & ! /rife t divides & afflicts ! human race is daily increas+4 ,! signs ( imp5d+ convulsions & *aos c n[ be disc]n$1 inasmu* z ! prevail+ ord] appe>s to be lam5tably defective40 ,! disquiet+ influ5ce ( ov] ?irty million s\ls liv+ "u m9ority conditions ?r\gh\t ! cont95t ( ,europe2 ! va/ & ev]-swell+ army ( ! unemploy$ ) its cru%+ burd5 & demoraliz+ influ5ce on gov]nm5ts & peoples2 ! wick$1 unbridl$ race ( armam5ts swall[+ an ev]-increas+ %>e ( ! sub/ance ( already impov]i%$ nations2 ! utt] demoralization f :i* ! int]national f9ancial m>kets are n[ increas+ly suff]+2 ! onslaught ( secul>ism invad+ :at has hi!rto be5 reg>d$ z ! impregnable /rongholds ( ,*ri/ian & ,muslim or?odoxy--^! /& out z ! grave/ symptoms t bode ill = ! future /ability ( ! /ructure ( mod]n civilization4 ,little wond] if "o ( ,europe's prem95t ?9k]s1 honor$ = 8 wisdom & re/ra9t1 %\ld h be5 =c$ to make s bold an ass]tion3 8,! _w is pass+ ?r\gh ! grave/ crisis 9 ! hi/ory ( civilization40 8,we /&10 writes ano!r1 8be=e ei!r a _w cata/rophe1 or p]haps be=e ! dawn ( a great] era ( tru? & wisdom40 8,x is 9 su* times10 he adds1 8t religions h p]i%$ & are born40 ,might we n already disc]n1 z we scan ! political horizon1 ! alignm5t ( ^? =ces t are divid+ afre% ! cont95t ( ,europe into camps ( pot5tial combatants1 det]m9$ ^u a conte/ t may m>k1 unlike ! la/ w>1 ! end ( an epo*1 a va/ epo*1 9 ! hi/ory ( human evolution8 ,are we1 ! privileg$ cu/odians ( a priceless ,fai?1 call$ ^u to witness a cataclysmical *ange1 politically z fundam5tal & spiritually z b5efic5t z t :i* precipitat$ ! fall ( ! ,roman ,empire 9 ! ,we/8 ,might x n happ5--e vigilant adh]5t ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh might well pause to reflect--t out ( ?is _w eruption !re may /ream =ces ( su* spiritual en]gy z %all recall1 nay eclipse1 ! spl5dor ( ^? signs & wond]s t accompani$ ! e/abli%m5t ( ! ,fai? ( ,jesus ,*ri/8 ,might !re n em]ge out ( ! agony ( a %ak5 _w a religi\s revival ( su* scope & p[] z to ev5 transc5d ! pot5cy ( ^? _w-direct+ =ces ) :i* ! ,religions ( ! ,pa/ h1 at fix$ int]vals & accord+ to an inscrutable ,wisdom1 reviv$ ! =tunes ( decl9+ ages & peoples8 ,might n ! bankruptcy ( ?is pres5t1 ?is highly-vaunt$ mat]iali/ic civilization1 9 itself cle> away ! *ok+ we$s t n[ h9d] ! unfoldm5t & future effloresc5ce ( ,god's /ruggl+ ,fai?8 ,let ,bah'u'llh ,himself %$ ! illum9ation ( ,8 words ^u our pa? z we /e] our c\rse amid ! pitfalls & mis]ies ( ?is tr\bl$ age4 ,m ?an fifty ye>s ago1 9 a _w f> remov$ f ! ills & trials t n[ torm5t x1 !re fl[$ f ,8 ,p5 ^! prophetic words3 8,! _w is 9 travail & its agitation waxe? day by day4 ,its face is turn$ t[>ds wayw>dness & unbelief4 ,su* %all be its plight t to disclose x n[ w\ld n be meet & seemly4 ,its p]v]sity w long cont9ue4 ,& :5 ! appo9t$ h\r is come1 !re %all sudd5ly appe> t :i* %all cause ! limbs ( mank9d to quake4 ,!n & only !n w ! ,div9e ,/&>d be unfurl$ & ! ,night+ale ( ,p>adise w>ble its melody40 ,! ,impot5ce ( ,/atesman%ip ,de>ly-belov$ fri5ds6 ,humanity1 :e!r view$ 9 ! light ( man's individual conduct or 9 ! exi/+ relation%ips betwe5 organiz$ communities & nations1 has1 alas1 /ray$ too f> & suff]$ too great a decl9e to be r$eem$ ?r\gh ! unaid$ ef=ts ( ! be/ among its recogniz$ rul]s & /atesm5--h[ev] dis9t]e/$ _! motives1 h[ev] conc]t$ _! action1 h[ev] unsp>+ 9 _! zeal & devotion to its cause4 ,no s*eme :i* ! calculations ( ! highe/ /atesman%ip may yet devise2 no doctr9e :i* ! mo/ di/+ui%$ expon5ts ( economic !ory may hope to advance2 no pr9ciple :i* ! mo/ ard5t ( morali/s may /rive to inculcate1 c provide1 9 ! la/ resort1 adequate f\ndations ^u :i* ! future ( a di/ract$ _w c be built4 ,no appeal = mutual tol]ance :i* ! worldly-wise might raise1 h[ev] compell+ & insi/5t1 c calm its passions or help re/ore its vigor4 ,nor w\ld any g5]al s*eme ( m]e organiz$ int]national cop]ation1 9 :atev] sph]e ( human activity1 h[ev] +5i\s 9 conception1 or ext5sive 9 scope1 succe$ 9 remov+ ! root cause ( ! evil t has s rudely upset ! equilibrium ( pres5t-day society4 ,n ev51 ,i v5ture to ass]t1 w\ld ! v act ( devis+ ! ma*9]y requir$ = ! political & economic unification ( ! _w--a pr9ciple t has be5 increas+ly advocat$ 9 rec5t times--provide 9 itself ! antidote aga9/ ! poison t is /eadily und]m9+ ! vigor ( organiz$ peoples & nations4 ,:at else1 might we n confid5tly affirm1 b ! unres]v$ acceptance ( ! ,div9e ,program enunciat$1 ) su* simplicity & =ce z f> back z sixty ye>s ago1 by ,bah'u'llh1 embody+ 9 its ess5tials ,god's div9ely appo9t$ s*eme = ! unification ( mank9d 9 ?is age1 c\pl$ ) an indomitable conviction 9 ! unfail+ efficacy ( ea* & all ( its provisions1 is ev5tually capable ( )/&+ ! =ces ( int]nal dis9tegration :i*1 if un*eck$1 mu/ ne$s cont9ue to eat into ! vitals ( a despair+ society4 ,x is t[>ds ?is goal--! goal ( a new ,_w ,ord]1 ,div9e 9 orig91 all-embrac+ 9 scope1 equitable 9 pr9ciple1 *all5g+ 9 its features--t a h>ass$ humanity mu/ /rive4 ,to claim to h grasp$ all ! implications ( ,bah'u'llh's prodigi\s s*eme = _w-wide human solid>ity1 or to h fa?om$ its import1 w\ld be presumptu\s on ! "p ( ev5 ! decl>$ support]s ( ,8 ,fai?4 ,to attempt to visualize x 9 all its possibilities1 to e/imate its future b5efits1 to picture its glory1 w\ld be premature at ev5 s advanc$ a /age 9 ! evolution ( mank9d4 ,! ,guid+ ,pr9ciples ( ,_w ,ord] ,all we c reasonably v5ture to attempt is to /rive to obta9 a glimpse ( ! fir/ /reaks ( ! promis$ ,dawn t mu/1 9 ! fullness ( "t1 *ase away ! gloom t has encircl$ humanity4 ,all we c d is to po9t out1 9 _! broade/ outl9es1 :at appe> to u to be ! guid+ pr9ciples und]ly+ ! ,_w ,ord] ( ,bah'u'llh1 z amplifi$ & enunciat$ by #8,abdu'l-,bah1 ! ,c5t] ( ,8 ,cov5ant ) all mank9d & ! appo9t$ ,int]pret] & ,exp\nd] ( ,8 ,^w4 ,t ! unre/ & suff]+ afflict+ ! mass ( mank9d are 9 no small measure ! direct consequ5ces ( ! ,_w ,w> & are attributable to ! unwisdom & %ortsight$ness ( ! fram]s ( ! ,peace ,treaties only a bias$ m9d c refuse to admit4 ,t ! f9ancial obligations contract$ 9 ! c\rse ( ! w>1 z well z ! imposition ( a /agg]+ burd5 ( rep>ations ^u ! vanqui%$1 h1 to a v great ext5t1 be5 responsible = ! maldi/ribution & consequ5t %ortage ( ! _w's monet>y gold supply1 :i* 9 turn has1 to a v great measure1 acc5tuat$ ! ph5om5al fall 9 prices & !reby rel5tlessly increas$ ! burd5s ( impov]i%$ c\ntries1 no imp>tial m9d w\ld "q4 ,t int]-gov]nm5tal debts h impos$ a sev]e /ra9 on ! masses ( ! p 9 ,europe1 h upset ! equilibrium ( national budgets1 h crippl$ national indu/ries1 & l$ to an increase 9 ! numb] ( ! unemploy$1 is no less app>5t to an unprejudic$ obs]v]4 ,t ! _s ( v9dictiv5ess1 ( suspicion1 ( fe> & rivalry1 eng5d]$ by ! w>1 & :i* ! provisions ( ! ,peace ,treaties h s]v$ to p]petuate & fo/]1 has l$ to an enorm\s increase ( national competitive armam5ts1 involv+ dur+ ! la/ ye> ! aggregate exp5diture ( no less ?an a ?\s& million p\nds1 :i* 9 turn has acc5tuat$ ! effects ( ! _w-wide depression1 is a tru? t ev5 ! mo/ sup]ficial obs]v] w readily admit4 ,t a n>r[ & brutal nationalism1 :i* ! po/-w> !ory ( self-det]m9ation has s]v$ to re9=ce1 has be5 *iefly responsible = ! policy ( high & prohibitive t>iffs1 s injuri\s to ! heal?y fl[ ( int]national trade & to ! me*anism ( int]national f9ance1 is a fact :i* few w\ld v5ture to dispute4 ,x w\ld be idle1 h[ev]1 to cont5d t ! w>1 ) all ! losses x involv$1 ! passions x ar\s$ & ! grievances x left beh9d1 has solely be5 responsible = ! unprec$5t$ confusion into :i* almo/ e section ( ! civiliz$ _w is plung$ at pres5t4 ,is x n a fact--& ?is is ! c5tral idea ,i desire to emphasize--t ! fundam5tal cause ( ?is _w unre/ is attributable1 n s mu* to ! consequ5ces ( :at mu/ soon] or lat] come to be reg>d$ z a transitory dislocation 9 ! affairs ( a cont9ually *ang+ _w1 b r to ! failure ( ^? into ^: h&s ! imm$iate de/9ies ( peoples & nations h be5 committ$1 to adju/ _! sy/em ( economic & political in/itutions to ! imp]ative ne$s ( a rapidly evolv+ age8 ,are n ^! int]mitt5t crises t convulse pres5t-day society due prim>ily to ! lam5table inability ( ! _w's recogniz$ lead]s to read aright ! signs ( ! times1 to rid !mselves once = all ( _! preconceiv$ ideas & fett]+ cre$s1 & to re%ape ! ma*9]y ( _! respective gov]nm5ts accord+ to ^? /&>ds t are implicit 9 ,bah'u'llh's supreme decl>ation ( ! ,on5ess ( ,mank9d--! *ief & di/+ui%+ feature ( ! ,fai? ,he proclaim$8 ,= ! pr9ciple ( ! ,on5ess ( ,mank9d1 ! corn]/one ( ,bah'u'llh's _w-embrac+ dom9ion1 implies no?+ m nor less ?an ! en=cem5t ( ,8 s*eme = ! unification ( ! _w--! s*eme to :i* we h already ref]r$4 8,9 e ,disp5sation10 writes #8,abdu'l-,bah1 8! light ( ,div9e ,guidance has be5 focuss$ ^u "o c5tral !me4444 ,9 ?is wondr\s ,revelation1 ?is glori\s c5tury1 ! f\ndation ( ! ,fai? ( ,god & ! di/+ui%+ feature ( ,8 ,law is ! consci\sness ( ! ,on5ess ( ,mank9d40 ,h[ pa!tic inde$ are ! ef=ts ( ^? lead]s ( human in/itutions :o1 9 utt] disreg>d ( ! _s ( ! age1 are /riv+ to adju/ national processes1 suit$ to ! anci5t days ( self-conta9$ nations1 to an age :i* mu/ ei!r a*ieve ! unity ( ! _w1 z adumbrat$ by ,bah'u'llh1 or p]i%4 ,at s critical an h\r 9 ! hi/ory ( civilization x behooves ! lead]s ( all ! nations ( ! _w1 great & small1 :e!r 9 ! ,ea/ or 9 ! ,we/1 :e!r victors or vanqui%$1 to give he$ to ! cl>ion call ( ,bah'u'llh &1 ?or\ghly imbu$ ) a s5se ( _w solid>ity1 ! s9e qu non ( loyalty to ,8 ,cause1 arise manfully to c>ry out 9 its entirety ! "o rem$ial s*eme ,he1 ! ,div9e ,physician1 has prescrib$ = an ail+ humanity4 ,let !m disc>d1 once = all1 e preconceiv$ idea1 e national prejudice1 & give he$ to ! sublime c\nsel ( #8,abdu'l-,bah1 ! au?oriz$ ,exp\nd] ( ,8 tea*+s4 ,y c be/ s]ve y\r c\ntry1 0 #8,abdu'l-,bah's rejo9d] to a high (ficial 9 ! s]vice ( ! f$]al gov]nm5t ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates ( ,am]ica1 :o _h que/ion$ ,him z to ! be/ mann] 9 :i* he c\ld promote ! int]e/s ( 8 gov]nm5t & p1 if y /rive1 9 y\r capacity z a citiz5 ( ! _w1 to assi/ 9 ! ev5tual application ( ! pr9ciple ( f$]alism und]ly+ ! gov]nm5t ( y\r own c\ntry to ! relation%ips n[ exi/+ betwe5 ! peoples & nations ( ! _w4 ,9 ,! ,secret ( ,div9e ,civilization 7,! ,my/]i\s ,=ces ( ,civilization71 #8,abdu'l-,bah's out/&+ contribution to ! future reorganization ( ! _w1 we read ! foll[+3 8,true civilization w unfurl its bann] 9 ! midmo/ he>t ( ! _w :5ev] a c]ta9 numb] ( its di/+ui%$ & high-m9d$ sov]eigns--! %9+ exempl>s ( devotion & det]m9ation--%all1 = ! good & happ9ess ( all mank9d1 arise1 ) firm resolve & cle> vision1 to e/abli% ! ,cause ( ,univ]sal ,peace4 ,!y mu/ make ! ,cause ( ,peace ! object ( g5]al consultation1 & seek by e means 9 _! p[] to e/abli% a ,union ( ! nations ( ! _w4 ,!y mu/ conclude a b9d+ treaty & e/abli% a cov5ant1 ! provisions ( :i* %all be s\nd1 inviolable & def9ite4 ,!y mu/ proclaim x to all ! _w & obta9 = x ! sanction ( all ! human race4 ,?is supreme & noble und]tak+--! real s\rce ( ! peace & well-be+ ( all ! _w--%\ld be reg>d$ z sacr$ by all t dwell on e>?4 ,all ! =ces ( humanity mu/ be mobiliz$ to ensure ! /ability & p]man5ce ( ?is ,mo/ ,great ,cov5ant4 ,9 ?is all-embrac+ ,pact ! limits & fronti]s ( ea* & e nation %\ld be cle>ly fix$1 ! pr9ciples und]ly+ ! relations ( gov]nm5ts t[>ds "o ano!r def9itely laid d[n1 & all int]national agreem5ts & obligations asc]ta9$4 ,9 l mann]1 ! size ( ! armam5ts ( e gov]nm5t %\ld be /rictly limit$1 = if ! prep>ations = w> & ! milit>y =ces ( any nation %\ld be all[$ to increase1 !y w ar\se ! suspicion ( o!rs4 ,! fundam5tal pr9ciple und]ly+ ?is solemn ,pact %\ld be s fix$ t if any gov]nm5t lat] violate any "o ( its provisions1 all ! gov]nm5ts on e>? %\ld arise to r$uce x to utt] submission1 nay ! human race z a :ole %\ld resolve1 ) e p[] at its disposal1 to de/roy t gov]nm5t4 ,%\ld ?is greate/ ( all rem$ies be appli$ to ! sick body ( ! _w1 x w assur$ly recov] f its ills & w rema9 et]nally safe & secure40 8,a few10 ,he fur!r adds1 8unaw>e ( ! p[] lat5t 9 human endeavor1 consid] ?is matt] z highly impracticable1 nay ev5 beyond ! scope ( man's utmo/ ef=ts4 ,su* is n ! case1 h[ev]4 ,on ! contr>y1 ?anks to ! unfail+ grace ( ,god1 ! lov+-k9dness ( ,8 favor$ ones1 ! unrival$ endeavors ( wise & capable s\ls1 & ! ?\ghts & ideas ( ! pe]less lead]s ( ?is age1 no?+ :atsoev] c be reg>d$ z unatta9able4 ,endeavor1 ceaseless endeavor1 is requir$4 ,no?+ %ort ( an indomitable det]m9ation c possibly a*ieve x4 ,_m a cause :i* pa/ ages h reg>d$ z purely vision>y1 yet 9 ?is day has become mo/ easy & practicable4 ,:y %\ld ?is mo/ great & l(ty ,cause--! day-/> ( ! firmam5t ( true civilization & ! cause ( ! glory1 ! advancem5t1 ! well-be+ & ! success ( all humanity--be reg>d$ z impossible ( a*ievem5t8 ,surely ! day w come :5 its beaute\s light %all %$ illum9ation ^u ! assemblage ( man40 ,sev5 ,lights ( ,unity ,9 "o ( ,8 ,tablets #8,abdu'l-,bah1 elucidat+ fur!r ,8 noble !me1 reveals ! foll[+3 8,9 cycles gone by1 ?\gh h>mony 0 e/abli%$1 yet1 ow+ to ! abs5ce ( means1 ! unity ( all mank9d c\ld n h be5 a*iev$4 ,cont95ts rema9$ widely divid$1 nay ev5 among ! peoples ( "o & ! same cont95t association & int]*ange ( ?\ght 7 well nigh impossible4 ,consequ5tly int]c\rse1 und]/&+ & unity among/ all ! peoples & k9dr$s ( ! e>? 7 unatta9able4 ,9 ?is day1 h[ev]1 means ( communication h multipli$1 & ! five cont95ts ( ! e>? h virtually m]g$ into "o4444 ,9 l mann] all ! memb]s ( ! human family1 :e!r peoples or gov]nm5ts1 cities or villages1 h become increas+ly int]dep5d5t4 ,= none is self-suffici5cy any long] possible1 inasmu* z political ties unite all peoples & nations1 & ! bonds ( trade & indu/ry1 ( agriculture & education1 are be+ /r5g!n$ e day4 ,h5ce ! unity ( all mank9d c 9 ?is day be a*iev$4 ,v]ily ?is is none o!r b "o ( ! wond]s ( ?is wondr\s age1 ?is glori\s c5tury4 ,( ?is pa/ ages h be5 depriv$1 = ?is c5tury--! c5tury ( light--has be5 end[$ ) unique & unprec$5t$ glory1 p[] & illum9ation4 ,h5ce ! miracul\s unfold+ ( a fre% m>vel e day4 ,ev5tually x w be se5 h[ bright its c&les w burn 9 ! assemblage ( man4 8,behold h[ its light is n[ dawn+ ^u ! _w's d>k5$ horizon4 ,! fir/ c&le is unity 9 ! political realm1 ! e>ly glimm]+s ( :i* c n[ be disc]n$4 ,! second c&le is unity ( ?\ght 9 _w und]tak+s1 ! consummation ( :i* w ere long be witness$4 ,! ?ird c&le is unity 9 fre$om :i* w surely come to pass4 ,! f\r? c&le is unity 9 religion :i* is ! corn]-/one ( ! f\ndation itself1 & :i*1 by ! p[] ( ,god1 w be reveal$ 9 all its spl5dor4 ,! fif? c&le is ! unity ( nations--a unity :i* 9 ?is c5tury w be securely e/abli%$1 caus+ all ! peoples ( ! _w to reg>d !mselves z citiz5s ( "o common fa!rl&4 ,! six? c&le is unity ( races1 mak+ ( all t dwell on e>? peoples & k9dr$s ( "o race4 ,! sev5? c&le is unity ( language1 i4e41 ! *oice ( a univ]sal tongue 9 :i* all peoples w be in/ruct$ & conv]se4 ,ea* & e "o ( ^! w inevitably come to pass1 inasmu* z ! p[] ( ! ,k+dom ( ,god w aid & assi/ 9 _! realization40 ,a ,_w ,sup]-,/ate ,ov] sixty ye>s ago1 9 ,8 ,tablet to ,que5 ,victoria1 ,bah'u'llh1 address+ 8! conc\rse ( ! rul]s ( ! e>?10 reveal$ ! foll[+3 8,take ye c\nsel toge!r1 & let y\r conc]n be only = t :i* pr(ite? mank9d & bett]e? ! condition !re(4444 ,reg>d ! _w z ! human body :i*1 ?\gh creat$ :ole & p]fect1 has be5 afflict$1 ?r\gh div]s causes1 ) grave ills & maladies4 ,n = "o day did x re/1 nay its sicknesses wax$ m sev]e1 z x fell "u ! treatm5t ( unskill$ physicians :o h spurr$ on ! /e$ ( _! worldly desires & h err$ griev\sly4 ,& if at "o "t1 ?r\gh ! c>e ( an able physician1 a memb] ( t body 0 heal$1 ! re/ rema9$ afflict$ z be=e4 ,?us in=me? y ! ,all-,kn[+1 ! ,all-,wise4444 ,t :i* ! ,"l ha? orda9$ z ! sov]eign rem$y & mightie/ in/rum5t = ! heal+ ( all ! _w is ! union ( all its peoples 9 "o univ]sal ,cause1 "o common ,fai?4 ,?is c 9 no wise be a*iev$ except ?r\gh ! p[] ( a skill$1 an all-p[]ful & inspir$ ,physician4 ,?is v]ily is ! tru?1 & all else naught b error40 ,9 a fur!r passage ,bah'u'llh adds ^! words3 8,we see y add+ e ye> unto y\r exp5ditures & lay+ ! burd5 !re( on ! p :om ye rule2 ?is v]ily is naught b griev\s inju/ice4 ,fe> ! sighs & te>s ( ?is ,wrong$ ,"o1 & burd5 n y\r peoples beyond t :i* !y c endure4444 ,be reconcil$ among y\rselves1 t ye may ne$ armam5ts no m save 9 a measure to safegu>d y\r t]ritories & dom9ions4 ,be unit$1 ,o conc\rse ( ! sov]eigns ( ! _w1 = !reby w ! tempe/ ( discord be /ill$ among/ y & y\r peoples f9d re/4 ,%\ld any "o among y take up arms aga9/ ano!r1 rise ye all aga9/ him1 = ?is is naught b manife/ ju/ice40 ,:at else c\ld ^! weighty words signify if !y did n po9t to ! inevitable curtailm5t ( unfett]$ national sov]eignty z an indisp5sable prelim9>y to ! =mation ( ! future ,commonweal? ( all ! nations ( ! _w8 ,"s =m ( a _w sup]-/ate mu/ ne$s be evolv$1 9 ^: favor all ! nations ( ! _w w h will+ly c$$ e claim to make w>1 c]ta9 rights to impose taxation & all rights to ma9ta9 armam5ts1 except = purposes ( ma9ta9+ int]nal ord] )9 _! respective dom9ions4 ,su* a /ate w h to include )9 its orbit an int]national executive adequate to en=ce supreme & un*all5geable au?ority on e recalcitrant memb] ( ! commonweal?2 a _w p>liam5t ^: memb]s %all be elect$ by ! p 9 _! respective c\ntries & ^: election %all be confirm$ by _! respective gov]nm5ts2 & a supreme tribunal ^: judgm5t w h a b9d+ effect ev5 9 su* cases :]e ! p>ties conc]n$ did n volunt>ily agree to submit _! case to its consid]ation4 ,a _w community 9 :i* all economic b>ri]s w h be5 p]man5tly demoli%$ & ! int]dep5d5ce ( ,capital & ,labor def9itely recogniz$2 9 :i* ! clamor ( religi\s fanaticism & /rife w h be5 =ev] /ill$2 9 :i* ! flame ( racial animosity w h be5 f9ally ext+ui%$2 9 :i* a s+le code ( int]national law--! product ( ! consid]$ judgm5t ( ! _w's f$]at$ repres5tatives--%all h z its sanction ! in/ant & co]cive int]v5tion ( ! comb9$ =ces ( ! f$]at$ units2 & f9ally a _w community 9 :i* ! fury ( a caprici\s & militant nationalism w h be5 transmut$ into an abid+ consci\sness ( _w citiz5%ip--su* inde$1 appe>s1 9 its broade/ outl9e1 ! ,ord] anticipat$ by ,bah'u'llh1 an ,ord] t %all come to be reg>d$ z ! faire/ fruit ( a sl[ly matur+ age4 8,! ,tab]nacle ( ,unity10 ,bah'u'llh proclaims 9 ,8 message to all mank9d1 8has be5 rais$2 reg>d ye n "o ano!r z /rang]s4444 ,( "o tree are all ye ! fruit & ( "o b\gh ! leaves4444 ,! _w is b "o c\ntry & mank9d its citiz5s4444 ,let n a man glory 9 t he loves 8 c\ntry2 let him r glory 9 ?is1 t he loves 8 k9d40 ,unity 9 ,div]sity ,let !re be no misgiv+s z to ! animat+ purpose ( ! _w-wide ,law ( ,bah'u'llh4 ,f> f aim+ at ! subv]sion ( ! exi/+ f\ndations ( society1 x seeks to broad5 its basis1 to remold its in/itutions 9 a mann] consonant ) ! ne$s ( an ev]-*ang+ _w4 ,x c conflict ) no legitimate allegiances1 nor c x und]m9e ess5tial loyalties4 ,its purpose is nei!r to /ifle ! flame ( a sane & intellig5t patriotism 9 m5's he>ts1 nor to aboli% ! sy/em ( national autonomy s ess5tial if ! evils ( excessive c5tralization are to be avoid$4 ,x does n ignore1 nor does x attempt to suppress1 ! div]sity ( e?nical orig9s1 ( climate1 ( hi/ory1 ( language & tradition1 ( ?\ght & habit1 t diff]5tiate ! peoples & nations ( ! _w4 ,x calls = a wid] loyalty1 = a l>g] aspiration ?an any t has animat$ ! human race4 ,x insi/s ^u ! subord9ation ( national impulses & int]e/s to ! imp]ative claims ( a unifi$ _w4 ,x repudiates excessive c5tralization on "o h&1 & disclaims all attempts at uni=mity on ! o!r4 ,its wat*word is unity 9 div]sity su* z #8,abdu'l-,bah ,himself has expla9$3 8,consid] ! fl[]s ( a g>d54 ,?\gh diff]+ 9 k9d1 color1 =m & %ape1 yet1 inasmu* z !y are refre%$ by ! wat]s ( "o spr+1 reviv$ by ! brea? ( "o w9d1 invigorat$ by ! rays ( "o sun1 ?is div]sity increase? _! *>m & adde? unto _! beauty4 ,h[ unpleas+ to ! eye if all ! fl[]s & plants1 ! leaves & blossoms1 ! fruit1 ! bran*es & ! trees ( t g>d5 7 all ( ! same %ape & color6 ,div]sity ( hues1 =m & %ape enri*e? & adorne? ! g>d51 & height5e? ! effect !re(4 ,9 l mann]1 :5 div]s %ades ( ?\ght1 temp]am5t & "*1 are br\ght toge!r "u ! p[] & influ5ce ( "o c5tral ag5cy1 ! beauty & glory ( human p]fection w be reveal$ & made manife/4 ,naught b ! cele/ial pot5cy ( ! ,^w ( ,god1 :i* rule? & transc5de? ! realities ( all ?+s1 is capable ( h>moniz+ ! div]g5t ?\ghts1 s5tim5ts1 ideas & convictions ( ! *ildr5 ( m540 ,! call ( ,bah'u'llh is prim>ily direct$ aga9/ all =ms ( prov9cialism1 all insul>ities & prejudices4 ,if long-*]i%$ ideals & "t-honor$ in/itutions1 if c]ta9 social assumptions & religi\s =mulae h ceas$ to promote ! welf>e ( ! g5]ality ( mank9d1 if !y no long] m9i/] to ! ne$s ( a cont9ually evolv+ humanity1 let !m be swept away & relegat$ to ! limbo ( obsolesc5t & =gott5 doctr9es4 ,:y %\ld ^!1 9 a _w subject to ! immutable law ( *ange & decay1 be exempt f ! det]ioration t mu/ ne$s ov]take e human in/itution8 ,= legal /&>ds1 political & economic !ories are solely design$ to safegu>d ! int]e/s ( humanity z a :ole1 & n humanity to be crucifi$ = ! pres]vation ( ! integrity ( any p>ticul> law or doctr9e4 ,! ,pr9ciple ( ,on5ess ,let !re be no mi/ake4 ,! pr9ciple ( ! ,on5ess ( ,mank9d--! pivot r\nd :i* all ! tea*+s ( ,bah'u'llh revolve --is no m]e outbur/ ( ignorant emotionalism or an expression ( vague & pi\s hope4 ,its appeal is n to be m]ely id5tifi$ ) a reawak5+ ( ! _s ( bro!rhood & good-w among m51 nor does x aim solely at ! fo/]+ ( h>moni\s cop]ation among individual peoples & nations4 ,its implications are deep]1 its claims great] ?an any :i* ! ,prophets ( old 7 all[$ to advance4 ,its message is applicable n only to ! individual1 b conc]ns itself prim>ily ) ! nature ( ^? ess5tial relation%ips t mu/ b9d all ! /ates & nations z memb]s ( "o human family4 ,x does n con/itute m]ely ! enunciation ( an ideal1 b /&s insep>ably associat$ ) an in/itution adequate to embody its tru?1 demon/rate its validity1 & p]petuate its influ5ce4 ,x implies an organic *ange 9 ! /ructure ( pres5t-day society1 a *ange su* z ! _w has n yet exp]i5c$4 ,x con/itutes a *all5ge1 at once bold & univ]sal1 to outworn %ibbole?s ( national cre$s--cre$s t h _h _! day & :i* mu/1 9 ! ord9>y c\rse ( ev5ts z %ap$ & controll$ by ,provid5ce1 give way to a new gospel1 fundam5tally diff]5t f1 & inf9itely sup]ior to1 :at ! _w has already conceiv$4 ,x calls = no less ?an ! recon/ruction & ! demilit>ization ( ! :ole civiliz$ _w--a _w organically unifi$ 9 all ! ess5tial aspects ( its life1 its political ma*9]y1 its spiritual aspiration1 its trade & f9ance1 its script & language1 & yet inf9ite 9 ! div]sity ( ! national *>act]i/ics ( its f$]at$ units4 ,x repres5ts ! consummation ( human evolution--an evolution t has _h its e>lie/ beg9n+s 9 ! bir? ( family life1 its subsequ5t developm5t 9 ! a*ievem5t ( tribal solid>ity1 lead+ 9 turn to ! con/itution ( ! city-/ate1 & exp&+ lat] into ! in/itution ( indep5d5t & sov]eign nations4 ,! pr9ciple ( ! ,on5ess ( ,mank9d1 z proclaim$ by ,bah'u'llh1 c>ries ) x no m & no less ?an a solemn ass]tion t atta9m5t to ?is f9al /age 9 ?is /up5d\s evolution is n only necess>y b inevitable1 t its realization is fa/ approa*+1 & t no?+ %ort ( a p[] t is born ( ,god c succe$ 9 e/abli%+ x4 ,s m>vell\s a conception f9ds its e>lie/ manife/ations 9 ! ef=ts consci\sly ex]t$ & ! mode/ beg9n+s already a*iev$ by ! decl>$ adh]5ts ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh :o1 consci\s ( ! sublimity ( _! call+ & initiat$ into ! ennobl+ pr9ciples ( ,8 ,adm9i/ration1 are =g+ ahead to e/abli% ,8 ,k+dom on ?is e>?4 ,x has its indirect manife/ations 9 ! gradual diffusion ( ! _s ( _w solid>ity :i* is spontane\sly aris+ out ( ! welt] ( a disorganiz$ society4 ,x w\ld be /imulat+ to foll[ ! hi/ory ( ! gr[? & developm5t ( ?is l(ty conception :i* mu/ increas+ly engage ! att5tion ( ! responsible cu/odians ( ! de/9ies ( peoples & nations4 ,to ! /ates & pr9cipalities j em]g+ f ! welt] ( ! great ,napoleonic upheaval1 ^: *ief preoccupation 0 ei!r to recov] _! rights to an indep5d5t exi/5ce or to a*ieve _! national unity1 ! conception ( _w solid>ity seem$ n only remote b inconceivable4 ,x 0 n until ! =ces ( nationalism _h succe$$ 9 ov]?r[+ ! f\ndations ( ! ,holy ,alliance t _h s\ght to curb _! ris+ p[]1 t ! possibility ( a _w ord]1 transc5d+ 9 its range ! political in/itutions ^! nations _h e/abli%$1 came to be s]i\sly ent]ta9$4 ,x 0 n until aft] ! ,_w ,w> t ^! expon5ts ( arrogant nationalism came to reg>d su* an ord] z ! object ( a p]nici\s doctr9e t5d+ to sap t ess5tial loyalty ^u :i* ! cont9u$ exi/5ce ( _! national life dep5d$4 ,) a vigor t recall$ ! en]gy ) :i* ! memb]s ( ! ,holy ,alliance s\ght to /ifle ! _s ( a ris+ nationalism among ! peoples lib]at$ f ! ,napoleonic yoke1 ^! *ampions ( an unfett]$ national sov]eignty1 9 _! turn1 h labor$ & are /ill labor+ to discr$it pr9ciples ^u :i* _! own salvation mu/ ultimately dep5d4 ,! fi]ce opposition :i* greet$ ! abortive s*eme ( ! ,g5eva ,protocol2 ! ridicule p\r$ ^u ! proposal = a ,unit$ ,/ates ( ,europe :i* 0 subsequ5tly advanc$1 & ! failure ( ! g5]al s*eme = ! economic union ( ,europe1 may appe> z setbacks to ! ef=ts :i* a h&ful ( =esight$ p are e>ne/ly ex]t+ to advance ?is noble ideal4 ,& yet1 are we n ju/ifi$ 9 d]iv+ fre% enc\ragem5t :5 we obs]ve t ! v consid]ation ( su* proposals is 9 itself an evid5ce ( _! /eady gr[? 9 ! m9ds & he>ts ( m58 ,9 ! organiz$ attempts t are be+ made to discr$it s exalt$ a conception are we n witness+ ! repetition1 on a l>g] scale1 ( ^? /irr+ /ruggles & fi]ce controv]sies t prec$$ ! bir?1 & assi/$ 9 ! recon/ruction1 ( ! unifi$ nations ( ! ,we/8 ,! ,f$]ation ( ,mank9d ,to take b "o in/ance4 ,h[ confid5t 7 ! ass]tions made 9 ! days prec$+ ! unification ( ! /ates ( ! ,nor? ,am]ican cont95t reg>d+ ! insup]able b>ri]s t /ood 9 ! way ( _! ultimate f$]ation6 ,0 x n widely & emphatically decl>$ t ! conflict+ int]e/s1 ! mutual di/ru/1 ! diff]5ces ( gov]nm5t & habit t divid$ ! /ates 7 su* z no =ce1 :e!r spiritual or temporal1 c\ld ev] hope to h>monize or control8 ,& yet h[ diff]5t 7 ! conditions prevail+ a hundr$ & fifty ye>s ago f ^? t *>act]ize pres5t-day society6 ,x w\ld inde$ be no exagg]ation to say t ! abs5ce ( ^? facilities :i* mod]n sci5tific progress has plac$ at ! s]vice ( humanity 9 our "t made ( ! problem ( weld+ ! ,am]ican /ates into a s+le f$]ation1 simil> ?\gh !y 7 9 c]ta9 traditions1 a task inf9itely m complex ?an t :i* confronts a divid$ humanity 9 its ef=ts to a*ieve ! unification ( all mank9d4 ,:o kn[s t = s exalt$ a conception to take %ape a suff]+ m int5se ?an any x has yet exp]i5c$ w h to be inflict$ ^u humanity8 ,c\ld any?+ less ?an ! fire ( a civil w> ) all its viol5ce & vicissitudes--a w> t ne>ly r5t ! great ,am]ican ,republic--h weld$ ! /ates1 n only into a ,union ( indep5d5t units1 b into a ,nation1 9 spite ( all ! e?nic diff]5ces t *>act]iz$ its compon5t p>ts8 ,t s fundam5tal a revolution1 involv+ su* f>-rea*+ *anges 9 ! /ructure ( society1 c be a*iev$ ?r\gh ! ord9>y processes ( diplomacy & education seems highly improbable4 ,we h b to turn our gaze to humanity's blood-/a9$ hi/ory to realize t no?+ %ort ( int5se m5tal z well z physical agony has be5 able to precipitate ^? epo*-mak+ *anges t con/itute ! greate/ l&m>ks 9 ! hi/ory ( human civilization4 ,! ,fire ( ,ordeal ,great & f>-rea*+ z h be5 ^? *anges 9 ! pa/1 !y _c appe>1 :5 view$ 9 _! prop] p]spective1 except z subsidi>y adju/m5ts prelud+ t trans=mation ( unp>allel$ maje/y & scope :i* humanity is 9 ?is age b\nd to und]go4 ,t ! =ces ( a _w cata/rophe c alone precipitate su* a new phase ( human ?\ght is1 alas1 becom+ increas+ly app>5t4 ,t no?+ %ort ( ! fire ( a sev]e ordeal1 unp>allel$ 9 its int5sity1 c fuse & weld ! discordant entities t con/itute ! elem5ts ( pres5t-day civilization1 into ! integral compon5ts ( ! _w commonweal? ( ! future1 is a tru? :i* future ev5ts w increas+ly demon/rate4 ,! prophetic voice ( ,bah'u'llh w>n+1 9 ! conclud+ passages ( ! ,hidd5 ,words1 8! peoples ( ! _w0 t 8an un=ese5 calamity is foll[+ !m & t griev\s retribution awaite? !m0 ?r[s inde$ a lurid light ^u ! imm$iate =tunes ( sorr[+ humanity4 ,no?+ b a fi]y ordeal1 out ( :i* humanity w em]ge1 *a/5$ & prep>$1 c succe$ 9 implant+ t s5se ( responsibility :i* ! lead]s ( a new-born age mu/ arise to %\ld]4 ,i w\ld aga9 direct y\r att5tion to ^? om9\s words ( ,bah'u'llh :i* ,i h already quot$3 8,& :5 ! appo9t$ h\r is come1 !re %all sudd5ly appe> t :i* %all cause ! limbs ( mank9d to quake40 ,has n #8,abdu'l-,bah ,himself ass]t$ 9 unequivocal language t 8ano!r w>1 fi]c] ?an ! la/1 w assur$ly break out08 ,^u ! consummation ( ?is colossal1 ?is unspeakably glori\s ent]prise--an ent]prise t baffl$ ! res\rces ( ,roman /atesman%ip & :i* ,napoleon's desp]ate ef=ts fail$ to a*ieve--w dep5d ! ultimate realization ( t mill5nium ( :i* poets ( all ages h sung & se]s h long dream$4 ,^u x w dep5d ! fulfillm5t ( ! prophecies utt]$ by ! ,prophets ( old :5 swords %all be beat5 into pl\gh%>es & ! lion & ! lamb lie d[n toge!r4 ,x alone c u%] 9 ! ,k+dom ( ! ,heav5ly ,fa!r z anticipat$ by ! ,fai? ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,x alone c lay ! f\ndation = ! ,new ,_w ,ord] visualiz$ by ,bah'u'llh--a ,_w ,ord] t %all reflect1 h[ev] dimly1 ^u ?is e>?ly plane1 ! ineffable spl5dors ( ! ,abh ,k+dom4 ,"o ^w m 9 conclusion4 ,! proclamation ( ! ,on5ess ( ,mank9d--! head corn]-/one ( ,bah'u'llh's all-embrac+ dom9ion--c "u no circum/ances be comp>$ ) su* expressions ( pi\s hope z h be5 utt]$ 9 ! pa/4 ,8 is n m]ely a call :i* ,he rais$1 alone & unaid$1 9 ! face ( ! rel5tless & comb9$ opposition ( two ( ! mo/ p[]ful ,ori5tal pot5tates ( ,8 day--:ile ,himself an exile & prison] 9 _! h&s4 ,x implies at once a w>n+ & a promise--a w>n+ t 9 x lies ! sole means = ! salvation ( a greatly suff]+ _w1 a promise t its realization is at h&4 ,utt]$ at a "t :5 its possibility _h n yet be5 s]i\sly envisag$ 9 any "p ( ! _w1 x has1 by virtue ( t cele/ial pot5cy :i* ! ,_s ( ,bah'u'llh has brea!d into x1 come at la/ to be reg>d$1 by an increas+ numb] ( ?\ghtful m51 n only z an approa*+ possibility1 b z ! necess>y outcome ( ! =ces n[ op]at+ 9 ! _w4 ,! ,m\?piece ( ,god ,surely ! _w1 contract$ & trans=m$ into a s+le highly complex organism by ! m>vell\s progress a*iev$ 9 ! realm ( physical sci5ce1 by ! _w-wide expansion ( comm]ce & indu/ry1 & /ruggl+1 "u ! pressure ( _w economic =ces1 amid/ ! pitfalls ( a mat]iali/ic civilization1 /&s 9 dire ne$ ( a re/atem5t ( ! ,tru? und]ly+ all ! ,revelations ( ! pa/ 9 a language suit$ to its ess5tial requirem5ts4 ,& :at voice o!r ?an t ( ,bah'u'llh--! ,m\?piece ( ,god = ?is age--is capable ( effect+ a trans=mation ( society z radical z t :i* ,he has already accompli%$ 9 ! he>ts ( ^? m5 & wom51 s div]sifi$ & seem+ly irreconcilable1 :o con/itute ! body ( ,8 decl>$ foll[]s ?r\gh\t ! _w8 ,t su* a mighty conception is fa/ budd+ out 9 ! m9ds ( m51 t voices are be+ rais$ 9 its support1 t its sali5t features mu/ fa/ cry/allize 9 ! consci\sness ( ^? :o are 9 au?ority1 few inde$ c d\bt4 ,t its mode/ beg9n+s h already tak5 %ape 9 ! _w-wide ,adm9i/ration ) :i* ! adh]5ts ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh /& associat$ only ^? ^: he>ts are ta9t$ by prejudice c fail to p]ceive4 ,ours1 de>ly-belov$ co-work]s1 is ! p>am\nt duty to cont9ue1 ) undimm$ vision & unabat$ zeal1 to assi/ 9 ! f9al erection ( t ,edifice ! f\ndations ( :i* ,bah'u'llh has laid 9 our he>ts1 to d]ive add$ hope & /r5g? f ! g5]al tr5d ( rec5t ev5ts1 h[ev] d>k _! imm$iate effects1 & to pray ) unremitt+ f]vor t ,he may ha/5 ! approa* ( ! realization ( t ,wondr\s ,vision :i* con/itutes ! brighte/ emanation ( ,8 ,m9d & ! faire/ fruit ( ! faire/ civilization ! _w has yet se54 ,might n ! hundr$? anniv]s>y ( ! ,decl>ation ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh m>k ! inauguration ( s va/ an era 9 human hi/ory8 ,y\r true bro!r1 ,,%oghi ,haifa1 ,pale/9e1 ,novemb] #bh1 #aica ,,! ,,gold5 ,,age ,,( ,,! ,,cause ,,( ,,bah',u',,ll,h ,! ,gold5 ,age ( ! ,cause ( ,bah'u'llh ,to ! belov$ ( ,god & ! h&maids ( ! ,m]ciful ?r\gh\t ! ,unit$ ,/ates & ,canada4 ,fri5ds & fell[-def5d]s ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh3 ,significant z h be5 ! *anges t h lately ov]tak5 a swiftly awak5+ humanity at ?is transitional phase ( its *eck]$ hi/ory1 ! /eady consolidation ( ! in/itutions :i* ! adm9i/rators ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh are1 9 e l&1 toil+ to e/abli% %\ld appe> no less rem>kable to ev5 ^? :o are z yet imp]fectly acqua9t$ ) ! ob/acles !y h _h to surm\nt or ! meagre res\rces on :i* !y c\ld rely4 ,t a ,fai? :i*1 t5 ye>s ago1 0 sev]ely %ak5 by ! sudd5 removal ( an incomp>able ,ma/] %\ld h1 9 ! face ( trem5d\s ob/acles1 ma9ta9$ its unity1 resi/$ ! malignant onslaught ( its ill-wi%]s1 sil5c$ its calumniators1 broad5$ ! basis ( its f>-flung adm9i/ration1 & rais$ ^u x in/itutions symboliz+ its ideals ( wor%ip & s]vice1 %\ld be deem$ suffici5t evid5ce ( ! inv9cible p[] ) :i* ! ,almighty has *os5 to inve/ x f ! mom5t ( its inception4 ,t ! ,cause associat$ ) ! "n ( ,bah'u'llh fe$s itself ^u ^? hidd5 spr+s ( cele/ial /r5g? :i* no =ce ( human p]sonality1 :atev] its glam\r1 c replace2 t its reliance is solely ^u t my/ic ,s\rce ) :i* no worldly advantage1 be x weal?1 fame1 or le>n+ c comp>e2 t x propagates itself by ways my/]i\s & utt]ly at v>iance ) ! /&>ds accept$ by ! g5]ality ( mank9d1 w1 if n already app>5t1 become increas+ly manife/ z x =ges ahead t[>ds fre% conque/s 9 its /ruggle = ! spiritual reg5]ation ( mank9d4 ,inde$1 h[ c\ld x1 unsupport$ z x has ev] be5 by ! c\nsels & ! res\rces ( ! wise1 ! ri*1 & ! le>n$ 9 ! l& ( its bir?1 h succe$$ 9 break+ asund] ! %ackles t weigh$ ^u x at ! h\r ( its bir?1 9 em]g+ unsca!d f ! /orms t agitat$ its infancy1 _h n its animat+ brea? be5 quick5$ by t _s :i* is born ( ,god1 & on :i* all success1 :]ev] & h[ev] x be s\ght1 mu/ ultimately dep5d8 ,x is n necess>y = me to recall1 ev5 9 _! briefe/ outl9e1 ! he>t-r5d+ details ( t appall+ trag$y :i* m>k$ ! bir?-pangs ( our belov$ ,fai?1 enact$ 9 a l& notori\s = its unre/ra9$ fanaticisms1 its crass ignorance1 its unbridl$ cruelty4 ,nor d ,i ne$ to expatiate on ! valor1 ! sublime =titude1 t defi$ ! cruel torture-mong]s ( t race1 or /ress ! numb]1 or emphasize ! purity ( ! lives1 ( ^? :o di$ will+ly t _! ,cause might live & prosp]4 ,nor is x necess>y to dwell ^u ! indignation :i* ^? atrocities evok$1 & ! feel+s ( unqualifi$ admiration t surg$1 9 ! brea/s ( c\ntless m5 & wom51 9 regions remote f ! sc5e ( ^? indescribable cruelties4 ,suffice x to say t ^u ^! h]oes ( ,bah'u'llh's native l& 0 be/[$ ! ine/imable privilege ( seal+ ) _! life-blood ! e>ly triumphs ( _! *]i%$ ,fai?1 & ( pav+ ! way = its approa*+ victory4 ,9 ! blood ( ! unnumb]$ m>tyrs ( ,p]sia lay ! se$ ( ! ,div9ely-appo9t$ ,adm9i/ration :i*1 ?\gh transplant$ f its native soil1 is n[ budd+ out1 "u y\r lov+ c>e1 into a new ord]1 de/9$ to ov]%ad[ all mank9d4 ,am]ica's ,contribution to ! ,cause ,= great z h be5 ! atta9m5ts & un=gettable ! s]vices ( ! pione]s ( ! h]oic age ( ! ,cause 9 ,p]sia1 ! contribution :i* _! spiritual desc5dants1 ! ,am]ican believ]s1 ! *ampion-build]s ( ! organic /ructure ( ! ,cause1 are n[ mak+ t[>ds ! fulfillm5t ( ! ,plan :i* mu/ u%] 9 ! gold5 age ( ! ,cause is no less m]itori\s 9 ?is /r5u\s p]iod ( its hi/ory4 ,few1 if any1 ,i v5ture to ass]t1 among ^! privileg$ fram]s & cu/odians ( ! con/itution ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh are ev5 dimly aw>e ( ! prepond]at+ rle :i* ! ,nor? ,am]ican cont95t is de/9$ to play 9 ! future ori5tation ( _! _w-embrac+ ,cause4 ,nor does any appreciable numb] among !m seem suffici5tly consci\s ( ! decisive influ5ce :i* !y already ex]cise 9 ! direction & managem5t ( its affairs4 8,! cont95t ( ,am]ica10 wrote #8,abdu'l-,bah 9 ,febru>y1 #aiag1 8is1 9 ! eyes ( ! "o true ,god1 ! l& :]e9 ! spl5dors ( ,8 light %all be reveal$1 :]e ! my/]ies ( ,8 ,fai? %all be unveil$1 :]e ! righte\s w abide1 & ! free assemble40 ,t ! support]s ( ! ,cause ( ,bah'u'llh1 ?r\gh\t ! ,unit$ ,/ates & ,canada1 are increas+ly demon/rat+ ! tru? ( ?is solemn affirmation is evid5t to ev5 a casual obs]v] ( ! record ( _! manifold s]vices1 :e!r 9 _! individual capacities or ?r\gh _! conc]t$ endeavors4 ,! manife/ations ( spontane\s loyalty :i* m>k$ _! response to ! express$ wi%es ( a dep>t$ ,ma/]2 ! g5]osity ) :i* !y h1 on m ?an "o occasion1 aris5 to l5d a help+ h& to ! ne$y & h>ass$ among _! bre?r5 9 ,p]sia2 ! vigor ) :i* !y h resi/$ ! %ameless attacks :i* unrel5t+ enemies1 bo? f )9 & )\t1 h1 ) increas+ frequ5cy1 laun*$ aga9/ !m2 ! example :i* ! body ( _! national repres5tatives h set to _! si/] ,assemblies 9 fa%ion+ ! in/rum5ts ess5tial to ! effective dis*>ge ( _! collective duties2 _! successful int]v5tion on behalf ( _! p]secut$ fell[-work]s 9 ,russia2 ! moral support !y h ext5d$ to _! ,egyptian fell[-disciples at a mo/ critical /age 9 _! /ruggle = emancipation f ! fett]s ( ,islamic or?odoxy2 ! hi/oric s]vices r5d]$ by ^? intrepid pione]s :o1 fai?ful to ! call ( #8,abdu'l-,bah1 =sook _! homes to plant1 9 ! utt]mo/ corn]s ( ! globe1 ! /&>d ( ,8 ,fai?2 &1 la/ b n lea/1 ! magnific5ce ( _! self-sacrifice1 culm9at+ 9 ! completion ( ! sup]-/ructure ( ! ,ma%riqu'l-,adhkr--^! /& out ea* z an eloqu5t te/imony to ! indomitable "* ( ! fai? ,bah'u'llh has k9dl$ 9 _! he>ts4 ,:o1 contemplat+ s spl5did a record ( s]vice1 c d\bt t ^! fai?ful /ew>ds ( ! r$eem+ grace ( ,god h pres]v$1 undivid$ & unimpair$1 ! priceless h]itage entru/$ to _! *>ge8 ,h !y n1 "o might well reflect1 9 ways :i* only future hi/orians w indicate1 approa*$ ! high /&>d t *>act]iz$ ^? de$s ( imp]i%able r5[n accompli%$ by ^? t h gone be=e !m8 ,n by ! mat]ial res\rces :i* ! memb]s ( ?is infant community c n[ summon to _! aid2 n by ! num]ical /r5g? ( its pres5t-day support]s2 nor by any direct tangible b5efits its vot>ies c z yet conf] ^u ! multitude ( ! ne$y & ! disconsolate among _! c\ntrym51 %\ld its pot5tialities be te/$ or its wor? det]m9$4 ,n[h]e b 9 ! purity ( its precepts1 ! sublimity ( its /&>ds1 ! integrity ( its laws1 ! reasonabl5ess ( its claims1 ! compreh5siv5ess ( its scope1 ! univ]sality ( its program1 ! flexibility ( its in/itutions1 ! lives ( its f\nd]s1 ! h]oism ( its m>tyrs1 & ! trans=m+ p[] ( its influ5ce1 %\ld ! unprejudic$ obs]v] seek to obta9 ! true crit]ion t c enable him to fa?om its my/]ies or to e/imate its virtue4 ,decl9e ( ,mortal ,dom9ion ,h[ unfair1 h[ irrelevant1 to v5ture any comp>ison betwe5 ! sl[ & gradual consolidation ( ! ,fai? proclaim$ by ,bah'u'llh & ^? man-creat$ movem5ts :i*1 hav+ _! orig9 9 human desires & ) _! hopes c5t]$ on mortal dom9ion1 mu/ inevitably decl9e & p]i%6 ,spr++ f a f9ite m9d1 begott5 ( human fancy1 & (t5times ! product ( ill-conceiv$ designs1 su* movem5ts succe$1 by reason ( _! novelty1 _! appeal to man's bas] in/9cts & _! dep5d5ce ^u ! res\rces ( a sordid _w1 9 dazzl+ = a "t ! eyes ( m51 only to plunge f9ally f ! heights ( _! meteoric c>e] into ! d>kness ( oblivion1 dissolv$ by ! v =ces t _h assi/$ 9 _! creation4 ,n s ) ! ,revelation ( ,bah'u'llh4 ,born 9 an environm5t ( appall+ degradation1 spr++ f a soil /eep$ 9 age-long corruptions1 hatr$s & prejudice1 inculcat+ pr9ciples irreconcilable ) ! accept$ /&>ds ( ! times1 & fac$ f ! beg9n+ ) ! rel5tless enmity ( gov]nm5t1 *ur* & p1 ?is nasc5t ,fai? ( ,god has1 by virtue ( ! cele/ial pot5cy ) :i* x has be5 end[$1 succe$$1 9 less ?an f\r score ye>s & t51 9 emancipat+ itself f ! gall+ *a9s ( ,islamic dom9ation1 9 proclaim+ ! self-suffici5cy ( its ideals & ! indep5d5t integrity ( its laws1 9 plant+ its bann] 9 no less ?an =ty ( ! mo/ advanc$ c\ntries ( ! _w1 9 e/abli%+ its outpo/s 9 l&s beyond ! f>!/ seas1 9 consecrat+ its religi\s edifices 9 ! midmo/ he>t ( ! ,asiatic & ,am]ican cont95ts1 9 induc+ two ( ! mo/ p[]ful gov]nm5ts ( ! ,we/ to ratify ! in/rum5ts ess5tial to its adm9i/rative activities1 9 obta9+ f royalty befitt+ tributes to ! excell5ce ( its tea*+s1 &1 f9ally1 9 =c+ its grievances ^u ! att5tion ( ! repres5tatives ( ! highe/ ,tribunal 9 ! civiliz$ _w1 & 9 secur+ f its memb]s writt5 affirmations t are tantam\nt to a tacit recognition ( its religi\s /atus & to an express decl>ation ( ! ju/ice ( its cause4 ,circumscrib$ ?\gh its p[] z a social =ce may z yet appe>1 & h[ev] obvi\s may seem ! pres5t ineffectiv5ess ( its _w-embrac+ program1 we1 :o /& id5tifi$ ) its bless$ "n1 _c b m>vel at ! measure ( its a*ievem5ts if we b comp>e !m ) ! mode/ accompli%m5ts t h m>k$ ! rise ( ! ,disp5sations ( ! pa/4 ,:]e else1 if n 9 ! ,revelation ( ,bah'u'llh1 c ! unbias$ /ud5t ( comp>ative religion cite in/ances ( a claim z /up5d\s z t :i* ! ,au?or ( t ,fai? advanc$1 foes z rel5tless z ^? :i* ,he fac$1 a devotion m sublime ?an t :i* ,he k9dl$1 a life z ev5tful & z en?rall+ z t :i* ,he l$8 ,has ,*ri/ianity or ,islm1 has any ,disp5sation t prec$$ !m1 (f]$ in/ances ( su* comb9ations ( c\rage & re/ra9t1 ( magnanimity & p[]1 ( broad-m9d$ness & loyalty1 z ^? :i* *>act]iz$ ! conduct ( ! h]oes ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh8 ,:]e else d we f9d evid5ces ( a trans=mation z swift1 z complete1 & z sudd51 z ^? effect$ 9 ! lives ( ! apo/les ( ! ,bb8 ,few1 inde$1 are ! in/ances record$ 9 any ( ! au!nticat$ annals ( ! religions ( ! pa/ ( a self-abnegation z complete1 a con/ancy z firm1 a magnanimity z sublime1 a loyalty z uncompromis+1 z ^? :i* bore witness to ! "* ( t immortal b& :i* /&s id5tifi$ ) ?is ,div9e ,revelation--?is late/ & mo/ compell+ manife/ation ( ! love & ! omnipot5ce ( ! ,almighty6 ,contra/ ) ,religions ( ! ,pa/ ,we may va9ly se>* 9 ! records ( ! e>lie/ beg9n+s ( any ( ! recogniz$ religions ( ! pa/ = episodes z ?rill+ 9 _! details1 or z f>-rea*+ 9 _! consequ5ces1 z ^? t illum9e ! pages ( ! hi/ory ( ?is ,fai?4 ,! almo/ incr$ible circum/ances att5d+ ! m>tyrdom ( t y\?ful ,pr9ce ( ,glory2 ! =ces ( b>b>ic repression :i* ?is trag$y subsequ5tly releas$2 ! manife/ations ( unsurpass$ h]oism to :i* x gave rise2 ! exhortations & w>n+s :i* h /ream$ f ! p5 ( ! ,div9e ,prison] 9 ,8 ,epi/les to ! pot5tates ( ! ,*ur* & ! mon>*s & rul]s ( ! _w2 ! undaunt$ loyalty ) :i* our bre?r5 are battl+ 9 ,muslim c\ntries ) ! =ces ( religi\s or?odoxy--^! may be reckon$ z ! mo/ out/&+ features ( :at ! _w w come to recognize z ! greate/ drama 9 ! _w's spiritual hi/ory4 ,i ne$ n recall1 9 ?is connection1 ! un=tunate episodes t h1 admitt$ly1 & to a v great ext5t1 m>r$ ! e>ly hi/ory ( bo? ,judaism & ,islm4 ,nor is x necess>y to /ress ! damag+ effect ( ! excesses1 ! rivalries & divisions1 ! fanatical outbur/s & acts ( +ratitude t are associat$ ) ! e>ly developm5t ( ! p ( ,israel & ) ! militant c>e] ( ! ru?less pione]s ( ! ,fai? ( ,muammad4 ,x w\ld be suffici5t = my purpose to call att5tion to ! great numb] ( ^? :o1 9 ! fir/ two c5turies ( ! ,*ri/ian era1 8pur*as$ an ignom9i\s life by betray+ ! holy ,scriptures into ! h&s ( ! infidels10 ! sc&al\s conduct ( ^? bi%ops :o 7 !reby br&$ z traitors1 ! discord ( ! ,african ,*ur*1 ! gradual infiltration into ,*ri/ian doctr9e ( ! pr9ciples ( ! ,mi?raic cult1 ( ! ,alex&rian s*ool ( ?\ght1 ( ! precepts ( ,zoroa/rianism & ( ,grecian philosophy1 & ! adoption by ! *ur*es ( ,greece & ( ,asia ( ! in/itutions ( prov9cial synods ( a model :i* !y borr[$ f ! repres5tative c\ncils ( _! respective c\ntries4 ,h[ great 0 ! ob/9acy ) :i* ! ,jewi% conv]ts among ! e>ly ,*ri/ians adh]$ to ! c]emonies ( _! ance/ors1 & h[ f]v5t _! eag]ness to impose !m on ! ,g5tiles6 ,7 n ! fir/ fifte5 bi%ops ( ,j]usalem all circumcis$ ,jews1 & _h n ! congregation ov] :i* !y presid$ unit$ ! laws ( ,moses ) ! doctr9e ( ,*ri/8 ,is x n a fact t no m ?an a tw5tie? "p ( ! subjects ( ! ,roman ,empire _h enli/$ !mselves "u ! /&>d ( ,*ri/ be=e ! conv]sion ( ,con/ant9e8 ,0 n ! ru9 ( ! ,temple1 9 ! city ( ,j]usalem1 & ( ! public religion ( ! ,jews1 sev]ely felt by ! s-call$ ,naz>5es1 :o p]sev]$1 above a c5tury1 9 ! practice ( ! ,mosaic ,law8 ,h[ /rik+ ! contra/ :5 we rememb]1 9 ! light ( ! a=e-m5tion$ facts1 ! numb] ( ^? foll[]s ( ,bah'u'llh :o1 9 ,p]sia & ! adjo9+ c\ntries1 _h enli/$ at ! "t ( ,8 ,asc5sion z ! conv9c$ support]s ( ,8 ,fai?6 ,h[ enc\rag+ to obs]ve ! undeviat+ loyalty ) :i* ,8 valiant foll[]s are gu>d+ ! purity & integrity ( ,8 cle> & unequivocal tea*+s6 ,h[ edify+ ! spectacle ( ^? :o are battl+ ) ! =ces ( a firmly intr5*$ or?odoxy 9 _! /ruggle to emancipate !mselves f ! fett]s ( an outworn cre$6 ,h[ inspir+ ! conduct ( ^? ,muslim foll[]s ( ,bah'u'llh :o view1 n ) regret or apa?y1 b ) feel+s ( unconceal$ satisfaction1 ! des]v$ *a/isem5t :i* ! ,almighty has inflict$ ^u ^? tw9 in/itutions ( ! ,sultanate & ! ,caliphate1 ^? eng9es ( despotism & sworn enemies ( ! ,cause ( ,god6 ,fundam5tal ,pr9ciple ( ,religi\s ,tru? ,let no "o1 h[ev]1 mi/ake my purpose4 ,! ,revelation1 ( :i* ,bah'u'llh is ! s\rce & c5t]1 abrogates none ( ! religions t h prec$$ x1 nor does x attempt1 9 ! slighte/ degree1 to di/ort _! features or to belittle _! value4 ,x disclaims any int5tion ( dw>f+ any ( ! ,prophets ( ! pa/1 or ( :ittl+ d[n ! et]nal v]ity ( _! tea*+s4 ,x c1 9 no wise1 conflict ) ! _s t animates _! claims1 nor does x seek to und]m9e ! basis ( any man's allegiance to _! cause4 ,its decl>$1 its prim>y purpose is to enable e adh]5t ( ^! ,fai?s to obta9 a full] und]/&+ ( ! religion ) :i* he /&s id5tifi$1 & to acquire a cle>] appreh5sion ( its purpose4 ,x is nei!r eclectic 9 ! pres5tation ( its tru?s1 nor arrogant 9 ! affirmation ( its claims4 ,its tea*+s revolve ar\nd ! fundam5tal pr9ciple t religi\s tru? is n absolute b relative1 t ,div9e ,revelation is progressive1 n f9al4 ,unequivocally & )\t ! lea/ res]vation x proclaims all e/abli%$ religions to be div9e 9 orig91 id5tical 9 _! aims1 complem5t>y 9 _! functions1 cont9u\s 9 _! purpose1 indisp5sable 9 _! value to mank9d4 8,all ! ,prophets ( ,god10 ass]ts ,bah'u'llh 9 ! ,kitb-i-qn1 8abide 9 ! same tab]nacle1 so> 9 ! same heav51 are seat$ ^u ! same ?rone1 utt] ! same spee*1 & proclaim ! same ,fai?40 ,f ! 8beg9n+ t ha? no beg9n+10 ^! ,expon5ts ( ! ,unity ( ,god & ,*annels ( ,8 incessant utt]ance h %$ ! light ( ! invisible ,beauty ^u mank9d1 & w cont9ue1 to ! 8end t ha? no end10 to v\*safe fre% revelations ( ,8 might & additional exp]i5ces ( ,8 inconceivable glory4 ,to cont5d t any p>ticul> religion is f9al1 t 8all ,revelation is end$1 t ! portals ( ,div9e m]cy are clos$1 t f ! dayspr+s ( et]nal hol9ess no sun %all rise aga91 t ! ocean ( ev]la/+ b\nty is =ev] /ill$1 & t out ( ! ,tab]nacle ( anci5t glory ! ,mess5g]s ( ,god h ceas$ to be made manife/0 w\ld inde$ be no?+ less ?an %e] blasphemy4 8,!y diff]10 expla9s ,bah'u'llh 9 t same epi/le1 8only 9 ! int5sity ( _! revelation & ! comp>ative pot5cy ( _! light40 ,& ?is1 n by reason ( any inh]5t incapacity ( any "o ( !m to reveal 9 a full] measure ! glory ( ! ,message ) :i* ,he has be5 entru/$1 b r because ( ! immaturity & unprep>$ness ( ! age ,he liv$ 9 to appreh5d & absorb ! full pot5tialities lat5t 9 t ,fai?4 8,"k ( a c]ta9ty10 expla9s ,bah'u'llh1 8t 9 e ,disp5sation ! light ( ,div9e ,revelation has be5 v\*saf$ to m5 9 direct proportion to _! spiritual capacity4 ,consid] ! sun4 ,h[ feeble its rays ! mom5t x appe>s above ! horizon4 ,h[ gradually its w>m? & pot5cy increase z x approa*es its z5i?1 enabl+ mean:ile all creat$ ?+s to adapt !mselves to ! gr[+ int5sity ( its light4 ,h[ /eadily x decl9es until x rea*es its sett+ po9t4 ,7 x1 all ( a sudd51 to manife/ ! en]gies lat5t )9 x1 x w\ld1 no d\bt1 cause injury to all creat$ ?+s4444 ,9 l mann]1 if ! ,sun ( ,tru? 7 sudd5ly to reveal1 at ! e>lie/ /ages ( its manife/ation1 ! full measure ( ! pot5cies :i* ! provid5ce ( ! ,almighty has be/[$ ^u x1 ! e>? ( human und]/&+ w\ld wa/e away & be consum$2 = m5's he>ts w\ld nei!r su/a9 ! int5sity ( its revelation1 nor be able to mirror =? ! radiance ( its light4 ,dismay$ & ov]p[]$1 !y w\ld cease to exi/40 ,x is = ?is reason1 & ?is reason only1 t ^? :o h recogniz$ ! ,light ( ,god 9 ?is age1 claim no f9ality = ! ,revelation ) :i* !y /& id5tifi$1 nor arrogate to ! ,fai? !y h embrac$ p[]s & attributes intr9sically sup]ior to1 or ess5tially diff]5t f1 ^? :i* h *>act]iz$ any ( ! religi\s sy/ems t prec$$ x4 ,does n ,bah'u'llh ,himself allude to ! progressiv5ess ( ,div9e ,revelation & to ! limitations :i* an inscrutable ,wisdom has *os5 to impose ^u ,him8 ,:at else c ?is passage ( ! ,hidd5 ,words imply1 if n t ,he ,:o reveal$ x disclaim$ f9ality = ! ,revelation entru/$ to ,him by ! ,almighty8 8,o ,son ( ,ju/ice6 ,9 ! night-season ! beauty ( ! immortal ,be+ ha? repair$ f ! em]ald height ( fidelity unto ! ,sadratu'l-,muntah1 & wept ) su* a weep+ t ! conc\rse on high & ! dwell]s ( ! realms above wail$ at ,8 lam5t+4 ,:]eupon !re 0 ask$1 ,:y ! wail+ & weep+8 ,he made reply3 ,z bidd5 ,i wait$ expectant ^u ! hill ( fai?fulness1 yet inhal$ n f !m t dwell on e>? ! fragrance ( fidelity4 ,!n summon$ to return ,i beheld1 & lo6 c]ta9 doves ( hol9ess 7 sore tri$ )9 ! claws ( ! dogs ( e>?4 ,!reupon ! ,maid ( ,heav5 ha/5$ =?1 unveil$1 & respl5d5t1 f ,h] my/ic mansion1 & ask$ ( _! names1 & all 7 told b "o4 ,& :5 urg$1 ! fir/ ,lett] !re( 0 utt]$1 :]eupon ! dwell]s ( ! cele/ial *amb]s ru%$ =? out ( _! habitation ( glory4 ,& :il/ ! second lett] 0 pron\nc$ !y fell d[n1 "o & all1 ^u ! du/4 ,at t mom5t a ,voice 0 he>d f ! inmo/ %r9e3 #8,?us f> & no f>!r4' ,v]ily we be> witness to t :i* !y h done & n[ are do+40 8,! ,revelation ( :i* ,i am ! be>]10 ,bah'u'llh explicitly decl>es1 8is adapt$ to humanity's spiritual receptiv5ess & capacity2 o!rwise1 ! ,light t %9es )9 me c nei!r wax nor wane4 ,:atev] ,i manife/ is no?+ m or less ?an ! measure ( ! ,div9e glory :i* ,god has bidd5 me reveal40 ,if ! ,light t is n[ /ream+ =? ^u an increas+ly responsive humanity ) a radiance t bids fair to eclipse ! spl5dor ( su* triumphs z ! =ces ( religion h a*iev$ 9 days pa/2 if ! signs & tok5s :i* proclaim$ its adv5t h be51 9 _m respects1 unique 9 ! annals ( pa/ ,revelations2 if its vot>ies h ev9c$ traits & qualities unexampl$ 9 ! spiritual hi/ory ( mank9d2 ^! %\ld be attribut$ n to a sup]ior m]it :i* ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh1 z a ,revelation isolat$ & ali5 f any previ\s ,disp5sation1 might possess1 b r %\ld be view$ & expla9$ z ! inevitable outcome ( ! =ces t h made ( ?is pres5t age an age inf9itely m advanc$1 m receptive1 & m insi/5t to receive an ampl] measure ( ,div9e ,guidance ?an has hi!rto be5 v\*saf$ to mank9d4 ,necessity = a ,fre% ,revelation ,de>ly belov$ fri5ds3 ,:o1 contemplat+ ! helplessness1 ! fe>s & mis]ies ( humanity 9 ?is day1 c any long] "q ! necessity = a fre% revelation ( ! quick5+ p[] ( ,god's r$emptive love & guidance8 ,:o1 witness+ on "o h& ! /up5d\s advance a*iev$ 9 ! realm ( human k1 ( p[]1 ( skill & inv5tiv5ess1 & view+ on ! o!r ! unprec$5t$ "* ( ! suff]+s t afflict1 & ! dang]s t beset1 pres5t-day society1 c be s bl9d z to d\bt t ! h\r has at la/ /ruck = ! adv5t ( a new ,revelation1 = a re-/atem5t ( ! ,div9e ,purpose1 & = ! consequ5t revival ( ^? spiritual =ces t h1 at fix$ int]vals1 rehabilitat$ ! =tunes ( human society8 ,does n ! v op]ation ( ! _w-unify+ =ces t are at "w 9 ?is age necessitate t ,he ,:o is ! ,be>] ( ! ,message ( ,god 9 ?is day %\ld n only reaffirm t self-same exalt$ /&>d ( individual conduct inculcat$ by ! ,prophets gone be=e ,him1 b embody 9 ,8 appeal1 to all gov]nm5ts & peoples1 ! ess5tials ( t social code1 t ,div9e ,economy1 :i* mu/ guide humanity's conc]t$ ef=ts 9 e/abli%+ t all-embrac+ f$]ation :i* is to signalize ! adv5t ( ! ,k+dom ( ,god on ?is e>?8 ,may we n1 !re=e1 recogniz+ z we d ! necessity = su* a revelation ( ,god's r$eem+ p[]1 m$itate ^u ! supreme gr&eur ( ! ,sy/em unfold$ by ! h& ( ,bah'u'llh 9 ?is day8 ,may we n pause1 press$ ?\gh we be by ! daily preoccupations :i* ! ev]-wid5+ range ( ! adm9i/rative activities ( ,8 ,fai? mu/ involve1 to reflect ^u ! sanctity ( ! responsibilities x is our privilege to %\ld]8 ,! ,/ation ( ! ,bb ,n only 9 ! "* ( ! revelation ( ,bah'u'llh1 h[ev] /up5d\s be ,8 claim1 does ! greatness ( ?is ,disp5sation reside4 ,= among ! di/+ui%+ features ( ,8 ,fai? ranks1 z a fur!r evid5ce ( its uniqu5ess1 ! fundam5tal tru? t 9 ! p]son ( its ,=]unn]1 ! ,bb1 e foll[] ( ,bah'u'llh recognizes n m]ely an inspir$ annunciator b a direct ,manife/ation ( ,god4 ,x is _! firm belief t1 no matt] h[ %ort ! duration ( ,8 ,disp5sation1 & h[ev] brief ! p]iod ( ! op]ation ( ,8 laws1 ! ,bb _h be5 end[$ ) a pot5cy su* z no f\nd] ( any ( ! pa/ religions 01 9 ! provid5ce ( ! ,almighty1 all[$ to possess4 ,t ,he 0 n m]ely ! precursor ( ! ,revelation ( ,bah'u'llh1 t ,he 0 m ?an a div9ely-inspir$ p]sonage1 t ,8 0 ! /ation ( an indep5d5t1 self-suffici5t ,manife/ation ( ,god1 is abundantly demon/rat$ by ,himself1 is affirm$ 9 unmi/akable t]ms by ,bah'u'llh1 & is f9ally atte/$ by ! ,w & ,te/am5t ( #8,abdu'l-,bah4 ,n[h]e b 9 ! ,kitb-i-qn1 ,bah'u'llh's ma/]ly exposition ( ! "o unify+ tru? und]ly+ all ! ,revelations ( ! pa/1 c we obta9 a cle>] appreh5sion ( ! pot5cy ( ^? =ces inh]5t 9 t ,prelim9>y ,manife/ation ) :i* ,8 own ,fai? /&s indissolubly associat$4 ,expatiat+ ^u ! unfa?om$ import ( ! signs & tok5s t h accompani$ ! ,revelation proclaim$ by ! ,bb1 ! promis$ ,q'im1 ,he recalls ^! prophetic words3 8,k is tw5ty & sev5 lett]s4 ,all t ! ,prophets h reveal$ are two lett]s !re(4 ,no man ?us f> ha? kn[n m ?an ^! two lett]s4 ,b :5 ! ,q'im %all arise1 ,he w cause ! rema9+ tw5ty & five lett]s to be made manife/40 8,behold10 adds ,bah'u'llh1 8h[ great & l(ty is ,8 /ation60 8,( ,8 ,revelation10 ,he fur!r adds1 8! ,prophets ( ,god1 ,8 sa9ts & *os5 ones1 h ei!r n be5 in=m$1 or 9 pursuance ( ,god's inscrutable ,decree1 !y h n disclos$40 ,& yet1 immeasurably exalt$ z is ! /ation ( ! ,bb1 & m>vell\s z h be5 ! happ5+s t h signaliz$ ! adv5t ( ,8 ,cause1 s wondr\s a ,revelation _c b pale be=e ! effulg5ce ( t ,orb ( unsurpass$ spl5dor ,^: rise ,he =etold & ^: sup]iority ,he readily ackn[l$g$4 ,we h b to turn to ! writ+s ( ! ,bb ,himself 9 ord] to e/imate ! significance ( t ,qu9tess5ce ( ,light ( :i* ,he1 ) all ! maje/y ( ,8 p[]1 0 b its humble & *os5 ,precursor4 ,aga9 & aga9 ! ,bb admits1 9 gl[+ & unequivocal language1 ! prem95t "* ( a ,fai? de/9$ to be made manife/ aft] ,him & to sup]s$e ,8 ,cause4 8,! g]m10 ,he ass]ts 9 ! ,p]sian ,bayn1 ! *ief & be/-pres]v$ repository ( ,8 laws1 8t holds )9 itself ! pot5tialities ( ! ,revelation t is to come is end[$ ) a pot5cy sup]ior to ! comb9$ =ces ( all ^? :o foll[ me40 8,( all ! tributes10 ! ,bb repeat$ly proclaims 9 ,8 writ+s1 8,i h paid to ,him ,:o is to come aft] ,me1 ! greate/ is ?is1 ,my writt5 confession1 t no words ( ,m9e c adequately describe ,him1 nor c any ref]5ce to ,him 9 my ,book1 ! ,bayn1 d ju/ice to ,8 ,cause40 ,address+ ,siyyid ,yayy-i-,d>b1 surnam$ ,vahd1 ! mo/ le>n$ & influ5tial among 8 foll[]s1 ,he says3 8,by ! righte\sness ( ,him ,^: p[] cause? ! se$ to g]m9ate & ,:o brea!? ! _s ( life into all ?+s1 7 ,i to be assur$ t 9 ! day ( ,8 ,manife/ation ?\ wilt d5y ,him1 ,i w\ld unhesitat+ly dis[n !e & repudiate ?y fai?4444 ,if1 on ! o!r h&1 ,i be told t a ,*ri/ian1 :o be>e? no allegiance to ,my ,fai?1 w believe 9 ,him1 ! same w ,i reg>d z ! apple ( ,m9e eye40 ,! ,outp\r+ ( ,div9e ,grace 8,if all ! peoples ( ! _w10 ,bah'u'llh ,himself affirms1 8be inve/$ ) ! p[]s & attributes de/9$ = ! ,lett]s ( ! ,liv+1 ! *os5 disciples ( ! ,bb1 ^: /ation is t5 ?\s& times m glori\s ?an any :i* ! apo/les ( old h atta9$1 & if !y1 "o & all1 %\ld1 swift z ! tw9kl+ ( an eye1 hesitate to recognize ! ,light ( my ,revelation1 _! fai? %all be ( no avail1 & !y %all be acc\nt$ among ! infidels40 8,s trem5d\s10 ,he writes1 8is ! outp\r+ ( ,div9e grace 9 ?is ,disp5sation t if mortal h&s c\ld be swift en\gh to record !m1 )9 ! space ( a s+le day & night1 !re w\ld /ream v]ses ( su* numb] z to be equival5t to ! :ole ( ! ,p]sian ,bayn40 ,su*1 de>ly-belov$ fri5ds1 is ! effusion ( cele/ial grace v\*saf$ by ! ,almighty to ?is age1 ?is mo/ illum9$ c5tury6 ,we /& too close to s colossal a ,revelation to expect 9 ?is1 ! fir/ c5tury ( its era1 to arrive at a j e/imate ( its t[]+ gr&eur1 its inf9ite possibilities1 its transc5d5t beauty4 ,small ?\gh our pres5t numb]s may be1 h[ev] limit$ our capacities1 or circumscrib$ our influ5ce1 we1 into ^: h&s s pure1 s t5d]1 s preci\s a h]itage has be5 entru/$1 %\ld at all times /rive1 ) unrelax+ vigilance1 to ab/a9 f any ?\ghts1 words1 or de$s1 t might t5d to dim its brilliance1 or injure its gr[?4 ,h[ trem5d\s our responsibility2 h[ delicate & labori\s our task6 ,de> fri5ds3 ,cle> & emphatic z are ! in/ructions :i* our dep>t$ ,ma/] has reit]at$ 9 c\ntless ,tablets bequea!d by ,him to ,8 foll[]s ?r\gh\t ! _w1 a few1 ow+ to ! re/rict$ influ5ce ( ! ,cause 9 ! ,we/1 h be5 purposely )held f ! body ( ,8 occid5tal disciples1 :o1 despite _! num]ical inf]iority1 are n[ ex]cis+ su* a prepond]at+ influ5ce 9 ! direction & adm9i/ration ( its affairs4 ,i feel x1 !re=e1 incumb5t ^u me to /ress1 n[ t ! "t is ripe1 ! importance ( an in/ruction :i*1 at ! pres5t /age ( ! evolution ( our ,fai?1 %\ld be increas+ly emphasiz$1 irrespective ( its application to ! ,ea/ or to ! ,we/4 ,& ?is pr9ciple is no o!r ?an t :i* involves ! non-p>ticipation by ! adh]5ts ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh1 :e!r 9 _! individual capacities or collectively z local or national ,assemblies1 9 any =m ( activity t might be int]pret$1 ei!r directly or indirectly1 z an int]f]5ce 9 ! political affairs ( any p>ticul> gov]nm5t4 ,:e!r x be 9 ! publications :i* !y initiate & sup]vise2 or 9 _! (ficial & public delib]ations2 or 9 ! po/s !y occupy & ! s]vices !y r5d]2 or 9 ! communications !y address to _! fell[-disciples2 or 9 _! deal+s ) m5 ( em95ce & au?ority2 or 9 _! affiliations ) k9dr$ societies & organizations1 x is1 ,i am firmly conv9c$1 _! fir/ & sacr$ obligation to ab/a9 f any ^w or de$ t might be con/ru$ z a violation ( ?is vital pr9ciple4 ,!irs is ! duty to demon/rate1 on "o h&1 ! nonpolitical "* ( _! ,fai?1 & to ass]t1 on ! o!r1 _! unqualifi$ loyalty & ob$i5ce to :atev] is ! consid]$ judgm5t ( _! respective gov]nm5ts4 ,! ,div9e ,polity ,let !m refra9 f associat+ !mselves1 :e!r by ^w or by de$1 ) ! political pursuits ( _! respective nations1 ) ! policies ( _! gov]nm5ts & ! s*emes & programs ( p>ties & factions4 ,9 su* controv]sies !y %\ld assign no blame1 take no side1 fur!r no design1 & id5tify !mselves ) no sy/em prejudicial to ! be/ int]e/s ( t _w-wide ,fell[%ip :i* x is _! aim to gu>d & fo/]4 ,let !m bew>e le/ !y all[ !mselves to become ! tools ( unscrupul\s politicians1 or to be entrapp$ by ! trea*]\s devices ( ! plott]s & ! p]fidi\s among _! c\ntrym54 ,let !m s %ape _! lives & regulate _! conduct t no *>ge ( secrecy1 ( fraud1 ( brib]y or ( intimidation may1 h[ev] ill-f\nd$1 be br\ght aga9/ !m4 ,let !m rise above all p>ticul>ism & p>tisan%ip1 above ! va9 disputes1 ! petty calculations1 ! transi5t passions t agitate ! face1 & engage ! att5tion1 ( a *ang+ _w4 ,x is _! duty to /rive to di/+ui%1 z cle>ly z !y possibly c1 & if ne$$ ) ! aid ( _! elect$ repres5tatives1 su* po/s & functions z are ei!r diplomatic or political f ^? t are purely adm9i/rative 9 "*1 & :i* "u no circum/ances are affect$ by ! *anges & *ances t political activities & p>ty gov]nm5t1 9 e l&1 mu/ necess>ily involve4 ,let !m affirm _! unyield+ det]m9ation to /&1 firmly & unres]v$ly1 = ! way ( ,bah'u'llh1 to avoid ! entanglem5ts & bick]+s insep>able f ! pursuits ( ! politician1 & to become wor?y ag5cies ( t ,div9e ,polity :i* inc>nates ,god's immutable ,purpose = all m54 ,x %\ld be made unmi/akably cle> t su* an attitude implies nei!r ! slighte/ indiff]5ce to ! cause & int]e/s ( _! own c\ntry1 nor involves any insubord9ation on _! "p to ! au?ority ( recogniz$ & e/abli%$ gov]nm5ts4 ,nor does x con/itute a repudiation ( _! sacr$ obligation to promote1 9 ! mo/ effective mann]1 ! be/ int]e/s ( _! gov]nm5t & p4 ,x indicates ! desire *]i%$ by e true & loyal foll[] ( ,bah'u'llh to s]ve1 9 an unselfi%1 uno/5tati\s & patriotic fa%ion1 ! highe/ int]e/s ( ! c\ntry to :i* he belongs1 & 9 a way t w\ld entail no dep>ture f ! high /&>ds ( integrity & tru?fulness associat$ ) ! tea*+s ( 8 ,fai?4 ,z ! numb] ( ! ,bah' communities 9 v>i\s p>ts ( ! _w multiplies & _! p[]1 z a social =ce1 becomes increas+ly app>5t1 !y w no d\bt f9d !mselves increas+ly subject$ to ! pressure :i* m5 ( au?ority & influ5ce1 9 ! political doma91 w ex]cise 9 ! hope ( obta9+ ! support !y require = ! advancem5t ( _! aims4 ,^! communities w1 moreov]1 feel a gr[+ ne$ ( ! good-w & ! assi/ance ( _! respective gov]nm5ts 9 _! ef=ts to wid5 ! scope1 & to consolidate ! f\ndations1 ( ! in/itutions committ$ to _! *>ge4 ,let !m bew>e le/1 9 _! eag]ness to fur!r ! aims ( _! belov$ ,cause1 !y %\ld be l$ unwitt+ly to b>ga9 ) _! ,fai?1 to compromise ) _! ess5tial pr9ciples1 or to sacrifice1 9 return = any mat]ial advantage :i* _! in/itutions may d]ive1 ! integrity ( _! spiritual ideals4 ,let !m proclaim t 9 :atev] c\ntry !y reside1 & h[ev] advanc$ _! in/itutions1 or pr(\nd _! desire to en=ce ! laws1 & apply ! pr9ciples1 enunciat$ by ,bah'u'llh1 !y w1 unhesitat+ly1 subord9ate ! op]ation ( su* laws & ! application ( su* pr9ciples to ! requirem5ts & legal enactm5ts ( _! respective gov]nm5ts4 ,!irs is n ! purpose1 :ile endeavor+ to conduct & p]fect ! adm9i/rative affairs ( _! ,fai?1 to violate1 "u any circum/ances1 ! provisions ( _! c\ntry's con/itution1 mu* less to all[ ! ma*9]y ( _! adm9i/ration to sup]s$e ! gov]nm5t ( _! respective c\ntries4 ,x %\ld also be borne 9 m9d t ! v ext5sion ( ! activities 9 :i* we are engag$1 & ! v>iety ( ! communities :i* labor "u div]s =ms ( gov]nm5t1 s ess5tially diff]5t 9 _! /&>ds1 policies1 & me?ods1 make x absolutely ess5tial = all ^? :o are ! decl>$ memb]s ( any "o ( ^! communities to avoid any action t might1 by ar\s+ ! suspicion or excit+ ! antagonism ( any "o gov]nm5t1 involve _! bre?r5 9 fre% p]secutions or complicate ! nature ( _! task4 ,h[ else1 might ,i ask1 c\ld su* a f>-flung ,fai?1 :i* transc5ds political & social b\nd>ies1 :i* includes )9 its pale s great a v>iety ( races & nations1 :i* w h to rely increas+ly1 z x =ges ahead1 on ! good-w & support ( ! div]sifi$ & cont5d+ gov]nm5ts ( ! e>?--h[ else c\ld su* a ,fai? succe$ 9 pres]v+ its unity1 9 safegu>d+ its int]e/s1 & 9 ensur+ ! /eady & peaceful developm5t ( its in/itutions8 ,su* an attitude1 h[ev]1 is n dictat$ by consid]ations ( selfi% exp$i5cy1 b is actuat$1 fir/ & =emo/1 by ! broad pr9ciple t ! foll[]s ( ,bah'u'llh w1 "u no circum/ances1 suff] !mselves to be involv$1 :e!r z individuals or 9 _! collective capacities1 9 matt]s t w\ld entail ! slighte/ dep>ture f ! fundam5tal v]ities & ideals ( _! ,fai?4 ,nei!r ! *>ges :i* ! un9=m$ & ! malici\s may be l$ to br+ aga9/ !m1 nor ! allurem5ts ( honors & rew>ds1 w ev] induce !m to surr5d] _! tru/ or to deviate f _! pa?4 ,let _! words proclaim1 & _! conduct te/ify1 t !y :o foll[ ,bah'u'llh1 9 :atev] l& !y reside1 are actuat$ by no selfi% ambition1 t !y nei!r ?ir/ = p[]1 nor m9d any wave ( unpopul>ity1 ( di/ru/ or criticism1 :i* a /rict adh]5ce to _! /&>ds might provoke4 ,difficult & delicate ?\gh be our task1 ! su/a9+ p[] ( ,bah'u'llh & ( ,8 ,div9e guidance w assur$ly assi/ u if we foll[ /eadfa/ly 9 ,8 way1 & /rive to uphold ! integrity ( ,8 laws4 ,! light ( ,8 r$eem+ grace1 :i* no e>?ly p[] c obscure1 w if we p]sev]e1 illum9ate our pa?1 z we /e] our c\rse amid ! sn>es & pitfalls ( a tr\bl$ age1 & w enable u to dis*>ge our duties 9 a mann] t w\ld r$\nd to ! glory & ! honor ( ,8 bless$ ,"n4 ,our ,belov$ ,temple ,& f9ally1 de>ly-belov$ bre?r51 let me once m direct y\r att5tion to ! press+ claims ( ! ,ma%riqu'l-,adhkr1 our belov$ ,temple4 ,ne$ ,i rem9d y ( ! imp]ative necessity ( c>ry+ out to a successful conclusion1 :ile !re is yet "t1 ! great ent]prise to :i*1 be=e ! eyes ( a wat*+ _w1 we /& committ$8 ,ne$ ,i /ress ! great damage :i* fur!r delay 9 ! prosecution ( ?is div9ely-appo9t$ task mu/1 ev5 9 ^! critical & un=ese5 circum/ances1 inflict ^u ! pre/ige ( our belov$ ,cause8 ,i am1 ,i c assure y1 acutely consci\s ( ! /r+5cy ( ! circum/ances ) :i* y are fac$1 ! emb>rassm5ts "u :i* y labor1 ! c>es ) :i* y are burd5$1 ! press+ urg5cy ( ! dem&s t are be+ incessantly made ^u y\r deplet$ res\rces4 ,i am1 h[ev]1 /ill m pr(\ndly aw>e ( ! unprec$5t$ "* ( ! opportunity :i* x is y\r privilege to seize & utilize4 ,i am aw>e ( ! incalculable bless+s t mu/ await ! t]m9ation ( a collective ent]prise :i*1 by ! range & quality ( ! sacrifices x entail$1 des]ves to be rank$ among ! mo/ out/&+ examples ( ,bah' solid>ity ev] s9ce ^? de$s ( brilliant h]oism immortaliz$ ! memory ( ! h]oes ( ,nayrz1 ( ,zanjn1 & ( ,tab>s4 ,i appeal to y1 !re=e1 fri5ds & fell[-disciples ( ,bah'u'llh1 = a m abundant measure ( self-sacrifice1 = a high] /&>d ( conc]t$ ef=t1 = a /ill m compell+ evid5ce ( ! reality ( ! fai? t gl[s )9 y4 ,& 9 ?is f]v5t plea1 my voice is once m re9=c$ by ! passionate1 & p]haps1 ! la/1 entreaty1 ( ! ,greate/ ,holy ,leaf1 ^: _s1 n[ hov]+ on ! edge ( ! ,great ,beyond1 longs to c>ry on its flight to ! ,abh ,k+dom1 & into ! pres5ce ( a ,div9e1 an almighty ,fa!r1 an assurance ( ! joy\s consummation ( an ent]prise1 ! progress ( :i* has s greatly bright5$ ! clos+ days ( h] e>?ly life4 ,t ! ,am]ican believ]s1 ^? /\t-he>t$ pione]s ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh1 w unanim\sly respond1 ) t same spontane\s g5]osity1 t same measure ( self-sacrifice1 z h *>act]iz$ _! response to h] appeals 9 ! pa/1 no "o :o is famili> ) ! vitality ( _! fai? c possibly "q4 ,w\ld to ,god t by ! end ( ! spr+ ( ! ye> #aicc ! multitudes :o1 f ! remote corn]s ( ! globe1 w ?rong ! gr\nds ( ! ,great ,fair to be held 9 ! neighborhood ( t hall[$ %r9e may1 z a result ( y\r su/a9$ _s ( self-sacrifice1 be privileg$ to gaze on ! array$ spl5dor ( its dome--a dome t %all /& z a flam+ beacon & a symbol ( hope amid/ ! gloom ( a despair+ _w4 ,y\r true bro!r1 ,,%oghi ,haifa1 ,pale/9e1 ,m>* #ba1 #aicb ,,am]ica ,,& ,,! ,,mo/ ,,great ,,peace ,am]ica & ! ,mo/ ,great ,peace ,to ! belov$ ( ! ,"l & ! h&maids ( ! ,m]ciful ?r\gh\t ! ,unit$ ,/ates & ,canada4 ,fri5ds & fell[-promot]s ( ! ,fai? ( ,god3 ,=ty ye>s w h elaps$ ere ! close ( ?is com+ summ] s9ce ! "n ( ,bah'u'llh 0 fir/ m5tion$ on ! ,am]ican cont95t4 ,/range inde$ mu/ appe> to e obs]v]1 pond]+ 9 8 he>t ! significance ( s great a l&m>k 9 ! spiritual hi/ory ( ! great ,am]ican ,republic1 ! circum/ances :i* h att5d$ ?is fir/ public ref]5ce to ! ,au?or ( our belov$ ,fai?4 ,/rang] /ill mu/ seem ! associations :i* ! brief words utt]$ on t hi/oric occasion mu/ h evok$ 9 ! m9ds ( ^? :o he>d !m4 ,( pomp & circum/ance1 ( any manife/ations ( public rejoic+ or ( popul> applause1 !re 7 none to greet ?is fir/ intimation7#a7 to ,am]ica's citiz5s ( ! exi/5ce & purpose ( ! ,revelation proclaim$ by ,bah'u'llh4 ,nor did he :o 0 its *os5 in/rum5t pr(ess himself a believ] 9 ! indwell+ pot5cy ( ! tid+s he convey$1 or suspect ! magnitude ( ! =ces :i* s cursory a m5tion 0 de/9$ to release4 ,ann\nc$ ?r\gh ! m\? ( an av[$ support] ( t n>r[ ecclesia/icism :i* ! ,fai? itself has *all5g$ & seeks to extirpate1 *>act]iz$ at ! mom5t ( its bir? z an obscure (f%oot ( a contemptible cre$1 ! ,message ( ! ,mo/ ,great ,"n1 f$ by /reams ( unceas+ trial & w>m$ by ! sun%9e ( #8,abdu'l-,bah's t5d] c>e1 has succe$$ 9 driv+ its roots deep into ,am]ica's g5ial soil1 has 9 less ?an half a c5tury s5t out its %oots & t5drils z f> z ! remote/ corn]s ( ! globe1 & n[ /&s1 clo!d 9 ! maje/y ( ! consecrat$ ,edifice x has re>$ 9 ! he>t ( t cont95t1 det]m9$ to proclaim its "r & v9dicate its capacity to r$eem a /rick5 p4 ,unsupport$ by any ( ! advantages :i* tal5t1 rank & ri*es c conf]1 ! community ( ! ,am]ican believ]s1 despite its t5d] age1 its num]ical /r5g?1 its limit$ exp]i5ce1 has by virtue ( ! inspir$ wisdom1 ! unit$ w1 ! incorruptible loyalty ( its adm9i/rators & tea*]s a*iev$ ! di/9ction ( an undisput$ lead]%ip among its si/] communities ( ,ea/ & ,we/ 9 ha/5+ ! adv5t ( ! ,gold5 ,age anticipat$ by ,bah'u'llh4 ,& yet h[ grave ! crises :i* ?is infant1 ?is bless$1 community has wea!r$ 9 ! c\rse ( its *eck]$ hi/ory6 ,h[ sl[ & pa9ful ! process t gradually br\ght x =? f ! obscurity ( unmitigat$ neglect to ! broad daylight ( public recognition6 ,h[ sev]e ! %ocks :i* ! ranks ( its devot$ adh]5ts h su/a9$ ?r\gh ! defection ( ! fa9t 9 he>t1 ! malice ( ! mis*ief-mak]1 ! trea*]y ( ! pr\d & ! ambiti\s6 ,:at /orms ( ridicule1 ( abuse & ( calumny its repres5tatives h _h to face 9 _! /aun* support ( ! integrity1 & _! valiant def5se ( ! fair "n1 ( ! ,fai? !y _h esp\s$6 ,h[ p]si/5t ! vicissitudes & disconc]t+ ! rev]ses ) :i* its privileg$ memb]s1 "y & old alike1 individually & collectively1 h _h to cont5d 9 _! h]oic endeavors to scale ! heights :i* a lov+ ,ma/] _h summon$ !m to atta96 ,_m & p[]ful h be5 its enemies :o1 z soon z !y discov]$ ! evid5ces ( ! gr[+ asc5dancy ( its decl>$ support]s1 h vi$ ) "o ano!r 9 hurl+ at its face ! vile/ imputations & 9 p\r+ out ^u ! ,object ( its devotion ! vials ( _! fi]ce/ wra?4 ,h[ (t5 h ^! sne]$ at ! scant9ess ( its res\rces & ! seem+ /agnation ( its life6 ,h[ bitt]ly !y ridicul$ its orig9s &1 misconceiv+ its purpose1 dismiss$ x z a useless app5dage ( an expir+ cre$6 ,h !y n 9 _! writt5 attacks /igmatiz$ ! h]oic p]son ( ! ,=]unn] ( s holy a ,revelation z a c[>d recant]1 a p]v]t$ apo/ate1 & d5\nc$ ! entire range ( ,8 volum9\s writ+s z ! idle *att] ( a ?\ghtless man8 ,h !y n *os5 to ascribe to its div9e ,f\nd] ! base/ motives :i* an unscrupul\s plott] & usurp] c conceive1 & reg>d$ ! ,c5t] ( ,8 ,cov5ant z ! embodim5t ( ru?less tyranny1 a /irr] ( mis*ief1 & a notori\s expon5t ( exp$i5cy & fraud8 ,its _w-unify+ pr9ciples ^! impot5t enemies ( a /eadily-ris+ ,fai? h "t & aga9 d5\nc$ z fundam5tally defective1 h pron\nc$ its all-embrac+ program z utt]ly fanta/ic1 & reg>d$ its vision ( ! future z *im]ical & positively deceitful4 ,! fundam5tal v]ities t con/itute its doctr9e its fooli% ill-wi%]s h repres5t$ z a cloak ( idle dogma1 its adm9i/rative ma*9]y !y h refus$ to diff]5tiate f ! s\l ( ! ,fai? itself1 & ! my/]ies x rev]es & upholds !y h id5tifi$ ) %e] sup]/ition4 ,! pr9ciple ( unification :i* x advocates & ) :i* x /&s id5tifi$ !y h misconceiv$ z a %all[ attempt at uni=mity1 its repeat$ ass]tions ( ! reality ( sup]natural ag5cies !y h condemn$ z a va9 belief 9 magic1 & ! glory ( its idealism !y h reject$ z m]e utopia4 ,e process ( purification :]eby an inscrutable ,wisdom *ose f "t to "t to purge ! body ( ,8 *os5 foll[]s ( ! defilem5t ( ! undesirable & ! unwor?y1 ^! victims ( an unrel5t+ jeal\sy h hail$ z a symptom ( ! invad+ =ces ( s*ism :i* 7 soon to sap its /r5g?1 vitiate its vitality1 & complete its ru94 ,de>ly-belov$ fri5ds6 ,x is n = me1 nor does x seem )9 ! compet5ce ( any "o ( ! pres5t g5]ation1 to trace ! exact & full hi/ory ( ! rise & gradual consolidation ( ?is inv9cible arm1 ?is mighty organ1 ( a cont9ually advanc+ ,cause4 ,x w\ld be premature at ?is e>ly /age ( its evolution1 to attempt an exhau/ive analysis1 or to arrive at a j e/imate1 ( ! impell+ =ces t h urg$ x =w>d to occupy s exalt$ a place among ! v>i\s in/rum5ts :i* ! ,h& ( ,omnipot5ce has fa%ion$1 & is n[ p]fect+1 = ! execution ( ,8 div9e ,purpose4 ,future hi/orians ( ?is mighty ,revelation1 end[$ ) p5s abl] ?an any :i* its pres5t-day support]s c claim to possess1 w no d\bt transmit to po/]ity a ma/]ly exposition ( ! orig9s ( ^? =ces :i*1 ?r\gh a rem>kable sw+ ( ! p5dulum1 h caus$ ! adm9i/rative c5t] ( ! ,fai? to gravitate1 away f its cradle1 to ! %ores ( ! ,am]ican cont95t & t[>ds its v he>t--! pres5t ma9spr+ & *ief bulw>k ( its fa/ evolv+ in/itutions4 ,on !m w devolve ! task ( record+ ! hi/ory1 & ( e/imat+ ! significance1 ( s radical a revolution 9 ! =tunes ( a sl[ly matur+ ,fai?4 ,!irs w be ! opportunity to extol ! virtues & to immortalize ! memory ( ^? m5 & wom5 :o h p>ticipat$ 9 its accompli%m5t4 ,!irs w be ! privilege ( evaluat+ ! %>e :i* ea* ( ^! *ampion-build]s ( ! ,_w ,ord] ( ,bah'u'llh has _h 9 u%]+ 9 t gold5 ,mill5nium1 ! promise ( :i* lies en%r9$ 9 ,8 tea*+s4 ,does n ! hi/ory ( primitive ,*ri/ianity & ( ! rise ( ,islm1 ea* 9 its own way1 (f] a /rik+ p>allel to ?is /range ph5om5on ! beg9n+s ( :i* we are n[ witness+ 9 ?is1 ! fir/ c5tury ( ! ,bah' ,era8 ,has n ! ,div9e ,impulse :i* gave bir? to ea* ( ^! great religi\s sy/ems be5 driv51 ?r\gh ! op]ation ( ^? =ces :i* ! irresi/ible gr[? ( ! ,fai? itself _h releas$1 to seek away f ! l& ( its bir? & 9 m propiti\s climes a ready field & a m adequate m$ium = ! inc>nation ( its _s & ! propagation ( its cause8 ,h n ! ,asiatic *ur*es ( ,j]usalem1 ( ,antio* & ( ,alex&ria1 consi/+ *iefly ( ^? ,jewi% conv]ts1 ^: "* & temp]am5t incl9$ !m to sympa?ize ) ! traditional c]emonies ( ! ,mosaic ,disp5sation1 be5 =c$ z !y /eadily decl9$ to recognize ! gr[+ asc5dancy ( _! ,greek & ,roman bre?r58 ,h !y n be5 compell$ to ackn[l$ge ! sup]ior valor & ! tra9$ effici5cy :i* h enabl$ ^! /&>d-be>]s ( ! ,cause ( ,jesus ,*ri/ to erect ! symbols ( ,8 _w-wide dom9ion on ! ru9s ( a collaps+ ,empire8 ,has n ! animat+ _s ( ,islm be5 con/ra9$1 "u ! pressure ( simil> circum/ances1 to ab&on ! inhospitable wa/es ( its ,arabian ,home1 ! !atre ( its greate/ suff]+s & exploits1 to yield 9 a di/ant l& ! faire/ fruit ( its sl[ly matur+ civilization8 8,f ! beg9n+ ( "t until ! pres5t day10 #8,abdu'l-,bah ,himself affirms1 8! light ( ,div9e ,revelation ha? ris5 9 ! ,ea/ & %$ its radiance ^u ! ,we/4 ,! illum9ation ?us %$ ha?1 h[ev]1 acquir$ 9 ! ,we/ an extraord9>y brilliancy4 ,consid] ! ,fai? proclaim$ by ,jesus4 ,?\gh x fir/ appe>$ 9 ! ,ea/1 yet n until its light _h be5 %$ ^u ! ,we/ did ! full measure ( its pot5tialities become manife/40 8,! day is approa*+10 ,he1 9 ano!r passage1 assures u1 8:5 ye %all witness h[1 ?r\gh ! spl5dor ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh1 ! ,we/ w h replac$ ! ,ea/1 radiat+ ! light ( ,div9e ,guidance40 8,9 ! books ( ! ,prophets10 ,he aga9 ass]ts1 8c]ta9 glad-tid+s are record$ :i* are absolutely true & free f d\bt4 ,! ,ea/ ha? ev] be5 ! dawn+-place ( ! ,sun ( ,tru?4 ,9 ! ,ea/ all ! ,prophets ( ,god h appe>$ 444,! ,we/ ha? acquir$ illum9ation f ! ,ea/ b 9 "s respects ! reflection ( ! light ha? be5 great] 9 ! ,occid5t4 ,?is is specially true ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,jesus ,*ri/ appe>$ 9 ,pale/9e & ,8 tea*+s 7 f\nd$ 9 t c\ntry4 ,al?\gh ! doors ( ! ,k+dom 7 fir/ op5$ 9 t l& & ! be/[als ( ,god 7 spread broadca/ f its c5t]1 ! p ( ! ,we/ h embrac$ & promulgat$ ,*ri/ianity m fully ?an ! p ( ! ,ea/40 ,little wond] t f ! same un]r+ p5 !re %\ld h fl[$1 aft] #8,abdu'l-,bah's memorable visit to ! ,we/1 ^! (t5-quot$ words1 ! significance ( :i* x w\ld be impossible = me to ov]rate3 8,! cont95t ( ,am]ica10 ,he ann\nc$ 9 a ,tablet unveil+ ,8 ,div9e ,plan to ! believ]s resid+ 9 ! ,nor?-,ea/]n ,/ates ( ! ,am]ican ,republic1 8is 9 ! eyes ( ! "o true ,god ! l& :]e9 ! spl5dors ( ,8 light %all be reveal$1 :]e ! my/]ies ( ,8 ,fai? %all be unveil$1 :]e ! righte\s w abide & ! free assemble40 8,may ?is ,am]ican democracy10 ,he ,himself1 :ile 9 ,am]ica1 0 he>d to rem>k1 8be ! fir/ nation to e/abli% ! f\ndation ( int]national agreem5t4 ,may x be ! fir/ nation to proclaim ! unity ( mank9d4 ,may x be ! fir/ to unfurl ! /&>d ( ! #8,mo/ ,great ,peace'444 ,! ,am]ican p are inde$ wor?y ( be+ ! fir/ to build ! tab]nacle ( ! great peace & proclaim ! on5ess ( mank9d444 ,may ,am]ica become ! di/ribut+ c5t] ( spiritual enlight5m5t & all ! _w receive ?is heav5ly bless+4 ,= ,am]ica has develop$ p[]s & capacities great] & m wond]ful ?an o!r nations444 ,may ! inhabitants ( ?is c\ntry become l angels ( heav5 ) faces turn$ cont9ually t[>d ,god4 ,may all ( !m become s]vants ( ! omnipot5t ,"o4 ,may !y rise f _! pres5t mat]ial atta9m5ts to su* a height t heav5ly illum9ation may /ream f ?is c5t] to all ! peoples ( ! _w444 ,?is ,am]ican nation is equipp$ & emp[]$ to accompli% t :i* w adorn ! pages ( hi/ory1 to become ! envy ( ! _w & be ble/ 9 bo? ! ,ea/ & ! ,we/ = ! triumph ( its p444 ,! ,am]ican cont95t gives signs & evid5ces ( v great advancem5t4 ,its future is ev5 m promis+1 = its influ5ce & illum9ation are f>-rea*+4 ,x w lead all nations spiritually40 ,w\ld x seem extravagant1 9 ! light ( s sublime an utt]ance1 to expect t 9 ! mid/ ( s enviable a region ( ! e>? & out ( ! agony & wreckage ( an unprec$5t$ crisis !re %\ld bur/ =? a spiritual r5aissance :i*1 z x propagates itself ?r\gh ! in/rum5tality ( ! ,am]ican believ]s1 w rehabilitate ! =tunes ( a decad5t age8 ,x 0 #8,abdu'l-,bah ,himself1 ,8 mo/ intimate associates te/ify1 ,:o1 on m ?an "o occasion1 intimat$ t ! e/abli%m5t ( ,8 ,fa!r's ,fai? 9 ! ,nor? ,am]ican cont95t rank$ z ! mo/ out/&+ among ! ?reefold aims :i*1 z ,he conceiv$ x1 con/itut$ ! pr9cipal objective ( ,8 m9i/ry4 ,x 0 ,he ,:o1 9 ! heyday ( ,8 life & almo/ imm$iately aft] ,8 ,fa!r's asc5sion1 conceiv$ ! idea ( inaugurat+ ,8 mission by enli/+ ! inhabitants ( s promis+ a c\ntry "u ! bann] ( ,bah'u'llh4 ,he x 0 ,:o 9 ,8 un]r+ wisdom & out ( ! abundance ( ,8 he>t *ose to be/[ on ,8 favor$ disciples1 to ! v la/ day ( ,8 life1 ! tok5s ( ,8 unfail+ solicitude & to ov]:elm !m ) ! m>ks ( ,8 special favor4 ,x 0 ,he ,:o1 9 ,8 decl9+ ye>s1 z soon z deliv]$ f ! %ackles ( a long & cruel inc>c]ation1 decid$ to visit ! l& :i* _h rema9$ = s _m ye>s ! object ( ,8 inf9ite c>e & love4 ,x 0 ,he ,:o1 ?r\gh ! p[] ( ,8 pres5ce & ! *>m ( ,8 utt]ance1 infus$ into ! entire body ( ,8 foll[]s ^? s5tim5ts & pr9ciples :i* c\ld alone su/a9 !m amid/ ! trials :i* ! v prosecution ( _! task w\ld inevitably eng5d]4 ,0 ,he n1 ?r\gh ! sev]al functions :i* ,he ex]cis$ :il/ ,he dwelt among/ !m1 :e!r 9 ! lay+ ( ! corn]-/one ( _! ,h\se ( ,wor%ip1 or 9 ! ,fea/ :i* ,he (f]$ !m & at :i* ,he *ose to s]ve !m 9 p]son1 or 9 ! emphasis :i* ,he on a m solemn occasion plac$ on ! implications ( ,8 spiritual /ation--0 ,he n1 !reby1 delib]ately bequea?+ to !m all ! ess5tials ( t spiritual h]itage :i* ,he knew !y w\ld ably safegu>d & by _! de$s cont9ually enri*8 ,& f9ally :o c d\bt t 9 ! ,div9e ,plan :i*1 9 ! ev5+ ( ,8 life1 ,he unveil$ to _! eyes ,he 0 inve/+ !m ) t spiritual primacy on :i* !y c\ld rely 9 ! fulfillm5t ( _! high de/9y8 8,o ye apo/les ( ,bah'u'llh60 ,he ?us addresses !m 9 "o ( ,8 ,tablets1 8,may my life be sacrific$ = y6444 ,behold ! portals :i* ,bah'u'llh ha? op5$ be=e y6 ,consid] h[ exalt$ & l(ty is ! /ation y are de/9$ to atta92 h[ unique ! favors ) :i* y h be5 end[$40 8,my ?\ghts10 ,he tells !m 9 ano!r passage1 8are turn$ t[>ds y1 & my he>t leaps )9 me at y\r m5tion4 ,c\ld ye "k h[ my s\l gl[s ) y\r love1 s great a happ9ess w\ld flood y\r he>ts z to cause y to become enamor$ ) ea* o!r40 8,! full measure ( y\r success10 ,he decl>es 9 ano!r ,tablet1 8is z yet unreveal$1 its significance /ill unappreh5d$4 ,ere long ye w1 ) y\r own eyes1 witness h[ brilliantly e "o ( y1 ev5 z a %9+ />1 w radiate 9 ! firmam5t ( y\r c\ntry ! light ( ,div9e ,guidance & w be/[ ^u its p ! glory ( an ev]la/+ life40 8,! range ( y\r future a*ievem5ts10 ,he once m affirms1 8/ill rema9s undisclos$4 ,i f]v5tly hope t 9 ! ne> future ! :ole e>? may be /irr$ & %ak5 by ! results ( y\r a*ievem5ts40 8,! ,almighty10 ,he assures !m1 8w no d\bt grant y ! help ( ,8 grace1 w inve/ y ) ! tok5s ( ,8 might1 & w endue y\r s\ls ) ! su/a9+ p[] ( ,8 holy ,_s40 8,be n conc]n$10 ,he admoni%es !m1 8) ! smallness ( y\r numb]s1 nei!r be oppress$ by ! multitude ( an unbeliev+ _w444 ,ex]t y\rselves2 y\r mission is unspeakably glori\s4 ,%\ld success cr[n y\r ent]prise1 ,am]ica w assur$ly evolve into a c5t] f :i* waves ( spiritual p[] w emanate1 & ! ?rone ( ! ,k+dom ( ,god w1 9 ! pl5titude ( its maje/y & glory1 be firmly e/abli%$40 8,! hope :i* #8,abdu'l-,bah *]i%es = y10 ,he ?us urges !m1 8is t ! same success :i* has att5d$ y\r ef=ts 9 ,am]ica may cr[n y\r endeavors 9 o!r p>ts ( ! _w1 t ?r\gh y ! fame ( ! ,cause ( ,god may be diffus$ ?r\gh\t ! ,ea/ & ! ,we/ & ! adv5t ( ! ,k+dom ( ! ,"l ( ,ho/s be proclaim$ 9 all ! five cont95ts ( ! globe444 ,?us f> ye h be5 untir+ 9 y\r labors4 ,let y\r ex]tions1 h5ce=?1 increase a ?\s&fold4 ,summon ! p 9 ^! c\ntries1 capitals1 isl&s1 assemblies & *ur*es to ent] ! ,abh ,k+dom4 ,! scope ( y\r ex]tions mu/ ne$s be ext5d$4 ,! wid] its range1 ! m /rik+ w be ! evid5ces ( ,div9e assi/ance444 ,oh6 t ,i c\ld travel1 ev5 ?\gh on foot & 9 ! utmo/ pov]ty1 to ^! regions &1 rais+ ! call ( ,y ,bah'u'l-,abh 9 cities1 villages1 m\nta9s1 des]ts & oceans1 promote ! ,div9e tea*+s6 ,?is1 alas1 ,i _c d6 ,h[ int5sely ,i deplore x6 ,please ,god1 ye may a*ieve x40 ,& f9ally1 z if to cr[n all ,8 previ\s utt]ances1 is ?is solemn affirmation embody+ ,8 ,vision ( ,am]ica's spiritual de/9y3 8,! mom5t ?is ,div9e ,message is c>ri$ =w>d by ! ,am]ican believ]s f ! %ores ( ,am]ica & is propagat$ ?r\gh ! cont95ts ( ,europe1 ( ,asia1 ( ,africa & ( ,au/ralasia1 & z f> z ! isl&s ( ! ,pacific1 ?is community w f9d itself securely e/abli%$ ^u ! ?rone ( an ev]la/+ dom9ion4 ,!n w all ! peoples ( ! _w witness t ?is community is spiritually illum9$ & div9ely guid$4 ,!n w ! :ole e>? res\nd ) ! praises ( its maje/y & greatness40 ,x is 9 ! light ( ^! above-quot$ words ( #8,abdu'l-,bah t e ?\ghtful & consci5ti\s believ] %\ld pond] ! significance ( ?is mom5t\s utt]ance ( ,bah'u'llh3 8,9 ! ,ea/ ! light ( ,8 ,revelation ha? brok52 9 ! ,we/ h appe>$ ! signs ( ,8 dom9ion4 ,pond] ?is 9 y\r he>ts1 ,o p1 & be n ( ^? :o h turn$ a deaf e> to ! admonitions ( ,him ,:o is ! ,almighty1 ! ,all-,prais$444 ,%\ld !y attempt to conceal its light on ! cont95t1 x w assur$ly re> its head 9 ! midmo/ he>t ( ! ocean1 &1 rais+ its voice1 proclaim3 #8,i am ! life-giv] ( ! _w6'0 ,de>ly-belov$ fri5ds6 ,c our eyes be s dim z to fail to recognize 9 ! angui% & turmoil :i*1 great] ?an 9 any o!r c\ntry & 9 a mann] unprec$5t$ 9 its hi/ory1 are n[ afflict+ ! ,am]ican nation1 evid5ces ( ! beg9n+s ( t spiritual r5aissance :i* ^! pregnant words ( #8,abdu'l-,bah s cle>ly =e%ad[8 ,! ?roes & tw+es ( agony :i* ! s\l ( a nation 9 travail is n[ beg9n+ to exp]i5ce abundantly proclaim x4 ,contra/ ! sad plight ( ! nations ( ! e>?1 & 9 p>ticul> ?is great ,republic ( ! ,we/1 ) ! ris+ =tunes ( t h&ful ( its citiz5s1 ^: mission1 if !y be fai?ful to _! tru/1 is to heal its w\nds1 re/ore its confid5ce & revive its %att]$ hopes4 ,contra/ ! dreadful convulsions1 ! int]nec9e conflicts1 ! petty disputes1 ! outworn controv]sies1 ! int]m9able revolutions t agitate ! masses1 ) ! calm new light ( ,peace & ( ,tru? :i* envelops1 guides & su/a9s ^? valiant inh]itors ( ! law & love ( ,bah'u'llh4 ,comp>e ! dis9tegrat+ in/itutions1 ! discr$it$ /atesman%ip1 ! explod$ !ories1 ! appall+ degradation1 ! follies & furies1 ! %ifts1 %ams & compromises t *>act]ize ! pres5t age1 ) ! /eady consolidation1 ! holy discipl9e1 ! unity & cohesiv5ess1 ! assur$ conviction1 ! uncompromis+ loyalty1 ! h]oic self-sacrifice t con/itute ! hallm>k ( ^! fai?ful /ew>ds & h>b+]s ( ! gold5 age ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh4 ,small wond] t ^! prophetic words %\ld h be5 reveal$ by #8,abdu'l-,bah3 8,! ,ea/10 ,he assures u1 8ha? v]ily be5 illum9$ ) ! light ( ! ,k+dom4 ,ere long w ?is same light %$ a /ill great] illum9ation ^u ! ,we/4 ,!n w ! he>ts ( its p be vivifi$ ?r\gh ! pot5cy ( ! tea*+s ( ,god & _! s\ls be set agl[ by ! undy+ fire ( ,8 love40 8,! pre/ige ( ! ,fai? ( ,god10 ,he ass]ts1 8has imm5sely increas$4 ,its greatness is n[ manife/4 ,! day is approa*+ :5 x w h ca/ a trem5d\s tumult 9 m5's he>ts4 ,rejoice1 !re=e1 ,o d5iz5s ( ,am]ica1 rejoice ) exce$+ gladness60 ,mo/ priz$ & be/-belov$ bre?r56 ,z we look back ^u ! =ty ye>s :i* h pass$ s9ce ! auspici\s rays ( ! ,bah' ,revelation fir/ w>m$ & illum9at$ ! ,am]ican cont95t we f9d t !y may well fall into f\r di/9ct p]iods1 ea* culm9at+ 9 an ev5t ( su* significance z to con/itute a mile/one along ! road lead+ ! ,am]ican believ]s t[>ds _! promis$ victory4 ,! fir/ ( ^! f\r decades 7#ahic-aijc71 *>act]iz$ by a process ( sl[ & /eady f]m5tation1 may be said to h culm9at$ 9 ! hi/oric pilgrimages und]tak5 by #8,abdu'l-,bah's ,am]ican disciples to ! %r9e ( ,bah'u'llh4 ,! t5 ye>s :i* foll[$ 7#aijc-aiac71 s full ( ! te/s & trials :i* agitat$1 cleans$ & en]giz$ ! body ( ! e>lie/ pione]s ( ! ,fai? 9 t l&1 _h z _! happy climax #8,abdu'l-,bah's memorable visit to ,am]ica4 ,! ?ird p]iod 7#aiac-aibc71 a p]iod ( quiet & un9t]rupt$ consolidation1 _h z its inevitable result ! bir? ( t div9ely-appo9t$ ,adm9i/ration1 ! f\ndations ( :i* ! ,w ( a dep>t$ ,ma/] _h unmi/akably e/abli%$4 ,! rema9+ t5 ye>s 7#aibc-aicc71 di/+ui%$ ?r\gh\t by fur!r int]nal developm5t1 z well z by a notable expansion ( ! int]national activities ( a gr[+ community1 witness$ ! completion ( ! sup]/ructure ( ! ,ma%riqu'l-,adhkr--! ,adm9i/ration's mighty bulw>k1 ! symbol ( its /r5g? & ! sign ( its future glory4 ,ea* ( ^! successive p]iods w\ld seem to h contribut$ its di/9ct %>e 9 enri*+ ! spiritual life ( t community1 & 9 prep>+ its memb]s = ! dis*>ge ( ! trem5d\s responsibilities ( _! unique mission4 ,! pilgrimages :i* its =emo/ repres5tatives 7 mov$ to und]take 9 t e>lie/ p]iod ( its hi/ory fir$ ! s\ls ( its memb]s ) a love & zeal :i* no am\nt ( adv]sity c\ld qu5*4 ,! te/s & tribulations x subsequ5tly suff]$ enabl$ ^? :o surviv$ !m to obta9 a grasp ( ! implications ( _! fai? t no opposition1 h[ev] det]m9$ & well-organiz$1 c\ld ev] hope to weak54 ,! in/itutions :i* its tri$ & te/$ adh]5ts lat] on e/abli%$ furni%$ _! promot]s ) t poise & /ability :i* ! increase ( _! numb]s & ! ceaseless ext5sion ( _! activities urg5tly dem&$4 ,& f9ally ! ,temple :i* ! expon5ts ( an already firmly e/abli%$ ,adm9i/ration 7 inspir$ to erect gave !m ! vision :i* nei!r ! /orms ( int]nal disord] nor ! :irlw9ds ( int]national commotion c\ld possibly obscure4 ,x w\ld take me too long to attempt ev5 a brief description ( ! fir/ /irr+s :i* ! introduction ( ! ,bah' ,revelation into ! ,new ,_w1 z conceiv$1 initiat$ & direct$ by our belov$ ,ma/]1 imm$iately creat$4 ,nor does space p]mit me to n>rate ! circum/ances att5d+ ! epo*-mak+ visit ( ! fir/ ,am]ican pilgrims to ,bah'u'llh's hall[$ %r9e1 to relate ! de$s :i* signaliz$ ! return ( ^! be>]s ( a new-born ,gospel to _! native c\ntry1 or to assess ! imm$iate consequ5ces ( _! a*ievem5ts4 ,no ^w ( m9e w\ld suffice to express h[ in/antly ! revelation ( #8,abdu'l-,bah's hopes1 expectations & purpose = an awak5$ cont95t1 electrifi$ ! m9ds & he>ts ( ^? :o 7 privileg$ to he> ,him1 :o 7 made ! recipi5ts ( ,8 ine/imable bless+s & ! *os5 repositories ( ,8 confid5ce & tru/4 ,i c nev] hope to int]pret adequately ! feel+s t surg$ )9 ^? h]oic he>ts z !y sat at _! ,ma/]'s feet1 b5ea? ! %elt] ( ,8 prison-h\se1 eag] to absorb & int5t to pres]ve ! effusions ( ,8 div9e ,wisdom4 ,i c nev] pay suffici5t tribute to t _s ( unyield+ det]m9ation :i* ! impact ( a magnetic p]sonality & ! spell ( a mighty utt]ance k9dl$ 9 ! entire company ( ^! return+ pilgrims1 ^! consecrat$ h]alds ( ! ,cov5ant ( ,god1 at s decisive an epo* ( _! hi/ory4 ,! memory ( su* names z ,lua1 ,*ase1 ,mac,nutt1 ,dealy1 ,goodall1 ,dodge1 ,f>m] & ,britt+ham--to m5tion only a few ( t immortal galaxy n[ ga!r$ to ! glory ( ,bah'u'llh--w = ev] rema9 associat$ ) ! rise & e/abli%m5t ( ,8 ,fai? 9 ! ,am]ican cont95t1 & w cont9ue to %$ on its annals a lu/re t "t c nev] dim4 ,x 0 ?r\gh ^! pilgrimages1 z !y succe$$ "o ano!r 9 ! ye>s imm$iately foll[+ ! asc5sion ( ,bah'u'llh1 t ! spl5dor ( ! ,cov5ant1 becl\d$ = a "t by ! app>5t asc5dancy ( its ,ar*-,break]1 em]g$ triumphant amid/ ! vicissitudes :i* _h afflict$ x4 ,x 0 ?r\gh ! arrival ( ^! pilgrims1 & ^! alone1 t ! gloom :i* _h envelop$ ! disconsolate memb]s ( #8,abdu'l-,bah's family 0 f9ally dispell$4 ,?r\gh ! ag5cy ( ^! successive visitors ! ,greate/ ,holy ,leaf1 :o alone ) h] ,bro!r among ! memb]s ( h] ,fa!r's h\sehold _h to confront ! rebellion ( almo/ ! entire company ( h] relatives & associates1 f\nd t consolation :i* s p[]fully su/a9$ h] till ! v close ( h] life4 ,by ! =ces :i* ?is little b& ( return+ pilgrims 0 able to release 9 ! he>t ( t cont95t ! dea?-knell ( e s*eme initiat$ by ! w\ld-be wreck] ( ! ,cause ( ,god 0 s\nd$4 ,! ,tablets :i* 7 subsequ5tly reveal$ by ! untir+ p5 ( #8,abdu'l-,bah1 embody+ 9 passionate & unequivocal language ,8 in/ructions & c\nsels1 ,8 appeals & comm5ts1 ,8 hopes & wi%es1 ,8 fe>s & w>n+s1 soon began to be translat$1 publi%$ & circulat$ ?r\gh\t ! l5g? & bread? ( ! ,nor? ,am]ican cont95t1 provid+ ! ev]-wid5+ circle ( ! fir/ believ]s ) t spiritual su/5ance :i* c\ld alone enable !m to survive ! sev]e trials !y 7 soon to exp]i5ce4 ,! h\r ( an unprec$5t$ crisis 01 h[ev]1 inexorably approa*+4 ,evid5ces ( diss5sion1 actuat$ by pride & ambition1 7 beg9n+ to obscure ! radiance & ret>d ! gr[? ( ! newly-born community :i* ! apo/olic tea*]s ( t cont95t _h labor$ to e/abli%4 ,he :o _h be5 in/rum5tal 9 inaugurat+ s spl5did an era 9 ! hi/ory ( ! ,fai?1 on :om ! ,c5t] ( ,bah'u'llh's ,cov5ant _h conf]r$ ! titles ( 8,bah's ,pet]10 ( ! 8,%eph]d ( ,god's ,flocks10 ( ! 8,conqu]or ( ,am]ica10 ^u :om _h be5 be/[$ ! unique privilege ( help+ #8,abdu'l-,bah lay ! f\ndation-/one ( ! ,bb's ,mausoleum on ,mt4 ,c>mel--su* a man1 bl9d$ by 8 extraord9>y success & aspir+ aft] an uncontroll$ dom9ation ov] ! beliefs & activities ( 8 fell[-disciples1 insol5tly rais$ ! /&>d ( revolt4 ,sec$+ f #8,abdu'l-,bah & ally+ himself ) ! ,ar*-,enemy ( ! ,fai? ( ,god1 ?is delud$ apo/ate s\ght1 by p]v]t+ ! tea*+s & direct+ a campaign ( unrel5t+ vilification aga9/ ! p]son ( #8,abdu'l-,bah1 to und]m9e ! fai? ( ^? believ]s :om he _h dur+ no less ?an eight ye>s1 s /r5u\sly toil$ to conv]t4 ,by ! tracts he publi%$1 ?r\gh ! active collaboration ( ! emiss>ies ( 8 *ief ,ally1 & re9=c$ by ! ef=ts :i* ! ,*ri/ian ecclesia/ical enemies ( ! ,bah' ,revelation 7 beg9n+ to ex]t1 he succe$$ 9 deal+ ! nasc5t ,fai? ( ,god a bl[ f :i* x c\ld only sl[ly & pa9fully recov]4 ,i ne$ n dwell on ! imm$iate effects ( ?is s]i\s yet transitory cleavage 9 ! ranks ( ! ,am]ican adh]5ts ( ! ,cause ( ,bah'u'llh4 ,nor d ,i ne$ to expatiate on ! "* ( ! defamatory writ+s t p\r$ ^u !m4 ,nor does x seem necess>y to rec\nt ! measures to :i* an ev]-vigilant ,ma/] resort$ 9 ord] to assuage & ev5tually to dissipate _! appreh5sions4 ,x is = ! future hi/orian to appraise ! value ( ! mission ( ea* ( ! f\r *os5 mess5g]s ( #8,abdu'l-,bah :o1 9 rapid succession1 7 dispat*$ by ,him to pacify & re9vigorate t tr\bl$ community4 ,8 w be ! task ( trac+1 9 ! "w :i* ^! deputies ( #8,abdu'l-,bah 7 commission$ to und]take1 ! beg9n+s ( t va/ ,adm9i/ration1 ! corn]-/one ( :i* ^! mess5g]s 7 in/ruct$ to lay--an ,adm9i/ration ^: symbolic ,edifice ,he1 at a lat] "t1 0 to f\nd 9 p]son & ^: basis & scope ! provisions ( ,8 ,w 7 de/9$ to wid54 ,suffice x to say t at ?is /age ( its evolution ! activities ( an inv9cible ,fai? _h assum$ su* dim5sions z to =ce on ! "o h& its enemies to devise fre% weapons = _! project$ assaults1 & on ! o!r to enc\rage its supreme ,promot] to in/ruct its foll[]s1 ?r\gh qualifi$ repres5tatives & tea*]s1 9 ! rudim5ts ( an ,adm9i/ration :i*1 z x evolv$1 w\ld at once inc>nate1 safegu>d & fo/] its _s4 ,! works ( su* /ubborn assailants z ^? ( ,vatralsky1 ,wilson1 ,jessup & ,ri*>dson vie ) "o ano!r 9 _! futile attempts to /a9 its purity1 to arre/ its m>* & compel its surr5d]4 ,to ! *>ges ( ,nihilism1 ( h]esy1 ( ,muammadan ,gno/icism1 ( immorality1 ( ,occultism & ,communism s freely level$ aga9/ !m1 ! undismay$ victims ( su* outrage\s d5unciations1 act+ "u ! in/ructions ( #8,abdu'l-,bah1 retort$ by initiat+ a s]ies ( activities :i* by _! v nature 7 to be ! precursors ( p]man5t1 (ficially recogniz$ adm9i/rative in/itutions4 ,! inauguration ( ,*icago's fir/ ,h\se ( ,spirituality designat$ by #8,abdu'l-,bah z t city's 8,h\se ( ,ju/ice02 ! e/abli%m5t ( ! ,bah' ,publi%+ ,society2 ! f\nd+ ( ! ,gre5 ,acre ,fell[%ip2 ! publication ( ! ,/> ( ! ,we/2 ! hold+ ( ! fir/ ,bah' ,national ,conv5tion1 syn*roniz+ ) ! transf]5ce ( ! sacr$ rema9s ( ! ,bb to its f9al re/+-place on ,mt4 ,c>mel2 ! incorporation ( ! ,bah' ,temple ,unity & ! =mation ( ! ,executive ,committee ( ! ,ma%riqu'l-,adhkr--^! /& out z ! mo/ conspicu\s accompli%m5ts ( ! ,am]ican believ]s :i* h immortaliz$ ! memory ( ! mo/ turbul5t p]iod ( _! hi/ory4 ,laun*$ ?r\gh ^! v acts into ! tr\blesome seas ( ceaseless tribulation1 pilot$ by ! mighty arm ( #8,abdu'l-,bah & mann$ by ! bold initiative & abundant vitality ( a b& ( sorely-tri$ disciples1 ! ,ark ( ,bah'u'llh's ,cov5ant has1 ev] s9ce ^? days1 be5 /eadily pursu+ its c\rse contemptu\s ( ! /orms ( bitt] mis=tune t h rag$1 & :i* mu/ cont9ue to assail x1 z x =ges ahead t[>ds ! promis$ hav5 ( undi/urb$ security & peace4 ,unsatisfi$ ) ! a*ievem5ts :i* cr[n$ ! conc]t$ ef=ts ( _! elect$ repres5tatives )9 ! ,am]ican cont95t1 & embold5$ by ! initial success ( _! pione] tea*]s1 beyond its conf9es1 9 ,great ,brita91 ,france & ,g]many1 ! community ( ! ,am]ican believ]s resolv$ to w9 9 di/ant climes fre% recruits to ! advanc+ army ( ,bah'u'llh4 ,sett+ out f ! we/]n %ores ( _! native l& & impell$ by ! indomitable en]gy ( a new-born fai?1 ^! it9]ant tea*]s ( ! ,gospel ( ,bah'u'llh pu%$ on t[>ds ! isl&s ( ! ,pacific1 & z f> z ,*9a & ,japan1 det]m9$ to e/abli% beyond ! f>!/ seas ! outpo/s ( _! belov$ ,fai?4 ,bo? at home & abroad ?is community _h by t "t demon/rat$ its capacity to wid5 ! range & consolidate ! f\ndations ( its va/ endeavors4 ,! angry voices t _h be5 rais$ 9 prote/ aga9/ its rise 7 be+ dr[n$ amid ! acclamations ) :i* ! ,ea/ greet$ its rec5t victories4 ,^? ugly features t _h loom$ s ?reat5+ly 7 gradually rec$+ into ! di/ance1 furni%+ a /ill wid] field to ^! noble w>riors = ! ex]cise ( _! lat5t en]gies4 ,! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh 9 ! cont95t ( ,am]ica _h inde$ be5 resuscitat$4 ,pho5ix-l x _h ris5 9 all its fre%ness1 vigor & beauty & 0 n[1 ?r\gh ! voice ( its triumphant expon5ts1 insi/+ly call+ to #8,abdu'l-,bah1 implor+ ,him to und]take a j\rney to its %ores4 ,! fir/ fruits ( ! mission entru/$ to its wor?y uphold]s _h l5t su* poignancy to _! call t #8,abdu'l-,bah1 ,:o _h j be5 deliv]$ f ! fett]s ( a gall+ tyranny1 f\nd ,himself unable to resi/4 ,8 great1 ,8 incomp>able1 love = ,8 own favor$ *ildr5 impell$ ,him to respond4 ,_! passionate entreaty _h1 moreov]1 be5 re9=c$ by ! num]\s invitations :i* repres5tatives ( v>i\s int]e/$ organizations1 :e!r religi\s1 educational or humanit>ian1 _h ext5d$ to ,him1 express+ _! eag]ness to receive f ,8 own m\? an exposition ( ,8 ,fa!r's tea*+s4 ,?\gh b5t ) age1 ?\gh suff]+ f ailm5ts result+ f ! accumulat$ c>es ( fifty ye>s ( exile & captivity1 #8,abdu'l-,bah set out on ,8 memorable j\rney across ! seas to ! l& :]e ,he might bless by ,8 pres5ce1 & sanctify ?r\gh ,8 de$s1 ! mighty acts ,8 _s _h l$ ,8 disciples to p]=m4 ,! circum/ances t h att5d$ ,8 triumphal progress ?r\gh ! *ief cities ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates & ,canada my p5 is utt]ly incapable ( describ+4 ,! joys :i* ! ann\ncem5t ( ,8 arrival evok$1 ! publicity :i* ,8 activities creat$1 ! =ces :i* ,8 utt]ances releas$1 ! opposition :i* ! implications ( ,8 tea*+s excit$1 ! significant episodes to :i* ,8 words & de$s cont9ually gave rise--^! future g5]ations w1 no d\bt1 m9utely & befitt+ly regi/]4 ,!y w c>efully del9eate _! features1 w *]i% & pres]ve _! memory1 & w transmit unimpair$ ! record ( _! m9ute/ details to _! desc5dants4 ,x w\ld inde$ be presumptu\s on our "p to attempt1 at ! pres5t "t1 to sket* ev5 ! b>e outl9e ( s va/1 s en?rall+ a !me4 ,contemplat+ aft] ! lapse ( above tw5ty ye>s ?is notable l&m>k 9 ,am]ica's spiritual hi/ory we /ill f9d ourselves compell$ to confess our inability to grasp its import or to fa?om its my/]y4 ,i h allud$ 9 ! prec$+ pages to a few ( ! m sali5t features ( t nev]-to-be-=gott5 visit4 ,^! incid5ts1 z we look back ^u !m1 eloqu5tly proclaim #8,abdu'l-,bah's specific purpose to conf] ?r\gh ^! symbolic functions ^u ! fir/-born ( ! communities ( ! ,we/ t spiritual primacy :i* 0 to be ! bir?right ( ! ,am]ican believ]s4 ,! se$s :i* #8,abdu'l-,bah's ceaseless activities s lavi%ly scatt]$ _h end[$ ! ,unit$ ,/ates & ,canada1 nay ! entire cont95t1 ) pot5tialities su* z x _h nev] kn[n 9 its hi/ory4 ,on ! small b& ( ,8 tra9$ & belov$ disciples1 & ?r\gh !m on _! desc5dants1 ,he1 ?r\gh t visit1 _h bequea!d a priceless h]itage--a h]itage :i* c>ri$ ) x ! sacr$ & prim>y obligation to arise & c>ry on 9 t f]tile field ! "w ,he _h s glori\sly initiat$4 ,we c dimly picture to ourselves ! wi%es t mu/ h well$ f ,8 eag] he>t z ,he bade ,8 la/ f>ewell to t promis+ c\ntry4 ,an inscrutable ,wisdom1 we c well imag9e ,him rem>k to ,8 disciples on ! eve ( ,8 dep>ture1 has1 9 ,8 inf9ite b\nty s+l$ out y\r native l& = ! execution ( a mighty purpose4 ,?r\gh ! ag5cy ( ,bah'u'llh's ,cov5ant ,i1 z ! pl\ghman1 h be5 call$ ^u s9ce ! beg9n+ ( my m9i/ry to turn up & break its gr\nd4 ,! mighty confirmations t h1 9 ! op5+ days ( y\r c>e]1 ra9$ ^u y h prep>$ & invigorat$ its soil4 ,! tribulations y subsequ5tly 7 made to suff] h driv5 deep furr[s into ! field :i* my h&s _h prep>$4 ,! se$s ) :i* ,i h be5 entru/$ ,i h n[ scatt]$ f> & wide be=e y4 ,"u y\r lov+ c>e1 by y\r ceaseless ex]tions1 e "o ( ^! se$s mu/ g]m9ate1 e "o mu/ yield its de/9$ fruit4 ,a w9t] ( unprec$5t$ sev]ity w soon be ^u y4 ,its /orm-cl\ds are fa/ ga!r+ on ! horizon4 ,tempe/u\s w9ds w assail y f e side4 ,! ,light ( ! ,cov5ant w be obscur$ ?r\gh my dep>ture4 ,^! mighty bla/s1 ?is w9try desolation1 %all h[ev] pass away4 ,! dormant se$ w bur/ into fre% activity4 ,x %all put =? its buds1 %all reveal1 9 mighty in/itutions1 its leaves & blossoms4 ,! v]nal %[]s :i* ! t5d] m]cies ( my heav5ly ,fa!r w cause to desc5d ^u y w enable ?is t5d] plant to spread out its bran*es to regions f> beyond ! conf9es ( y\r native l&4 ,& f9ally ! /eadily m\nt+ sun ( ,8 ,revelation1 %9+ 9 its m]idian spl5dor1 w enable ?is mighty ,tree ( ,8 ,fai? to yield1 9 ! fullness ( "t & on y\r soil1 its gold5 fruit4 ,! implications ( su* a p>t+ message c\ld n long rema9 unreveal$ to #8,abdu'l-,bah's initiat$ disciples4 ,no soon] _h ,he conclud$ ,8 long & ardu\s j\rney across ! ,am]ican & ,european cont95ts ?an ! trem5d\s happ5+s to :i* ,he _h allud$ began to be made manife/4 ,a conflict1 su* z ,he _h pr$ict$1 sev]$ = a "t all means ( communication ) ^? on :om ,he _h come to place su* implicit tru/ & f :om ,he 0 expect+ s mu* 9 return4 ,! w9try desolation1 ) all its havoc & c>nage1 pursu$ dur+ f\r ye>s its rel5tless c\rse1 :ile ,he1 repair+ to ! quiet solitude ( ,8 resid5ce 9 ! close neighborhood ( ,bah'u'llh's hall[$ %r9e1 cont9u$ to communicate ,8 ?\ghts & wi%es to ^? :om ,he _h left beh9d & on :om ,he _h conf]r$ ! unique tok5s ( ,8 favor4 ,9 ! immortal ,tablets :i*1 9 ! long h\rs ( ,8 communion ) ,8 de>ly-belov$ fri5ds ,he 0 mov$ to reveal1 ,he unfold$ to _! eyes ,8 conception ( _! spiritual de/9y1 ,8 ,plan = ! mission ,he wi%$ !m to und]take4 ,! se$s ,8 h&s _h s[n ,he 0 n[ wat]+ ) t same c>e1 t same love & pati5ce1 :i* _h *>act]iz$ ,8 previ\s endeavors :il/ ,he 0 labor+ 9 _! mid/4 ,! cl>ion call :i* #8,abdu'l-,bah _h rais$ 0 ! signal = an outbur/ ( r5ew$ activity :i*1 alike 9 ! motives x inspir$ & ! =ces x set 9 motion1 ,am]ica _h sc>cely exp]i5c$4 ,l5d+ an unprec$5t$ impetus to ! "w :i* ! ent]pris+ ambassadors ( ! ,message ( ,bah'u'llh _h initiat$ 9 di/ant l&s1 ?is mighty movem5t has cont9u$ to spread until ! pres5t day1 has ga!r$ mom5tum z x ext5d$ its ramifications ov] ! surface ( ! globe1 & w cont9ue to accel]ate its m>* until ! la/ wi%es ( its orig9al ,promot] are completely fulfill$4 ,=sak+ home1 k9dr$1 fri5ds & position a h&ful ( m5 & wom51 fir$ ) a zeal & confid5ce :i* no human ag5cy c k9dle1 arose to c>ry out ! m&ate :i* #8,abdu'l-,bah _h issu$4 ,sail+ nor?w>d z f> z ,alaska1 pu%+ on to ! ,we/ ,indies1 p5etrat+ ! ,s\? ,am]ican cont95t to ! banks ( ! ,amazon & across ! ,&es to ! s\!rnmo/ ends ( ! ,arg5t9e ,republic1 press+ on we/w>d into ! isl& ( ,tahiti & beyond x to ! ,au/ralian cont95t & /ill beyond x z f> z ,new ,zeal& & ,tasmania1 ^! intrepid h]alds ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh h succe$$ by _! v acts 9 sett+ to ! pres5t g5]ation ( _! fell[-believ]s ?r\gh\t ! ,ea/ an example :i* !y may well emulate4 ,head$ by _! illu/ri\s repres5tative1 :o ev] s9ce ! call ( #8,abdu'l-,bah 0 rais$ has be5 twice r\nd ! _w & is /ill1 ) m>vell\s c\rage & =titude1 enri*+ ! mat*less record ( h] s]vices1 ^! m5 & wom5 h be5 in/rum5tal 9 ext5d+1 to a degree z yet unsurpass$ 9 ,bah' hi/ory1 ! sway ( ,bah'u'llh's univ]sal dom9ion4 ,9 ! face ( almo/ insurm\ntable ob/acles !y h succe$$ 9 mo/ ( ! c\ntries ?r\gh :i* !y h pass$ or 9 :i* !y h resid$1 9 proclaim+ ! tea*+s ( _! ,fai?1 9 circulat+ its lit]ature1 9 def5d+ its cause1 9 lay+ ! basis ( its in/itutions & 9 re9=c+ ! numb] ( its decl>$ support]s4 ,x w\ld be impossible = me to unfold 9 ?is %ort compass ! tale ( su* h]oic actions4 ,nor c any tribute ( m9e d ju/ice to ! _s :i* has enabl$ ^! /&>d-be>]s ( ! ,religion ( ,god to w9 su* laurels & to conf] su* di/9ction on ! g5]ation to :i* !y belong4 ,! ,cause ( ,bah'u'llh _h by t "t encircl$ ! globe4 ,its light1 born 9 d>ke/ ,p]sia1 _h be5 c>ri$ successively to ! ,european1 ! ,african & ! ,am]ican cont95ts1 & 0 n[ p5etrat+ ! he>t ( ,au/ralia1 encompass+ !reby ! :ole e>? ) a girdle ( %9+ glory4 ,! %>e :i* su* wor?y1 su* /\t-he>t$1 disciples h _h 9 bright5+ ! la/ days ( #8,abdu'l-,bah's e>?ly life ,he alone has truly recogniz$ & c suffici5tly e/imate4 ,! unique & et]nal significance ( su* accompli%m5ts ! labors ( ! ris+ g5]ation w assur$ly reveal1 _! memory its works w befitt+ly pres]ve & extol4 ,h[ deep a satisfaction #8,abdu'l-,bah mu/ h felt1 :ile consci\s ( ! approa*+ h\r ( ,8 dep>ture1 z ,he witness$ ! fir/ fruits ( ! int]national s]vices ( ^! h]oes ( ,8 ,fa!r's ,fai?6 ,to _! keep+ ,he _h committ$ a great & goodly h]itage4 ,9 ! twilight ( ,8 e>?ly life ,he c\ld re/ cont5t 9 ! s]5e assurance t su* able h&s c\ld be reli$ ^u to pres]ve its integrity & exalt its virtue4 ,! pass+ ( #8,abdu'l-,bah1 s sudd5 9 ! circum/ances :i* caus$ x1 s dramatic 9 its consequ5ces1 c\ld nei!r imp$e ! op]ation ( su* a dynamic =ce nor obscure its purpose4 ,^? f]vid appeals1 embodi$ 9 ! ,w & ,te/am5t ( a dep>t$ ,ma/]1 c\ld n b confirm its aim1 def9e its "* & re9=ce ! promise ( its ultimate success4 ,out ( ! pangs ( angui% :i* ,8 b]eav$ foll[]s h suff]$1 amid ! heat & du/ :i* ! attacks laun*$ by a sleepless enemy _h precipitat$1 ! ,adm9i/ration ( ,bah'u'llh's inv9cible ,fai? 0 born4 ,! pot5t en]gies releas$ ?r\gh ! asc5sion ( ! ,c5t] ( ,8 ,cov5ant cry/alliz$ into ?is supreme1 ?is infallible ,organ = ! accompli%m5t ( a ,div9e ,purpose4 ,! ,w & ,te/am5t ( #8,abdu'l-,bah unveil$ its "*1 reaffirm$ its basis1 supplem5t$ its pr9ciples1 ass]t$ its indisp5sability1 & enum]at$ its *ief in/itutions4 ,) t self-same spontaneity :i* _h *>act]iz$ h] response to ! ,message proclaim$ by ,bah'u'llh ,am]ica _h n[ aris5 to esp\se ! cause ( ! ,adm9i/ration :i* ! ,w & ,te/am5t ( ,8 ,son _h unmi/akably e/abli%$4 ,x 0 giv5 to h]1 & to h] alone1 9 ! turbul5t ye>s foll[+ ! revelation ( s mom5t\s a ,docum5t1 to become ! fe>less *ampion ( t ,adm9i/ration1 ! pivot ( its new-born in/itutions & ! lead+ promot] ( its influ5ce4 ,to _! ,p]sian bre?r51 :o 9 ! h]oic age ( ! ,fai? _h won ! cr[n ( m>tyrdom1 ! ,am]ican believ]s1 =]unn]s ( its gold5 age1 7 n[ wor?ily succe$+1 be>+ 9 _! turn ! palm ( a h>d-won victory4 ,! unbrok5 record ( _! illu/ri\s de$s _h e/abli%$ beyond ! %ad[ ( a d\bt _! prepond]at+ %>e 9 %ap+ ! de/9ies ( _! ,fai?4 ,9 a _w wri?+ ) pa9 & decl9+ into *aos ?is community--! vangu>d ( ! lib]at+ =ces ( ,bah'u'llh--succe$$ 9 ! ye>s foll[+ #8,abdu'l-,bah's pass+ 9 rais+ high above ! in/itutions e/abli%$ by its si/] communities 9 ,ea/ & ,we/ :at may well con/itute ! *ief pill> ( t future ,h\se--a ,h\se :i* po/]ity w reg>d z ! la/ refuge ( a tott]+ civilization4 ,9 ! prosecution ( _! task nei!r ! :isp]+s ( ! trea*]\s nor ! virul5t attacks ( _! av[$ enemies 7 all[$ to deflect !m f _! high purpose or to und]m9e _! fai? 9 ! sublimity ( _! call+4 ,! agitation provok$ by him :o 9 8 incessant & sordid pursuit ( e>?ly ri*es w\ld h1 b = #8,abdu'l-,bah's w>n+1 sulli$ ! fair "n ( _! ,fai?1 _h left !m 9 ! ma9 undi/urb$4 ,s*ool$ by tribulation & secure )9 ! /ronghold ( _! fa/ evolv+ in/itutions !y scorn$ 8 ins9uations & by _! unsw]v+ loyalty 7 able to %att] 8 hopes4 ,!y refus$ to all[ any consid]ation ( ! admitt$ pre/ige & pa/ s]vices ( 8 fa!r & ( 8 associates to weak5 _! det]m9ation to ignore entirely ! p]son :om #8,abdu'l-,bah _h s emphatically condemn$4 ,! veil$ attacks ) :i* a h&ful ( delud$ en?usia/s subsequ5tly s\ght 9 ! pages ( _! p]iodical to *eck ! gr[? & blight ! prospects ( an infant ,adm9i/ration _h likewise fail$ to a*ieve _! purpose4 ,! attitude :i* a besott$ woman lat] on assum$1 h] ludicr\s ass]tions1 h] boldness 9 fl\t+ ! ,w ( #8,abdu'l-,bah & 9 *all5g+ its au!nticity & h] attempts to subv]t its pr9ciples 7 aga9 p[]less to produce ! slighte/ brea* 9 ! ranks ( its valiant uphold]s4 ,! trea*]\s s*emes :i* ! ambition ( a p]fidi\s & /ill m rec5t enemy has devis$ & ?r\gh :i* he is /ill /riv+ to deface #8,abdu'l-,bah's noble h&iwork & corrupt its adm9i/rative pr9ciples are be+ once m completely fru/rat$4 ,^! int]mitt5t & abortive attempts on ! "p ( its assailants to =ce ! surr5d] ( ! newly built /ronghold ( ! ,fai? its def5d]s h f ! v beg9n+ utt]ly disda9$4 ,no matt] h[ fi]ce ! assaults ( ! enemy or skillful 8 /ratagem !y h refus$ to yield "o jot or "o tittle ( _! *]i%$ convictions4 ,8 ins9uations & clamor !y h consi/5tly ignor$4 ,! motives :i* animat$ 8 actions1 ! me?ods he /eadily pursu$1 ! prec>i\s privileges he seem$ mom5t>ily to enjoy !y c\ld n b despise4 ,?riv+ = a "t ?r\gh ! devices :i* _! s*em+ m9ds _h conceiv$ & support$ by ! ephem]al advantages :i* fame1 ability or =tune c conf] ^! notori\s expon5ts ( corruption & h]esy h succe$$ 9 protrud+ = a "t _! ugly features only to s9k1 z rapidly z !y _h ris51 into ! mire ( an ignom9i\s end4 ,f ! mid/ ( ^! afflictive trials1 rem9isc5t 9 "s ( _! aspects ( ! viol5t /orm t _h accompani$ ! bir? ( ! ,fai? 9 _! native l&1 ! ,am]ican believ]s _h aga9 triumphantly em]g$1 _! c\rse undeflect$1 _! fame unsulli$1 _! h]itage unimpair$4 ,a s]ies ( magnific5t accompli%m5ts1 ea* m significant ?an ! previ\s1 7 to %$ increas+ lu/re on an already illu/ri\s record4 ,9 ! d>k ye>s imm$iately foll[+ #8,abdu'l-,bah's asc5sion _! de$s %one ) a radiance t made !m ! object ( ! envy & ! admiration ( ! less privileg$ among _! bre?r54 ,! entire community1 untrammel$ & supremely confid5t1 0 ris+ to a great & glori\s opportunity4 ,! =ces t _h motivat$ its bir?1 t _h assi/$ 9 its rise1 7 n[ accel]at+ its gr[?1 9 a mann] & ) su* rapidity t nei!r ! pangs ( a _w-wide sorr[ nor ! unceas+ convulsions ( a di/ract$ age c\ld p>alyze its ef=ts or ret>d its m>*4 ,int]nally ! community _h emb>k$ 9 a numb] ( ent]prises t 7 to enable x on ! "o h& to ext5d /ill fur!r ! scope ( its spiritual jurisdiction & on ! o!r to fa%ion ! ess5tial in/rum5ts = ! creation & consolidation ( ! in/itutions :i* su* an ext5sion imp]atively dem&$4 ,ext]nally its und]tak+s 7 inspir$ by ! tw(old objective ( prosecut+1 ev5 m int5sely ?an be=e1 ! admirable "w :i* 9 ea* ( ! five cont95ts its int]national tea*]s _h initiat$1 & ( assum+ an increas+ %>e 9 ! h&l+ & solution ( ! delicate & complex problems ) :i* a newly-emancipat$ ,fai? 0 be+ confront$4 ,! bir? ( ! ,adm9i/ration 9 t cont95t _h signaliz$ ^! praisewor?y ex]tions4 ,its gradual consolidation 0 de/9$ to insure _! cont9uance & to acc5tuate _! effectiv5ess4 ,to enum]ate only ! mo/ out/&+ accompli%m5ts :i*1 9 _! own c\ntry & beyond its conf9es1 h s greatly enhanc$ ! pre/ige ( ! ,am]ican believ]s & h r$\nd$ to ! glory & honor ( ! ,mo/ ,great ,"n is all ,i c pres5tly und]take1 leav+ to future g5]ations ! task ( expla9+ _! import & ( affix+ a fitt+ e/imate to _! value4 ,to ! body ( _! elect$ repres5tatives mu/ be attribut$ ! honor ( hav+ be5 ! fir/ among _! si/] ,assemblies ( ,ea/ & ,we/ to devise1 promulgate & legalize ! ess5tial in/rum5ts = ! effective dis*>ge ( _! collective duties--in/rum5ts :i* e prop]ly con/itut$ ,bah' community mu/ reg>d z a patt]n wor?y to be adopt$ & copi$4 ,to _! ef=ts mu/ likewise be ascrib$ ! hi/oric a*ievem5t ( e/abli%+ _! national end[m5ts ^u a p]man5t & unassailable basis & ( creat+ ! necess>y ag5cy = ! =mation ( ^? subsidi>y organs ^: function is to adm9i/] on behalf ( _! tru/ees su* possessions z ^! may acquire beyond ! limits ( _! imm$iate jurisdiction4 ,by ! weight ( _! moral support s freely ext5d$ to _! ,egyptian bre?r5 !y 7 able to remove "s ( ! mo/ =midable ob/acles :i* ! ,fai? _h to surm\nt 9 its /ruggle to enfran*ise itself f ! fett]s ( ,muslim or?odoxy4 ,?r\gh ! effective & timely int]v5tion ( ^! same elect$ repres5tatives !y 7 able to av]t ! woes & dang]s :i* _h m5ac$ _! p]secut$ fell[-work]s 9 ! ,soviet ,republics1 & to w>d (f ! rage :i* _h ?reat5$ ) imm$iate ru9 "o ( ! mo/ preci\s & noble/ ( ,bah' in/itutions4 ,no?+ %ort ( ! :ole-he>t$ assi/ance1 :e!r moral or f9ancial :i* ! ,am]ican believ]s1 individually & collectively1 7 mov$ to ext5d on sev]al occasions to ! ne$y & h>ass$ among _! bre?r5 9 ,p]sia c\ld h sav$ ^! hapless victims ( ! consequ5ces ( ! calamities t _h visit$ !m 9 ! ye>s foll[+ #8,abdu'l-,bah's asc5sion4 ,x 0 ! publicity :i* ! ef=ts ( _! ,am]ican bre?r5 _h creat$1 ! prote/s !y 7 l$ to make1 ! appeals & petitions !y _h submitt$1 :i* mitigat$ ^! suff]+s & curb$ ! viol5ce ( ! wor/ & mo/ tyrannical oppon5ts ( ! ,fai? 9 t l&4 ,:o else1 if n "o ( _! mo/ di/+ui%$ repres5tatives1 has ris5 to =ce ^u ! att5tion ( ! highe/ ,tribunal ! _w has yet se5 ! grievances :i* a ,fai?1 robb$ ( "o ( its holie/ sanctu>ies1 _h suff]$ at ! h& ( ! usurp]8 ,:o else has succe$$ 9 secur+1 ?r\gh pati5t & p]si/5t ef=t1 ^? writt5 affirmations :i* proclaim ! ju/ice ( a p]secut$ cause & tacitly recognize its "r to an indep5d5t religi\s /atus8 8,! ,commission10 is ! resolution pass$ by ! ,p]man5t ,m&ates ,commission ( ! ,league ( ,nations1 8recomm5ds t ! ,c\ncil %\ld ask ! ,briti% ,gov]nm5t to make repres5tations to ! ,irq ,gov]nm5t ) a view to ! imm$iate r$ress ( ! d5ial ( ju/ice f :i* ! petition]s 7! ,bah' ,spiritual ,assembly ( ,baghdd7 h suff]$40 ,has any "o else except an ,am]ican believ] be5 l$ to obta9 f royalty su* rem>kable & repeat$ te/imonies to ! reg5]at+ p[] ( ! ,fai? ( ,god1 su* /rik+ ref]5ces to ! univ]sality ( its tea*+s & ! sublimity ( its mission4 8,! ,bah' tea*+10 su* is ! ,que5's writt5 te/imony1 8br+s peace & und]/&+4 ,x is l a wide embrace ga!r+ toge!r all ^? :o h long se>*$ = words ( hope4 ,x accepts all great ,prophets gone be=e1 x de/roys no o!r cre$s & leaves all doors op54 ,sadd5$ by ! cont9ual /rife among/ believ]s ( _m confessions & we>i$ ( _! intol]ance t[>ds ea* o!r1 ,i discov]$ 9 ! ,bah' tea*+ ! real _s ( ,*ri/ s (t5 d5i$ & misund]/ood3 ,unity in/ead ( /rife1 ,hope in/ead ( condemnation1 ,love in/ead ( hate1 & a great reassurance = all m540 ,h n ! ,am]ican adh]5ts ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh1 ?r\gh ! c\rage display$ by "o ( ! mo/ brilliant memb]s ( _! community1 be5 in/rum5tal 9 pav+ ! way = ! removal ( ^? b>ri]s :i* h1 = well-nigh a c5tury1 hamp]$ ! gr[? & crippl$ ! en]gy ( _! fell[-believ]s 9 ,p]sia8 ,is x n ,am]ica :o1 ev] m9dful ( #8,abdu'l-,bah's passionate entreaty1 has s5t out to ! ends ( ! e>? a /eadily increas+ numb] ( its mo/ consecrat$ citiz5s--m5 & wom5 ! "o wi% ( ^: lives is to consolidate ! f\ndations ( ,bah'u'llh's _w-embrac+ dom9ion8 ,9 ! nor!rnmo/ capitals ( ,europe1 9 mo/ ( its c5tral /ates1 ?r\gh\t ! ,balkan ,p59sula1 along ! %ores ( ! ,african1 ! ,asiatic & ,s\? ,am]ican cont95ts are to be f\nd ?is day a small b& ( wom5 pione]s :o1 s+le-h&$ & ) scanty res\rces1 are toil+ = ! adv5t ( ! ,day #8,abdu'l-,bah has =etold4 ,did n ! attitude ( ! ,greate/ ,holy ,leaf1 z %e approa*$ ! close ( h] life1 be> eloqu5t te/imony to ! incomp>able %>e :i* h] /eadfa/ & self-sacrific+ lov]s 9 t cont95t h _h 9 light5+ ! burd5 :i* _h weigh$ s long & s heavily on h] he>t8 ,& f9ally :o c be s bold z to d5y t ! completion ( ! sup]/ructure ( ! ,ma%riqu'l-,adhkr--! cr[n+ glory ( ,am]ica's pa/ & pres5t a*ievem5ts--has =g$ t my/ic *a9 :i* is to l9k1 m firmly ?an ev]1 ! he>ts ( its *ampion-build]s ) ,him ,:o is ! ,s\rce & ,c5t] ( _! ,fai? & ! ,object ( _! true/ adoration8 ,fell[-believ]s 9 ! ,am]ican cont95t6 ,great inde$ h be5 y\r pa/ & pres5t a*ievem5ts6 ,immeasurably great] are ! wond]s :i* ! future has 9 /ore = y6 ,! ,edifice y\r sacrifices h rais$ /ill rema9s to be clo!d4 ,! ,h\se :i* mu/ ne$s be support$ by ! highe/ adm9i/rative in/itution y\r h&s h re>$1 is z yet unbuilt4 ,! provisions ( ! *ief ,repository ( ^? laws t mu/ gov]n its op]ation are ?us f> mo/ly undisclos$4 ,! ,/&>d :i*1 if #8,abdu'l-,bah's wi%es are to be fulfill$1 mu/ be rais$ 9 y\r own c\ntry has yet to be unfurl$4 ,! ,unity ( :i* t /&>d is to be ! symbol is f> f be+ yet e/abli%$4 ,! ma*9]y :i* mu/ ne$s inc>nate & pres]ve t unity is n ev5 creat$4 ,w x be ,am]ica1 w x be "o ( ! c\ntries ( ,europe1 :o w arise to assume ! lead]%ip ess5tial to ! %ap+ ( ! de/9ies ( ?is tr\bl$ age8 ,w ,am]ica all[ any ( h] si/] communities 9 ,ea/ or ,we/ to a*ieve su* asc5dancy z %all deprive h] ( t spiritual primacy ) :i* %e has be5 inve/$ & :i* %e has ?us f> s nobly reta9$8 ,w %e n r contribute1 by a /ill fur!r revelation ( ^? inh]5t p[]s t motivate h] life1 to enhance ! priceless h]itage :i* ! love & wisdom ( a dep>t$ ,ma/] h conf]r$ ^u h]8 ,h] pa/ has be5 a te/imony to ! inexhau/ible vitality ( h] fai?4 ,may n h] future confirm x8 ,y\r true bro!r1 ,,%oghi4 ,haifa1 ,pale/9e1 ,april #ba1 #aicc4 ,,! ,,disp5sation ,,( ,,bah',u',,ll,h ,! ,disp5sation ( ,bah'u'llh ,to ! belov$ ( ,god & ! h&maids ( ! ,m]ciful ?r\gh\t ! ,we/4 ,fell[-labor]s 9 ! ,div9e ,v9ey>d3 ,on ! #bcrd ( ,may ( ?is auspici\s ye> ! ,bah' _w w celebrate ! #ij? anniv]s>y ( ! f\nd+ ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh4 ,we1 :o at ?is h\r f9d ourselves /&+ on ! ?re%old ( ! la/ decade ( ! fir/ c5tury ( ! ,bah' era1 might well pause to reflect ^u ! my/]i\s disp5sations ( s augu/1 s mom5t\s a ,revelation4 ,h[ va/1 h[ entranc+ ! panorama :i* ! revolution ( f\r score ye>s & t5 unrolls be=e our eyes6 ,its t[]+ gr&eur well-nigh ov]:elms u4 ,to m]ely contemplate ?is unique spectacle1 to visualize1 h[ev] dimly1 ! circum/ances att5d+ ! bir? & gradual unfoldm5t ( ?is supreme ,!ophany1 to recall ev5 9 _! b>e/ outl9e ! woeful /ruggles t proclaim$ its rise & accel]at$ its m>*1 w suffice to conv9ce e unbias$ obs]v] ( ^? et]nal tru?s t motivate its life & :i* mu/ cont9ue to impel x =w>d until x a*ieves its de/9$ asc5dancy4 ,dom9at+ ! entire range ( ?is fasc9at+ spectacle t[]s ! incomp>able figure ( ,bah'u'llh1 transc5d5tal 9 ,8 maje/y1 s]5e1 awe-inspir+1 unapproa*ably glori\s4 ,alli$1 ?\gh subord9ate 9 rank1 & inve/$ ) ! au?ority ( presid+ ) ,him ov] ! de/9ies ( ?is supreme ,disp5sation1 !re %9es ^u ?is m5tal picture ! y\?ful glory ( ! ,bb1 inf9ite 9 ,8 t5d]ness1 irresi/ible 9 ,8 *>m1 unsurpass$ 9 ,8 h]oism1 mat*less 9 ! dramatic circum/ances ( ,8 %ort yet ev5tful life4 ,& f9ally !re em]ges1 ?\gh on a plane ( its own & 9 a category entirely ap>t f ! "o occupi$ by ! tw9 ,figures t prec$$ ,him1 ! vibrant1 ! magnetic p]sonality ( #8,abdu'l-,bah1 reflect+ to a degree t no man1 h[ev] exalt$ 8 /ation1 c hope to rival1 ! glory & p[] ) :i* ,!y :o are ! ,manife/ations ( ,god are alone end[$4 ,) #8,abdu'l-,bah's asc5sion1 & m p>ticul>ly ) ! pass+ ( ,8 well-belov$ & illu/ri\s si/] ! ,mo/ ,exalt$ ,leaf--! la/ survivor ( a glori\s & h]oic age--!re draws to a close ! fir/ & mo/ mov+ *apt] ( ,bah' hi/ory1 m>k+ ! conclusion ( ! ,primitive1 ! ,apo/olic ,age ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh4 ,x 0 #8,abdu'l-,bah ,:o1 ?r\gh ! provisions ( ,8 weighty ,w & ,te/am5t1 has =g$ ! vital l9k :i* mu/ = ev] connect ! age t has j expir$ ) ! "o we n[ live 9--! ,transitional & ,=mative p]iod ( ! ,fai?--a /age t mu/ 9 ! fullness ( "t rea* its blossom & yield its fruit 9 ! exploits & triumphs t are to h]ald ! ,gold5 ,age ( ! ,revelation ( ,bah'u'llh4 ,de>ly-belov$ fri5ds6 ,! onru%+ =ces s miracul\sly releas$ ?r\gh ! ag5cy ( two indep5d5t & swiftly successive ,manife/ations are n[ "u our v eyes & ?r\gh ! c>e ( ! *os5 /ew>ds ( a f>-flung ,fai? be+ gradually mu/]$ & discipl9$4 ,!y are sl[ly cry/alliz+ into in/itutions t w come to be reg>d$ z ! hall-m>k & glory ( ! age we are call$ ^u to e/abli% & by our de$s immortalize4 ,= ^u our pres5t-day ef=ts1 & above all ^u ! ext5t to :i* we /rive to remodel our lives aft] ! patt]n ( sublime h]oism associat$ ) ^? gone be=e u1 mu/ dep5d ! efficacy ( ! in/rum5ts we n[ fa%ion--in/rum5ts t mu/ erect ! /ructure ( t blissful ,commonweal? :i* mu/ signalize ! ,gold5 ,age ( our ,fai?4 ,x is n my purpose1 z ,i look back ^u ^! cr[d$ ye>s ( h]oic de$s1 to attempt ev5 a cursory review ( ! mighty ev5ts t h transpir$ s9ce #ahdd until ! pres5t day4 ,nor h ,i any int5tion to und]take an analysis ( ! =ces t h precipitat$ !m1 or to evaluate _! influ5ce ^u peoples & in/itutions 9 almo/ e cont95t ( ! globe4 ,! au!ntic record ( ! lives ( ! fir/ believ]s ( ! primitive p]iod ( our ,fai?1 toge!r ) ! assidu\s rese>* :i* compet5t ,bah' hi/orians w 9 ! future und]take1 w comb9e to transmit to po/]ity su* ma/]ly exposition ( ! hi/ory ( t age z my own ef=ts c nev] hope to accompli%4 ,my *ief conc]n at ?is *all5g+ p]iod ( ,bah' hi/ory is r to call ! att5tion ( ^? :o are de/9$ to be ! *ampion-build]s ( ! ,adm9i/rative ,ord] ( ,bah'u'llh to c]ta9 fundam5tal v]ities ! elucidation ( :i* mu/ trem5d\sly assi/ !m 9 ! effective prosecution ( _! mighty ent]prise4 ,! int]national /atus :i* ! ,religion ( ,god has ?us f> a*iev$1 moreov]1 imp]atively dem&s t its root pr9ciples be n[ def9itely cl>ifi$4 ,! unprec$5t$ impetus :i* ! illu/ri\s de$s ( ! ,am]ican believ]s h l5t to ! onw>d m>* ( ! ,fai?2 ! int5se int]e/ :i* ! fir/ ,ma%riqu'l-,adhkr ( ! ,we/ is fa/ awak5+ among div]s races & nations2 ! rise & /eady consolidation ( ,bah' in/itutions 9 no less ?an =ty ( ! mo/ advanc$ c\ntries ( ! _w2 ! dissem9ation ( ,bah' lit]ature 9 no few] ?an tw5ty-five ( ! mo/ widely-spok5 languages2 ! success t has rec5tly att5d$ ! nation-wide ef=ts ( ! ,p]sian believ]s 9 ! prelim9>y /eps !y h tak5 = ! e/abli%m5t1 9 ! outskirts ( ! capital-city ( _! native l&1 ( ! ?ird ,ma%riqu'l-,adhkr ( ! ,bah' _w2 ! measures t are be+ tak5 = ! imm$iate =mation ( _! fir/ ,national ,spiritual ,assembly repres5t+ ! int]e/s ( ! ov]:elm+ majority ( ,bah' adh]5ts2 ! project$ erection ( yet ano!r pill> ( ! ,univ]sal ,h\se ( ,ju/ice1 ! fir/ ( its k9d1 9 ! ,s\!rn ,hemisph]e2 ! te/imonies1 bo? v]bal & writt51 t a /ruggl+ ,fai? has obta9$ f ,royalty1 f gov]nm5tal in/itutions1 int]national tribunals1 & ecclesia/ical dignit>ies2 ! publicity x has receiv$ f ! *>ges :i* unrel5t+ enemies1 bo? new & old1 h hurl$ aga9/ x2 ! =mal enfran*isem5t ( a section ( its foll[]s f ! fett]s ( ,muslim or?odoxy 9 a c\ntry t may be reg>d$ z ! mo/ enlight5$ among ,islamic nations--^! af=d ample pro( ( ! gr[+ mom5tum ) :i* ! inv9cible community ( ! ,mo/ ,great ,"n is m>*+ =w>d to ultimate victory4 ,de>ly-belov$ fri5ds6 ,i feel x incumb5t ^u me1 by virtue ( ! obligations & responsibilities :i* z ,gu>dian ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh ,i am call$ ^u to dis*>ge1 to lay special /ress1 at a "t :5 ! light ( publicity is be+ increas+ly focuss$ ^u u1 ^u c]ta9 tru?s :i* lie at ! basis ( our ,fai? & ! integrity ( :i* x is our fir/ duty to safegu>d4 ,^! v]ities1 if valiantly upheld & prop]ly assimilat$1 w1 ,i am conv9c$1 p[]fully re9=ce ! vigor ( our spiritual life & greatly assi/ 9 c\nt]act+ ! ma*9ations ( an implacable & vigilant enemy4 ,to /rive to obta9 a m adequate und]/&+ ( ! significance ( ,bah'u'llh's /up5d\s ,revelation mu/1 x is my unalt]able conviction1 rema9 ! fir/ obligation & ! object ( ! con/ant endeavor ( ea* "o ( its loyal adh]5ts4 ,an exact & ?or\gh compreh5sion ( s va/ a sy/em1 s sublime a revelation1 s sacr$ a tru/1 is = obvi\s reasons beyond ! rea* & k5 ( our f9ite m9ds4 ,we c1 h[ev]1 & x is our b\nd5 duty to seek to d]ive fre% inspiration & add$ su/5ance z we labor = ! propagation ( ,8 ,fai? ?r\gh a cle>] appreh5sion ( ! tru?s x en%r9es & ! pr9ciples on :i* x is bas$4 ,9 a communication address$ to ! ,am]ican believ]s ,i h 9 ! c\rse ( my explanation ( ! /ation ( ! ,bb made a pass+ ref]5ce to ! incomp>able greatness ( ! ,revelation ( :i* ,he consid]$ ,himself to be ! humble ,precursor4 ,he ,:om ,bah'u'llh has acclaim$ 9 ! ,kitb-i-qn z t promis$ ,q'im ,:o has manife/$ no less ?an tw5ty-five out ( ! tw5ty-sev5 lett]s :i* all ! ,prophets 7 de/9$ to reveal--s great a ,reveal] has ,himself te/ifi$ to ! prem95ce ( t sup]ior ,revelation t 0 soon to sup]s$e ,8 own4 8,! g]m10 ! ,bb ass]ts 9 ! ,p]sian ,bayn1 8t holds )9 itself ! pot5tialities ( ! ,revelation t is to come is end[$ ) a pot5cy sup]ior to ! comb9$ =ces ( all ^? :o foll[ me40 8,( all ! tributes10 ,he aga9 affirms1 8,i h paid to ,him ,:o is to come aft] ,me1 ! greate/ is ?is1 ,my writt5 confession1 t no words ( ,m9e c adequately describe ,him1 nor c any ref]5ce to ,him 9 ,my ,book1 ! ,bayn1 d ju/ice to ,8 ,cause40 8,! ,bayn10 ,he 9 t same ,book categorically decl>es1 8& :osoev] is !re9 revolve r\nd ! say+ ( #8,him ,:om ,god %all make manife/1' ev5 z ! ,alif 7! ,gospel7 & :osoev] 0 !re9 revolv$ r\nd ! say+ ( ,muammad1 ! ,apo/le ( ,god40 8,a ?\s& p]usals ( ! ,bayn10 ,he fur!r rem>ks1 8_c equal ! p]usal ( a s+le v]se to be reveal$ by #8,him ,:om ,god %all make manife/4'444 ,today ! ,bayn is 9 ! /age ( se$2 at ! beg9n+ ( ! manife/ation ( #8,him ,:om ,god %all make manife/' its ultimate p]fection w become app>5t4444 ,! ,bayn & su* z are believ]s !re9 ye>n m ard5tly aft] ,him ?an ! ye>n+ ( any lov] aft] 8 belov$4444 ,! ,bayn d]ive? all its glory f #8,him ,:om ,god %all make manife/4' ,all bless+ be ^u him :o believe? 9 ,him & woe betide him t rejecte? ,8 tru?40 ,address+ ,siyyid ,yayy-i-,d>b surnam$ ,vahd1 ! mo/ le>n$1 ! mo/ eloqu5t & influ5tial among ,8 foll[]s1 ! ,bb utt]s ?is w>n+3 8,by ! righte\sness ( ,him ,^: p[] cause? ! se$ to g]m9ate & ,:o brea!? ! _s ( life into all ?+s1 7 ,i to be assur$ t 9 ! day ( ,8 manife/ation ?\ wilt d5y ,him1 ,i w\ld unhesitat+ly dis[n !e & repudiate ?y fai?4444 ,if1 on ! o!r h&1 ,i be told t a ,*ri/ian1 :o be>e? no allegiance to ,my ,fai?1 w believe 9 ,him1 ! same w ,i reg>d z ! apple ( ,m9e ,eye40 ,9 "o ( ,8 pray]s ,he ?us communes ) ,bah'u'llh3 8,exalt$ art ,?\1 ,o my ,"l ! ,omnipot5t6 ,h[ puny & contemptible my ^w & all t p]ta9e? unto me appe> unless !y be relat$ to ,?y great glory4 ,grant t ?r\gh ! assi/ance ( ,?y grace :atsoev] p]ta9e? unto me may be acceptable 9 ,?y sight40 ,9 ! ,qayymu'l-,asm--! ,bb's comm5t>y on ! ,srih ( ,joseph--*>act]iz$ by ! ,au?or ( ! qn z 8! fir/1 ! greate/ & mightie/0 ( ! books reveal$ by ! ,bb1 we read ! foll[+ ref]5ces to ,bah'u'llh3 8,out ( utt] no?+ness1 ,o great & omnipot5t ,ma/]1 ,?\ ha/1 ?r\gh ! cele/ial pot5cy ( ,?y might1 br\ght me =? & rais$ me up to proclaim ?is ,revelation4 ,i h made none o!r b ,!e my tru/2 ,i h clung to no w b ,?y w444 ,o ,?\ ,remnant ( ,god6 ,i h sacrific$ myself :olly = ,!e3 ,i h accept$ curses = ,?y sake1 & h ye>n$ = naught b m>tyrdom 9 ! pa? ( ,?y love4 ,suffici5t witness unto me is ,god1 ! ,exalt$1 ! ,protector1 ! ,anci5t ( ,days40 8,& :5 ! appo9t$ h\r ha? /ruck10 ,he aga9 addresses ,bah'u'llh 9 t same comm5t>y1 8d ,?\1 by ! leave ( ,god1 ! ,all-,wise1 reveal f ! heights ( ! ,mo/ ,l(ty & ,my/ic ,m\nt a fa9t1 an inf9itesimal glimm] ( ,?y imp5etrable ,my/]y1 t !y :o h recogniz$ ! radiance ( ! ,s9aic ,spl5dor may fa9t away & die z !y cat* a light5+ glimpse ( ! fi]ce & crimson ,light t envelops ,?y ,revelation40 ,z a fur!r te/imony to ! greatness ( ! ,revelation id5tifi$ ) ,bah'u'llh may be cit$ ! foll[+ extracts f a ,tablet address$ by #8,abdu'l-,bah to an em95t ,zoroa/rian foll[] ( ! ,fai?3 8,?\ had/ writt5 t 9 ! sacr$ books ( ! foll[]s ( ,zoroa/] x is writt5 t 9 ! latt] days1 9 ?ree sep>ate ,disp5sations1 ! sun mu/ ne$s be br\ght to a /&/ill4 ,9 ! fir/ ,disp5sation1 x is pr$ict$1 ! sun w rema9 motionless = t5 days2 9 ! second = twice t "t2 9 ! ?ird = no less ?an "o :ole mon?4 ,! int]pretation ( ?is prophecy is ?is3 ! fir/ ,disp5sation to :i* x ref]s is ! ,muammadan ,disp5sation dur+ :i* ! ,sun ( ,tru? /ood /ill = t5 days4 ,ea* day is reckon$ z "o c5tury4 ,! ,muammadan ,disp5sation mu/ h1 !re=e1 la/$ no less ?an "o ?\s& ye>s1 :i* is precisely ! p]iod t has elaps$ f ! sett+ ( ! ,/> ( ! ,imamate to ! adv5t ( ! ,disp5sation proclaim$ by ! ,bb4 ,! second ,disp5sation ref]r$ to 9 ?is prophecy is ! "o inaugurat$ by ! ,bb ,himself1 :i* began 9 ! ye> #abfj ,a4,h4 & 0 br\ght to a close 9 ! ye> #abhj ,a4,h4 ,z to ! ?ird ,disp5sation--! ,revelation proclaim$ by ,bah'u'llh--inasmu* z ! ,sun ( ,tru? :5 atta9+ t /ation %9e? 9 ! pl5itude ( its m]idian spl5dor its duration ha? be5 fix$ = a p]iod ( "o :ole mon?1 :i* is ! maximum "t tak5 by ! sun to pass ?r\gh a sign ( ! ,zodiac4 ,f ?is ?\ can/ imag9e ! magnitude ( ! ,bah' cycle--a cycle t mu/ ext5d ov] a p]iod ( at lea/ five hundr$ ?\s& ye>s40 ,f ! text ( ?is explicit & au?oritative int]pretation ( s anci5t a prophecy x is evid5t h[ necess>y x is = e fai?ful foll[] ( ! ,fai? to accept ! div9e orig9 & uphold ! indep5d5t /atus ( ! ,muammadan ,disp5sation4 ,! validity ( ! ,imamate is1 moreov]1 implicitly recogniz$ 9 ^! same passages--t div9ely-appo9t$ in/itution ( ^: mo/ di/+ui%$ memb] ! ,bb ,himself 0 a l9eal desc5dant1 & :i* cont9u$ = a p]iod ( no less ?an two hundr$ & sixty ye>s to be ! *os5 recipi5t ( ! guidance ( ! ,almighty & ! repository ( "o ( ! two mo/ preci\s legacies ( ,islm4 ,?is same prophecy1 we mu/ fur!rmore recognize1 atte/s ! indep5d5t "* ( ! ,bb ,disp5sation & corroborates indirectly ! tru? t 9 accordance ) ! pr9ciple ( progressive revelation e ,manife/ation ( ,god mu/ ne$s v\*safe to ! peoples ( ,8 day a measure ( div9e guidance ampl] ?an any :i* a prec$+ & less receptive age c\ld h receiv$ or appreciat$4 ,= ?is reason1 & n = any sup]ior m]it :i* ! ,bah' ,fai? may be said to inh]5tly possess1 does ?is prophecy be> witness to ! unrival$ p[] & glory ) :i* ! ,disp5sation ( ,bah'u'llh has be5 inve/$--a ,disp5sation ! pot5tialities ( :i* we are b beg9n+ to p]ceive & ! full range ( :i* we c nev] det]m9e4 ,! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh %\ld inde$ be reg>d$1 if we wi% to be fai?ful to ! trem5d\s implications ( its message1 z ! culm9ation ( a cycle1 ! f9al /age 9 a s]ies ( successive1 ( prelim9>y & progressive revelations4 ,^!1 beg9n+ ) ,adam & end+ ) ! ,bb1 h pav$ ! way & anticipat$ ) an ev]-increas+ emphasis ! adv5t ( t ,day ( ,days 9 :i* ,he ,:o is ! ,promise ( ,all ,ages %\ld be made manife/4 ,to ?is tru? ! utt]ances ( ,bah'u'llh abundantly te/ify4 ,a m]e ref]5ce to ! claims :i*1 9 vehem5t language & ) compell+ p[]1 ,he ,himself has repeat$ly advanc$ _c b fully demon/rate ! "* ( ! ,revelation ( :i* ,he 0 ! *os5 be>]4 ,to ! words t h /ream$ f ,8 p5--! f\nta9head ( s impetu\s a ,revelation--we %\ld1 !re=e1 direct our att5tion if we wi% to obta9 a cle>] und]/&+ ( its importance & mean+4 ,:e!r 9 ,8 ass]tion ( ! unprec$5t$ claim ,he has advanc$1 or 9 ,8 allusions to ! my/]i\s =ces ,he has releas$1 :e!r 9 su* passages z extol ! glories ( ,8 long-await$ ,day1 or magnify ! /ation :i* !y :o h recogniz$ its hidd5 virtues w atta91 ,bah'u'llh &1 to an almo/ equal ext5t1 ! ,bb & #8,abdu'l-,bah1 h bequea!d to po/]ity m9es ( su* ine/imable weal? z none ( u :o belong to ?is g5]ation c befitt+ly e/imate4 ,su* te/imonies be>+ on ?is !me are impregnat$ ) su* p[] & reveal su* beauty z only ^? :o are v]s$ 9 ! languages 9 :i* !y 7 orig9ally reveal$ c claim to h suffici5tly appreciat$4 ,s num]\s are ^! te/imonies t a :ole volume w\ld be requir$ to be writt5 9 ord] to compile ! mo/ out/&+ among !m4 ,all ,i c v5ture to attempt at pres5t is to %>e ) y only su* passages z ,i h be5 able to glean f ,8 volum9\s writ+s4 8,i te/ify be=e ,god10 proclaims ,bah'u'llh1 8to ! greatness1 ! inconceivable greatness ( ?is ,revelation4 ,aga9 & aga9 h ,we 9 mo/ ( ,our ,tablets borne witness to ?is tru?1 t mank9d may be r\s$ f its he$lessness40 8,9 ?is mo/ mighty ,revelation10 ,he unequivocally ann\nces1 8all ! ,disp5sations ( ! pa/ h atta9$ _! highe/1 _! f9al consummation40 8,t :i* ha? be5 made manife/ 9 ?is prem95t1 ?is mo/ exalt$ ,revelation1 /&s unp>allel$ 9 ! annals ( ! pa/1 nor w future ages witness its l40 8,he x is10 ref]r+ to ,himself ,he fur!r proclaims1 8,:o 9 ! ,old ,te/am5t ha? be5 nam$ ,jehovah1 ,:o 9 ! ,gospel ha? be5 designat$ z ! ,_s ( ,tru?1 & 9 ! ,qur'n acclaim$ z ! ,great ,ann\ncem5t40 8,b = ,him no ,div9e ,mess5g] w\ld h be5 inve/$ ) ! robe ( prophe?ood1 nor w\ld any ( ! sacr$ scriptures h be5 reveal$4 ,to ?is be> witness all creat$ ?+s40 8,! ^w :i* ! "o true ,god utt]e? 9 ?is day1 ?\gh t ^w be ! mo/ famili> & commonplace ( t]ms1 is inve/$ ) supreme1 ) unique di/9ction40 8,! g5]ality ( mank9d is /ill immature4 ,_h x acquir$ suffici5t capacity ,we w\ld h be/[$ ^u x s great a measure ( ,our k t all :o dwell on e>? & 9 heav5 w\ld h f\nd !mselves1 by virtue ( ! grace /ream+ f ,our p51 completely indep5d5t ( all k save ! k ( ,god1 & w\ld h be5 securely e/abli%$ ^u ! ?rone ( abid+ tranquillity40 8,! ,p5 ( ,hol9ess1 ,i solemnly affirm be=e ,god1 ha? writ ^u ,my sn[-:ite br[ & 9 *>act]s ( effulg5t glory ^! gl[+1 ^! musk-sc5t$ & holy words3 #8,behold ye t dwell on e>?1 & ye d5iz5s ( heav51 be> witness1 ,he 9 tru? is y\r ,well-,belov$4 ,he x is ,^: l ! _w ( creation ha? n se51 ,he ,^: ravi%+ beauty ha? delight$ ! eye ( ,god1 ! ,orda9]1 ! ,all-,p[]ful1 ! ,incomp>able6'0 8,foll[]s ( ! ,gospel10 ,bah'u'llh address+ ! :ole ( ,*ri/5dom exclaims1 8behold ! gates ( heav5 are flung op54 ,he t _h asc5d$ unto x is n[ come4 ,give e> to ,8 voice call+ al\d ov] l& & sea1 ann\nc+ to all mank9d ! adv5t ( ?is ,revelation--a ,revelation ?r\gh ! ag5cy ( :i* ! ,tongue ( ,gr&eur is n[ proclaim+3 #8,lo1 ! sacr$ ,pl$ge ha? be5 fulfill$1 = ,he1 ! ,promis$ ,"o1 is come6'0 8,! voice ( ! ,son ( ,man is call+ al\d f ! sacr$ vale3 #8,"h am ,i1 "h am ,i1 ,o ,god my ,god6' 444 :il/ f ! ,burn+ ,bu% breake? =? ! cry3 #8,lo1 ! ,desire ( ! _w is made manife/ 9 ,8 transc5d5t glory6' ,! ,fa!r ha? come4 ,t :i* ye 7 promis$ 9 ! ,k+dom ( ,god is fulfill$4 ,?is is ! ,^w :i* ! ,son veil$ :5 ,he said to ^? ar\nd ,him t at t "t !y c\ld n be> x444 ,v]ily ! ,_s ( ,tru? is come to guide y unto all tru?444 ,he is ! ,"o ,:o glorifi$ ! ,son & exalt$ ,8 ,cause4440 8,! ,com=t] ,^: adv5t all ! scriptures h promis$ is n[ come t ,he may reveal unto y all k & wisdom4 ,seek ,him ov] ! entire surface ( ! e>?1 haply ye may f9d ,him40 8,call out to ,zion1 ,o ,c>mel10 writes ,bah'u'llh1 8& ann\nce ! joyful tid+s3 #8,he t 0 hidd5 f mortal eyes is come6 ,8 all-conqu]+ sov]eignty is manife/2 ,8 all-encompass+ spl5dor is reveal$444 ,ha/5 =? & circumambulate ! ,city ( ,god t ha? desc5d$ f heav5--! cele/ial ,kaaba r\nd :i* h circl$ 9 adoration ! favor$ ( ,god1 ! pure 9 he>t & ! company ( ! mo/ exalt$ angels4'0 8,i am ! ,"o10 ,he 9 ano!r connection affirms1 8,:om ! tongue ( ,isaiah ha? extoll$1 ! ,"o ) ,^: "n bo? ! ,torah & ! ,evangel 7 adorn$40 8,! glory ( ,s9ai ha? ha/5$ to circle r\nd ! ,day-,spr+ ( ?is ,revelation1 :ile f ! heights ( ! ,k+dom ! voice ( ! ,son ( ,god is he>d proclaim+3 #8,be/ir y\rselves1 ye pr\d ones ( ! e>?1 & ha/5 ye t[>ds ,him4' ,c>mel ha? 9 ?is day ha/5$ 9 long+ adoration to atta9 ,8 c\rt1 :il/ f ! he>t ( ,zion !re come? ! cry3 #8,! promise ( all ages is n[ fulfill$4 ,t :i* _h be5 ann\nc$ 9 ! holy writ ( ,god1 ! ,belov$1 ! ,mo/ ,high1 is made manife/4'0 8ijz is a/ir by ! breeze ann\nc+ ! tid+s ( joy\s reunion4 #8,praise be to ,!e1' ,we he> h] exclaim1 #8,o my ,"l1 ! ,mo/ ,high4 ,i 0 dead ?r\gh my sep>ation f ,!e2 ! breeze lad5 ) ! fragrance ( ,?y pres5ce ha? br\ght me back to life4 ,happy is he t turne? unto ,!e1 & woe betide ! err+4'0 8,by ! "o true ,god1 ,elijah ha? ha/5$ unto ,my c\rt & ha? circumambulat$ 9 ! day-"t & 9 ! night-season ,my ?rone ( glory40 8,solomon 9 all 8 maje/y circles 9 adoration ar\nd ,me 9 ?is day1 utt]+ ?is mo/ exalt$ ^w3 #8,i h turn$ my face t[>ds ,?y face1 ,o ,?\ omnipot5t ,rul] ( ! _w6 ,i am :olly deta*$ f all ?+s p]ta9+ unto me1 & ye>n = t :i* ,?\ do/ possess4'0 8,_h ,muammad1 ! ,apo/le ( ,god1 atta9$ ?is ,day10 ,bah'u'llh writes 9 a ,tablet reveal$ on ! eve ( ,8 bani%m5t to ! p5al colony ( ,akk1 8,he w\ld h exclaim$3 #8,i h truly recogniz$ ,!e1 ,o ,?\ ! ,desire ( ! ,div9e ,mess5g]s6' ,_h ,abraham atta9$ x1 ,he too1 fall+ pro/rate ^u ! gr\nd1 & 9 ! utmo/ l[l9ess be=e ! ,"l ?y ,god1 w\ld h cri$3 #8,m9e he>t is fill$ ) peace1 ,o ,?\ ,"l ( all t is 9 heav5 & on e>?6 ,i te/ify t ,?\ ha/ unveil$ be=e m9e eyes all ! glory ( ,?y p[] & ! full maje/y ( ,?y law6'444 ,_h ,moses ,himself atta9$ x1 ,he1 likewise1 w\ld h rais$ ,8 voice say+3 #8,all praise be to ,!e = hav+ lift$ ^u me ! light ( ,?y c\nt5ance & enroll$ me among !m t h be5 privileg$ to behold ,?y face6'0 8,nor? & ,s\? bo? vibrate to ! call ann\nc+ ! adv5t ( our ,revelation4 ,we c he> ! voice ( ,mecca acclaim+3 #8,all praise be to ,!e1 ,o ,"l my ,god1 ! ,all-,glori\s1 = hav+ waft$ ov] me ! brea? r$ol5t ) ! fragrance ( ,?y pres5ce6' ,j]usalem1 likewise1 is call+ al\d3 #8,laud$ & magnifi$ art ,?\1 ,o ,belov$ ( e>? & heav51 = hav+ turn$ ! agony ( my sep>ation f ,!e into ! joy ( a life-giv+ reunion6'0 8,by ! righte\sness ( ,god10 ,bah'u'llh wi%+ to reveal ! full pot5cy ( ,8 inv9cible p[] ass]ts1 8%\ld a man1 all alone1 arise 9 ! "n ( ,bah & put on ! armor ( ,8 love1 him w ! ,almighty cause to be victori\s1 ?\gh ! =ces ( e>? & heav5 be array$ aga9/ him40 8,by ,god besides ,:om is none o!r ,god6 ,%\ld any "o arise = ! triumph ( our ,cause1 him w ,god r5d] victori\s ?\gh t5s ( ?\s&s ( enemies be leagu$ aga9/ him4 ,& if 8 love = ,me wax /rong]1 ,god w e/abli% 8 asc5dancy ov] all ! p[]s ( e>? & heav54 ,?us h ,we brea!d ! _s ( p[] into all regions40 8,?is is ! ,k+ ( ,days10 ,he ?us extols ! age t has witness$ ! adv5t ( ,8 ,revelation1 8! ,day t ha? se5 ! com+ ( ! ,be/-belov$1 ,him ,:o ?r\gh all et]nity ha? be5 acclaim$ ! ,desire ( ! ,_w40 8,! _w ( be+ %9e? 9 ?is ,day ) ! respl5d5cy ( ?is ,div9e ,revelation4 ,all creat$ ?+s extol its sav+ grace & s+ its praises4 ,! univ]se is wrapt 9 an ec/asy ( joy & gladness4 ,! ,scriptures ( pa/ ,disp5sations celebrate ! great jubilee t mu/ ne$s greet ?is mo/ great ,day ( ,god4 ,well is x ) him t ha? liv$ to see ?is ,day & ha? recogniz$ its /ation40 8,7 mank9d to give he$ 9 a befitt+ mann] to no m ?an "o ^w ( su* a praise x w\ld be s fill$ ) delight z to be ov]p[]$ & lo/ 9 wond]4 ,entranc$1 x w\ld !n %9e =? respl5d5t above ! horizon ( true und]/&+40 8,be fair1 ye peoples ( ! _w20 ,he ?us appeals to mank9d1 8is x meet & seemly = y to "q ! au?ority ( "o ,^: pres5ce #8,he ,:o conv]s$ ) ,god' 7,moses7 ha? long$ to atta91 ! beauty ( ,^: c\nt5ance #8,god's ,well-belov$' 7,muammad7 _h ye>n$ to behold1 ?r\gh ! pot5cy ( ,^: love ! #8,_s ( ,god' 7,jesus7 asc5d$ to heav51 = ,^: sake ! #8,primal ,po9t' 7! ,bb7 (f]$ up ,8 life80 8,seize y\r *ance10 ,he admoni%es ,8 foll[]s1 8inasmu* z a fleet+ mom5t 9 ?is ,day excelle? c5turies ( a bygone age444 ,nei!r sun nor moon ha? witness$ a day su* z ?is444 ,x is evid5t t e age 9 :i* a ,manife/ation ( ,god ha? liv$ is div9ely orda9$ & may1 9 a s5se1 be *>act]iz$ z ,god's appo9t$ ,day4 ,?is ,day1 h[ev]1 is unique & is to be di/+ui%$ f ^? t h prec$$ x4 ,! designation #8,seal ( ! ,prophets' fully reveals & demon/rates its high /ation40 ,expatiat+ on ! =ces lat5t 9 ,8 ,revelation ,bah'u'llh reveals ! foll[+3 8,?r\gh ! movem5t ( ,our ,p5 ( glory ,we h1 at ! bidd+ ( ! omnipot5t ,orda9]1 brea!d a new life into e human frame & in/ill$ into e ^w a fre% pot5cy4 ,all creat$ ?+s proclaim ! evid5ces ( ?is _w-wide reg5]ation40 8,?is is10 ,he adds1 8! mo/ great1 ! mo/ joyful tid+s imp>t$ by ! p5 ( ?is wrong$ ,"o to mank9d40 8,h[ great10 ,he 9 ano!r passage exclaims1 8is ! ,cause6 ,h[ /agg]+ ! weight ( its message6 ,?is is ! ,day ( :i* x ha? be5 said3 #8,o my son6 v]ily ,god w br+ ev]y?+ to light ?\gh x 7 b ! weight ( a gra9 ( mu/>d se$1 & hidd5 9 a rock1 or 9 ! heav5s or 9 ! e>?2 = ,god is subtile1 in=m$ ( all4'0 8,by ! righte\sness ( ! "o true ,god6 ,if "o speck ( a jewel be lo/ & buri$ b5ea? a m\nta9 ( /ones1 & lie hidd5 beyond ! sev5 seas1 ! ,h& ( ,omnipot5ce w assur$ly reveal x 9 ?is day1 pure & cleans$ f dross40 8,he t p>take? ( ! wat]s ( ,my ,revelation w ta/e all ! incorruptible delights orda9$ by ,god f ! beg9n+ t ha? no beg9n+ to ! end t ha? no end40 8,e s+le lett] proce$+ f ,our m\? is end[$ ) su* reg5]ative p[] z to enable x to br+ into exi/5ce a new creation--a creation ! magnitude ( :i* is inscrutable to all save ,god4 ,he v]ily ha? k ( all ?+s40 8,x is 9 ,our p[]1 %\ld ,we wi% x1 to enable a speck ( float+ du/ to g5]ate1 9 less ?an ! tw9kl+ ( an eye1 suns ( inf9ite1 ( unimag9able spl5dor1 to cause a dewdrop to develop into va/ & numb]less oceans1 to infuse into e lett] su* a =ce z to emp[] x to unfold all ! k ( pa/ & future ages40 8,we are possess$ ( su* p[] :i*1 if br\ght to light1 w transmute ! mo/ deadly ( poisons into a panacea ( unfail+ efficacy40 ,e/imat+ ! /ation ( ! true believ] ,he rem>ks3 8,by ! sorr[s :i* afflict ! beauty ( ! ,all-,glori\s6 ,su* is ! /ation orda9$ = ! true believ] t if to an ext5t small] ?an a ne$le's eye ! glory ( t /ation 7 to be unveil$ to mank9d1 e behold] w\ld be consum$ away 9 8 long+ to atta9 x4 ,= ?is reason x ha? be5 decre$ t 9 ?is e>?ly life ! full measure ( ! glory ( 8 own /ation %\ld rema9 conceal$ f ! eyes ( su* a believ]40 8,if ! veil be lift$10 ,he simil>ly affirms1 8& ! full glory ( ! /ation ( ^? :o h turn$ :olly t[>ds ,god1 & 9 _! love = ,him r5\nc$ ! _w1 be made manife/1 ! entire creation w\ld be dumbf\nd$40 ,/ress+ ! sup]lative "* ( ,8 ,revelation z comp>$ ) ! ,disp5sation prec$+ x1 ,bah'u'llh makes ! foll[+ affirmation3 8,if all ! peoples ( ! _w be inve/$ ) ! p[]s & attributes de/9$ = ! ,lett]s ( ! ,liv+1 ! ,bb's *os5 disciples1 ^: /ation is t5 ?\s& times m glori\s ?an any :i* ! apo/les ( old h atta9$1 & if !y1 "o & all1 %\ld1 swift z ! tw9kl+ ( an eye1 hesitate to recognize ! light ( ,my ,revelation1 _! fai? %all be ( no avail & !y %all be acc\nt$ among ! infidels40 8,s trem5d\s is ! outp\r+ ( ,div9e grace 9 ?is ,disp5sation t if mortal h&s c\ld be swift en\gh to record !m1 )9 ! space ( a s+le day & night !re w\ld /ream v]ses ( su* numb] z to be equival5t to ! :ole ( ! ,p]sian ,bayn40 8,give he$ to my w>n+1 ye p ( ,p]sia10 ,he ?us addresses ,8 c\ntrym51 8,if ,i be sla9 at y\r h&s1 ,god w assur$ly raise up "o :o w fill ! seat made vacant ?r\gh my dea?2 = su* is ,god's me?od c>ri$ into effect ( old1 & no *ange c ye f9d 9 ,god's mode ( deal+40 8,%\ld !y attempt to conceal ,8 light on ! cont95t1 ,he w assur$ly re> ,8 head 9 ! midmo/ he>t ( ! ocean &1 rais+ ,8 voice1 proclaim3 #8,i am ! lifegiv] ( ! _w6'444 ,& if !y ca/ ,him into a d>ksome pit1 !y w f9d ,him seat$ on e>?'s l(tie/ heights call+ al\d to all mank9d3 #8,lo1 ! ,desire ( ! _w is come 9 ,8 maje/y1 ,8 sov]eignty1 ,8 transc5d5t dom9ion6' ,& if ,he be buri$ b5ea? ! dep?s ( ! e>?1 ,8 ,_s so>+ to ! apex ( heav5 %all peal ! summons3 #8,behold ye ! com+ ( ! ,glory2 witness ye ! ,k+dom ( ,god1 ! mo/ ,holy1 ! ,graci\s1 ! ,all-,p[]ful6'0 8,)9 ! ?roat ( ?is ,y\?10 is yet ano!r a/\nd+ /atem5t1 8!re lie prison$ acc5ts :i*1 if reveal$ to mank9d to an ext5t small] ?an a ne$le's eye1 w\ld suffice to cause e m\nta9 to crumble1 ! leaves ( ! trees to be discolor$ & _! fruits to fall2 w\ld compel e head to b[ d[n 9 wor%ip & e face to turn 9 adoration t[>ds ?is omnipot5t ,rul] ,:o1 at sundry times & 9 div]se mann]s1 appe>e? z a dev\r+ flame1 z a bill[+ ocean1 z a radiant light1 z ! tree :i*1 root$ 9 ! soil ( hol9ess1 lifte? its bran*es & spreade? out its limbs z f> z & beyond ! ?rone ( dea?less glory40 ,anticipat+ ! ,sy/em :i* ! irresi/ible p[] ( ,8 ,law 0 de/9$ to unfold 9 a lat] age1 ,he writes3 8,! _w's equilibrium ha? be5 upset ?r\gh ! vibrat+ influ5ce ( ?is mo/ great1 ?is new ,_w ,ord]4 ,mank9d's ord]$ life ha? be5 revolutioniz$ ?r\gh ! ag5cy ( ?is unique1 ?is wondr\s ,sy/em--! l ( :i* mortal eyes h nev] witness$40 8,! ,h& ( ,omnipot5ce ha? e/abli%$ ,8 ,revelation ^u an unassailable1 an endur+ f\ndation4 ,/orms ( human /rife are p[]less to und]m9e its basis1 nor w m5's fanciful !ories succe$ 9 damag+ its /ructure40 ,9 ! ,sratu'l-,haykal1 "o ( ! mo/ *all5g+ works ( ,bah'u'llh1 ! foll[+ v]ses1 ea* ( :i* te/ifies to ! resi/less p[] infus$ into ! ,revelation proclaim$ by its ,au?or1 h be5 record$3 8,naught is se5 9 ,my temple b ! ,temple ( ,god1 & 9 ,my beauty b ,8 ,beauty1 & 9 ,my be+ b ,8 ,be+1 & 9 ,my self b ,8 ,self1 & 9 ,my movem5t b ,8 ,movem5t1 & 9 ,my acquiesc5ce b ,8 ,acquiesc5ce1 & 9 ,my p5 b ,8 ,p51 ! ,mighty1 ! ,all-,prais$4 ,!re ha? n be5 9 ,my s\l b ! ,tru?1 & 9 ,myself naught c\ld be se5 b ,god40 8,! ,holy ,_s ,itself ha? be5 g5]at$ ?r\gh ! ag5cy ( a s+le lett] reveal$ by ?is ,mo/ ,great ,_s1 if ye be ( !m t compreh5d40444 8,)9 ! treasury ( ,our ,wisdom !re lies unreveal$ a k1 "o ^w ( :i*1 if we *ose to divulge x to mank9d1 w\ld cause e human be+ to recognize ! ,manife/ation ( ,god & to ackn[l$ge ,8 omnisci5ce1 w\ld enable e "o to discov] ! secrets ( all ! sci5ces1 & to atta9 s high a /ation z to f9d himself :olly indep5d5t ( all pa/ & future le>n+4 ,o!r kn[l$ges ,we d z well possess1 n a s+le lett] ( :i* ,we c disclose1 nor d ,we f9d humanity able to he> ev5 ! b>e/ ref]5ce to _! mean+4 ,?us h ,we in=m$ y ( ! k ( ,god1 ! ,all-,kn[+1 ! ,all-,wise40 8,! day is approa*+ :5 ,god w h1 by an act ( ,8 ,w1 rais$ up a race ( m5 ! nature ( :i* is inscrutable to all save ,god1 ! ,all-,p[]ful1 ! ,self-,subsi/+40 8,he w1 ere long1 out ( ! ,bosom ( ,p[] draw =? ! ,h&s ( ,asc5dancy & ,might--,h&s :o w arise to w9 victory = ?is ,y\? & :o w purge mank9d f ! defilem5t ( ! outca/ & ! ungodly4 ,^! ,h&s w gird up _! lo9s to *ampion ! ,fai? ( ,god1 & w1 9 ,my "n ! self-subsi/5t1 ! mighty1 subdue ! peoples & k9dr$s ( ! e>?4 ,!y w ent] ! cities & w inspire ) fe> ! he>ts ( all _! inhabitants4 ,su* are ! evid5ces ( ! might ( ,god2 h[ fe>ful1 h[ vehem5t is ,8 might60 ,su* is1 de>ly-belov$ fri5ds1 ,bah'u'llh's own writt5 te/imony to ! nature ( ,8 ,revelation4 ,to ! affirmations ( ! ,bb1 ea* ( :i* re9=ces ! /r5g?1 & confirms ! tru?1 ( ^! rem>kable /atem5ts1 ,i h already ref]r$4 ,:at rema9s = me to consid] 9 ?is connection are su* passages 9 ! writ+s ( #8,abdu'l-,bah1 ! appo9t$ ,int]pret] ( ^! same utt]ances1 z ?r[ fur!r light ^u & amplify v>i\s features ( ?is en?rall+ !me4 ,! tone ( ,8 language is inde$ z emphatic & ,8 tribute no less gl[+ ?an t ( ei!r ,bah'u'llh or ! ,bb4 8,c5turies1 nay ages1 mu/ pass away10 ,he affirms 9 "o ( ,8 e>lie/ ,tablets1 8ere ! ,day-,/> ( ,tru? %9e? aga9 9 its mid-summ] spl5dor1 or appe>e? once m 9 ! radiance ( its v]nal glory444 ,h[ ?ankful mu/ we be = hav+ be5 made 9 ?is ,day ! recipi5ts ( s ov]:elm+ a favor6 ,w\ld t we _h t5 ?\s& lives t we might lay !m d[n 9 ?anksgiv+ = s r>e a privilege1 s high an atta9m5t1 s priceless a b\nty60 8,! m]e contemplation10 ,he adds1 8( ! ,disp5sation inaugurat$ by ! ,bless$ ,beauty w\ld h suffic$ to ov]:elm ! sa9ts ( bygone ages--sa9ts :o long$ to p>take = "o mom5t ( its great glory40 8,! holy ones ( pa/ ages & c5turies h1 ea* & all1 ye>n$ ) te>ful eyes to live1 ?\gh = "o mom5t1 9 ! ,day ( ,god4 ,_! long+s unsatisfi$1 !y repair$ to ! ,great ,beyond4 ,h[ great1 !re=e1 is ! b\nty ( ! ,abh ,beauty ,:o1 not)/&+ our utt] unwor?9ess1 ha? ?r\gh ,8 grace & m]cy brea!d into u 9 ?is div9ely-illum9$ c5tury ! _s ( life1 ha? ga!r$ u b5ea? ! /&>d ( ! ,belov$ ( ! _w1 & *os5 to conf] ^u u a b\nty = :i* ! mighty ones ( bygone ages _h crav$ 9 va940 8,! s\ls ( ! well-favor$ among ! conc\rse on high10 ,he likewise affirms1 8! sacr$ dwell]s ( ! mo/ exalt$ ,p>adise1 are 9 ?is day fill$ ) burn+ desire to return unto ?is _w1 t !y may r5d] su* s]vice z lie? 9 _! p[] to ! ?re%old ( ! ,abh ,beauty40 8,! effulg5ce ( ,god's spl5dr\s m]cy10 ,he1 9 a passage allud+ to ! gr[? & future developm5t ( ! ,fai?1 decl>es1 8ha? envelop$ ! peoples & k9dr$s ( ! e>?1 & ! :ole _w is ba!d 9 its %9+ glory444 ,! day w soon come :5 ! light ( ,div9e unity w h s p]meat$ ! ,ea/ & ! ,we/ t no man d>e any long] ignore x40 8,n[ 9 ! _w ( be+ ! ,h& ( div9e p[] ha? firmly laid ! f\ndations ( ?is all-highe/ b\nty & ?is wondr\s gift4 ,:atsoev] is lat5t 9 ! inn]mo/ ( ?is holy cycle %all gradually appe> & be made manife/1 = n[ is b ! beg9n+ ( its gr[? & ! dayspr+ ( ! revelation ( its signs4 ,ere ! close ( ?is c5tury & ( ?is age1 x %all be made cle> & evid5t h[ wondr\s 0 t spr+tide & h[ heav5ly 0 t gift60 ,9 confirmation ( ! exalt$ rank ( ! true believ]1 ref]r$ to by ,bah'u'llh1 ,he reveals ! foll[+3 8,! /ation :i* he :o ha? truly recogniz$ ?is ,revelation w atta9 is ! same z ! "o orda9$ = su* prophets ( ! h\se ( ,israel z are n reg>d$ z ,manife/ations #8end[$ ) con/ancy4'0 ,9 connection ) ! ,manife/ations de/9$ to foll[ ! ,revelation ( ,bah'u'llh1 #8,abdu'l-,bah makes ?is def9ite & weighty decl>ation3 8,conc]n+ ! ,manife/ations t w come d[n 9 ! future #89 ! %ad[s ( ! cl\ds1' "k v]ily t 9 s f> z _! relation to ! s\rce ( _! inspiration is conc]n$ !y are "u ! %ad[ ( ! ,anci5t ,beauty4 ,9 _! relation1 h[ev]1 to ! age 9 :i* !y appe>1 ea* & e "o ( !m #8doe? :atsoev] ,he wille?4'0 8,o my fri5d60 ,he ?us addresses 9 "o ( ,8 ,tablets a man ( recogniz$ au?ority & /&+1 8,! undy+ ,fire :i* ! ,"l ( ! ,k+dom ha? k9dl$ 9 ! mid/ ( ! holy ,tree is burn+ fi]cely 9 ! midmo/ he>t ( ! _w4 ,! conflagration x w provoke w envelop ! :ole e>?4 ,its blaz+ flames w illum9ate its peoples & k9dr$s4 ,all ! signs h be5 reveal$2 e prophetic allusion ha? be5 manife/$4 ,:atev] ha? be5 en%r9$ 9 all ! ,scriptures ( ! pa/ ha? be5 made evid5t4 ,to d\bt or hesitate is no m possible444 ,"t is press+4 ,! ,div9e ,*>g] is impati5t1 & c t>ry no long]4 ,ours is ! duty to ru% =w>d &1 ere x is too late1 w9 ! victory40 ,& f9ally1 is ?is mo/ /irr+ passage :i* ,he1 9 "o ( ,8 mom5ts ( exultation1 0 mov$ to address to "o ( ,8 mo/ tru/$ & em95t foll[]s 9 ! e>lie/ days ( ,8 m9i/ry3 8,:at m %all ,i say8 ,:at else c my p5 rec\nt8 ,s l\d is ! call t rev]b]ates f ! ,abh ,k+dom t mortal e>s are well-nigh deaf5$ ) its vibrations4 ,! :ole creation1 me?9ks1 is be+ disrupt$ & is bur/+ asund] ?r\gh ! %att]+ influ5ce ( ! ,div9e summons issu$ f ! ?rone ( glory4 ,m ?an ?is ,i _c write40 ,de>ly-belov$ fri5ds6 ,en\gh has be5 said1 & ! quot$ exc]pts f ! writ+s ( ! ,bb1 ( ,bah'u'llh & ( #8,abdu'l-,bah are suffici5tly num]\s & v>i$1 to conv9ce ! consci5ti\s read] ( ! sublimity ( ?is unique cycle 9 ! _w's religi\s hi/ory4 ,x w\ld be utt]ly impossible to ov]-exagg]ate its significance or to ov]rate ! influ5ce x has ex]t$ & :i* x mu/ increas+ly ex]t z its great sy/em unfolds itself amid/ ! welt] ( a collaps+ civilization4 ,to :oev] may read ^! pages a ^w ( w>n+ seems1 h[ev]1 advisable be=e ,i proce$ fur!r ) ! developm5t ( my argum5t4 ,let no "o m$itat+1 9 ! light ( ! a=e-quot$ passages1 on ! nature ( ! ,revelation ( ,bah'u'llh1 mi/ake its "* or miscon/rue ! int5t ( its ,au?or4 ,! div9ity attribut$ to s great a ,be+ & ! complete inc>nation ( ! names & attributes ( ,god 9 s exalt$ a ,p]son %\ld1 "u no circum/ances1 be misconceiv$ or mis9t]pret$4 ,! human temple t has be5 made ! vehicle ( s ov]p[]+ a ,revelation mu/1 if we be fai?ful to ! t5ets ( our ,fai?1 ev] rema9 entirely di/+ui%$ f t 8inn]mo/ ,_s ( ,spirits0 & 8et]nal ,ess5ce ( ,ess5ces0--t invisible yet rational ,god ,:o1 h[ev] mu* we extol ! div9ity ( ,8 ,manife/ations on e>?1 c 9 no wise inc>nate ,8 inf9ite1 ,8 unkn[able1 ,8 incorruptible & all-embrac+ ,reality 9 ! concrete & limit$ frame ( a mortal be+4 ,inde$1 ! ,god ,:o c\ld s inc>nate ,8 own reality w\ld1 9 ! light ( ! tea*+s ( ,bah'u'llh1 cease imm$iately to be ,god4 ,s crude & fanta/ic a !ory ( ,div9e inc>nation is z remov$ f1 & incompatible )1 ! ess5tials ( ,bah' belief z are ! no less inadmissible pan!i/ic & an?ropomorphic conceptions ( ,god-- bo? ( :i* ! utt]ances ( ,bah'u'llh emphatically repudiate & ! fallacy ( :i* !y expose4 ,he ,:o 9 unnumb]$ passages claim$ ,8 utt]ance to be ! 8,voice ( ,div9ity1 ! ,call ( ,god ,himself0 ?us solemnly affirms 9 ! ,kitb-i-qn3 8,to e disc]n+ & illum9$ he>t x is evid5t t ,god1 ! unkn[able ,ess5ce1 ! ,div9e ,be+1 is immeasurably exalt$ beyond e human attribute su* z corporeal exi/5ce1 asc5t & desc5t1 egress & regress444 ,he is1 & ha? ev] be51 veil$ 9 ! anci5t et]nity ( ,8 ,ess5ce1 & w rema9 9 ,8 ,reality ev]la/+ly hidd5 f ! sight ( m5444 ,he /&e? exalt$ beyond & above all sep>ation & union1 all proximity & remot5ess444 #8,god 0 alone2 !re 0 none else beside ,him' is a sure te/imony ( ?is tru?40 8,f "t immemorial10 ,bah'u'llh1 speak+ ( ,god1 expla9s1 8,he1 ! ,div9e ,be+1 ha? be5 veil$ 9 ! ineffable sanctity ( ,8 exalt$ ,self1 & w ev]la/+ cont9ue to be wrapt 9 ! imp5etrable my/]y ( ,8 unkn[able ,ess5ce444 ,t5 ?\s& ,prophets1 ea* a ,moses1 are ?und]/ruck ^u ! ,s9ai ( _! se>* at ,god's =bidd+ voice1 #8,?\ %alt nev] behold ,me6'2 :il/ a myriad ,mess5g]s1 ea* z great z ,jesus1 /& dismay$ ^u _! heav5ly ?rones by ! int]diction #8,m9e ,ess5ce ?\ %alt nev] appreh5d6'0 8,h[ bewild]+ to me1 insignificant z ,i am10 ,bah'u'llh 9 ,8 communion ) ,god affirms1 8is ! attempt to fa?om ! sacr$ dep?s ( ,?y k6 ,h[ futile my ef=ts to visualize ! magnitude ( ! p[] inh]5t 9 ,?9e h&iwork--! revelation ( ,?y creative p[]60 8,:5 ,i contemplate1 ,o my ,god1 ! relation%ip t b9de? me to ,!e10 ,he1 9 yet ano!r pray] reveal$ 9 ,8 own h&writ+1 te/ifies1 8,i am mov$ to proclaim to all creat$ ?+s #8v]ily ,i am ,god6'2 & :5 ,i consid] my own self1 lo1 ,i f9d x co>s] ?an clay60 8,! door ( ! k ( ! ,anci5t ( ,days10 ,bah'u'llh fur!r /ates 9 ! ,kitb-i-qn1 8be+ ?us clos$ 9 ! face ( all be+s1 ,he1 ! ,s\rce ( inf9ite grace 444 ha? caus$ ^? lum9\s ,gems ( ,hol9ess to appe> out ( ! realm ( ! _s1 9 ! noble =m ( ! human temple1 & be made manife/ unto all m51 t !y may imp>t unto ! _w ! my/]ies ( ! un*angeable ,be+ & tell ( ! subtleties ( ,8 imp]i%able ,ess5ce444 ,all ! ,prophets ( ,god1 ,8 well-favor$1 ,8 holy & *os5 ,mess5g]s are1 )\t exception1 ! be>]s ( ,8 names & ! embodim5ts ( ,8 attributes444 ,^! ,tab]nacles ( ,hol9ess1 ^! primal ,mirrors :i* reflect ! ,light ( unfad+ glory1 are b expressions ( ,him ,:o is ! ,invisible ( ! ,invisibles40 ,t ,bah'u'llh %\ld1 not)/&+ ! ov]:elm+ int5sity ( ,8 ,revelation1 be reg>d$ z ess5tially "o ( ^! ,manife/ations ( ,god1 nev] to be id5tifi$ ) t invisible ,reality1 ! ,ess5ce ( ,div9ity itself1 is "o ( ! major beliefs ( our ,fai?--a belief :i* %\ld nev] be obscur$ & ! integrity ( :i* no "o ( its foll[]s %\ld all[ to be compromis$4 ,nor does ! ,bah' ,revelation1 claim+ z x does to be ! culm9ation ( a prophetic cycle & ! fulfillm5t ( ! promise ( all ages1 attempt1 "u any circum/ances1 to invalidate ^? fir/ & ev]la/+ pr9ciples t animate & und]lie ! religions t h prec$$ x4 ,! ,god-giv5 au?ority1 ve/$ 9 ea* "o ( !m1 x admits & e/abli%es z its firme/ & ultimate basis4 ,x reg>ds !m 9 no o!r light except z diff]5t /ages 9 ! et]nal hi/ory & con/ant evolution ( "o religion1 ,div9e & indivisible1 ( :i* x itself =ms b an integral "p4 ,x nei!r seeks to obscure _! ,div9e orig91 nor to dw>f ! admitt$ magnitude ( _! colossal a*ievem5ts4 ,x c c\nt5ance no attempt t seeks to di/ort _! features or to /ultify ! tru?s :i* !y in/ill4 ,its tea*+s d n deviate a hairbread? f ! v]ities !y en%r9e1 nor does ! weight ( its message detract "o jot or "o tittle f ! influ5ce !y ex]t or ! loyalty !y inspire4 ,f> f aim+ at ! ov]?r[ ( ! spiritual f\ndation ( ! _w's religi\s sy/ems1 its av[$1 its unalt]able purpose is to wid5 _! basis1 to re/ate _! fundam5tals1 to reconcile _! aims1 to re9vigorate _! life1 to demon/rate _! on5ess1 to re/ore ! pri/9e purity ( _! tea*+s1 to cord9ate _! functions & to assi/ 9 ! realization ( _! highe/ aspirations4 ,^! div9ely-reveal$ religions1 z a close obs]v] has graphically express$ x1 8are doom$ n to die1 b to be reborn444 #8,does n ! *ild succumb 9 ! y\? & ! y\? 9 ! man2 yet nei!r *ild nor y\? p]i%es8'0 8,!y ,:o are ! ,lum9>ies ( ,tru? & ! ,mirrors reflect+ ! light ( ,div9e ,unity10 ,bah'u'llh expla9s 9 ! ,kitb-i-qn1 89 :atev] age & cycle !y are s5t d[n f _! invisible habitations ( anci5t glory unto ?is _w to educate ! s\ls ( m5 & endue ) grace all creat$ ?+s1 are inv>iably end[$ ) an all-compell+ p[] & inve/$ ) inv9cible sov]eignty444 ,^! sanctifi$ ,mirrors1 ^! ,day-,spr+s ( anci5t glory are "o & all ! expon5ts on e>? ( ,him ,:o is ! c5tral ,orb ( ! univ]se1 its ess5ce & ultimate purpose4 ,f ,him proce$ _! k & p[]2 f ,him is d]iv$ _! sov]eignty4 ,! beauty ( _! c\nt5ance is b a reflection ( ,8 image1 & _! revelation a sign ( ,8 dea?less glory444 ,?r\gh !m is transmitt$ a grace t is inf9ite1 & by !m is reveal$ ! light t c nev] fade444 ,human tongue c nev] befitt+ly s+ _! praise1 & human spee* c nev] unfold _! my/]y40 8,inasmu* z ^! ,birds ( ! cele/ial ,?rone10 ,he adds1 8are all s5t d[n f ! heav5 ( ! ,w ( ,god1 & z !y all arise to proclaim ,8 irresi/ible ,fai?1 !y !re=e are reg>d$ z "o s\l & ! same p]son444 ,!y all abide 9 ! same tab]nacle1 so> 9 ! same heav51 are seat$ ^u ! same ?rone1 utt] ! same spee*1 & proclaim ! same ,fai?444 ,!y only diff] 9 ! int5sity ( _! revelation & ! comp>ative pot5cy ( _! light444 ,t a c]ta9 attribute ( ,god ha? n be5 outw>dly manife/$ by ^! ,ess5ces ( ,deta*m5t do? 9 no wise imply t !y ,:o are ! ,day-,spr+s ( ,god's attributes & ! ,treasuries ( ,8 holy names did n actually possess x40 ,x %\ld also be borne 9 m9d t1 great z is ! p[] manife/$ by ?is ,revelation & h[ev] va/ ! range ( ! ,disp5sation its ,au?or has inaugurat$1 x emphatically repudiates ! claim to be reg>d$ z ! f9al revelation ( ,god's w & purpose = mank9d4 ,to hold su* a conception ( its "* & functions w\ld be tantam\nt to a betrayal ( its cause & a d5ial ( its tru?4 ,x mu/ necess>ily conflict ) ! fundam5tal pr9ciple :i* con/itutes ! b$rock ( ,bah' belief1 ! pr9ciple t religi\s tru? is n absolute b relative1 t ,div9e ,revelation is ord]ly1 cont9u\s & progressive & n spasmodic or f9al4 ,inde$1 ! categorical rejection by ! foll[]s ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh ( ! claim to f9ality :i* any religi\s sy/em inaugurat$ by ! ,prophets ( ! pa/ may advance is z cle> & emphatic z _! own refusal to claim t same f9ality = ! ,revelation ) :i* !y /& id5tifi$4 8,to believe t all revelation is end$1 t ! portals ( ,div9e m]cy are clos$1 t f ! dayspr+s ( et]nal hol9ess no sun %all rise aga91 t ! ocean ( ev]la/+ b\nty is =ev] /ill$1 & t out ( ! tab]nacle ( anci5t glory ! ,mess5g]s ( ,god h ceas$ to be made manife/0 mu/ con/itute 9 ! eyes ( e foll[] ( ! ,fai? a grave1 an inexcusable dep>ture f "o ( its mo/ *]i%$ & fundam5tal pr9ciples4 ,a ref]5ce to "s ( ! already quot$ utt]ances ( ,bah'u'llh & #8,abdu'l-,bah w surely suffice to e/abli%1 beyond ! %ad[ ( a d\bt1 ! tru? ( ?is c>d9al pr9ciple4 ,might n ! foll[+ passage ( ! ,hidd5 ,words be1 likewise1 con/ru$ z an allegorical allusion to ! progressiv5ess ( ,div9e ,revelation & an admission by its ,au?or t ! ,message ) :i* ,he has be5 entru/$ is n ! f9al & ultimate expression ( ! w & guidance ( ! ,almighty8 8,o ,son ( ,ju/ice6 ,9 ! night-season ! beauty ( ! immortal ,be+ ha? repair$ f ! em]ald height ( fidelity unto ! ,sadratu'l-,muntah1 & wept ) su* a weep+ t ! conc\rse on high & ! dwell]s ( ! realms above wail$ at ,8 lam5t+4 ,:]eupon !re 0 ask$1 ,:y ! wail+ & weep+8 ,he made reply3 ,z bidd5 ,i wait$ expectant ^u ! hill ( fai?fulness1 yet inhal$ n f !m t dwell on e>? ! fragrance ( fidelity4 ,!n summon$ to return ,i beheld1 & lo6 c]ta9 doves ( hol9ess 7 sore tri$ )9 ! claws ( ! dogs ( e>?4 ,!reupon ! ,maid ( heav5 ha/5$ =? unveil$ & respl5d5t f ,h] my/ic mansion1 & ask$ ( _! names1 & all 7 told b "o4 ,& :5 urg$1 ! fir/ lett] !re( 0 utt]$1 :]eupon ! dwell]s ( ! cele/ial *amb]s ru%$ =? out ( _! habitation ( glory4 ,& :il/ ! second lett] 0 pron\nc$ !y fell d[n1 "o & all1 ^u ! du/4 ,at t mom5t a voice 0 he>d f ! inmo/ %r9e3 #8,?us f> & no f>!r4' ,v]ily ,we be> witness to t :i* !y h done & n[ are do+40 ,9 a m explicit language ,bah'u'llh te/ifies to ?is tru? 9 "o ( ,8 ,tablets reveal$ 9 ,adrianople3 8,"k v]ily t ! veil hid+ ,our c\nt5ance ha? n be5 completely lift$4 ,we h reveal$ ,our ,self to a degree correspond+ to ! capacity ( ! p ( ,our age4 ,%\ld ! ,anci5t ,beauty be unveil$ 9 ! fullness ( ,8 glory mortal eyes w\ld be bl9d$ by ! dazzl+ int5sity ( ,8 revelation40 ,9 ! ,sriy-i-,sabr1 reveal$ z f> back z ! ye> #ahfc1 on ! v fir/ day ( ,8 arrival 9 ! g>d5 ( ,ridvn1 ,he ?us affirms3 8,god ha? s5t d[n ,8 ,mess5g]s to succe$ to ,moses & ,jesus1 & ,he w cont9ue to d s till #8! end t ha? no end'2 s t ,8 grace may1 f ! heav5 ( ,div9e b\nty1 be cont9ually v\*saf$ to mank9d40 8,i am n appreh5sive = ,my own self10 ,bah'u'llh /ill m explicitly decl>es1 8,my fe>s are = ,him ,:o w be s5t d[n unto y aft] ,me--,him ,:o w be inve/$ ) great sov]eignty & mighty dom9ion40 ,& aga9 ,he writes 9 ! ,sratu'l-,haykal3 8,by ^? words :i* ,i h reveal$1 ,myself is n int5d$1 b r ,he ,:o w come aft] ,me4 ,to x is witness ,god1 ! ,all-,kn[+40 8,deal n ) ,him10 ,he adds1 8z ye h dealt ) ,me40 ,9 a m circum/antial passage ! ,bb upholds ! same tru? 9 ,8 writ+s4 8,x is cle> & evid5t10 ,he writes 9 ! ,p]sian ,bayn1 8t ! object ( all prec$+ ,disp5sations ha? be5 to pave ! way = ! adv5t ( ,muammad1 ! ,apo/le ( ,god4 ,^!1 includ+ ! ,muammadan ,disp5sation1 h _h1 9 _! turn1 z _! objective ! ,revelation proclaim$ by ! ,q'im4 ,! purpose und]ly+ ?is ,revelation1 z well z ^? t prec$$ x1 has1 9 l mann]1 be5 to ann\nce ! adv5t ( ! ,fai? ( ,him ,:om ,god w make manife/4 ,& ?is ,fai?--! ,fai? ( ,him ,:om ,god w make manife/--9 its turn1 toge!r ) all ! ,revelations gone be=e x1 h z _! object ! ,manife/ation de/9$ to succe$ x4 ,& ! latt]1 no less ?an all ! ,revelations prec$+ x1 prep>e ! way = ! ,revelation :i* is yet to foll[4 ,! process ( ! rise & sett+ ( ! ,sun ( ,tru? w ?us indef9itely cont9ue--a process t ha? _h no beg9n+ & w h no end40 8,"k ( a c]ta9ty10 ,bah'u'llh expla9s 9 ?is connection1 8t 9 e ,disp5sation ! light ( ,div9e ,revelation ha? be5 v\*saf$ to m5 9 direct proportion to _! spiritual capacity4 ,consid] ! sun4 ,h[ feeble its rays ! mom5t x appe>e? above ! horizon4 ,h[ gradually its w>m? & pot5cy increase z x approa*e? its z5i?1 enabl+ mean:ile all creat$ ?+s to adapt !mselves to ! gr[+ int5sity ( its light4 ,h[ /eadily x decl9e? until x rea*e? its sett+ po9t4 ,7 x all ( a sudd5 to manife/ ! en]gies lat5t )9 x1 x w\ld no d\bt cause injury to all creat$ ?+s444 ,9 l mann]1 if ! ,sun ( ,tru? 7 sudd5ly to reveal1 at ! e>lie/ /ages ( its manife/ation1 ! full measure ( ! pot5cies :i* ! provid5ce ( ! ,almighty ha? be/[$ ^u x1 ! e>? ( human und]/&+ w\ld wa/e away & be consum$2 = m5's he>ts w\ld nei!r su/a9 ! int5sity ( its revelation1 nor be able to mirror =? ! radiance ( its light4 ,dismay$ & ov]p[]$1 !y w\ld cease to exi/40 ,9 ! light ( ^! cle> & conclusive /atem5ts x is our cle> duty to make x indubitably evid5t to e seek] aft] tru? t f 8! beg9n+ t ha? no beg9n+0 ! ,prophets ( ! "o1 ! unkn[able ,god1 includ+ ,bah'u'llh ,himself1 h all1 z ! *annels ( ,god's grace1 z ! expon5ts ( ,8 unity1 z ! mirrors ( ,8 light & ! reveal]s ( ,8 purpose1 be5 commission$ to unfold to mank9d an ev]-increas+ measure ( ,8 tru?1 ( ,8 inscrutable w & ,div9e guidance1 & w cont9ue to 8! end t ha? no end0 to v\*safe /ill full] & mighti] revelations ( ,8 limitless p[] & glory4 ,we might well pond] 9 our he>ts ! foll[+ passages f a pray] reveal$ by ,bah'u'llh :i* /rik+ly affirm1 & are a fur!r evid5ce (1 ! reality ( ! great & ess5tial tru? ly+ at ! v core ( ,8 ,message to mank9d3 8,praise be to ,!e1 ,o ,"l my ,god1 = ! wondr\s revelations ( ,?9e inscrutable decree & ! manifold woes & trials ,?\ ha/ de/9$ = myself4 ,at "o "t ,?\ did/ deliv] me into ! h&s ( ,nimrod2 at ano!r ,?\ ha/ all[$ ,ph>aoh's rod to p]secute me4 ,?\ alone can/ e/imate1 ?r\gh ,?9e all-encompass+ k & ! op]ation ( ,?y ,w1 ! incalculable afflictions ,i h suff]$ at _! h&s4 ,aga9 ,?\ did/ ca/ me into ! prison-cell ( ! ungodly = no reason except t ,i 0 mov$ to :isp] into ! e>s ( ! well-favor$ d5iz5s ( ,?y k+dom an intimation ( ! vision ) :i* ,?\ had/1 ?r\gh ,?y k1 inspir$ me & reveal$ to me its mean+ ?r\gh ! pot5cy ( ,?y might4 ,& aga9 ,?\ did/ decree t ,i be behead$ by ! sword ( ! infidel4 ,aga9 ,i 0 crucifi$ = hav+ unveil$ to m5's eyes ! hidd5 gems ( ,?y glori\s unity1 = hav+ reveal$ to !m ! wondr\s signs ( ,?y sov]eign & ev]la/+ p[]4 ,h[ bitt] ! humiliations heap$ ^u me1 9 a subsequ5t age1 on ! pla9 ( ,k>bil6 ,h[ lonely did ,i feel amid/ ,?y p2 to :at /ate ( helplessness ,i 0 r$uc$ 9 t l&6 ,unsatisfi$ ) su* indignities1 my p]secutors decapitat$ me & c>ry+ al(t my head f l& to l& p>ad$ x be=e ! gaze ( ! unbeliev+ multitude & deposit$ x on ! seats ( ! p]v]se & fai?less4 ,9 a lat] age ,i 0 susp5d$ & my brea/ 0 made a t>get to ! d>ts ( ! malici\s cruelty ( my foes4 ,my limbs 7 riddl$ ) bullets & my body 0 torn asund]4 ,f9ally1 behold h[ 9 ?is day my trea*]\s enemies h leagu$ !mselves aga9/ me1 & are cont9ually plott+ to in/ill ! v5om ( hate & malice into ! s\ls ( ,?y s]vants4 ,) all _! might !y are s*em+ to accompli% _! purpose444 ,griev\s z is my plight1 ,o ,god1 my ,well-belov$1 ,i r5d] ?anks unto ,!e1 & my _s is grateful = :atsoev] ha? befall5 me 9 ! pa? ( ,?y good-pleasure4 ,i am well pleas$ ) t :i* ,?\ did/ orda9 = me1 & welcome1 h[ev] calamit\s1 ! pa9s & sorr[s ,i am made to suff]40 ,! ,bb ,de>ly-belov$ fri5ds6 ,t ! ,bb1 ! inaugurator ( ! ,bb ,disp5sation1 is fully entitl$ to rank z "o ( ! self-suffici5t ,manife/ations ( ,god1 t ,he has be5 inve/$ ) sov]eign p[] & au?ority1 & ex]cises all ! rights & pr]ogatives ( indep5d5t ,prophe?ood1 is yet ano!r fundam5tal v]ity :i* ! ,message ( ,bah'u'llh insi/5tly proclaims & :i* its foll[]s mu/ uncompromis+ly uphold4 ,t ,he is n to be reg>d$ m]ely z an inspir$ ,precursor ( ! ,bah' ,revelation1 t 9 ,8 p]son1 z ,he ,himself be>s witness 9 ! ,p]sian ,bayn1 ! object ( all ! ,prophets gone be=e ,him has be5 fulfill$1 is a tru? :i* ,i feel x my duty to demon/rate & emphasize4 ,we w\ld assur$ly be fail+ 9 our duty to ! ,fai? we pr(ess & w\ld be violat+ "o ( its basic & sacr$ pr9ciples if 9 our words or by our conduct we hesitate to recognize ! implications ( ?is root pr9ciple ( ,bah' belief1 or refuse to uphold unres]v$ly its integrity & demon/rate its tru?4 ,inde$ ! *ief motive actuat+ me to und]take ! task ( edit+ & translat+ ,nabl's immortal ,n>rative has be5 to enable e foll[] ( ! ,fai? 9 ! ,we/ to bett] und]/& & m readily grasp ! trem5d\s implications ( ,8 exalt$ /ation & to m ard5tly admire & love ,him4 ,!re c be no d\bt t ! claim to ! tw(old /ation orda9$ = ! ,bb by ! ,almighty1 a claim :i* ,he ,himself has s boldly advanc$1 :i* ,bah'u'llh has repeat$ly affirm$1 & to :i* ! ,w & ,te/am5t ( #8,abdu'l-,bah has f9ally giv5 ! sanction ( its te/imony1 con/itutes ! mo/ di/9ctive feature ( ! ,bah' ,disp5sation4 ,x is a fur!r evid5ce ( its uniqu5ess1 a trem5d\s accession to ! /r5g?1 to ! my/]i\s p[] & au?ority ) :i* ?is holy cycle has be5 inve/$4 ,inde$ ! greatness ( ! ,bb consi/s prim>ily1 n 9 ,8 be+ ! div9ely-appo9t$ ,=]unn] ( s transc5d5t a ,revelation1 b r 9 ,8 hav+ be5 inve/$ ) ! p[]s inh]5t 9 ! inaugurator ( a sep>ate religi\s ,disp5sation1 & 9 ,8 wield+1 to a degree unrival$ by ! ,mess5g]s gone be=e ,him1 ! scept] ( indep5d5t ,prophe?ood4 ,! %ort duration ( ,8 ,disp5sation1 ! re/rict$ range )9 :i* ,8 laws & ord9ances h be5 made to op]ate1 supply no crit]ion :atev] :]e) to judge its ,div9e orig9 & to evaluate ! pot5cy ( its message4 8,t s brief a span10 ,bah'u'llh ,himself expla9s1 8%\ld h sep>at$ ?is mo/ mighty & wondr\s ,revelation f ,m9e own previ\s ,manife/ation1 is a secret t no man c unravel & a my/]y su* z no m9d c fa?om4 ,its duration _h be5 =eorda9$1 & no man %all ev] discov] its reason unless & until he be in=m$ ( ! cont5ts ( ,my ,hidd5 ,book40 8,behold10 ,bah'u'llh fur!r expla9s 9 ! ,kitb-i-,bad'1 "o ( ,8 works refut+ ! argum5ts ( ! p ( ! ,bayn1 8behold1 h[ imm$iately ^u ! completion ( ! n9? ye> ( ?is wondr\s1 ?is mo/ holy & m]ciful ,disp5sation1 ! requisite numb] ( pure1 ( :olly consecrat$ & sanctifi$ s\ls _h be5 mo/ secretly consummat$40 ,! m>vel\s happ5+s t h h]ald$ ! adv5t ( ! ,f\nd] ( ! ,bb ,disp5sation1 ! dramatic circum/ances ( ,8 own ev5tful life1 ! miracul\s trag$y ( ,8 m>tyrdom1 ! magic ( ,8 influ5ce ex]t$ on ! mo/ em95t & p[]ful among ,8 c\ntrym51 to all ( :i* e *apt] ( ,nabl's /irr+ n>rative te/ifies1 %\ld 9 !mselves be reg>d$ z suffici5t evid5ce ( ! validity ( ,8 claim to s exalt$ a /ation among ! ,prophets4 ,h[ev] graphic ! record :i* ! em95t *ronicl] ( ,8 life has transmitt$ to po/]ity1 s lum9\s a n>rative mu/ pale be=e ! gl[+ tribute paid to ! ,bb by ! p5 ( ,bah'u'llh4 ,?is tribute ! ,bb ,himself has1 by ! cle> ass]tion ( ,8 claim1 abundantly support$1 :ile ! writt5 te/imonies ( #8,abdu'l-,bah h p[]fully re9=c$ its "* & elucidat$ its mean+4 ,:]e else if n 9 ! ,kitb-i-qn c ! /ud5t ( ! ,bb ,disp5sation seek to f9d ^? affirmations t unmi/akably atte/ ! p[] & _s :i* no man1 except he be a ,manife/ation ( ,god1 c manife/8 8,c\ld su* a ?+10 exclaims ,bah'u'llh1 8be made manife/ except ?r\gh ! p[] ( a ,div9e ,revelation & ! pot5cy ( ,god's inv9cible ,w8 ,by ! righte\sness ( ,god6 ,7 any "o to ent]ta9 s great a ,revelation 9 8 he>t ! ?\ght ( su* a decl>ation w\ld alone conf\nd him6 ,7 ! he>ts ( all m5 to be cr[d$ into 8 he>t1 he w\ld /ill hesitate to v5ture ^u s awful an ent]prise40 8,no eye10 ,he 9 ano!r passage affirms1 8ha? beheld s great an outp\r+ ( b\nty1 nor ha? any e> he>d ( su* a ,revelation ( lov+-k9dness444 ,! ,prophets #8end[$ ) con/ancy1' ^: l(t9ess & glory %9e z ! sun1 7 ea* honor$ ) a ,book :i* all h se51 & ! v]ses ( :i* h be5 duly asc]ta9$4 ,:]eas ! v]ses :i* h ra9$ f ?is ,cl\d ( div9e m]cy h be5 s abundant t none ha? yet be5 able to e/imate _! numb]444 ,h[ c !y belittle ?is ,revelation8 ,ha? any age witness$ su* mom5t\s happ5+s80 ,comm5t+ on ! "* & influ5ce ( ^? h]oes & m>tyrs :om ! _s ( ! ,bb _h s magically trans=m$ ,bah'u'llh reveals ! foll[+3 8,if ^! companions be n ! true /riv]s aft] ,god1 :o else c\ld be call$ by ?is "n8444 ,if ^! companions1 ) all _! m>vel\s te/imonies & wondr\s works1 be false1 :o !n is wor?y to claim = himself ! tru?8444 ,has ! _w s9ce ! days ( ,adam witness$ su* tumult1 su* viol5t commotion8444 ,me?9ks1 pati5ce 0 reveal$ only by virtue ( _! =titude1 & fai?fulness itself 0 begott5 only by _! de$s40 ,wi%+ to /ress ! sublimity ( ! ,bb's exalt$ /ation z comp>$ ) t ( ! ,prophets ( ! pa/1 ,bah'u'llh 9 t same epi/le ass]ts3 8,no und]/&+ c grasp ! nature ( ,8 ,revelation1 nor c any k compreh5d ! full measure ( ,8 ,fai?40 ,he !n quotes1 9 confirmation ( ,8 argum5t1 ^! prophetic words3 8,k is tw5ty & sev5 lett]s4 ,all t ! ,prophets h reveal$ are two lett]s !re(4 ,no man ?us f> ha? kn[n m ?an ^! two lett]s4 ,b :5 ! ,q'im %all arise1 ,he w cause ! rema9+ tw5ty & five lett]s to be made manife/40 8,behold10 ,he adds1 8h[ great & l(ty is ,8 /ation6 ,8 rank excelle? t ( all ! ,prophets & ,8 ,revelation transc5de? ! compreh5sion & und]/&+ ( all _! *os5 ones40 8,( ,8 ,revelation10 ,he fur!r adds1 8! ,prophets ( ,god1 ,8 sa9ts & *os5 ones1 h ei!r n be5 in=m$1 or1 9 pursuance ( ,god's inscrutable decree1 !y h n disclos$40 ,( all ! tributes :i* ,bah'u'llh's un]r+ p5 has *os5 to pay to ! memory ( ! ,bb1 ,8 8,be/-,belov$10 ! mo/ memorable & t\*+ is ?is brief1 yet eloqu5t passage :i* s greatly enhances ! value ( ! conclud+ passages ( t same epi/le4 8,amid/ !m all10 ,he writes1 ref]r+ to ! afflictive trials & dang]s besett+ ,him 9 ! city ( ,baghdd1 8,we /& life 9 h& :olly resign$ to ,8 ,w1 t p]*ance ?r\gh ,god's lov+ k9dness & grace1 ?is reveal$ & manife/ ,lett] 7,bah'u'llh7 may lay d[n ,8 life z a sacrifice 9 ! pa? ( ! ,primal ,po9t1 ! mo/ exalt$ ,^w 7! ,bb74 ,by ,him1 at ,^: bidd+ ! ,_s ha? spok51 b = ?is ye>n+ ( ,our s\l1 ,we w\ld n1 = "o mom5t1 h t>ri$ any long] 9 ?is city40 ,de>ly-belov$ fri5ds6 ,s res\nd+ a praise1 s bold an ass]tion issu$ by ! p5 ( ,bah'u'llh 9 s weighty a "w1 are fully re-e*o$ 9 ! language 9 :i* ! ,s\rce ( ! ,bb ,revelation has *os5 to clo! ! claims ,he ,himself has advanc$4 8,i am ! ,my/ic ,fane10 ! ,bb ?us proclaims ,8 /ation 9 ! ,qayymu'l-,asm1 8:i* ! ,h& ( ,omnipot5ce ha? re>$4 ,i am ! ,lamp :i* ! ,f+] ( ,god ha? lit )9 its ni*e & caus$ to %9e ) dea?less spl5dor4 ,i am ! ,flame ( t sup]nal ,light t gl[$ ^u ,s9ai 9 ! gladsome ,spot1 & lay conceal$ 9 ! mid/ ( ! ,burn+ ,bu%40 8,o ,qurratu'l-#8,ayn60 ,he1 address+ ,himself 9 t same comm5t>y1 exclaims1 8,i recognize 9 ,!e none o!r except ! #8,great ,ann\ncem5t'--! ,ann\ncem5t voic$ by ! ,conc\rse on high4 ,by ?is "n1 ,i be> witness1 !y t circle ! ,?rone ( ,glory h ev] kn[n ,!e40 8,) ea* & e ,prophet1 ,:om ,we h s5t d[n 9 ! pa/10 ,he fur!r adds1 8,we h e/abli%$ a sep>ate ,cov5ant conc]n+ ! #8,remembrance ( ,god' & ,8 ,day4 ,manife/1 9 ! realm ( glory & ?r\gh ! p[] ( tru?1 are ! #8,remembrance ( ,god' & ,8 ,day be=e ! eyes ( ! angels t circle ,8 m]cy-seat40 8,%\ld x be ,our wi%10 ,he aga9 affirms1 8x is 9 ,our p[] to compel1 ?r\gh ! ag5cy ( b "o lett] ( ,our ,revelation1 ! _w & all t is !re9 to recognize1 9 less ?an ! tw9kl+ ( an eye1 ! tru? ( ,our ,cause40 8,i am ! ,primal ,po9t10 ! ,bb ?us addresses ,muammad ,%h f ! prison-=tress ( ,mh-,k1 8f :i* h be5 g5]at$ all creat$ ?+s444 ,i am ! ,c\nt5ance ( ,god ,^: spl5dor c nev] be obscur$1 ! light ( ,god ^: radiance c nev] fade444 ,all ! keys ( heav5 ,god ha? *os5 to place on ,my "r h&1 & all ! keys ( hell on ,my left444 ,i am "o ( ! su/a9+ pill>s ( ! ,primal ,^w ( ,god4 ,:osoev] ha? recogniz$ ,me1 ha? kn[n all t is true & "r1 & ha? atta9$ all t is good & seemly444 ,! sub/ance :]e) ,god ha? creat$ ,me is n ! clay out ( :i* o!rs h be5 =m$4 ,he ha? conf]r$ ^u ,me t :i* ! worldly-wise c nev] compreh5d1 nor ! fai?ful discov]40 8,%\ld a t9y ant10 ! ,bb1 wi%+ to /ress ! limitless pot5tialities lat5t 9 ,8 ,disp5sation1 *>act]i/ically affirms1 8desire 9 ?is day to be possess$ ( su* p[] z to be able to unravel ! ab/ruse/ & mo/ bewild]+ passages ( ! ,qur'n1 its wi% w no d\bt be fulfill$1 inasmu* z ! my/]y ( et]nal might vibrates )9 ! inn]mo/ be+ ( all creat$ ?+s40 8,if s helpless a creature10 is #8,abdu'l-,bah's comm5t on s />tl+ an affirmation1 8c be end[$ ) s subtle a capacity1 h[ mu* m efficaci\s mu/ be ! p[] releas$ ?r\gh ! lib]al effusions ( ! grace ( ,bah'u'llh60 ,to ^! au?oritative ass]tions & solemn decl>ations made by ,bah'u'llh & ! ,bb mu/ be add$ #8,abdu'l-,bah's own incontrov]tible te/imony4 ,he1 ! appo9t$ int]pret] ( ! utt]ances ( bo? ,bah'u'llh & ! ,bb1 corroborates1 n by implication b 9 cle> & categorical language1 bo? 9 ,8 ,tablets & 9 ,8 ,te/am5t1 ! tru? ( ! /atem5ts to :i* ,i h already ref]r$4 ,9 a ,tablet address$ to a ,bah' 9 ,mz9d>n1 9 :i* ,he unfolds ! mean+ ( a mis9t]pret$ /atem5t attribut$ to ,him reg>d+ ! rise ( ! ,sun ( ,tru? 9 ?is c5tury1 ,he sets =?1 briefly b conclusively1 :at %\ld rema9 = all "t our true conception ( ! relation%ip betwe5 ! two ,manife/ations associat$ ) ! ,bah' ,disp5sation4 8,9 mak+ su* a /atem5t10 ,he expla9s1 8,i _h 9 m9d no "o else except ! ,bb & ,bah'u'llh1 ! "* ( ^: ,revelations x _h be5 my purpose to elucidate4 ,! ,revelation ( ! ,bb may be lik5$ to ! sun1 its /ation correspond+ to ! fir/ sign ( ! ,zodiac--! sign ,aries--:i* ! sun ent]s at ! ,v]nal ,equ9ox4 ,! /ation ( ,bah'u'llh's ,revelation1 on ! o!r h&1 is repres5t$ by ! sign ,leo1 ! sun's mid-summ] & highe/ /ation4 ,by ?is is meant t ?is holy ,disp5sation is illum9$ ) ! light ( ! ,sun ( ,tru? %9+ f its mo/ exalt$ /ation1 & 9 ! pl5itude ( its respl5d5cy1 its heat & glory40 8,! ,bb1 ! ,exalt$ ,"o10 #8,abdu'l-,bah m specifically affirms 9 ano!r ,tablet1 8is ! ,morn ( ,tru?1 ! spl5dor ( ,^: light %9e? ?r\gh\t all regions4 ,he is also ! ,h>b+] ( ! ,mo/ ,great ,light1 ! ,abh ,lum9>y4 ,! ,bless$ ,beauty is ! ,"o promis$ by ! sacr$ books ( ! pa/1 ! revelation ( ! ,s\rce ( light t %one ^u ,m\nt ,s9ai1 ,^: fire gl[$ 9 ! mid/ ( ! ,burn+ ,bu%4 ,we are1 "o & all1 s]vants ( _! ?re%old1 & /& ea* z a l[ly keep] at _! door40 8,e pro( & prophecy10 is ,8 /ill m emphatic w>n+1 8e mann] ( evid5ce1 :e!r bas$ on reason or on ! text ( ! scriptures & traditions1 are to be reg>d$ z c5t]$ 9 ! p]sons ( ,bah'u'llh & ! ,bb4 ,9 !m is to be f\nd _! complete fulfillm5t40 ,& f9ally1 9 ,8 ,w & ,te/am5t1 ! repository ( ,8 la/ wi%es & p>t+ in/ructions1 ,he 9 ! foll[+ passage1 specifically design$ to set =? ! guid+ pr9ciples ( ,bah' belief1 sets ! seal ( ,8 te/imony on ! ,bb's dual & exalt$ /ation3 8,! f\ndation ( ! belief ( ! p ( ,bah 7may my life be (f]$ up = !m7 is ?is3 ,8 hol9ess ! exalt$ ,"o 7! ,bb7 is ! ,manife/ation ( ! unity & on5ess ( ,god & ! ,=]unn] ( ! ,anci5t ,beauty 7,bah'u'llh74 ,8 hol9ess1 ! ,abh ,beauty 7,bah'u'llh7 7may my life be (f]$ up z a sacrifice = ,8 /eadfa/ fri5ds7 is ! supreme ,manife/ation ( ,god & ! ,day-,spr+ ( ,8 mo/ div9e ,ess5ce40 8,all o!rs10 ,he significantly adds1 8are s]vants unto ,him & d ,8 bidd+40 #8,abdu'l-,bah ,de>ly-belov$ fri5ds6 ,i h 9 ! =ego+ pages v5tur$ to attempt an exposition ( su* tru?s z ,i firmly believe are implicit 9 ! claim ( ,him ,:o is ! ,f\nta9-,head ( ! ,bah' ,revelation4 ,i h moreov] endeavor$ to dissipate su* misappreh5sions z may naturally arise 9 ! m9d ( any "o contemplat+ s sup]human a manife/ation ( ! glory ( ,god4 ,i h /riv5 to expla9 ! mean+ ( ! div9ity ) :i* ,he ,:o is ! vehicle ( s my/]i\s an en]gy mu/ ne$s be inve/$4 ,t ! ,message :i* s great a ,be+ has1 9 ?is age1 be5 commission$ by ,god to deliv] to mank9d recognizes ! div9e orig9 & upholds ! fir/ pr9ciples ( e ,disp5sation inaugurat$ by ! prophets ( ! pa/1 & /&s inextricably int]wov5 ) ea* "o ( !m1 ,i h also to ! be/ ( my ability und]tak5 to demon/rate4 ,t ! ,au?or ( su* a ,fai?1 ,:o repudiates ! claim to f9ality :i* lead]s ( v>i\s d5om9ations uphold has1 despite ! va/ness ( ,8 ,revelation1 disclaim$ x = ,himself ,i h1 likewise1 felt x necess>y to prove & emphasize4 ,t ! ,bb1 not)/&+ ! duration ( ,8 ,disp5sation1 %\ld be reg>d$ prim>ily1 n z ! *os5 ,precursor ( ! ,bah' ,fai?1 b z ,"o inve/$ ) ! undivid$ au?ority assum$ by ea* ( ! indep5d5t ,prophets ( ! pa/1 seem$ to me yet ano!r basic pr9ciple ! elucidation ( :i* w\ld be extremely desirable at ! pres5t /age ( ! evolution ( our ,cause4 ,an attempt ,i /rongly feel %\ld n[ be made to cl>ify our m9ds reg>d+ ! /ation occupi$ by #8,abdu'l-,bah & ! significance ( ,8 position 9 ?is holy ,disp5sation4 ,x w\ld be inde$ difficult = u1 :o /& s close to su* a trem5d\s figure & are drawn by ! my/]i\s p[] ( s magnetic a p]sonality1 to obta9 a cle> & exact und]/&+ ( ! rle & "* ( ,"o ,:o1 n only 9 ! ,disp5sation ( ,bah'u'llh b 9 ! entire field ( religi\s hi/ory1 fulfills a unique function4 ,?\gh mov+ 9 a sph]e ( ,8 own & hold+ a rank radically diff]5t f t ( ! ,au?or & ! ,=]unn] ( ! ,bah' ,revelation1 ,he1 by virtue ( ! /ation orda9$ = ,him ?r\gh ! ,cov5ant ( ,bah'u'llh1 =ms toge!r ) !m :at may be t]m$ ! ,?ree ,c5tral ,figures ( a ,fai? t /&s unapproa*$ 9 ! _w's spiritual hi/ory4 ,he t[]s1 9 conjunction ) !m1 above ! de/9ies ( ?is infant ,fai? ( ,god f a level to :i* no individual or body m9i/]+ to its ne$s aft] ,him1 & = no less a p]iod ?an a full ?\s& ye>s1 c ev] hope to rise4 ,to degrade ,8 l(ty rank by id5tify+ ,8 /ation ) or by reg>d+ x z r\ghly equival5t to1 ! position ( ^? on :om ! mantle ( ,8 au?ority has fall5 w\ld be an act ( impiety z grave z ! no less h]etical belief t incl9es to exalt ,him to a /ate ( absolute equality ) ei!r ! c5tral ,figure or ,=]unn] ( our ,fai?4 ,= wide z is ! gulf t sep>ates #8,abdu'l-,bah f ,him ,:o is ! ,s\rce ( an indep5d5t ,revelation1 x c nev] be reg>d$ z comm5surate ) ! great] di/ance t /&s betwe5 ,him ,:o is ! ,c5t] ( ! ,cov5ant & ,8 m9i/]s :o are to c>ry on ,8 "w1 :atev] be _! "n1 _! rank1 _! functions or _! future a*ievem5ts4 ,let ^? :o h kn[n #8,abdu'l-,bah1 :o ?r\gh _! contact ) ,8 magnetic p]sonality h come to *]i% = ,him s f]v5t an admiration1 reflect1 9 ! light ( ?is /atem5t1 on ! greatness ( ,"o ,:o is s f> above ,him 9 /ation4 ,t #8,abdu'l-,bah is n a ,manife/ation ( ,god1 t1 ?\gh ! successor ( ,8 ,fa!r1 ,he does n occupy a cognate /ation1 t no "o else except ! ,bb & ,bah'u'llh c ev] lay claim to su* a /ation be=e ! expiration ( a full ?\s& ye>s--are v]ities :i* lie emb$d$ 9 ! specific utt]ances ( bo? ! ,f\nd] ( our ,fai? & ! ,int]pret] ( ,8 tea*+s4 8,:oso laye? claim to a ,revelation direct f ,god10 is ! express w>n+ utt]$ 9 ! ,kitb-i-,aqdas1 8ere ! expiration ( a full ?\s& ye>s1 su* a man is assur$ly a ly+ impo/]4 ,we pray ,god t ,he may graci\sly assi/ him to retract & repudiate su* claim4 ,%\ld he rep5t1 ,god w no d\bt =give him4 ,if1 h[ev]1 he p]si/s 9 8 error1 ,god w assur$ly s5d d[n "o :o w deal m]cilessly ) him4 ,t]rible inde$ is ,god 9 puni%+60 8,:osoev]10 ,he adds z a fur!r emphasis1 8int]prete? ?is v]se o!rwise ?an its obvi\s mean+ is depriv$ ( ! ,_s ( ,god & ( ,8 m]cy :i* encompasse? all creat$ ?+s40 8,%\ld a man appe>10 is yet ano!r conclusive /atem5t1 8ere ! lapse ( a full ?\s& ye>s--ea* ye> consi/+ ( twelve mon?s accord+ to ! ,qur'n1 & ( n9ete5 mon?s ( n9ete5 days ea*1 accord+ to ! ,bayn--& if su* a man reveal to y\r eyes all ! signs ( ,god1 unhesitat+ly reject him60 #8,abdu'l-,bah's own /atem5ts1 9 confirmation ( ?is w>n+1 are no less emphatic & b9d+3 8,?is is10 ,he decl>es1 8my firm1 my un%akable conviction1 ! ess5ce ( my unconceal$ & explicit belief--a conviction & belief :i* ! d5iz5s ( ! ,abh ,k+dom fully %>e3 ,! ,bless$ ,beauty is ! ,sun ( ,tru?1 & ,8 light ! light ( tru?4 ,! ,bb is likewise ! ,sun ( ,tru?1 & ,8 light ! light ( tru?444 ,my /ation is ! /ation ( s]vitude--a s]vitude :i* is complete1 pure & real1 firmly e/abli%$1 endur+1 obvi\s1 explicitly reveal$ & subject to no int]pretation :atev]444 ,i am ! ,int]pret] ( ! ,^w ( ,god2 su* is my int]pretation40 ,does n #8,abdu'l-,bah 9 ,8 own ,w--9 a tone & language t might well conf\nd ! mo/ invet]ate among ! break]s ( ,8 ,fa!r's ,cov5ant--rob ( _! *ief weapon ^? :o s long & s p]si/5tly _h /riv5 to impute to ,him ! *>ge ( hav+ tacitly claim$ a /ation equal1 if n sup]ior1 to t ( ,bah'u'llh8 8,! f\ndation ( ! belief ( ! p ( ,bah is ?is10 ?us proclaims "o ( ! weightie/ passages ( t la/ docum5t left to voice 9 p]petuity ! directions & wi%es ( a dep>t$ ,ma/]1 8,8 ,hol9ess ! ,exalt$ ,"o 7! ,bb7 is ! ,manife/ation ( ! unity & on5ess ( ,god & ! ,=]unn] ( ! ,anci5t ,beauty4 ,8 ,hol9ess ! ,abh ,beauty 7,bah'u'llh7 7may my life be a sacrifice = ,8 /eadfa/ fri5ds7 is ! supreme ,manife/ation ( ,god & ! ,day-,spr+ ( ,8 mo/ div9e ,ess5ce4 ,all o!rs are s]vants unto ,him & d ,8 bidd+40 ,f su* cle> & =mally laid d[n /atem5ts1 incompatible z !y are ) any ass]tion ( a claim to ,prophe?ood1 we %\ld n by any means inf] t #8,abdu'l-,bah is m]ely "o ( ! s]vants ( ! ,bless$ ,beauty1 or at be/ "o ^: function is to be conf9$ to t ( an au?oriz$ int]pret] ( ,8 ,fa!r's tea*+s4 ,f> be x f me to ent]ta9 su* a notion or to wi% to in/ill su* s5tim5ts4 ,to reg>d ,him 9 su* a light is a manife/ betrayal ( ! priceless h]itage bequea!d by ,bah'u'llh to mank9d4 ,immeasurably exalt$ is ! /ation conf]r$ ^u ,him by ! ,supreme ,p5 above & beyond ! implications ( ^!1 ,8 own writt5 /atem5ts4 ,:e!r 9 ! ,kitb-i-,aqdas1 ! mo/ weighty & sacr$ ( all ! works ( ,bah'u'llh1 or 9 ! ,kitb-i-#8,ahd1 ! ,book ( ,8 ,cov5ant1 or 9 ! ,sriy-i-,ghusn 7,tablet ( ! ,bran*71 su* ref]5ces z h be5 record$ by ! p5 ( ,bah'u'llh--ref]5ces :i* ! ,tablets ( ,8 ,fa!r address$ to ,him mightily re9=ce--inve/ #8,abdu'l-,bah ) a p[]1 & surr\nd ,him ) a halo1 :i* ! pres5t g5]ation c nev] adequately appreciate4 ,he is1 & %\ld = all "t be reg>d$1 fir/ & =emo/1 z ! ,c5t] & ,pivot ( ,bah'u'llh's pe]less & all-enfold+ ,cov5ant1 ,8 mo/ exalt$ h&iwork1 ! /a9less ,mirror ( ,8 light1 ! p]fect ,exempl> ( ,8 tea*+s1 ! un]r+ ,int]pret] ( ,8 ,^w1 ! embodim5t ( e ,bah' ideal1 ! inc>nation ( e ,bah' virtue1 ! ,mo/ ,mighty ,bran* sprung f ! ,anci5t ,root1 ! ,limb ( ! ,law ( ,god1 ! ,be+ 8r\nd ,:om all names revolve10 ! ,ma9spr+ ( ! ,on5ess ( ,humanity1 ! ,ensign ( ! ,mo/ ,great ,peace1 ! ,moon ( ! ,c5tral ,orb ( ?is mo/ holy ,disp5sation--/yles & titles t are implicit & f9d _! true/1 _! highe/ & faire/ expression 9 ! magic "n #8,abdu'l-,bah4 ,he is1 above & beyond ^! appellations1 ! 8,my/]y ( ,god0--an expression by :i* ,bah'u'llh ,himself has *os5 to designate ,him1 & :i*1 :ile x does n by any means ju/ify u to assign to ,him ! /ation ( ,prophe?ood1 indicates h[ 9 ! p]son ( #8,abdu'l-,bah ! incompatible *>act]i/ics ( a human nature & sup]human k & p]fection h be5 bl5d$ & are completely h>moniz$4 8,:5 ! ocean ( ,my pres5ce ha? ebb$ & ! ,book ( ,my ,revelation is end$10 proclaims ! ,kitb-i-,aqdas1 8turn y\r faces t[>ds ,him ,:om ,god ha? purpos$1 ,:o ha? bran*$ f ?is ,anci5t ,root40 ,& aga91 8,:5 ! ,my/ic ,dove w h w+$ its flight f its ,sanctu>y ( ,praise & s\ght its f>-(f goal1 its hidd5 habitation1 ref] ye :atsoev] ye und]/& n 9 ! ,book to ,him ,:o ha? bran*$ f ?is mighty ,/ock40 ,9 ! ,kitb-i-#8,ahd1 moreov]1 ,bah'u'llh solemnly & explicitly decl>es3 8,x is incumb5t ^u ! ,aghsn1 ! ,afnn & ,my k9dr$ to turn1 "o & all1 _! faces t[>ds ! ,mo/ ,mighty ,bran*4 ,consid] t :i* ,we h reveal$ 9 ,our ,mo/ ,holy ,book3 #8,:5 ! ocean ( ,my pres5ce ha? ebb$ & ! ,book ( ,my ,revelation is end$1 turn y\r faces t[>d ,him ,:om ,god ha? purpos$1 ,:o ha? bran*$ f ?is ,anci5t ,root4' ,! object ( ?is sacr$ v]se is none o!r except ! ,mo/ ,mighty ,bran* 7#8,abdu'l-,bah74 ,?us h ,we graci\sly reveal$ unto y our pot5t ,w1 & ,i am v]ily ! ,graci\s1 ! ,all-,p[]ful40 ,9 ! ,sriy-i-,ghusn 7,tablet ( ! ,bran*7 ! foll[+ v]ses h be5 record$3 8,!re ha? bran*$ f ! ,sadratu'l-,muntah ?is sacr$ & glori\s ,be+1 ?is ,bran* ( ,hol9ess2 well is x ) him t ha? s\ght ,8 %elt] & abide? b5ea? ,8 %ad[4 ,v]ily ! ,limb ( ! ,law ( ,god ha? sprung =? f ?is ,root :i* ,god ha? firmly implant$ 9 ! ,gr\nd ( ,8 ,w1 & ,^: ,bran* ha? be5 s uplift$ z to encompass ! :ole ( creation4 ,magnifi$ be ,he1 !re=e1 = ?is sublime1 ?is bless$1 ?is mighty1 ?is exalt$ ,h&iwork6444 ,a ,^w ha?1 z a tok5 ( ,our grace1 gone =? f ! ,mo/ ,great ,tablet--a ,^w :i* ,god ha? adorn$ ) ! ornam5t ( ,8 own ,self1 & made x sov]eign ov] ! e>? & all t is !re91 & a sign ( ,8 greatness & p[] among its p 444,r5d] ?anks unto ,god1 ,o p1 = ,8 appe>ance2 = v]ily ,he is ! mo/ great ,favor unto y1 ! mo/ p]fect b\nty ^u y2 & ?r\gh ,him e m\ld]+ bone is quick5$4 ,:oso turne? t[>ds ,him ha? turn$ t[>ds ,god1 & :oso turne? away f ,him ha? turn$ away f ,my beauty1 ha? repudiat$ ,my ,pro(1 & transgress$ aga9/ ,me4 ,he is ! ,tru/ ( ,god among/ y1 ,8 *>ge )9 y1 ,8 manife/ation unto y & ,8 appe>ance among ,8 favor$ s]vants444 ,we h s5t ,him d[n 9 ! =m ( a human temple4 ,ble/ & sanctifi$ be ,god ,:o create? :atsoev] ,he wille? ?r\gh ,8 inviolable1 ,8 infallible decree4 ,!y :o deprive !mselves ( ! %ad[ ( ! ,bran*1 are lo/ 9 ! wild]ness ( error1 are consum$ by ! heat ( worldly desires1 & are ( ^? :o w assur$ly p]i%40 8,o ,?\ ,:o art ! apple ( ,m9e eye60 ,bah'u'llh1 9 ,8 own h&writ+1 ?us addresses #8,abdu'l-,bah1 8,my glory1 ! ocean ( ,my lov+-k9dness1 ! sun ( ,my b\nty1 ! heav5 ( ,my m]cy re/ ^u ,!e4 ,we pray ,god to illum9e ! _w ?r\gh ,?y k & wisdom1 to orda9 = ,!e t :i* w gladd5 ,?9e he>t & imp>t consolation to ,?9e eyes40 8,! glory ( ,god re/ ^u ,!e10 ,he writes 9 ano!r ,tablet1 8& ^u :osoev] s]ve? ,!e & circle? ar\nd ,!e4 ,woe1 great woe1 betide him t oppose? & injure? ,!e4 ,well is x ) him t swe>e? fealty to ,!e2 ! fire ( hell torm5t him :o is ,?9e enemy40 8,we h made ,!e a %elt] = all mank9d10 ,he1 9 yet ano!r ,tablet1 affirms1 8a %ield unto all :o are 9 heav5 & on e>?1 a /ronghold = :osoev] ha? believ$ 9 ,god1 ! ,incomp>able1 ! ,all-,kn[+4 ,god grant t ?r\gh ,!e ,he may protect !m1 may enri* & su/a9 !m1 t ,he may inspire ,!e ) t :i* %all be a wellspr+ ( weal? unto all creat$ ?+s1 an ocean ( b\nty unto all m51 & ! dayspr+ ( m]cy unto all peoples40 8,?\ kn[e/1 ,o my ,god10 ,bah'u'llh1 9 a pray] reveal$ 9 #8,abdu'l-,bah's honor1 supplicates1 8t ,i desire = ,him naught except t :i* ,?\ did/ desire1 & h *os5 ,him = no purpose save t :i* ,?\ had/ int5d$ = ,him4 ,r5d] ,him victori\s1 !re=e1 ?r\gh ,?y ho/s ( e>? & heav5444 ,orda91 ,i besee* ,!e1 by ! ardor ( ,my love = ,!e & ,my ye>n+ to manife/ ,?y ,cause1 = ,him1 z well z = !m t love ,him1 t :i* ,?\ ha/ de/9$ = ,?y ,mess5g]s & ! ,tru/ees ( ,?y ,revelation4 ,v]ily1 ,?\ art ! ,almighty1 ! ,all-,p[]ful40 ,9 a lett] dictat$ by ,bah'u'llh & address$ by ,mrz q ,jn1 ,8 amanu5sis1 to #8,abdu'l-,bah :ile ! latt] 0 on a visit to ,beirut1 we read ! foll[+3 8,praise be to ,him ,:o ha? honor$ ! ,l& ( ,b 7,beirut7 ?r\gh ! pres5ce ( ,him r\nd ,:om all names revolve4 ,all ! atoms ( ! e>? h ann\nc$ unto all creat$ ?+s t f beh9d ! gate ( ! ,prison-city !re ha? appe>$ & above its horizon !re ha? %one =? ! ,orb ( ! beauty ( ! great1 ! ,mo/ ,mighty ,bran* ( ,god--,8 anci5t & immutable ,my/]y--proce$+ on its way to ano!r l&4 ,sorr[1 !reby1 ha? envelop$ ?is ,prison-city1 :il/ ano!r l& rejoice?444 ,bless$1 d\bly bless$1 is ! gr\nd :i* ,8 foot/eps h trodd51 ! eye t ha? be5 *e]$ by ! beauty ( ,8 c\nt5ance1 ! e> t ha? be5 honor$ by he>k5+ to ,8 call1 ! he>t t ha? ta/$ ! sweetness ( ,8 love1 ! brea/ t ha? dilat$ ?r\gh ,8 remembrance1 ! p5 t ha? voic$ ,8 praise1 ! scroll t ha? borne ! te/imony ( ,8 writ+s40 #8,abdu'l-,bah1 writ+ 9 confirmation ( ! au?ority conf]r$ ^u ,him by ,bah'u'llh1 makes ! foll[+ /atem5t3 8,9 accordance ) ! explicit text ( ! ,kitb-i-,aqdas ,bah'u'llh ha? made ! ,c5t] ( ! ,cov5ant ! ,int]pret] ( ,8 ,^w--a ,cov5ant s firm & mighty t f ! beg9n+ ( "t until ! pres5t day no religi\s ,disp5sation ha? produc$ its l40 ,exalt$ z is ! rank ( #8,abdu'l-,bah1 & h[ev] pr(use ! praises ) :i* 9 ^! sacr$ ,books & ,tablets ,bah'u'llh has glorifi$ ,8 son1 s unique a di/9ction mu/ nev] be con/ru$ z conf]r+ ^u its recipi5t a /ation id5tical )1 or equival5t to1 t ( ,8 ,fa!r1 ! ,manife/ation ,himself4 ,to give su* an int]pretation to any ( ^! quot$ passages w\ld at once1 & = obvi\s reasons1 br+ x into conflict ) ! no less cle> & au!ntic ass]tions & w>n+s to :i* ,i h already ref]r$4 ,inde$1 z ,i h already /at$1 ^? :o ov]e/imate #8,abdu'l-,bah's /ation are j z repreh5sible & h done j z mu* h>m z ^? :o und]e/imate x4 ,& ?is = no o!r reason except t by insi/+ ^u an altoge!r unw>rant$ inf]5ce f ,bah'u'llh's writ+s !y are inadv]t5tly ju/ify+ & cont9u\sly furni%+ ! enemy ) pro(s = 8 false accusations & mislead+ /atem5ts4 ,i feel x necess>y1 !re=e1 to /ate )\t any equivocation or hesitation t nei!r 9 ! ,kitb-i-,aqdas nor 9 ! ,book ( ,bah'u'llh's ,cov5ant1 nor ev5 9 ! ,tablet ( ! ,bran*1 nor 9 any o!r ,tablet1 :e!r reveal$ by ,bah'u'llh or #8,abdu'l-,bah1 is !re any au?ority :atev] = ! op9ion t incl9es to uphold ! s-call$ 8my/ic unity0 ( ,bah'u'llh & #8,abdu'l-,bah1 or to e/abli% ! id5tity ( ! latt] ) ,8 ,fa!r or ) any prec$+ ,manife/ation4 ,?is errone\s conception may1 9 "p1 be ascrib$ to an altoge!r extravagant int]pretation ( c]ta9 t]ms & passages 9 ! ,tablet ( ! ,bran*1 to ! introduction into its ,engli% translation ( c]ta9 words t are ei!r non-exi/5t1 mislead+1 or ambigu\s 9 _! connotation4 ,x is1 no d\bt1 *iefly bas$ ^u an altoge!r unju/ifi$ inf]5ce f ! op5+ passages ( a ,tablet ( ,bah'u'llh1 extracts ( :i*1 z reproduc$ 9 ! ,bah' ,scriptures1 imm$iately prec$e1 b =m no "p (1 ! said ,tablet ( ! ,bran*4 ,x %\ld be made cle> to e "o read+ ^? extracts t by ! phrase 8! ,tongue ( ! ,anci5t0 no "o else is meant b ,god1 & t ! t]m 8! ,greate/ ,"n0 is an obvi\s ref]5ce to ,bah'u'llh1 & t 8! ,cov5ant0 ref]r$ to is n ! specific ,cov5ant ( :i* ,bah'u'llh is ! imm$iate ,au?or & #8,abdu'l-,bah ! ,c5t] b t g5]al ,cov5ant :i*1 z inculcat$ by ! ,bah' tea*+1 ,god ,himself inv>iably e/abli%es ) mank9d :5 ,he inaugurates a new ,disp5sation4 8,! ,tongue0 t 8gives10 z /at$ 9 ^? extracts1 ! 8glad-tid+s0 is none o!r ?an ! ,voice ( ,god ref]r+ to ,bah'u'llh1 & n ,bah'u'llh ref]r+ to #8,abdu'l-,bah4 ,moreov]1 to ma9ta9 t ! ass]tion 8,he is ,myself10 in/ead ( d5ot+ ! my/ic unity ( ,god & ,8 ,manife/ations1 z expla9$ 9 ! ,kitb-i-qn1 e/abli%es ! id5tity ( ,bah'u'llh ) #8,abdu'l-,bah1 w\ld con/itute a direct violation ( ! (t-repeat$ pr9ciple ( ! on5ess ( ,god's ,manife/ations--a pr9ciple :i* ! ,au?or ( ^! same extracts is seek+ by implication to emphasize4 ,x w\ld also am\nt to a rev]sion to ^? irrational & sup]/iti\s beliefs :i* h ins5sibly crept1 9 ! fir/ c5tury ( ! ,*ri/ian era1 into ! tea*+s ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 & by cry/alliz+ into accept$ dogmas h impair$ ! effectiv5ess & obscur$ ! purpose ( ! ,*ri/ian ,fai?4 8,i affirm10 is #8,abdu'l-,bah's own writt5 comm5t on ! ,tablet ( ! ,bran*1 8t ! true mean+1 ! real significance1 ! inn]mo/ secret ( ^! v]ses1 ( ^! v words1 is my own s]vitude to ! sacr$ ,?re%old ( ! ,abh ,beauty1 my complete self-effacem5t1 my utt] no?+ness be=e ,him4 ,?is is my respl5d5t cr[n1 my mo/ preci\s adorn+4 ,on ?is ,i pride myself 9 ! k+dom ( e>? & heav54 ,!re9 ,i glory among ! company ( ! well-favor$60 8,no "o is p]mitt$10 ,he w>ns u 9 ! passage :i* imm$iately foll[s1 8to give ^! v]ses any o!r int]pretation40 8,i am10 ,he1 9 ?is same connection1 affirms1 8accord+ to ! explicit texts ( ! ,kitb-i-,aqdas & ! ,kitb-i-#8,ahd ! manife/ ,int]pret] ( ! ,^w ( ,god444 ,:oso deviates f my int]pretation is a victim ( 8 own fancy40 ,fur!rmore1 ! inescapable inf]5ce f ! belief 9 ! id5tity ( ! ,au?or ( our ,fai? ) ,him ,:o is ! ,c5t] ( ,8 ,cov5ant w\ld be to place #8,abdu'l-,bah 9 a position sup]ior to t ( ! ,bb1 ! rev]se ( :i* is ! fundam5tal1 ?\gh n z yet univ]sally recogniz$1 pr9ciple ( ?is ,revelation4 ,x w\ld also ju/ify ! *>ge ) :i*1 all ?r\gh\t #8,abdu'l-,bah's m9i/ry1 ! ,cov5ant-,break]s h /riv5 to poison ! m9ds & p]v]t ! und]/&+ ( ,bah'u'llh's loyal foll[]s4 ,x w\ld be m correct1 & 9 consonance ) ! e/abli%$ pr9ciples ( ,bah'u'llh & ! ,bb1 if in/ead ( ma9ta9+ ?is fictiti\s id5tity ) ref]5ce to #8,abdu'l-,bah1 we reg>d ! ,=]unn] & ! ,f\nd] ( our ,fai? z id5tical 9 reality--a tru? :i* ! text ( ! ,sratu'l-,haykal unmi/akably affirms4 8,_h ! ,primal ,po9t 7! ,bb7 be5 someone else beside ,me z ye claim10 is ,bah'u'llh's explicit /atem5t1 8& _h atta9$ ,my pres5ce1 v]ily ,he w\ld h nev] all[$ ,himself to be sep>at$ f ,me1 b r ,we w\ld h _h mutual delights ) ea* o!r 9 ,my ,days40 8,he ,:o n[ voice? ! ,^w ( ,god10 ,bah'u'llh aga9 affirms1 8is none o!r except ! ,primal ,po9t ,:o ha? once aga9 be5 made manife/40 8,he is10 ,he ?us ref]s to ,himself 9 a ,tablet address$ to "o ( ! ,lett]s ( ! ,liv+1 8! same z ! ,"o ,:o appe>$ 9 ! ye> sixty 7#abfj ,a4,h474 ,?is v]ily is "o ( ,8 mighty signs40 8,:o10 ,he pleads 9 ! ,sriy-i-,damm1 8w arise to secure ! triumph ( ! ,primal ,beauty 7! ,bb7 reveal$ 9 ! c\nt5ance ( ,8 succe$+ ,manife/ation80 ,ref]r+ to ! ,revelation proclaim$ by ! ,bb ,he conv]sely *>act]izes x z 8,my own previ\s ,manife/ation40 ,t #8,abdu'l-,bah is n a ,manife/ation ( ,god1 t ,he gets ,8 light1 ,8 inspiration & su/5ance direct f ! ,f\nta9-head ( ! ,bah' ,revelation2 t ,he reflects ev5 z a cle> & p]fect ,mirror ! rays ( ,bah'u'llh's glory1 & does n inh]5tly possess t indef9able yet all-p]vad+ reality ! exclusive possession ( :i* is ! hallm>k ( ,prophe?ood2 t ,8 words are n equal 9 rank1 ?\gh !y possess an equal validity ) ! utt]ances ( ,bah'u'llh2 t ,he is n to be acclaim$ z ! return ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 ! ,son ,:o w come 89 ! glory ( ! ,fa!r0--^! tru?s f9d add$ ju/ification1 & are fur!r re9=c$1 by ! foll[+ /atem5t ( #8,abdu'l-,bah1 address$ to "s believ]s 9 ,am]ica1 ) :i* ,i may well conclude ?is section3 8,y h writt5 t !re is a diff]5ce among ! believ]s conc]n+ ! #8,second ,com+ ( ,*ri/4' ,graci\s ,god6 ,"t & aga9 ?is "q ha? aris51 & its answ] ha? emanat$ 9 a cle> & irrefutable /atem5t f ! p5 ( #8,abdu'l-,bah1 t :at is meant 9 ! prophecies by ! #8,"l ( ,ho/s' & ! #8,promis$ ,*ri/' is ! ,bless$ ,p]fection 7,bah'u'llh7 & ,8 hol9ess ! ,exalt$ ,"o 7! ,bb74 ,my "n is #8,abdu'l-,bah4 ,my qualification is #8,abdu'l-,bah4 ,my reality is #8,abdu'l-,bah4 ,my praise is #8,abdu'l-,bah4 ,?raldom to ! ,bless$ ,p]fection is my glori\s & refulg5t diadem1 & s]vitude to all ! human race my p]petual religion444 ,no "n1 no title1 no m5tion1 no comm5dation h ,i1 nor w ev] h1 except #8,abdu'l-,bah4 ,?is is my long+4 ,?is is my greate/ ye>n+4 ,?is is my et]nal life4 ,?is is my ev]la/+ glory40 ,! ,adm9i/rative ,ord] ,de>ly-belov$ bre?r5 9 #8,abdu'l-,bah6 ,) ! asc5sion ( ,bah'u'llh ! ,day-,/> ( ,div9e guidance :i*1 z =etold by ,%aykh ,amad & ,siyyid ,kzim1 _h ris5 9 ,%rz1 &1 :ile pursu+ its we/w>d c\rse1 _h m\nt$ its z5i? 9 ,adrianople1 _h f9ally sunk bel[ ! horizon ( ,akk1 nev] to rise aga9 ere ! complete revolution ( "o ?\s& ye>s4 ,! sett+ ( s effulg5t an ,orb br\ght to a def9ite t]m9ation ! p]iod ( ,div9e ,revelation--! initial & mo/ vitaliz+ /age 9 ! ,bah' era4 ,inaugurat$ by ! ,bb1 culm9at+ 9 ,bah'u'llh1 anticipat$ & extoll$ by ! entire company ( ! ,prophets ( ?is great prophetic cycle1 ?is p]iod has1 except = ! %ort int]val betwe5 ! ,bb's m>tyrdom & ,bah'u'llh's %ak+ exp]i5ces 9 ! ,syh-,*l ( ihrn1 be5 *>act]iz$ by almo/ fifty ye>s ( cont9u\s & progressive ,revelation--a p]iod :i* by its duration & fecundity mu/ be reg>d$ z unp>allel$ 9 ! entire field ( ! _w's spiritual hi/ory4 ,! pass+ ( #8,abdu'l-,bah1 on ! o!r h&1 m>ks ! clos+ ( ! ,h]oic & ,apo/olic ,age ( ?is same ,disp5sation--t primitive p]iod ( our ,fai? ! spl5dors ( :i* c nev] be rival$1 mu* less be eclips$1 by ! magnific5ce t mu/ ne$s di/+ui% ! future victories ( ,bah'u'llh's ,revelation4 ,= nei!r ! a*ievem5ts ( ! *ampion-build]s ( ! pres5t-day in/itutions ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh1 nor ! tumultu\s triumphs :i* ! h]oes ( its ,gold5 ,age w 9 ! com+ days succe$ 9 w9n+1 c measure )1 or be includ$ )9 ! same category z1 ! wondr\s works associat$ ) ! names ( ^? :o h g5]at$ its v life & laid its pri/9e f\ndations4 ,t fir/ & creative age ( ! ,bah' era mu/1 by its v nature1 /& above & ap>t f ! =mative p]iod into :i* we h ent]$ & ! gold5 age de/9$ to succe$ x4 #8,abdu'l-,bah1 ,:o inc>nates an in/itution = :i* we c f9d no p>allel :atsoev] 9 any ( ! _w's recogniz$ religi\s sy/ems1 may be said to h clos$ ! ,age to :i* ,he ,himself belong$ & op5$ ! "o 9 :i* we are n[ labor+4 ,8 ,w & ,te/am5t %\ld ?us be reg>d$ z ! p]petual1 ! indissoluble l9k :i* ! m9d ( ,him ,:o is ! ,my/]y ( ,god has conceiv$ 9 ord] to insure ! cont9uity ( ! ?ree ages t con/itute ! compon5t p>ts ( ! ,bah' ,disp5sation4 ,! p]iod 9 :i* ! se$ ( ! ,fai? _h be5 sl[ly g]m9at+ is ?us int]tw9$ bo? ) ! "o :i* mu/ witness its effloresc5ce & ! subsequ5t age 9 :i* t se$ w h f9ally yield$ its gold5 fruit4 ,! creative en]gies releas$ by ! ,law ( ,bah'u'llh1 p]meat+ & evolv+ )9 ! m9d ( #8,abdu'l-,bah1 h1 by _! v impact & close int]action1 giv5 bir? to an ,in/rum5t :i* may be view$ z ! ,*>t] ( ! ,new ,_w ,ord] :i* is at once ! glory & ! promise ( ?is mo/ great ,disp5sation4 ,! ,w may ?us be acclaim$ z ! inevitable (fspr+ result+ f t my/ic int]c\rse betwe5 ,him ,:o communicat$ ! g5]at+ influ5ce ( ,8 div9e ,purpose & ! ,"o ,:o 0 its vehicle & *os5 recipi5t4 ,be+ ! ,*ild ( ! ,cov5ant--! ,heir ( bo? ! ,orig9ator & ! ,int]pret] ( ! ,law ( ,god--! ,w & ,te/am5t ( #8,abdu'l-,bah c no m be divorc$ f ,him ,:o suppli$ ! orig9al & motivat+ impulse ?an f ! ,"o ,:o ultimately conceiv$ x4 ,bah'u'llh's inscrutable purpose1 we mu/ ev] be> 9 m9d1 has be5 s ?or\ghly infus$ into ! conduct ( #8,abdu'l-,bah1 & _! motives h be5 s closely w$d$ toge!r1 t ! m]e attempt to dissociate ! tea*+s ( ! =m] f any sy/em :i* ! ideal ,exempl> ( ^? same tea*+s has e/abli%$ w\ld am\nt to a repudiation ( "o ( ! mo/ sacr$ & basic tru?s ( ! ,fai?4 ,! ,adm9i/rative ,ord]1 :i* ev] s9ce #8,abdu'l-,bah's asc5sion has evolv$ & is tak+ %ape "u our v eyes 9 no few] ?an =ty c\ntries ( ! _w1 may be consid]$ z ! framework ( ! ,w itself1 ! inviolable /ronghold :]e9 ?is new-born *ild is be+ nurtur$ & develop$4 ,?is ,adm9i/rative ,ord]1 z x exp&s & consolidates itself1 w no d\bt manife/ ! pot5tialities & reveal ! full implications ( ?is mom5t\s ,docum5t--?is mo/ rem>kable expression ( ! ,w ( ,"o ( ! mo/ rem>kable ,figures ( ! ,disp5sation ( ,bah'u'llh4 ,x w1 z its compon5t p>ts1 its organic in/itutions1 beg9 to function ) effici5cy & vigor1 ass]t its claim & demon/rate its capacity to be reg>d$ n only z ! nucleus b ! v patt]n ( ! ,new ,_w ,ord] de/9$ to embrace 9 ! fullness ( "t ! :ole ( mank9d4 ,x %\ld be not$ 9 ?is connection t ?is ,adm9i/rative ,ord] is fundam5tally diff]5t f any?+ t any ,prophet has previ\sly e/abli%$1 inasmu* z ,bah'u'llh has ,himself reveal$ its pr9ciples1 e/abli%$ its in/itutions1 appo9t$ ! p]son to int]pret ,8 ,^w & conf]r$ ! necess>y au?ority on ! body design$ to supplem5t & apply ,8 legislative ord9ances4 ,!re9 lies ! secret ( its /r5g?1 its fundam5tal di/9ction1 & ! gu>antee aga9/ dis9tegration & s*ism4 ,n[h]e 9 ! sacr$ scriptures ( any ( ! _w's religi\s sy/ems1 nor ev5 9 ! writ+s ( ! ,inaugurator ( ! ,bb ,disp5sation1 d we f9d any provisions e/abli%+ a cov5ant or provid+ = an adm9i/rative ord] t c comp>e 9 scope & au?ority ) ^? t lie at ! v basis ( ! ,bah' ,disp5sation4 ,has ei!r ,*ri/ianity or ,islm1 to take z an in/ance two ( ! mo/ widely diffus$ & out/&+ among ! _w's recogniz$ religions1 any?+ to (f] t c measure )1 or be reg>d$ z equival5t to1 ei!r ! ,book ( ,bah'u'llh's ,cov5ant or to ! ,w & ,te/am5t ( #8,abdu'l-,bah8 ,does ! text ( ei!r ! ,gospel or ! ,qur'n conf] suffici5t au?ority ^u ^? lead]s & c\ncils t h claim$ ! "r & assum$ ! function ( int]pret+ ! provisions ( _! sacr$ scriptures & ( adm9i/]+ ! affairs ( _! respective communities8 ,c\ld ,pet]1 ! admitt$ *ief ( ! ,apo/les1 or ! ,imm #8,al1 ! c\s9 & legitimate successor ( ! ,prophet1 produce 9 support ( ! primacy ) :i* bo? _h be5 inve/$ writt5 & explicit affirmations f ,*ri/ & ,muammad t c\ld h sil5c$ ^? :o ei!r among _! contempor>ies or 9 a lat] age h repudiat$ _! au?ority &1 by _! action1 precipitat$ ! s*isms t p]si/ until ! pres5t day8 ,:]e1 we may confid5tly ask1 9 ! record$ say+s ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 :e!r 9 ! matt] ( succession or 9 ! provision ( a set ( specific laws & cle>ly def9$ adm9i/rative ord9ances1 z di/+ui%$ f purely spiritual pr9ciples1 c we f9d any?+ approa*+ ! detail$ injunctions1 laws & w>n+s t ab\nd 9 ! au!nticat$ utt]ances ( bo? ,bah'u'llh & #8,abdu'l-,bah8 ,c any passage ( ! ,qur'n1 :i* 9 respect to its legal code1 its adm9i/rative & devotional ord9ances m>ks already a notable advance ov] previ\s & m corrupt$ ,revelations1 be con/ru$ z plac+ ^u an unassailable basis ! und\bt$ au?ority ) :i* ,muammad _h1 v]bally & on sev]al occasions1 inve/$ ,8 successor8 ,c ! ,au?or ( ! ,bb ,disp5sation h[ev] mu* ,he may h succe$$ ?r\gh ! provisions ( ! ,p]sian ,bayn 9 av]t+ a s*ism z p]man5t & cata/rophic z ^? t afflict$ ,*ri/ianity & ,islm--c ,he be said to h produc$ in/rum5ts = ! safegu>d+ ( ,8 ,fai? z def9ite & efficaci\s z ^? :i* mu/ = all "t pres]ve ! unity ( ! organiz$ foll[]s ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh8 ,alone ( all ! ,revelations gone be=e x ?is ,fai? has1 ?r\gh ! explicit directions1 ! repeat$ w>n+s1 ! au!nticat$ safegu>ds incorporat$ & elaborat$ 9 its tea*+s1 succe$$ 9 rais+ a /ructure :i* ! bewild]$ foll[]s ( bankrupt & brok5 cre$s might well approa* & critically exam9e1 & seek1 ere x is too late1 ! invuln]able security ( its _w-embrac+ %elt]4 ,no wond] t ,he ,:o ?r\gh ! op]ation ( ,8 ,w has inaugurat$ s va/ & unique an ,ord] & ,:o is ! ,c5t] ( s mighty a ,cov5ant %\ld h writt5 ^! words3 8,s firm & mighty is ?is ,cov5ant t f ! beg9n+ ( "t until ! pres5t day no religi\s ,disp5sation ha? produc$ its l40 8,:atsoev] is lat5t 9 ! inn]mo/ ( ?is holy cycle10 ,he wrote dur+ ! d>ke/ & mo/ dang]\s days ( ,8 m9i/ry1 8%all gradually appe> & be made manife/1 = n[ is b ! beg9n+ ( its gr[? & ! dayspr+ ( ! revelation ( its signs40 8,fe> n10 are ,8 reassur+ words =e%ad[+ ! rise ( ! ,adm9i/rative ,ord] e/abli%$ by ,8 ,w1 8fe> n if ?is ,bran* be sev]$ f ?is mat]ial _w & ca/ aside its leaves2 nay1 ! leaves !re( %all fl\ri%1 = ?is ,bran* w gr[ aft] x is cut (f f ?is _w bel[1 x %all rea* ! l(tie/ p9nacles ( glory1 & x %all be> su* fruits z w p]fume ! _w ) _! fragrance40 ,to :at else if n to ! p[] & maje/y :i* ?is ,adm9i/rative ,ord]--! rudim5ts ( ! future all-enfold+ ,bah' ,commonweal?--is de/9$ to manife/1 c ^! utt]ances ( ,bah'u'llh allude3 8,! _w's equilibrium ha? be5 upset ?r\gh ! vibrat+ influ5ce ( ?is mo/ great1 ?is new ,_w ,ord]4 ,mank9d's ord]$ life ha? be5 revolutioniz$ ?r\gh ! ag5cy ( ?is unique1 ?is wondr\s ,sy/em--! l ( :i* mortal eyes h nev] witness$40 ,! ,bb ,himself1 9 ! c\rse ( ,8 ref]5ces to 8,him ,:om ,god w make manife/0 anticipates ! ,sy/em & glorifies ! ,_w ,ord] :i* ! ,revelation ( ,bah'u'llh is de/9$ to unfold4 8,well is x ) him10 is ,8 rem>kable /atem5t 9 ! ?ird *apt] ( ! ,p]sian ,bayn1 8:o fixe? 8 gaze ^u ! ,ord] ( ,bah'u'llh & r5d]e? ?anks unto 8 ,"l6 ,= ,he w assur$ly be made manife/4 ,god ha? inde$ irrevocably orda9$ x 9 ! ,bayn40 ,9 ! ,tablets ( ,bah'u'llh :]e ! in/itutions ( ! ,int]national & ,local ,h\ses ( ,ju/ice are specifically designat$ & =mally e/abli%$2 9 ! in/itution ( ! ,h&s ( ! ,cause ( ,god :i* fir/ ,bah'u'llh & !n #8,abdu'l-,bah br\ght into be+2 9 ! in/itution ( bo? local & national ,assemblies :i* 9 _! embryonic /age 7 already function+ 9 ! days prec$+ #8,abdu'l-,bah's asc5sion2 9 ! au?ority ) :i* ! ,au?or ( our ,fai? & ! ,c5t] ( ,8 ,cov5ant h 9 _! ,tablets *os5 to conf] ^u !m2 9 ! in/itution ( ! ,local ,fund :i* op]at$ accord+ to #8,abdu'l-,bah's specific injunctions address$ to c]ta9 ,assemblies 9 ,p]sia2 9 ! v]ses ( ! ,kitb-i-,aqdas ! implications ( :i* cle>ly anticipate ! in/itution ( ! ,gu>dian%ip2 9 ! explanation :i* #8,abdu'l-,bah1 9 "o ( ,8 ,tablets1 has giv5 to1 & ! emphasis ,he has plac$ ^u1 ! h]$it>y pr9ciple & ! law ( primog5iture z hav+ be5 upheld by ! ,prophets ( ! pa/--9 ^! we c disc]n ! fa9t glimm]+s & discov] ! e>lie/ intimation ( ! nature & work+ ( ! ,adm9i/rative ,ord] :i* ! ,w ( #8,abdu'l-,bah 0 at a lat] "t de/9$ to proclaim & =mally e/abli%4 ,an attempt1 ,i feel1 %\ld at ! pres5t juncture be made to expla9 ! "* & functions ( ! tw9 pill>s t support ?is mighty ,adm9i/rative ,/ructure--! in/itutions ( ! ,gu>dian%ip & ( ! ,univ]sal ,h\se ( ,ju/ice4 ,to describe 9 _! entirety ! div]se elem5ts t function 9 conjunction ) ^! in/itutions is beyond ! scope & purpose ( ?is g5]al exposition ( ! fundam5tal v]ities ( ! ,fai?4 ,to def9e ) accuracy & m9ut5ess ! features1 & to analyze exhau/ively ! nature ( ! relation%ips :i*1 on ! "o h&1 b9d toge!r ^! two fundam5tal organs ( ! ,w ( #8,abdu'l-,bah & connect1 on ! o!r1 ea* ( !m to ! ,au?or ( ! ,fai? & ! ,c5t] ( ,8 ,cov5ant is a task :i* future g5]ations w no d\bt adequately fulfill4 ,my pres5t int5tion is to elaborate c]ta9 sali5t features ( ?is s*eme :i*1 h[ev] close we may /& to its colossal /ructure1 are already s cle>ly def9$ t we f9d x inexcusable to ei!r misconceive or ignore4 ,x %\ld be /at$1 at ! v outset1 9 cle> & unambigu\s language1 t ^! tw9 in/itutions ( ! ,adm9i/rative ,ord] ( ,bah'u'llh %\ld be reg>d$ z div9e 9 orig91 ess5tial 9 _! functions & complem5t>y 9 _! aim & purpose4 ,_! common1 _! fundam5tal object is to insure ! cont9uity ( t div9ely-appo9t$ au?ority :i* fl[s f ! ,s\rce ( our ,fai?1 to safegu>d ! unity ( its foll[]s & to ma9ta9 ! integrity & flexibility ( its tea*+s4 ,act+ 9 conjunction ) ea* o!r ^! two insep>able in/itutions adm9i/] its affairs1 cord9ate its activities1 promote its int]e/s1 execute its laws & def5d its subsidi>y in/itutions4 ,sev]ally1 ea* op]ates )9 a cle>ly def9$ sph]e ( jurisdiction2 ea* is equipp$ ) its own att5dant in/itutions--in/rum5ts design$ = ! effective dis*>ge ( its p>ticul> responsibilities & duties4 ,ea* ex]cises1 )9 ! limitations impos$ ^u x1 its p[]s1 its au?ority1 its rights & pr]ogatives4 ,^! are nei!r contradictory1 nor detract 9 ! slighte/ degree f ! position :i* ea* ( ^! in/itutions occupies4 ,f> f be+ incompatible or mutually de/ructive1 !y supplem5t ea* o!r's au?ority & functions1 & are p]man5tly & fundam5tally unit$ 9 _! aims4 ,divorc$ f ! in/itution ( ! ,gu>dian%ip ! ,_w ,ord] ( ,bah'u'llh w\ld be mutilat$ & p]man5tly depriv$ ( t h]$it>y pr9ciple :i*1 z #8,abdu'l-,bah has writt51 has be5 inv>iably upheld by ! ,law ( ,god4 8,9 all ! ,div9e ,disp5sations10 ,he /ates1 9 a ,tablet address$ to a foll[] ( ! ,fai? 9 ,p]sia1 8! elde/ son ha? be5 giv5 extraord9>y di/9ctions4 ,ev5 ! /ation ( prophe?ood ha? be5 8 bir?right40 ,)\t su* an in/itution ! integrity ( ! ,fai? w\ld be imp]il$1 & ! /ability ( ! entire fabric w\ld be gravely endang]$4 ,its pre/ige w\ld suff]1 ! means requir$ to enable x to take a long1 an un9t]rupt$ view ov] a s]ies ( g5]ations w\ld be completely lack+1 & ! necess>y guidance to def9e ! sph]e ( ! legislative action ( its elect$ repres5tatives w\ld be totally )drawn4 ,sev]$ f ! no less ess5tial in/itution ( ! ,univ]sal ,h\se ( ,ju/ice ?is same ,sy/em ( ! ,w ( #8,abdu'l-,bah w\ld be p>alyz$ 9 its action & w\ld be p[]less to fill 9 ^? gaps :i* ! ,au?or ( ! ,kitb-i-,aqdas has delib]ately left 9 ! body ( ,8 legislative & adm9i/rative ord9ances4 8,he is ! ,int]pret] ( ! ,^w ( ,god10 #8,abdu'l-,bah1 ref]r+ to ! functions ( ! ,gu>dian ( ! ,fai?1 ass]ts1 us+ 9 ,8 ,w ! v t]m :i* ,he ,himself _h *os5 :5 refut+ ! argum5t ( ! ,cov5ant-break]s :o _h *all5g$ ,8 "r to int]pret ! utt]ances ( ,bah'u'llh4 8,aft] him10 ,he adds1 8w succe$ ! fir/-born ( 8 l9eal desc5dants40 8,! mighty /ronghold10 ,he fur!r expla9s1 8%all rema9 impregnable & safe ?r\gh ob$i5ce to him :o is ! ,gu>dian ( ! ,cause ( ,god40 8,x is incumb5t ^u ! memb]s ( ! ,h\se ( ,ju/ice1 ^u all ! ,aghsn1 ! ,afnn1 ! ,h&s ( ! ,cause ( ,god1 to %[ _! ob$i5ce1 submissiv5ess & subord9ation unto ! ,gu>dian ( ! ,cause ( ,god40 8,x is incumb5t ^u ! memb]s ( ! ,h\se ( ,ju/ice10 ,bah'u'llh1 on ! o!r h&1 decl>es 9 ! ,eigh? ,leaf ( ! ,exalt$ ,p>adise1 8to take c\nsel toge!r reg>d+ ^? ?+s :i* h n outw>dly be5 reveal$ 9 ! ,book1 & to en=ce t :i* is agreeable to !m4 ,god w v]ily inspire !m ) :atsoev] ,he wille?1 & ,he v]ily is ! ,provid]1 ! ,omnisci5t40 8,unto ! ,mo/ ,holy ,book0 7! ,kitb-i-,aqdas71 #8,abdu'l-,bah /ates 9 ,8 ,w1 8e "o mu/ turn1 & all t is n expressly record$ !re9 mu/ be ref]r$ to ! ,univ]sal ,h\se ( ,ju/ice4 ,t :i* ?is body1 :e!r unanim\sly or by a majority do? c>ry1 t is v]ily ! tru? & ! purpose ( ,god ,himself4 ,:oso do? deviate !refrom is v]ily ( !m t love discord1 ha? %[n =? malice1 & turn$ away f ! ,"l ( ! ,cov5ant40 ,n only does #8,abdu'l-,bah confirm 9 ,8 ,w ,bah'u'llh's above-quot$ /atem5t1 b inve/s ?is body ) ! additional "r & p[] to abrogate1 accord+ to ! exig5cies ( "t1 its own enactm5ts1 z well z ^? ( a prec$+ ,h\se ( ,ju/ice4 8,inasmu* z ! ,h\se ( ,ju/ice10 is ,8 explicit /atem5t 9 ,8 ,w1 8ha? p[] to enact laws t are n expressly record$ 9 ! ,book & be> ^u daily transactions1 s also x ha? p[] to repeal ! same444 ,?is x c d because ^! laws =m no "p ( ! div9e explicit text40 ,ref]r+ to bo? ! ,gu>dian & ! ,univ]sal ,h\se ( ,ju/ice we read ^! emphatic words3 8,! sacr$ & y\?ful ,bran*1 ! ,gu>dian ( ! ,cause ( ,god1 z well z ! ,univ]sal ,h\se ( ,ju/ice to be univ]sally elect$ & e/abli%$1 are bo? "u ! c>e & protection ( ! ,abh ,beauty1 "u ! %elt] & un]r+ guidance ( ! ,exalt$ ,"o 7! ,bb7 7may my life be (f]$ up = !m bo?74 ,:atsoev] !y decide is ( ,god40 ,f ^! /atem5ts x is made indubitably cle> & evid5t t ! ,gu>dian ( ! ,fai? has be5 made ! ,int]pret] ( ! ,^w & t ! ,univ]sal ,h\se ( ,ju/ice has be5 inve/$ ) ! function ( legislat+ on matt]s n expressly reveal$ 9 ! tea*+s4 ,! int]pretation ( ! ,gu>dian1 function+ )9 8 own sph]e1 is z au?oritative & b9d+ z ! enactm5ts ( ! ,int]national ,h\se ( ,ju/ice1 ^: exclusive "r & pr]ogative is to pron\nce ^u & deliv] ! f9al judgm5t on su* laws & ord9ances z ,bah'u'llh has n expressly reveal$4 ,nei!r c1 nor w ev]1 infr+e ^u ! sacr$ & prescrib$ doma9 ( ! o!r4 ,nei!r w seek to curtail ! specific & und\bt$ au?ority ) :i* bo? h be5 div9ely inve/$4 ,?\gh ! ,gu>dian ( ! ,fai? has be5 made ! p]man5t head ( s augu/ a body he c nev]1 ev5 tempor>ily1 assume ! "r ( exclusive legislation4 ,he _c ov]ride ! decision ( ! majority ( 8 fell[-memb]s1 b is b\nd to insi/ ^u a reconsid]ation by !m ( any enactm5t he consci5ti\sly believes to conflict ) ! mean+ & to dep>t f ! _s ( ,bah'u'llh's reveal$ utt]ances4 ,he int]prets :at has be5 specifically reveal$1 & _c legislate except 9 8 capacity z memb] ( ! ,univ]sal ,h\se ( ,ju/ice4 ,he is deb>r$ f lay+ d[n indep5d5tly ! con/itution t mu/ gov]n ! organiz$ activities ( 8 fell[-memb]s1 & f ex]cis+ 8 influ5ce 9 a mann] t w\ld encroa* ^u ! lib]ty ( ^? ^: sacr$ "r is to elect ! body ( 8 collaborators4 ,x %\ld be borne 9 m9d t ! in/itution ( ! ,gu>dian%ip has be5 anticipat$ by #8,abdu'l-,bah 9 an allusion ,he made 9 a ,tablet address$1 long be=e ,8 own asc5sion1 to ?ree ( ,8 fri5ds 9 ,p]sia4 ,to _! "q z to :e!r !re w\ld be any p]son to :om all ! ,bah's w\ld be call$ ^u to turn aft] ,8 asc5sion ,he made ! foll[+ reply3 8,z to ! "q ye h ask$ me1 "k v]ily t ?is is a well-gu>d$ secret4 ,x is ev5 z a gem conceal$ )9 its %ell4 ,t x w be reveal$ is pr$e/9$4 ,! "t w come :5 its light w appe>1 :5 its evid5ces w be made manife/1 & its secrets unravel$40 ,de>ly-belov$ fri5ds6 ,exalt$ z is ! position & vital z is ! function ( ! in/itution ( ! ,gu>dian%ip 9 ! ,adm9i/rative ,ord] ( ,bah'u'llh1 & /agg]+ z mu/ be ! weight ( responsibility :i* x c>ries1 its importance mu/1 :atev] be ! language ( ! ,w1 be 9 no wise ov]-emphasiz$4 ,! ,gu>dian ( ! ,fai? mu/ n "u any circum/ances1 & :atev] 8 m]its or 8 a*ievem5ts1 be exalt$ to ! rank t w make him a co-%>] ) #8,abdu'l-,bah 9 ! unique position :i* ! ,c5t] ( ! ,cov5ant occupies--mu* less to ! /ation exclusively orda9$ = ! ,manife/ation ( ,god4 ,s grave a dep>ture f ! e/abli%$ t5ets ( our ,fai? is no?+ %ort ( op5 blasphemy4 ,z ,i h already /at$1 9 ! c\rse ( my ref]5ces to #8,abdu'l-,bah's /ation1 h[ev] great ! gulf t sep>ates ,him f ! ,au?or ( a ,div9e ,revelation x c nev] measure ) ! di/ance t /&s betwe5 ,him ,:o is ! ,c5t] ( ,bah'u'llh's ,cov5ant & ! ,gu>dians :o are its *os5 m9i/]s4 ,!re is a f>1 f> great] di/ance sep>at+ ! ,gu>dian f ! ,c5t] ( ! ,cov5ant ?an !re is betwe5 ! ,c5t] ( ! ,cov5ant & its ,au?or4 ,no ,gu>dian ( ! ,fai?1 ,i feel x my solemn duty to place on record1 c ev] claim to be ! p]fect exempl> ( ! tea*+s ( ,bah'u'llh or ! /a9less mirror t reflects ,8 light4 ,?\gh ov]%ad[$ by ! unfail+1 ! un]r+ protection ( ,bah'u'llh & ( ! ,bb1 & h[ev] mu* he may %>e ) #8,abdu'l-,bah ! "r & obligation to int]pret ! ,bah' tea*+s1 he rema9s ess5tially human & _c1 if he wi%es to rema9 fai?ful to 8 tru/1 arrogate to himself1 "u any pret5se :atsoev]1 ! rights1 ! privileges & pr]ogatives :i* ,bah'u'llh has *os5 to conf] ^u ,8 ,son4 ,9 ! light ( ?is tru? to pray to ! ,gu>dian ( ! ,fai?1 to address him z "l & ma/]1 to designate him z 8 hol9ess1 to seek 8 b5$iction1 to celebrate 8 bir?day1 or to commemorate any ev5t associat$ ) 8 life w\ld be tantam\nt to a dep>ture f ^? e/abli%$ tru?s t are en%r9$ )9 our belov$ ,fai?4 ,! fact t ! ,gu>dian has be5 specifically end[$ ) su* p[] z he may ne$ to reveal ! purport & disclose ! implications ( ! utt]ances ( ,bah'u'llh & ( #8,abdu'l-,bah does n necess>ily conf] ^u him a /ation co-equal ) ^? ,^: words he is call$ ^u to int]pret4 ,he c ex]cise t "r & dis*>ge ?is obligation & yet rema9 inf9itely inf]ior to bo? ( !m 9 rank & diff]5t 9 nature4 ,to ! integrity ( ?is c>d9al pr9ciple ( our ,fai? ! words1 ! de$s ( its pres5t & future ,gu>dians mu/ abundantly te/ify4 ,by _! conduct & example !y mu/ ne$s e/abli% its tru? ^u an unassailable f\ndation & transmit to future g5]ations unimpea*able evid5ces ( its reality4 ,= my own "p to hesitate 9 recogniz+ s vital a tru? or to vacillate 9 proclaim+ s firm a conviction mu/ con/itute a %ameless betrayal ( ! confid5ce repos$ 9 me by #8,abdu'l-,bah & an unp>donable usurpation ( ! au?ority ) :i* ,he ,himself has be5 inve/$4 ,a ^w %\ld n[ be said reg>d+ ! !ory on :i* ?is ,adm9i/rative ,ord] is bas$ & ! pr9ciple t mu/ gov]n ! op]ation ( its *ief in/itutions4 ,x w\ld be utt]ly mislead+ to attempt a comp>ison betwe5 ?is unique1 ?is div9ely-conceiv$ ,ord] & any ( ! div]se sy/ems :i* ! m9ds ( m51 at v>i\s p]iods ( _! hi/ory1 h contriv$ = ! gov]nm5t ( human in/itutions4 ,su* an attempt w\ld 9 itself betray a lack ( complete appreciation ( ! excell5ce ( ! h&iwork ( its great ,au?or4 ,h[ c\ld x be o!rwise :5 we rememb] t ?is ,ord] con/itutes ! v patt]n ( t div9e civilization :i* ! almighty ,law ( ,bah'u'llh is design$ to e/abli% ^u e>?8 ,! div]s & ev]-%ift+ sy/ems ( human polity1 :e!r pa/ or pres5t1 :e!r orig9at+ 9 ! ,ea/ or 9 ! ,we/1 (f] no adequate crit]ion :]e) to e/imate ! pot5cy ( its hidd5 virtues or to appraise ! solidity ( its f\ndations4 ,! ,bah' ,commonweal? ( ! future1 ( :i* ?is va/ ,adm9i/rative ,ord] is ! sole framework1 is1 bo? 9 !ory & practice1 n only unique 9 ! entire hi/ory ( political in/itutions1 b c f9d no p>allel 9 ! annals ( any ( ! _w's recogniz$ religi\s sy/ems4 ,no =m ( democratic gov]nm5t2 no sy/em ( autocracy or ( dictator%ip1 :e!r mon>*ical or republican2 no int]m$i>y s*eme ( a purely ari/ocratic ord]2 nor ev5 any ( ! recogniz$ types ( !ocracy1 :e!r x be ! ,hebrew ,commonweal?1 or ! v>i\s ,*ri/ian ecclesia/ical organizations1 or ! ,imamate or ! ,caliphate 9 ,islm--none ( ^! c be id5tifi$ or be said to con=m ) ! ,adm9i/rative ,ord] :i* ! ma/]-h& ( its p]fect ,ar*itect has fa%ion$4 ,?is new-born ,adm9i/rative ,ord] incorporates )9 its /ructure c]ta9 elem5ts :i* are to be f\nd 9 ea* ( ! ?ree recogniz$ =ms ( secul> gov]nm5t1 )\t be+ 9 any s5se a m]e replica ( any "o ( !m1 & )\t introduc+ )9 its ma*9]y any ( ! objectionable features :i* !y inh]5tly possess4 ,x bl5ds & h>monizes1 z no gov]nm5t fa%ion$ by mortal h&s has z yet accompli%$1 ! salut>y tru?s :i* ea* ( ^! sy/ems und\bt$ly conta9s )\t vitiat+ ! integrity ( ^? ,god-giv5 v]ities on :i* x is ultimately f\nd$4 ,! ,adm9i/rative ,ord] ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh mu/ 9 no wise be reg>d$ z purely democratic 9 "* inasmu* z ! basic assumption :i* requires all democracies to dep5d fundam5tally ^u gett+ _! m&ate f ! p is altoge!r lack+ 9 ?is ,disp5sation4 ,9 ! conduct ( ! adm9i/rative affairs ( ! ,fai?1 9 ! enactm5t ( ! legislation necess>y to supplem5t ! laws ( ! ,kitb-i-,aqdas1 ! memb]s ( ! ,univ]sal ,h\se ( ,ju/ice1 x %\ld be borne 9 m9d1 are n1 z ,bah'u'llh's utt]ances cle>ly imply1 responsible to ^? :om !y repres5t1 nor are !y all[$ to be gov]n$ by ! feel+s1 ! g5]al op9ion1 & ev5 ! convictions ( ! mass ( ! fai?ful1 or ( ^? :o directly elect !m4 ,!y are to foll[1 9 a pray]ful attitude1 ! dictates & prompt+s ( _! consci5ce4 ,!y may1 inde$ !y mu/1 acqua9t !mselves ) ! conditions prevail+ among ! community1 mu/ weigh dispassionately 9 _! m9ds ! m]its ( any case pres5t$ = _! consid]ation1 b mu/ res]ve = !mselves ! "r ( an unfett]$ decision4 8,god w v]ily inspire !m ) :atsoev] ,he wille?10 is ,bah'u'llh's incontrov]tible assurance4 ,!y1 & n ! body ( ^? :o ei!r directly or indirectly elect !m1 h ?us be5 made ! recipi5ts ( ! div9e guidance :i* is at once ! life-blood & ultimate safegu>d ( ?is ,revelation4 ,moreov]1 he :o symbolizes ! h]$it>y pr9ciple 9 ?is ,disp5sation has be5 made ! int]pret] ( ! words ( its ,au?or1 & ceases consequ5tly1 by virtue ( ! actual au?ority ve/$ 9 him1 to be ! figurehead inv>iably associat$ ) ! prevail+ sy/ems ( con/itutional mon>*ies4 ,nor c ! ,bah' ,adm9i/rative ,ord] be dismiss$ z a h>d & rigid sy/em ( unmitigat$ autocracy or z an idle imitation ( any =m ( absoluti/ic ecclesia/ical gov]nm5t1 :e!r x be ! ,papacy1 ! ,imamate or any o!r simil> in/itution1 = ! obvi\s reason t ^u ! int]national elect$ repres5tatives ( ! foll[]s ( ,bah'u'llh has be5 conf]r$ ! exclusive "r ( legislat+ on matt]s n expressly reveal$ 9 ! ,bah' writ+s4 ,nei!r ! ,gu>dian ( ! ,fai? nor any in/itution ap>t f ! ,int]national ,h\se ( ,ju/ice c ev] usurp ?is vital & ess5tial p[] or encroa* ^u t sacr$ "r4 ,! abolition ( pr(essional prie/hood ) its accompany+ sacram5ts ( baptism1 ( communion & ( confession ( s9s1 ! laws requir+ ! election by univ]sal suffrage ( all local1 national1 & int]national ,h\ses ( ,ju/ice1 ! total abs5ce ( episcopal au?ority ) its att5dant privileges1 corruptions & bureaucratic t5d5cies1 are fur!r evid5ces ( ! non-autocratic "* ( ! ,bah' ,adm9i/rative ,ord] & ( its incl9ation to democratic me?ods 9 ! adm9i/ration ( its affairs4 ,nor is ?is ,ord] id5tifi$ ) ! "n ( ,bah'u'llh to be confus$ ) any sy/em ( purely ari/ocratic gov]nm5t 9 view ( ! fact t x upholds1 on ! "o h&1 ! h]$it>y pr9ciple & entru/s ! ,gu>dian ( ! ,fai? ) ! obligation ( int]pret+ its tea*+s1 & provides1 on ! o!r1 = ! free & direct election f among ! mass ( ! fai?ful ( ! body t con/itutes its highe/ legislative organ4 ,:]eas ?is ,adm9i/rative ,ord] _c be said to h be5 model$ aft] any ( ^! recogniz$ sy/ems ( gov]nm5t1 x nev]!less embodies1 reconciles & assimilates )9 its framework su* :olesome elem5ts z are to be f\nd 9 ea* "o ( !m4 ,! h]$it>y au?ority :i* ! ,gu>dian is call$ ^u to ex]cise1 ! vital & ess5tial functions :i* ! ,univ]sal ,h\se ( ,ju/ice dis*>ges1 ! specific provisions requir+ its democratic election by ! repres5tatives ( ! fai?ful--^! comb9e to demon/rate ! tru? t ?is div9ely reveal$ ,ord]1 :i* c nev] be id5tifi$ ) any ( ! /&>d types ( gov]nm5t ref]r$ to by ,ari/otle 9 8 works1 embodies & bl5ds ) ! spiritual v]ities on :i* x is bas$ ! b5efic5t elem5ts :i* are to be f\nd 9 ea* "o ( !m4 ,! admitt$ evils inh]5t 9 ea* ( ^! sy/ems be+ rigidly & p]man5tly exclud$1 ?is unique ,ord]1 h[ev] long x may endure & h[ev] ext5sive its ramifications1 _c ev] deg5]ate into any =m ( despotism1 ( olig>*y1 or ( demagogy :i* mu/ soon] or lat] corrupt ! ma*9]y ( all man-made & ess5tially defective political in/itutions4 ,de>ly-belov$ fri5ds6 ,significant z are ! orig9s ( ?is mighty adm9i/rative /ructure1 & h[ev] unique its features1 ! happ5+s t may be said to h h]ald$ its bir? & signaliz$ ! initial /age ( its evolution seem no less rem>kable4 ,h[ /rik+1 h[ edify+ ! contra/ betwe5 ! process ( sl[ & /eady consolidation t *>act]izes ! gr[? ( its infant /r5g? & ! deva/at+ onru% ( ! =ces ( dis9tegration t are assail+ ! outworn in/itutions1 bo? religi\s & secul>1 ( pres5t-day society6 ,! vitality :i* ! organic in/itutions ( ?is great1 ?is ev]-exp&+ ,ord] s /rongly exhibit2 ! ob/acles :i* ! high c\rage1 ! undaunt$ resolution ( its adm9i/rators h already surm\nt$2 ! fire ( an unqu5*able en?usiasm t gl[s ) undim9i%$ f]vor 9 ! he>ts ( its it9]ant tea*]s2 ! heights ( self-sacrifice :i* its *ampion-build]s are n[ atta9+2 ! bread? ( vision1 ! confid5t hope1 ! creative joy1 ! inw>d peace1 ! uncompromis+ integrity1 ! exempl>y discipl9e1 ! unyield+ unity & solid>ity :i* its /alw>t def5d]s manife/2 ! degree to :i* its mov+ ,_s has %[n itself capable ( assimilat+ ! div]sifi$ elem5ts )9 its pale1 ( cleans+ !m ( all =ms ( prejudice & ( fus+ !m ) its own /ructure--^! are evid5ces ( a p[] :i* a disillusion$ & sadly %ak5 society c ill af=d to ignore4 ,comp>e ^! spl5did manife/ations ( ! _s animat+ ?is vibrant body ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh ) ! cries & agony1 ! follies & vanities1 ! bitt]ness & prejudices1 ! wick$ness & divisions ( an ail+ & *aotic _w4 ,witness ! fe> t torm5ts its lead]s & p>alyzes ! action ( its bl9d & bewild]$ /atesm54 ,h[ fi]ce ! hatr$s1 h[ false ! ambitions1 h[ petty ! pursuits1 h[ deep-root$ ! suspicions ( its peoples6 ,h[ disquiet+ ! lawlessness1 ! corruption1 ! unbelief t are eat+ into ! vitals ( a tott]+ civilization6 ,might n ?is process ( /eady det]ioration :i* is insidi\sly invad+ s _m dep>tm5ts ( human activity & ?\ght be reg>d$ z a necess>y accompanim5t to ! rise ( ?is almighty ,arm ( ,bah'u'llh8 ,might we n look ^u ! mom5t\s happ5+s :i*1 9 ! c\rse ( ! pa/ tw5ty ye>s1 h s deeply agitat$ e cont95t ( ! e>?1 z om9\s signs simultane\sly proclaim+ ! agonies ( a dis9tegrat+ civilization & ! bir?pangs ( t ,_w ,ord]--t ,ark ( human salvation--t mu/ ne$s arise ^u its ru9s8 ,! cata/rophic fall ( mighty mon>*ies & empires 9 ! ,european cont95t1 allusions to "s ( :i* may be f\nd 9 ! prophecies ( ,bah'u'llh2 ! decl9e t has set 91 & is /ill cont9u+1 9 ! =tunes ( ! ,%'ih hi]>*y 9 ,8 own native l&2 ! fall ( ! ,qjr dyna/y1 ! traditional enemy ( ,8 ,fai?2 ! ov]?r[ ( ! ,sultanate & ! ,caliphate1 ! su/a9+ pill>s ( ,sunn ,islm1 to :i* ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem 9 ! latt] "p ( ! fir/ c5tury ( ! ,*ri/ian era (f]s a /rik+ p>allel2 ! wave ( secul>ization :i* is invad+ ! ,muammadan ecclesia/ical in/itutions 9 ,egypt & sapp+ ! loyalty ( its /aun*e/ support]s2 ! humiliat+ bl[s t h afflict$ "s ( ! mo/ p[]ful ,*ur*es ( ,*ri/5dom 9 ,russia1 9 ,we/]n ,europe & ,c5tral ,am]ica2 ! dissem9ation ( ^? subv]sive doctr9es t are und]m9+ ! f\ndations & ov]?r[+ ! /ructure ( seem+ly impregnable /rongholds 9 ! political & social sph]es ( human activity2 ! signs ( an imp5d+ cata/rophe1 /rangely rem9isc5t ( ! ,fall ( ! ,roman ,empire 9 ! ,we/1 :i* ?reat5s to engulf ! :ole /ructure ( pres5t-day civilization--all witness to ! tumult :i* ! bir? ( ?is mighty ,organ ( ! ,religion ( ,bah'u'llh has ca/ into ! _w--a tumult :i* w gr[ 9 scope & 9 int5sity z ! implications ( ?is con/antly evolv+ ,s*eme are m fully und]/ood & its ramifications m widely ext5d$ ov] ! surface ( ! globe4 ,a ^w m 9 conclusion4 ,! rise & e/abli%m5t ( ?is ,adm9i/rative ,ord]--! %ell t %ields & en%r9es s preci\s a gem--con/itutes ! hall-m>k ( ?is second & =mative age ( ! ,bah' era4 ,x w come to be reg>d$1 z x rec$es f>!r & f>!r f our eyes1 z ! *ief ag5cy emp[]$ to u%] 9 ! conclud+ phase1 ! consummation ( ?is glori\s ,disp5sation4 ,let no "o1 :ile ?is ,sy/em is /ill 9 its infancy1 misconceive its "*1 belittle its significance or misrepres5t its purpose4 ,! b$rock on :i* ?is ,adm9i/rative ,ord] is f\nd$ is ,god's immutable ,purpose = mank9d 9 ?is day4 ,! ,s\rce f :i* x d]ives its inspiration is no "o less ?an ,bah'u'llh ,himself4 ,its %ield & def5d] are ! embattl$ ho/s ( ! ,abh ,k+dom4 ,its se$ is ! blood ( no less ?an tw5ty ?\s& m>tyrs :o h (f]$ up _! lives t x may be born & fl\ri%4 ,! axis r\nd :i* its in/itutions revolve are ! au!ntic provisions ( ! ,w & ,te/am5t ( #8,abdu'l-,bah4 ,its guid+ pr9ciples are ! tru?s :i* ,he ,:o is ! un]r+ ,int]pret] ( ! tea*+s ( our ,fai? has s cle>ly enunciat$ 9 ,8 public addresses ?r\gh\t ! ,we/4 ,! laws t gov]n its op]ation & limit its functions are ^? :i* h be5 expressly orda9$ 9 ! ,kitb-i-,aqdas4 ,! seat r\nd :i* its spiritual1 its humanit>ian & adm9i/rative activities w clu/] are ! ,ma%riqu'l-,adhkr & its ,dep5d5cies4 ,! pill>s t su/a9 its au?ority & buttress its /ructure are ! tw9 in/itutions ( ! ,gu>dian%ip & ( ! ,univ]sal ,h\se ( ,ju/ice4 ,! c5tral1 ! und]ly+ aim :i* animates x is ! e/abli%m5t ( ! ,new ,_w ,ord] z adumbrat$ by ,bah'u'llh4 ,! me?ods x employs1 ! /&>d x inculcates1 incl9e x to nei!r ,ea/ nor ,we/1 nei!r ,jew nor ,g5tile1 nei!r ri* nor poor1 nei!r :ite nor color$4 ,its wat*word is ! unification ( ! human race2 its /&>d ! 8,mo/ ,great ,peace02 its consummation ! adv5t ( t gold5 mill5nium--! ,day :5 ! k+doms ( ?is _w %all h become ! ,k+dom ( ,god ,himself1 ! ,k+dom ( ,bah'u'llh4 ,,%oghi4 ,haifa1 ,pale/9e1 ,febru>y #h1 #aicd4 ,,! ,,unfoldm5t ,,( ,,_w ,,civilization ,! ,unfoldm5t ( ,_w ,civilization ,to ! belov$ ( ,god & ! h&maids ( ! ,m]ciful ?r\gh\t ! ,we/4 ,fri5ds & fell[-heirs ( ! grace ( ,bah'u'llh3 ,z y\r co-%>] 9 ! build+ up ( ! ,new ,_w ,ord] :i* ! m9d ( ,bah'u'llh has vision$1 & ^: features ! p5 ( #8,abdu'l-,bah1 its p]fect ,ar*itect1 has del9eat$1 ,i pause to contemplate ) y ! sc5e :i* ! revolution ( well-nigh fifte5 ye>s aft] ,8 pass+ unfolds be=e u4 ,! contra/ betwe5 ! accumulat+ evid5ces ( /eady consolidation t accompany ! rise ( ! ,adm9i/rative ,ord] ( ! ,fai? ( ,god1 & ! =ces ( dis9tegration :i* batt] at ! fabric ( a travail+ society1 is z cle> z x is arre/+4 ,bo? )9 & outside ! ,bah' _w ! signs & tok5s :i*1 9 a my/]i\s mann]1 are h]ald+ ! bir? ( t ,_w ,ord]1 ! e/abli%m5t ( :i* mu/ signalize ! ,gold5 ,age ( ! ,cause ( ,god1 are gr[+ & multiply+ day by day4 ,no fair-m9d$ obs]v] c any long] fail to disc]n !m4 ,he _c be misl$ by ! pa9ful sl[ness *>act]iz+ ! unfoldm5t ( ! civilization :i* ! foll[]s ( ,bah'u'llh are labor+ to e/abli%4 ,nor c he be delud$ by ! ephem]al manife/ations ( return+ prosp]ity :i* at times appe> to be capable ( *eck+ ! disruptive influ5ce ( ! *ronic ills afflict+ ! in/itutions ( a decay+ age4 ,! signs ( ! times are too num]\s & compell+ to all[ him to mi/ake _! "* or to belittle _! significance4 ,he c1 if he be fair 9 8 judgm5t1 recognize 9 ! *a9 ( ev5ts :i* proclaim on ! "o h& ! irresi/ible m>* ( ! in/itutions directly associat$ ) ! ,revelation ( ,bah'u'llh & =e%ad[ on ! o!r ! d[nfall ( ^? p[]s & pr9cipalities t h ei!r ignor$ or oppos$ x--he c recognize 9 !m all evid5ces ( ! op]ation ( ,god's all-p]vasive ,w1 ! %ap+ ( ,8 p]fectly ord]$ & _w-embrac+ ,plan4 8,soon10 ,bah'u'llh's own words proclaim x1 8w ! pres5t day ,ord] be roll$ up1 & a new "o spread out 9 its /ead4 ,v]ily1 ?y ,"l speake? ! tru? & is ! ,kn[] ( ?+s unse540 8,by ,myself10 ,he solemnly ass]ts1 8! day is approa*+ :5 ,we w h roll$ up ! _w & all t is !re91 & spread out a new ,ord] 9 its /ead4 ,he1 v]ily1 is p[]ful ov] all ?+s40 8,! _w's equilibrium10 ,he expla9s1 8ha? be5 upset ?r\gh ! vibrat+ influ5ce ( ?is ,mo/ ,great1 ?is new ,_w ,ord]4 ,mank9d's ord]$ life ha? be5 revolutioniz$ ?r\gh ! ag5cy ( ?is unique1 ?is wondr\s ,sy/em1 ! l ( :i* mortal eyes h nev] witness$40 8,! signs ( imp5d+ convulsions & *aos10 ,he w>ns ! peoples ( ! _w1 8c n[ be disc]n$1 inasmu* z ! prevail+ ,ord] appe>e? to be lam5tably defective40 ,de>ly-belov$ fri5ds6 ,?is ,new ,_w ,ord]1 ^: promise is en%r9$ 9 ! ,revelation ( ,bah'u'llh1 ^: fundam5tal pr9ciples h be5 enunciat$ 9 ! writ+s ( ! ,c5t] ( ,8 ,cov5ant1 involves no less ?an ! complete unification ( ! entire human race4 ,?is unification %\ld con=m to su* pr9ciples z w\ld directly h>monize ) ! _s t animates1 & ! laws t gov]n ! op]ation (1 ! in/itutions t already con/itute ! /ructural basis ( ! ,adm9i/rative ,ord] ( ,8 ,fai?4 ,no ma*9]y fall+ %ort ( ! /&>d inculcat$ by ! ,bah' ,revelation1 & at v>iance ) ! sublime patt]n orda9$ 9 ,8 tea*+s1 :i* ! collective ef=ts ( mank9d may yet devise c ev] hope to a*ieve any?+ above or beyond t 8,less] ,peace0 to :i* ! ,au?or ( our ,fai? has ,himself allud$ 9 ,8 writ+s4 8,n[ t ye h refus$ ! ,mo/ ,great ,peace10 ,he1 admoni%+ ! k+s & rul]s ( ! e>?1 has writt51 8hold ye fa/ unto ?is ! ,less] ,peace1 t haply ye may 9 "s degree bett] y\r own condition & t ( y\r dep5d5ts40 ,expatiat+ on ?is ,less] ,peace1 ,he ?us addresses 9 t same ,tablet ! rul]s ( ! e>?3 8,be reconcil$ among y\rselves1 t ye may ne$ no m armam5ts save 9 a measure to safegu>d y\r t]ritories & dom9ions444 ,be unit$1 ,o k+s ( ! e>?1 = !reby w ! tempe/ ( discord be /ill$ among/ y1 & y\r peoples f9d re/1 if ye be ( !m t compreh5d4 ,%\ld any "o among y take up arms aga9/ ano!r1 rise ye all aga9/ him1 = ?is is naught b manife/ ju/ice40 ,! ,mo/ ,great ,peace1 on ! o!r h&1 z conceiv$ by ,bah'u'llh--a peace t mu/ inevitably foll[ z ! practical consequ5ce ( ! spiritualization ( ! _w & ! fusion ( all its races1 cre$s1 classes & nations--c re/ on no o!r basis1 & c be pres]v$ ?r\gh no o!r ag5cy1 except ! div9ely appo9t$ ord9ances t are implicit 9 ! ,_w ,ord] t /&s associat$ ) ,8 ,holy ,"n4 ,9 ,8 ,tablet1 reveal$ almo/ sev5ty ye>s ago to ,que5 ,victoria1 ,bah'u'llh1 allud+ to ?is ,mo/ ,great ,peace1 has decl>$3 8,t :i* ! ,"l ha? orda9$ z ! sov]eign rem$y & mightie/ in/rum5t = ! heal+ ( all ! _w is ! union ( all its peoples 9 "o univ]sal ,cause1 "o common ,fai?4 ,?is c 9 no wise be a*iev$ except ?r\gh ! p[] ( a skill$1 an all-p[]ful & inspir$ ,physician4 ,?is1 v]ily1 is ! tru?1 & all else naught b error444 ,consid] ^! days 9 :i* ! ,anci5t ,beauty1 ,he ,:o is ! ,mo/ ,great ,"n1 ha? be5 s5t d[n to reg5]ate & unify mank9d4 ,behold h[ ) drawn swords !y rose aga9/ ,him1 & committ$ t :i* caus$ ! ,fai?ful ,_s to tremble4 ,& :5ev] ,we said unto !m3 #8,lo1 ! ,_w ,re=m] is come1' !y made reply3 #8,he1 9 tru?1 is "o ( ! /irr]s ( mis*ief4'0 8,x beseeme? all m5 9 ?is ,day10 ,he1 9 ano!r ,tablet1 ass]ts1 8to take firm hold on ! ,mo/ ,great ,"n1 & to e/abli% ! unity ( all mank9d4 ,!re is no place to flee to1 no refuge t any "o c seek1 except ,him40 ,humanity's ,com+ ( ,age ,! ,revelation ( ,bah'u'llh1 ^: supreme mission is none o!r b ! a*ievem5t ( ?is organic & spiritual unity ( ! :ole body ( nations1 %\ld1 if we be fai?ful to its implications1 be reg>d$ z signaliz+ ?r\gh its adv5t ! com+ ( age ( ! entire human race4 ,x %\ld be view$ n m]ely z yet ano!r spiritual revival 9 ! ev]-*ang+ =tunes ( mank9d1 n only z a fur!r /age 9 a *a9 ( progressive ,revelations1 nor ev5 z ! culm9ation ( "o ( a s]ies ( recurr5t prophetic cycles1 b r z m>k+ ! la/ & highe/ /age 9 ! /up5d\s evolution ( man's collective life on ?is planet4 ,! em]g5ce ( a _w community1 ! consci\sness ( _w citiz5%ip1 ! f\nd+ ( a _w civilization & culture--all ( :i* mu/ syn*ronize ) ! initial /ages 9 ! unfoldm5t ( ! ,gold5 ,age ( ! ,bah' ,era--%\ld1 by _! v nature1 be reg>d$1 z f> z ?is planet>y life is conc]n$1 z ! fur!rmo/ limits 9 ! organization ( human society1 ?\gh man1 z an individual1 w1 nay mu/ inde$ z a result ( su* a consummation1 cont9ue indef9itely to progress & develop4 ,t my/ic1 all-p]vasive1 yet indef9able *ange1 :i* we associate ) ! /age ( maturity inevitable 9 ! life ( ! individual & ! developm5t ( ! fruit mu/1 if we w\ld correctly appreh5d ! utt]ances ( ,bah'u'llh1 h its c\nt]p>t 9 ! evolution ( ! organization ( human society4 ,a simil> /age mu/ soon] or lat] be atta9$ 9 ! collective life ( mank9d1 produc+ an ev5 m /rik+ ph5om5on 9 _w relations1 & end[+ ! :ole human race ) su* pot5tialities ( well-be+ z %all provide1 ?r\gh\t ! succe$+ ages1 ! *ief inc5tive requir$ = ! ev5tual fulfillm5t ( its high de/9y4 ,su* a /age ( maturity 9 ! process ( human gov]nm5t mu/1 = all "t1 if we w\ld fai?fully recognize ! trem5d\s claim advanc$ by ,bah'u'llh1 rema9 id5tifi$ ) ! ,revelation ( :i* ,he 0 ! ,be>]4 ,9 "o ( ! mo/ *>act]i/ic passages ,he ,himself has reveal$1 ,he te/ifies 9 a language t none c mi/ake to ! tru? ( ?is di/+ui%+ pr9ciple ( ,bah' belief3 8,x ha? be5 decre$ by ,u t ! ,^w ( ,god & all ! pot5tialities !re( %all be manife/$ unto m5 9 /rict con=mity ) su* conditions z h be5 =eorda9$ by ,him ,:o is ! ,all-,kn[+1 ! ,all-,wise444 ,%\ld ! ,^w be all[$ to release sudd5ly all ! en]gies lat5t )9 x1 no man c\ld su/a9 ! weight ( s mighty a revelation444 ,consid] t :i* ha? be5 s5t d[n unto ,muammad1 ! ,apo/le ( ,god4 ,! measure ( ! ,revelation ( :i* ,he 0 ! ,be>] _h be5 cle>ly =eorda9$ by ,him ,:o is ! ,almighty1 ! ,all-,p[]ful4 ,!y t he>d ,him1 h[ev]1 c\ld appreh5d ,8 purpose only to ! ext5t ( _! /ation & spiritual capacity4 ,he1 9 l mann]1 uncov]$ ! ,face ( ,wisdom 9 proportion to _! ability to su/a9 ! burd5 ( ,8 ,message4 ,no soon] _h mank9d atta9$ ! /age ( maturity1 ?an ! ,^w reveal$ to m5's eyes ! lat5t en]gies ) :i* x _h be5 end[$--en]gies :i* manife/$ !mselves 9 ! pl5itude ( _! glory :5 ! ,anci5t ,beauty appe>$1 9 ! ye> sixty1 9 ! p]son ( #8,al-,muammad1 ! ,bb40 #8,abdu'l-,bah1 elucidat+ ?is fundam5tal v]ity1 has writt53 8,all creat$ ?+s h _! degree or /age ( maturity4 ,! p]iod ( maturity 9 ! life ( a tree is ! "t ( its fruit-be>+444 ,! animal atta9s a /age ( full gr[? & complet5ess1 & 9 ! human k+dom man rea*es 8 maturity :5 ! light ( 8 intellig5ce atta9s its greate/ p[] & developm5t444 ,simil>ly !re are p]iods & /ages 9 ! collective life ( humanity4 ,at "o "t x 0 pass+ ?r\gh its /age ( *ildhood1 at ano!r its p]iod ( y\?1 b n[ x has ent]$ its long-pr$ict$ phase ( maturity1 ! evid5ces ( :i* are ev]y:]e app>5t444 ,t :i* 0 applicable to human ne$s dur+ ! e>ly hi/ory ( ! race c nei!r meet nor satisfy ! dem&s ( ?is day1 ?is p]iod ( newness & consummation4 ,humanity has em]g$ f its =m] /ate ( limitation & prelim9>y tra9+4 ,man mu/ n[ become imbu$ ) new virtues & p[]s1 new moral /&>ds1 new capacities4 ,new b\nties1 p]fect be/[als1 are await+ & already desc5d+ ^u him4 ,! gifts & bless+s ( ! p]iod ( y\?1 al?\gh timely & suffici5t dur+ ! adolesc5ce ( mank9d1 are n[ incapable ( meet+ ! requirem5ts ( its maturity40 ,! ,process ( ,integration ,su* a unique & mom5t\s crisis 9 ! life ( organiz$ mank9d may1 moreov]1 be lik5$ to ! culm9at+ /age 9 ! political evolution ( ! great ,am]ican ,republic--! /age :i* m>k$ ! em]g5ce ( a unifi$ community ( f$]at$ /ates4 ,! /irr+ ( a new national consci\sness1 & ! bir? ( a new type ( civilization1 inf9itely ri*] & nobl] ?an any :i* its compon5t p>ts c\ld h sev]ally hop$ to a*ieve1 may be said to h proclaim$ ! com+ ( age ( ! ,am]ican p4 ,)9 ! t]ritorial limits ( ?is nation1 ?is consummation may be view$ z ! culm9ation ( ! process ( human gov]nm5t4 ,! div]sifi$ & loosely relat$ elem5ts ( a divid$ community 7 br\ght toge!r1 unifi$ & incorporat$ into "o coh]5t sy/em4 ,?\gh ?is entity may cont9ue ga9+ 9 cohesive p[]1 ?\gh ! unity already a*iev$ may be fur!r consolidat$1 ?\gh ! civilization to :i* t unity c\ld alone h giv5 bir? may exp& & fl\ri%1 yet ! ma*9]y ess5tial to su* an unfoldm5t may be said to h be51 9 its ess5tial /ructure1 erect$1 & ! impulse requir$ to guide & su/a9 x may be reg>d$ z hav+ be5 fundam5tally imp>t$4 ,no /age above & beyond ?is consummation ( national unity c1 )9 ! geographical limits ( t nation1 be imag9$1 ?\gh ! highe/ de/9y ( its p1 z a con/itu5t elem5t 9 a /ill l>g] entity t w embrace ! :ole ( mank9d1 may /ill rema9 unfulfill$4 ,consid]$ z an isolat$ unit1 h[ev]1 ?is process ( integration may be said to h rea*$ its highe/ & f9al consummation4 ,su* is ! /age to :i* an evolv+ humanity is collectively approa*+4 ,! ,revelation entru/$ by ! ,almighty ,orda9] to ,bah'u'llh1 ,8 foll[]s firmly believe1 has be5 end[$ ) su* pot5tialities z are comm5surate ) ! maturity ( ! human race--! cr[n+ & mo/ mom5t\s /age 9 its evolution f infancy to manhood4 ,! successive ,f\nd]s ( all pa/ ,religions ,:o1 f "t immemorial1 h %$1 ) ev]-increas+ int5sity1 ! spl5dor ( "o common ,revelation at ! v>i\s /ages :i* h m>k$ ! advance ( mank9d t[>ds maturity may ?us1 9 a s5se1 be reg>d$ z prelim9>y ,manife/ations1 anticipat+ & pav+ ! way = ! adv5t ( t ,day ( ,days :5 ! :ole e>? w h fructifi$ & ! tree ( humanity w h yield$ its de/9$ fruit4 ,incontrov]tible z is ?is tru?1 its *all5g+ "* %\ld nev] be all[$ to obscure ! purpose1 or di/ort ! pr9ciple1 und]ly+ ! utt]ances ( ,bah'u'llh--utt]ances t h e/abli%$ = all "t ! absolute on5ess ( all ! ,prophets1 ,himself includ$1 :e!r belong+ to ! pa/ or to ! future4 ,?\gh ! mission ( ! ,prophets prec$+ ,bah'u'llh may be view$ 9 t light1 ?\gh ! measure ( ,div9e ,revelation ) :i* ea* has be5 entru/$ mu/1 z a result ( ?is process ( evolution1 necess>ily diff]1 _! common orig91 _! ess5tial unity1 _! id5tity ( purpose1 %\ld at no "t & "u no circum/ances be misappreh5d$ or d5i$4 ,t all ! ,mess5g]s ( ,god %\ld be reg>d$ z 8abid+ 9 ! same ,tab]nacle1 so>+ 9 ! same ,heav51 seat$ ^u ! same ,?rone1 utt]+ ! same ,spee*1 & proclaim+ ! same ,fai?0 mu/1 h[ev] mu* we may extol ! measure ( ,div9e ,revelation v\*saf$ to mank9d at ?is cr[n+ /age ( its evolution1 rema9 ! unalt]able f\ndation & c5tral t5et ( ,bah' belief4 ,any v>iations 9 ! spl5dor :i* ea* ( ^! ,manife/ations ( ! ,light ( ,god has %$ ^u ! _w %\ld be ascrib$ n to any inh]5t sup]iority involv$ 9 ! ess5tial "* ( any "o ( !m1 b r to ! progressive capacity1 ! ev]-increas+ spiritual receptiv5ess1 :i* mank9d1 9 its progress t[>ds maturity1 has inv>iably manife/$4 ,! ,f9al ,consummation ,only ^? :o are will+ to associate ! ,revelation proclaim$ by ,bah'u'llh ) ! consummation ( s /up5d\s an evolution 9 ! collective life ( ! :ole human race c grasp ! significance ( ! words :i* ,he1 :ile allud+ to ! glories ( ?is promis$ ,day & to ! duration ( ! ,bah' ,era1 has deem$ fit to utt]4 8,?is is ! ,k+ ( ,days10 ,he exclaims1 8! ,day t ha? se5 ! com+ ( ! ,be/-,belov$1 ,him ,:o1 ?r\gh all et]nity1 ha? be5 acclaim$ ! ,desire ( ! ,_w40 8,! ,scriptures ( pa/ ,disp5sations10 ,he fur!r ass]ts1 8celebrate ! great jubilee t mu/ ne$s greet ?is mo/ great ,day ( ,god4 ,well is x ) him t ha? liv$ to see ?is ,day & ha? recogniz$ its /ation40 8,x is evid5t10 ,he1 9 ano!r passage expla9s1 8t e age 9 :i* a ,manife/ation ( ,god ha? liv$ is div9ely-orda9$1 & may1 9 a s5se1 be *>act]iz$ z ,god's appo9t$ ,day4 ,?is ,day1 h[ev]1 is unique1 & is to be di/+ui%$ f ^? t h prec$$ x4 ,! designation #8,seal ( ! ,prophets' fully reveale? its high /ation4 ,! ,prophetic ,cycle ha? v]ily end$4 ,! ,et]nal ,tru? is n[ come4 ,he ha? lift$ up ! ensign ( p[]1 & is n[ %$d+ ^u ! _w ! uncl\d$ spl5dor ( ,8 ,revelation40 8,9 ?is mo/ mighty ,revelation10 ,he1 9 categorical language1 decl>es1 8all ! ,disp5sations ( ! pa/ h atta9$ _! highe/1 _! f9al consummation4 ,t :i* ha? be5 made manife/ 9 ?is prem95t1 ?is mo/ exalt$ ,revelation1 /&e? unp>allel$ 9 ! annals ( ! pa/1 nor w future ages witness its l40 #8,abdu'l-,bah's au!ntic pron\ncem5ts %\ld1 likewise1 be recall$ z confirm+1 9 no less emphatic mann]1 ! unexampl$ va/ness ( ! ,bah' ,disp5sation4 8,c5turies10 ,he affirms 9 "o ( ,8 ,tablets1 8nay1 c\ntless ages1 mu/ pass away ere ! ,day-,/> ( ,tru? %9e? aga9 9 its mid-summ] spl5dor1 or appe>e? once m 9 ! radiance ( its v]nal glory444 ,! m]e contemplation ( ! ,disp5sation inaugurat$ by ! ,bless$ ,beauty w\ld h suffic$ to ov]:elm ! sa9ts ( bygone ages--sa9ts :o long$ to p>take1 = "o mom5t1 ( its great glory40 8,conc]n+ ! ,manife/ations t w come d[n 9 ! future #89 ! %ad[s ( ! cl\ds1'0 ,he1 9 a /ill m def9ite language1 affirms1 8"k1 v]ily1 t 9 s f> z _! relation to ! ,s\rce ( _! inspiration is conc]n$1 !y are "u ! %ad[ ( ! ,anci5t ,beauty4 ,9 _! relation1 h[ev]1 to ! age 9 :i* !y appe>1 ea* & e "o ( !m #8doe? :atsoev] ,he wille?4'0 8,?is holy ,disp5sation10 ,he1 allud+ to ! ,revelation ( ,bah'u'llh1 expla9s1 8is illum9$ ) ! light ( ! ,sun ( ,tru? %9+ f its mo/ exalt$ /ation1 & 9 ! pl5itude ( its respl5d5cy1 its heat & glory40 ,pangs ( ,dea? & ,bir? ,de>ly-belov$ fri5ds3 ,?\gh ! ,revelation ( ,bah'u'llh has be5 deliv]$1 ! ,_w ,ord] :i* su* a ,revelation mu/ ne$s beget is z yet unborn4 ,?\gh ! ,h]oic ,age ( ,8 ,fai? is pass$1 ! creative en]gies :i* t ,age has releas$ h n z yet cry/alliz$ into t _w society :i*1 9 ! fullness ( "t1 is to mirror =? ! brightness ( ,8 glory4 ,?\gh ! framework ( ,8 ,adm9i/rative ,ord] has be5 erect$1 & ! ,=mative ,p]iod ( ! ,bah' ,era has begun1 yet ! promis$ ,k+dom into :i* ! se$ ( ,8 in/itutions mu/ rip5 rema9s z yet un9augurat$4 ,?\gh ,8 ,voice has be5 rais$1 & ! ensigns ( ,8 ,fai? h be5 lift$ up 9 no less ?an =ty c\ntries ( bo? ! ,ea/ & ! ,we/1 yet ! :ol5ess ( ! human race is z yet unrecogniz$1 its unity unproclaim$1 & ! /&>d ( its ,mo/ ,great ,peace unhoi/$4 8,! heights10 ,bah'u'llh ,himself te/ifies1 8:i*1 ?r\gh ! mo/ graci\s favor ( ,god1 mortal man c atta9 9 ?is ,day are z yet unreveal$ to 8 sight4 ,! _w ( be+ ha? nev] _h1 nor do? x yet possess1 ! capacity = su* a revelation4 ,! day1 h[ev]1 is approa*+ :5 ! pot5tialities ( s great a favor w1 by virtue ( ,8 behe/1 be manife/$ unto m540 ,= ! revelation ( s great a favor a p]iod ( int5se turmoil & wide-spread suff]+ w\ld seem to be indisp5sable4 ,respl5d5t z has be5 ! ,age t has witness$ ! inception ( ! ,mission ) :i* ,bah'u'llh has be5 entru/$1 ! int]val :i* mu/ elapse ere t ,age yields its *oice/ fruit mu/1 x is becom+ increas+ly app>5t1 be ov]%ad[$ by su* moral & social gloom z c alone prep>e an unrep5tant humanity = ! prize %e is de/9$ to inh]it4 ,into su* a p]iod we are n[ /eadily & irresi/ibly mov+4 ,amid/ ! %ad[s :i* are increas+ly ga!r+ ab\t u we c fa9tly disc]n ! glimm]+s ( ,bah'u'llh's une>?ly sov]eignty appe>+ fitfully on ! horizon ( hi/ory4 ,to u1 ! 8g5]ation ( ! half-light10 liv+ at a "t :i* may be designat$ z ! p]iod ( ! incubation ( ! ,_w ,commonweal? envisag$ by ,bah'u'llh1 has be5 assign$ a task ^: high privilege we c nev] suffici5tly appreciate1 & ! ardu\sness ( :i* we c z yet b dimly recognize4 ,we may well believe1 we :o are call$ ^u to exp]i5ce ! op]ation ( ! d>k =ces de/9$ to unloose a flood ( agoniz+ afflictions1 t ! d>ke/ h\r t mu/ prec$e ! dawn ( ! ,gold5 ,age ( our ,fai? has n yet /ruck4 ,deep z is ! gloom t already encircles ! _w1 ! afflictive ordeals :i* t _w is to suff] are /ill 9 prep>ation1 nor c _! blackness be z yet imag9$4 ,we /& on ! ?re%old ( an age ^: convulsions proclaim alike ! dea?-pangs ( ! old ord] & ! bir?-pangs ( ! new4 ,?r\gh ! g5]at+ influ5ce ( ! ,fai? ann\nc$ by ,bah'u'llh ?is ,new ,_w ,ord] may be said to h be5 conceiv$4 ,we c1 at ! pres5t mom5t1 exp]i5ce its /irr+s 9 ! womb ( a travail+ age--an age wait+ = ! appo9t$ h\r at :i* x c ca/ its burd5 & yield its faire/ fruit4 8,! :ole e>?10 writes ,bah'u'llh1 8is n[ 9 a /ate ( pregnancy4 ,! day is approa*+ :5 x w h yield$ its noble/ fruits1 :5 f x w h sprung =? ! l(tie/ trees1 ! mo/ en*ant+ blossoms1 ! mo/ heav5ly bless+s4 ,immeasurably exalt$ is ! breeze t wafte? f ! g>m5t ( ?y ,"l1 ! ,glorifi$6 ,= lo1 x ha? brea!d its fragrance & made all ?+s new6 ,well is x ) !m t compreh5d40 8,! onru%+ w9ds ( ! grace ( ,god10 ,he1 9 ! ,sratu'l-,haykal1 proclaims1 8h pass$ ov] all ?+s4 ,e creature ha? be5 end[$ ) all ! pot5tialities x c c>ry4 ,& yet ! peoples ( ! _w h d5i$ ?is grace6 ,e tree ha? be5 end[$ ) ! *oice/ fruits1 e ocean enri*$ ) ! mo/ lum9\s gems4 ,man1 himself1 ha? be5 inve/$ ) ! gifts ( und]/&+ & k4 ,! :ole creation ha? be5 made ! recipi5t ( ! revelation ( ! ,all-,m]ciful1 & ! e>? ! repository ( ?+s inscrutable to all except ,god1 ! ,tru?1 ! ,kn[] ( ?+s unse54 ,! "t is approa*+ :5 e creat$ ?+ w h ca/ its burd54 ,glorifi$ be ,god ,:o ha? v\*saf$ ?is grace t encompasse? all ?+s1 :e!r se5 or unse560 8,! ,call ( ,god10 #8,abdu'l-,bah has writt51 8:5 rais$1 brea!d a new life into ! body ( mank9d1 & infus$ a new _s into ! :ole creation4 ,x is = ?is reason t ! _w ha? be5 mov$ to its dep?s1 & ! he>ts & consci5ces ( m5 be5 quick5$4 ,erelong ! evid5ces ( ?is reg5]ation w be reveal$1 & ! fa/ asleep w be awak5$40 ,univ]sal ,f]m5tation ,z we view ! _w ar\nd u1 we are compell$ to obs]ve ! manifold evid5ces ( t univ]sal f]m5tation :i*1 9 e cont95t ( ! globe & 9 e dep>tm5t ( human life1 be x religi\s1 social1 economic or political1 is purg+ & re%ap+ humanity 9 anticipation ( ! ,day :5 ! :ol5ess ( ! human race w h be5 recogniz$ & its unity e/abli%$4 ,a tw(old process1 h[ev]1 c be di/+ui%$1 ea* t5d+1 9 its own way & ) an accel]at$ mom5tum1 to br+ to a climax ! =ces t are trans=m+ ! face ( our planet4 ,! fir/ is ess5tially an integrat+ process1 :ile ! second is fundam5tally disruptive4 ,! =m]1 z x /eadily evolves1 unfolds a ,sy/em :i* may well s]ve z a patt]n = t _w polity t[>ds :i* a /rangely-disord]$ _w is cont9ually advanc+2 :ile ! latt]1 z its dis9tegrat+ influ5ce deep5s1 t5ds to te> d[n1 ) increas+ viol5ce1 ! antiquat$ b>ri]s t seek to block humanity's progress t[>ds its de/9$ goal4 ,! con/ructive process /&s associat$ ) ! nasc5t ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh1 & is ! h>b+] ( ! ,new ,_w ,ord] t ,fai? mu/ erelong e/abli%4 ,! de/ructive =ces t *>act]ize ! o!r %\ld be id5tifi$ ) a civilization t has refus$ to answ] to ! expectation ( a new age1 & is consequ5tly fall+ into *aos & decl9e4 ,a titanic1 a spiritual /ruggle1 unp>allel$ 9 its magnitude yet unspeakably glori\s 9 its ultimate consequ5ces1 is be+ wag$ z a result ( ^! oppos+ t5d5cies1 9 ?is age ( transition ?r\gh :i* ! organiz$ community ( ! foll[]s ( ,bah'u'llh & mank9d z a :ole are pass+4 ,! ,_s t has inc>nat$ itself 9 ! in/itutions ( a ris+ ,fai? has1 9 ! c\rse ( its onw>d m>* = ! r$emption ( ! _w1 enc\nt]$ & is n[ battl+ ) su* =ces z are1 9 mo/ in/ances1 ! v negation ( t ,_s1 & ^: cont9u$ exi/5ce mu/ inevitably h9d] x f a*iev+ its purpose4 ,! holl[ & outworn in/itutions1 ! obsolesc5t doctr9es & beliefs1 ! effete & discr$it$ traditions :i* ^! =ces repres5t1 x %\ld be obs]v$1 h1 9 c]ta9 in/ances1 be5 und]m9$ by virtue ( _! s5ility1 ! loss ( _! cohesive p[]1 & _! own inh]5t corruption4 ,a few h be5 swept away by ! onru%+ =ces :i* ! ,bah' ,fai? has1 at ! h\r ( its bir?1 s my/]i\sly releas$4 ,o!rs1 z a direct result ( a va9 & feeble resi/ance to its rise 9 ! initial /ages ( its developm5t1 h di$ out & be5 utt]ly discr$it$4 ,/ill o!rs1 fe>ful ( ! p]vasive influ5ce ( ! in/itutions 9 :i* t same ,_s _h1 at a lat] /age1 be5 embodi$1 _h mobiliz$ _! =ces & laun*$ _! attack1 de/9$ to su/a91 9 _! turn1 aft] a brief & illusory success1 an ignom9i\s defeat4 ,?is ,age ( ,transition ,x is n my purpose to call to m9d1 mu* less to attempt a detail$ analysis (1 ! spiritual /ruggles t h ensu$1 or to note ! victories t h r$\nd$ to ! glory ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh s9ce ! day ( its f\ndation4 ,my *ief conc]n is n ) ! happ5+s t h di/+ui%$ ! ,fir/1 ! ,apo/olic ,age ( ! ,bah' ,disp5sation1 b r ) ! out/&+ ev5ts t are transpir+ 91 & ! t5d5cies :i* *>act]ize1 ! =mative p]iod ( its developm5t1 ?is ,age ( ,transition1 ^: tribulations are ! precursors ( t ,era ( blissful felicity :i* is to inc>nate ,god's ultimate purpose = all mank9d4 ,to ! cata/rophic fall ( mighty k+doms & empires1 on ! eve ( #8,abdu'l-,bah's dep>ture1 ,^: pass+ may be said to h u%]$ 9 ! op5+ phase ( ! ,age ( ,transition 9 :i* we n[ live1 ,i h1 9 a previ\s communication1 briefly allud$4 ,! dissolution ( ! ,g]man ,empire1 ! humiliat+ defeat inflict$ ^u its rul]1 ! successor & l9eal desc5dant ( ! ,prussian ,k+ & ,emp]or to :om ,bah'u'llh _h address$ ,8 solemn & hi/oric w>n+1 toge!r ) ! ext9ction ( ! ,au/ro-,hung>ian ,mon>*y1 ! remnant ( ! once-great ,holy ,roman ,empire1 7 bo? precipitat$ by a w> ^: outbreak signaliz$ ! op5+ ( ! ,age ( ,fru/ration de/9$ to prec$e ! e/abli%m5t ( ! ,_w ,ord] ( ,bah'u'llh4 ,bo? ( ^! mom5t\s ev5ts may be view$ z ! e>lie/ occurr5ces ( t turbul5t ,age1 into ! out] fr+es ( ^: d>ke/ phase we are n[ beg9n+ to ent]4 ,to ! ,conqu]or ( ,napoleon ,,iii1 ! ,au?or ( our ,fai? _h1 on ! morr[ ( ! ,k+'s victory1 address$1 9 ,8 ,mo/ ,holy ,book1 ?is cle> & om9\s w>n+3 8,o ,k+ ( ,b]l96 444,take he$ le/ pride deb> !e f recogniz+ ! ,day-,spr+ ( ,div9e ,revelation1 le/ e>?ly desires %ut !e out1 z by a veil1 f ! ,"l ( ! ,?rone above & ( ! e>? bel[4 ,?us c\nsele? !e ! ,p5 ( ! ,mo/ ,high4 ,he1 v]ily1 is ! ,mo/ ,graci\s1 ! ,all-,b\ntiful4 ,d ?\ rememb] ! "o ^: p[] transc5d$ ?y p[] 7,napoleon ,,iii71 & ^: /ation excell$ ?y /ation4 ,:]e is he8 ,:i!r are gone ! ?+s he possess$8 ,take w>n+1 & be n ( !m t are fa/ asleep4 ,he x 0 :o ca/ ! ,tablet ( ,god beh9d him1 :5 ,we made kn[n unto him :at ! ho/s ( tyranny _h caus$ ,u to suff]4 ,:]e=e1 disgrace assail$ him f all sides1 & he w5t d[n to du/ 9 great loss4 ,?9k deeply1 ,o ,k+1 conc]n+ him1 & conc]n+ !m :o1 l unto !e1 h conqu]$ cities & rul$ ov] m54 ,! ,all-,m]ciful br\ght !m d[n f _! palaces to _! graves4 ,be w>n$1 be ( !m :o reflect40 8,o banks ( ! ,rh9e60 ,bah'u'llh1 9 ano!r passage ( t same ,book1 prophesies1 8,we h se5 y cov]$ ) gore1 inasmu* z ! swords ( retribution 7 drawn aga9/ y2 & s y %all h ano!r turn4 ,& ,we he> ! lam5tations ( ,b]l91 ?\gh %e be today 9 conspicu\s glory40 ,collapse ( ,islm ,! collapse ( ! p[] ( ! ,%'ih hi]>*y1 9 a l& :i* _h = c5turies be5 "o ( ! impregnable /rongholds ( ,muslim fanaticism1 0 ! inevitable consequ5ce ( t wave ( secul>ization :i*1 at a lat] "t1 0 to invade "s ( ! mo/ p[]ful & cons]vative ecclesia/ical in/itutions 9 bo? ! ,european & ,am]ican cont95ts4 ,?\gh n ! direct outcome ( ! la/ w>1 ?is sudd5 trembl+ :i* _h seiz$ ?is hi!rto immovable pill> ( ,islamic or?odoxy acc5tuat$ ! problems & deep5$ ! re/lessness ) :i* a w>-we>y _w 0 be+ afflict$4 ,%'ih ,islm _h lo/ once = all1 9 ,bah'u'llh's native l& & z ! direct consequ5ce ( its implacable ho/ility to ,8 ,fai?1 its combative p[]1 _h =feit$ its rights & privileges1 _h be5 degrad$ & demoraliz$1 & 0 be+ condemn$ to hopeless obscurity & ultimate ext9ction4 ,no less ?an tw5ty ?\s& m>tyrs1 h[ev]1 _h to sacrifice _! lives ere ! ,cause = :i* !y _h /ood & di$ c\ld regi/] ?is initial victory ov] ^? :o 7 ! fir/ to repudiate its claims & m[ d[n its gallant w>riors4 8,vil5ess & pov]ty 7 /amp$ ^u !m1 & !y return$ ) wra? f ,god40 8,behold10 writes ,bah'u'llh1 comm5t+ on ! decl9e ( a fall5 p1 8h[ ! say+s & do+s ( ,%'ih ,islm h dull$ ! joy & f]vor ( its e>ly days1 & t>ni%$ ! pri/9e brilliancy ( its light4 ,9 its primitive days1 :il/ !y /ill adh]$ to ! precepts associat$ ) ! "n ( _! ,prophet1 ! ,"l ( mank9d1 _! c>e] 0 m>k$ by an unbrok5 *a9 ( victories & triumphs4 ,z !y gradually /ray$ f ! pa? ( _! ,ideal ,lead] & ,ma/]1 z !y turn$ away f ! light ( ,god & corrupt$ ! pr9ciple ( ,8 ,div9e unity1 & z !y increas+ly c5t]$ _! att5tion ^u !m :o 7 only ! reveal]s ( ! pot5cy ( ,8 ,^w1 _! p[] 0 turn$ into weakness1 _! glory into %ame1 _! c\rage into fe>4 ,?\ do/ witness to :at a pass !y h come40 ,! d[nfall ( ! ,qjr ,dyna/y1 ! av[$ def5d] & ! will+ in/rum5t ( a decay+ cl]gy1 almo/ syn*roniz$ ) ! humiliation :i* ! ,%'ih ecclesia/ical lead]s _h suff]$4 ,f ,muammad ,%h d[n to ! la/ & feeble mon>* ( t dyna/y1 ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh 0 d5i$ ! imp>tial consid]ation1 ! dis9t]e/$ & fair treatm5t :i* its cause _h rightly dem&$4 ,x _h1 on ! contr>y1 be5 atroci\sly h>ass$1 consi/5tly betray$ & prosecut$4 ,! m>tyrdom ( ! ,bb2 ! bani%m5t ( ,bah'u'llh2 ! confiscation ( ,8 e>?ly possessions2 ,8 inc>c]ation 9 ,mz9d>n2 ! reign ( t]ror t conf9$ ,him 9 ! mo/ pe/il5tial ( dungeons2 ! intrigues1 ! prote/s1 & calumnies :i* ?rice r5ew$ ,8 exile & l$ to ,8 ultimate imprisonm5t 9 ! mo/ desolate ( cities2 ! %ameful s5t5ces pass$1 ) ! connivance ( ! judicial & ecclesia/ical au?orities1 aga9/ ! p]son1 ! prop]ty1 & ! honor ( ,8 innoc5t foll[]s--^! /& out z among ! blacke/ acts = :i* po/]ity w hold ?is blood-/a9$ dyna/y responsible4 ,"o m b>ri] t _h s\ght to ob/ruct ! =w>d m>* ( ! ,fai? 0 n[ remov$4 ,?\gh ,bah'u'llh _h be5 bani%$ f ,8 native l&1 ! tide ( calamity :i* _h swept ) su* fury ov] ,him & ov] ! foll[]s ( ! ,bb1 0 by no means rec$+4 ,"u ! jurisdiction ( ! ,suln ( ,turkey1 ! ar*-enemy ( ,8 ,cause1 a new *apt] 9 ! hi/ory ( ,8 ev]-recurr+ trials _h op5$4 ,! ov]?r[ ( ! ,sultanate & ! ,caliphate1 ! tw9 pill>s ( ,sunn ,islm1 c be reg>d$ 9 no o!r light except z ! inevitable consequ5ce ( ! fi]ce1 ! su/a9$ & delib]ate p]secution :i* ! mon>*s ( ! tott]+ ,h\se ( ,u?mn1 ! recogniz$ successors ( ! ,prophet ,muammad1 _h laun*$ aga9/ x4 ,f ! city ( ,con/ant9ople1 ! traditional seat ( bo? ! ,sultanate & ! ,caliphate1 ! rul]s ( ,turkey _h1 = a p]iod cov]+ almo/ ?ree qu>t]s ( a c5tury1 /riv51 ) unabat$ zeal1 to /em ! tide ( a ,fai? !y fe>$ & abhorr$4 ,f ! "t ,bah'u'llh set foot on ,turki% soil & 0 made a virtual prison] ( ! mo/ p[]ful pot5tate ( ,islm to ! ye> ( ! ,holy ,l&'s lib]ation f ,turki% yoke1 successive ,caliphs1 & 9 p>ticul> ! ,sulns #8,abdu'l-#8,azz & #8,abdu'l-amd1 _h1 9 ! full ex]cise ( ! spiritual & temporal au?ority :i* _! exalt$ (fice _h conf]r$ ^u !m1 afflict$ bo? ! ,f\nd] ( our ,fai? & ! ,c5t] ( ,8 ,cov5ant ) su* pa9 & tribulation z no m9d c fa?om nor p5 or tongue describe4 ,!y alone c\ld h measur$ or borne !m4 ,to ^! afflictive trials ,bah'u'llh has repeat$ly te/ifi$3 8,by ! righte\sness ( ! ,almighty6 ,7 ,i to rec\nt to !e ! tale ( ! ?+s t h befall5 ,me1 ! s\ls & m9ds ( m5 w\ld be incapable ( su/a9+ its weight4 ,god ,himself be>e? ,me witness40 8,tw5ty ye>s h pass$10 ,he1 address+ ! k+s ( ,*ri/5dom1 has writt51 8dur+ :i* ,we h1 ea* day1 ta/$ ! agony ( a fre% tribulation4 ,no "o ( !m t 7 be=e ,u ha? endur$ ! ?+s ,we h endur$4 ,w\ld t ye c\ld p]ceive x6 ,!y t rose up aga9/ u h put u to dea?1 h %$ our blood1 h plund]$ our prop]ty1 & violat$ our honor40 8,recall to m9d ,my sorr[s10 ,he1 9 ano!r connection1 has reveal$1 8,my c>es & anxieties1 ,my woes & trials1 ! /ate ( ,my captivity1 ! te>s t ,i h %$1 ! bitt]ness ( ,m9e angui%1 & n[ ,m9e imprisonm5t 9 ?is f>-(f l&444 ,c\ld/ ?\ be told :at ha? befall5 ! ,anci5t ,beauty1 ?\ w\ld/ flee into ! wild]ness1 & weep ) a great weep+444 ,e morn+ ,i arose f my b$1 ,i discov]$ ! ho/s ( c\ntless afflictions mass$ beh9d ,my door2 & e night :5 ,i lay d[n1 lo1 ,my he>t 0 torn ) agony at :at x _h suff]$ f ! fi5di% cruelty ( its foes40 ,! ord]s :i* ^! foes issu$1 ! bani%m5ts !y decre$1 ! indignities !y inflict$1 ! plans !y devis$1 ! inve/igations !y conduct$1 ! ?reats !y pron\nc$1 ! atrocities !y 7 prep>$ to commit1 ! intrigues & bas5ess to :i* !y1 _! m9i/]s1 _! gov]nors1 & milit>y *iefta9s _h /oop$1 con/itute a record :i* c h>dly f9d a p>allel 9 ! hi/ory ( any reveal$ religion4 ,! m]e recital ( ! mo/ sali5t features ( t s9i/] !me w\ld suffice to fill a volume4 ,!y knew full well t ! spiritual & adm9i/rative ,c5t] ( ! ,cause !y _h /riv5 to eradicate _h n[ %ift$ to _! dom9ion1 t its lead]s 7 ,turki% citiz5s1 & t :atev] res\rces ^! c\ld comm& 7 at _! m]cy4 ,t = a p]iod ( almo/ ?ree score ye>s & t51 :ile /ill 9 ! pl5itude ( its unque/ion$ au?ority1 :ile re9=c$ by ! endless ma*9ations ( ! civil & ecclesia/ical au?orities ( a neighbor+ nation1 & assur$ ( ! support ( ^? ( ,bah'u'llh's k9dr$ :o _h rebell$ aga9/1 & sec$$ f1 ,8 ,cause1 ?is despotism %\ld h fail$ 9 ! end to extirpate a m]e h&ful ( its condemn$ subjects mu/1 to e unbeliev+ obs]v]1 rema9 "o ( ! mo/ intrigu+ & my/]i\s episodes ( contempor>y hi/ory4 ,! ,cause ( :i* ,bah'u'llh 0 /ill ! visible lead] _h1 despite ! calculations ( a %ort-sight$ enemy1 und5iably triumph$4 ,no unbias$ m9d1 p5etrat+ ! surface ( conditions surr\nd+ ! ,prison] ( ,akk1 c\ld any long] mi/ake or d5y x4 ,?\gh ! t5sion :i* _h be5 relax$ 01 = a "t1 height5$ aft] ,bah'u'llh's asc5sion & ! p]ils ( a /ill unsettl$ situation 7 reviv$1 x 0 becom+ increas+ly evid5t t ! insidi\s =ces ( decay1 :i* = _m a long ye> 7 eat+ into ! vitals ( a diseas$ nation1 7 n[ mov+ t[>ds a climax4 ,a s]ies ( int]nal convulsions1 ea* m deva/at+ ?an ! previ\s "o1 _h already be5 un*a9$1 de/9$ to br+ 9 _! wake "o ( ! mo/ cata/rophic occurr5ces ( mod]n times4 ,! murd] ( t arrogant despot 9 ! ye> #ahgf2 ! ,russo-,turki% conflict t soon foll[$ 9 its wake2 ! w>s ( lib]ation :i* succe$$ x2 ! rise ( ! ,"y ,turk movem5t2 ! ,turki% ,revolution ( #aiji t precipitat$ ! d[nfall ( #8,abdu'l-amd2 ! ,balkan w>s ) _! calamit\s consequ5ces2 ! lib]ation ( ,pale/9e en%r9+ )9 its bosom ! cities ( ,akk & ,haifa1 ! _w c5t] ( an emancipat$ ,fai?2 ! fur!r dismemb]m5t decre$ by ! ,treaty ( ,v]sailles2 ! abolition ( ! ,sultanate & ! d[nfall ( ! ,h\se ( ,u?mn2 ! ext9ction ( ! ,caliphate2 ! dise/abli%m5t ( ! ,/ate ,religion2 ! annulm5t ( ! ,%ar'ah ,law & ! promulgation ( a univ]sal ,civil ,code2 ! suppression ( v>i\s ord]s1 beliefs1 traditions & c]emonials believ$ to be inextricably int]wov5 ) ! fabric ( ! ,muslim ,fai?--^! foll[$ ) an ease & swiftness t no man _h d>$ envisage4 ,9 ^! deva/at+ bl[s1 adm9i/]$ by fri5d & foe alike1 by ,*ri/ian nations & pr(ess+ ,muslims1 e foll[] ( ! p]secut$ ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh recogniz$ evid5ces ( ! direct+ ,h& ( ! dep>t$ ,f\nd] ( 8 religion1 ,:o1 f ! invisible ,realm1 0 unloos+ a flood ( well-des]v$ calamities ^u a rebelli\s religion & nation4 ,comp>e ! evid5ces ( ,div9e visitation :i* befell ! p]secutors ( ,jesus ,*ri/ ) ^! hi/oric retributions :i*1 9 ! latt] "p ( ! fir/ c5tury ( ! ,bah' ,era1 h hurl$ to du/ ! *ief adv]s>y ( ! religion ( ,bah'u'llh4 ,_h n ! ,roman ,emp]or1 9 ! second half ( ! fir/ c5tury ( ! ,*ri/ian ,era1 aft] a di/ressful siege ( ,j]usalem1 laid wa/e ! ,holy ,city1 de/roy$ ! ,temple1 desecrat$ & robb$ ! ,holy ( ,holies ( its treasures1 & transport$ !m to ,rome1 re>$ a pagan colony on ! m\nt ( ,zion1 massacr$ ! ,jews1 & exil$ & disp]s$ ! survivors8 ,comp>e1 moreov]1 ^! words :i* ! p]secut$ ,*ri/1 z witness$ by ! ,gospel1 address$ to ,j]usalem1 ) ,bah'u'llh's apo/rophe to ,con/ant9ople1 reveal$ :ile ,he lay 9 ,8 f>-(f ,prison1 & record$ 9 ,8 ,mo/ ,holy ,book3 8,o ,j]usalem1 ,j]usalem1 ?\ t kille/ ! ,prophets & /one/ !m :i* are s5t unto !e1 h[ (t5 w\ld ,i h ga!r$ ?y *ildr5 toge!r1 ev5 z a h5 ga!re? h] *ick5s "u h] w+s60 ,& aga91 z ,he wept ov] ! city3 8,if ?\ had/ kn[n1 ev5 ?\1 at lea/ 9 ?is ?y day1 ! ?+s :i* belong unto ?y peace6 b n[ !y are hid f ?9e eyes4 ,= ! days %all come ^u !e1 t ?9e enemies %all ca/ a tr5* ab\t !e1 & compass !e r\nd1 & keep !e 9 on e side1 & %all lay !e ev5 ) ! gr\nd1 & ?y *ildr5 )9 !e2 & !y %all n leave 9 !e "o /one ^u ano!r2 because ?\ knewe/ n ! "t ( ?y visitation40 8,o ,spot t art situate on ! %ores ( ! two seas60 ,bah'u'llh ?us apo/rophizes ! ,city ( ,con/ant9ople1 8,! ?rone ( tyranny ha?1 v]ily1 be5 e/abli%$ ^u !e1 & ! flame ( hatr$ ha? be5 k9dl$ )9 ?y bosom1 9 su* wise t ! ,conc\rse on high & !y :o circle ar\nd ! ,exalt$ ,?rone h wail$ & lam5t$4 ,we behold 9 !e ! fooli% rul+ ov] ! wise1 & d>kness vaunt+ itself aga9/ ! light4 ,?\ art inde$ fill$ ) manife/ pride4 ,ha? ?9e outw>d spl5dor made !e va+lori\s8 ,by ,him ,:o is ! ,"l ( mank9d6 ,x %all soon p]i%1 & ?y daught]s & ?y wid[s & all ! k9dr$s t dwell )9 !e %all lam5t4 ,?us in=me? !e ! ,all-,kn[+1 ! ,all-,wise40 ,to ,suln #8,abdu'l-#8,azz1 ! mon>* :o decre$ ea* ( ,bah'u'llh's ?ree bani%m5ts1 ! ,f\nd] ( our ,fai?1 :ile a prison] 9 ! ,suln's capital1 address$ ^! words3 8,he>k51 ,o k+1 to ! spee* ( ,him t speake? ! tru?1 ,him t do? n ask !e to recomp5se ,him ) ! ?+s ,god ha? *os5 to be/[ ^u !e1 ,him ,:o un]r+ly treade? ! ,/raight ,pa? 444,set be=e ?9e eyes ,god's un]r+ ,balance &1 z "o /&+ 9 ,8 pres5ce1 weigh 9 t ,balance ?9e actions e day1 e mom5t ( ?y life4 ,br+ ?yself to acc\nt ere ?\ art summon$ to a reckon+1 on ! day :5 no man %all h /r5g? to /& = fe> ( ,god1 ! day :5 ! he>ts ( ! he$less ones %all be made to tremble40 ,to ! ,m9i/]s ( ! ,turki% ,/ate1 ,he1 9 t same ,tablet1 reveal$3 8,x behoove? y1 ,o ,m9i/]s ( ,/ate1 to keep ! precepts ( ,god1 & to =sake y\r own laws & regulations1 & to be ( !m :o are guid$ aright444 ,ye %all1 erelong1 discov] ! consequ5ces ( t :i* ye %all h done 9 ?is va9 life1 & %all be repaid = !m444 ,h[ great ! numb] ( ^? :o1 9 bygone ages1 h committ$ ! ?+s ye h committ$1 & :o1 ?\gh sup]ior to y 9 rank1 h1 9 ! end1 return$ unto du/1 & be5 consign$ to _! inevitable doom6444 ,ye %all foll[ 9 _! wake1 & %all be made to ent] a habitation :]e9 none %all be f\nd to befri5d or help y444 ,! days ( y\r life %all roll away1 & all ! ?+s ) :i* ye are occupi$1 & ( :i* ye boa/ y\rselves1 %all p]i%1 & ye %all1 mo/ c]ta9ly1 be summon$ by a company ( ,8 angels to appe> at ! spot :]e ! limbs ( ! entire creation %all be made to tremble1 & ! fle% ( e oppressor to creep444 ,?is is ! day t %all inevitably come ^u y1 ! h\r t none c put back40 ,to ! inhabitants ( ,con/ant9ople1 :ile ,he liv$ ! life ( an exile 9 _! mid/1 ,bah'u'llh1 9 t same ,tablet1 address$ ^! words3 8,fe> ,god1 ye inhabitants ( ! ,city1 & s[ n ! se$s ( diss5sion among/ m5444 ,y\r days %all pass away z h ! days ( !m :o 7 be=e y4 ,to du/ %all ye return1 ev5 z y\r fa!rs ( old did return40 8,we f\nd10 ,he1 moreov]1 rem>ks1 8^u ,our arrival 9 ! ,city its gov]nors & eld]s z *ildr5 ga!r$ ab\t & disport+ !mselves ) clay444 ,our inn] eye wept sore ov] !m1 & ov] _! transgressions & _! total disreg>d ( ! ?+ = :i* !y 7 creat$444 ,! day is approa*+ :5 ,god w h rais$ up a p :o w call to remembrance ,our days1 :o w tell ! tale ( ,our trials1 :o w dem& ! re/itution ( ,our rights f !m t1 )\t a tittle ( evid5ce1 h treat$ ,u ) manife/ inju/ice4 ,god assur$ly dom9ate? ! lives ( !m t wrong$ ,u1 & is well aw>e ( _! do+s4 ,he w1 mo/ c]ta9ly1 lay hold on !m = _! s9s4 ,he1 v]ily1 is ! fi]ce/ ( av5g]s40 8,:]e=e10 ,he graci\sly exhorte? !m1 8he>k5 ye unto ,my spee*1 & return ye to ,god & rep5t1 t ,he1 ?r\gh ,8 grace1 may h m]cy ^u y1 may wa% away y\r s9s1 & =give y\r trespasses4 ,! greatness ( ,8 m]cy surpasse? ! fury ( ,8 wra?1 & ,8 grace encompasse? all :o h be5 call$ into be+ & be5 clo!d ) ! robe ( life1 be !y ( ! pa/ or ( ! future40 ,&1 f9ally1 9 ! ,law-i-,ra's we f9d ^! prophetic words record$3 8,he>k51 ,o ,*ief 444 to ! ,voice ( ,god1 ! ,sov]eign1 ! ,help 9 ,p]il1 ! ,self-,subsi/+444 ,?\ ha/1 ,o ,*ief1 committ$ t :i* ha? made ,muammad1 ! ,apo/le ( ,god1 groan 9 ! ,mo/ ,exalt$ ,p>adise4 ,! _w ha? made !e pr\d1 s mu* s t ?\ ha/ turn$ away f ! ,face ?r\gh ,^: brightness ! ,conc\rse on high ha? be5 illum9$4 ,soon ?\ %alt f9d ?yself 9 evid5t loss444 ,! day is approa*+ :5 ! ,l& ( ,my/]y 7,adrianople7 & :at is beside x %all be *ang$1 & %all pass out ( ! h&s ( ! ,k+1 & commotions %all appe>1 & ! voice ( lam5tation %all be rais$1 & ! evid5ces ( mis*ief %all be reveal$ on all sides1 & confusion %all spread by reason ( t :i* ha? befall5 ^! captives at ! h&s ( ! ho/s ( oppression4 ,! c\rse ( ?+s %all be alt]$1 & conditions %all wax s griev\s1 t ! v s&s on ! desolate hills w moan1 & ! trees on ! m\nta9 w weep1 & blood w fl[ out ( all ?+s4 ,!n wilt ?\ behold ! p 9 sore di/ress40 ,?irte5 hundr$ ye>s _h to elapse f ! dea? ( ! ,prophet ,muammad ere ! illegitimacy ( ! in/itution ( ! ,caliphate1 ! f\nd]s ( :i* _h usurp$ ! au?ority ( ! lawful successors ( ! ,apo/le ( ,god1 w\ld be fully & publicly demon/rat$4 ,an in/itution :i* 9 its inception _h trampl$ ^u s sacr$ a "r & un*a9$ ! =ces ( s di/ressful a s*ism1 an in/itution :i*1 9 ! latt] days1 _h dealt s griev\s a bl[ to a ,fai? ,^: ,=]unn] 0 ,himself a desc5dant ( ! v ,imms ^: au?ority t in/itution _h repudiat$1 des]v$ full well ! *a/isem5t t _h seal$ its fate4 ,! text ( c]ta9 ,muammadan traditions1 ! au!nticity ( :i* ,muslims !mselves recognize1 & :i* h be5 ext5sively quot$ by em95t ,ori5tal ,bah' s*ol>s & au?ors1 w s]ve to corroborate ! argum5t & illum9ate ! !me ,i h attempt$ to exp\nd3 8,9 ! latt] days a griev\s calamity %all befall ,my p at ! h&s ( _! rul]1 a calamity su* z no man ev] he>d to surpass x4 ,s fi]ce w x be t none c f9d a %elt]4 ,god w !n s5d d[n ,"o ( ,my desc5dants1 ,"o sprung f ,my family1 ,:o w fill ! e>? ) equity & ju/ice1 ev5 z x ha? be5 fill$ ) inju/ice & tyranny40 ,&1 aga93 8,a day %all be witness$ by ,my p :]eon !re w h rema9$ ( ,islm naught b a "n1 & ( ! ,qur'n naught b a m]e appe>ance4 ,! doctors ( t age %all be ! mo/ evil ! _w ha? ev] se54 ,mis*ief ha? proce$$ f !m1 & on !m w x recoil40 ,&1 aga93 8,at t h\r ,8 mal$iction %all desc5d ^u y1 & y\r curse %all afflict y1 & y\r religion %all rema9 an empty ^w on y\r tongues4 ,& :5 ^! signs appe> among/ y1 anticipate ! day :5 ! r$-hot w9d w h swept ov] y1 or ! day :5 ye w h be5 disfigur$1 or :5 /ones w h ra9$ ^u y40 8,o p ( ! ,qur'n10 ,bah'u'llh1 address+ ! comb9$ =ces ( ,sunn & ,%'ih ,islm1 significantly affirms1 8,v]ily1 ! ,prophet ( ,god1 ,muammad1 %$de? te>s at ! sight ( y\r cruelty4 ,ye h assur$ly foll[$ y\r evil & corrupt desires1 & turn$ away y\r face f ! light ( guidance4 ,erelong w ye witness ! result ( y\r de$s2 = ! ,"l1 ,my ,god1 lie? 9 wait & is wat*ful ( y\r behavior444 ,o conc\rse ( ,muslim div9es6 ,by y\r de$s ! exalt$ /ation ( ! p ha? be5 abas$1 ! /&>d ( ,islm ha? be5 rev]s$1 & its mighty ?rone ha? fall540 ,det]ioration ( ,*ri/ian ,in/itutions ,s mu* = ,islm & ! crippl+ bl[s its lead]s & in/itutions h receiv$--& may yet receive--9 ?is1 ! fir/ c5tury ( ! ,bah' ,era4 ,if ,i h dwelt too long on ?is !me1 if ,i h1 to a disproportionate degree1 quot$ f ! sacr$ writ+s 9 support ( my argum5t1 x is solely because ( my firm conviction t ^! retributive calamities t h ra9$ d[n ^u ! =emo/ oppressor ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh %\ld rank n only among ! /irr+ occurr5ces ( ?is ,age ( ,transition1 b z "s ( ! mo/ />tl+ & significant ev5ts ( contempor>y hi/ory4 ,bo? ,sunn & ,%'ih ,islm _h1 ?r\gh ! convulsions t _h seiz$ !m1 contribut$ to ! accel]ation ( ! disruptive process to :i* ,i h previ\sly ref]r$--a process :i*1 by its v nature1 is to pave ! way = t complete reorganization & unification :i* ! _w1 9 e aspect ( its life1 mu/ a*ieve4 ,:at ( ,*ri/ianity & ( ! d5om9ations ) :i* x /&s id5tifi$8 ,c x be said t ?is process ( det]ioration t has attack$ ! fabric ( ! ,religion ( ,muammad has fail$ to ex]t its baneful influ5ce on ! in/itutions associat$ ) ! ,fai? ( ,jesus ,*ri/8 ,h ^! in/itutions already exp]i5c$ ! impact ( ^! m5ac+ =ces8 ,are _! f\ndations s secure & _! vitality s great z to enable !m to resi/ ?is onslaught8 ,w !y1 z ! confusion ( a *aotic _w spreads & deep5s1 fall 9 turn a prey to _! viol5ce8 ,h ! m or?odox among !m already aris51 &1 if n1 w !y arise1 to repel ! onset ( a ,cause :i*1 hav+ pull$ d[n ! b>ri]s ( ,muslim or?odoxy1 is n[ advanc+ into ! he>t ( ,*ri/5dom1 9 bo? ! ,european & ,am]ican cont95ts8 ,w\ld su* a resi/ance s[ ! se$s ( fur!r diss5sion & confusion1 & consequ5tly s]ve indirectly to ha/5 ! adv5t ( ! promis$ ,day8 ,to ^! qu]ies we c b p>tly answ]4 ,"t alone c reveal ! nature ( ! rle :i* ! in/itutions directly associat$ ) ! ,*ri/ian ,fai? are de/9$ to assume 9 ?is1 ! ,=mative ,p]iod ( ! ,bah' ,era1 ?is d>k age ( transition ?r\gh :i* humanity z a :ole is pass+4 ,su* ev5ts z h already transpir$1 h[ev]1 are ( su* a nature z c indicate ! direction 9 :i* ^! in/itutions are mov+4 ,we c1 9 "s degree1 appraise ! probable effect :i* ! =ces op]at+ bo? )9 ! ,bah' ,fai? & outside x w ex]t ^u !m4 ,t ! =ces ( irreligion1 ( a purely mat]iali/ic philosophy1 ( unconceal$ paganism h be5 unloos$1 are n[ spread+1 &1 by consolidat+ !mselves1 are beg9n+ to invade "s ( ! mo/ p[]ful ,*ri/ian in/itutions ( ! we/]n _w1 no unbias$ obs]v] c fail to admit4 ,t ^! in/itutions are becom+ increas+ly re/ive1 t a few among !m are already dimly aw>e ( ! p]vasive influ5ce ( ! ,cause ( ,bah'u'llh1 t !y w1 z _! inh]5t /r5g? det]iorates & _! discipl9e relaxes1 reg>d ) deep5+ dismay ! rise ( ,8 ,new ,_w ,ord]1 & w gradually det]m9e to assail x1 t su* an opposition w 9 turn accel]ate _! decl9e1 few1 if any1 among ^? :o are att5tively wat*+ ! progress ( ,8 ,fai? w\ld be incl9$ to "q4 8,! vitality ( m5's belief 9 ,god10 ,bah'u'llh has te/ifi$1 8is dy+ out 9 e l&2 no?+ %ort ( ,8 :olesome m$ic9e c ev] re/ore x4 ,! corrosion ( ungodl9ess is eat+ into ! vitals ( human society2 :at else b ! ,elixir ( ,8 pot5t ,revelation c cleanse & revive x80 8,! _w is 9 travail10 ,he has fur!r writt51 8& its agitation waxe? day by day4 ,its face is turn$ t[>ds wayw>dness & unbelief4 ,su* %all be its plight t to disclose x n[ w\ld n be meet & seemly40 ,?is m5ace ( secul>ism t has attack$ ,islm & is und]m9+ its rema9+ in/itutions1 t has invad$ ,p]sia1 has p5etrat$ into ,india1 & rais$ its triumphant head 9 ,turkey1 has already manife/$ itself 9 bo? ,europe & ,am]ica1 & is1 9 v>y+ degrees1 & "u v>i\s =ms & designations1 *all5g+ ! basis ( e e/abli%$ religion1 & 9 p>ticul> ! in/itutions & communities id5tifi$ ) ! ,fai? ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,x w\ld be no exagg]ation to say t we are mov+ into a p]iod :i* ! future hi/orian w reg>d z "o ( ! mo/ critical 9 ! hi/ory ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,already a few among ! protagoni/s ( ! ,*ri/ian ,religion admit ! gravity ( ! situation t confronts !m4 8,a wave ( mat]ialism is sweep+ r\nd ! _w02 is ! te/imony ( its mission>ies1 z witness$ by ! text ( _! (ficial reports1 8! drive & pressure ( mod]n indu/rialism1 :i* are p5etrat+ ev5 ! =e/s ( ,c5tral ,africa & ! pla9s ( ,c5tral ,asia1 make m5 ev]y:]e dep5d5t on1 & preoccupi$ )1 mat]ial ?+s4 ,at home ! ,*ur* has talk$1 p]haps too glibly1 9 pulpit or on plat=m ( ! m5ace ( secul>ism2 ?\gh ev5 9 ,engl& we c cat* m ?an a glimpse ( its mean+4 ,b to ! ,*ur* ov]seas ^! ?+s are grim realities1 enemies ) :i* x is at grips444 ,! ,*ur* has a new dang] to face 9 l& aft] l&--det]m9$ & ho/ile attack4 ,f ,soviet ,russia a def9itely anti-religi\s ,communism is pu%+ we/ into ,europe & ,am]ica1 ,ea/ into ,p]sia1 ,india1 ,*9a & ,japan4 ,x is an economic !ory1 def9itely h>ness$ to disbelief 9 ,god4 ,x is a religi\s irreligion444 ,x has a passionate s5se ( mission1 & is c>ry+ on its anti-,god campaign at ! ,*ur*'s base at home1 z well z laun*+ its (f5sive aga9/ its front-l9e 9 non-,*ri/ian l&s4 ,su* a consci\s1 av[$1 organiz$ attack aga9/ religion 9 g5]al & ,*ri/ianity 9 p>ticul> is some?+ new 9 hi/ory4 ,equally delib]ate 9 "s l&s 9 its det]m9$ ho/ility to ,*ri/ianity is ano!r =m ( social & political fai?--nationalism4 ,b ! nationali/ attack on ,*ri/ianity1 unlike ,communism1 is (t5 b\nd up ) "s =m ( national religion--) ,islm 9 ,p]sia & ,egypt1 ) ,buddhism 9 ,ceylon1 :ile ! /ruggle = communal rights 9 ,india is alli$ ) a revival bo? ( ,h9duism & ,islm40 ,i ne$ n attempt 9 ?is connection an exposition ( ! orig9 & "* ( ^? economic !ories & political philosophies ( ! po/-w> p]iod1 t h directly & indirectly ex]t$1 & are /ill ex]t+1 _! p]nici\s influ5ce on ! in/itutions & beliefs connect$ ) "o ( ! mo/ widely-spread & be/ organiz$ religi\s sy/ems ( ! _w4 ,x is ) _! influ5ce r ?an ) _! orig9 t ,i am *iefly conc]n$4 ,! excessive gr[? ( indu/rialism & its att5dant evils--z ! a=em5tion$ quotation be>s witness--! aggressive policies initiat$ & ! p]si/5t ef=ts ex]t$ by ! inspir]s & organiz]s ( ! ,communi/ movem5t2 ! int5sification ( a militant nationalism1 associat$ 9 c]ta9 c\ntries ) a sy/ematiz$ "w ( defamation aga9/ all =ms ( ecclesia/ical influ5ce1 h no d\bt contribut$ to ! de-,*ri/ianization ( ! masses1 & be5 responsible = a notable decl9e 9 ! au?ority1 ! pre/ige & p[] ( ! ,*ur*4 8,! :ole conception ( ,god10 ! p]secutors ( ! ,*ri/ian ,religion h insi/5tly proclaim$1 8is a conception d]iv$ f ! anci5t ori5tal despotisms4 ,x is a conception q unwor?y ( free m540 8,religion10 "o ( _! lead]s has ass]t$1 8is an opiate ( ! p40 8,religion10 decl>es ! text ( _! (ficial publications1 8is a brutalization ( ! p4 ,education mu/ be s direct$ z to efface f ! p's m9ds ?is humiliation & ?is idiocy40 ,! ,hegelian philosophy :i*1 9 o!r c\ntries1 has1 9 ! =m ( an intol]ant & militant nationalism1 insi/$ on deify+ ! /ate1 has inculcat$ ! w>-_s1 & incit$ to racial animosity1 has1 likewise1 l$ to a m>k$ weak5+ ( ! ,*ur* & to a grave dim9ution ( its spiritual influ5ce4 ,unlike ! bold (f5sive :i* an av[$ly a!i/ic movem5t _h *os5 to laun* aga9/ x1 bo? )9 ! ,soviet union & beyond its conf9es1 ?is nationali/ic philosophy1 :i* ,*ri/ian rul]s & gov]nm5ts h upheld1 is an attack direct$ aga9/ ! ,*ur* by ^? :o 7 previ\sly its pr(ess$ adh]5ts1 a betrayal ( its cause by its own ki? & k94 ,x 0 be+ /abb$ by an ali5 & militant a!ism f )\t1 & by ! prea*]s ( a h]etical doctr9e f )94 ,bo? ( ^! =ces1 ea* op]at+ 9 its own sph]e & us+ its own weapons & me?ods1 h moreov] be5 greatly assi/$ & enc\rag$ by ! prevail+ _s ( mod]nism1 ) its emphasis on a purely mat]iali/ic philosophy1 :i*1 z x diffuses itself1 t5ds increas+ly to divorce religion f man's daily life4 ,! comb9$ effect ( ^! /range & corrupt doctr9es1 ^! dang]\s & trea*]\s philosophies1 has1 z 0 natural1 be5 sev]ely felt by ^? ^: t5ets inculcat$ an opposite & :olly irreconcilable _s & pr9ciple4 ,! consequ5ces ( ! cla% t inevitably ensu$ betwe5 ^! cont5d+ int]e/s1 71 9 "s cases1 disa/r\s1 & ! damage t has be5 wr\ght irrep>able4 ,! dise/abli%m5t & dismemb]m5t ( ! ,greek ,or?odox ,*ur* 9 ,russia1 foll[+ ^u ! bl[ :i* ! ,*ur* ( ,rome _h su/a9$ z a result ( ! collapse ( ! ,au/ro-,hung>ian ,mon>*y2 ! commotion t subsequ5tly seiz$ ! ,ca?olic ,*ur* & culm9at$ 9 its sep>ation f ! ,/ate 9 ,spa92 ! p]secution ( ! same ,*ur* 9 ,mexico2 ! p]quisitions1 arre/s1 intimidation & t]rorization to :i* ,ca?olics & ,lu!rans alike are be+ subject$ 9 ! he>t ( ,europe2 ! turmoil into :i* ano!r bran* ( ! ,*ur* has be5 ?r[n z a result ( ! milit>y campaign 9 ,africa2 ! decl9e t has set 9 ! =tunes ( ,*ri/ian ,missions1 bo? ,anglican & ,presbyt]ian1 9 ,p]sia1 ,turkey1 & ! ,f> ,ea/2 ! om9\s signs t =e%ad[ s]i\s complications 9 ! equivocal & prec>i\s relation%ips n[ exi/+ betwe5 ! ,holy ,see & c]ta9 nations 9 ! cont95t ( ,europe--^! /& out z ! mo/ /rik+ features ( ! rev]ses :i*1 9 almo/ e "p ( ! _w1 ! memb]s & lead]s ( ,*ri/ian ecclesia/ical in/itutions h suff]$4 ,t ! solid>ity ( "s ( ^! in/itutions has be5 irretrievably %att]$ is too app>5t = any intellig5t obs]v] to mi/ake or d5y4 ,! cleavage betwe5 ! fundam5tali/s & ! lib]als among _! adh]5ts is cont9ually wid5+4 ,_! cre$s & dogmas h be5 wat]$ d[n1 & 9 c]ta9 in/ances ignor$ & disc>d$4 ,_! hold ^u human conduct is loos5+1 & ! p]sonnel ( _! m9i/ries is dw9dl+ 9 numb] & 9 influ5ce4 ,! timidity & ins9c]ity ( _! prea*]s are1 9 sev]al in/ances1 be+ expos$4 ,_! end[m5ts h1 9 "s c\ntries1 disappe>$1 & ! =ce ( _! religi\s tra9+ has decl9$4 ,_! temples h be5 p>tly des]t$ & de/roy$1 & an oblivion ( ,god1 ( ,8 tea*+s & ( ,8 ,purpose1 has enfeebl$ & heap$ humiliation ^u !m4 ,might n ?is dis9tegrat+ t5d5cy1 f :i* ,sunn & ,%'ih ,islm h s conspicu\sly suff]$1 unloose1 z x rea*es its climax1 /ill fur!r calamities ^u ! v>i\s d5om9ations ( ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur*8 ,9 :at mann] & h[ rapidly ?is process1 :i* has already set 91 w develop ! future alone c reveal4 ,nor c x1 at ! pres5t "t1 be e/imat$ to :at ext5t w ! attacks :i* a /ill p[]ful cl]gy may yet laun* aga9/ ! /rongholds ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh 9 ! ,we/ acc5tuate ?is decl9e & wid5 ! range ( inescapable disa/]s4 ,if ,*ri/ianity wi%es & expects to s]ve ! _w 9 ! pres5t crisis1 writes a m9i/] ( ! ,presbyt]ian ,*ur* 9 ,am]ica1 x mu/ 8cut back ?r\gh ,*ri/ianity to ,*ri/1 back ?r\gh ! c5turies-old religion ab\t ,jesus to ! orig9al religion ( ,jesus40 ,o!rwise1 he significantly adds1 8! _s ( ,*ri/ w live 9 in/itutions o!r ?an our own40 ,s m>k$ a decl9e 9 ! /r5g? & cohesion ( ! elem5ts con/itut+ ,*ri/ian society has l$1 9 its turn1 z we might well anticipate1 to ! em]g5ce ( an increas+ numb] ( obscure cults1 ( /range & new wor%ips1 ( ineffective philosophies1 ^: sophi/icat$ doctr9es h int5sifi$ ! confusion ( a tr\bl$ age4 ,9 _! t5ets & pursuits !y may be said to reflect & be> witness to ! revolt1 ! discont5t1 & ! confus$ aspirations ( ! disillusion$ masses t h des]t$ ! cause ( ! ,*ri/ian *ur*es & sec$$ f _! memb]%ip4 ,a p>allel might almo/ be drawn betwe5 ^! confus$ & confus+ sy/ems ( ?\ght t are ! direct outcome ( ! helplessness & confusion afflict+ ! ,*ri/ian ,fai? & ! great v>iety ( popul> cults1 ( fa%ionable & evasive philosophies :i* fl\ri%$ 9 ! op5+ c5turies ( ! ,*ri/ian ,era1 & :i* attempt$ to absorb & p]v]t ! /ate religion ( t ,roman p4 ,! pagan wor%ip]s :o con/itut$1 at t "t1 ! bulk ( ! population ( ! ,we/]n ,roman ,empire1 f\nd !mselves surr\nd$1 & 9 c]ta9 in/ances m5ac$1 by ! prevail+ sect ( ! ,neo-,platoni/s1 by ! foll[]s ( nature religions1 by ,gno/ic philosoph]s1 by ,philonism1 ,mi?raism1 ! adh]5ts ( ! ,alex&rian cult1 & a multitude ( k9dr$ sects & beliefs1 9 mu* ! same way z ! def5d]s ( ! ,*ri/ian ,fai?1 ! prepond]at+ religion ( ! we/]n _w1 are realiz+1 9 ! fir/ c5tury ( ! ,bah' ,era1 h[ _! influ5ce is be+ und]m9$ by a flood ( conflict+ beliefs1 practices & t5d5cies :i* _! own bankruptcy _h help$ to create4 ,x 01 h[ev]1 ?is same ,*ri/ian ,religion1 :i* has n[ fall5 into su* a /ate ( impot5ce1 t ev5tually prov$ itself capable ( sweep+ away ! in/itutions ( paganism & ( swamp+ & suppress+ ! cults t _h fl\ri%$ 9 t age4 ,su* in/itutions z h /ray$ f> f ! _s & tea*+s ( ,jesus ,*ri/ mu/ ( necessity1 z ! embryonic ,_w ,ord] ( ,bah'u'llh takes %ape & unfolds1 rec$e into ! backgr\nd1 & make way = ! progress ( ! div9ely-orda9$ in/itutions t /& inextricably int]wov5 ) ,8 tea*+s4 ,! indwell+ ,_s ( ,god :i*1 9 ! ,apo/olic ,age ( ! ,*ur*1 animat$ its memb]s1 ! pri/9e purity ( its tea*+s1 ! primitive brilliancy ( its light1 w1 no d\bt1 be reborn & reviv$ z ! inevitable consequ5ce ( ?is r$ef9ition ( its fundam5tal v]ities1 & ! cl>ification ( its orig9al purpose4 ,= ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh--if we w\ld fai?fully appraise x--c nev]1 & 9 no aspect ( its tea*+s1 be at v>iance1 mu* less conflict1 ) ! purpose animat+1 or ! au?ority inve/$ 91 ! ,fai? ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,?is gl[+ tribute :i* ,bah'u'llh ,himself has be5 mov$ to pay to ! ,au?or ( ! ,*ri/ian ,religion /&s z suffici5t te/imony to ! tru? ( ?is c5tral pr9ciple ( ,bah' belief3--8,"k ?\ t :5 ! ,son ( ,man yield$ up ,8 brea? to ,god1 ! :ole creation wept ) a great weep+4 ,by sacrific+ ,himself1 h[ev]1 a fre% capacity 0 infus$ into all creat$ ?+s4 ,its evid5ces1 z witness$ 9 all ! peoples ( ! e>?1 are n[ manife/ be=e !e4 ,! deepe/ wisdom :i* ! sages h utt]$1 ! pr(\nde/ le>n+ :i* any m9d ha? unfold$1 ! arts :i* ! able/ h&s h produc$1 ! influ5ce ex]t$ by ! mo/ pot5t ( rul]s1 are b manife/ations ( ! quick5+ p[] releas$ by ,8 transc5d5t1 ,8 all-p]vasive & respl5d5t ,_s4 ,we te/ify t :5 ,he came into ! _w1 ,he %$ ! spl5dor ( ,8 glory ^u all creat$ ?+s4 ,?r\gh ,him ! lep] recov]$ f ! leprosy ( p]v]sity & ignorance4 ,?r\gh ,him ! un*a/e & wayw>d 7 heal$4 ,?r\gh ,8 p[]1 born ( ,almighty ,god1 ! eyes ( ! bl9d 7 op5$1 & ! s\l ( ! s9n] sanctifi$444 ,he x is ,:o purifi$ ! _w4 ,bless$ is ! man :o1 ) a face beam+ ) light1 ha? turn$ t[>ds ,him40 ,signs ( ,moral ,d[nfall ,no m1 ,i believe1 ne$ be said ( ! decl9e ( religi\s in/itutions1 ! dis9tegration ( :i* con/itutes s important an aspect ( ! ,=mative ,p]iod ( ! ,bah' ,era4 ,islm _h bo? z a result ( ! ris+ tide ( secul>ism & 9 direct consequ5ce ( its decl>$ & p]si/5t ho/ility to ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh sunk to a dep? ( abasem5t r>ely atta9$ 9 its hi/ory4 ,*ri/ianity _h1 likewise1 ow+ to causes n :olly dissimil> to ^? op]at+ 9 ! case ( its si/] ,fai?1 /eadily weak5$1 & 0 contribut+1 9 an increas+ measure1 its %>e to ! process ( g5]al dis9tegration--a process t mu/ necess>ily prec$e ! fundam5tal recon/ruction ( human society4 ,! signs ( moral d[nfall1 z di/9ct f ! evid5ces ( decay 9 religi\s in/itutions1 w\ld appe> to be no less noticeable & significant4 ,! decl9e t has set 9 9 ! =tunes ( ,islamic & ,*ri/ian in/itutions may be said to h _h its c\nt]p>t 9 ! life & conduct ( ! individuals t compose !m4 ,9 :i*ev] direction we turn our gaze1 no matt] h[ cursory our obs]vation ( ! do+s & say+s ( ! pres5t g5]ation1 we c n fail to be /ruck by ! evid5ces ( moral decad5ce :i*1 9 _! individual lives no less ?an 9 _! collective capacity1 m5 & wom5 ar\nd u exhibit4 ,!re c be no d\bt t ! decl9e ( religion z a social =ce1 ( :i* ! det]ioration ( religi\s in/itutions is b an ext]nal ph5om5on1 is *iefly responsible = s grave1 s conspicu\s an evil4 8,religion10 writes ,bah'u'llh1 8is ! greate/ ( all means = ! e/abli%m5t ( ord] 9 ! _w & = ! peaceful cont5tm5t ( all t dwell !re94 ,! weak5+ ( ! pill>s ( religion ha? /r5g!n$ ! h&s ( ! ignorant & made !m bold & arrogant4 ,v]ily ,i say1 :atsoev] ha? l[]$ ! l(ty /ation ( religion ha? increas$ ! wayw>dness ( ! wick$1 & ! result _c be b an>*y40 8,religion10 ,he1 9 ano!r ,tablet1 has /at$1 8is a radiant light & an impregnable /ronghold = ! protection & welf>e ( ! peoples ( ! _w1 = ! fe> ( ,god impelle? man to hold fa/ to t :i* is good1 & %un all evil4 ,%\ld ! lamp ( religion be obscur$1 *aos & confusion w ensue1 & ! lights ( fairness1 ( ju/ice1 ( tranquillity & peace cease to %9e40 8,"k ?\10 ,he1 9 yet ano!r connection1 has writt51 8t !y :o are truly wise h lik5$ ! _w unto ! human temple4 ,z ! body ( man ne$e? a g>m5t to clo! x1 s ! body ( mank9d mu/ ne$s be adorn$ ) ! mantle ( ju/ice & wisdom4 ,its robe is ! ,revelation v\*saf$ unto x by ,god40 ,no wond]1 !re=e1 t :51 z a result ( human p]v]sity1 ! light ( religion is qu5*$ 9 m5's he>ts1 & ! div9ely appo9t$ ,robe1 design$ to adorn ! human temple1 is delib]ately disc>d$1 a deplorable decl9e 9 ! =tunes ( humanity imm$iately sets 91 br++ 9 its wake all ! evils :i* a wayw>d s\l is capable ( reveal+4 ,! p]v]sion ( human nature1 ! degradation ( human conduct1 ! corruption & dissolution ( human in/itutions1 reveal !mselves1 "u su* circum/ances1 9 _! wor/ & mo/ revolt+ aspects4 ,human "* is debas$1 confid5ce is %ak51 ! n]ves ( discipl9e are relax$1 ! voice ( human consci5ce is /ill$1 ! s5se ( dec5cy & %ame is obscur$1 conceptions ( duty1 ( solid>ity1 ( reciprocity & loyalty are di/ort$1 & ! v feel+ ( peacefulness1 ( joy & ( hope is gradually ext+ui%$4 ,su*1 we might well admit1 is ! /ate :i* individuals & in/itutions alike are approa*+4 8,no two m510 ,bah'u'llh1 lam5t+ ! plight ( an err+ humanity1 has writt51 8c be f\nd :o may be said to be outw>dly & inw>dly unit$4 ,! evid5ces ( discord & malice are app>5t ev]y:]e1 ?\gh all 7 made = h>mony & union40 8,h[ long10 ,he1 9 ! same ,tablet1 exclaims1 8w humanity p]si/ 9 its wayw>dness8 ,h[ long w inju/ice cont9ue8 ,h[ long is *aos & confusion to reign among/ m58 ,h[ long w discord agitate ! face ( society8 ,! w9ds ( despair are1 alas1 bl[+ f e direction1 & ! /rife t divide? & afflicte? ! human race is daily increas+40 ,! recrudesc5ce ( religi\s intol]ance1 ( racial animosity1 & ( patriotic arrogance2 ! increas+ evid5ces ( selfi%ness1 ( suspicion1 ( fe> & ( fraud2 ! spread ( t]rorism1 ( lawlessness1 ( drunk5ness & ( crime2 ! unqu5*able ?ir/ =1 & ! fev]i% pursuit aft]1 e>?ly vanities1 ri*es & pleasures2 ! weak5+ ( family solid>ity2 ! laxity 9 p>5tal control2 ! lapse into luxuri\s indulg5ce2 ! irresponsible attitude t[>ds m>riage & ! consequ5t ris+ tide ( divorce2 ! deg5]acy ( art & music1 ! infection ( lit]ature1 & ! corruption ( ! press2 ! ext5sion ( ! influ5ce & activities ( ^? 8prophets ( decad5ce0 :o advocate companionate m>riage1 :o prea* ! philosophy ( nudism1 :o call mode/y an intellectual fiction1 :o refuse to reg>d ! procreation ( *ildr5 z ! sacr$ & prim>y purpose ( m>riage1 :o d5\nce religion z an opiate ( ! p1 :o w\ld1 if giv5 free re91 lead back ! human race to b>b>ism1 *aos1 & ultimate ext9ction--^! appe> z ! out/&+ *>act]i/ics ( a decad5t society1 a society t mu/ ei!r be reborn or p]i%4 ,breakd[n ( ,political & ,economic ,/ructure ,politically a simil> decl9e1 a no less noticeable evid5ce ( dis9tegration & confusion1 c be discov]$ 9 ! age we live 9--! age :i* a future hi/orian might well recognize to h be5 ! preamble to ! ,great ,age1 ^: gold5 days we c z yet b dimly visualize4 ,! passionate & viol5t happ5+s t h1 9 rec5t ye>s1 /ra9$ to almo/ ! po9t ( complete breakd[n ! political & economic /ructure ( society are too num]\s & complex to attempt1 )9 ! limitations ( ?is g5]al survey1 to arrive at an adequate e/imate ( _! "*4 ,nor h ^! tribulations1 griev\s z !y h be51 seem$ to h rea*$ _! climax1 & ex]t$ ! full =ce ( _! de/ructive p[]4 ,! :ole _w1 :]ev] & h[ev] we survey x1 (f]s u ! sad & pitiful spectacle ( a va/1 an enfeebl$1 & moribund organism1 :i* is be+ torn politically & /rangulat$ economically by =ces x has ceas$ to ei!r control or compreh5d4 ,! ,great ,depression1 ! aft]ma? ( ! sev]e/ ordeals humanity _h ev] exp]i5c$1 ! dis9tegration ( ! ,v]sailles sy/em1 ! recrudesc5ce ( milit>ism 9 its mo/ m5ac+ aspects1 ! failure ( va/ exp]im5ts & new-born in/itutions to safegu>d ! peace & tranquillity ( peoples1 classes & nations1 h bitt]ly disillusion$ humanity & pro/rat$ its spirits4 ,its hopes are1 = ! mo/ "p1 %att]$1 its vitality is ebb+1 its life /rangely disord]$1 its unity sev]ely compromis$4 ,on ! cont95t ( ,europe invet]ate hatr$s & increas+ rivalries are once m align+ its ill-fat$ peoples & nations into comb9ations de/9$ to precipitate ! mo/ awful & implacable tribulations t mank9d ?r\gh\t its long record ( m>tyrdom has suff]$4 ,on ! ,nor? ,am]ican cont95t economic di/ress1 indu/rial disorganization1 widespread discont5t at ! abortive exp]im5ts design$ to readju/ an ill-balanc$ economy1 & re/lessness & fe> inspir$ by ! possibility ( political entanglem5ts 9 bo? ,europe & ,asia1 port5d ! approa* ( :at may well prove to be "o ( ! mo/ critical phases ( ! hi/ory ( ! ,am]ican ,republic4 ,asia1 /ill to a great ext5t 9 ! grip ( "o ( ! sev]e/ trials %e has1 9 h] rec5t hi/ory1 exp]i5c$1 f9ds h]self m5ac$ on h] ea/]n conf9es by ! onset ( =ces t ?reat5 to int5sify ! /ruggles :i* ! gr[+ nationalism & indu/rialization ( h] emancipat$ races mu/ ultimately eng5d]4 ,9 ! he>t ( ,africa1 !re blazes ! fire ( an atroci\s & bloody w>--a w> :i*1 :atev] its outcome1 is de/9$ to ex]t1 ?r\gh its _w-wide rep]cussions1 a mo/ di/urb+ influ5ce on ! races & color$ nations ( mank9d4 ,) no less ?an t5 million p "u arms1 drill$ & in/ruct$ 9 ! use ( ! mo/ abom9able eng9es ( de/ruction t sci5ce has devis$2 ) ?rice t numb] *af+ & frett+ at ! rule ( ali5 races & gov]nm5ts2 ) an equally va/ army ( embitt]$ citiz5s impot5t to procure = !mselves ! mat]ial goods & necessities :i* o!rs are delib]ately de/roy+2 ) a /ill great] mass ( human be+s groan+ "u ! burd5 ( ev]-m\nt+ armam5ts1 & impov]i%$ by ! virtual collapse ( int]national trade--) evils su* z ^!1 humanity w\ld seem to be def9itely ent]+ ! out] fr+es ( ! mo/ agoniz+ phase ( its exi/5ce4 ,is x to be wond]$ at1 t 9 ! c\rse ( a rec5t /atem5t made by "o ( ! out/&+ ,m9i/]s 9 ,europe ?is w>n+ %\ld h be5 delib]ately utt]$3 8,if w> %\ld break out aga9 on a major scale 9 ,europe1 x mu/ br+ ! collapse ( civilization z we "k x 9 its wake4 ,9 ! words ( ! late ,"l ,bryce1 #8,if y don't end w>1 w> w end y4'0 8,poor ,europe is 9 a /ate ( neura/h5ia44401 is ! te/imony ( "o ( ! mo/ out/&+ figures among its pres5t-day dictators4 8,x has lo/ its recup]ative p[]1 ! vital =ce ( cohesion1 ( syn!sis4 ,ano!r w> w\ld de/roy u40 8,x is likely10 writes "o ( ! mo/ em95t & le>n$ dignit>ies ( ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur*1 8!re w h to be "o m great conflict 9 ,europe to def9itely e/abli% once & = all an int]national au?ority4 ,?is conflict w be ! mo/ horrible ( horribles1 & possibly ?is g5]ation w be call$ on to sacrifice hundr$s ( ?\s&s ( lives40 ,! disa/r\s failure ( bo? ! ,dis>mam5t & ,economic ,conf]5ces2 ! ob/acles confront+ ! negotiations = ! limitation ( ,naval armam5ts2 ! )drawal ( two ( ! mo/ p[]ful & heavily arm$ nations ( ! _w f ! activities & memb]%ip ( ! ,league ( ,nations2 ! ineptitude ( ! p>liam5t>y sy/em ( gov]nm5t z witness$ by rec5t developm5ts 9 ,europe & ,am]ica2 ! inability ( ! lead]s & expon5ts ( ! ,communi/ movem5t to v9dicate ! mu*-vaunt$ pr9ciple ( ! ,dictator%ip ( ! ,prolet>iat2 ! p]ils & privations to :i* ! rul]s ( ! ,totalit>ian /ates h1 9 rec5t ye>s1 expos$ _! subjects--all ^! demon/rate1 beyond ! %ad[ ( a d\bt1 ! impot5ce ( pres5t-day in/itutions to av]t ! calamities ) :i* human society is be+ increas+ly ?reat5$4 ,:at else rema9s1 a bewild]$ g5]ation may well ask1 t c repair ! cleavage t is con/antly wid5+1 & :i* may1 at any "t1 engulf x8 ,beset on e side by ! cumulative evid5ces ( dis9tegration1 ( turmoil & ( bankruptcy1 s]i\s-m9d$ m5 & wom51 9 almo/ e walk ( life1 are beg9n+ to d\bt :e!r society1 z x is n[ organiz$1 c1 ?r\gh its unaid$ ef=ts1 extricate itself f ! sl\gh into :i* x is /eadily s9k+4 ,e sy/em1 %ort ( ! unification ( ! human race1 has be5 tri$1 repeat$ly tri$1 & be5 f\nd want+4 ,w>s aga9 & aga9 h be5 f\ght1 & conf]5ces )\t numb] h met & delib]at$4 ,treaties1 pacts & cov5ants h be5 pa9/ak+ly negotiat$1 conclud$ & revis$4 ,sy/ems ( gov]nm5t h be5 pati5tly te/$1 h be5 cont9ually reca/ & sup]s$$4 ,economic plans ( recon/ruction h be5 c>efully devis$1 & meticul\sly execut$4 ,& yet crisis has succe$$ crisis1 & ! rapidity ) :i* a p]il\sly un/able _w is decl9+ has be5 correspond+ly accel]at$4 ,a yawn+ gulf ?reat5s to involve 9 "o common disa/] bo? ! satisfi$ & dissatisfi$ nations1 democracies & dictator%ips1 capitali/s & wage-e>n]s1 ,europeans & ,asiatics1 ,jew & ,g5tile1 :ite & color$4 ,an angry ,provid5ce1 ! cynic might well obs]ve1 has ab&on$ a hapless planet to its fate1 & fix$ irrevocably its doom4 ,sore-tri$ & disillusion$1 humanity has no d\bt lo/ its ori5tation1 & w\ld seem to h lo/ z well its fai? & hope4 ,x is hov]+1 un%eph]d$ & visionless1 on ! br9k ( disa/]4 ,a s5se ( fatality seems to p]vade x4 ,an ev]-deep5+ gloom is settl+ on its =tunes z %e rec$es fur!r & fur!r f ! out] fr+es ( ! d>ke/ zone ( its agitat$ life & p5etrates its v he>t4 ,& yet :ile ! %ad[s are cont9ually deep5+1 might we n claim t gleams ( hope1 fla%+ int]mitt5tly on ! int]national horizon1 appe> at times to relieve ! d>kness t encircles humanity8 ,w\ld x be untrue to ma9ta9 t 9 a _w ( unsettl$ fai? & di/urb$ ?\ght1 a _w ( /eadily m\nt+ armam5ts1 ( unqu5*able hatr$s & rivalries1 ! progress1 h[ev] fitful1 ( ! =ces work+ 9 h>mony ) ! _s ( ! age c already be disc]n$8 ,?\gh ! great outcry rais$ by po/-w> nationalism is gr[+ l\d] & m insi/5t e day1 ! ,league ( ,nations is z yet 9 its embryonic /ate1 & ! /orm cl\ds t are ga!r+ may = a "t totally eclipse its p[]s & oblit]ate its ma*9]y1 yet ! direction 9 :i* ! in/itution itself is op]at+ is mo/ significant4 ,! voices t h be5 rais$ ev] s9ce its inception1 ! ef=ts t h be5 ex]t$1 ! "w t has already be5 accompli%$1 =e%ad[ ! triumphs :i* ?is pres5tly con/itut$ in/itution1 or any o!r body t may sup]s$e x1 is de/9$ to a*ieve4 ,bah'u'llh's ,pr9ciple ( ,collective ,security ,a g5]al ,pact on security has be5 ! c5tral purpose t[>ds :i* ^! ef=ts h1 ev] s9ce ! ,league 0 born1 t5d$ to conv]ge4 ,! ,treaty ( ,gu>antee :i*1 9 ! initial /ages ( its developm5t1 its memb]s _h consid]$ & discuss$2 ! debate on ! ,g5eva ,protocol1 ! discussion ( :i*1 at a lat] p]iod1 ar\s$ among ! nations1 bo? )9 ! ,league & outside x1 su* fi]ce controv]sy2 ! subsequ5t proposal = a ,unit$ ,/ates ( ,europe & = ! economic unification ( t cont95t2 & la/ b n lea/ ! policy ( sanctions initiat$ by its memb]s1 may be reg>d$ z ! mo/ significant l&m>ks 9 its *eck]$ hi/ory4 ,t no less ?an fifty nations ( ! _w1 all memb]s ( ! ,league ( ,nations1 %\ld h1 aft] mature delib]ation1 recogniz$ & be5 l$ to pron\nce _! v]dict aga9/ an act ( aggression :i* 9 _! judgm5t has be5 delib]ately committ$ by "o ( _! fell[-memb]s1 "o ( ! =emo/ ,p[]s ( ,europe2 t !y %\ld h1 = ! mo/ "p1 agre$ to impose collectively sanctions on ! condemn$ aggressor1 & %\ld h succe$$ 9 c>ry+ out1 to a v great measure1 _! decision1 is no d\bt an ev5t )\t p>allel 9 human hi/ory4 ,= ! fir/ "t 9 ! hi/ory ( humanity ! sy/em ( collective security1 =e%ad[$ by ,bah'u'llh & expla9$ by #8,abdu'l-,bah1 has be5 s]i\sly envisag$1 discuss$ & te/$4 ,= ! fir/ "t 9 hi/ory x has be5 (ficially recogniz$ & publicly /at$ t = ?is sy/em ( collective security to be effectively e/abli%$ /r5g? & ela/icity are bo? ess5tial--/r5g? involv+ ! use ( an adequate =ce to ensure ! efficacy ( ! propos$ sy/em1 & ela/icity to enable ! ma*9]y t has be5 devis$ to meet ! legitimate ne$s & aspirations ( its aggriev$ uphold]s4 ,= ! fir/ "t 9 human hi/ory t5tative ef=ts h be5 ex]t$ by ! nations ( ! _w to assume collective responsibility1 & to supplem5t _! v]bal pl$ges by actual prep>ation = collective action4 ,& aga91 = ! fir/ "t 9 hi/ory1 a movem5t ( public op9ion has manife/$ itself 9 support ( ! v]dict :i* ! lead]s & repres5tatives ( nations h pron\nc$1 & = secur+ collective action 9 pursuance ( su* a decision4 ,h[ cle>1 h[ prophetic1 mu/ s\nd ! words utt]$ by ,bah'u'llh 9 ! light ( rec5t int]national developm5ts3--8,be unit$1 ,o conc\rse ( ! sov]eigns ( ! _w1 = !reby w ! tempe/ ( discord be /ill$ among/ y1 & y\r peoples f9d re/4 ,%\ld any "o among y take up arms aga9/ ano!r1 rise ye all aga9/ him1 = ?is is naught b manife/ ju/ice40 8,! "t mu/ come10 ,he1 =e%ad[+ ! t5tative ef=ts t are n[ be+ made1 has writt51 8:5 ! imp]ative necessity = ! hold+ ( a va/1 an all-embrac+ assemblage ( m5 w be univ]sally realiz$4 ,! rul]s & k+s ( ! e>? mu/ ne$s att5d x1 &1 p>ticipat+ 9 its delib]ations1 mu/ consid] su* ways & means z w lay ! f\ndations ( ! _w's ,great ,peace among m5444 ,%\ld any k+ take up arms aga9/ ano!r1 all %\ld unit$ly arise & prev5t him40 8,! sov]eigns ( ! _w10 writes #8,abdu'l-,bah 9 elaboration ( ?is !me1 8mu/ conclude a b9d+ treaty1 & e/abli% a cov5ant1 ! provisions ( :i* %all be s\nd1 inviolable & def9ite4 ,!y mu/ proclaim x to all ! _w1 & obta9 = x ! sanction ( all ! human race444 ,all ! =ces ( humanity mu/ be mobiliz$ to insure ! /ability & p]man5ce ( ?is ,mo/ ,great ,cov5ant444 ,! fundam5tal pr9ciple und]ly+ ?is solemn ,pact %\ld be s fix$ t if any gov]nm5t lat] violate any "o ( its provisions1 all ! gov]nm5ts on e>? %\ld arise to r$uce x to utt] submission1 nay ! human race z a :ole %\ld resolve1 ) e p[] at its disposal1 to de/roy t gov]nm5t40 ,!re c be no d\bt :atev] t :at has already be5 accompli%$1 significant & unexampl$ ?\gh x is 9 ! hi/ory ( mank9d1 /ill immeasurably falls %ort ( ! ess5tial requirem5ts ( ! sy/em :i* ^! words =e%ad[4 ,! ,league ( ,nations1 its oppon5ts w obs]ve1 /ill lacks ! univ]sality :i* is ! pr]equisite ( abid+ success 9 ! efficaci\s settlem5t ( int]national disputes4 ,! ,unit$ ,/ates ( ,am]ica1 its begett]1 has repudiat$ x1 & is /ill hold+ alo(1 :ile ,g]many & ,japan1 :o rank$ among its mo/ p[]ful support]s1 h ab&on$ its cause & )drawn f its memb]%ip4 ,! decisions arriv$ at & ! action ?us f> tak51 o!rs w ma9ta91 %\ld be reg>d$ z no m ?an a magnific5t ge/ure1 r ?an a conclusive evid5ce ( int]national solid>ity4 ,/ill o!rs may cont5d t ?\gh su* a v]dict has be5 pron\nc$1 & su* pl$ges be5 giv51 collective action mu/1 9 ! end1 fail 9 its ultimate purpose1 & t ! ,league itself w p]i% & be subm]g$ by ! flood ( tribulations de/9$ to ov]take ! :ole race4 ,be t z x may1 ! significance ( ! /eps already tak5 _c be ignor$4 ,:atev] ! pres5t /atus ( ! ,league or ! outcome ( its hi/oric v]dict1 :atev] ! trials & rev]ses :i*1 9 ! imm$iate future1 x may h to face & su/a91 ! fact mu/ be recogniz$ t s important a decision m>ks "o ( ! mo/ di/9ctive mile/ones on ! long & ardu\s road t mu/ lead x to its goal1 ! /age at :i* ! on5ess ( ! :ole body ( nations w be made ! rul+ pr9ciple ( int]national life4 ,?is hi/oric /ep1 h[ev]1 is b a fa9t glimm] 9 ! d>kness t envelops an agitat$ humanity4 ,x may well prove to be no m ?an a m]e fla%1 a fugitive gleam1 9 ! mid/ ( an ev]-deep5+ confusion4 ,! process ( dis9tegration mu/ inexorably cont9ue1 & its corrosive influ5ce mu/ p5etrate deep] & deep] into ! v core ( a crumbl+ age4 ,mu* suff]+ w /ill be requir$ ere ! cont5d+ nations1 cre$s1 classes & races ( mank9d are fus$ 9 ! crucible ( univ]sal affliction1 & are =g$ by ! fires ( a fi]ce ordeal into "o organic commonweal?1 "o va/1 unifi$1 & h>moni\sly function+ sy/em4 ,adv]sities unimag9ably appall+1 undream$ ( crises & upheavals1 w>1 fam9e1 & pe/il5ce1 might well comb9e to engrave 9 ! s\l ( an unhe$+ g5]ation ^? tru?s & pr9ciples :i* x has disda9$ to recognize & foll[4 ,a p>alysis m pa9ful ?an any x has yet exp]i5c$ mu/ creep ov] & fur!r afflict ! fabric ( a brok5 society ere x c be rebuilt & reg5]at$4 8,! civilization10 writes ,bah'u'llh1 8s (t5 vaunt$ by ! le>n$ expon5ts ( arts & sci5ces w1 if all[$ to ov]leap ! b\nds ( mod]ation1 br+ great evil ^u m5444 ,if c>ri$ to excess1 civilization w prove z prolific a s\rce ( evil z x _h be5 ( goodness :5 kept )9 ! re/ra9ts ( mod]ation444 ,! day is approa*+ :5 its flame w dev\r ! cities1 :5 ! ,tongue ( ,gr&eur w proclaim3 #8,! ,k+dom is ,god's1 ! ,almighty1 ! ,all-,prais$6'0 8,f ! mom5t ! ,sriy-i-,ra's 7,tablet to ,ra's7 0 reveal$10 ,he fur!r expla9s1 8until ! pres5t day1 nei!r ha? ! _w be5 tranquilliz$1 nor h ! he>ts ( its peoples be5 at re/444 ,its sickness is approa*+ ! /age ( utt] hopelessness1 inasmu* z ! true ,physician is deb>r$ f adm9i/]+ ! rem$y1 :il/ unskill$ practition]s are reg>d$ ) favor1 & are accord$ full fre$om to act4 ,! du/ ( s$ition ha? cl\d$ ! he>ts ( m51 & bl9d$ _! eyes4 ,erelong !y w p]ceive ! consequ5ces ( :at _! h&s h wr\ght 9 ! ,day ( ,god40 8,?is is ! ,day10 ,he aga9 has writt51 8:]eon ! e>? %all tell out h] tid+s4 ,! work]s ( iniquity are h] burd5s444 ,! ,cri] ha? cri$ out1 & m5 h be5 torn away1 s great ha? be5 ! fury ( ,8 wra?4 ,! p ( ! left h& sigh & bemoan4 ,! p ( ! "r abide 9 noble habitations3 !y quaff ! ,w9e t is life inde$ f ! h&s ( ! ,all-,m]ciful1 & are1 v]ily1 ! blissful40 ,community ( ! ,mo/ ,great ,"n ,:o else c be ! blissful if n ! community ( ! ,mo/ ,great ,"n1 ^: _w-embrac+1 cont9ually consolidat+ activities con/itute ! "o integrat+ process 9 a _w ^: in/itutions1 secul> z well z religi\s1 are = ! mo/ "p dissolv+8 ,!y inde$ are 8! p ( ! "r10 ^: 8noble habitation0 is fix$ on ! f\ndations ( ! ,_w ,ord] ( ,bah'u'llh--! ,ark ( ev]la/+ salvation 9 ?is mo/ griev\s ,day4 ,( all ! k9dr$s ( ! e>? !y alone c recognize1 amid/ ! welt] ( a tempe/u\s age1 ! ,h& ( ! ,div9e ,r$eem] t traces its c\rse & controls its de/9ies4 ,!y alone are aw>e ( ! sil5t gr[? ( t ord]ly _w polity ^: fabric !y !mselves are weav+4 ,consci\s ( _! high call+1 confid5t 9 ! society-build+ p[] :i* _! ,fai? possesses1 !y press =w>d1 undet]r$ & undismay$1 9 _! ef=ts to fa%ion & p]fect ! necess>y in/rum5ts :]e9 ! embryonic ,_w ,ord] ( ,bah'u'llh c mature & develop4 ,x is ?is build+ process1 sl[ & unobtrusive1 to :i* ! life ( ! _w-wide ,bah' ,community is :olly consecrat$1 t con/itutes ! "o hope ( a /rick5 society4 ,= ?is process is actuat$ by ! g5]at+ influ5ce ( ,god's *angeless ,purpose1 & is evolv+ )9 ! framework ( ! ,adm9i/rative ,ord] ( ,8 ,fai?4 ,9 a _w ! /ructure ( ^: political & social in/itutions is impair$1 ^: vision is befogg$1 ^: consci5ce is bewild]$1 ^: religi\s sy/ems h become anemic & lo/ _! virtue1 ?is heal+ ,ag5cy1 ?is leav5+ ,p[]1 ?is cem5t+ ,=ce1 int5sely alive & all-p]vasive1 has be5 tak+ %ape1 is cry/alliz+ into in/itutions1 is mobiliz+ its =ces1 & is prep>+ = ! spiritual conque/ & ! complete r$emption ( mank9d4 ,?\gh ! society :i* inc>nates its ideals be small1 & its direct & tangible b5efits z yet inconsid]able1 yet ! pot5tialities ) :i* x has be5 end[$1 & ?r\gh :i* x is de/9$ to reg5]ate ! individual & rebuild a brok5 _w1 are incalculable4 ,= well nigh a c5tury x has1 amid ! noise & tumult ( a di/ract$ age1 & despite ! incessant p]secutions to :i* its lead]s1 in/itutions1 & foll[]s h be5 subject$1 succe$$ 9 pres]v+ its id5tity1 9 re9=c+ its /ability & /r5g?1 9 ma9ta9+ its organic unity1 9 pres]v+ ! integrity ( its laws & its pr9ciples1 9 erect+ its def5ses1 & 9 ext5d+ & consolidat+ its in/itutions4 ,num]\s & p[]ful h be5 ! =ces t h s*em$1 bo? f )9 & f )\t1 9 l&s bo? f> & ne>1 to qu5* its light & aboli% its holy "n4 ,"s h apo/atiz$ f its pr9ciples1 & betray$ ignom9i\sly its cause4 ,o!rs h hurl$ aga9/ x ! fi]ce/ ana!mas :i* ! embitt]$ lead]s ( any ecclesia/ical in/itution are able to pron\nce4 ,/ill o!rs h heap$ ^u x ! afflictions & humiliations :i* sov]eign au?ority c alone1 9 ! pl5itude ( its p[]1 inflict4 ,! utmo/ its av[$ & secret enemies c\ld hope to a*ieve 0 to ret>d its gr[? & obscure mom5t>ily its purpose4 ,:at !y actually accompli%$ 0 to purge & purify its life1 to /ir x to /ill great] dep?s1 to galvanize its s\l1 to prune its in/itutions1 & cem5t its unity4 ,a s*ism1 a p]man5t cleavage 9 ! va/ body ( its adh]5ts1 !y c\ld nev] create4 ,!y :o betray$ its cause1 its lukew>m & fa9t-he>t$ support]s1 )]$ away & dropp$ z dead leaves1 p[]less to cl\d its radiance or to imp]il its /ructure4 ,its mo/ implacable adv]s>ies1 !y :o assail$ x f )\t1 7 hurl$ f p[]1 &1 9 ! mo/ a/oni%+ fa%ion1 met _! doom4 ,p]sia _h be5 ! fir/ to repress & oppose x4 ,its mon>*s _h mis]ably fall51 _! dyna/y _h collaps$1 _! "n 0 execrat$1 ! hi]>*y t _h be5 _! ally & _h propp$ _! decl9+ /ate1 _h be5 utt]ly discr$it$4 ,turkey1 :i* _h ?rice bani%$ its ,f\nd] & inflict$ on ,him cruel & life-long imprisonm5t1 _h pass$ ?r\gh "o ( ! sev]e/ ordeals & f>-rea*+ revolutions t its hi/ory has record$1 _h %runk f "o ( ! mo/ p[]ful empires to a t9y ,asiatic republic1 its ,sultanate oblit]at$1 its dyna/y ov]?r[n1 its ,caliphate1 ! mightie/ in/itution ( ,islm1 aboli%$4 ,mean:ile ! ,fai? t _h be5 ! object ( su* mon/r\s betrayals1 & ! t>get = su* woeful assaults1 0 go+ f /r5g? to /r5g?1 0 =g+ ahead1 undaunt$ & undivid$ by ! injuries x _h receiv$4 ,9 ! mid/ ( trials x _h inspir$ its loyal foll[]s ) a resolution t no ob/acle1 h[ev] =midable1 c\ld und]m9e4 ,x _h light$ 9 _! he>ts a fai? t no mis=tune1 h[ev] black1 c\ld qu5*4 ,x _h infus$ into _! he>ts a hope t no =ce1 h[ev] det]m9$1 c\ld %att]4 ,a ,_w ,religion ,ceas+ to designate to itself a movem5t1 a fell[%ip & ! l--designations t did grave inju/ice to its ev]-unfold+ sy/em--dissociat+ itself f su* appellations z ,bb sect1 ,asiatic cult1 & (f%oot ( ,%'ih ,islm1 ) :i* ! ignorant & ! malici\s 7 wont to describe x1 refus+ to be label$ z a m]e philosophy ( life1 or z an eclectic code ( e?ical conduct1 or ev5 z a new religion1 ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh is n[ visibly succe$+ 9 demon/rat+ its claim & title to be reg>d$ z a ,_w ,religion1 de/9$ to atta91 9 ! fullness ( "t1 ! /atus ( a _w-embrac+ ,commonweal?1 :i* w\ld be at once ! in/rum5t & ! gu>dian ( ! ,mo/ ,great ,peace ann\nc$ by its ,au?or4 ,f> f wi%+ to add to ! numb] ( ! religi\s sy/ems1 ^: conflict+ loyalties h = s _m g5]ations di/urb$ ! peace ( mank9d1 ?is ,fai? is in/ill+ into ea* ( its adh]5ts a new love =1 & a g5u9e appreciation ( ! unity und]ly+1 ! v>i\s religions repres5t$ )9 its pale4 8,x is l a wide embrace10 su* is ! te/imony ( ,royalty to its claim & position1 8ga!r+ toge!r all ^? :o h long se>*$ = words ( hope4 ,x accepts all great ,prophets gone be=e x1 de/roys no o!r cre$s1 & leaves all doors op540 8,! ,bah' tea*+10 %e has fur!r writt51 8br+s peace to ! s\l & hope to ! he>t4 ,to ^? 9 se>* ( assurance ! words ( ! ,fa!r are z a f\nta9 9 ! des]t aft] long w&]+40 8,_! writ+s10 %e1 9 ano!r /atem5t ref]r+ to ,bah'u'llh & #8,abdu'l-,bah1 has te/ifi$1 8are a great cry t[>d peace1 rea*+ beyond all limits ( fronti]s1 above all diss5sion ab\t rites & dogmas444 ,x is a wondr\s message t ,bah'u'llh & ,8 son #8,abdu'l-,bah h giv5 u4 ,!y h n set x up aggressively kn[+ t ! g]m ( et]nal tru? :i* lies at its core _c b take root & spread40 8,if ev] ! "n ( ,bah'u'llh or #8,abdu'l-,bah10 is h] conclud+ plea1 8comes to y\r att5tion1 d n put _! writ+s f y4 ,se>* out _! ,books1 & let _! glori\s1 peace-br++1 love-creat+ words & lessons s9k into y\r he>ts z !y h into m9e40 ,! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh has assimilat$1 by virtue ( its creative1 its regulative & ennobl+ en]gies1 ! v>i$ races1 nationalities1 cre$s & classes t h s\ght its %ad[1 & h pl$g$ unsw]v+ fealty to its cause4 ,x has *ang$ ! he>ts ( its adh]5ts1 burn$ away _! prejudices1 /ill$ _! passions1 exalt$ _! conceptions1 ennobl$ _! motives1 cord9at$ _! ef=ts1 & trans=m$ _! outlook4 ,:ile pres]v+ _! patriotism & safegu>d+ _! less] loyalties1 x has made !m lov]s ( mank9d1 & ! det]m9$ uphold]s ( its be/ & true/ int]e/s4 ,:ile ma9ta9+ intact _! belief 9 ! ,div9e orig9 ( _! respective religions1 x has enabl$ !m to visualize ! und]ly+ purpose ( ^! religions1 to discov] _! m]its1 to recognize _! sequ5ce1 _! int]dep5d5ce1 _! :ol5ess & unity1 & to ackn[l$ge ! bond t vitally l9ks !m to itself4 ,?is univ]sal1 ?is transc5d+ love :i* ! foll[]s ( ! ,bah' ,fai? feel = _! fell[-m51 ( :atev] race1 cre$1 class or nation1 is nei!r my/]i\s nor c x be said to h be5 artificially /imulat$4 ,x is bo? spontane\s & g5u9e4 ,!y ^: he>ts are w>m$ by ! en]giz+ influ5ce ( ,god's creative love *]i% ,8 creatures = ,8 sake1 & recognize 9 e human face a sign ( ,8 reflect$ glory4 ,( su* m5 & wom5 x may be truly said t to !m 8e =eign l& is a fa!rl&1 & e fa!rl& a =eign l&40 ,= _! citiz5%ip1 x mu/ be rememb]$1 is 9 ! ,k+dom ( ,bah'u'llh4 ,?\gh will+ to %>e to ! utmo/ ! temporal b5efits & ! fleet+ joys :i* ?is e>?ly life c conf]1 ?\gh eag] to p>ticipate 9 :atev] activity t conduces to ! ri*ness1 ! happ9ess & peace ( t life1 !y c1 at no "t1 =get t x con/itutes no m ?an a transi5t1 a v brief /age ( _! exi/5ce1 t !y :o live x are b pilgrims & wayf>]s ^: goal is ! ,cele/ial ,city1 & ^: home ! ,c\ntry ( nev]-fail+ joy & brightness4 ,?\gh loyal to _! respective gov]nm5ts1 ?\gh pr(\ndly int]e/$ 9 any?+ t affects _! security & welf>e1 ?\gh anxi\s to %>e 9 :atev] promotes _! be/ int]e/s1 ! ,fai? ) :i* ! foll[]s ( ,bah'u'llh /& id5tifi$ is "o :i* !y firmly believe ,god has rais$ high above ! /orms1 ! divisions1 & controv]sies ( ! political ar5a4 ,_! ,fai? !y conceive to be ess5tially non-political1 supra-national 9 "*1 rigidly non-p>tisan1 & entirely dissociat$ f nationali/ic ambitions1 pursuits1 & purposes4 ,su* a ,fai? kn[s no division ( class or ( p>ty4 ,x subord9ates1 )\t hesitation or equivocation1 e p>ticul>i/ic int]e/1 be x p]sonal1 regional1 or national1 to ! p>am\nt int]e/s ( humanity1 firmly conv9c$ t 9 a _w ( int]-dep5d5t peoples & nations ! advantage ( ! "p is be/ to be rea*$ by ! advantage ( ! :ole1 & t no abid+ b5efit c be conf]r$ ^u ! compon5t p>ts if ! g5]al int]e/s ( ! entity itself are ignor$ or neglect$4 ,small wond] if by ! ,p5 ( ,bah'u'llh ^! pregnant words1 writt5 9 anticipation ( ! pres5t /ate ( mank9d1 %\ld h be5 reveal$3 8,x is n = him to pride himself :o love? 8 own c\ntry1 b r = him :o love? ! :ole _w4 ,! e>? is b "o c\ntry1 & mank9d its citiz5s40 ,& aga91 8,t "o inde$ is a man :o today d$icate? himself to ! s]vice ( ! entire human race40 8,?r\gh ! p[] releas$ by ^! exalt$ words10 ,he expla9s1 8,he ha? l5t a fre% impulse1 & set a new direction1 to ! birds ( m5's he>ts1 & ha? oblit]at$ e trace ( re/riction & limitation f ,god's ,holy ,book40 ,_! ,fai?1 ,bah's firmly believe1 is moreov] und5om9ational1 non-sect>ian1 & :olly divorc$ f e ecclesia/ical sy/em1 :atev] its =m1 orig91 or activities4 ,no ecclesia/ical organization1 ) its cre$s1 its traditions1 its limitations1 & exclusive outlook1 c be said 7z is ! case ) all exi/+ political factions1 p>ties1 sy/ems & programs7 to con=m1 9 all its aspects1 to ! c>d9al t5ets ( ,bah' belief4 ,to "s ( ! pr9ciples & ideals animat+ political & ecclesia/ical in/itutions e consci5ti\s foll[] ( ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh c1 no d\bt1 readily subscribe4 ,) none ( ^! in/itutions1 h[ev]1 c he id5tify himself1 nor c he unres]v$ly endorse ! cre$s1 ! pr9ciples & programs on :i* !y are bas$4 ,h[ c a ,fai?1 x %\ld moreov] be borne 9 m9d1 ^: div9ely-orda9$ in/itutions h be5 e/abli%$ )9 ! jurisdiction ( no less ?an =ty diff]5t c\ntries1 ! policies & int]e/s ( ^: gov]nm5ts are cont9ually cla%+ & gr[+ m complex & confus$ e day--h[ c su* a ,fai?1 by all[+ its adh]5ts1 :e!r individually or ?r\gh its organiz$ c\ncils1 to m$dle 9 political activities1 succe$ 9 pres]v+ ! integrity ( its tea*+s & 9 safegu>d+ ! unity ( its foll[]s8 ,h[ c x insure ! vigor\s1 ! un9t]rupt$ & peaceful developm5t ( its exp&+ in/itutions8 ,h[ c a ,fai?1 ^: ramifications h br\ght x into contact ) mutually incompatible religi\s sy/ems1 sects & confessions1 be 9 a position1 if x p]mits its adh]5ts to subscribe to obsolesc5t obs]vances & doctr9es1 to claim ! unconditional allegiance ( ^? :om x is /riv+ to incorporate into its div9ely-appo9t$ sy/em8 ,h[ c x avoid ! con/ant friction1 ! misund]/&+s & controv]sies :i* =mal affiliation1 z di/9ct f association1 mu/ inevitably eng5d]8 ,^! direct+ & regulat+ pr9ciples ( ,bah' belief ! uphold]s ( ! ,cause ( ,bah'u'llh feel b\nd1 z _! ,adm9i/rative ,ord] exp&s & consolidates itself1 to ass]t & vigilantly apply4 ,! exig5cies ( a sl[ly cry/alliz+ ,fai? impose ^u !m a duty :i* !y _c %irk1 a responsibility !y _c evade4 ,nor are !y unm9dful ( ! imp]ative necessity ( uphold+ & ( execut+ ! laws1 z di/+ui%$ f ! pr9ciples1 orda9$ by ,bah'u'llh1 bo? ( :i* con/itute ! w>p & wo( ( ! in/itutions ^u :i* ! /ructure ( ,8 ,_w ,ord] mu/ ultimately re/4 ,to demon/rate _! usefulness & efficacy1 to c>ry out & apply !m1 to safegu>d _! integrity1 to grasp _! implications1 & to facilitate _! propagation ,bah' communities 9 ! ,ea/1 & rec5tly 9 ! ,we/1 are display+ ! utmo/ ef=t & are will+1 if necess>y1 to make :atev] sacrifices may be dem&$4 ,! day may n be f> di/ant :5 9 c]ta9 c\ntries ( ! ,ea/1 9 :i* religi\s communities ex]cise jurisdiction 9 matt]s ( p]sonal /atus1 ,bah' ,assemblies may be call$ ^u to assume ! duties & responsibilities devolv+ ^u (ficially con/itut$ ,bah' c\rts4 ,!y w be emp[]$1 9 su* matt]s z m>riage1 divorce1 & inh]itance1 to execute & apply1 )9 _! respective jurisdictions1 & ) ! sanction ( civil au?orities1 su* laws & ord9ances z h be5 expressly provid$ 9 _! ,mo/ ,holy ,book4 ,! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh has1 9 addition to ^! t5d5cies & activities :i* its evolution is n[ reveal+1 demon/rat$1 9 o!r sph]es1 & :]ev] ! illum9ation ( its light has p5etrat$1 ! =ce ( its cohesive /r5g?1 ( its integrat+ p[]1 ( its inv9cible _s4 ,9 ! erection & consecration ( its ,h\se ( ,wor%ip 9 ! he>t ( ! ,nor? ,am]ican cont95t2 9 ! con/ruction & multiplication ( its adm9i/rative headqu>t]s 9 ! l& ( its bir? & 9 neighbor+ c\ntries2 9 ! fa%ion+ ( ! legal in/rum5ts design$ to safegu>d & regulate ! corporate life ( its in/itutions2 9 ! accumulation ( adequate res\rces1 mat]ial z well z cultural1 9 e cont95t ( ! globe2 9 ! end[m5ts :i* x has creat$ = itself 9 ! imm$iate surr\nd+s ( its ,%r9es at its _w c5t]2 9 ! ef=ts t are be+ made = ! collection1 ! v]ification1 & ! sy/ematization ( ! writ+s ( its ,f\nd]s2 9 ! measures t are be+ tak5 = ! acquisition ( su* hi/orical sites z are associat$ ) ! lives ( its ,=]unn] & its ,au?or1 its h]oes & m>tyrs2 9 ! f\ndations t are be+ laid = ! gradual =mation & e/abli%m5t ( its educational1 its cultural & humanit>ian in/itutions2 9 ! vigor\s ef=ts t are be+ ex]t$ to safegu>d ! "*1 /imulate ! initiative & coord9ate ! _w-wide activities ( its y\?2 9 ! extraord9>y vitality ) :i* its valiant def5d]s1 its elect$ repres5tatives1 its it9]ant tea*]s & pione] adm9i/rators are plead+ its cause1 ext5d+ its b\nd>ies1 enri*+ its lit]ature1 & /r5g!n+ ! basis ( its spiritual conque/s & triumphs2 9 ! recognition :i* civil au?orities h1 9 c]ta9 in/ances1 be5 induc$ to grant to ! body ( its local & national repres5tatives1 enabl+ !m to incorporate _! c\ncils1 e/abli% _! subsidi>y in/itutions1 & safegu>d _! end[m5ts2 9 ! facilities :i* ^! same au?orities h cons5t$ to accord to its %r9es1 its consecrat$ edifices1 & educational in/itutions2 9 ! en?usiasm & det]m9ation ) :i* c]ta9 communities t _h be5 sev]ely te/$ & h>ass$ are resum+ _! activities2 9 ! spontane\s tributes paid by royalty1 pr9ces1 /atesm5 & s*ol>s to ! sublimity ( its cause & ! /ation ( its ,f\nd]s--9 ^!1 z 9 _m o!rs1 ! ,fai? ( ,bah'u'llh is prov+ beyond d\bt its virility & capacity to c\nt]act ! dis9tegrat+ influ5ces to :i* religi\s sy/ems1 moral /&>ds1 & political & social in/itutions are be+ subject$4 ,f ,icel& to ,tasmania1 f ,vanc\v] to ! ,*9a ,sea spreads ! radiance & ext5d ! ramifications ( ?is _w-enfold+ ,sy/em1 ?is _m-hu$ & firmly-knit ,frat]nity1 infus+ into e man & woman x has won to its cause a fai?1 a hope1 & a vigor t a wayw>d g5]ation has long lo/1 & is p[]less to recov]4 ,!y :o preside ov] ! imm$iate de/9ies ( ?is tr\bl$ _w1 !y :o are responsible = its *aotic /ate1 its fe>s1 its d\bts1 its mis]ies w d well1 9 _! bewild]m5t1 to fix _! gaze & pond] 9 _! he>ts ^u ! evid5ces ( ?is sav+ grace ( ! ,almighty t lies )9 _! rea*--a grace t c ease _! burd51 resolve _! p]plexities1 & illum9ate _! pa?4 ,div9e ,retribution ,! :ole ( mank9d is groan+1 is dy+ to be l$ to unity1 & to t]m9ate its age-long m>tyrdom4 ,& yet x /ubbornly refuses to embrace ! light & ackn[l$ge ! sov]eign au?ority ( ! "o ,p[] t c extricate x f its entanglem5ts1 & av]t ! woeful calamity t ?reat5s to engulf x4 ,om9\s inde$ is ! voice ( ,bah'u'llh t r+s ?r\gh ^! prophetic words3 8,o ye peoples ( ! _w6 ,"k1 v]ily1 t an un=ese5 calamity foll[e? y1 & griev\s retribution awaite? y4 ,?9k n t :i* ye h committ$ ha? be5 effac$ 9 ,my sight40 ,& aga93 8,we h a fix$ "t = y1 ,o peoples4 ,if ye fail1 at ! appo9t$ h\r1 to turn t[>ds ,god1 ,he1 v]ily1 w lay viol5t hold on y1 & w cause griev\s afflictions to assail y f e direction4 ,h[ sev]e1 inde$1 is ! *a/isem5t ) :i* y\r ,"l w !n *a/ise y60 ,mu/ humanity1 torm5t$ z %e n[ is1 be afflict$ ) /ill sev]] tribulations ere _! purify+ influ5ce c prep>e h] to ent] ! heav5ly ,k+dom de/9$ to be e/abli%$ ^u e>?8 ,mu/ ! inauguration ( s va/1 s unique1 s illum9$ an era 9 human hi/ory be u%]$ 9 by s great a cata/rophe 9 human affairs z to recall1 nay surpass1 ! appall+ collapse ( ,roman civilization 9 ! fir/ c5turies ( ! ,*ri/ian ,era8 ,mu/ a s]ies ( pr(\nd convulsions /ir & rock ! human race ere ,bah'u'llh c be en?ron$ 9 ! he>ts & consci5ces ( ! masses1 ere ,8 undisput$ asc5dancy is univ]sally recogniz$1 & ! noble edifice ( ,8 ,_w ,ord] is re>$ & e/abli%$8 ,! long ages ( infancy & *ildhood1 ?r\gh :i* ! human race _h to pass1 h rec$$ into ! backgr\nd4 ,humanity is n[ exp]i5c+ ! commotions inv>iably associat$ ) ! mo/ turbul5t /age ( its evolution1 ! /age ( adolesc5ce1 :5 ! impetuosity ( y\? & its vehem5ce rea* _! climax1 & mu/ gradually be sup]s$$ by ! calmness1 ! wisdom1 & ! maturity t *>act]ize ! /age ( manhood4 ,!n w ! human race rea* t /ature ( rip5ess :i* w enable x to acquire all ! p[]s & capacities ^u :i* its ultimate developm5t mu/ dep5d4 ,_w ,unity ! ,goal ,unification ( ! :ole ( mank9d is ! hall-m>k ( ! /age :i* human society is n[ approa*+4 ,unity ( family1 ( tribe1 ( city-/ate1 & nation h be5 successively attempt$ & fully e/abli%$4 ,_w unity is ! goal t[>ds :i* a h>ass$ humanity is /riv+4 ,nation-build+ has come to an end4 ,! an>*y inh]5t 9 /ate sov]eignty is mov+ t[>ds a climax4 ,a _w1 gr[+ to maturity1 mu/ ab&on ?is feti%1 recognize ! on5ess & :ol5ess ( human relation%ips1 & e/abli% once = all ! ma*9]y t c be/ inc>nate ?is fundam5tal pr9ciple ( its life4 8,a new life10 ,bah'u'llh proclaims1 8is1 9 ?is age1 /irr+ )9 all ! peoples ( ! e>?2 & yet none ha? discov]$ its cause1 or p]ceiv$ its motive40 8,o ye *ildr5 ( m510 ,he ?us addresses ,8 g5]ation1 8! fundam5tal purpose animat+ ! ,fai? ( ,god & ,8 ,religion is to safegu>d ! int]e/s & promote ! unity ( ! human race444 ,?is is ! /raight pa?1 ! fix$ & immovable f\ndation4 ,:atsoev] is rais$ on ?is f\ndation1 ! *anges & *ances ( ! _w c nev] impair its /r5g?1 nor w ! revolution ( c\ntless c5turies und]m9e its /ructure40 8,! well-be+ ( mank9d10 ,he decl>es1 8its peace & security are unatta9able unless & until its unity is firmly e/abli%$40 8,s p[]ful is ! light ( unity10 is ,8 fur!r te/imony1 8t x c illum9ate ! :ole e>?4 ,! "o true ,god1 ,he ,:o kn[e? all ?+s1 ,himself te/ifie? to ! tru? ( ^! words444 ,?is goal excelle? e o!r goal1 & ?is aspiration is ! mon>* ( all aspirations40 8,he ,:o is y\r ,"l1 ! ,all-,m]ciful10 ,he1 moreov]1 has writt51 8*]i%e? 9 ,8 he>t ! desire ( behold+ ! entire human race z "o s\l & "o body4 ,ha/e ye to w9 y\r %>e ( ,god's good grace & m]cy 9 ?is ,day t eclipse? all o!r creat$ days40 ,! unity ( ! human race1 z envisag$ by ,bah'u'llh1 implies ! e/abli%m5t ( a _w commonweal? 9 :i* all nations1 races1 cre$s & classes are closely & p]man5tly unit$1 & 9 :i* ! autonomy ( its /ate memb]s & ! p]sonal fre$om & initiative ( ! individuals t compose !m are def9itely & completely safegu>d$4 ,?is commonweal? mu/1 z f> z we c visualize x1 consi/ ( a _w legislature1 ^: memb]s w1 z ! tru/ees ( ! :ole ( mank9d1 ultimately control ! entire res\rces ( all ! compon5t nations1 & w enact su* laws z %all be requir$ to regulate ! life1 satisfy ! ne$s & adju/ ! relation%ips ( all races & peoples4 ,a _w executive1 back$ by an int]national ,=ce1 w c>ry out ! decisions arriv$ at1 & apply ! laws enact$ by1 ?is _w legislature1 & w safegu>d ! organic unity ( ! :ole commonweal?4 ,a _w tribunal w adjudicate & deliv] its compulsory & f9al v]dict 9 all & any disputes t may arise betwe5 ! v>i\s elem5ts con/itut+ ?is univ]sal sy/em4 ,a me*anism ( _w int]-communication w be devis$1 embrac+ ! :ole planet1 fre$ f national h9drances & re/rictions1 & function+ ) m>vell\s swiftness & p]fect regul>ity4 ,a _w metropolis w act z ! n]ve c5t] ( a _w civilization1 ! focus t[>ds :i* ! unify+ =ces ( life w conv]ge & f :i* its en]giz+ influ5ces w radiate4 ,a _w language w ei!r be inv5t$ or *os5 f among ! exi/+ languages & w be taught 9 ! s*ools ( all ! f$]at$ nations z an auxili>y to _! "m tongue4 ,a _w script1 a _w lit]ature1 a uni=m & univ]sal sy/em ( curr5cy1 ( weights & measures1 w simplify & facilitate int]c\rse & und]/&+ among ! nations & races ( mank9d4 ,9 su* a _w society1 sci5ce & religion1 ! two mo/ pot5t =ces 9 human life1 w be reconcil$1 w cop]ate1 & w h>moni\sly develop4 ,! press w1 "u su* a sy/em1 :ile giv+ full scope to ! expression ( ! div]sifi$ views & convictions ( mank9d1 cease to be mis*iev\sly manipulat$ by ve/$ int]e/s1 :e!r private or public1 & w be lib]at$ f ! influ5ce ( cont5d+ gov]nm5ts & peoples4 ,! economic res\rces ( ! _w w be organiz$1 its s\rces ( raw mat]ials w be tapp$ & fully utiliz$1 its m>kets w be cord9at$ & develop$1 & ! di/ribution ( its products w be equitably regulat$4 ,national rivalries1 hatr$s1 & intrigues w cease1 & racial animosity & prejudice w be replac$ by racial amity1 und]/&+ & cop]ation4 ,! causes ( religi\s /rife w be p]man5tly remov$1 economic b>ri]s & re/rictions w be completely aboli%$1 & ! inord9ate di/9ction betwe5 classes w be oblit]at$4 ,de/itution on ! "o h&1 & gross accumulation ( own]%ip on ! o!r1 w disappe>4 ,! enorm\s en]gy dissipat$ & wa/$ on w>1 :e!r economic or political1 w be consecrat$ to su* ends z w ext5d ! range ( human inv5tions & te*nical developm5t1 to ! increase ( ! productivity ( mank9d1 to ! ext]m9ation ( disease1 to ! ext5sion ( sci5tific rese>*1 to ! rais+ ( ! /&>d ( physical heal?1 to ! %>p5+ & ref9em5t ( ! human bra91 to ! exploitation ( ! unus$ & unsuspect$ res\rces ( ! planet1 to ! prolongation ( human life1 & to ! fur!rance ( any o!r ag5cy t c /imulate ! intellectual1 ! moral1 & spiritual life ( ! entire human race4 ,a _w f$]al sy/em1 rul+ ! :ole e>? & ex]cis+ un*all5geable au?ority ov] its unimag9ably va/ res\rces1 bl5d+ & embody+ ! ideals ( bo? ! ,ea/ & ! ,we/1 lib]at$ f ! curse ( w> & its mis]ies1 & b5t on ! exploitation ( all ! available s\rces ( en]gy on ! surface ( ! planet1 a sy/em 9 :i* ,=ce is made ! s]vant ( ,ju/ice1 ^: life is su/a9$ by its univ]sal recognition ( "o ,god & by its allegiance to "o common ,revelation--su* is ! goal t[>ds :i* humanity1 impell$ by ! unify+ =ces ( life1 is mov+4 8,"o ( ! great ev5ts10 affirms #8,abdu'l-,bah1 8:i* is to occur 9 ! ,day ( ! manife/ation ( t incomp>able ,bran* is ! hoi/+ ( ! ,/&>d ( ,god among all nations4 ,by ?is is meant t all nations & k9dr$s w be ga!r$ toge!r "u ! %ad[ ( ?is ,div9e ,bann]1 :i* is no o!r ?an ! ,lordly ,bran* itself1 & w become a s+le nation4 ,religi\s & sect>ian antagonism1 ! ho/ility ( races & peoples1 & diff]5ces among nations1 w be elim9at$4 ,all m5 w adh]e to "o religion1 w h "o common fai?1 w be bl5d$ into "o race & become a s+le p4 ,all w dwell 9 "o common fa!rl&1 :i* is ! planet itself40 8,n[1 9 ! _w ( be+10 ,he has moreov] expla9$1 8! ,h& ( ,div9e p[] ha? firmly laid ! f\ndations ( ?is all-highe/ b\nty1 & ?is wondr\s gift4 ,:atsoev] is lat5t 9 ! inn]mo/ ( ?is holy ,cycle %all gradually appe> & be made manife/1 = n[ is b ! beg9n+ ( its gr[?1 & ! dayspr+ ( ! revelation ( its signs4 ,ere ! close ( ?is c5tury & ( ?is age1 x %all be made cle> & evid5t h[ wondr\s 0 t spr+-tide1 & h[ heav5ly 0 t gift40 ,no less en?rall+ is ! vision ( ,isaiah1 ! greate/ ( ! ,hebrew ,prophets1 pr$ict+1 z f> back z tw5ty five hundr$ ye>s ago1 ! de/9y :i* mank9d mu/1 at its /age ( maturity1 a*ieve3 8,& ,he 7! ,"l7 %all judge among ! nations1 & %all rebuke _m p3 & !y %all beat _! swords into pl[%>es1 & _! spe>s into prun+hooks3 nation %all n lift up sword aga9/ nation1 nei!r %all !y le>n w> any m 444,& !re %all come =? a rod out ( ! /em ( ,jesse1 & a ,bran* %all gr[ out ( 8 roots444 ,& he %all smite ! e>? ) ! rod ( 8 m\?1 & ) ! brea? ( 8 lips %all he slay ! wick$4 ,& righte\sness %all be ! girdle ( 8 lo9s1 & fai?fulness ! girdle ( 8 re9s4 ,! wolf also %all dwell ) ! lamb1 & ! leop>d %all lie d[n ) ! kid2 & ! calf & ! "y lion & ! fatl+ toge!r444 ,& ! suck+ *ild %all play on ! hole ( ! asp1 & ! wean$ *ild %all put 8 h& on ! cockatrice's d54 ,!y %all n hurt nor de/roy 9 all my holy m\nta93 = ! e>? %all be full ( ! k ( ! ,"l1 z ! wat]s cov] ! sea40 ,! writ] ( ! ,apocalypse1 prefigur+ ! mill5ial glory :i* a r$eem$1 a jubilant humanity mu/ witness1 has simil>ly te/ifi$3 8,& ,i saw a new heav5 & a new e>?3 = ! fir/ heav5 & ! fir/ e>? 7 pass$ away2 & !re 0 no m sea4 ,& ,i1 ,john1 saw ! holy city1 new ,j]usalem1 com+ d[n f ,god out ( heav51 prep>$ z a bride adorn$ = h] husb&4 ,& ,i he>d a great voice out ( heav5 say+1 #8,behold1 ! tab]nacle ( ,god is ) m51 & he w dwell ) !m1 & !y %all be 8 p1 & ,god himself %all be ) !m1 & be _! ,god4 ,& ,god %all wipe away all te>s f _! eyes2 & !re %all be no m dea?1 nei!r sorr[1 nor cry+1 nei!r %all !re be any m pa93 = ! =m] ?+s are pass$ away4'0 ,:o c d\bt t su* a consummation--! com+ ( age ( ! human race--mu/ signalize1 9 its turn1 ! inauguration ( a _w civilization su* z no mortal eye ha? ev] beheld or human m9d conceiv$8 ,:o is x t c imag9e ! l(ty /&>d :i* su* a civilization1 z x unfolds itself1 is de/9$ to atta98 ,:o c measure ! heights to :i* human intellig5ce1 lib]at$ f its %ackles1 w so>8 ,:o c visualize ! realms :i* ! human _s1 vitaliz$ by ! outp\r+ light ( ,bah'u'llh1 %9+ 9 ! pl5itude ( its glory1 w discov]8 ,:at m fitt+ conclusion to ?is !me ?an ^! words ( ,bah'u'llh1 writt5 9 anticipation ( ! gold5 age ( ,8 ,fai?--! age 9 :i* ! face ( ! e>?1 f pole to pole1 w mirror ! ineffable spl5dors ( ! ,abh ,p>adise8 8,?is is ! ,day :]eon naught c be se5 except ! spl5dors ( ! ,light t %9e? f ! face ( ?y ,"l1 ! ,graci\s1 ! ,mo/ ,b\ntiful4 ,v]ily1 ,we h caus$ e s\l to expire by virtue ( ,our irresi/ible & all-subdu+ sov]eignty4 ,we h !n call$ into be+ a new creation1 z a tok5 ( ,our grace unto m54 ,i am1 v]ily1 ! ,all-,b\ntiful1 ! ,anci5t ( ,days4 ,?is is ! ,day :]eon ! unse5 _w crie? out3 #8,great is ?y bless$ness1 ,o e>?1 = ?\ ha/ be5 made ! foot-/ool ( ?y ,god1 & be5 *os5 z ! seat ( ,8 mighty ?rone6' ,! realm ( glory exclaime?3 #8,w\ld t my life c\ld be sacrific$ = !e1 = ,he ,:o is ! ,belov$ ( ! ,all-,m]ciful ha? e/abli%$ ,8 sov]eignty ^u !e1 ?r\gh ! p[] ( ,8 "n t ha? be5 promis$ unto all ?+s1 :e!r ( ! pa/ or ( ! future4'0 ,%oghi4 ,haifa1 ,pale/9e1 ,m>* #aa1 #aicf4 ,,footnotes #a ,9 an address by ,dr4 ,h5ry ,h4 ,jessup at ! ,p>liam5t ( ,religions1 ,columbian ,exposition1 ,*icago1 #ahic4--;,editor4