Frontispiece

“In reality thou art spiritually hungry and athirst for the Water of Life. Therefore I send thee spiritual food and bestow upon thee the Water of Life Eternal. That food is the divine advices and exhortations revealed in the Tablets and the spiritual outpourings of the Breath of the Holy Spirit. I hope ere long it will reach thee and thou wilt behold what an exhilaration and beatitude it produceth and what cheerfulness and serenity and what heavenly emotions it createth!”

Abdul-Baha Abbas.

Tablets of Abdul-Baha Abbas
Volume I
Published by
BAHAI PUBLISHING SOCIETY
P. O. Box 283
CHICAGO, U.S.A.

Introduction

This book is a reproduction of the Tablets of Abdul-Baha as contained in the archives of the House of Spirituality1 of Bahais of Chicago from the recipients for the purpose of safe preservation in accordance with the purpose mentioned in the following letter sent out by that Body:

March 21, 1908.

To the Friends of God in the Light of El-Abha, throughout America.

Greeting:—

For a number of years the House of Spirituality has been gathering copies of Tablets, received by the Friends in America from Abdul-Baha Abbas, for sacred preservation in its archives, in accord with permission from him to do so in a Tablet addressed to it dated April 21, 1903, as follows: “As to the compiling of the Tablets in a Book for the House of Spirituality, this depends upon the consent of the receivers of the Tablets; if the owners of the Tablets consent, copies should be kept and collected in the House of Spirituality and it will be acceptable.”

Although many Tablets, both published and unpublished, were known to be in circulation among the believers, and notwithstanding the restriction to collect only copies sent in with the consent of the recipients, yet, in the spring of 1907, through the hearty response and co-operation in this endeavor about 500 copies of different Tablets had been received, acknowledge and filed with data concerning each in a safety deposit vault equipped with all modern appliances for protection.

We believe the Friends everywhere will be further interested in knowing that at that time a draft of the Tablets was made by the Librarian of the House of Spirituality for the Bahai Publishing Society (who contemplated issuing same in book form), with all references to personalities eliminated, and said compilation was taken by Mr. Agnew to the presence of Abdul-Baha, who inquired especially as to elimination of all names of persons and everything of a clearly personal nature, and as to whether the recipients of the Tablets had consented to publication of them, etc.—to all of which he gave approval and instructed the Publishing Society to proceed with the work.

The purpose of this communication is therefore twofold: First, that the endeavor be continued to preserve a copy of every Tablet obtainable; and second, that it be accomplished at the earliest possible moment in order to make the forthcoming Volumes of Tablets (now being prepared by the Publishing Society) as complete as possible, for only the Tablets in the archives of the House will be used, as therein is recorded the desire of the recipients.

In sending copies of Tablets, kindly see in so far as possible that together with each is given: (1) Full name of recipient (2) present address, mentioning street number, city or town, and state, (3) on or about date translation, (4) name of translator, (5) clearly state whether or not permission to publish all or only a portion of same is granted. Should there be any doubt as to whether or not a copy of any certain Tablet is already in the archives, you may be assured in knowing that every Tablet received has been acknowledged on a special printed form, signed by the Librarian.

Concerning this important matter the following words of Abdul-Baha will be of interest to all: “Verily know, that the Tablets (Book) of Abdul-Baha and his address is a hidden mystery and concealed fact; no one is informed of its greatness and importance at these times. But in the course of times and future centuries, the signs thereof will be manifested, the lights thereof will dawn, the fragrance thereof will be diffused, and the greatness, the importance thereof will be known. The truth I say unto thee, that each leaflet from Abdul-Baha will be a wide-spread Book; nay, rather, a glistening Gem on the Glorious Crown. Know thou Its value and hold great Its station!”

Thanking you in advance, we are your fellow servants in the Vineyard of El-Abha,

The House of Spirituality

“A sufficient number of Tablets having been gathered together,...”

A sufficient number of Tablets having been gathered together, they have been entrusted to the Baha’i Publishing Society for publication in this concrete form for the enlightenment of the English-speaking world.

The Tablets appear in the book in the order received and filed in the archives, i.e. the first to respond to the above letter sent out by the House of Spirituality appear first in the book, and, so far as possible, all the Tablets to any one person or to a family or to an assembly have been placed together.

Regarding publications, the following Tablet from Abdul-Baha was received by this Society in October, 1906:

“He is God!...”

He is God! O ye heavenly Assemblage!

Your letter was received and its contents became known. Ye have written concerning the printing and publication of the Tablets.

The translation of the Surat-ul-Hykl2 is of the utmost difficulty. It must be translated by a committee who are exceedingly efficient both in Persian and English, exercising the closest and most minute attention. Otherwise the text would not become intelligible. The same rule applieth to other Writings and Tablets. For the present the organization of such a committee of translators is not possible and there is no other means than the translations made by individuals. In the future, God willing, means will be brought about. Translations will be made by a committee composed of two most erudite Persians and two learned Americans, all of them having the utmost proficiency in both languages and possessing a certain knowledge of sciences and arts. Then others from among the scholars and thinkers must assist. At that time Tablets will be translated correctly and published. What ye have in your hands and what is already printed will impart a certain degree of information. Whatever matter the spiritual Boards of Council in New York, Chicago, Washington and Kenosha unanimously deem advisable to print and publish, ye may print and publish; and have the utmost union and oneness with each other.

Regarding the Tablets of Abdul-Baha: Each of them is important. Print ye those which are in detail.

As to the question of annihilation and destruction of the Spirits3 : Mr. Phelps hath not not fully understood the matter or else the translator hath made some mistake. It was not intended to convey the idea that the unbelieving souls are absolutely annihilated. Nay, rather, it was meant that the existence of the evil spirits in comparison to the existence of the sanctified souls was like unto annihilation. As you clearly behold, the existence of mineral in comparison with the existence of man is like unto non-being. When the body of man is destroyed and disintegrated, it returneth to the mineral.

Concerning the income of the printing and publishing society, as ye write, it must be expended for charitable purposes.

O ye believers of God! I am pleased with you and seek for your assistance and confirmation. I hope that ye may, day by day, add to your love, steadfastness, purity of intention and service to the Cause of God.

Upon ye be greeting and praise!

Abdul-Baha Abbas.

“These Tablets were originally written in Persian and all...”

These Tablets were originally written in Persian and all bear the caption, “He is God!”4 and close with expressions of good will, such as, “Upon ye be greetings and praise!” These expressions have been omitted from this compilation; also such portions as are clearly of a personal nature, as well as names of persons, as instructed by Abdul-Baha.

Omission of names of persons has been designated by the sign, thus ........; omission of purely personal portions of the text have been designated by the sign, thus ***. The translator’s interpolations are enclosed in parentheses, thus ( ); editor’s interpolations are enclosed in brackets, thus [ ]. For messages within Tablets a special sign has been found necessary and these messages are enclosed within this special sign, thus ~ ~. Quotations are shown by the usual sign, thus “ ”.

The great labor of translating these Tablets from the original language has been entrusted to the following translators, whose inestimable service is hereby gratefully acknowledged: Anton Haddad, Mirza S. M. Raffie, Mirza Housein Rouhy, Ali Kuli Khan, Dr. Ameen U. Fareed, H. S. M. Taki Manshadi, Mirza Ahmad Esphahani, Mrs. Getsinger, Miss Barney and Mirza Moneer Zane.

The House of Spirituality desires to thank all who have assisted in this matter of gathering in copies of Tablets for preservation in its archives, and requests the Bahais everywhere to continue the endeavor as outlined in the circular letter sent out by that Body, as herein quoted. Address such communications to the Librarian of the House of Spirituality, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, Ill.

Only a portion of the Tablets now on file with the House of Spirituality are contained in this volume. Other volumes will be issued as soon as possible. Tablets coming in will take their place in order according to the date received and appear in forth-coming volumes.

The Bahai Publishing Society.

Feast of Naurooz, March 21, 1909.

“For the information of those who know little or nothing...”

For the information of those who know little or nothing of the Bahai Revelation, we quote the following account translated from the (French) Encyclopaedia of Larousse:—

Bahaism the religion of the disciples of Baha’o’llah, an outcome of Babism.—Mirza Husain Ali Nuri Baha’o’llah was born at Teheran in 1817 A. D. From 1844 he was one of the first adherents of the Bab, and devoted himself to the pacific propagation of his doctrine in Persia. After the death of the Bab he was, with the principal Babis, exiled to Baghdad, and later to Constantinople and Adrianople, under the surveillance of the Ottoman Government. It was in the latter city that he openly declared his mission. He was “He whom God would make manifest,” whom the Bab had announced in his writings, the great Manifestation of God, promised for the last days; and in his letters to the principal Rulers of the States of Europe he invited them to join him in establishing religion and universal peace. From this time, the Babis who acknowledged him became Bahais. The sultan then exiled him (1868 A. D.) to Acca in Palestine, where he composed the greater part of his doctrinal works, and where he died in 1892 A. D. (May 29). He had confided to his son, Abbas Effendi Abdul-Baha, the work of spreading the religion and continuing the connection between the Bahais of all parts of the world. In point of fact, there are Bahais everywhere, not only in Mohammedan countries, but also in all the countries of Europe, as well as in the United States, Canada, Japan, India, etc. This is because Baha’o’llah has known how to transform Babism into a universal religion, which is presented as the fulfillment and completion of all the ancient faiths. The Jews await the Messiah, the Christians the return of Christ, the Moslem the Mahdi, the Buddhists the fifth Buddha, the Zoroastrians Shah Bahran, the Hindoos the reincarnation of Krishna, and the Atheists—a better social organization! Baha’o’llah represents all these, and thus destroys the rivalries and the enmities of the different religions; reconciles them in their primitive purity, and frees them from the corruption of dogmas and rites. For Bahaism has no clergy, no religious ceremonial, no public prayers; its only dogma is belief in God and in his Manifestations (Zoroaster, Moses, Jesus, et al., Baha’o’llah). The principal works of Baha’o’llah are the Kitab-ul-Ighan, the Kitab-ul-Akdas, the Kitab-ul-Ayd, and numerous letters or tablets addressed to sovereigns or to private individuals. Ritual holds no place in the religion, which must be expressed in all the actions of life, and accomplished in neighborly love. Every one must have an occupation. The education of children is enjoined and regulated. No one has the power to receive confession of sins, or to give absolution. The priests of the existing religions should renounce celibacy, and should preach by their example, mingling in the life of the people. Monogamy is universally recommended, etc. Questions not treated of are left to the civil law of each country, and to the decisions of the Bait-ul-Adl, or House of Justice, instituted by Baha’o’llah. Respect toward the Head of the State is a part of respect toward God. A universal language, and the creation of tribunals of arbitration between nations, are to suppress wars. “You are all leaves of the same tree, and drops of the same sea,” Baha’o’llah has said. Briefly, it is not so much a new religion as Religion renewed and unified, which is directed today by Abdul-Baha.—(Nouveau Larousse Illustre, supplement, p. 66.)

“Just as this book was going to press the introduction to...”

Just as this book was going to press the introduction to it appearing on the following page was received from Abdul-Baha.

“He is God!...”

He is God!

O Thou Almighty Lord!

Strengthen all mankind that they may do according to the instructions and teachings recorded in these writings, so that wars and strifes may be eliminated from the world of man; that the roots of enmity may be destroyed and the foundations of love and affection be established; that the hearts may be filled with love and the souls be attracted; that wisdom may advance and the faces become brightened and illumined; that there be no more wars and strifes and that reconciliation and peace appear; that the Unity of the world of man may pitch its tent on the “apex of the horizons,” so that peoples and parties become as one nation, that different continents become as one continent and the whole earth as one land; that the sects of antagonizing and dogmatic religions be unified; that the world of creation be adorned and all the people of the earth abide in unity and peace.

Verily, Thou art the Giver, the Bestower, the Beholder!

(signed) Abdul-Baha Abbas.

“O thou party who art assisted by the hosts of the Kingdom...”

O thou party5 who art assisted by the hosts of the Kingdom of El-Abha!

Blessed are ye who are assembled in the shadow of the Word of God, who are abiding in the cave of the Covenant of God, who are comforted by dwelling in the Paradise of El-Abha6, who are cheerfully moved with the breezes which blow from the point of the providence of God, and who have arisen to render service to the Cause of God, to promulgate the Religion of God, to promote the Word of God and to hoist the standards of sanctity in those regions and climes.

By the life of El-Baha! Verily, the perfect and divine power will breathe in you with bounties from the Holy Spirit and enable you to accomplish a thing the like of which hath never been seen by the eye of existence.

O party of the Covenant! Verily, the Beauty of El-Abha hath promised the most great assistance to the beloved who are firm in the Covenant and to confirm them through the mightiest power. Ye will surely find in your luminous assembly such signs as will shine within hearts and souls. Adhere to the hem of the robe of the Lofty One and do your best to spread the Covenant of God and to kindled with the fire of the love of God, so that your hearts may move with joy through the fragrances of humbleness which are being diffused from the heart of Abdul-Baha. Make feet firm, strengthen hearts and rely upon the everlasting bounties which will successively pour on your from the Kingdom of El-Abha. Know, verily, the lights of Baha’ will shine forth onto you during your gathering together in the brilliant Paradise.

It is incumbent on you to have union and harmony. It is incumbent upon you to have affinity and accord, so that ye may become united in body and soul as the Pleiades, and as strings of brilliant pearls. Thereby your foundation will be laid, your argument will become manifest, your stars will beam forth and your souls will be comforted.

When ye enter the spiritual meeting of Consultation, chant the following commune, your hearts beating with the love of God and your tongues purified from aught else save the commemoration of God; so that the Most Might Power may confirm you by the greatest assistance:

“O my God! O my God! We are servants who...”

O my God! O my God! We are servants who have sincerely turned our faces unto Thy grand face, severed ourselves from all else save Thee in this great day and are assembled together in this glorious meeting, of one accord and desire, and unanimous in thought to promulgate Thy Word amid Thy creatures.

O my Lord! O my Lord! Suffer us to be signs of guidance, standards of Thy manifest Religion throughout the world, servants of Thy Great Covenant—O our exalted Lord! —appearances of Thy oneness in Thy Kingdom, the El-Abha, and stars which dawn forth unto all regions.

O Lord! Make us as seas rolling with the waves of Thy great abundance, rivers flowing from the mountains of Thy glorious Kingdom, pure fruits on the tree of Thy illustrious Cause, plants refreshed and moved by the breeze of Thy gift in Thy wonderful vineyard.

O Lord! Cause our souls to depend upon the signs of Thy Oneness, our hearts to be dilated with the bounties of Thy Singleness, so that we may become united as are ripples on a waving sea; become harmonized as are the rays which shine forth from a brilliant light; so that our thoughts, opinions and feelings become as one reality from which the spirit of accord may be diffused throughout all regions.

Verily Thou art the Beneficent, the Bestower! Verily Thou art the Giver, the Mighty, the Loving, the Merciful!

“O ye who are sincere! O ye who are attracted! O ye...”

O ye7 who are sincere! O ye who are attracted! O ye who are yearning! O ye who are arising for service to the Cause of God, for the promotion of the Word of God and the spreading of the Fragrances of God!

Verily, I read your excellent letter, its beautiful composition, eloquent words and deep meanings. I praised God and gave glory to Him for that He hath strengthened you and confirmed you in serving His glorious vineyard. Your faces shall be enlightened with the radiance of supplication to God, invocation to Him, Humbleness and submissiveness to the friends (believers), and your assembly will be made a magnet for the lights of assistance from His Great Kingdom.

It is incumbent upon you to commemorate and ponder upon the signs of God, to implore to God and to be evanescent and subservient in the Cause of God. This is what makes you the signs of guidance among the people, stars shining in the supreme horizon and thriving trees in the Paradise of El-Abha.

Then know ye that Abdul-Baha is in cheerfulness and joy and in the happiness of great glad-tidings through being in this far distant prison.8 By the life of El-Baha! —this prison is my supreme paradise, my utmost desire, the joy of my heart and the dilation of my breast, my shelter, my asylum, my inaccessible cave and my high protection. By it I glory among the angels of heaven and the Supreme Concourse.

Be rejoiced, O friends of God, with this confinement which is a cause of freedom, this prison which is a means of salvation (to many) and this suffering which is the best cause of great comfort. Verily, by God, I would not change this prison for the throne of the command of the horizons and would not exchange this confinement for all excursions and enjoyments in the gardens of the earth.

Verily, I hope, through the kindness of my Lord and His mercy, bounty and generosity, to be suspended in the air in His path and that my breast may become the target to be be pierced by thousands of bullets; or that I may be cast into the bottomless seas, or thrown into the wilderness and plains of barrenness. This is my utmost aim, my supreme desire, the animation of my spirit, the healing of my bosom and the sight of my eyes.

As to you, O friends of God: Make firm your feet in the Cause of God with such firmness as cannot be shaken by the most great disasters of this world. Be not troubled by anything under any condition. Be as lofty mountains, dawning stars from the horizon of existence, brilliant lamps in the assemblies of oneness and lowly souls, pure hearted, with the friends.

Be signs of guidance; lights of piety; severed from the world, holding fast to the firm rope; spreaders of the spirit of life; abiders in the ark of safety; manifestations of mercy; dawning-stars of the mysteries of existence; points of revelation; day-springs of light; strengthened by the Holy Spirit; attracted toward God; sanctified from all things and from the (natural) qualities of people, and characterized with the attributes of the angels of heaven—so ye may attain to the greatest gift in this great century and new age.

By the life of El-Abha! No one will obtain this great favor save he who cuts himself from this world, being attracted by the love of God, who is dead to the desires and appetites of self, sincere to God in all things and meek, humble, imploring, pleading and lowly before God.

“O ye who are firm in the Covenant!...”

O ye who are firm in the Covenant!

The report of the Spiritual Gathering, which is dated *** and sent by you, was received and its contents were a source of great fragrance and spirituality. I was glad to read the names of the revered members.

The signature of that meeting should be the Spiritual Gathering (House of Spirituality) and the wisdom therein is that hereafter the government should not infer from the term “House of Justice” that a court is signified, that it is connected with political affairs, or that at any time it will interfere with governmental affairs.

Hereafter, enemies will be many. They would use this subject as a cause for disturbing the mind of the government and confusing the thoughts of the public. The intention was to make known that by the term Spiritual Gathering (House of Spirituality), that Gathering has not the least connection with material matters, and that its whole aim and consultation is confined to matters connected with spiritual affairs. The was also instructed (performed) in all Persia.***

“O my God! O my God!...”

O my God! O my God!

These are servants who have turned to Thy Kingdom and hearkened unto Thy voice. Their hearts were dilated by Thy call, responded unto Thy summons, were attracted unto Thy beauty, acknowledged Thy proofs, believed in Thy signs, confessed Thy Oneness and arose for the service of Thy Cause and the promotion of Thy Word.

O Lord! O Lord! Make them lamps of guidance, lights glistening in the supreme apex, sparkling stars in heaven, holy angels moving on earth and thriving trees bearing delicious and fragrant fruits.

O Lord! O Lord! Purify their qualities, clarify their consciousness, cleanse their hearts and illumine their faces. Verily Thou art the Powerful, the Precious, the Protecting!

O ye spiritual ones! The rules for election are those which are customary in that country. The period of election is five years.

O Lord! O Lord! Bless this Spiritual Gathering, strengthen them by Thy power for the spreading of Thy divine fragrances, cause them to follow Thy will which is effective in the realities of all things, and aid them by a confirmation such as never hath preceded to any one in former centuries.9 For these are servants of Thy servants and Thou hast crowned them them with this diadem, the most luminous (Abha) gems of which will shine unto all the horizons.

Verily Thou art the Powerful, the Mighty, the Giver!

“O ye who are sincere! O ye who are firm! O ye who...”

O ye who are sincere! O ye who are firm! O ye who are steadfast!

Verily, I received a letter from that brilliant body and Spiritual Gathering—those who have arisen and called out for the Kingdom of God among the peoples of America.

Verily, know with certain knowledge that ye will be confirmed by hosts from the Kingdom of El-Abha and with inspirations from the Supreme Concourse in the promotion of the Word of God. Verily, Abdul-Baha is with you and supplicates unto God, desiring His heavenly blessings to surround you, His divine favors to encompass you, the appearances of the Sun of Truth to shine in your hearts, the glad tidings of God to rejoice your spirits, the fragrances of holiness to perfume your nostrils, the verses of guidance to be chanted in your gatherings, and the lamp of the Supreme Concourse to illumine your meetings. Know with real assurance that this light will encompass the horizons (the world) with great brilliancy.

I ask God to make ye lamps ignited by the great Light, so that ye may stand with all power, meekness, humbleness, sacrifice and self-resignation and thus become examples for the people and pure types for the world, be salt of the earth, stars of guidance, great trees with broad foliage and excellent fruits of fragrant scent, growing by the bounty of the cloud of the Kingdom of El-Abha.

I praise God that ye were firm in faithfulness in that ye testified and acknowledged the efforts which Mirza Assa Ullah10 manifested in spreading the fragrances of God and that ye thanked him for his labor and teaching for you, and this is what gladdens the heart of Abdul-Baha.

“O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou11 who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!

Verily I say unto thee the truth, that I am with you in spirit and in heart, that I rejoice by your joy and am happy by your happiness; and hear with the ear of spirit your calling and scent with the spiritual nostrils the fragrances of your garden.

O ye friends of God! Arise from the corporeal beds (bodies) and ask for the divine favors, so that ye become revived by the Holy Spirit through the breath which the Spirit breathes into the souls.

By the glory of my Lord, there will be for your brilliant assemblage an evident sign and great effects in the spirits and the hearts. Therefore, gladden the friends of the Merciful with the glad-tidings of thy Lord in this time, and convey to them greeting from Abdul-Baha in this promised century, so that they may arise with me in servitude to the Threshold of El-Baha.

“O ye servants of the Threshold of God!...”

O ye servants of the Threshold of God!

The weekly reports of *** were received and I was informed of their beautiful meanings which proved firmness and steadfastness in the Cause of God and solidity in the Covenant of God.

Through the favor and providence of the Beauty12 of Abha I trust that Spiritual Gathering will develop day by day and will be reinforced by the strength of God.

Communication with the friends of God in other countries is a source of fragrant spirituality.

O ye members of the Spiritual Gathering! Appreciate this favor. This is the glorious crown of the Kingdom, which, in this century, the Hand of the Great Favor has placed on your head, and the gems of this brilliant diadem will surely glisten unto all centuries.

Thank God that ye became a manifestation of such favor and are addressed by such speech.

“O ye friends of Abdul-Baha!...”

O ye friends of Abdul-Baha!

Verily I read your reports with great joy. They are a cause of spirituality and fragrance and a source of dilation of souls. If this Spiritual Meeting, by the divine fragrance and heavenly confirmation, be firmly established (or continued) it will become a source of great signs and will be confirmed in matters of paramount importance.

The Spiritual Meetings, which are organized in this cycle of God and this divine century, have never had their simile or likeness in bygone cycles. For the great meetings (organizations) were under the protection of aristocratic men, while these meetings (or organizations) are under the protection of the bounty of El-Abha. The helper or supporter of those (organizations) was either a prince or a king; either a priest was the principal, or a great republic (the cause); but the Helper, the Assistant, the Confirmer and the Inspirer of these spiritual meetings (or organizations) is His Majesty the Everlasting God.

Consider not the present condition, but rather foresee the future and the end. A seed in the beginning is very small, but in the end a great tree. One should not consider the seed, but the tree and its abundance of blossoms, leaves and fruits.

Consider the days of Jesus, when there was only a small body of people, and then observe the great tree which grew from that seed and what an abundant fruit it produced. This is greater than that, forasmuch as it is the calling of the Lord of Hosts and the Voice of the Trumpet of the Living God; it is the summons unto the harmony and unison of the world, and it is the banner of faithfulness, trustworthiness and friendship among the difference nations and sects of the universe; it is the light of the Sun of Truth and the spirituality of the Majestic One. Verily this great cycle (dispensation) will encompass all the horizons and ultimately all the nations will gather together under this standard.

Therefore, know the importance of this seed which was planted in the divine field by the heavenly Gardener, watered with the rain of grace and nurtured by the heat and light of the Sun of Truth. Thus, O ye friends of God, give thanks unto His Majesty, the One, that ye became (or were made) the manifestation of such a gift and the recipient of such favor.

Blessed are ye! Good-tidings unto you for this great blessing!

“O ye who are sincere! O ye who are firm in the Covenant...”

O ye who are sincere! O ye who are firm in the Covenant of God in this new cycle!

Verily I praise God for that He confirmed you in the service of the Cause of God in His great vineyard.

Write to Mrs. ........ and convey to her greetings and praise and say to her that her Lord will aid and strengthen her in attaining her desire.

Convey my greeting and salutation unto the maidservant of God, the attracted one, Mrs. ........, the respected. I ask God to make her a spreader of the new Gospel, an utterer in praise of her Lord in that vast region.

Convey my kindness and love unto the maid-servant of God, who is thrilled by the fragrances of God, Miss ........ of [that place] so that she may be rejoiced by my greeting to her, the fullness of my favor, and that she may be drawn by the love of God even as the magnet attracts the iron.

O my precious friends in the Kingdom of God, the members of the Spiritual Meeting! Communicate with all parts of Persia; write replies to the letters which are sent to you, with all joy, happiness, fragrance and spirituality; because the friends of God in Persia are all rejoiced in commemorating you in the meetings and assemblies, in houses and Mashrak-el-Azcars.13

“O ye who are attracted by the Fragrances of God!...”

O ye who are attracted by the Fragrances of God!

Verily I read your letters which uttered your steadfastness in the Cause of God, your firmness in His Religion and your joy by the breezes wafted from the garden of the Kingdom of God.

The truth, I say unto you, “Verily, the Supreme Concourse utter praise upon you, because ye forsook the desires of self, were illumined by the light of guidance, clothed yourselves with the garment of sanctity and called in the Name of El-Abha among the people. Verily, ye shall reap what ye sow and obtain the fruits of what ye plant. This is a pre-ordained fact.”

O ye beloved of God! When the winds blow severely, rains fall fiercely, the lightning flashes, the thunder roars, the bold descends and storms of trial become severe, grieve not; for after this storm, verily, the divine spring will arrive, the hills and fields will become verdant, the expanses of grain will joyfully wave, the earth will become covered with blossoms, the trees will be clothed with green garments and adorned with blossoms and fruits. Thus blessings become manifest in all countries. These favors are results of those storms and hurricanes.

The discerning man rejoiceth at the day of trials, his breast becometh dilated at the time of severe storms, his eyes become brightened when seeing the showers of rain and gusts of wind, whereby trees are uprooted; because he foreseeth the result and the end (of these trials), the leaves, blossoms and fruits (which follow this wintry storm); while the ignorant (short-sighted) person becometh troubled when he seeth a storm, is saddened when it raineth severely, is terrified by the thunder and trembleth at the surging of the waves which storm the shores.

As ye have heard of the former times, when (for example) Christ—glory be to Him! —appeared, a storm of trials arose, afflictions appeared, the winds of tests blew, the thunder of temptation descended and hosts of people (Pharisees) surrounded the houses of the friends; then the weak ones were shaken and were misled after once being guided; but the disciples withstood the hardships and endured the storms of ordeals, remaining firm in the Religion of God. Then observe that which occurred after the storm and what appeared subsequent to that severity, whereby the members (followers) trembled.

God hath changed the sorrow to joy, the destructive darkness of calamity into the shining light from the Supreme Concourse. The people at the beginning persecuted and reviled the believers in God and said of them: “These are the people of aberration.” Then, when their light appeared, their stars shone and their lamps illuminated, the people returned into love and affinity; they prayed to them, offered words of glory night and day (in their name) and remembered them in eulogy, reverence, honor and majesty.

Therefore, O ye beloved of God, be not grieved when people stand against you, persecute you, afflict and trouble you and say all manner of evil against you. The darkness will pass away and the light of the manifest signs will appear, the veil will be withdrawn and the Light of Reality will shine forth from the unseen [Kingdom] of El-Abha. This we inform you before it occurs, so that when the hosts of people arise against you for my love, be not disturbed or troubled; nay, rather, be firm as a mountain, for this persecution and reviling of the people upon you is a pre-ordained matter. Blessed is the soul who is firm in the path!

“O thou servant of God!...”

O thou servant14 of God!

***Trust no man save him whose breast hath been dilated by God through the light of faith, whom God hath confirmed in His Religion, and who is severed from all else save God and attracted by His Fragrances.

In future, of course, certain people will come to you claiming faith; do not believe them nor trust them, unless after critical examination, search and investigation, and a long period of waiting, they shall appear to be faithful and truthful in word, confident in heart, attracted in spirit, pure in intention, patient in hardship, enduring the most severe tests; then associate with them. Because some sects will send certain men to mingle with you in order to throw suspicion upon those who are weak, therefore avoid them carefully.*** But let such [deliberations] be hidden that you may not become a cause of hindrance [to such souls].15

“O ye firm ones in the Covenant!...”

O ye firm ones in the Covenant!

The report of [your meeting] was noted. All the arrangements of the meeting are suitable and acceptable. The reading of the Tablets which are sent to special persons dependeth upon their consent. First send the Tablets to them and if they should agree, the same may be read in the meeting. All the arrangements were good and suitable.

A special letter is enclosed for the maid-servant of God, Mrs. ........ Forward it. As to letters for Chicago and its vicinity, if God so willeth (Inshallah), they will be sent through the House of Spirituality. As to the copying of the Tablets in a book for the House of Spirituality, this dependeth upon the consent of the receivers of the Tablets. If the owners of the Tablets consent, copies should be kept and collected in the House of Spirituality and it will be acceptable. Nevertheless, this should be with perfect consent of the receivers.

Regarding arrangements for the Bahai Sunday meeting for the purpose of worship, this is very suitable. But, in a meeting for worship, first, prayer should be chanted and supplication made until all gather; then communion should be made. After praying, sacred readings with melodious voices should be read by all together. As this is the commencement of holding meetings, this is sufficient.

“O God! O God!...”

O God! O God!16

Thou dost look upon us from Thine unseen Kingdom of Oneness, [beholding] that we have assembled in this Spiritual Meeting, believing in Thee, confident in Thy signs, firm in Thy Covenant and Testament, attracted unto Thee, set aglow with the fire of Thy love, sincere in Thy Cause, servants in Thy vineyard, spreaders of They Religion, worshipers of Thy Countenance, humble to Thy beloved, submissive at Thy door and imploring Thee to confirm us in the service of Thy chosen ones. Support us with Thine unseen hosts, strengthen our loins in Thy servitude and make us submissive and worshiping servants, communing with Thee.

O our Lord! Turn our faces unto Thy divine face; feed us from Thy heavenly table by Thy godly grace; help us through the hosts of Thy supreme angles and confirm us by the holy ones of the Kingdom of Abha.

Verily Thou art the Generous, the Merciful! Thou art possessor of great bounty and verily Thou art the Clement and Gracious!

“O ye who are attracted! O ye who are firm! O ye...”

O ye who are attracted! O ye who are firm! O ye who are zealous in the service of the Cause of God and are sacrificers of possessions and lives for the promotion of the Word of God!

I perused your recent letter, dated *** and my heart was filled with joy through its beautify meanings and its eloquent contents. Truly they were suggested by the breaths of confirmation from the Glorious Lord.

O friends of Abdul-Baha and his co-sharers and partners in the servitude of the Lord of Hosts! Verily, the greatest affair and the most important matter today is to establish a Masharak-el-Azcar17 and to found a Temple from which the voice of praisings may rise to the Kingdom of the majestic Lord. Blessings be upon you for having thought to do so and intending to erect such an edifice, advancing all in devoting your wealth in this great purpose and in this splendid work. You will soon see the angels of confirmation following after you and the hosts of reinforcement crowding before you.

When the Mashrak-el-Azcar is accomplished, when the lights are emanating therefrom, the righteous ones are presenting themselves therein, the prayers are performed with supplication towards the mysterious Kingdom (of heaven), the voice of glorification is raised to the Lord, the Supreme, then the believers shall rejoice, the hearts shall be dilated and overflow with the love of the All-living and Self-existent (God). The people shall hasten to worship in that heavenly Temple, the fragrances of God will be elevated, the divine teachings will be established in the hearts like the establishment of the Spirit in mankind; the people will then stand firm in the Cause of your Lord, the Merciful. Praise and greetings be upon you.

“O ye who are chosen! O ye who are firm! O ye who...”

O ye who are chosen! O ye who are firm! O ye who are calling! O ye who are sincere!

Verily I praise my Supreme Lord for choosing you to call in His Name among the people, for attracting you to the beauty of El-Abha and for strengthening you in rendering His Cause victorious.

I trust in Him to make your faces shine forth with glorious lights in that clime, glistening as the face of heaven by the light of the early dawn, unto the horizons.

Verily I herald unto you the confirmations which will sustain you by the mercy of your Lord. For ye have arisen with all your power to serve God’s Cause in that vast region. Ponder over this great bounty and manifest attainment!

I send you the glad-tidings of the erection of the Temple of worship (Mashrak-el-Azcar) in Ishkabad [Russia], with all joy and great happiness. The friends of God assembled together with rejoicing and conveyed the stones themselves, upon their backs, while attracted by the love of God and for the glory of God. Soon that great Temple will be completed and the voice of prayer and praise shall ascend to the sublime Kingdom.

I was rejoiced through your endeavors in this glorious cause, made with joy and good interest. I pray God to aid you in exalting His Word and in establishing the Temple of Worship, through His grace and ancient mercy. Verily you are the first to arise for this glorious cause in that vast region. Soon will ye see the spread of this enterprise in the world and its resounding voice shall go through the ears of the people in all parts.

Exert your energy in accomplishing what you have undertaken, so that this glorious Temple may be built, that the beloved of God may assemble therein and that they may pray and offer glory to God for guiding them to His Kingdom.

Convey my greeting and praise to the beloved of God in that city.

“Your three reports, together with the public...”

18 Your three reports, together with the public announcement19, were received. Praise be to God! all the contents indicated firmness, spirituality and goodness. The friends of the Spiritual Meeting are indeed manifesting efforts in the Cause of God. Soon the unseen strength of heaven will become evident, and such zeal and earnestness will become manifest in that country that it will affect all parts of the world.

Souls are like unto mirrors, and the bounty of God is like unto the sun. When the mirrors pass beyond all coloring and attain purity and polish, and are confronted with the sun, they will reflect in full perfection its light and glory. In this condition one should not consider the mirror, but the power of the light of the sun, which hath penetrated the mirror, making it a reflector of the heavenly glory.

I hope that the House of Spirituality will become a heavenly mirror and the lights of the Sun of Truth will so penetrate it that all parts will be illuminated through it.

Your public announcement was carefully considered, and in some places slight corrections were made, and it was returned to you. This announcement should be given forth with wisdom, and not in haste, for it would be a cause of stirring up. When ye find a soul manifesting a demand for Truth, then ye may give this to him, that he may be informed of the rudiments of the Cause.

But my name should be confined to Abdul-Baha in all writings. This is the collective name which will gather all the people, and it is the strong fortress and protection of the Cause of God. The beloved ones must limit themselves to this. However, ye may mention me as the Light of the Love of God, the Flame of the Guidance of God and the Banner of Peace and Harmony. I trust in God that ye may ever be confirmed through the Holy Spirit.

“O ye spiritual friends of Abdul-Baha!...”

O ye spiritual friends of Abdul-Baha!

Your long letter was considered and its contents were a source of happiness. Thank God that ye, western friends, have become dawning-points of the love of God and stars of knowledge leading to Him; night and day are ye thinking of imparting life to souls and of educating people of discernment.

Regarding the blessed word, the Greatest Name: Its writing or spelling is according to its pronunciation (i.e., it is spelled as it is pronounced) in the Persian language. Baha is correct; Beha is incorrect. However this question must not cause inharmony and grief among the friends. This truth shall become manifest.

Should ye attribute a mistake to a person, it will be a cause of offense and grief to him—how much greater would this be if it is attributed to a number of people! How often it hath occurred that a slight difference hath caused a great dissension and hath been made a reason for division. Now, you write Baha’u’llah,20 but do not object to any person. All will eventually follow the correct spelling.

O ye beloved ones of God! The manifestation of the Light of Unity is for binding together the people of the world. If this unity is not attained, the tree of life is made fruitless, the heavenly bounty is not utilized. The blessed blood (of the saints) was shed for bringing about unity and harmony. These souls gave their lives as sacrifice in order to produce the love that bindeth the hearts of all the people. Therefore, ye should all spend your efforts in uniting and reconciling (the people), so that the light of God’s love may permeate the universe.

The Spiritual Meeting of men (House of Spirituality) and the Spiritual Meeting of women (Assembly of Teaching) in Chicago are indeed endeavoring to serve. If they unite, as they should, they will produce great results. Especially, if the Spiritual Meetings of Chicago unite with those of New York and become bound together, in a short while the fragrance of the divine garden, which giveth life, will perfume all regions.

“O ye spiritual friends of Abdul-Baha!...”

O ye spiritual friends of Abdul-Baha!

Your letter was considered; its contents were a source of satisfaction to the heart and its meaning indicative of firmness and steadfastness in the Cause of God.

That gathering is under the shelter and protection of the mighty Lord. I hope that, as it should be, ye may be confirmed by the fragrance of the Holy Spirit and day by day may grow in love for God and attraction to the eternal beauty of the Sun of the horizons.

The spiritual love of God maketh man pure and holy and clotheth him with the garment of virtue and purity. And when man attacheth his heart wholly to God and becometh related to the Blessed Perfection, the divine bounty will dawn. This love is not physical, nay, rather, it is absolutely spiritual.

The souls whose consciences are enlightened through the light of the love of God, they are like unto shining lights and resemble stars of holiness in the heaven of purity.

The real and great love is the love of God. That is holy above the imaginations and thoughts of men.

The beloved of God must each be the essence of purity and holiness; so may they be known by their purity, freedom and meekness in every land; they may drink from the eternal chalice of the love of God, enjoy its ecstasy, and through meeting the Beauty of Abha, they should be joyful, active, aglow with zeal and wonderful. This is the station of the sincere. This is the quality of those who are firm. This is the illumination of the faces of those who are near.

Therefore, O ye friends of God, ye must in perfect purity attain spiritual unity and agreement to a degree that ye may express one spirit and one life.

In this condition physical bodies play no part: the command and authority are in the hand of the spirit. When the spirit becometh all inclusive, the Spiritual union shall be attained. Night and day endeavor to attain perfect harmony; be thoughtful concerning your own spiritual developments and close your eyes to the shortcomings of one another.

By good deeds, pure lives, humility and meekness be a lesson for others.

Abdul-Baha wisheth no one’s heart to feel hurt, nor will he be a source of grief to any one; for there is no greater satisfaction than being a source of joy to the hearts.

I ask God that ye may become like angels of heaven, sources of happiness to souls.

“O ye dear friends of Abdul-Baha!...”

O ye dear friends of Abdul-Baha!

The blessed letter indicating the election of the Spiritual Meeting was received and proved a source of joy. Thank God, the beloved of that city, in perfect unity, love and oneness, held the new election and were confirmed and strengthened to elect such holy souls as are near the divine Threshold and known by the republic of the beloved to be firm and steadfast in the Covenant.

Now they (the members of Spiritual Meeting) must, in perfect spirit and fragrance, in sincerity of heart, in attraction by the fragrances of God and by the confirmations of the Holy Spirit, engage in service; in the promotion of the Word of God; the diffusion of the fragrances of God; the training of the souls; the promulgation of the most great peace. They must raise the Banner of Guidance and become the host of the Supreme Concourse.

Indeed, blessed souls have been elected. When I read their names, spiritual joy was immediately realized, for, praise be to God! certain souls have appeared in that continent who are servants of the kingdom, self-sacrificing ones of the Peerless Majesty.

O ye friends of mine! Illuminate the meeting with the light of the love of God, make it joyful and happy through the melody of the Kingdom of holiness, and with heavenly food and through the “Lord’s Supper”21 confer life.

Congregate in the utmost of joy and happiness and commence with this commune:

O Lord of the Kingdom! Although we are assembled, yet we are Thy scattered ones; captives of Thy Shining Face. Although we are incapable, yet we anticipate the manifestation of Thy strength and ability. Although we are without capital and commodity, yet we are aided by the treasury of the Kingdom. Although we are a drop, yet we emanate from Thy sea of seas. Although we are an atom, yet we are illumined by Thy most bright Sun.

O Lord! Confirm us so that each one in this gathering become a bright candle, a witness of the meeting, a caller to the Kingdom; that the world of matter become the mirror of heaven.

O ye dear friends of mine! The assemblies of those regions must be connected with one another and must communicate (correspond) with each other. Even communicate with the assemblies of the East, so that this may become the means of the great unity and concord.

O ye spiritual friends! Firmness (constancy) must reach a degree that if all the souls (Bahais) be destroyed by the evil wishers and there remain but one, that one singly and alone should be capable of withstanding all who live on earth, and of spreading the fragrances of holiness.

Therefore, when any terrible new or calamitous tidings reach you from the land of desire (Acca), ye should not grow cold, sad, or be affected thereby. Nay, rather, ye must immediately in the utmost firmness, arise for the service of the Kingdom.

This servant of the Threshold of His Majesty the eternal God, hath always been and is in danger; there hath never been a hope for rest. The utmost of his hopes is that in the arena of martyrdom the cup of grace become replete and the wine of great bounty lend the wondrous ecstasy. This is the utmost of my hopes and desires.

The Tablets of Israghat, Tarazat, Bescharat, Tajaliat and Kalamat,22 according to what is heard have been translated and printed in those regions. Hasten to become imbued with the qualifications and attributes set forth therein.

And this letter23 will close with reverential greetings, in the utmost kindliness, from me to the beloved ones and to the maid-servants of the Merciful.

“*** Thou has written concerning the Board of...”

24 *** Thou has written concerning the Board of Consultation.

It is very proper thou shouldst exert thyself with heart and soul so that this assembly shall become a source of merciful events, and enter the shadow of the protection and preservation of His Highness, the One God. The more this gains strength and becomes effective, the greater will become the penetration of the Word of God, and the more will the doors of confirmation be opened.

As to the Assembly of Teaching, the revered members of which are the maid-servants of the Merciful, they are also assisted by the help and the providence of the Beauty of El-ABHA. They will soon discover that they are strengthened by the invisible hosts, and rendered successful by the abundant bounty of the Kingdom of the Forgiving Lord. They will set such a flame to the regions as will kindle the heart of the universe, and will cause the pillars of the world to tremble. But all of their mention and thought in their meeting should be confined to teaching the truth, and to constantly persuade people in pure and divine brilliancy and in absolute godlike spirituality. They should not interfere with the affairs which have regard to the Board of Consultation, because confusion of thought conduces to division and causes disturbance to the mind, and then pure spirituality would cease. But if all mentions are turned into one mention, and all thoughts concentrated in one point, then man will find (a higher) spirit, and witness (a higher) confirmation. His power and penetration will increase, and his armies and hosts will gain successive victories. By this it is intended that the assembly of the maid-servants of the Merciful should be with pure spirituality and with absolute brilliancy, and become a torch of that blessed fire, a center of the merciful feelings.

The Assembly of Teaching is in this day of the first importance, and is promised to be assisted and protected through the assistance of His Highness, the One God.

Announce infinite glad-tidings to the revered maid-servants of God—the members of the merciful assembly, so that they may arise with the utmost tranquillity (to further) prosperity and success, because Abdul-Baha is their strong and firm assistant through the help and the providence of the Lord of Hosts.

Concerning organizing Houses of Justice of men and Assemblies of Teaching of maid-servants of God, the more endeavor is made, the more agreeable it will be. It is very useful. Likewise, electing men and women teachers, and their traveling and journeying in all parts, and their going and coming in cities and villages, is greatly conducive to the solidity of the Cause.***

“O ye leaves of the Paradise of El-ABHA, and the maid-servants...”

O ye leaves25 of the Paradise of El-ABHA, and the maid-servants of the Merciful!

Verily, I read your words of thanksgiving to God, and of celebrating the praise of God, for that He hath illuminated your faces with the lights of guidance, hath transfigured Himself on your hearts with the bounties of spirit, and hath made you as lofty and magnificent trees bearing ripened fruits in the Paradise of El-ABHA. These signs will surely become manifest in your faces, these lights will shine within your hearts, the splendor of oneness will envelop you, and your brows will glitter with rays shining from the Kingdom of El-ABHA.

O maid-servants of the Merciful! Know that, verily, this day is the day of teaching, this day is the day of diffusing the fragrances of God, being severed from aught else save God, attracted to the Word of God, and clinging to the Covenant of God. There is no work greater than this. Be ye entirely spiritual, purely brilliant, cut your dependence from any other mention, thought or purpose, and confine your mentions, thoughts and occupations to spreading the fragrances of God, and devote your attention to this great work. By God, the True One, verily, the Sun of Truth will cast forth its lights in your assemblies and will make you shining lamps, glittering stars, brilliant signs, and as souls attracted to the Holy Spirit. This is the great prosperity! This is the manifest light!

Upon you be greeting and praise!

“When you assemble in the meeting of teaching (the...”

When you assemble in the meeting of teaching (the truth), it is incumbent on you to chant the following supplication and commune:

O God, O God! We are Thy humble and submissive servants, leaves of Thine exalted and verdant paradise, drops from the basins of Thine abundant mercy, and scattered particles flying about in Thy shining rays.

O Lord, O Lord, render us successful through Thy conquering power, in that which Thou lovest and approvest, so that we may become standards of guidance, signs of Thy Kingdom, the El-ABHA [and that we may] adore Thee, supplicate before the Kingdom of Thy mercy, beseech Thy realm of might, be submissive to Thy servants, humble before Thy maid-servants, severed from aught else save Thee, sincerely turned unto Thy face, aflame with the fire of Thy love, diffusing Thy fragrances, united in Thy Cause, of one accord in Thy religion, and firm in Thy Covenant. O God, strengthen us through the fragrances of Thy sanctity, that we may become sanctified from the stain of egotism and lust, baptized with Thy Holy Spirit, with the fire of Thy love and the water of Thy bounty.

Verily, Thou art the Bestower, the Assister, the Confirmer, the Beneficent, the Merciful!

“O ye verdant and flourishing leaves of the Blessed...”

O ye verdant and flourishing leaves26 of the Blessed Tree!

Verily, I read your letter, which expressed your spiritual attraction to the fragrances of God, your service to the Cause of God, your firmness in the Covenant of God, your joy in this blessed and great day, your union and harmony in the religion of God, your happiness in diffusing the light of the knowledge of God, and your work in the Vineyard of God—the Paradise of El-ABHA. Such prosperity, success, blessing and salvation behooveth one like you! Blessed are ye, O ye stars who are beaming with the light of the love of God! Blessed are ye, O ye lamps lighted with the fire of the love of God! Blessed ye are, O ye who are attracted to the Kingdom of God! Glad-tidings be unto you, O you who are severed from aught else save God! Blessed ye are, O ye pure and chaste ones! Glad-tidings be unto you through the gift of the Covenant, from the light of which all regions are illuminated! Be rejoiced that the lights of the Sun of Truth are shining forth unto all parts; be gladdened at the gifts of your Lord, which have surrounded all the universe; dilate your breasts by chanting the verses of God, and console your eyes by witnessing the bounties of the Supreme Concourse.

By God, the True One, verily, the angels of heaven praise you every morn and eve from the loftiest apex, and announce to you a favor which will surely appear as clear and lucid as the sun in mid-day. Then your faces will shine with a light which will gleam forth unison and harmony, in diffusing the fragrances of God, in preaching the Beauty of El-ABHA, and promoting the word of God. Let each one of you be attracted to the love of the other, so that ye may become as fountains flowing from one source, stars beaming with one life, myrtles verdant and flourishing by the abundance of one rain. By this your hearts will be purified, your consciences illumined, your souls made clear, your banners hoisted, and ye will become signs of guidance among the maid-servants, standards of chastity and piety throughout all the nations of the earth, and the appearances of the gifts of your Lord among women.

Verily, I implore God to gaze upon you with the eye of His mercy, to raise you through a godlike power, to move you by the breezes of His glory, to make you fluent in irrefutable and divine proofs and arguments, to sever you from the world and all therein, to purify and sanctify you from every material grade, and enable you to diffuse the bounties of the Divine Worlds.

“O ye maid-servants of the Merciful!...”

O ye maid-servants of the Merciful!

Be rejoiced with the glad-tidings of God and thank your Lord for that He assembled you in the brilliant gathering with illumined faces, pure hearts, wherein the mysteries of God are printed, and spirits gladdened by the fragrances of God. This is from His favor to you in this glorious century.

I ask God to adorn your heads with the pearls of His favor, to ignite in your hearts the fire of the love of God, to free your tongues in utterance of eloquent words and excellent meanings and mysteries in the gathering of the pious, to make ye roses of the paradise of El-ABHA, angels of heaven, united in opinions, harmonious in thoughts and to manifest in your faces signs of holiness of the Kingdom among the people.

Soon will your Lord make you growing trees in His wonderful vineyard, blossoming, leafing and bearing fruits of the paradise of El-ABHA through the shadow of His Name, the Merciful, the Clement.

“O ye crying voices in the region of America!...”

O ye27 crying voices in the region of America!

Make level the path of the Covenant of God! BE firm in the Alliance of God!

I surely read your answer to my words, and my heart overflowed with joy and fragrance, when I heard of your supplication to God, and of your entreaty to God, and of your begging assistance of God, and of your endeavor in the service of the Cause of God, and of your effort in publishing the Alliance of God, and of your yearning after and your longing for harmony and union in the love of God.

Ye shall soon behold the lights of confirmation shining forth unto your hearts and your spirits from the Kingdom of ABHA.

Stand up, as the standing of the souls by whose lights of sincerity in the Cause of God the horizons are shining, and guard the sheep of God with the staff of the instructions of God.

I beg God to confirm thee to His will, as He confirmed the Apostles (of Jesus) aforetime.

I know, verily, that the universal, never ending, eternal, bright and divine establishments are only the diffusing of the breaths of God, and the spreading of the instructions of God, and all that are beside these, though they be the reigning over all the regions of the earth, or the construction of railroads from the earth to the heavens, or means of transportation with the rapidity of rising lightning from the globe of earth to the globe of the sun, all are but mortal, perishing, demolishing and disadvantageous, in comparison with the divine establishments. Because the latter (divine establishments) are intrinsic matters, while the former are but metaphorical matters; the latter are truth, while the former are imaginary.

Verily, I yearn after your visit as the yearning of the thirsty after the fountain of the water of Euphrates (agreeable water), but at present your remaining in that region (America) is obligatory. Please God, when it will be the occasion, I will inform you to come; and (now) I will circumambulate instead of you the Holy Tomb.28 Glory be upon you!

“O thou son of the associate and companion of Abdul-Baha!...”

O thou son of the associate and companion29 of Abdul-Baha!

You brought many letters with you from those regions, but on account of the great disturbance it was not possible to write the answers. You saw what a commotion was set up in the Blessed Spot30 throught the instigation of the jealous brother. It still continues. Therefore you must apologize: Say that Abdul-Baha has considered every one of the letters with the eyes of the spirit, has read each, and through the valid messenger—that is, through the spiritual susceptibilities—has sent each the message of peace and greeting. Therefore, let them turn to the blessed and Radiant Spot with a pure heart and an attracted spirit, that they may receive answer through the lights radiating therefrom.

Communication is not confined to writing. This is a trace, while the spiritual message is fruitful and effective. That is the essential, and without it communication is useless.

“O Thou kind God! That scattered assembly is...”

O Thou kind God! That scattered assembly31 is Thine, and that gathering of friends is of Thee. Their eyes are opened, their hearts in tune with Thy love, and their ears in communion with Thy hidden mysteries.

O Thou who art self-sufficient! Let a beautiful song reach this people from the birds of that garden, that they may warble, rejoice and be happy, implore and supplicate the Lord.

O Thou Educator! Train that assembly of the righteous; comfort them; set their hearts aglow with the fire of Thy love; acquaint them with Thy mystery and commune with them, so that they may find Thy kingdom of mysteries, become of the people of piety and leading in liberty.

Grant them the soul immortal; enrich them above the world, and detach them from the world; usher them into the tent of Thy Kingdom and give them a portion of the divine bounty.

Bestow upon them the everlasting life and bless them with the new teachings. Make every one a lighted torch and a warbling nightingale—the king of the rose in the garden. Reveal to them Thine attractive beauty; make each a growing tree on the shore of Thy guidance, bearing the fruit of Thy grace. Thus may the East illumine the West and the West become the East of the Supreme Heaven.

Verily, Thou art the Powerful, the Almighty, and verily Thou art the Precious, the Omnipotent, the Omniscient!

“O ye my divine friends!...”

O ye my divine friends!32

At a time when the sea of tests had become tempestuous and the waves of calamity were heaving and the hosts of nations were in the utmost violence and the people of oppression dealt with infinite injustice, some of the calumniators, uniting with our unkind brother, wrote a letter replete with false accusations and engaged in seditions and calumnies.

They confused the mind of the government and agitated the state authorities. From this it is evident how a prisoner in this ruined walled city would fare and how the conditions are so full of perplexity and confusion as to baffle all description! Notwithstanding, this imprisoned exile is in the utmost firmness and calmness, trusts in His Highness the Peerless God, and wishes for every calamity and affliction in the path of the love of God! (To us) the arrow of oppression is a rich flow of divine bounty, and deadly poison is a swift-healing antidote.

We were in such a state when a letter came from the friends in America. The whole of its contents showed an agreement on their part to be in unity and harmony in all respects, and it was signed by all, determined to be self-sacrificing in the path of the love of God, in order thus to secure eternal life.

Upon perusing that letter and looking at the name signed to it, such a joy and gladness came over Abdul-Baha as is beyond description, and he thanked God that such friends are found in that country, who in utmost joy and fragrance are in union and accord and one in agreement with each other. The more this Covenant is strengthened, the happier, the better, the sweeter it will be and it will thus attract the divine confirmations. If the friends of God are wishing for confirmation in order to enjoy the friendship of the Supreme Concourse, they must exert themselves to confirm and strengthen this Covenant; for the making of a covenant, and an alliance for brotherhood and unity is like unto the irrigation of the tree of life which is conducive to eternal life!

Briefly, O ye friends of God! Make your feet firm, make a firm compact, and in union and accord endeavor to diffuse the fragrance of the love of God and to spread the divine teachings, in order that ye may impart life to the dead body of this world, and bestow a real healing on every one diseased (in soul).

O ye friends of God! The world is like the body of man—it hath become sick, feeble and infirm. Its eye is devoid of sight, its ear hath become destitute of hearing and its faculties of sense are entirely dissolved. The friends of God must become as wise physicians and care for and heal this sick person, in accord with the divine teachings, in order that—God willing—it may perchance gain health, find eternal healing and that its lost powers may be restored; and that the person of the world may find such health, freshness and purity that it will appear in the utmost beauty and charm.

The first remedy is to guide the people, so that they may turn unto God, hearken unto the divine commandments and go forth with a hearing ear and seeing eye. After this swift and certain remedy hath been applied, then according to the divine teachings, they ought to be trained in the conduct, morals and deeds of the Supreme Concourse, encouraged and inspire with the gifts of the Kingdom of ABHA. The hearts should be purified and cleansed from every trace of hatred and rancor and enabled to engage in truthfulness, conciliation, uprightness and love toward the world of humanity; so that the East and the West may embrace each other like unto two lovers, enmity and animosity may vanish from the human world and the universal peace be established!

O ye friends of God! Be kind to all peoples and nations, have love for all of them, exert yourselves to purify the hearts as much as you can, and bestow abundant effort in rejoicing the souls. Be ye a sprinkling of rain to every meadow and a water of life to every tree. Be ye as fragrant musk to every nostril and a soul-refreshing breeze to every invalid. Be ye salutary water to every thirsty one, a wise guide to every one led astray, an affectionate father or mother to every orphan, and, in the utmost joy and fragrance, a son or daughter to every one bent with age. Be ye a rich treasure to every indigent one; consider love and union as a delectable paradise, and count annoyance and hostility as the torment of hell-fire. Exert with your soul; seek no rest in body; supplicate and beseech with your heart and search for divine assistance and favor, in order that ye may make this world the Paradise of ABHA and this terrestrial globe the arena of the Supreme Kingdom. If ye make an effort, it is certain that these lights will shine, this cloud of mercy shall rain, this soul-nourishing breeze shall waft, and the scent of this most fragrant musk be diffused.

O ye friends of God! Be ye not concerned with the events transpiring at this Blessed Spot, and give no thought thereto. Whatever may happen is good, for calamities are bestowal itself, hardship is the reality of mercy, discomposure is but composure of mind, and sacrifice of life is a manifest gift. Whatever may happen is a bounty from God, the Most High. Be ye engaged in your own affairs; be employed in guiding the people; train the souls in the qualities and nature of Abdul-Baha, and convey the glad-tidings of the Kingdom of ABHA to the people. Do not seek rest during night and day and sit not tranquil for a minute. Bring these glad-tidings to the hearing of mankind with the utmost exertion, and accept every calamity and affliction in your love for God and reliance on Abdul-Baha. Endure the censure of enemies and bear the reproaches of the people of oppression with patience. Follow the example of Abdul-Baha and at every moment wish to offer yourselves in the path of the Beauty of ABHA. Shine ye like unto the sun and roar and move like unto the sea; impart life to mountain and desert like unto clouds, and similar to the vernal breeze, bestow freshness, grace and elegance on the trees of human temples.

“O ye children of the Kingdom!...”

O ye33 children of the Kingdom!

It is New Year; that is to say, the rounding of the cycle of the year. A year is the expression of a cycle (of the sun); but now is the beginning of a cycle of Realty, a New Cycle, a New Age, a New Century, a New Time and a New Year. Therefore it is very blessed.

I wish this blessing to appear and become manifest in the faces and characteristics of the believers, so that they, too, may become a new people, and having found new life and been baptized with fire and spirit, may make the world a new world, to the end that the old earth may disappear and the new earth appear; old ideas depart and new thoughts come; old garments be cast aside and new garments put on; ancient politics whose foundation is war be discarded and modern politics founded on peace raise the standard of victory; the new star shine and gleam and the new sun illumine and radiate; new flowers bloom; the new spring become known; the new breeze blow; the new bounty descend; the new tree give forth new fruit; the new voice become raised and this new sound reach the ears, that the new will follow the new, and all the old furnishings and adornments be cast aside and new decorations put in their places.

I desire for you all that you will have this great assistance and partake of this great bounty, and that in spirit and heart you will strive and endeavor until the world of war become the world of peace; the world of darkness the world of light; satanic conduct be turned into heavenly behavior; the ruined places become built up; the sword be turne dinto the olive branch; the flash of hatred become the flame of the love of God and the noise of the gun the voice of the Kingdom; the soldiers of death the soldiers of life; all the nations of the world one nation; all races as one race; and all national anthems harmonized into one melody.

Then this material realm will be Paradise, the earth Heaven, and the world of Satan become the world of Angels.

“O ye Cohorts of God!...”

O ye34 Cohorts of God!

A letter which was signed by you in general was received. Its content was of the utmost beauty, sweetness, eloquence and perfection. While reading it the utmost happiness was produced. It spoke of fasting during the month of the Fast. Happy is your condition for you have executed the divine command; and have arisen to fast in these blessed days. For this physical fasting is a symbol of the spiritual fasting, that is, abstaining from all carnal desires, becoming characterized with the attributes of the spiritual ones, attracted to the heavenly fragrances and enkindled with the fire of the love of God.

Likewise your letter was an evidence of the union and affinity of the hearts. I hope that through the bounty and favors of the Most Glorious Lord, in this new age, the regions of the West become the East of the Sun of Truth, the believers of God become the dawning-places of lights, the manifestors of the signs, be protected and guarded from the doubts of the heedless ones, remain firm and steadfast in the Covenant and Testament, and strive day and night in order to awaken those who are asleep, to make mindful those who are heedless, to make confident of the mysteries of the Kingdom those who are deprived, to confer a share from the never-ending outpouring upon those who are helpless, to become the heralds of the Kingdom and to call the inhabitants of this terrestrial world to the Celestial Realm.

O ye Cohorts of God! Today in the present world each community is wandering in a wilderness, moving in accord with some passion and desire, and running to and fro in pursuance of his own imagination. Among the communities of the world, this community of the “Most Great Name” is free from every thought, keeping aloof from every project and scheme, arising with the purest designs and intentions, and striving and endeavoring with the utmost hope to live in accordance with the divine teachings in order that the surface of the earth become the delectable paradise, the nether world become the mirror of the Kingdom, the universe become another universe, and the human race attain to higher morals, conduct and manners.

O ye Cohorts of God! Through the protection and help of the Blessed Perfection—may my life be a sacrifice to His beloved ones! —you must conduct and deport yourselves in such a manner that you may stand out among other souls distinguished by a brilliancy like unto the sun. If any one of you enters a city he must become the center of attraction because of the sincerity, faithfulness, love, honesty, fidelity, truthfulness and loving-kindness of his disposition and nature toward all the inhabitants of the world, that the people of the city may all cry out: “This person is unquestionably a Bahai; for his manners, his behaviour, his conduct, his morals, his nature and his disposition are of the attributes of the Bahais.” Until you do attain to this station, you have not fulfilled the Covenant and the Testament of God. For according to the irrefutable texts, He has taken from us a firm covenant that we may live and act in accord with the divine exhortations, commands and lordly teachings.

O ye Cohorts of God! Now is the time when the signs and the perfections of the “Most Great Name” become manifest and clear in this golden cycle in order that it may become demonstrated and established beyond doubt that this period is the period of the Blessed Perfection, and this cycle is distinguished from all other cycles and epochs.

O ye Cohorts of God! If you observe that a soul has turned his face completely toward the Cause of God, his intention is centralized upon the penetration of the Word of God, he is serving the Cause day and night with the utmost fidelity, no scent of selfishness is inhaled from his manners and deeds, and no trace of egotism or prejudice is seen in his personality—nay rather is he a wanderer in the wilderness of the love of God, and one intoxicated with the wine of the knowledge of God, occupied wholly with the diffusion of the fragrances of God, and attracted to the signs of the Kingdom of God; know ye of a certainty that he is confirmed with the powers of the Kingdom, assisted by the heaven of Might; and he will shine, gleam and sparkle like unto the morning star with the utmost brilliancy and splendor from the horizon of the everlasting gift. If he is alloyed with the slightest trace of passion, desire, ostentation or self-interest, it is certain that the results of all efforts will prove fruitless, and he will become deprived and hopeless.

O ye Cohorts of God! Praise be to God! —that the Blessed Perfection hath freed the necks from the bonds and fetters and released all from racial attachments by proclaiming, “Ye are all the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch.” Be ye kind to the human world, and be ye compassionate to the race of man, deal with the strangers as you deal with the friends, be ye gentle toward the outsiders as you are toward the beloved ones, know the enemy as the friend, look upon the satan as upon the angel, receive the unjust with the utmost love like unto a faithful one, and diffuse far and wide the fragrances of the musk of the gazelles of Kheta and Khotan35 to the nostrils of the ravenous wolves.

Become ye a shelter and asylum to the fearful ones, be ye a cause of tranquillity and cease to the souls and hearts of the agitated ones, impart ye strength to the helpless ones, be ye a remedy and antidote to the afflicted ones, and a physician and nurse to the sick ones. Serve ye for the promotion of peace and concord and establishe in this transitory world the foundation of friendship, fidelity, reconciliation and truthfulness.

O ye Cohorts of God! Strive ye that this human world may be changed into a luminous realm and this mound of earth become the Paradise of ABHA. Darkness hath environed the world upon all sides. Savage tempers and inclination predominate. The human world has become the battlefield of the rapacious savages and the arena of the heedless and ignorant ones. The souls are either bloodthirsty wolves or beasts with degenerate reason. They are either deadly poison, or worthless plants. There are a few souls who in reality have some humanitarian intentions and are thinking of the well-being and prosperity of human kind. You must in this instance (that is, service to humanity) sacrifice your lives, and in sacrificing your lives celebrate happiness and beatitude.

O ye Cohorts of God! His Highness, the Supreme36—may my life be a sacrifice to Him! —hath given up His life, and at every moment the Blessed Perfection37 in His own life sacrificed hundreds of lives, endured dire calamities and oppressions. Laden with fetters He was thrown into the dark dungeon, He was exiled and banished to distant lands and finally passed His days in the Most Great Prison38 . Likewise a multitude of friends drank the sweet chalice of martyrdom and sacrificed soul, possession, family and relatives for the Cause. How many houses were overthrown! How many residences were pillaged and rapined! How many magnificent palaces were turned into a desolate tomb! All these phenomena transpired only that the world of humanity may become a luminous realm; ignorance be changed into wisdom, human souls become merciful, warfare and bloodshed be destroyed to their very foundation, and the Kingdom of Peace become paramount over all men. Now strive ye, that perchance this Beloved of Hopes appear in the assemblage of the world and this Providence become a realized fact.

O ye Cohorts of God! Beware lest ye offend the feelings of anyone, or sadden the heart of any person, or move the tongue in reproach of and finding fault with anybody, whether he is friend or stranger, believer or enemy. Pray in behalf of all and entreat God for forgiveness and bounty for all. Beware, beware that any soul take revenge or retaliate over another even if he be a bloodthirsty enemy. Beware, beware that any one rebuke or reproach a soul, though he may be an ill-wisher and an ill-doer. Do ye not look upon the creature, advance ye toward the Creator. Behold ye not the rebellious people, turn your faces toward the Lord of Hosts. Look ye not upon the ground, raise your eyes to the world-illuminating Sun, which hath transformed every atom of the gloomy soil into bright and luminous substance.

O ye Cohorts of God! In the moment of catastrophe, find ye patience, resignation and submission.

The more the calamities are intensified the less become ye disturbed. Withstand ye, with perfect assurance, the flood of trials and calamities, through the power of His Highness, the Almighty.

Last year some of the known and unknown, friends and strangers, slandered, calumniated and presented false accusations against these exiled ones, before the throne of His Imperial Majesty, the Padeshah of the Ottomans; while these oppressed ones were entirely free from those calumnies. The government, conformable with prudent measures, arose to investigate these calumnies and dispatched some commissioners (or examiners) to this city. Therefore it is evident that the field which was found by the ill-wishers and the flood which was brought about by them, can neither be written nor explained. However, relying upon God, we conducted ourselves with the utmost patience and submission, resignation and calmness; so much so that if one did not know anything about these matters, he would have thought that we were in perfect ease of soul, enjoying the tranquillity of heart and mind, and were engaged in happiness and felicity. The matters reached to such an issue that the plaintiffs and calumniators entered into alliance and intrigue with the officials, in regard to the carrying out of the work of investigation. Consequently, the plaintiff, the magistrate and the witness became as one single soul. Therefore it is clear what things transpired! But here one witnesses the fairness and impartiality of His Imperial Majesty, the Padeshah of the Ottomans, who so far has not given any consideration to these slanders, statements, stories and calumnies, but has dealt with the utmost justice and equity. Truly, I say, if there had been any other person except this Padeshah, no trace of these exiled ones would remain. This is the truth! We must not overlook justice. In reality today in the Asiatic world, the Padeshah of the Ottoman Empire and the Shah of Persia, Mozeffer-Eddin, are peerless and have no equals. If you could realize the degree of the malignity of the enemies, and the wickedness and mischief done by the ill-wishers, especially by the unkind brother, both here and in Persia, and that notwithstanding these seditions and villainies, these two kings have treated us with tranquillity and mildness, ye would undoubtedly feel sure that both are just. If they were like kings of bygone ages, unquestionably every day thousands of souls would have been deprived of life in Persia. Therefore pray ye earnestly in behalf of these two kings, beseech for them protection and confirmation in the threshold of the Almighty, and ask for them, from God, victory and triumph; especially for the Padeshah of the Ottoman Empire, who has dealt at all times in justice with these exiled ones.

O Thou Omnipotent God! Perfume the nostrils of the friends in the Occident with the breaths of the Holy Spirit; and illumine the horizon of the West with the light of guidance. Make the remote ones the near ones, change the strangers into compassionate friends, awaken those who are asleep, and make heedful those who are heedless.

O Thou Glorious Lord! Confirm and assist these noble friends with Thy good pleasure, suffer them to become the well-wishers of the known and unknown, enter them in the world of the everlasting Kingdom, confer upon them a share from the outpouring of the Realm of Might, make them real Bahais and sincere godly ones, deliver them from superficiality and establish them in Truth, make them the signs of the Kingdom and brilliant stars in the horizon of the world, make them the cause of the prosperity and composure of the world of humanity and the servants of the universal peace, intoxicate all of them with the wine of Thy commands and exhortations and grant to all good morals and conduct in the path of Thy teachings.

O my God! The desire of this Servant of the Threshold is to see that the friends of the West have embraced the beloved of the East, and the individuals of the world of humanity are with the utmost kindness the members of one assemblage, the drops of one ocean, the birds of one rose-garden, the pearls of one sea, the leaves of one tree and the rays of one sun.

“O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!

Verily, I received thy letter which proved thy yearning to the Kingdom of God, thy exceeding desire to the Beauty of God and thy great attachment unto the Word of God.

Know, verily, that thy letters did not reach me until now; but I love thee with all my heart and my soul, for the sake of God.

Regarding thy presence, at this time, in this Brilliant Spot39—it is not in accord with the wisdom revealed in the Book. But I pray God to make thee a manifestation of His hidden favors, so that thou be with me in His Sublime Kingdom.

We send for thee and thy revered wife, stones of the Greatest Name.40

“O thou who art advancing unto God!...”

O thou who art advancing unto God!

Verily I pray to God to make thee and thy revered husband—under the shadow of His Greatest Name—confirmed in all conditions, aided in the service of the Cause of God with a confirmation on the part of the Merciful Lord.

O my God! O my God! I ask thee to protect these two birds in the orchard of Thy mercy, confirmed in joy and happiness in the garden of Thy bounties, warbling with the best melodies in the wood (garden) of Thy knowledge. Verily Thou art the Precious, the Mighty, the Protecting!

“O ye two accepted ones in the Kingdom of God!...”

O ye two41 accepted ones in the Kingdom of God!

Your letter was read and its contents caused joy and happiness. Thank God that in such a cycle ye have stepped into the plane of existence, attained the glory of the Lord of the Kingdom, obtained light from the Sun of Truth and were ushered in under the shadow of the Tree of Life in the paradise of joy.

Give the name “Rooha” (i.e., Spiritual) to your new born child, and let your own name be “Saffa” (this, in Arabic, means Peter or Rock).

“O ye two truthful believers!...”

O ye two42 truthful believers!

Your letter was received. It contents were faith, certainty and sincerity. It was an evidence of perceiving eyes, attentive ears and acute mind. Were it not so, ye would not have witnessed the lights of the Sun of Truth, heard the divine Call, nor attained the knowledge of God.

Although in body we are far from one another, yet—praise be to God! —with life and heart we are present in one assembly; we enjoy the spiritual meeting, abide under the shadow of one Blessed Tree, are attracted to the beauty of one Beloved and gaze in the direction of one Object. Therefore, be not sorry on account of the remoteness, but rather engage in the commemoration of God and praise Him. I hope that we may be together in all the worlds of God.

Teach the dear child Rooha this commune:

O God! Rear this little babe in the bosom of Thy love and give it milk from the breat of Providence. Cultivate this fresh plant in the rose-garden of Thy love and nurture it by showers from the clouds of Providence. Make it a child of the Kingdom and lead it to the divine world. Thou art powerful and kind! Thou art the Giver, the Bestower, whose blessings precede all else!

“O thou who art attracted by the Word of God!...”

O thou who art attracted by the Word of God!

Verily, I read thy letter which contained new significances. I ask God to make thee a new creature so that the lights of human perfections may shine through thee and to make thee kind hearted unto all human beings so that thou mayest be a mercy unto souls, absolute goodness to all, a sign of kindness, a word of tenderness. Verily, thy Lord is the Mighty, the Powerful! He reviveth whomsoever He wisheth by the spirit of righteousness and granteth unto whom He wisheth great bounty, guideth whom He wisheth unto the path of life and confirmeth whom He desireth in attaining the Kingdom of God.

As to thee, be confident in the mercy of thy Lord, and ask what thou desirest. Verily, God is the Generous, the Giver!

“O maid-servant of God, who art supplicating unto the...”

O maid-servant of God, who art supplicating unto the Sublime Kingdom!

Grieve not at the divine trials. Be not troubled because of hardships and ordeals; turn unto God, bowing in humbleness and praying to Him, while bearing every ordeal, contented under all conditions and thankful in every difficulty. Verily thy Lord loveth His maid-servants who are patient, believing and firm. He draws them nigh unto Him through these ordeals and trials.

Be not sorrowful on account of the departure of thy good son. He hath indeed departed from this narrow and gloomy world which is darkened by unlimited sorrow, unto the Kingdom which is spacious, illumined, joyous and beautiful. God delivered him from this dark well and promoted him unto the Supreme Height! He gave him wings whereby he soared to the heaven of happiness. Verily this is the great mercy from Him who is precious and forgiving.

“O thou who art advancing to the Dawning-point of...”

O thou who art advancing to the Dawning-point of Lights!

Extend the hands of communion unto the sacred and brilliant Threshold and read the following prayer:

O my God! O my God! Glory be unto Thee for that Thou hast confirmed me to the confession of Thy Oneness, attracted me unto the word of Thy Singleness, enkindled me by the fire of Thy love, and occupied me with Thy mention and the service of Thy friends and maid-servants.

O Lord, help me to be meek and lowly and strengthen me in severing myself from all things and in holding to the hem of the garment of Thy Glory, so that my heart may be filled with Thy love and leave no space for the love of the world and the attachment to its qualities.

O God! Sanctify me from all else save Thee, purge me from the dross of sins and transgressions and cause me to possess a spiritual heart and conscience.

Verily Thou art merciful and verily Thou art the Generous, the Helper.

“O thou dear maid-servant of God!...”

O thou dear maid-servant of God!

Thy likeness (photograph) was received through Mrs. .......... and was seen. The light of faith shone in thy brow and the smile of the Kingdom in thy face. When I saw that likeness, I supplicated and implored, at the Threshold of the Lord of the Kingdom, to make thee a dear one of the two realms and to free thee from every fetter save the love of God.

“O thou flower perfumed by the Breaths of the Love...”

O thou flower perfumed by the Breaths of the Love of God!

Verily, I read thy written letter and have supplicated unto God to receive thee in His Kingdom, to make thee worthy to be called a child of the Kingdom, to be firm in the Covenant of God as firm mountains and to proclaim in His Great Covenant which He hath entered into which the people of heaven and earth by a trace of His Supreme Pen, until thou mayest be confirmed to diffuse the fragrance of holiness in those climes and regions.

“O thou who dost believe in the Unity of God!...”

O thou who dost believe in the Unity of God!

Know verily nothing will benefit a person save the love of the Merciful One. Nothing illuminates a man’s heart save the radiance which shines forth from the Kingdom of God! Put away every thought and doubtful mentioning and keep thy thoughts entirely on that which uplifts man to the heaven of the gift of God and that which causes every bird that belongs to the Kingdom to soar unto the incomparable realms, the center of everlasting grandeur in this world.

“O servant of God!...”

O servant of God!

What thou hast written and that which thou hast retained in mind are evident. Appreciate Mrs. ...... who reminds you of God and explains His divine mysteries.

Regarding thy question concerning a verse in the 22nd chapter of Exodus: We gave a brief explanation of it in a letter to Mrs. .......... Please refer to that. Owing to the great (press of) work, I have not the time for several explanations.

I ask God that thou mayest attain such a state of perception, as will enable thee to expound with knowledge the words of the Holy Bible.

“O thou who art supplicating unto the Kingdom of God!...”

O thou who art supplicating unto the Kingdom of God!

Rest assured in the mercy of thy Lord; be rejoiced for my remembering thee; gladden thyself by the appearance of the Kingdom of God, be attracted by the fragrance of God and call out: “Ya Baha El-ABHA!”—from the depths of thy heart with all meekness and supplication, attracted by the fire of the love of God. (Then annoint or rub all the parts of the body.)

Verily, I say unto thee, if thou attainest the condition we demonstrate to thee (i.e., if thou followest the directions given) be confident in the speedy recovery through the favor of God.

“O thou who art advancing unto the Kingdom of God!...”

O thou who art advancing unto the Kingdom of God!

I ask God to make thee a helper to the maid-servants of the Merciful, to walk in the path of salvation, to disperse the clouds of doubt from the horizon of the hearts, to make the sun of knowledge manifest unto souls and spirits and to confirm thee in a matter which will make thee to raise the banner of the Covenant in the world.

“O dear servant of God!...”

O dear servant of God!

Observe how dear thou wert that He guided thee to the Kingdom of Light, and how near to His Threshold, that He granted thee admission into His Court. Thou were poor in spirit; He led thee to the Heavenly Treasure. Thou wert in quest of illumination; He enlightened thee through the rays of the Sun of Truth. Thou wert athirst; He led thee to the Spring of Life. Thou wert sick; He bestowed upon thee the Heavenly Remedy.

I have read thy letter and have considered its contents. Know this: That today whoever turns to the Kingdom of the Glorious God, holds communion with the Almighty One, the Omniscient, and lives wholly the true and good life, the doors of progress and help will be opened unto him everywhere; such an one will be aided, victorious and protected.

Therefore, turn to the Supreme Kingdom, forget thyself entirely and remain firm in the spiritual trials, so that thou mayest see the favors of the Kingdom and realize the heavenly confirmation.

“O thou who art uttering the praise of God!...”

O thou who art uttering the praise of God!

Verily I read thy letter, which expressed thy surprise at some of the commandments of the law of God, such as that concerning the hunting of innocent animals. Be not surprised at this. Ponder over the contingent realities, their mysteries, wisdom, connection and relations. The world is harmonious in all things and the connection therein is mighty and nothing is missing. All things are eaters and eaten in the physical creation. The plant sucks from the mineral, the animal eats and swallows the plant, and the human eats the animal. Then the mineral (in turn) eats the human body. Physical bodies are transferred from death to death and life to life. Therefore, all things are subject to transfer and change except the Cause of existence, which cannot be changed or transferred, because it is the foundation for life in all kinds and species and in all possible realities in the world of creation.

If thou observest closely through a microscope the water which man drinks and the air which he breathes, thou wilt see that in every breath which man breathes, that breath contains numerous animals, and in every draught of water great number of animals exist. This could not be prevented because the existent beings are eaters and eaten and, by this, existence is caused; otherwise, the relations between existent things would cease. When a thing decomposes and decays, being bereft of life, it becomes promoted to a world of life greater than the former. For instance, it ceased in a mineral life and was promoted to the vegetable life; then leaves the vegetable life and is elevated to that of the animal; then leaving the animal life it advances to the human, and this is on account of the favor of thy Lord, the Merciful, the Clement.

I ask God to strengthen thee in comprehending the mysteries deposited in the reality of existence, to lift up the veil before thee and thy sister, so that the concealed mystery and the hidden reality become manifest as the sun at noon, and to confirm thy sister and thy husband in entering the Kingdom of God, and heal thee from all physical and spiritual disease in the world of creation.

“O thou maid-servant of God!...”

O thou maid-servant of God!

Thy writing was considered. I ask God that thy mind43 may be illumined with the light of knowledge and faith to the extent that thy face will radiate its glory, even as a light, when set aglow in the lamp, will cast its rays to the surrounding regions.

I hope that the darkness of evil suggestions shall be dispersed and that the veil of uncertainty shall be torn asunder; that the beauty of truth may become manifest with glory and the light of mercy become radiant. Thus mayest thou, O maid-servant of God, with thy honorable husband and revered son, become free from the severe trials and appear with grace in the gatherings of the people of God.

The nineteen-day fast44 is a duty to be observed by all. All should abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. This fast is conducive to the spiritual development of the individual. The Greatest Name should be read every day.

“O thou lamp ignited by the fire of the Love of God!...”

O thou lamp ignited by the fire of the Love of God!

I ask God to make thee a sign of love, standard of agreement, means of union and harmony and spreader of peace among the people.

O maid-servant of God! Strive with all thy powers in diffusing the spirit of real union among the people, so that all who are on earth become one family, loving, united, agreed, bound by the bonds of love and united with all harmony in all things and conditions; this is the greater happiness of the human race in the world of possibilities and the cause of attaining to all hopes and reaching unto the Supreme Kingdom, after ascending unto the world of God.

“O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!

Verily, I chanted thy poem. Its significance was beautiful, its composition eloquent and its words excellent. It was like the melody of the birds of holiness in the paradise of El-ABHA. The breasts of the maid-servants of the Merciful were exhilarated by its chanting. Blessed art thou for uttering forth such an excellent poem and brilliant pearl.

Verily, these verses shall be sung in the divine meetings and in the assemblages of the spiritual in the course of ages and centuries to come, for thou hast uttered the praise of thy Lord and expressed significant meanings in eulogy of thy Lord, the Merciful, the Clement. All poems shall be forgotten in the course of time save those that are extraordinary; thy poem shall be chanted with melody and best voices in the Center of Worship (or Mashrak-el-Azcar) forevermore.

“O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!

Verily, I read thy poem, which contained new significances and beautiful words. My heart was dilated by its eloquent sense. I prayed God to make thee utter more beautiful compositions that this. Thus thou mayest be the first to praise the Beauty of El-ABHA and the first utterer of His Name among the women.

Chant the verses of guidance among the people and commence [the composition of] melodies of great beauty and effect in praise and glorification of the Generous Lord.

We sent those poems to all countries, so that the friends of God may remember thee and pray for confirmation and aid in this great Cause in thy behalf.

O maid-servant of God! Warble as birds in the garden of joy and pray to thy forgiving Lord, so that the souls may rejoice through the psalms of the descendant of David.

“O maid-servant of God!...”

O maid-servant of God!

Thy letter reached me and I prayed God to bless thee by His heavenly blessing in thy marriage with Mr. ........ and to confirm both of you with comfort and repose and the turning of your heart to the Kingdom of God. May His divine providence abide with you in all conditions and circumstances.

“O thou bird of pleasing tones!...”

O thou bird of pleasing tones!

Thy little book of poems, which were very sweet, was read. It was a source of joy, for it was a spiritual anthem and a melody of the love of God.

Continue as long as thou canst this melody in the gatherings of the beloved; thus may the minds find rest and joy and become in tune with the love of God. When eloquence of expression, beauty of sense and sweetness of composition unite with new melodies the effect is very great, especially if it be the anthem of the verses of oneness and the songs of praise to the Lord of Glory.

Endeavor your utmost to compose beautiful poems to be chanted with heavenly music; thus may their beauty affect the minds and impress the hearts of those who listen.

“O thou spiritual lad!...”

O thou spiritual lad!

May God uphold thee and edify thee in the flower of thy youth and in the spring-time of thy life and may He illumine thy face with the lights of advancement unto God and turning unto the Kingdom of God. If thou become firm and steadfast in the love of God, thou shalt be confirmed with a confirmation whereby thy face will be gladdened, thy heart rejoiced and all thy family will be happy and pleased. Therefore, confine thy thoughts and ideas in turning to God and submitting unto Him and chant the signs (verses) of thanks and praise for that by reason of which He hath strengthened thee to attain this great gift.

“O thou daughter of the Kingdom!...”

O thou daughter of the Kingdom!

Thank and praise God that He hath cause thee to drink from the cup of the gifts and caused thee to suckle from the bosom of guidance while yet very young and didst possess but a few years of age. I beg of God and hope that the love of God may be mingled (and mixed) in thy flesh and bones and run in thy whole being, like the running (or circulation) of the spirit in the veins and in the arteries.

“O thou who art ignited through the brilliant Flame...”

O thou who art ignited through the brilliant Flame which is blazing in this Blessed Spot!

Verily, I considered the meanings of thy letter and my heart overflows with perfect and spiritual love unto thee and unto the beloved ones of God, whose eyes are brightened by witnessing the lights of God and whose innermost hearts are purified by the love of God and whose consciences are made clear by the knowledge of God and whose hearts are tranquilized by the commemoration of God. Theirs is the treasury of the Kingdom and the abundant wealth of the storehouse of the divine world! They are wealthy, not poor; they are powerful, not weak; they are grandees, not mean persons; and they are kindred, not strangers! Because, verily, their wealth and honor is divine and supreme and will never be consumed. Blessed are they! Glad-tidings be unto them!

As to those souls who are preaching the Word of God, it behooveth them to shake the dust of every land which they have passed by off their shoes and to be with God and without need of the rich—although their bed is the soil, their light is the stars of the sky and their food is the herbs of the desert—because theirs is the wealth of the Kingdom, the honor of the realm of might and the bounty of the divine world; and they are not in want of this world and its cares. Their throne is the mat of humility, their honor is in suffering every lowliness in the path of the Loving Lord and their wealth is being empty-handed from the pomps of the world and its vanities and their provision is trusting in God and being severed from all that is on the earth and its wealth.

As to thee: Associate thou with the poor and be united with the weak souls and hold intercourse with the needy, with a compassionate heart and great love. Because thereby is ordained for thee an eternal glory in the Kingdom of God. Invite thou the people to the Exalted World, to the Supreme Horizon and to the Kingdom of El-ABHA!

There is no harm in thy loneliness in those regions; for verily, the hosts of confirmation are thy help, thy Glorious Lord is thy protector and the angels of the Kingdom are thy fellow-speakers. Glad-tidings be unto thee for this! Blessed art thou for this!

“***O maid-servant of God!...”

***O maid-servant of God!

If thou seekest eternal glory, let thyself be humble and meek in the presence of the beloved of God; make thyself the servant of all, and serve all alike. The service of the friends belongs to God, not to them. Strive to become a source of harmony, spirituality and joyfulness to the hearts of the friends and the maid-servants of the Merciful. This is a cause of great satisfaction to Abdul-Baha.***

“O thou leaf who art well watered through the out-pouring...”

O thou leaf who art well watered through the out-pouring of the cloud of favor from God!

Verily, I beseech, with all earnestness, the Omnipotence of Might and Glory to brighten thy face by the light gleaming from the lamp of the Alliance and to quicken thy mind by the spirit which out-pours from the Kingdom of God and to make thee a sign of His signs which are shining in the horizons. He grants that which He wisheth and to whomsoever He wisheth. Verily, He is powerful and mighty!

“O servant of God!...”

O servant of God!

Faith is the magnet which draws the confirmation of the Merciful One. Service is the magnet which attracts the heavenly strength. I hope thou wilt attain both.

“O maid-servant of God!...”

O maid-servant of God!

How blessed thou hast been to have entered the Kingdom of God! HOw near thou hast been to the Paradise of ABHA to have been ushered in!

I hope that thou mayest become a source of joy to the hearts, a good example for people, imbued with spiritual qualities in the world of humanity, and mayest promulgate the divine teachings, so that the various people may find unity and become freed from discord.

“O thou who art advancing toward God!...”

O thou who art advancing toward God!

Verily I read thy letter of wonderful expression and eloquent composition and thanked God that He hath poured upon thee the bounty of guidance and hath made thy heart a lamp of piety.

Verily I beseech God, with all humbleness, to remove the covering from thine insight and to show unto thee His great signs, and to make thee a banner of guidance, severed from all else save Him, enkindled with the fire of His love, engaged in His praise and apprehending the realities of things; so that thou mayest see with thine eyes, hear with thine ears and not imitate any of the fathers and ancestors; have perception in the matter of thy Lord, for the people are in dark veils. By God, the True One, verily the doors of the everlasting paradise are opened before the faces of the devoted ones and the Tree of Life therein overshadows the spiritual ones. Happy are those who enter it and are sheltered under its shadow!

“O thou candle shining by the light of the Love of God!...”

O thou candle shining by the light of the Love of God!

That which thou hast inscribed and conceived of in thy mind was manifest and clear. The contents indicate spiritual signs and the meanings were like unto a sweet chalice. I trust in God that thy pure mind may become reflective of light; thus thou mayest become prepared for the divine manifestation and attract the light of guidance from the Heavenly Star.

O servant of God! Through the power of God’s love the weak become mighty, the poor become rich, the little bird becomes a great eagle soaring on the ethereal wave, the tiny plant grows into a great palm tree.

O servant of God! Trials and tests are severe. If thou seekest progress and advancement in the Kingdom, remain firm and withstand. When it is possible for thee to visit this land45 in all fragrance and spirituality, thou art permitted to come.

If thou canst help the up-building of the Mashrak-el-Azcar in Chicago, it will be most acceptable.

“O maid-servant of God!...”

O maid-servant of God!

I am in the blessed place of the Holy Land and thou art in foreign parts and I do not see thee with my material eyes, but I see thee with the eyes of my heart and I remember thee in recalling to thee that which the Christ promised to the believers, the great blessing and favor, the light of which illuminates those present and those absent.

O maid-servant of God! Be thou rejoiced because of this good news which draws (inclines) the sanctified hearts from all worldly conditions and know thou the value of this great gift (favor) and do not exchange it for the great sovereignty (of the world), for, verily, the sovereignty of the world is a mortal rule and follows pride. However, this gift is an eternal and a divine favor, the light of which illumines the passing of times and periods.

“O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!

Verily, I noted thy letter and utterance. God hath accepted thy devotion, prayer and worship and hath manifested upon thee the lights of His great favor, ushered thee into His Kingdom, gave thee to drink of the wine of His love and made thee to hear the melodies of the birds of holiness in this wonderful day.

Thank God that He enriched thee beyond the delicacies of this mortal world and caused thee to taste the sweetness of His love in His New Kingdom.

O maid-servant of God! It is incumbent upon thee, since thou hast attained the knowledge of God and His love, to sacrifice thy spirit and all thy conditions for the life of the world, bearing every difficulty for the comfort of the souls, sinking to the depth of the sea of ordeals for the sake of the love of faithfulness and burning with the fire of torture and regret like unto a lamp while the light is shining from thee unto the surroundings.

O maid-servant of God! The mystery of sacrifice is that man should sacrifice all his conditions for the divine station of God. The station of God is mercy, kindness, forgiveness, sacrifice, favor, grace and giving life to the spirits and lighting the fire of His love in the hearts and arteries. I asked God to make thee a sign of mercy, the banner of kindness among His maid-servants.

O maid-servant of God! Sing with beautiful melodies in the meetings of the maid-servants, praising and glorifying thy Supreme Lord.

O maid-servant of God! The human spirit hath an impression and effect in the world, but the divine Spirit giveth life to the souls and conferreth eternal life upon those who are attracted to the fragrances of God. This is the Great Cause from the Kingdom of thy Lord. Be attached to this New Spirit which hath effective power in the realities of things and creates new creatures.

O maid-servant of God! forsake every thought, every remembrance and every praise, while holding to the Word of God. Confine thy interests, thy works and efforts to the Cause of God. Thus the spirit of power and might will confirm thee and the manifest light will shine upon thy brow.

“O servant of God!...”

O servant of God!

I was very happy to receive thy letter because it showed thy servitude to the One God and indicated belief and assurance in the Cause of His Presence. Thank God that thou art favored with this blessing, that thou servest the friends of God and thou waitest at the Threshold of the Merciful. I beg of God that thou mayest be baptized by the baptism of BAHA’O’LLAH and become free from all the stains of the mortal world and that thou mayest take delight in the favors of God in the paradise of unity, and that thou mayest be able to become pleasing to God and mayest appear with thy face illuminated as a candle in the world of eternity.

“O thou spiritual friend!...”

O thou spiritual friend!

Verily, I was informed of the contents of thy letter and increased gratitude unto God, for that He hath granted the friends clear consciences, pure and holy hearts, attraction unto the Kingdom of God, enkindlement by the fire of the love and humbleness to God.

Glad-tidings unto ye for this abundant blessing, sufficient bounties, wide mercy, glorious appearances; therefore, be united in hearts and spirits, strive so that ye may obtain the great favors, attain to the overflowing chalice, perform charity (good deeds), gain the spirit of life, attracted by the fragrance and depend on the Lord of Signs. At that time your faces will be illumined, your souls holy, your hearts severed from this world and attached to the Supreme Concourse, and you will call out with the most loud voice: “Glad-tidings unto us through these divine favors and blessed are we by this heavenly guidance!”

I was glad in heart when I saw thy likeness in the photograph and looked at the resemblance like the reality of thy identity and thanked God witnessing the light of God in thy beautiful face.

“O thou kind friend!...”

O thou kind friend!

Thy letter was received and its contents considered. Man must, under all conditions, be thankful to God, the One, for it is said in the blessed text: “If ye be thankful I will increase thee.”

Man must seek shelter in the mercy and protection of God, for he is constantly subject to a hundred thousand dangers. Save for the refuge and protection of the Most High, man is without shelter.

I ask God to help thy children to gain knowledge, to attain virtues and morals which are the refinements of the reality of man, and to strengthen thee to remain firm.

Convey my respect and greeting to Mr......... and Mrs. ......... I trust in the providence of God that thou mayest ascertain what is worthy and fitting for Bahais, and that day by day the love of God may increase in the hearts.

“O maid-servant of God!...”

O maid-servant of God!

Be exceedingly grateful to the maid-servant of God, Mrs......... who guided thee, led thee to the Kingdom of Glory and invited thee to the heavenly table, so that thou mayest attain eternal life and enjoy the happiness of the Kingdom.

Thou didst write: “How can I serve Thee?” The greatest service is thine own firmness and steadfastness and thy withstanding severe trials when they come. Through firmness thou wilt perceive the opening of the doors of grace.

“O thou plant in the garden of the Love of God!...”

O thou plant in the garden of the Love of God!

Open the tongue of praise to the Horizon of ABHA, for having received light from Him in the age of youth, and for having been planted by Him in the paradise of glory.

I hope thou shalt be a child of the Kingdom, shalt learn sciences, arts and significances, may become a full grown tree, fruitful and green in the vineyard of God and be happy and full of cheer through the showers of the clouds of paradise.

“O maid-servant of God!...”

O maid-servant of God!

I rejoiced to read thy letter, for it indicated thy progress unto the Kingdom of thy Glorious Lord, thy wish to serve in His vineyard and thy faith in this Cause which has shed its light upon those regions.

Blessed art thou for having opened the door of thy home unto the people to come and hear of the Kingdom.

The maid-servant of God remembered thee in her letter, mentioning thy great joy and progress in the Cause of thy Lord.

Verily, I pray God to make thy home a center for the radiation of light and the glowing of His love in the hearts of His people. Know that in every home where God is praised and prayed to, and His Kingdom proclaimed, that home is a garden of God and a paradise of His happiness.

“O Spiritual Assembly !...”

O Spiritual Assembly46 !

Everything produces an impression in existence and results in the course of ages. The (earthly) assemblies established in the different parts of Europe, Asia and America have no results save the help of the physical and the mortal life in this lesser world, for the removal of its conditions and reformation of its customs, and in the end no name will remain thereof. But every spiritual assembly of solid foundation, good structure and unwavering constancy will last forever and will send forth its illumination unto all regions.

Observe the gatherings of the disciples after Christ: Their light is still shining, their power is still revealing and their trumpets still resounding throughout the ages. Such is the spiritual meeting.

“O God! Confirm them in the promotion of Thy...”

O God! Confirm them in the promotion of Thy Word among the people and in strengthening and multiplying Thy servants. Verily Thou art the Bounteous, the Merciful!

“O ye two birds warbling in the Garden of Wisdom....”

O ye47 two birds warbling in the Garden of Wisdom.

Verily, I saw your photographs, whose beauty proved the turning of your hearts unto the Center of Guidance and the dilation of your breasts by the appearance of the Kingdom of God. The light of God is verily shining in the face of the man who is of the Kingdom, spiritual, heavenly, divine and Bahai. The rest among the people are like animals; nay, they are led astray from the Path.

Thank God for that He enlightened your faces by the light of guidance, deposited in your hearts the sign of faith, and made you of the chosen ones in this new century.

The truth I say unto you! If ye were aware of what God hath destined for you in the kingdom of His glory, verily ye would rejoice exceedingly and soar with the wings of joy unto the heights of happiness, crying with the most loud voice: “Blessings and happiness from this great attainment and evident bounty.”

“O thou handsome child!...”

O thou handsome child!

Thy spiritual father and thy good mother sent me thy radiant picture and I rejoiced on seeing it. I pray God to illumine thy heart with the light of the Manifestation, to nurture thee in His mercy so that thou mayest attain maturity in His love; thy spirit be enlightened with beholding His light and thy spirit revived by the bounty of the Holy Spirit, so that thou mayest be a sign of the love of God, speaking in the name of God, joyous by the favors of God, attaining unto the sea of the mercy of God, and being baptized with the water of life, the fire of love and the spirit of attraction.

“O thou blooming rose in the garden of the Love of...”

O thou blooming rose in the garden of the Love of God!

Verily, the heavenly angels address thee from the Supreme Horizon, saying: “O maid-servant of God! Be rejoiced for God hath chosen thee for His love and sheltered thee under the shade of His Kingdom, the lights of which shone forth, the signs of which were manifested, the mysteries of which were unfolded, the fragrance of which emanated, the waves of which surged, the causes of which were promulgated, the suns of which appeared, the moons of which shone and the stars of which sparkled.”

Therefore, praise God for that He honored thee with presence in this great century and new cycle and caused thee to attain this new bounty.

I ask God to send down upon thee a blessing and upon thy family a favor from His Kingdom.

“O thou who art anticipating the appearance of the Gift...”

O thou who art anticipating the appearance of the Gift of God!

Verily, I read thy letter which indicated that thou hast turned unto the Blessed Spot, that the Truth (of God) hath revealed itself to thee, that thy fear is quieted and that thou hast attained to composure, assuredly believing in this great Cause.

Know thou, verily, there are many veils in which the Truth is enveloped: gloomy veils; then delicate and transparent veils; then the envelopment of Light, the sight of which dazzles the eyes, as doth the sun which is enveloped only in its own light and, as we look at it, the sight is blinded and eyes are dazzled.

I beg of God to remove all the veilings and familiarize the light with all eyes, so that man may not be veiled from witnessing the Sun of Truth.

O maid-servant of God! Verily, the tests and trials of God are very great and very violent. Beseech thou God to protect thee from all doubts and to guard thee from the interpretations of parabolical48 verses, as made by those who know not in what valley they are roving, who speak according to their own selfish purposes and after their own evil inclinations; who accept and then reject; who believe in God and then deny Him; and who appear firm and then backslide: thus thou beholdest these oscillating daily.

“Leave them to amuse themselves with their own vain discourses,” and turn thou to the light of the Testament, and rejoice at the bounty of the effulgence, and seek shelter under the shadow of the standard of the Covenant. Thou wilt soon find it fluttering on the highest summits of glory, surrounded by the valiant hosts of the angels of heaven and assisted by spiritual armies of great number that proceed from the Supreme Concourse.

“O my tender friend!...”

O my tender friend!

Verily, the union between myself and thee is on a solid foundation and a well made basis. Neither the winds can remove it nor the events of time annihilate it. It is everlasting and eternal, heavenly, spiritual and divine, and it is of no end or termination. Consequently be rejoiced at these words which cheer the hearts of the righteous and the souls of the pious when hearing them.

“O thou lamp who art illuminated with the light of the...”

O thou lamp who art illuminated with the light of the Love of God!

Leave thou the world and abandon the people and turn unto the Kingdom of thy independent Lord. Beseech Him every morn and eve and supplicate to the Gate of His Oneness to make thee firm and steadfast in the Testament and to guard thee from all calamities, with the eye of His protection, and protect thee from the tests which are (so violent) as the whirlwinds which uproot trees.

“O thou who hearest and seest in this wonderful Cause!...”

O thou who hearest and seest in this wonderful Cause!

Verily, I read thy interesting letter, its beautiful composition and I noted its purpose which indicated spiritual aspiration to the Kingdom of thy Great Lord.

Thank God for guiding thee unto the Straight Path, manifesting unto thee the Evident Light. He shall give thee a draught of the cup whereby thy spiritual power will be increased. Thou shalt advance unto the Lofty Station, acquire heavenly qualities and attain knowledge of the significances of the words of God in this glorious day.

It is incumbent upon thee to turn wholly unto the Kingdom of God, to enter entirely into this wonderful Cause, and to make thy thought, remembrance and effort confined to the education of thy character, the enlightenment through the Light of ABHA, and to guide the people to the Source of the mercy of thy Lord, the Clement, the Merciful.

Comfort thy mother and endeavor to do what is conducive to the happiness of her heart. Approach not those who are drowned in the sea of this world, but rather be enkindled by the fire of the love of God. Be thou such a flame whereby the hearts may be set aglow.

It is incumbent upon thee to assemble continuously with the beloved of God and to meet with those whose faces are illumined with the light of the love of God. Verily, I supplicate to God to make thee sincere in this love, to illumine thee with the light of His Kingdom, to destine unto thee the illumination by the light of His attributes, to make thee a sign of mercy, a bird warbling the verses of unity; that thou mayest be nurtured in the bosom of His providence, and become a growing tree bearing fruit in the Paradise of El-ABHA.

Verily, thy Lord confirmeth him whom He willeth, and He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.

“O thou who art agitated as oceans by the winds blown...”

O thou who art agitated as oceans by the winds blown from the direction of the Kingdom of God!

Verily I read thy wonderful letter, declaring the grandeur of thy nature and the excess of thy love and thine attaining the knowledge of God. Verily its contents were as spiritual meanings poured forth from a heart throbbing by the spirit of the love of God. I beseech God to confer on thee, and on thy noble husband, a perfect favor from His Supreme Kingdom, until your faces may sparkle by its light, among the creatures, and by which the fame of your love in God may be renowned among the horizons.

By my life, this is a favor for which the angels of heaven and the spirits of the holy ones are longing in the Supreme World. And (I beg God) to prepare for you your greatest desire—that is, the attaining (the visit to) the blessed, perfumed, amber-scented Tomb,49 diffused in all horizons.

“Verily, I read thy magnificent letter, thy brilliant...”

50 Verily, I read thy magnificent letter, thy brilliant writing, and found its meanings as the chanting of the verses of guidance and its foundation based on righteousness and piety. Verily I beseech God to make thee a sign of supplication, humbleness and submissiveness unto God, so that thou mayest commune with thy Lord, in the gloomy hours of night and in the morn and eve while being enkindled with the fire of the love of God, attracted to His fragrances of holiness, strengthened by His Spirit, speaking His praise and bowing down before His Threshold of Sanctity. Verily, He is the Assister, the Beneficent!

Then know thou that, verily, the hosts of confirmation from the Kingdom of God will assist every soul who is severed from aught else save God, is associated with the commemoration of God and is rejoiced at the glad-tidings of God. Cut thyself from this world and rely on the Supreme Concourse, so that thou mayest heart the call from the Lofty Apex and thy face may become illuminated with a light shining forth from the Kingdom of El-ABHA.

“O thou who art enkindled by the fire of the Love of...”

O thou who art enkindled by the fire of the Love of God!

Verily, I was informed of the text of thy letter, wherein thou praisest the firm servant of God, Mirza ........ and was rejoiced in heart for the signs of joy which are manifested in thee in this illustrious day. I ask God to make thee a sign of guidance, fountain of knowledge and a caller in His name, the Merciful, so that the hearts may become gladdened by the mention of God and the souls be led to the Kingdom of God, to this Great Dwelling Place and Sublime Home.

As to the four stations which I refer to in the divine treatise: I ask God to open the door before thy face, that thou mayest enter therein, that thou mayest attain to its lights and become informed of its mysteries. I shall not give a detailed explanation thereof, on account of the great work (i.e., because of the exceeding press of business).

Regarding the treatise (or pamphlet) which thou didst compile in proof of the appearance of the Kingdom of God—thou didst well! I shall read it at a leisure time, and ask God to aide thee in compiling other useful writings in demonstration of God.

As to organization of other meetings for the maid-servants of the Merciful, for the spread of the fragrances of God; this is the best deed and most complete action. I ask God to strengthen thee in this matter so that you may organize many gatherings for the spread of the teachings of God. Thus the Lord of Hosts will confirm you by armies of the Supreme Concourse and hosts of the angels of heaven. Verily it is the army of inspiration and the hosts of benediction.

“O thou who art marching onward to God!...”

O thou who art marching onward to God!

I have read thy beautiful letter which contained delicate meanings, and I am made glad by its contents which expressed spiritual feelings. I have prayed to God to send down upon thee a blessing from the Kingdom of Heaven and thus make thy heart beat with joy in the love of God, and make thee meek and humble before the good maid-servants of God, and pure and holy in His Kingdom.***

“O thou who art submissive and humble before the...”

O thou who art submissive and humble before the Holy Threshold!

Know thou, verily, submissiveness is the good quality of the maid-servants of God, and humility is the character of the God-fearing leaves51 who have sprung forth from the Tree of Mercifulness.

Thou oughtest to be characterized with these, that thou mayest be an example for the maid-servants of the Merciful and a leader of the leaves who are moved by the winds of the love of God. Abandon the concerns of mankind and be naturalized with the attributes of the angels of the Supreme Concourse, because these angels humble themselves to the lowest thing of the things despite their honor, glory, the loftiness of station and the greatness of their might. This is seemly to the unitarian women and an honor for those women who are surely believing in God! This is the consolation of the heart of the God-fearing women, and this is a tranquility to the soul of those women who are attracted to the fragrances of the Lord of Signs!

“O thou whose heart is soaring in the sky of the love of...”

O thou whose heart is soaring in the sky of the love of God!

Praise be unto Him whose light hath risen, whose appearance hath become exalted, whose signs are promulgated and whose evidences are fulfilled. The tongue of the realities of all things hath uttered: “Glory be to my God, the El-Baha!” Thanks for His manifest Beauty and for His Great Splendor! —for He hath quickened mankind with the spirit of guidance and hath rendered clear the White Path of Gifts, through the arguments which are brilliant and clear to the hearts of the intelligent and thereby these hearts are moved, enlightened, illuminated and become cognizant of the Mighty Message52 in this Manifest Day of the Manifestation of the Honorable Station53 when the mystery of existence flows just as do the souls in the bodies.

“O my God! O my God!...”

O my God! O my God!

This, Thy servant, hath advanced toward Thee and is passionately wandering in the desert of Thy love and is walking in the path of Thy service, is expecting Thy favors, hoping for Thy bounty, depending upon Thy Kingdom and intoxicated by the wine of Thy gift.

O my God! Increase his fervor in Thy affection, his constancy in Thy praise and his ardor in Thy love.

Verily, Thou art the Generous and endued with great bounty. There is no God save Thee, the Forgiving, the Merciful!

“O thou who hast acknowledged the Kingdom of God!...”

O thou who hast acknowledged the Kingdom of God!

I received thy letter and considered its wonderful expressions and found therein facts which show thine approach toward God, thy passionate love of the Beauty of God, thy cheerfulness in the Cause of God and thy turning unto the Center of the Testament, for that thou art brightened through the light of the effulgence.

Then praise God for that He hath made thee to show the light of guidance, to lay hold on the hem of the robe of greatness and to be attracted by the breaths of the Supreme Concourse. This is a matter which will satisfy thee from aught else save God and make thee above all needs and will cause thee to acquire an immortal wealth. Then thank God for this heavenly bounty on which the life of spirit depends entirely in all the worlds.

“O ye two birds in the open-space of the Love of God!...”

O ye54 two birds in the open-space of the Love of God!

Verily I read your letter and I inhaled therefrom a spiritual fragrance which perfumes the nostrils of the spirit. Thank ye God that He hath filled for you the cup of gift with the wine of the great guidance and hath abundantly bestowed His benefit on you and hath enabled you to be healed from spiritual ailments which deaden the souls. Truly, I say unto you verily this guidance is a precious pearl and a gem, the lights of which glitter and the rays of which beam forth during centuries and ages. Appreciate ye its value and show forth spiritual virtues, merciful characteristics and brilliant manners; so that ye may be submerged in the seas of great mercy and shine forth from the horizon of mighty gift.

“O thou who art longing for the Orb of the Horizons!...”

O thou who art longing for the Orb of the Horizons!55

Verily, I read thine eloquent, accurate and wonderful letter, whereby the feelings of thy heart and the loftiness of thy thoughts and the craving of thy spirit for the Kingdom of God were expressed.

Thank thou God that He hath given thee a power for discriminating the reality of things, hath made thy feet firm in the Path, hath made thy heart overflowing with His love and hath exhilarated thee with the wine of His knowledge.

I beg of God to entirely remove the veiling from thine insight, so that thou mayest become duly cognizant of the teachings of Baha’. And I beg of God to forgive thy sins and to illumine thy face with the light of forgiveness, so that thou mayest conquer the self which desires the earthly world and prevent it from its wishes and appetites.

As to the spiritual meeting which ye have organized for diffusing the fragrances of God (i.e., for teaching the Truth), this is a good thing that ye have performed. I beg of God, to make the Holy Spirit breathe there in such fragrances which may perfume all regions.

Be not grieved at the smallness of your number and thank God for the power of your spirits. He shall assist you with such a confirmation whereat minds will be astonished and souls will be amazed.

“O thou Secretary of the meanings emanated from the...”

O thou Secretary of the meanings emanated from the hearts of the people of the Kingdom.

Verily, I have read thine eloquent letter and brilliant writing, which indicated the attraction of the people of God by the fragrances of His Kingdom, and their gathering in the assembly of the merciful feelings and the congregation of the upright.

I do supplicate God to confirm that spiritual assembly, that gathering of commemoration, to that whereby the merciful faces brighten, and I beseech Him to assist them and thee to that whereby man ascends the highest and noblest station of excellence and the loftiest apex of honor, to make them humble and courteous before the beloved of God, to become severed from aught else save God, to beseech the Kingdom of ABHA, to be freed from every mention save the commemoration of God, and to be sanctified from all the grades of passion and desire, with pure, holy hearts which are devoid of every feeling except entire attention unto God, the Lord of the present and the world to come.

I have written answers to the letters which thou hast sent and I enclose them with this Tablet. I wrote also a Tablet to the assembly56 ; read it unto them with a fluent tongue and a heart overflowing with the love of God.

“O ye who have advanced! O ye who are rejoiced!...”

O ye57 who have advanced! O ye who are rejoiced!

Verily, God hath, through His grace and generosity, guided you toward His Kingdom, hath facilitated unto you every good, hath favored you with the bounty of guidance, hath made you signs of piety, hath caused a blessing to descend upon you from heaven, and hath made you banners of His commemoration among mankind.

Thank ye God for this gift, by reason of which the hearts of the Supreme Concourse are exhilarated. The fragrances of holiness shall soon be diffused and the breeze of grace shall blow from the direction of the providence of your Lord, whereby your mentioning will be exalted, your light will become scintillating, your backs will be strengthened and you joy will be perfected.

Make you feet firm in the love of God, arise to carry on the teachings of God, purify souls from desire and illumine faces with the light of guidance; so that ye may obtain the might gift and the great mercy.

“O ye sincere ones and ye who are attracted and moved...”

O ye58 sincere ones and ye who are attracted and moved by the breeze of the favor of God!

Verily, I have read the names of your beloved assembly which deserves to be mentioned with sanctity and which attracts the confirmation of the loving Lord and seeks to attain to the favors of God, the Mighty, the Compassionate!

I beseech God at all times, with all supplication, humility and lowliness, to confirm these souls who have no purpose in their deliberation and consultations save to seek the merciful bounties and the divine invisible confirmations.

I hope and request, through the bounty of my Lord, that the greatest assistance and the most eminent confirmation be granted unto you when ye are firm and steadfast and withstand every difficulty which may befall you in spreading the Cause of God in those regions.

By the life of God, all the confirmations of the Kingdom of God will surround those whose hearts are firm, whose feet are steadfast and whose souls are tranquilized in the Most Great Cause.

Consider ye the past centuries, how a single one of the beloved of God withstood all the people on the earth because of his firmness in the love of God, and his entire turning of the heart toward the Kingdom of God and with the cup of his heart overflowing with the wine of the knowledge of God.

Be ye assured with the greatest assurance that, verily, God will help those who are firm in His Covenant in every matter, through His confirmation and favor, the lights of which will shine forth unto the east of the earth, as well as the west thereof. He will make them the signs of guidance among the creation and as shining and glittering stars from all horizons.

Consequently, do ye beseech unto God and pray and supplicate Him and ask Him for the greatest gift and eminent favor.

“O thou who hast acknowledged the Kingdom of God!...”

O thou who hast acknowledged the Kingdom of God!

I received thy letter wherein thou hast confessed the appearance of the Kingdom of God at this time, declared His Oneness and believed in His Words. Blessed art thou for this clear confession! Thank the maid-servant of God .............. for she hath guided thee to this Path and declared to thee the Call of God. Shouldst thou offer all the treasures of the earth to her, they would not equal this great guidance.

Depend upon God, be sincere and sever thyself from all else save Him. Thus thou wilt receive the teaching of God and thy heart will be made happy. May thy tongue praise Him and thy sight behold the light shining from the Sun of Truth.

Verily, this is a rich blessing for which the saints of the past longed. Be happy and say: “God chooses for His favors whomsoever He willeth. He is the Merciful, the Generous!”

“O ye who are set aglow with the fire of God’s Love!...”

O ye who are set aglow with the fire of God’s Love!

Blessed are ye for having been chosen by God for His love, in this new age, and joy be to you for having been guided to the Great Kingdom! Verily, your Lord hath chosen you to show the path to the Kingdom of God, among the people. The attracted maid-servant of God, ............ praised you in beautiful expressions and informed me of your earnest endeavors in serving, teaching and offering the chalice of Truth to the maid-servants of God. I rejoiced to hear of your efforts in the Cause of God. This is indeed good service.

“O thou who art turning unto God!...”

O thou who art turning unto God!

Thy letter was an inheritance of joy and happiness unto me, for its significance was a supplication and an entreaty unto God to make thee a pure servant, exempt from all material desires, sanctified and severed from all save God, that thou mayest be characterized with the attributes of the heavenly angels, cleansed from all desires and earthly wishes, with thy heart severed from all save the knowledge of the divine teachings. Verily, I pray God to nourish thee upon the breast of bounty and rear thee in such a manner that all men of learning shall be amazed, and to make thee a miracle of guidance among the servants.

“O thou who art attracted to God!...”

O thou who art attracted to God!

I send this letter written by my own hand, that thou mayest thank God, thy Lord, the Supreme, grow in happiness in the love of God and be kindled by the fire of His love, chanting verses of greetings and thanks, and be quickened by the breezes of life blown from the garden of the knowledge of God.

“O thou opened rose in the garden of El-ABHA!...”

O thou opened rose in the garden of El-ABHA!

I have perused thy excellently worded letter showing what is moving in thy heart by the emotions of the love of God.

O maid-servant of God! Chant the Words of God and, pondering over their meaning, transform them into actions! I ask God to cause thee to attain a high station in the Kingdom of Life forever and ever.

“O thou who art tested with a great calamity!...”

O thou who art tested with a great calamity!

Be not grieved nor troubled because of the loss which hath befallen thee—a loss which caused the tears to flow, sighs to be produced, sorrow to exist and hearts to burn in great agony; but know, this hath reference only to the physical body, and if thou considerest this matter with a discerning and intelligent eye, thou wilt find that it hath no power whatsoever, for separation belongeth to the characteristics of the body. But concerning the spirit, know that thy pure son shall be with thee in the Kingdom of God and thou shalt witness his smiling face, illumined brow, handsome spirit and real happiness. Accordingly, thou wilt then be comforted and thank God for His favor upon thee.

“O thou who art patient and resigning thyself to the...”

O thou who art patient and resigning thyself to the judgment (of God)!

Be not grieved at the calamity which hath unexpectedly come upon thee and for the misfortune which heavily weigheth upon thee. It behooveth one like thee to endure every trial, to be pleased with the decree and to commit all thy affairs to God, so that thou mayest be a calm, approved and pleasing soul before God. Know thou, that thy beloved son hath soared, with the wing of soul, up to the loftiest height which is never-ending in the Kingdom of God. Rejoice at this great prosperity which the chosen ones were longingly asking from the Holy and Exalted Threshold (of God). Truly, I say unto thee, wert thou informed of the position in which is thy son, thy face would be illuminated by the lights of happiness and thou wouldst thank thy forgiving Lord therefor and thou wouldst long for ascending to that praiseworthy position.

“O thou who hast humbled thyself before the Kingdom...”

O thou who hast humbled thyself before the Kingdom of God!

Blessed art thou that thine heart is attracted to the Beauty of God, is illumined with the light of knowledge and the ray of the Kingdom hath shone within it.

Know thou, verily, God is with thee under all circumstances and guards thee from the concerns of the world and makes thee a servant in His great vineyard.

As to thy question concerning training children: It is incumbent upon thee to nurture them from the breast of the love of God, to urge them towards spiritual matters, to turn unto God and to acquire good manners, best characteristics and praiseworthy virtues and qualities in the world of humanity, and to study sciences with the utmost diligence; so that they may become spiritual, heavenly and attracted to the fragrances of sanctity from their childhood and be reared in a religious, spiritual and heavenly training. Verily, I beg of God to confirm them therein.

As to thy revered husband: It is expedient that thou shouldst behave toward him in the best way and persevere in his good pleasure (i.e., please him) and treat him with kindness under all aspects; until (or so that) he may find that through thy turning toward the Kingdom of God (i.e., by becoming a believer) thy affection toward him and thy love for God is increased and that thou hast regard for his good will in every condition.

Verily, I beg of God to make thee steadfast in His love and to cause thee to diffuse the fragrances of sanctity in those places (i.e., to teach the Truth).

“O thou loving torch, flaming by the fire of the Love of...”

O thou loving torch, flaming by the fire of the Love of God!

Verily, I read thy letter sent by thee and was rejoiced in heart by the wonderful meaning and eloquent content, which proved thy extreme sincerity in the Cause of God, thy steadfastness in the path of the Kingdom of God and thy firmness in the religion of God, forasmuch as this is of the utmost importance before God.

How many souls advanced unto God, entered the shadow of the Word of God and became celebrated in the world, as Judas Iscariot. Then, when the tests became severe and trials great, their feet turned from the path; turned from confession to denial; changed from love and affection to severe enmity. Then the power of tests, whereby the foundations shake, were manifested.

Judas Iscariot was one of the greatest disciples, was called unto Jesus; he thought that Jesus increased his kindness to Peter, the disciple, when saying to him: “Thou art Peter; upon thee I shall build my church.” This speech affecting Peter with special impression whereby envy was created in the heart of Judas and, therefore, he turned after advancing, denied after confessing, hated after loving, until he became the cause of the crucifixion of the Glorious Lord and Manifest Light. This is the end of envy which causes people to turn from the right path. Such has taken place and will occur in this Great Cause; but there is no harm in it, as it is the cause of manifesting the firmness of the rest and the arising of the firm souls who are as solid as the lofty mountains in the love of the Manifest Light.

As to thee, convey unto the maid-servants of the Merciful that they must be firm in the love of El-Baha at the time of the severe trials and tests; forasmuch as the storms and winds occur during the winter seasons; then comes the spring with the wonderful scenery and it adorns the hills and plains with flowers and beautiful birds sing the melodies of joy on the branches of the trees and warble beautiful tunes on the roofs of bowers, in wonderful melodies. Soon shalt thou see that the lights have shone forth, the banners of the Kingdom have been raised, the fragrances of God diffused, the hosts of the Kingdom descending, the angels of heaven confirmed and the Holy Spirit breathed into those horizons (regions). Then shalt thou see the waverers frightened and at loss. This is a complete matter on the part of the Lord of Signs.

Blessed art thou for keeping firm in the Cause of God. I pray God to give thee a divine spirit, spiritual blood and to make thee a growing and thriving leaf on the Tree of Life, so that thou mayest serve the maid-servants of God in fragrance and spirituality.

Thy generous Lord will confirm thee in serving in His great vineyard and will make thee an instrument for spreading the spirit of concord and union among the maid-servants of the Merciful, will open thine insight by the light of knowledge and forgive thee thy sins and change them to good deeds.

Verily thy Lord is the Forgiving, the Merciful and Possessor of Great Bounty!

“O maid-servant of God who art swayed like a strong...”

O maid-servant of God who art swayed like a strong branch by the breeze of God!

I have read thy letter which evinces the abundance of thy love and the warmth of thy devotion and thy zeal in acknowledging God.

Commit thyself to God; give up thy will and choose that of God; abandon thy desire and lay hold on that of God; that thou mayest be a holy, spiritual and heavenly example among the maid-servants of God.

O maid-servant of God! Know thou that in the sight of God, the conduct of women is the same as that of men. All are the creatures of God and He has created them after His form and likeness; that is to say, after the form and likeness of the Manifestations of His names and His attributes. From the spiritual point of view, therefore, there is no difference between women and men. “The nearer we draw to God, the nearer He comes to us” without regard to whether the person be a man or a woman. How many women, thus drawn to God, have surpassed men in the shadow of Baha’ in bringing men under it—women famous throughout the world!

The House of Justice, however, according to the positive commandments of the Doctrine of God, has been specialized to the men, for a (specific) reason or exercise of wisdom on the part of God, and this reason will presently appear, even as the sun at midday.

And as to you—you other maid-servants attracted by the perfume of God—establish spiritual gatherings (assemblies) and heavenly meetings. This work is the beginning of the diffusing of the perfume of God and the foundation of the elevating of the Word of God and the making known of the commandments of God. Is there a blessing greater than this? These spiritual gatherings (assemblies) are sustained (reinforced) by the Spirit of God, and their protector is Abdul-Baha, who spreads his wings (over) above them. Is there a blessing greater than this? These spiritual gatherings (assemblies) are glowing lamps and heavenly gardens which cast the light of knowledge upon the contingent world and cause the spirit of life to penetrate to every quarter. This, then, is the best means of the progress of the human race in all conditions and circumstances. Is there a greater blessing than this?

“O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!

Verily, I read thy beautifully composed letter and thank God for that He granted thee characteristics, attributes and deeds which made thee dear and loved by the maid-servants of God and chosen to be the president of the “Assembly of Teaching.” Thank God for that He confirmed thee by this wonderful bounty, and, verily, I supplicate unto Him to strengthen thee in rendering this great service in His great vineyard, and to strengthen thy respected husband in patience and forbearance in this test which will pass away, by the help of God, and the veil be removed; difficulty will be replaced by ease; hardships and trouble be changed into comfort, in the shadow of His great Kingdom.

“O thou dear maid-servant of God!...”

O thou dear maid-servant of God!

Thank God that thou hast come near unto the Holy Threshold and art dear in the Kingdom of His Glory. Thou art president of an assembly which is a type of the assemblages of the Supreme Concourse and a reflection of the semblances of the Kingdom of God. With heart and soul, with entire devotion, supplication, humbleness and submissiveness, endeavor to promulgate the law of God and strive to diffuse the fragrances of God. Exert yourself to become the real president of assemblies of spiritual ones and a companion of the Kingdom of the Merciful.

Thou hast asked in regard to the 10th verse of the 21st chapter of Revelation and to the 17th verse:

Know that the firmament of the bright sun of the world of possibilities is divided into twelve sections, according to mathematical principles, which are called the twelve constellations; likewise, the Sun of Truth manifests and pours forth His bounty in twelve constellations of holiness. By these constellations are meant holy souls who are the manifestations of purity and the dawning-points of the lights of Unity. Observe that in the day of His Holiness the Speaker of God (Moses), there were twelve holy souls who were the leaders of the Truth. In like manner, in the cycle of His Holiness the Spirit (Jesus Christ), note that there were twelve apostles under the shadow of the light of the Most High, and the Sun of Truth was manifested through those bright dawning-places like unto the phenomenal sun. Likewise, in the time of His Holiness Mohammed, consider that there were twelve dawning points of holiness who were the manifestations of confirmation. Such is the case.

Accordingly, St. John, the divine, declared in his vision regarding the twelve doors and the twelve foundations. By the great and holy city of Jerusalem, which is descended from heaven, is meant the sacred law of God. This subject has been repeatedly explained in many Tablets and in the Scriptures of the ancient prophets. For example, it is said in one place: “I beheld Jerusalem marching on to the wilderness.” The purport is that this Heavenly Jerusalem has twelve doors through which the advancing souls enter into the City of God. These doors are the souls who are the stars of guidance and doors unto bounty and knowledge. “At the gates twelve angels stood.” By “angel” is meant the power of the confirmation of God; that the candle of the power of the divine confirmation shines forth and is illumined in those souls. That is to say, that each one of those souls will be confirmed by the mightiest power. Those twelve gates surround the whole universe. This signifies that all existence is under the shadow of those souls; also, that these doors are the foundation of the city of God, the divine Jerusalem; that upon each of these foundations the name of one of the Apostles of His Holiness the Spirit59 is written. That is to say, the manifestation of the perfections, glad-tidings, virtues and high attributes of that holy soul.

In brief, it is said that: “And he that talked with me had a golden rod to measure the city and the gates thereof and the walls thereof.” The purport is this, that certain souls guided (people) with a rod of the plant, that is, a reed wherewith he shepherded the sheep, like unto the rod of Moses; other trained (the people) with a rod of iron and drove them, as in the time of Mohammed (The scepter of Mohammed was the sword). In this Greatest Day the rod of the plant and the rod of iron are changed into a rod which is of pure gold and is from the endless treasuries of the Kingdom of God.

By the instrumentality of this, all people shall be trained. Observe the difference: In a certain time the teachings of God were like unto the twigs of a tree and by them the signs of God were spread, the law of God promulgated and the religion of God founded. Later a time came when the rod of the divine Shepherd was like iron, and now in this blessed and glorious cycle that rod is become like unto pure gold. What a great difference exists between them! Therefore know that the law of God and the divine teachings prove a great advance in this day. They have reached a degree of supremacy, compared with former ages. Nay, rather, this is pure gold, while that was iron and wood.

This answer was written briefly because there was no more time. You will certainly excuse. The maid-servants of God must reach a station wherein they themselves shall comprehend the realities and meanings, to give clear explanations for each word and the fountains of wisdom gush forth from the reality of their hearts like a full flowing stream.

“O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!

Verily, I noted the contents of thy letter, which was beautifully composed, was informed of thy sorrow, the shedding of thy tears and the glowing of thy heart on account of the imprisonment of Abdul-Baha.

O maid-servant of God! This prison is indeed more precious and sweet than a garden to me, this fetter is greater than any liberty and the confinement is broader than the most spacious wilderness. Therefore, grieve not on this account. Verily, if my Lord destine unto me and causes me to taste the sweetness of the cup of the great martyrdom, my greatest desire will be fulfilled. Fear not if this Branch be severed from the material earth and cast aside the leaves—nay, rather, its leaves will flourish, for this Branch will grow after it is cut from the earth (world), will ascend until it shelters the universe, its foliage will reach the Supreme Apex and bear fruits, imparting fragrant perfume unto the world. Therefore, turn unto thy Supreme Lord and say:

O my God! O my God! This Thy maid-servant supplicates to Thee, trusts in Thee and directs herself unto Thee, asking Thee to shed Thy divine mercies upon her, to manifest Thy spiritual mysteries and to show forth Thy majesty unto her. O Lord! O Lord! Illumine the sight of my husband, cheer his breast by the light of knowing Thee, attract his heart unto Thy manifest Beauty and gladden his spirit by the manifestation of Thy radiant light. O Lord! Withdraw the veil from his sight, grant him Thy compassion, exhilarate him with the wine of Thy love among the people, make him an angel of Thine walking upon the earth, let his spirit soar unto heaven and make him a lamp glistening with the light of Thy knowledge in the community. Verily, Thou art the Generous, the Precious, the Bestower!

“O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!

Be rejoiced through the grace of thy Lord and happy through the bounties of thy God, the Most Merciful of the Merciful. Thy Lord hath indeed chosen thee for His love, guided thee unto the straight path, attracted thee by the magnet of His knowledge, from among women, and crowned thee with the diadem of guidance among the maid-servants. Praise thy Lord for this great favor, heavenly mercy and bounty which hath no equal in the world of creation. Gladden the maid-servants of the Merciful through the grace of thy Lord. Thus their breasts may become dilated by the holy fragrances emanating from the Kingdom of El-ABHA.

Soon the lights will glisten and the Sun of Truth will shine with the burning ray in that country. At that time the maid-servants who are firm and constant will rejoice; while every doubtful soul who wavers will regret. Woe unto him, woe unto him, in that day wherein the beloved will attain joy by the surrounding Kingdom of thy Lord, the Precious, the Beneficent! Verily, the end is for them who are ushered into the tent of the Covenant of thy merciful Lord.

“O thou who art turning unto the Kingdom of God!...”

O thou who art turning unto the Kingdom of God!

Verily I am acquainted with the contents of the letter which thou hast addressed to ............ the servant of God, and I find its significance excellent, proclaiming the Truth about which there can be no doubt or uncertainty.

Now the day has arrived in which the edifice of God, the divine sanctuary, the spiritual temple, shall be erected in America! I entreat God to assist the confirmed believers in accomplishing this great service and with entire zeal to rear this mighty structure which shall be renowned throughout the world. The support of God will be with those believers in that district that they may be successful in their undertaking, for the Cause is great and great; because this is the first Mashrak-el-Azcar in that country and from it the praise of God shall ascend to the Kingdom of Mystery and the tumult of His exaltation and greetings from the whole world shall be heard!

Whosoever arises for the service of this building shall be assisted with a great power from His Supreme Kingdom and upon him spiritual and heavenly blessings shall descend, which shall fill his heart with wonderful consolation and enlighten his eyes by beholding the glorious and eternal God!

Give my greetings and salutations to thy honorable husband and say to him from me: “Notice the sign which shall soon appear in those regions and then your searching heart shall be assured. Verily thy Lord is the Powerful!”

“O thou who art assured by the grace of thy Lord!...”

O thou who art assured by the grace of thy Lord!

I have perused thy excellent letter which shows that thou art turning thy face unto the living, eternal One and grasping the hem of His Grandeur and thy attraction unto the Call of thy Supreme Lord. Well done! Well done! O maid-servant of God, for thou hast believed in the Glorious Beauty (of El-ABHA) and art confirmed in the manifestation of the Kingdom of God, during this time.

It behooveth thee to sever thyself from all desires save thy Lord, the Supreme, expecting no help or aid from anyone in the universe, not even from thy father or children. Resign thyself to God! Content thyself with but little of this world’s goods! Verily, economy is a great treasure. If one of thy relations oppress thee, complain not magnificent patience during every calamity and hardship. Verily thy Master is the Lord of Faithfulness! Forgive and overlook the shortcomings which have appeared in that one, for the sake of love and affection. Know that nothing will benefit thee in this life save supplication and invocation unto God, service in His vineyard, and, with a heart full of love, be in constant servitude unto Him.

If thy daily living become difficult, soon (God) thy Lord will bestow upon thee that which shall satisfy thee. Be patient in the time of affliction and trial, endure every difficulty and hardship with dilated heart, attracted spirit and eloquent tongue in remembrance of the Merciful. Verily this is the life of satisfaction, the spiritual existence, heavenly repose, divine benediction and the celestial table! Soon thy Lord will extenuate thy straightened circumstances even in this world.

“O thou dear servant of God!...”

O thou dear servant of God!

Thy letter was received and its contents noted. As to instructions which thou desirest, they are as follows:

Believe in God; turn unto the Supreme Kingdom; be attracted unto the Beauty of ABHA; remain firm in the Covenant; yearn for ascending unto the heaven of the sun of the universe; be disinterested in the world; be alive with the fragrances of holiness in the Kingdom of the Highest; be a caller to love; kind to the human race; gentle with humanity; interested in all the people of the world; wish for harmony and seek friendship and honesty. Be a healing for every wound, a remedy for every sick, a source of harmony among the people; chant the verses of guidance; pray to God; arise for the guidance of the people; let thy tongue explain and thy face illumine with the glowing of the love of God. Rest not a moment and breathe not a breath of repose until thou becomest a sign of God’s love and a banner of God’s favor.

“O thou who art hoping for the Kingdom!...”

O thou who art hoping for the Kingdom!

Thank thou God that He hath guided thee, led thee to the Kingdom of Being, ushered thee under the shade of the bounties of the Lord of Hosts, and that thou hast stepped into the Paradise of ABHA.

Do not grieve on account of the death of thy son, neither sigh nor lament. That nightingale soared upward to the divine rose-garden; that drop returned to the most great ocean of Truth; that foreigner hastened to his native abode; and that ill one found salvation and life eternal.

Why shouldst thou be sad and heartbroken? This separation is temporal; this remoteness and sorrow is counted only by days. Thou shalt find him in the Kingdom of God and thou wilt attain to the everlasting union. Physical companionship is ephemeral, but heavenly association is eternal. Whenever thou rememberest the eternal and never ending union, thou wilt be comforted and blissful.

“O dear servant of God!...”

O dear servant of God!

Thy letter hath arrived and the contents have given glad-tidings that the ground for the Temple hath been bought and also told about the meeting which was held concerning the needs for the Temple. From this news great fragrance and joy were produced. Thanks be to God that thou wast helped to establish a meeting for this purpose. I hope that the members of this meeting will become the receivers of the divine benevolence and be aided by the heavenly assistances. But consult with the House of Spirituality of Chicago. Ye must all be perfectly united and harmonious until, through this harmony, ye may perpetually receive help from the Kingdom of God.

Concerning the members of this spiritual meeting, you suggested that they be selected from all the spiritual meetings of the other cities of America. I quite approve and am very much pleased with this plan. This will become the cause of harmony in the Word in all America. Therefore, ask every spiritual meeting in the other cities that they will each select one and send him, and from these selected ones and with those who are selected from the Chicago meetings, establish a new meeting for the provision of the needs of the Temple. If this be established with perfect fragrance and joy, it will produce great results. In this new meeting, especially for the establishment of the Temple, ladies are also to be members.

Give to all the divine friends the glad-tidings of the boundless heavenly blessings and tell them that the glances of the eyes of Providence are upon them and the perfect favor and bounty are descending upon them.

“O thou dear maid-servant of God!...”

O thou dear maid-servant of God!

Thy letter, concerning the celebration of the anniversary of the declaration of His Holiness the Supreme60—may my spirit be sacrificed for Him!—which was held on the land of the Mashrak-el-Azcar61, was read.

The utmost joy was attained, for—praise be to God! —the friends of the Merciful passed some time on that day joyous and singing in the land of the Mashrak-el-Azcar and enjoyed commemorating the Lord of the verses with the greatest joy.

That melody was heard by the Supreme Concourse and that rose-song of the nightingale of faithfulness gladdened the people of the rose-garden of ABHA.

I am hopeful that, during the coming Rizwan62, a great feast shall be held in the land of the Mashrak-el-Azcar, a spiritual celebration prepared and the melodies of the violin and the mandoline and hymns in praise and glorification of the Lord of Hosts make all the audience joyous and ecstatic.

A few days ago an epistle was written—therefore, brevity is considered here.

Treat thy dear daughter, for me, with the utmost kindness and, likewise, the other friends and maid-servants of the Merciful.

“O attracted maid-servant of God!...”

O attracted maid-servant of God!

The epistle written (and sent) through Mirza...... was received. The account of the land designated for the Mashrak-el-Azcar, of your placing therein, in company with Mrs. ........, nine stones and pouring thereon attar, water and olive oil, and of your commemorating the Beauty of ABHA and His Holiness the Supreme63, was all understood.

That land is blessed because it is mentioned by the name of Mashrak-el-Azcar. Surely, the beloved of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful in all the cities of America must put forth the utmost of effort in order that the Mashrak-el-Azcar be raised in that land.

I am hopeful through the aids and confirmations of God that the beloved ones and maid-servants of the Merciful may achieve this service.

Express the utmost love and kindliness on behalf of Abdul-Baha to all the beloved and the dear maid-servants of the Merciful, especially Mrs. .......... and thy dear daughter.

“O thou who art advancing to the Kingdom of God!...”

O thou who art advancing to the Kingdom of God!

I have considered thy writing, which indicates brightness of heart and the love of God. Blessed art thou for having been thus favored and for having attained to guidance.

You have asked me two questions: “That if the same spirit is manifest in all the Manifestations and Prophets, then what is the distinction or difference between Christ (or rather Jesus) and the other Prophets; also [what is the difference] between Father and Son?”

Know that the human spirit is one, but it manifests itself in various members of the body in a certain (measure or) form. The human spirit is existent in the sight (eyes); it is also existent in the brain, which is the location of great functions and powers; it is also existent in the heart, which organ is largely connected with the brain or the center of the mind, and the heart, or that center which is connection with the brain, has a distinct and separate function, effect and appearance. In this connection, the hair and nails have no command (nor direct feeling).

Figuratively speaking, the Father is the center of the brain and the Son is the center of the heart; the rest of the Prophets are members and parts. Fatherhood and Prophethood, in this case, are two expressions of the same thing, as man and creature are two names of the same reality. The word “man,” however, is greater than the word “creature” because it bears a weightier meaning than the name “creature”; both are the same.

O maid-servant of God! I pray God to confirm thee forever anew. Give greeting to thy dear mother. Superstition hath somewhat overcome her. When the imagined Satan overpowers, let her say: “O Baha-el-ABHA!” She should then turn to the highest Kingdom. Thus will the imagined Satan leave her. [She] has a form of obsession; therefore, you may not heed her sayings.

Cultivate the land and thus, through its fruits, you will obtain benefits. God will relieve you from care (on account) of your mother.

Give your good husband my spiritual greeting. I pray that he may be made a recipient of the divine bounties and attain to the grace of God.

“O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of Holiness!...”

O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of Holiness!

Be dilated in thy heart by the gentle breeze which emanates from the garden of Eternal Life and enkindled in the Tree of Sinai in the center of Paradise; so that thou mayest be a pillar of fire and a cloud of light in this age, wherein a drop grows into a large wave of the sea, and a lamp glistens with the light of the dazzling stars, and this is from the power which is manifested by thy Lord, the Clement, the Merciful. ***

Be firm in the worship of God, fasting, praying, imploring and invoking unto thy God, the Generous; so that He shall destine to thee the honor of sacrifice in the path of thy Beloved, the Ancient.

I ask God to grant thee thy greatest wish in this wonderful time.

“O thou who art cheered through the Fragrances of...”

O thou who art cheered through the Fragrances of God!

When thou desirest and yearnest for meeting in the world of vision; at the time when thou art in perfect fragrance and spirituality, wash thy hands and face, clothe thyself in clean robes, turn toward the court of the Peerless One, offer prayer to Him and lay thy head upon the pillow. When sleep cometh, the doors of revelation shall be opened and all thy desires shall become revealed.

Endeavor to guide thy mother and confirm her in faith; when the heart becometh confident, the imagination of Satan and evil vanisheth away. If the heart becometh absolutely tranquil, suspicion and imagination will entirely pass away.

“O thou dear maid-servant of God!...”

O thou dear maid-servant of God!

Thy letter was read and I am very happy that thou art active and full of life through the spirit of Life and that thou art firm and steadfast in this great Cause.

To enter the Kingdom is easy, but to remain firm and constant is difficult. The planting of trees is easy, but their cultivation and training to strengthen their roots and to make them firm is difficult. Now, as thou art a firm tree, thou shalt certainly grow and send out branches, leaves and blossoms and bear fruits.

These branches, leaves, blossoms and fruits are the souls who may be guided, through the providence of God, by thee. Therefore, thou art confirmed and strengthened.

Some of the friends intended to visit the Holy Land, but hindrances prevented them and they have deferred their coming. You should also remain with your mother and serve her until a suitable time arrives.

Give my greetings and praise to my spiritual friend [thy husband] and gladden him with the joyful tidings of God; also, give the same to the friends of God and His maid-servants.

“O thou who has sought shelter in the Impregnable...”

O thou who has sought shelter in the Impregnable Cave!

Verily, the glad-tidings of God have encompassed Abdul-Baha from all directions. While his heart is beating with the love of God, he holds a cup full of the knowledge of God in his right hand and wishes to give the seekers to drink of this wine, so that they may, perchance, be exhilarated with this cup, which is overflowing with the signs of God.

Be thou rejoiced at these words, because thou wilt partake of this wine which refreshes hearts and souls.

“O thou who art confessing the Oneness of God!...”

O thou who art confessing the Oneness of God!

Verily, I read thy letter and I besought God to cause thee to promulgate His divine Manifestation, to be rejoiced at the bounty of His Kingdom, to adhere to His Testament, to hold fast to the hem of the robe of His grandeur, to exert thyself in His Cause, to desire the unity of His dearly beloved ones, and the harmony amongst His chosen ones and to endeavor to remove the doubts which are being emanated from deceitful souls.

By the might of my Lord, verily, the Lord will assist only those who will remain firm in His Cause, and desire union, love, humility and submissiveness, and to become separated from aught else save God. Every forehead which is illuminated with these lights will be a lamp of guidance and a star whereby all horizons will be lighted.

Exert thyself with all thy heart and soul and with all strength, so that thou mayest become a sign of firmness and as a banner of the Word of God which may wave on every lofty edifice through the favor of thy Glorious Lord.

As to thy question concerning the 12th chapter of Ecclesiastes: This is prophecy regarding the coming of Jesus in that book, the signs and marks of which were fulfilled with the appearance of the Promised One of the Bible64 ; but since the Jews did not understand the meaning thereof, so they denied Jesus and— God forbid! —said that He was the deformed (Antichrist). Then it is said by Jesus in the Gospel, that similar signs would appear in the “last day”—or in other words—in the day when Christ will come the second time in this world.

The interpretation of these statements is mentioned in the clearest manner and with the most wonderful proofs in the Book of Ighan65 . His honor, Ali-Kuli-Khan, has already translated this Book which will soon be published in America66 . Then you will be informed of the explanation and interpretation of these verses and statements as elucidated by the Blessed Perfection. Therefore my interpretation is not necessary.

As to thy question concerning the 54th chapter of Isaiah: This chapter refers to the Exalted Leaf, the mother of Abdul-Baha. As a proof to this it is said: “For more are the children of the desolate, than the children of the married wife.” Reflect upon this statement and then upon the following: “And thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.” And truly the humiliation and reproach which she suffered in the path of God is a fact which no one can refute. For the calamities and afflictions mentioned in the whole chapter are such afflictions which she suffered in the path of God, all of which she endured with patience and thanked God therefor and praised Him, because He had enabled her to endure afflictions for the sake of Baha’. During all this time, the men and women (nakazeen) persecuted her in an incomparable manner, while she was patient, God-fearing, calm, humble and contented through the favor of her Lord and by the bounty of her Creator.

As to thee—O thou who art confessing the Oneness of God! —rise with all thy power to keep firm in the Testament of God, and firmly believe that, verily, all troops are defeated save those of the Testament and all banners are reversed, save that of the Covenant of God, which will wave over all horizons and will overshadow the hosts of spirit, love and peace, while agitated by the breeze of the favor of God. Be thou of the number of this great host and among the vanguard of this great and powerful army.

“O thou illumined youth!...”

O thou illumined youth!

Thank thou God, for that the tongues spoke in thy praise and the pends moved with thy love, thy knowledge and thy enkindlement by the fire of the love of God. One of them is the pen of Abdul-Baha. Therefore, be a sign of knowledge, standard of assurance and a light of God, so that thou mayest become strengthened by the breaths of the Holy Spirit in these days.

“O thou revered sincere one!...”

O thou revered sincere one!

Know thou, verily, the brilliant realities and sanctified spirits are likened to a shining crescent. It has one face turned toward the Sun of Truth, and another face opposite to the contingent world. The journey of this crescent in the heaven of the universe ends in (becoming) a full moon. That is, that face of it which is turned toward the divine world becomes also opposite to the contingent world, and by this, both its merciful and spiritual, as well as contingent, perfections become complete.

“O thou servant of God!...”

O thou servant of God!

Thy letter was received. Thou hast spoken concerning thy lack of ability and capacity. Wert thou without ability and capacity, thou wouldst not have advanced toward the Kingdom of ABHA.

Consider how there are thousands of heedless souls who are asleep, while there is one who is conscious and awake! Even as His Holiness Christ has said, the friends of God are the salt of the earth, and the salt is but a little part of the whole. Undoubtedly the friends of God have been endowed with ability and capacity, on which account this became of the “chosen” and not of the “called.”

O thou spiritual friend! This world is a prison for heavenly souls, and this earthly world is but a cage, and not a nest, unto the divine birds. A prisoner who is awake and conscious will certainly seek for freedom, and a mindful bird will certainly wish for deliverance from the cage. When the heart becometh free from attachment unto this world, it will crave for the world of the Kingdom and seek for eternal life.

“O thou who are enkindled by the fire of the Love of...”

O thou who are enkindled by the fire of the Love of God!

Verily, I received thy good and beautiful letter and I found it to be a sign of thy love and an evidence of thy being attracted to the Beauty of El-ABHA. I ask God to make thee a caller to the Kingdom of El-ABHA, in those regions; to give thee a draught of the wine of grace, to attract thee to the center of guidance, to cause thee to ascend unto the Supreme World and to confirm thee by the fragrances of the Holy Spirit, until thou mayest guide the people unto the kingdom of immortality, revive the hearts by the fragrances of God and plant the seed of guidance in the field of the souls, by a help from thy Lord, the Merciful, the Clement.

As to the wonderful melody whereby thy spirit was revived, verily it is a melody of the melodies of the divine music, which will cause the spirits to ascend unto the Supreme Horizon and will (cause) the mysteries to be unfolded.

O maid-servant of God! Be one of the angels of peace and a saint in the world. Verily thy Lord will cause thee to listen to that wonderful melody, through the spiritual instrument.

Regarding thy visit to this region67, it is not permissible at this time. But when the time comes, permission will be granted thee to present thyself at this Source of Light and Dawning-Point of the love of thy Lord, the Forgiver.

“O thou who art made happy by the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art made happy by the Fragrances of God!

Verily, I have not forgotten thee and will never forget thee. I supplicate my Lord and thy Lord to make thee a sign of His love among the maid-servants of the Merciful and an overflowing chalice with the wine of His knowledge among the women, so that thou be filled with the love of thy Lord and be severed from aught else save Him. Verily thy Lord is the Generous and the Giver. He will give thee what will dilate thy breast, enlighten thine eyes and attract thee in all conditions and circumstances.

“Convey my love to the maid-servant of God, Mrs. ........,...”

68 Convey my love to the maid-servant of God, Mrs. ........, and say: “Serve God all you can, for this service is eternal and lasting.”

“O maid-servant of God!...”

O maid-servant of God!

Thank God for choosing thee, saving thee and granting thee of these great blessings and glorious attainments. Verily, thy Lord shall confirm thee in that which shall surprise the minds, through the glowing of its love and the manifestations of the signs of its favors. It is incumbent upon thee to be pure and holy. It is incumbent upon thee to be severed from all else save thy Lord. Confine thy attention and thoughts to the Cause of thy great Lord and to diffusing His fragrances in that country.

O maid-servant of God! Commune with thy Lord, saying:

O my God! my God! Thanks be to Thee for guiding me unto Thy Kingdom, for opening before my face the door of Thy guidance, enlightening my eyes with beholding Thy signs, and filling my heart with the feelings of Thy love.

O Lord! O Lord! Make me severed from the world and void of its conditions, attracted by the fragrances of Thy holiness among Thy maid-servants, free in heart, happy in soul, cheerful in mind, longing for the Kingdom of Thy Beauty, and glowing with the fire of Thy love in the world. Thus may I enkindle the light of guidance in the hearts of Thy servants.

Verily, Thou art the Powerful, the Bestower, the Precious, the Mighty!

“O thou who art attracted by the Breath of God!...”

O thou who art attracted by the Breath of God!

With all joy I read thy brilliant letter and was informed of its expression and meanings, which showed thine abundant love in God, thy humility before the beloved of God, thine attraction to the fragrances of God and thy firmness in the Testament of God.

I beg of God to make thee promote perfect harmony among the believers of God and pure affection amid the chosen ones of God and make thee [to] cause greatest tranquillity to all the creatures and [to] show kindness towards all the people on the earth, because the bounty of the Merciful God is but pure love, great prosperity and universal peace among the different people in all regions and laying the foundation of great happiness and felicity for all the creatures.

Consequently, O thou who art attracted by the fragrances of God, exert thyself and fail not to infuse affection throughout all hearts and souls; [fail not] to gather all the souls together in the assemblage of union and cheerfulness, so that the beloved of God may become as a levied army of the Supreme Concourse and as a host of salvation descending from the Kingdom of ABHA and conquer the countries of hearts and the cities of souls with their tongues, similar to sharp swords whereby fortresses and castles are conquered.

By the Life of God! Verily I love thee with all my heart and pray for thee every eve and morn that the forgiving Lord may enable thee to serve in His excellent vineyard and make thee a sign of His signs, to cause thee to deliver His Cause, diffuse His breath (and I beg of Him) to strengthen thine honorable wife to that which behooveth these days. Verily He is the Giver of Confirmation in all circumstances!

“O thou who art assuredly believing in God!...”

O thou who art assuredly believing in God!

Verily, I read thy brilliant letter and thanked God for that He hath created a maid-servant for Baha’, who prays for Abdul-Baha and beg the confirmation and assistance of God in his behalf, because I am earnestly fond of the prayer of the maid-servants of God in my behalf and of their asking the blessing of God for this servant!

I begged of God to ordain all good unto thee for thy praying for Abdul-Baha.

“O thou who art turning unto the Kingdom of God, and...”

O thou who art turning unto the Kingdom of God, and looking unto the Day-spring of the lights of God!

I, with the utmost joy and cheerfulness, have perused the contents of thy letter, which shows thy faith in God, thy assurance in the Kingdom of God, the gladness of thy breast in hearing the voice of God and the adherence of thy heart to the word of God.

O servant of God! rejoice through the glad-tidings of God, be happy by the wafting of the fragrance of God, and cling to the Kingdom of God in such wise that it makes thee separate thyself from the world and kindle in thy heart the fire of the love of God to such an extent that any one who approaches thee will feel its warmth; and if thou desirest to attain to this station, thou shouldst turn thyself wholly unto God. Perhaps an illumination will descend upon thee by which the fragrances of God will be diffused throughout those regions and districts and thou wilt be a lamp of guidance from which the lights of knowledge will emanate and spread in those far countries and distant lands.

“O thou who art imploring God!...”

O thou who art imploring God!

I was indeed acquainted with the great misfortunes and afflictions which have befallen thee, but I hope that through the bounty of thy Lord, He may ordain unto thee heavenly fragrance and spirituality, attractive and internal perceptions and incorporeal susceptibilities; that He may grant thee strength after weakness, give thee rest after trouble, bring thee nigh to Him, and make thee a sign of His love among all His maid-servants, and forgive thy father, mother, brother and grandfather their sins.

Verily, He is the Pardoner, the Forgiver.

“O visitant of the Resort of spirits (who are) sincere in...”

O visitant of the Resort69 of spirits (who are) sincere in the Religion of God!

Blessed is the mother who bore thee and the breast whose milk suckled thee and the bosom wherein thou wert nurtured, because thou hast apprehended the Day of the Lord, hast prepared thyself to enter in unto His kingdom, hast set thy face singly toward His Gracious Countenance, hast believed in the Manifest Light, hast rejoiced in the Abundant Grace, hast responded to the Voice of thy Lord with a sincere and beating heart and hast presented thyself from those regions at the Glorious Threshold and hast marked thy forehead with the pure, holy, fragrant Tomb70, the breaths of whose sanctity are spread abroad throughout the lands as fragrant musk is diffused unto the distant place! Then thank thy Lord, the Merciful, the Clement, for this great salvation (or fruition, achievement, or attainment) and exceeding grace!

Now as to what thou askest concerning the spirit and its “return” to this world of humanity and this elemental space: Know that spirit in general is divided into five sorts—the vegetable spirit, the animal spirit, the human spirit, the spirit of faith, and the divine spirit of sanctity.

The vegetable spirit is the virtue augmentative, or growing or vegetative faculty, which results from the admixture of the simple elements, with the co-operation of water, air and heat.

The animal spirit is the virtue perceptive resulting from the admixture and absorption of the vital elements generated in the heart, which apprehend sense impressions.

The human spirit consists of the rational, or logical, reasoning faculty, which apprehends general ideas and things intelligible and perceptible.

Now these “spirits” are not reckoned as Spirit in the terminology of the Scriptures and the usage of the people of the Truth, inasmuch as the laws governing them are as the laws which govern all phenomenal being (i.e., all existences belonging to the phenomenal or material universe, called “the world of generation and corruption”), in respect to generation, corruption, production, change and reversion, as is clearly indicated in the Gospel where it says: “Let the dead bury their dead;” “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit”; inasmuch as he who would bury these dead was alive with the vegetative, animal and rational human soul, yet did Christ—to whom be glory! —declare such dead and devoid of life, in that this person was devoid of the Spirit of Faith, which is of the Kingdom of God.

In brief, for these three spirits there is no restitution or “return,” but they are subordinate to reversions and production and corruption.

But the Spirit of Faith which is of the Kingdom (of God) consists of the all-comprehending Grace and the perfect attainment (or salvation, fruition, achievement) and the power of sanctity and the divine effulgence from the Sun of Truth on luminous light-seeking essences from the presence of the divine Unity. And by this Spirit is the life of the spirit of man, when it is fortified thereby, as Christ saith: “That which is born of the Spirit is Spirit.” And this Spirit hath both restitution and return, inasmuch as it consists of the Light of God and the unconditioned Grace. So, having regard to this state and station. Christ announced that John the Baptist was Elias, who was to come before Christ (Matt. 11:14). And the likeness of this station is as that of lamps kindled (from one another): for these in respect to their glasses and oil-holders, are different, but in respect to their light, One, and in respect to their illumination, One; nay, each one is identical with the other, without imputation of plurality, or diversity or multiplicity or separateness. This is the Truth and beyond the Truth there is only error.

But as to the question of the Trinity, know, O advancer unto God, that in each one of the cycles wherein the Lights have shone forth upon the horizons (i.e., in each prophetic dispensation) and the Forgiving Lord hath revealed Himself on Mount Paran (see Habbakkuk 3:3, etc.) or Mount Sinai, or Mount Seir (see Ezekiel 35), there are necessarily three things: The Giver of the Grace, and the Grace, and the Recipient of the Grace; the Source of the Effulgence, and the Effulgence, and the Recipient of the Effulgence; the Illuminator, and the Illumination, and the Illuminated. Look at the Mosaic cycle: The Lord, and Moses, and the Fire (i.e., the burning bush), the Intermediary; and in the Mohammedan cycle: The Lord, the Apostle (or Messenger, Mohammed), and Gabriel (for, as the Mohammedans believe, Gabriel brought the Revelation from God to Mohammed). Look at the sun and its rays and the heat which results from its rays; the rays and the heart are but two effects of the sun, but inseparable from it; yet the sun is one in its essence, unique in its real identity, single in its attributes, neither is it possible that anything should resemble it. Such is the essence of the Truth concerning the Unity, the real doctrine of the Singularity, the undiluted reality as to the (Divine) Sanctity.

But as to the question concerning the atonement on the part of the Holy Redeemer, I have explained this to thee by word of mouth in a plain and detailed manner, devoid of ambiguities, and I have made it clear to thee as the sun at noonday.

And I ask God to open unto thee the gates, that thou mayest thyself apprehend the true meanings of these mysteries. Verily, He is the Confirmer, the Beneficent, the Merciful!

“O thou who art firm in the Covenant!...”

O thou who art firm in the Covenant!

The means of communication being severed71, your letter of *** was received only in these days. You have made mention of the persons who have lately accepted the Truth. Convey most wonderful ABHA greetings to Mrs. ........ and say: “Thank thou God for thou hast worn a crown studded with gems of the knowledge of God and partaken of the fountain of the Water of Life.” Convey also most wonderful greetings to Mrs. ........ and say: “Thou wast in darkness and thou hast attained the world of lights. Thou was not informed of Almighty God. I hope thou wilt witness signs.”

O thou real friend! Another letter [hath just been] received for thee. Its contents bear upon the cablegram which was sent to prevent publication. By thy dear life, thou wast not meant by it; for numerous publications were seen in newspapers and magazines which were not proper. The purpose of that cablegram is this: That each one of the beloved ones of God (believers in general who may wish to publish any writings or articles, etc.) should first send the same to the Holy Land, to be seen (or examined) and then printed. And this matter is general and this (message) was sent equally to America, Persia, India and Turkestan. I have the utmost love for thee and thy family for thou servest me—how can I be offended at you? Be assured and happy. Convey my greetings to thy sons and also to the maid-servant of God, thy wife.

“O thou slave of the Beauty of ABHA!...”

O thou slave of the Beauty of ABHA!

Thy letter was received. Praise be to God! It indicated thy firmness and steadfastness in the love of God—therefore, it was the cause of happiness.

Thou hast written regarding the meeting of his honor Mr. ........, his respected wife and daughter. Truly, I say, Mr. ........ is a blessed soul and is engaged in the service of the Cause and his extreme hope is to bring about affinity between the souls and cause the believers to be united and agree. This is also my highest hope. I hope, God willing, this unity and agreement will be established and this imprisoned one, immersed in the sea of trials, become exhilarated and rejoiced. The aim of the appearance of the Blessed Perfection—may my life be a sacrifice for His beloved ones! —was the unity and agreement of all the people of the world. Therefore, my utmost desire, firstly, is the accord and union and love of the believers and after that of all the people of the world. Now, if unity and agreement is not established among the believers, I will become heartbroken and the afflictions will leave a greater imprint upon me. But if the fragrance of love and unity among the believers is wafted to my nostrils, every trial will become a mercy, every unhappiness a joy, every difficulty an expansion, every misery a treasure and every hardship a felicity.

Convey on my behalf the utmost love and kindness to the favored maid-servant of God [thy wife], and thy worthy and noble sons.

“O thou who art awakened from the sleep of negligence...”

O thou who art awakened from the sleep of negligence and forgetfulness!

Thank God for that He hath awakened thee from thy sleep, found thee after thy being lost and quickened thee after thy death. Verily, I beg God to confirm thee by a power by which thou mayest be enabled to worship God and to serve His Cause and to be submissive and lowly before the beloved of God.

Verily, I remember thee in my prayers an din my invocation, beseeching the Heavenly Father, the Lord of Hosts, to confirm thee by a power and cause thee to be firm and to work and serve in the olive garden of God and to be lowly and submissive before His Holy and Exalted Threshold.

“O thou fortunate and righteous, sincere and pious!...”

O thou fortunate and righteous, sincere and pious!

Thank thou God for that by reason of which the breath of God hath awakened thee and the spirit of God hath quickened thee and raised thee from among the dead with a joyful spirit of life.

In my prayers I supplicate God to bestow upon thee in all cases and aspects an influential and penetrating power that thou mayest be a firm, faithful and successful servant in the garden of El-ABHA, and a skillful laborer in the vineyard of God.

“O thou who art advancing toward the Kingdom of...”

O thou who art advancing toward the Kingdom of God!

Verily, I supplicate God to illuminate thy heart through the light which is shining from the Supreme Concourse that His mightiest power may strengthen thee to be firm, steadfast, submissive and lowly before the Kingdom of God, and to be an example of good deeds among the maid-servants of the Merciful. And I beseech Him to make thy breast a clear mirror to reflect the light of the spirit of God.

“O thou at whose mention I am rejoiced!...”

O thou at whose mention I am rejoiced!

By God, the True One, verily pure hearts are as clear and brilliant mirrors which imprint the one on the other, and hearts discover the secrets of hearts. Therefore, they (hearts) chant the verses of longing and recite the odes of glorification and praise. Consequently, the recourse is to pages of hearts, not pages filled with written lines.

Give my greetings to thy revered wife and announce to her the glad-tidings of a gift from God; and I beg of God to make her a spark from out the fire of His love. Verily He is the Powerful, the Mighty!

“O thou who art assured in God!...”

O thou who art assured in God!

Verily we read thy letter and asked for thee confirmation. Verily thy Lord will strengthen thee in great spirituality and cause thy heart to overflow with the gifts of God.

All the servants of the Merciful here convey to thee greetings and praise. ***

“O thou who art advanced towards God!...”

O thou who art advanced towards God!

Verily I implore God to cause thee to be a sign of the book of Genesis, declaring His mentionings and His praise among the creatures, with brilliant face, smiling mouth, dilated breast and rejoiced heart, for the manifestation of His evident glory and the appearance of His illumining Beauty from that wonderful horizon.

Surely a day will come when all thy desires will be attained and God will answer all that which thou hast prayed for in thine heart, and I beg of Him to make all that which thou hast longed for long ago very attainable. Then thine heart will be overflowed with joy on account of such a great bounty.

“O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!

Verily I read thy new letter and was informed of its meanings, which proved thy lowiness to thy Glorious Lord.

Verily we promised thee, by the favor of thy Lord, last year, that thy Lord would grant thee “sight of eyes” (i.e., a son), a blessed birth. Thanks and praise be unto God for that He granted thee a good descendant and dilated thy breast by this great bounty. It is incumbent on thee to offer many thanks to the Merciful Lord for this great favor in the world of humanity. Verily I implore unto God to make him a sign of His Kingdom, illuminated, spiritual and god-like among the children.

“O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!

Thank God for giving and granting thee “sight of eyes” (i.e., a son) whereby thy bosom becomes dilated and thy heart rejoiced.

Then make his name “Ruhullah” (i.e., the Spirit of God), so that the Spirit of thy Lord, the Merciful of the Merciful, will confirm him.

O maid-servant of God! Know, verily, that the one who bore similar name (i.e., Ruhullah), son of Varga, was martyred in the path of God in the twelfth year of his life. While he was beneath the unsheathed sword he called out “Ya Baha-el-ABHA!” until he was killed in the path of God.

We called thy son by this noble name so that he may have a great station in the Kingdom of God.

“O thou sincere servant of the True One!...”

O thou sincere servant of the True One!

Thy letter caused joy to the hearts. Its meanings perfumed the nostrils like unto a tender flower and a red rose. The heat of thy longing was felt and thy wish to present thyself to the blessed Threshold was recognized. Happy art thou who hast entered this Supreme Paradise under the shadow of the Tree of Life and hast partaken of the Heavenly Table. This Servant hath also the utmost longing to see thee and hopeth that some day this wish may be attained. But in these days, owing to the sedition of these faithless ones (i.e., violators), coming to this blessed region is (subject to) great caution. Therefore, leave it to some other time and be engaged in diffusing the lights of the Sun of Truth.

Turn thou unto the Kingdom of Oneness and chant thou the verses of Singleness. Be thou invested with a robe, the embroidery of which is purity and sanctity and the woof and warp of which is the spirituality of the Mighty Lord, so that thou mayest inhale the fragrance of the divine rose-garden from the garment of the real Joseph and so divest thyself of the mantle of bodily things that angelhood and ideal spirituality become realized (in thee).

“O thou who art firm in the Covenant!...”

O thou who art firm in the Covenant!

I have seen the letter which thou hast written to Mr. ......... The opinion (expresssed therein) was very agreeable. The Spiritual Meeting of Consultation of New York must be in the utmost union and harmony with the Spiritual Meeting of Consultation of Chicago, and that which they deem advisable to publish, these two Meetings of Consultation must unitedly approve of it and deem its publication advisable. Then the Meeting of Consultation must send one copy thereof to Acca, in order that it may be also approved of here and then returned, and that the it may be printed and published.

That the two Spiritual Meetings of Chicago and New York must be in unity and harmony is very important, and when a Spiritual Meeting may be also organized in Washington in a befitting manner, these two meeting (of Chicago and New York) must be also in unity and harmony with that meeting.

To be brief, it hath been decided by the Desire of God that union and harmony may day by day increase among the friends of God and maid-servants of the Merciful One, in the West. Not until this is realized will the affairs advance by any means whatever! And the greatest means for the union and harmony of all is Spiritual Meetings. This matter is very important and is as a magnet (to attract or) for divine confirmation. If the beauty of this Divine Beloved One—that is, unity of believers—does appear in the ornament of the Kingdom of ABHA, it is certain that those countries will, in a short time, become the Paradise of ABHA and the light of Unity (or Oneness) and Singleness will shine upon the whole world from the West. We72 are endeavoring with all heart an soul, have no rest night and day, nor a moment of tranquillity, so that we may make the world of humanity the mirror of the divine unity; how much more the beloved of God! And this wish and hope shall appear and shine forth at that time when the true friends of God may arise and act in accord with the teachings of the Beauty of ABHA—may my life be a sacrifice to His beloved ones! One of the teachings is that love and faithfulness must so prevail in the hearts that men may see the stranger as a friend, the sinner as an intimate fellow, may count enemies as allies, regard foes as loving comrades, call their executioner the giver of life, consider the denier as a believer and the unbeliever as a faithful one—that is, men must behave in such a manner as may befit the believers, the faithful, the friend and the confidant. If this lamp may shine in a befitting manner in the assemblage of the world you will find that the regions will become fragrant and the world become a delectable paradise, the surface of the earth will become an excellent garden, the world will become as one home, the different nations will become as one kind, and the peoples and nationalities of the East and West will become as one household. I hope such a day may come and such lights may dawn and such a Countenance may appear in the utmost beauty.

“O thou maid-servant of God!...”

O thou maid-servant of God!

Though thy letter was brief in words, it was ample in significance. It indicated that thy heart is illumined, thine inner sight is open and thine ear of understanding is familiar with the mystery. This is a gift from God, the Independent.

Thine expression of kindness to Miss ........ is very acceptable. Be thou kind to all on the earth, a care-taker (or helper) to every sick person, an open treasure to every indigent one; offer thou salutary water to the athirst; bestow the bread (or food) of life upon the hungered; console thou the helpless, exhort the ignorant and seek forgiveness for the sinner.

If, hereafter, thou mayest write a letter to Miss ........, deliver unto her this my message:

“O Miss ........! The Tree of Life is full of blossoms, leave and fruits! —the shade thereof is a peace to soul and a rest to the consciousness. Whosoever is under this Tree will certainly partake of fruit. But shade trees are many in the forest, which, though fresh and verdant, are, nevertheless, fruitless. This truth shall finally become clear and manifest unto thee.”

Kiss thou the face and hair of Ruhullah on my behalf.

“O God who art without likeness!...”

O God who art without likeness!

The servant of Thy Kingdom, Mr. ........, reached the Holy Threshold in the utmost of sincerity and longing and sought Thy good will. It is some time that he hath been engaged in the land of America with Thy commemoration and known by Thy commendation. To the beloved he is a cause of joy and to the friends a means of unity and gladness.

O world Creator! For his life—well done! —for he is alive with Thy name and thoughtful of Thee night and day. Confer upon him Thy grace that he may daily receive a new life, attain a fresh bounty, offer a new service to Thy Threshold and serve Thy Throne.

Thou art the Giver, the Forgiver and Thou art the Pardoner, the Educator.

“O thou servant of Baha’!...”

O thou servant of Baha’!

Thy visit is accepted and thy name ever mentioned in the presence of Abdul-Baha. I forget thee not for a moment but remember thee always. I seek confirmation and strength from God for thee. Rest thou assured and be happy in the love of Abdul-Baha. Know for a certainty that divine confirmation will arrive and great attainment be made.

“O servant of Baha’!...”

O servant of Baha’!

Thy letter written to his honor, Mirza ........, with the enclosed map of the ground of the Mashrak-el-Azcar, hath been seen.

The place is suitable, but if it were possible to have a wider piece of ground, so that the building should stand in the middle, surrounded by a flower garden, it would be better and more pleasing; otherwise, if this is not possible, the building on the present ground is also permissible.

The flowers which Ruhullah picked on the ground of the Mashrak-el-Azcar and thou didst send to me brought with them and exhaled a very sweet fragrance. This fragrance is just as thou didst write, “the fragrance of the rose-garden of the unity of the East and West.” I hope that daily these fragrances may become more powerful and more diffused throughout the world.

Thou must hasten to send his honor .... ...... all the writings for which he asked, to Rangoon, India.

An utmost happiness was produced by the news of the good health and safety of the friends of God.

My spiritual beloved, his honor, Mr. ........, is rendering a great service to the Kingdom of ABHA and becoming a means of strong attraction towards, and connection with the world above by making this long tour73 and giving the news of the Holy Spot and diffusing the fragrances of the love of God.

As to the calamities and afflictions of Abdul-Baha: These are not calamities, but bounties; they are not afflictions, but gifts; not hardships, but tranquillity; not trouble, but mercy—and we thank God for this great favor.

“O thou who art advancing unto God!...”

O thou who art advancing unto God!

Praise God that He guided thee to the Path of His Kingdom, blessed thee with the word of holiness, and illumined thy heart with a light shining in the lofty Kingdom.

O maid-servant of God! Every star hath a setting, but the star of the knowledge of God in the divine heaven; every light shall darken save the light of the guidance of God; every dignity shall vanish away save the glory under the shadow of the Word of God.

Verily, I pray God to make thee firm in this Path; to cause thee to enter the Ark of Safety; and to strengthen thee in becoming humble and meek to the maid-servants of the Merciful, and in overcoming self and passion through the power of God.

“O my dear, intimate friend!...”

O my dear, intimate friend!

Verily, I address thee with such an appellation whereby the hearts of those who are endowed with intelligence, are dilated with joy; because, verily, this is from my heart which is overflowing with the love of God—and an appellation that proceeds from love will certainly be as a spirit for the souls, as a light to the eyes, as a life to bodies and as a dressing for the hearts and bodies which are wounded and lacerated by the afflictions of this world. Then be consoled by the praise of thy Lord, whenever thou art attacked by grief and sorrow.

“O thou candle of the Love of God!...”

O thou candle of the Love of God!

I ask God to grant thee by His favor and grace that which is thy utmost desire; that the closed doors become opened, the uneven roads become even, thy face shine by the love of God, thy sight become brighter by witnessing the signs of God; that thou mayest attain spiritual joy, eternal happiness and heavenly life.

“O thou maid-servant of God!...”

O thou maid-servant of God!

Thank God that thou dost believe in the Greatest Manifestation, art confident in the Word of God and dost hold to the divine teachings. I hope that thou mayest be confirmed to give the Message to thy friends and relatives and guide them also. Be patient and forbearing and treat them with great love and kindness. Surely the attributes of the people of God will have their effect eventually upon the people.

“O thou beloved of my heart!...”

O thou beloved of my heart!

Verily, my soul longs for thee, for the lamp of the love of Baha’ is lighted within thy heart and I love to look upon thy face, for it is glittering with the light of guidance among the creatures. Glory be to Him who hath united hearts together! Glory be to Him who hath brought the East and West under the shadow of the Blessed Tree, the root of which is firmly fixed in the earth and the branches of which reach unto the Supreme Concourse!

“O thou who art partaking of the Heavenly Food!...”

O thou who art partaking of the Heavenly Food!

Know thou verily the Divine Food is descending from heaven, but only those taste thereof who are directed to the light of guidance, and only those can enjoy it who are endowed with a sound taste. Otherwise every diseased soul disliketh the delicious and merciful food and this is because of the sickness which hath seized him, whereby the El-Zekkum74 is sweet (to his taste) while he fleeth from the ripe fruit of the Tree of the Living and Pre-existent God—and there is no wonder in that.

In a similar way, thou beholdest some women who have abandoned the Testament, and to them the bitterness of discord is sweet. They keep aloof from the Extended Shadow and dwell under the shade of a “black smoke.” Alas for them and grief for them! They will surely lament and find themselves in loss. Verily, this is but an evident truth!

“O thou tree, developed in the garden of the Love of...”

O thou tree, developed in the garden of the Love of God!

Be well watered with the abundant rain falling from the clouds of the Testament of God, that thou mayest bring forth fresh and ripe fruits which are beneficial to the hearts and souls.

“O thou spiritual man and merciful being!...”

O thou spiritual man and merciful being!

I have read thy brilliant letter which showeth the utterance of thy praise upon the Beauty of El-ABHA, the Most Glorious. Blessed thou art! Glad-tidings unto thee for that by reason of which thou hast drunk from the cup which is overflowing with the wine of the love of God, and hast become intoxicated from that pure wine which was given to thee from the hand of Providence in the meeting of the knowledge of God.

Take the cup of sanctity in thy right hand and pass the glass of the Kingdom, in the social meeting—which is the wine of the love of God and the sweet, pure, cool water of the knowledge of God—and give to drink to those who are in attendance, that they may rejoice, be happy and sing the hymns of sanctity and unification, offering their praise to the Supreme Kingdom.

“O thou who art attracted to the Holy Fragrances!...”

O thou who art attracted to the Holy Fragrances!

The light of truth hath made thine eyes to see, the voice of God hath made thine ears to hear and the lights emanating from the beauty of the Light of the World both made thine heart attracted and astonished. I hope that thou wilt cut thyself from all that is in this world; wilt sever thyself from all desires of this transitory world; wilt attach thy heart entirely to the light of truth and wilt, at all times, rise in the service of truth in the rose-garden of God.

The deriding of the enemy addeth to the joy of the heart and taunting of the ignorant becometh the means of spirituality and fragrance.

Observe that the Pharisees called His Holiness, the sweet and the divine Christ, Beelzebub or the head of evil spirits. This people (the people of the world) are in the depths of ignorance and their reproach and detraction are like praise and congratulation.

I hope that, in the path of the love of God, thou wilt exert thyself exceedingly and thus wilt enjoy life.

The letter which thou hadst written to Mrs. ...... was perused by me. Indeed, its contents were indicative of divine knowledge and showed that thou art really attracted to the Beauty of God. Thou hast very well explained the question of the progress of man in the higher stations and his reaching the life eternal. This explanation is indeed from the confirmation of the Holy Spirit.

“O thou who art accepted of God!...”

O thou who art accepted of God!

Know thou that, verily, the eye of favors is directed to thee and is beholding thee with a divine glance, so that thou mayest, with clear eyes, see the lights of the Kingdom upon the horizon. Remember, at all times, this great favor and thank thy Lord and supplicate to Him every day.

“O thou servant of God!...”

O thou servant of God!

According to what I have heard, thou hast experienced a great financial loss. Do not feel sorry, for thou wilt be compensated. I hope that whatever thou hast lost will come back to thee. But this material loss is not a very grave one; it is for a time and shall pass away. Alhamdallah!75—that thou hast a share in the Kingdom of God and art receiving gifts from the treasury of the Holy Spirit. Do not feel sorry; do not brood over the loss; do not sit down depressed; do not be silent; but, on the contrary, day and night be engaged in the commemoration of thy Lord in the greatest joy and gladness.

“O thou who art attracted to the Beauty of the Deity!...”

O thou who art attracted to the Beauty of the Deity!

Verily, I have read thy clear letter, and was heartily cheered at its elegant style, because it indicated thy sincerity in the Cause of God, thy hearty adherence to the Word of God, and thy service in the vineyard of God.

O thou maid-servant of God! Be tranquil and know, verily, that indeed, the Holy Ghost in this glorious age teacheth every soul that is sincerely faithful, firm and drawn to the Kingdom of the Great Lord. Verily, I address thee with a heart overflowing with the love of God.

I beg of God to ordain for thee all that which thou desirest and grant thee the honors of meeting, and that thou mayest be a true maid-servant, emptied of all save Him, that thou mayest be apt in serving in His vineyard and in guiding thy two children into His Right Path.

Indeed thou wilt see the teachings of God spread in those regions by the breath of the Holy Spirit, and thou wilt discover the fragrances of the paradise of the Kingdom.

Verily, these glad-tidings are very great for thee, and also for the maid-servants of the Merciful One, and for the men of God in that wide region (i.e., America).

“O ye who are longing for the beauty of El-ABHA!...”

O ye76 who are longing for the beauty of El-ABHA!

Verily that Light (i.e., the Light of the Manifestation) shone forth from the horizon of the Manifestation, appeared upon the horizon of existence, and the darkness was changed into light; the Sun of Guidance dawned in the horizon of heaven, whereby the eyes which were looking unto the Kingdom of God were illuminated, the breasts which were filled with God’s love were dilated, and the heavenly spirits were attracted by the magnet of the Holy Spirit, so that the hearts became as pure mirrors reflecting the godlike appearances and manifesting the heavenly lights—except the eyes which were in the veil of imitation of the forefathers (i.e., those who followed the theories of their fathers) were hindered from or veiled from witnessing that brilliant and godlike illumination, and the people held to the superstitions of the Pharisees and neglected the mystery of God and the glad-tidings (recorded) in the Holy Scriptures, which elucidated the appearance of the Lord of Hosts in the promised day.

As to you—O ye who are attracted to the fragrances of God! —kneel down and thank God for choosing you to enter His wonderful Kingdom.

How many of the Pharisees were waiting for the appearance of the Spirit (i.e., Jesus) then were veiled from it. But ye have taken away the veil and were guided unto the light, have given up imitating forefathers and directed your eyes to the Sun of Truth, which is shining in the Supreme Horizon. This is a favor to you on the part of your Lord, and a gift for you.

“O maid-servant of God!...”

O maid-servant of God!

Thy letter was understood. Thou hast asked, very humbly, for certain things and all were worthy to be coveted. Thou desirest forgiveness of sins; didst ask for great unity and peace; sought nearness to the Threshold of God; hoped to be detached from thine own will, seeking the will of God; prayed for rescue from self-love (or selfishness); hoped for progress in the station of knowledge; desired to serve God; and prayed that thy honorable husband and thy children may be set aglow with the fire of the love of God and may manifest light on their brows through the radiance of the knowledge of God. All these wishes are well worthy of asking. Especially the rescue from self-love. This is a strange trait and means of the destruction of many important souls in the world. If man be imbued with all good qualities but be selfish, all the other virtues will fade or pass away and eventually he will grow worse.

I hope the beloved of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful will be entirely freed from selfishness. Should this become their nature, they will indeed become manifestations of great bounties, and the doors of the divine grace will open.

Be thou grateful to Mrs. ........ for having led thee to the Straight Path and guiding thee to the Kingdom of God. If thou shouldst thank her a thousand times an hour, thou wilt fail to thank her sufficiently for the attainment.

“***O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!...”

***O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!

Know thou that the heart of Abdul-Baha is overflowing with great love for thee, and verily he is night and day invoking and beseeching the Kingdom of God that He may make thee a sign of His mercy among His creatures, a cause of love and harmony and a means of hinging [or a pivot for] every good among the people of all regions, and to make thee announce to the people the opening of the door of the Kingdom. “Verily God will appropriate His mercy unto whom He pleaseth.”

O thou servant of God! Turn thy face thoroughly unto God, so that He may make thee to show forth the Greatest Gift and make thee to be a source of those signs which may prove thy proper relationship unto God and the joy of thy heart, through the fragrances of the Holy Spirit, in every moment and instant.

Be thou sure that, verily, thy deceased child is now one of those babes who are suckled in the Kingdom of Life, under the charge of the Beauty of El-ABHA. “Verily, God confirmeth whom He wisheth!”

“O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!

Verily I read thy excellent letter which contained thy praises of the Supreme Lord. Verily I supplicate God to confirm thee in that which He desireth, to protect thee from conceit and self-exaltation and from selfish concerns, to make thee devoted unto Him and resigned unto Him and to be the means of promoting the divine love amongst the dearly beloved of God. And I beseech Him to preserve thee from the confirmed tests and great trials which break backs and perish souls and to make thee a sign of submissiveness and a standard of meekness, lowliness and humility before the Kingdom of the Mighty and Omnipotent God.

“O thou who art advancing unto the Kingdom of God!...”

O thou who art advancing unto the Kingdom of God!

Verily I noted thy writing and was made glad by thy letter. I pray God to cause thee to attain the bounties of the Kingdom, so that thou mayest arise for the service of the Cause of God and that of the world of humanity—and (may God’s) blessing descend upon thy honorable wife. Verily my Lord is kind unto His servants and is the Generous, the Giver of Bounty!

Know that the return of Christ for a second time doth not mean what the people believe, but, rather, signifieth the One promised to come after Him. He shall come with the Kingdom of God and His power which hath surrounded the world. This power (or reign) is in the world of hearts and spirits and not in that of matter (or bodies). For the material world is not comparable to a single wing of a fly, or rather less in the sight of thy Lord, wert thou of those who know! Verily Christ came with His Kingdom from the beginning which hath no beginning and will come with His Kingdom to the eternity of eternities, inasmuch as in this sense Christ is an expression of the divine reality, the simple essence and heavenly entity which hath no beginning or ending. It hath appearance, arising and manifestation and setting in each of the cycles.

“O thou who art marching unto God!...”

O thou who art marching unto God!

Thy letter was read. Its contents indicated thy devotion to the Horizon of the Living God and thy love for the Promised Perfection. Firmness is, however, a requisite. Thou must remain solid and firm as a great mountain.

Regarding thy revered wife, thou hast written that a warmer place is more suitable than the cold. If this winter thou shouldst go to those regions, it is better. I ask God that thou, thy wife and thy friends may draw nigh unto the Spiritual Beauty.

“Rejoice, O maid-servant of God!...”

Rejoice, O maid-servant of God!

—for that thou hast known God and heard His call and art attracted to His breaths! Then prostrate thyself and kneel down before the gracious Lord, in His great Kingdom, and say:

“My Lord! My Lord! I praise Thee and I thank Thee for that whereby Thou hast favored Thine humble maid-servant, Thy slave beseeching and supplicating Thee, because Thou hast verily guided her unto Thine obvious Kingdom and caused her to hear Thine exalted Call in the contingent world and to behold Thy Signs which prove the appearance of Thy victorious reign over all things.

“O my Lord, I dedicate that which is in my womb unto Thee. Then cause it to be a praiseworthy child in Thy Kingdom and a fortunate one by Thy favor and Thy generosity; to develop and to grow up under the charge of Thine education. Verily Thou art the Gracious! Verily Thou art the Lord of Great Favor!”

“O thou who art afflicted by a visitation by which thine...”

O thou who art afflicted by a visitation by which thine eyes are overflowing with tears!

Be not grieved and afflicted for this calamity which hath befallen thee; nay, rather, rejoice that God hath favored (thy babe) with His heavenly gifts. Truly, I say unto thee, wert thou informed of that felicity which thy babe hath attained in the worlds of God, thy breast would be dilated and thy soul would be purified. Truly, I say unto thee, thy child will be fostered from the breast of the gift of God in the Exalted Kingdom and will be nursed in the bosom of mercy in the Supreme World of God. Therefore, be filled with delight, for the favor of thy Lord is very great!

I beg of God to pour on thee becoming patience, so that thy heart may be consoled with the fragrance of His mercy and that thy breast may be dilated with His favors, that thou mayest attain to the spiritual states which are lasting forever and ever.

Thou oughtest to bear it with becoming patience. Again, thou oughtest to patiently bear this calamity which hath flowed thine eyes with tears and hath greatly afflicted thee.

“O thou who art advancing unto the Kingdom of God!...”

O thou who art advancing unto the Kingdom of God!

Verily, I read thy beautiful letter, its good composition, and I scented from the garden of its significances the fragrance of God’s love. I pray God to confirm thee in the Path, to cause thee to enter the Ark of Safety, to reveal unto thee the signs and manifest to thee the evidences; thus thou mayest be firm in the love of God, steadfast in the religion of God and a growing tree by the bounty of the Kingdom of El-ABHA.

O maid-servant of God! Be rejoiced for God hath made thee a believing maid-servant in His Holy Threshold and a leaf of the leaves of the Tree of Life. If God giveth thee good descendants and a manly son, rest assured in that he will be a good son, looking unto the Supreme Horizon and confident in his soul by the favors of the Lord of the High Heavens.

I supplicate God to make His beloved ones in Cincinnati (O.) glow with the fire of Sinai, imploring unto the Kingdom of El-ABHA, meek and lowly for the sake of God among His beloved, denying self and passion, grasping the rope of piety, so that they may be lamps of guidance in those regions. I pray God to make thee a maid-servant whose garment shall be faithfulness and the crown of her head the love of El-Baha.

Convey greeting and praise from me to thy honorable husband. I ask God to aid him with a strength whereat minds shall amaze in the Cause of the Living God.

“O ye illumined faces! O ye divine souls! and O ye...”

O ye77 illumined faces! O ye divine souls! and O ye spiritual temples!

Verily, I read your letter which uttered your extreme love and entire attraction to the Kingdom of God, your trust in God, your immersing into the deep seas of the bounties of God and your chanting the verses of thanksgiving to God, because He guided you to His Eternal Kingdom, manifested to you His evident light, descended upon you a heavenly table through His great favor, planted you in His glorious vineyard and caused you to become manifestations of guidance among the people and dawning-points of wisdom among the creatures.

Servants of God! Sanctify the soul and dilate the breast by the promise your Lord gave you, that, verily, He confirms you through the hosts of inspiration. Ye will see (the time when) your faces shine as stars in the horizon of guidance and your heads crowned by the crown of success in the Supreme World.

O Thou kind Lord!

These souls are Thy friends and this gathering is longing for Thee. They are captives of the lights of Thy Beauty and ecstatic by Thy musk-scented locks. Their hearts are Thine; they are Thy poor, humble and homeless; they have severed themselves from relative and stranger and have established the relationship of unity with Thee. They have adored Thee. They were sons of earth; Thou hast made them new fruits of the Kingdom. They were plants of the desert of bereavement; Thou hast made them trees of the rose-garden of knowledge. They were silent; Thou hast made them speak. They were extinct; Thou hast lighted them. They were sterile soil; Thou hast made them the rose-garden of significances. They were the children of the world of humanity; Thou hast caused them to attain development and the maturity of the Kingdom!

O kind One! Grant them shelter and security under Thy protection, preserve them from tests and trials, send them invisible help and confer upon them the doubtless bounty, O Thou kind Beloved!

They are the body and Thou art the Life. The body is dependent for its life and freshness upon the Spirit—therefore they are in need of confirmation and long for the Breaths of the Holy Spirit in this new Cause!

Thou art the Able! Thou art the Giver, the Educator, the Forgiver, the Pardoner and the Light shining from the Invisible Realm!

“O ye who are attracted to the Heavenly Kingdom! O...”

O ye78 who are attracted to the Heavenly Kingdom! O ye who are enlightened by the Light of Guidance! O ye lamps lighted by the Light of Love and Affection!

Verily, I have read your brilliant letter, which indicated your enkindlement by the fire of the love of God and prayed [for] your entrance into the Kingdom of God.

Blessed ye are, O ye who are firm and steadfast in the Covenant of God!

Blessed ye are, O ye shining stars from the horizon of the love of God!

I supplicate to God to make you the heralds of His mercy, spreaders of the fragrances of His holiness, utterers of His name, servants in His vineyard and dwellers in the Paradise of El-ABHA; so that ye may become signs of guidance, standards of love and divine fruitful trees, cheerfully moved by the breezes of God.

Make firm your feet in the Cause of God; dilate your breasts by the glad-tidings of God and turn to the kingdom of God with pure hearts, sanctified souls, cheerful spirits, brightened eyes and illumined faces. Verily, I say unto you then (when ye become so) the angels of holiness will welcome you by the glad-tidings of God, the Mighty, the Powerful.

“O ye maid-servants of the Merciful! Leaves of the...”

O ye79 maid-servants of the Merciful! Leaves of the Tree of Life!

Thank ye the Lord, for He hath removed the covering from off your insight, illuminated your eyes by witnessing the Sun of Truth, purified your souls, and hath quickened your hearts through the holy fragrances which are being diffused from the garden of the kingdom of His Great Glory!

O ye maid-servants of the Merciful! It is incumbent upon you to soar up with wings of joy and happiness unto the apex of exultation and gladness; for He hath assigned unto you the greatest guidance in the Day of Resurrection, and hath crowned you with the diadem of glory and divine honor among the women of the whole world, and hath chosen you above the queens of the world for His great bounty.

Verily, the crowns which are on the heads of the noble women—the queens of the world—all their bases will be finally broken, their gems scattered away, their luster removed and will become as dispersed dust. But your magnificent crowns are everlastingly brilliant and permanently glorious and mighty and their gems scintillating throughout cycles and ages.

This is the highest gift! This is the greatest bestowal! Thank ye your Lord for this great bounty and favor! O ye maid-servants of the Merciful! verily, your Lord, the Supreme, is calling upon you from His Ancient Kingdom and announces unto you such glad-tidings, whereat the hearts of the angels of heaven rejoice.

It is incumbent upon you to strip yourselves of every old garment (i.e., old beliefs and past customs). It is incumbent upon you to be severed from this contemptible earthly world. It is incumbent upon you (to seek after) the Kingdom, in this great Day!

Purify ye your hearts, sanctify your souls and cleanse your spirits; so that ye may attain to this great success. Then ye will become the angels of heaven, will enter among the Supreme Concourse and will permanently abide in the paradise of union (with God), and will be associated with the Beauty of El-ABHA.

“O ye firm, steadfast, and faithful Believers!...”

O ye80 firm, steadfast, and faithful Believers!

Verily, I, from this brilliant and Blessed Spot, speak to you face to face, while ye are in that far distant country, saying:

“O people of loyalty, O people of faithfulness, O people who are awakened by the Breath of God, O people who are inhaling the scent of life from the Spirit of God! The path hath become smooth, the way straightened, the carpet of the Kingdom is spread, the Tabernacle hath been elevated upon the Hill of Might, the powers of heaven have been shaken, the corners of the earth have quaked, the sun has been darkened, the moon ceased to give light, the stars have fallen, the nations of the earth have lamented, and the Son of Man hath come upon the clouds of heaven with power and great glory, and He hath sent His angels with the sound of the great trumpet, and no one knows the meaning of these emblems save the wise and informed.

“Ye are the angels, if your feet be firm, your spirits rejoiced, your secret thoughts pure, your eyes consoled, your ears opened, your breasts dilated with joy, and your souls gladdened, and if you arise to assist the Covenant, to resist dissension and to be attracted to the Effulgence! Verily, I say unto you that the Word of God has assuredly been explained and has become an evident sign and a strong and solid proof, and its traces shall be spread in the East and West, and to these all heads shall bow and all souls shall submit and kneel down with their faces to the ground.”

“O ye dear friends and maid-servants of God!...”

O ye81 dear friends and maid-servants of God!

A good fragrance is coming from the rose-garden of Kenosha and a pleasing breeze is blowing from the orchard of the hearts of the friends and maid-servants of the Merciful.

Praise be to God, that town, by the presence of the beloved ones and the maid-servants of the Merciful, hath become a veritable paradise and its space, like unto the heavens, is illuminated with radiant lamps. If this conflagration and attraction continue for a period, Kenosha will soon attain great provisions, will travel with speed through the degrees of existence and make great progress in the orders of the Kingdom.

Therefore, this prisoner implores and supplicates at dawn, seeking strength and confirmation for the beloved of that town. Thus may heavenly confirmation become your associate and the morn of eternal happiness dawn upon ye and the Sun of Reality rise with such brilliancy as to dispel entirely the gloom of ignorance from those horizons.

O ye real friends and dear maid-servants of God! The Lover of the East in perfect love has outstretched His two hands to embrace the beloved of the West and to rejoice in that love and unity.

O ye beloved of God! As long as ye can strive to set aglow the hearts with love, be attracted to one another and be members of each other. Every soul of the beloved ones must adore the other and withhold not his possession and life from them, and by all means he must endeavor to make that other joyous and happy. But that other (the recipient of such love) must also be disinterested and life-sacrificing. Thus may this Sunrise flood the horizons, this melody gladden and make happy all the people, this divine remedy become the panacea for every disease, this Spirit of Reality become the cause of life for every soul.

O ye friends and maid-servants of the Merciful! It is life-offering, rejoicing, happiness and the manifestation of Divine Favors.

“O thou servant who art near and dear to the Glorious...”

O thou servant who art near and dear to the Glorious Threshold!

Give thanks to God for having been ushered into His Kingdom, partaken of the heavenly table and the “lord’s supper,” attained ecstasy by the wine of His love, become enrolled as a soldier for life among the hosts of the Lord, and [for His having] blessed thy head with a crown of great guidance, whose gems and pearls illumine the ages.

Convey the greetings of this imprisoned one to the beloved of God in the spiritual assembly of Kenosha. Say unto them: “The Cause is Great! Great! and the Kingdom of the Majestic Lord overshadoweth heaven and earth. Your spiritual assembly should be a source of joy to the world of humanity and be so illumined with light as to dispel the darkened horizons, withstand the power of tests, remain firm and constant, be not disturbed by ordeals and feel no difficulty in spreading the light of guidance. If ye attain this attitude of firmness, the confirmation of the Divine will verily penetrate the world through your meeting. But this requires disinterestedness in worldly things and devotion to the Kingdom of ABHA, perseverance and effort are requisites and firmness is a necessity. I beg God to illumine the faces of each of you so that they may shine as stars in the high firmament.”

“O thou who art turning to the divine Kingdom!...”

O thou who art turning to the divine Kingdom!

The lengthy epistle was considered. Notwithstanding lack of time and opportunity, on account of exceeding love an answer will be written.

Thank God thou didst become a soldier of life; subdued the domain of hearts with the arms of the love of God and the sword of concord and peace; didst go after the army of the Kingdom of ABHA; followed the Supreme Concourse and by the aid of the Spirit made many conquests.

The merciful assembly of Kenosha hath in reality taken food and provisions from the Kingdom of ABHA and become confirmed by the aid of the Sun of Reality. Therefore, I am hopeful that, day by day, it may advance and progress.

The members of the Spiritual Meeting (the Board of Consultation) must endeavor, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to make the souls real Bahais. If they attain this glorious purpose, that country will be illumined and that land will become a veritable paradise, all nations will look to that assembly and from the explanation and exposition thereof receive realities and meanings.

O thou servant of Baha’! Always remind the friends of the greatness of the great message.

Convey longing greeting of great love from me to the members of the Meeting of Consultation: * * * Whenever I think of them I find soulful repose and conscious joy.

The feast (supper) [every nineteen days] is very acceptable and will finally produce good results. The beloved and the maid-servants of the Merciful must inaugurate the feast in such wise as to resurrect the feast of the ancients—namely, the “lord’s supper.” The attracted maid-servant of God, Mrs. ........, I hope will be inspired so she may become the means of unity among the friends in every city. That meeting for feast for which thou wert preparing and providing, should recur every so often, so that it may prove a means of attracting the confirmation of the Kingdom of ABHA.

Inform the maid-servant of God, who prepared her home as a [temporary] Mashrak-el-Azcar, that this service was accepted in the Kingdom of ABHA.

Inform the near (dear) maid-servant of God [thy wife], who hath organized a school of industry in order that children may learn an industry and chant communes, that this is very agreeable.

O thou servant of God! To look after the sick is one of the greatest duties. Every soul who becomes sick, the other friends should certainly offer the life (of service) in the utmost kindness.

Thou hast asked regarding the naming of children: When thou wishest to name a babe, prepare a meeting therefor; chant the verses and communes, and supplicate and implore the Threshold of Oneness and beg the attainment of guidance for the babe and wish confirmated firmness and constancy; then give the name and enjoy beverage and sweetmeat. This is spiritual baptism.

His honor, Mr. ......, Mrs. ...... and ...... arrived. They were attracted by the fragrances of God and ignited by the fire of the love of God. With a new spirit and fresh life they returned.

O son of the Kingdom! Thy services in the Kingdom of ABHA are evident, well known and accepted. Indeed thou art a truthful servant of the Holy Threshold and a firm caller to the divine Kingdom.

Strive so that the odor of violation cease and all come under the protection of the Covenant.

Remain in and about that town and know that trial is the cause of promotion. But thou must deal with all in the utmost love and do kindness. Although they lift up the head of pride, show thou greater humility and meekness and treat them with the utmost submission and lowliness.

Show the utmost kindness in my behalf to the near maid-servant of God (thy wife).***

“O thou attracted maid-servant of God!...”

O thou attracted maid-servant of God!

This is a blessed address. If thou fulfill its requirements, which are purity of intention, attractive love, insight, discovery of truth and absolute spiritual attitude, thou wilt become entirely free from the physical conditions and wilt soar to the spiritual realms.

“O servant of God!...”

O servant of God!

The content of thy letter was replete with spiritual feelings and was a source of pleasure and of joy.

Of my freedom thou hast expressed great joy. I am free, although I should remain in prison. All fortresses and castles shall not confine me, and the dungeon cannot bring me under the narrow bondage of the world. The spirit is every soaring, even if the body be in the depths. What can these ignorant creatures do? They might imprison the body, but the spirit they cannot; the spirit will ever soar in the atmosphere of eternal bliss and glory. Therefore, neither the prison is a cause of sorrow, nor freedom from it a source of joy.

When thou findest the way to the Kingdom, the earthly world shall be of no account; and when thou art illumined the darkness will not affect thee—nay, rather the four corners of the earth will then be radiant and every thorn will become a rose and a rose-garden.

“O thou who art near to the Threshold of ABHA!...”

O thou who art near to the Threshold of ABHA!

I have considered what thou hast written to Mirza ...... as well as the letter addressed to me. Thou hast written concerning the publication of some proofs and arguments along with the Hidden Words. Now, since they are published, circulate them among the people. I hope that it may produce beneficial results. Perchance some of the souls who are truth-seekers may get a little information about this Cause.

But afterward, if thou desirest to get the translation of a Tablet from the Blessed Writings, it must be translated by a committee of two Persian translators together with two competent English writers. The Persians should translate, and the writers mould the significance into profound, musical and perfect cast of style in English, and in such wise that the musical sweetness of the original Persian may not be lost. Then the material must be forwarded to me. I will consider the matter and give permission for its publication and circulation. Consequently, rejoice thou that thou hast already become specialized with this permission, that thou hast circulated publications.

In brief, translation is one of the most difficult arts. In both Persian and English utmost proficiency is necessary, that the translator be a writer and use as the vehicle of expression great eloquence and fluency of tongue.

I hope that thou mayest be confirmed with great service in the Cause of God.

Announce to ...... on my behalf longing greeting, and show to him kindness and love with thy whole energy, for he is very dear to me.

“O thou who art firm in the Covenant!...”

O thou who art firm in the Covenant!

The letter which thou hast written to his honor, Mirza ......, was received. Its contents imparted the utmost happiness. Thank God that thou hast crossed the ocean of the East and the West, reached to the Goal of Desire and attained to the visit of the Holy Threshold.

Although the length of thy stay in this Most Great Prison was very short, yet I hope that it may become like unto the oil, which no sooner comes in touch with the fire than it becomes ignited. Therefore, God willing, important results will be the outcome of this visit.

O thou who are firm in the Covenant! Be thou firm in the Cause and be engaged in service. Awaken the souls and make mindful the (heedless) minds. The spiritual outpouring will become uninterrupted and the meetings of heart to heart constant. Rest thou assured upon the favor and bounty of the Beauty of ABHA.

I became very sad upon hearing the news of the death of Mr. ......, but I implored and entreated the Threshold of Oneness and sought mercy in his behalf. Convey my greeting and love to his son and say: “Do thou not lament on account of the death of thy father. Trust thou in God. Rely upon the Kingdom of ABHA. That father of thine hastened to the world of immortality and took a share from the realm of the Merciful and with the utmost joy hath attained to eternal life in the everlasting universe. Walk thou also in the footsteps of thy father and be characterized with his attributes and qualities. Enkindle thou his lamp and fructify his garden, so that thou mayest become his real son and worthy of the favors and gift of the Almighty.”***

“O my spiritual beloved!...”

O my spiritual beloved!

The days of association and intimacy82 are not forgotten and the sweetness of that love and meeting is still tasted in my heart.

Praise be to God! Its signs are apparent and its results manifest. Thank thou God thou wast assisted in teaching the maid-servant of God, Mrs. ......, and supplicate Him that thou mayest be confirmed in the guidance of innumerable souls. The confirmation of the Kingdom is with thee. Rest thou assured. Loosen thy tongue with the utmost fluency and eloquence and summon the souls to the Kingdom, explain the proofs and give forth the arguments, and instruct the people in the exhortations and advices of God.

I pray in thy behalf and supplicate for thee from the Kingdom of Glory protection and providence.***

“O thou fresh, slender branch saturated with the abundant...”

83O thou fresh, slender branch saturated with the abundant rain of His bounty!

I ask God to continue the heavenly abundant gifts upon thee and to grant thee more freshness, tenderness and fineness day by day. Verily I say unto thee that man is likened unto a tree. And as the life of a tree and its tenderness and brilliancy depend on the abundant rain descending from the clouds, so also the happiness of man, his pleasure, dignity, loftiness of position and highness of rank depend on the abundant bounty of the Kingdom and the light of the Sun of Truth coming from the horizon of the gift of God.

“O thou who art turned to the Kingdom!...”

O thou who art turned to the Kingdom!

Thou shouldst establish a divine and heavenly transaction. By God the Truth! Every divine transaction is eternal and everlasting and giveth the heavenly spirit to the pure hearts attracted to God, enlighteneth the world with the bright shining [light] of love and unity, affinity and agreement. But every worldly transaction, although it be a gift through which the far and the near be profited, still it is transient and temporary and will not last for ages and its blessings will not extend successively to the righteous people in the ages to come. And as the heavenly abundance and the divine gifts and the omnipotent grace come in these days successively and uninterruptedly, therefore, thou shouldst establish a heavenly edifice to facilitate and level the way before the divine transaction, to carry out the divine order, to gladden the pure hearts of every one, to sanctify thyself from everything but God and to keep aloof from all the worldly things for the Cause of God; to be kindled with the fire of the love of God, to spread the fragrance of God and to expose thyself to the gentle breeze of God.

O my dear! If thou lovest to be happy and pleasant, this is the cup that is full of the wine of glee and delight; and if thou desirest to have the ancient glory, the eternal retinue and the everlasting dominion, thou must look after these gifts which wave in the horizon of bounty with a brilliant light to all sides and regions.

By my life! If thou knowest what thou art commanded and speak openly of it, the dominion is for thee, the Kingdom is for thee and thy shining star will never set, thy brilliant light never sink, thy brimful treasure never be consumed and thy brave army never be deafeated.

“O thou who art nurtured from the breasts of the Kingdom...”

O thou who art nurtured from the breasts of the Kingdom of God, who wert brought up in the lap of the Guidance of God!

I supplicate to God—exalted and glorified is He! —with a submissive, imploring and attracted heart unto the Kingdom of God, to assist thee, while still very young and of small age, with that by reason of which the vigorous men and the greatest souls were assisted in attaining perfection. Do not be amazed or astonished at the command of God, according to the ordinances of Christ—glory be to Him! —unto the children who have been fostered from the breasts of the bounty of God. I ask God that thou mayest be as one of them. This is glad-tidings emanating from a heart filled by the love of God. Therefore, know its value and station.

“O thou spiritual temple whose heart is drawn unto the...”

O thou spiritual temple whose heart is drawn unto the Horizon of Certainty!

Verily, I am now in the Assembly of the beloved of God, whose hearts are kindled with a burning, blazing and flaming fire from the fragrance of God, and I have mentioned thee with a heart overflowing with thy love. By my God! It is love which hath surrounded me from all directions and thus I mention thee with a beating heart and with a spirit turned unto the horizon of El-ABHA.

Therefore, thank God for this bounty, the traces of which I hope will be spread, its lights shine and the fragrance of its breath diffused in the whole world of existence forever and ever.

“O thou heavenly, brilliant and precious pearl!...”

O thou heavenly, brilliant and precious pearl!

I greet thee from this Holy Land with a fragrance from God and I desire that thy heart become animated through the gentle breeze of God, thy bosom dilated with joy by the miracles of the gifts of God, thine eye consoled by seeing the lights of God, thy tongue by uttering the mention of BAHA’O’LLAH, and thy taste to become sweet through the divine table descending from heaven. Verily, I say unto thee that the gifts of thy Lord are encircling thee in a similar way as the spirit encircles the body at the beginning of the amalgamation of the elements and natures in the womb; the power of the spirit begins then to appear in the body gradually and successively according to the preparation and capacity to receive that everlasting abundance. I ask God to help thee that the spirit will carry out its power in thee as desired and wished.

“O thou faithful servant of the True One!...”

O thou faithful servant of the True One!

I received thy letter and its contents caused the utmost joy and fragrance within me, because it showed thy firmness in the Cause of God and proved thy steadfastness in the love of the Word of God. Its meanings were the mystery of unity and its expression showed thy firm intention in serving the glorious Lord.

I beseech the Threshold of Unity with all humility and supplication to make thee confirmed in His service and to enable thee to be serviceable in the Holy Threshold; that thou mayest not be a moment at rest nor take a breath of composure; nay, rather to pass all thy life in this greatest gift and this supreme favor employed in diffusing the breath of God; that thy sincerity of heart, thy sanctity and purity may increase and that thou mayest become entirely separated from aught else save God. Except a man be purified and sanctified from the soil of his dependence on this world, the spiritual purity will not become manifest in him. The more the mirror is clear and pure the greater will the rays and the bounties of the Sun of Truth show forth from it.

As to those things published in journals against thee: Thou shouldst not be grieved nor sorry therefor, because thousands of journals have written traducing Abdul-Baha, have given false and base accusations and awful calumnies. Notwithstanding these he was neither troubled nor grieved thereby; nay, rather these cause me to exert myself more than usual in the path of God and to drink the cup of sacrifice and to boil in the fire of His love. Man must seek to gain the acceptance of God and not that of the different classes of men. If one is praised and chosen by God, the accusation of all the creatures will cause no loss to him; and if the man is not accepted in the threshold of God, the praise and admiration of all men will be of no use to him.

By all these it is meant that thou must not be sorry and grieved because of these things the papers have written against thee; nay, rather trust in God and be unmoved by either the praise or the false accusations declared by people towards thee, depend entirely on God and exert thyself to serve His holy vineyard. All else save this is but imagination, though it be the praises of all people in thy behalf; because all else is of no result and bears no fruit.

As to thine action against the journal which hath libeled thee: It is not at all best to bring action against them, because there is no profit in doing that; nay, it will lead to more sayings of a similar nature. Under these circumstances silence is best. Thou must not be disappointed, sorry or grieved thereat; God will remove all these difficulties. If thou wilt employ thyself in the service (of the Cause of God) the past losses will be recovered and all the troubles will be settled.

This is the manifest truth.

Send my greeting to the enlightened leaf, the maid-servant of God, thy noble wife.

“O thou son of the Kingdom!...”

O thou son of the Kingdom!

Consider the bounty of the Lord and the gifts of thy Creator. He hath chosen thee to love Him and selected thee from among His beings to know Him and distinguished thee particularly with the gift of dazzling light through which the faces of the righteous will shine. Verily I say unto thee that this gift now signifieth a globule and a date stone which shall spring up and grow until it becometh a tree of solid root and the branches thereof will extend to the East and West. Then the tongues shall utter: “This is naught but a great bounty!”

“O thou who art rejoicing at the Glad-tidings of God!...”

O thou who art rejoicing at the Glad-tidings of God!

Thank thou God for that by reason of which He hath enabled thee to traverse the seas and countries and come safe to a Spot wherein the lights are shining with great brilliancy. Thank Him for the help He rendered thee to visit the pure and Holy Tomb and revolve around it, the fragrance of which hath excelled that of the flowers of the dawn.

Go back to those regions where thy return is expected by those souls who, through the signs of thy Lord, became attracted unto Him, the Unconstrained, and say unto them: “Glad-tidings unto you who are sincere! Glad-tidings unto you who are faithful servants! Verily I have seen the Kingdom of God with its doors open, the garden of El-ABHA with extensive sides and regions, with dazzling lights, rolling seas, verdant and beautiful orchards, overflowing beds, green trees, fresh and bright leaves, perfumed flowers, sweet rivers, gentle breeze, beautiful air, magnificent views, elegant and handsome lips and mouths.”

Tell them that “The suns of the garden of El-ABHA are still shining, the moons rising, the stars brightening, the gifts perpetual, the grace perfect, the glad-tidings spreading, the signs of singleness and oneness are chanted in the cloister of its Godhead and the flags of sanctity are waving above the palaces of its glory. Come here! Come here!”

“O thou who art drawn unto God and kindled by the Fire...”

O thou who art drawn unto God and kindled by the Fire which burned on Mt. Sinai!

Set aside every mention save the mention of God and abandon everything save the divulgence of the Testament, be attracted by the magnet of the Covenant that thou mayest see the triumph of the angels of the King of the Kingdom and the valor of the hosts of the Lord of Might. By the life of the Lord! The Invincible Power will indeed strengthen, the Holy Spirit will speak in thy mouth, the Word of God will be revealed in thy heart, the sound of the trumpet of the Lord will gladden thee, the light of unity will shine from thy brow, the doors of success and prosperity will be opened upon thy face and the secrets of the Holy Books will be unfolded. Then, at that time, thou shalt cry at the top of thy voice, saying: “Blessed I am for this great bounty! Blessed I am for this evident victory! Blessed I am for this power which could not be resisted by the powers of whomsoever is upon the earth!”

“To him who is looking unto God! O thou who art...”

To him who is looking unto God! O thou who art gazing unto the Center of the Covenant—may God confirm thee!

I supplicate God, beseech Him and pray to Him that He may deliver the souls from the deluge of tests and kindle the lamp of sincerity in the midst of the hearts. As to thee—O thou who art sincere in the Cause of God, looking unto the Kingdom of God and uttering the praise of God! —thank thou Him for that by reason of which He hath made thee wholly faithful in His Cause, kindled thy heart with the fire of the Testament, illumined thy mind with the light and conveyed unto thy spirit the glad-tidings of the breaths of the Holy Spirit in the world of effulgence. Therefore, roll up thy sleeves to serve the Covenant, make the hearts firm in the Covenant of the beloved Lord, create harmony and agreement among the believers and impart to them the glad-tidings of the confirmation which they will receive from God if the differences of opinion be removed and if they unite and agree, be firm in spreading the fragrance of God, divulging the traces and chanting the signs of God. Verily, I send thee good news of the confirmation which thou shalt receive, the like of which was never seen by the eyes in those regions, and of the success, the lights of which will brilliantly shine in those regions—if thou wilt arise with all thy power to assist the Testament of God and to serve the Covenant of God.

Give all the beloved salutations and praise. El-Baha is upon you all, O people of El-Baha!

“O ye who are turned towards the Kingdom and drawn...”

O ye who are turned towards the Kingdom and drawn unto the Holy Fragrance diffused from the Garden of El-ABHA!

Arise with every power to assist the Covenant of God and serve in His vineyard. Be confident that a confirmation will be granted unto you and a success on His part is given unto you. Verily, He shall support you by the angels of His holiness and reinforce you with the breaths of the Spirit that ye may mount the Ark of Safety, set forth the evident signs, impart the spirit of life, declare the essence of His commands and precepts, guide the sheep who are straying from the fold in all directions, and give the blessings. Ye have to use every effort in your power and strive earnestly and wisely in this new century. By God, verily the Lord of Hosts is your support, the angels of heaven your assistance, the Holy Spirit your companion and the Center of the Covenant your helper. Be not idle, but active and fear not. Look unto those who have been in the former ages—how they have resisted all nations and suffered all persecutions and afflictions, and how their stars shone, their attacks proved successful, their teachings established, their regions expanded, their hearts gladdened, their ideas cleared and their motives effective. Ye are now in a great station and noble rank and ye shall find yourselves in evident success and prosperity, the like of which the eye of existence never saw in former ages.

El-Baha and salutations be upon every one who is firm in the Covenant, free from dissension, sanctified from deceits and steadfast in the path.

“O thou herald of the Kingdom of God!...”

O thou herald of the Kingdom of God!

Hearken with the ears of (thy) spirit to the Concourse of El-ABHA, and thou wilt hear, verily, the angels of the Supreme Concourse blessing and praising thee, while saying: “Be thou rejoiced, O thou who hast arisen to serve the Cause of God and to promote the Word of God, and be gladdened at the light of the gift of God!”

By God, the True One, verily, the gifts of God are in such profusion as to rush like a torrent, overflow as a sea, and shower as rain. Gird up thy loins, strengthen thy back, make firm thy feet, and exert thyself in quickening souls, dilating breasts, illumining insights, giving hearing to ears, and attracting hearts. Unseal the jars of the choice wine of the love of God, and give the craving ones to drink from this cup which is overflowing with the knowledge of God.

O my friend, the affection of my heart unto thee cannot be expressed through any interpretation, and I can hardly write it or acknowledge it: Turn with thy breast unto the heart of Abdul-Baha, and then this concealed fact will be disclosed, and the hidden mystery [be] unveiled unto thee.

Verily, I beseech God to make thee a tree with ripened fruits within reach, overshadowing those regions.

It is incumbent upon thee to be meek, to be humble, to be submissive and suppliant before the Threshold of the Merciful. It is incumbent upon thee to serve the beloved of God in that spiritual clime.

Send my greeting and praise to thy revered wife, to thy esteemed daughter and to thy other children. I beg of God to enable all of them to render service to His Cause in His great vineyard.

“O thou who hast arisen to render service to the Cause...”

O thou who hast arisen to render service to the Cause of God in His Great Vineyard!

Verily, I have already written thee several letters, and sent them to thee at different times. Now, I address thee with such words whereby the souls of the proximate ones are rejoiced, and the faces of the sincere ones are cheered.

O my friend, verily the Cause is great and great, and the penetration of the Word of God in the temple (body) of all the regions is similar to the pervasion of the soul in a sound body.

By the life of Baha’, verily, the power of the Kingdom of God hath taken hold of the pillars of the world, and hath possessed all the nations. Thou wilt surely find the standards of the Testament waving in all regions, the chanting of the verses of unity raised in exalted assemblies, and the lights of the Sun of Truth and its heat dispersing the thick clouds massed on the horizon. Be rejoiced at this glad-tidings, whereby the hearts of the sincere among the beloved are cheered.

O my friend, isolate all thy faculties and senses from every other mention and thought, and follow the example of Abdul-Baha in servitude to the Holy and Exalted Threshold. Hasten to the field of sacrifice, craving for the most great martyrdom; expend thy life and all of thy grades in love for God and in attraction to the Beauty of El-ABHA.

By God, the True One, man should seek only this bounty, inasmuch as it is everlasting, eternal, divine, spiritual, luminous and merciful. Be sanctified from all the universe, and send my greeting and praise to the spiritual leaf, the being who relies upon the grace of her Lord—the maid-servant of God, thy revered wife, and say unto her that she may address the veiled ones (those blind to the Truth), saying: “Verily, eyes are dazzled by gazing at the sun, and it is impossible to consider it because of the intensity of its rays; and verily the sea cannot be contained in a cup. The weakness of eyes does no harm to the sun, nor the smallness of the cup to the sea.”

Then let her explain to the people, and make known to every questioner, by saying: “Verily, minds are limited, and the splendor of lights is so great as not to be comprehended by (man’s) reflective faculties. Ye ought to have the sigh of the heart so that ye may apprehend the reality of the mysteries of God which are deposited behind coverings.”

“O thou who hast sought illumination from the Light of...”

O thou who hast sought illumination from the Light of the Guidance of God!

Verily I read thy words of thanksgiving to God for that He hath directed thee to His Kingdom, illuminated thine insight with the light of guidance, and baptized thee with the water which hath descended from heaven, with the fire which was ignited in the Sinaitic Tree, and with the Holy Spirit which quickeneth hearts and souls. Then, thank thou God for this gift whereby thy face is shining amid the concourse of Chosen Ones.

Know thou, verily, man before reaching (spiritual) maturity passes his days and only apprehends trivial things which are clear on account of their exoteric indications, but when he attains full development, then he grasps the reality of things and their esoteric facts. Every day after maturity is equivalent to one year before it, on account of (man’s) perception, understanding apprehension and discoveries.

Now, thou hast reached development and apprehended the degree of maturity: Gaze at the grades of the existence, the realities of beings, the allegories in the epistles of God, and the mysteries in the Old and New Testament. By the life of Baha’, the covering will be removed from off thee (i.e., facts will be unfolded to thee), and thou wilt be informed of that which all the philosophers and wise men are unable to apprehend. Verily, this is a gift which God assigns only to such of His chosen servants as He willeth. Verily, thy Lord will inspire thee with the mysteries of God, the Protector, the Self-subsistent.

Verily, I beseech the Lord of Hosts to increase thy faith each day over that of the previous day, to confirm thee through His Holy Spirit, to give thee capacity to partake of the lights of knowledge and wisdom, to make thee a herald of the Covenant in those regions, and to instruct thee in that which thou knowest not; so that thou mayest become a physician for bodies as well as souls, to heal bodies with the medicines which are useful and beneficial for physical (sickness), and to cure hearts and souls with that antidote which quickeneth hearts and souls.

O my friend, it is incumbent upon thee to be severed (from all else save God), to be attracted, to be sincere, and to spend thy life in the path of God. Be thou holy, spiritual, divine, lively, brilliant, godlike, sanctified, pure, with merciful character, firm in the Covenant, fluent and knowing; and gaze toward the Kingdom of El-ABHA with a heart brimming over with the love of God, with tears flowing the commemoration of God, with a face scintillating through the light of God, with a heart sincere to the beloved of God, and with a sword which divides truth from falsehood. By God, the True One, the Spirit of Baha’ will assist thee with such strength that all the concourse of the earth will fail (to withstand).

“O my Lord, my Hope!...”

O my Lord, my Hope!84

Praise be unto Thee, for Thou hast sent down unto us this spiritual table, supreme benefit and heavenly blessing. O our Lord! Strengthen us to partake of this heavenly food, so that its fine essence may run through the pillars of our spiritual being and that we may thereby obtain a celestial power for serving Thy Cause, promulgating Thy signs and adorning Thy vineyard with lofty trees, the fruits whereof shall be near (to gather) and of perfuming fragrances. Verily Thou art the Possessor of great bounty! Verily Thou are the Clement, the Merciful!

“O my Lord, my Hope!...”

O my Lord, my Hope!85

Thanks be unto Thee for these foods and benefits. O Lord! Suffer us to ascend to Thy Kingdom and to sit at the tables of thy divine world. Nourish us with the food of Thy meeting and cause us to attain to the sweetness of beholding Thy beauty, forasmuch as this is the utmost wish, the mightiest gift and the greatest bestowal. O Lord, O Lord! Make this feasible unto us. Verily Thou art the Beneficent, the Giver! Verily Thou art the Bestower, the Mighty, the Merciful.

“O thou seeker of the True One!...”

O thou seeker of the True One!

If thou wishest the divine knowledge and recognition, purify thy heart from all beside God, be wholly attracted to the ideal, beloved One; search for and choose Him and apply thyself to rational and authoritative arguments. For arguments are a guide to the path and by this the heart will be turned unto the Sun of Truth. And when the heart is turned unto the Sun, then the eye will be opened and will recognize the Sun through the Sun itself. Then (man) will be in no need of arguments (or proofs), for the Sun is altogether independent, and absolute independence is in need of nothing, and proofs are one of the things (of which absolute independence has no need). Be not like Thomas; be thou like Peter. I hope you will be healed physically, mentally and spiritually.

“O maid-servant of God!...”

O maid-servant of God!

Thank God, thy faith increased and thou didst become attached to the Kingdom of the Merciful. Endeavor and supplicate and pray God that, day unto day, thy firmness and steadfastness may grow and that thy countenance may radiate through the light of guidance. Thus shalt thou stand solid as an iron mountain. For firmness attracts the bounty of God and steadfastness is a magnet to receive His strength. Pray thou God for this (attainment), and I will pray to Him to awaken the two people that they may avoid alcoholic drinks.

Hypnotism hath a weak influence over bodies, but hath no result. But the power of the Kingdom of God is great. If thou canst, endeavor to obtain a share of that power.

I ask God to help [thy son] in attaining faith and assurance and in directing himself to the desired One. Although young, he shall attain maturity. May the love of God take root in his heart from his youthful age.

“O thou who art a young tree in the Garden of the Love...”

O thou who art a young tree in the Garden of the Love of God!

I supplicate to God that He may develop and flourish thee with the shower of mercy, the heat and light of the Sun of Truth and the soul-imparting breeze of the Paradise of ABHA and to bestow upon thee a great limitless delicacy and freshness.

“O thou who art quickened by the Divine Fragrances!...”

O thou who art quickened by the Divine Fragrances!

I considered thy letter. Its expression was wonderful and indicated the brilliancy of thy heart and conscience. Be hopeful of the mercy of the Lord of Creation, whose grace is infinite and the sea of whose gift is boundless. I beg of the abundant favor of that Ancient Lord that thou mayest decorate thy spiritual reality (being) with the human perfections, be endowed with a new life, keep steadfast in the Covenant, diffuse the fragrances (i.e., teach the Truth) and deliver the Cause of God.

“O thou who art acknowledging the Oneness of God!...”

O thou who art acknowledging the Oneness of God!

Verily, I read thy letter which contained beautiful meanings and wonderful texts; was informed of thy turning unto God and thy attainment unto the bounty of the Kingdom, which is apparent and manifest by the appearance of God.

O maid-servant of God! Let not thy hands tremble nor thy heart be disturbed, but rather be confident and firm in the love of thy Lord, the Merciful, the Clement.

O maid-servant of God! Verily, all existence is [a book of] pages and tablets which utter the glad-tidings of the appearance of the Kingdom of thy Lord, the Supreme, the Great.

Observe the pages of the universe and discover the traces which appeared! Hast thou seen or heard in any of the previous centuries or generations that which is manifested in this Glorious Age? If the writings of the previous centuries, the middle centuries and the later centuries, be compared with that which is manifested in this single century, they will not weigh against it! nay, rather, they are as drops of water in comparison with the ocean. Magnified is He, who hath crowned this century with the appearance of His Kingdom!

As to thee, turn unto God with a heart cheerfully swayed by His love and kindled by the fire of His desires, both day and night. The lights of God will appear unto thee, the mysteries of God be unfolded to thee and thy bosom healed by the exhortations uttered by the Supreme Pen.

Convey my greeting and praise to thy respected husband and say to him that the Jews are still expecting Christ and long to see Him in all anticipation and great zeal, while His light was manifested, His beauty shone forth, His call was raised, His trumpet blown, His standard hoisted, and His stars sparkled; but the Pharisees are yet in an amazing slumber, immersed in former traditions, and they make play with the signs of Thy Lord, the Merciful, the Clement.

Thank God that He guided thee unto the fountain of guidance, gave thee to drink from the cup of affection, summoned thee unto His Supreme Kingdom and chose thee from among those people. This is a favor wholly above comprehension and is not realized by the intellects which are negligent of the Lord of hosts and angels.

O thou friend! Endeavor so that thou mayest ascend to the station which is above the firmaments, near to the Generous Lord who created and made thee.

“O thou bright pearl!...”

O thou bright pearl!

Endeavor, and spare no effort, and hasten to the Kingdom of thy Lord, the Lord of the shining and clear evidences and arguments.

Verily, by Truth, every seed cast in this great and magnificent century (period) will be cultivated by God and produce plants through the abundance of the clouds of His mercy, which preceded the postulates, and from which all the existing beings have been awakened and issued, and to which they will return.

Therefore, use thy utmost power to sow and cast those pure seeds, the divine teachings, in the hearts which move and cheer by the fragrance of God.

Convey my greeting and praise to thy honored, noble-minded husband, for I love him with all that is within me.

“O thou who art attracted by the Breaths of God! —may...”

O thou who art attracted by the Breaths of God! —may God confirm thee!

Verily I read thy letter, which contained expressions like as of “the pure sealed wine,” showing what throbs of the thoughts of the love of God in the mind of that righteous one (thyself) and that which shines of the lights of the knowledge of God in the heart of that beloved one.

I beseech God to ordain thee as a sign of His great signs, to confirm thee to shine as a light in the lantern of America; to cause thee to be stripped and cut from all positions, to announce the good tidings of God, to diffuse the breaths of God, to speak the praise of God and to turn thy face to the Kingdom of ABHA, to be freed from depending on this world, to be kindled by the fire of the love of God, to be adorned with the ornament of perfection; to be the center of those virtues and characteristics wherewith the inner qualities of man are ornamented, to be confirmed by the breaths of the Holy Ghost, to call on the name of God.

O my beloved one! It is incumbent upon thee to be firm in the Covenant and to stand up and serve the religion of God. Verily, this is the magnet of confirmation and assistance, the attracter of all success and the leader of hosts of gifts.

May God protect thee from all accidents! May the Glory of ABHA be upon thee!

Convey my greetings to the spiritual leaf, the servant of God, thy honored wife, the esteemed ........, and say unto her: “Serve in the olive garden of God, that God may help thee by those confirmations by which intellects are astounded and the perceptions are cleared.”

“O thou who art sincere in the Religion of God!...”

O thou who art sincere in the Religion of God!

Verily, the maid-servant of God, the assured leaf [thy wife] hath presented herself in the Sacred Spot and is blessed by the pure and holy dust, inhaled the fragrances of God from the meadow of Abdul-Baha. She will soon return unto thee, while being watched over by the glance of the providence of God.

I beseech God to cause thee to partake of the heavenly table, to be firm in the love of God and to transmit His lights in those regions; to make thee severed from all else save Him and to be a servant of His Cause, and to strengthen thee with a power which may penetrate into the reality of things.

“O thou who art attracted by the Speech of Abdul-Baha!...”

O thou who art attracted by the Speech of Abdul-Baha!

Verily I speak unto thee through the tongue of my spirit, from the spiritual direction, and explain for thee the mysteries of the kingdom and the meanings of the sacred, heavenly books. Direct thyself unto the Lord of the Supreme World and loosen thy tongue, so that He shall confirm thee by the spirit of Beyan (i.e., explanation) and breathe into thy mouth the Holy Spirit and move thy tongue with the best meanings and mysteries.

Trust in God and rely on His great bounty, because His bounty is overflowing like the seas, brilliant like unto the lights, flowing like currents of water and raining like the clouds. It is incumbent upon thee to be humble, lowly and submissive at the appearance of the lights of the gifts of thy Lord, in every instant. Serve the friends of God under all circumstances and conditions. This is the station of the spiritual ones; this is the honor of the Bahais; this is the glory of the sincere ones and this is the sovereignty of the unitarians.

“O thou who art attracted unto the Beauty of ABHA!...”

O thou who art attracted unto the Beauty of ABHA!

Verily I call thee, from this Spot, with a speech whereby the spirit is breathed into hearts and bodies, and address thee with a calling whereby His clear wine overflows in the fountain of a heart which is consumed by the love of God.

Verily, I love thee with my heart, my spirit and my mind, and associate with thee in spirit (and converse with thee) by my innate tongue. I love for thee to arise for that to which I have arisen in servitude to the Sublime and Holy Threshold, turning unto God, hoping for martyrdom, so that thou mayest attain to the gift, the lights of which glisten in the eternal horizon.86

“O thou whose heart is overflowing with the love of God!...”

O thou whose heart is overflowing with the love of God!

Verily, I received thy beautiful letter and praised God for kindling the fire of His love in thy heart and cheering thy spirit with the cup of the gift of thy Lord. I ask God to increase thy intoxication with this wine and gladden thy spirit with this great gospel. I wrote letters to those whose names thou didst mention in thy letter. Deliver them with rejoicing face, revived heart, and tongue uttering the name of the Merciful.

“O thou who art confident in the appearance of the Kingdom...”

O thou who art confident in the appearance of the Kingdom of God! Verily I read thy letter, which was beautifully composed and which proved thy great love, the extent of thy knowledge and the illumination of thy sight, by witnessing the signs whereunto the heads bow in reverence and faces show respect.

O beloved! Thank God that He chose thee for His love and elected thy wife for the calling of the appearance of the Kingdom of God. Verily, this is a great favor, and wert thou aware of the results which will follow it in the Kingdom of God, thou wouldst, verily, rejoice exceedingly and wouldst call with loud voice: “Blessed are we for this great favor, and glad-tidings be unto us for this glorious attainment.”

Consider the past, so that thou mayest become informed of the mysteries which shall be disclosed in the future. When the disciples were calling in the name of Christ, the Jews scoffed, scorned and laughed at them. They were saying, “They (i.e., the disciples) are taken with madness, and madness is made an art.” They even beat them with whips, threw stones at them, prevented the people from approaching them, and were saying, “This man (Christ) is naught but a sorcerer, blasphemeth God and is possess of a devil.”

Then observe how that persecution and scorn were changed to glory, honor and reverence. Ultimately, they (the Jews) honored their sublime stations and acknowledged their loftiness, which was exalted, promoted and glorified in the center of the horizons until it reached the degree of exaggeration in deeds. They made for them likenesses and pictures, decorated with jewels shining in the eyes; they placed these likenesses or pictures in the temples, churches and monasteries built on the tops of the mountains, and worshipped them with respect, glory, majesty and reverence. This is the condition of the neglectful ones who are deprived of the Truth (the Manifestations of God) at the day of their existence among them. After the ascension of their (the prophets’) spirits unto the Center of Purity and Piety, then the negligent ones repent and return, making likenesses and pictures according to their own ideas, which do not bear resemblance, and worship the same. This is the station of the ignorant ones who are as animals, following every croaker and shaken by every wind. “Forsake them to play in their shallow waters.”

As to thee: Be happy because of what thy Lord, the Clement, the Merciful, hath given thee; choosing thee and thy esteemed wife for entrance into His Kingdom, for calling in His name, praising Him in assemblies, gatherings and meetings.

The truth I verily say unto thee, this divine grace cannot be exchanged for the sovereignty of the earth, the east or the west. For that (the worldly kingdom) is naught but dreams, torture to the spirit, trouble for the hearts; its mortality is certain and its destruction a well known fact—while this spiritual kingdom and divine grace will shine, and it is an ABHA (Glorious) jewel which will glisten on the diadems of great glory in the course of centuries and cycles.

“O thou who art directed unto God!...”

O thou who art directed unto God!

Thy revered wife, Mrs. ........, is indeed confirmed by the fragrances of the spirit and rendered victorious by the hosts of the Kingdom. Verily, she hath abandoned comfort and ease; calleth in the name of God in those regions; hath remained firm in God’s religion; and no power of test hath shaken her. Rest thou assured! Her light shall shine in the globe of the love of God and her face shall be illumined with the light of God’s bounty!

I pray for a heavenly blessing to descend upon the heart of [thy wife], for she arose for the spreading of God’s fragrances. I ask God to protect thee and her from the winds of trial. May thy tongue be moved to utter beautiful explanations and may the hearts of the people of Johnstown (N.Y.) become tender, so that they may be guided to the Fountain of the Water of Life and be illumined by the lights shining from the kingdom of heaven.

87 Be not in despair, but rather smile by the mercy of thy Lord; and be not sorrowful when meeting with worldly difficulties and depressions, for they pass away—and thine shall be immortality during ages and centuries, times and cycles.

88 Be not sad on account of poverty, nor be sorrowful when the people scorn thee. Remember the poverty of Jesus, the persecution of the Jews to His glorious person and the scorn of Him. Verily, that poverty is the glory of the beginning and the ending. It is a light which hath illumined the heavens and the earth. ***O thou who art attracted to the Kingdom of God!

***Consider not the present state, for it is the time of sowing seeds in that country (America) and, of course, great difficulties are met with, differences and hindrances of the people being severe. Firmness must uphold us. As the servants and the maid-servants of the Merciful stand firmly and persevere, the good see will soon grow and bear the fruit of blessing. Then will spirit and fragrance prevail, and joy and rejoicing come from the heavenly sphere; the sorrows and toils shall be forgotten and the eternal peace and rest appear. I trust, through the bounty of ABHA, that ye may be strengthened to serve and to spread the Word of God.***

The giving .... the ring89 of the Greatest Name is very beautiful. The ring should be worn on the small finger of the right hand.

The prayer for forgiveness90 is behalf of those who have passed, ignorant, from this world, will be sent as requested.

Regarding the “two wings” of the soul: These signify wings of ascent. One is the wing of knowledge, the other of faith, as this is the means of the ascent of the human soul to the lofty station of divine perfections.***

“O Thou Forgiving Lord!...”

O Thou Forgiving Lord!91

Although certain souls finished the days of life in ignorance, were estranged and selfish, yet the ocean of Thy forgiveness is, verily, able to redeem and make free the sinners by one of its waves. Thou redeemest whomsoever Thou willest and deprivest whomsoever Thou willest not92 ! Shouldst Thou treat justly, we all are sinners and deserve to be deprived; and shouldst Thou observe mercy, every sinner shall be made pure and every stranger shall become a friend. Therefore, forgive and pardon and grant Thy mercy unto all. Thou art the Forgiver, the Light-giver and the Compassionate!

“O thou sign of the Love of God!...”

O thou sign of the Love of God!

Be rejoiced that thou hast held the cup of providence in thy hand and drunk the choice wine of guidance, opened thine eye and witnessed the lights of the Kingdom, unstopped thine ear and heard thy voice of the Lord of Hosts.

Be not grieved at the death of thy dear daughter. This divine bird flew away to the rose-garden of the Merciful and that plant of humanity hastened to the garden of the Kingdom of El-ABHA. That drop returned to the Most Great Sea and that ray betook herself to the Most Great Orb. Be happy and thankful because thou wilt see her face shining in the divine Kingdom and wilt find her as a lamp amid an assembly in the spiritual heaven.

“O thou who art commemorating the praises of God!...”

O thou who art commemorating the praises of God!

Verily, I read thy letter of elegant expression, for which I supplicate to God to make thee meek, humble and fit for the effulgence of the light of His love among the maid-servants; and (I beg of God) to make all mankind the children of His mercy! This is the utmost mercy of Abdul-Baha for which he is endeavoring night and day and is summoning all to this fountain which is flowing with the pure water of the gift of God. Verily, I pray God to assembly all mankind in the shadow of the standard of peace and under the tents of love in the Paradise of El-ABHA; so that all of them may become the children of God and His beloved ones. Verily thy Lord is compassionate to the servants who are rightly guided.

As to thee: Appreciate the value of thy father, for he taught thee to await the manifestation of the Light of Lights. Verily he hath inhaled the fragrance of the Paradise of El-ABHA and his nostrils are therewith perfumed. Therefore, he bade thee to anticipate and prepare thyself for the appearance of the Kingdom of God.

“O thou dear one!...”

O thou dear one!

Blessed art thou, for thou hast entered into the bosom of the training of God and drunk the cup of knowledge while thou art young in age among girls. Thank thou God for that He hath caused thee to taste the sweetness of His love at thy earliest childhood. I beg of God to protect thee from wavering in the Cause of God, to make thee firm in the Covenant of God, to guard thy mother in the stronghold of His great Kingdom and to make thee a girl successful and nurtured from the breast of the love of God, refreshed from the milk of His knowledge in this great day.

“O thou young in age and great in mind!...”

O thou young in age and great in mind!

[There is] many a young child who is mature and grown up, and many an aged [one] who is ignorant and stupid. Growth and maturity are in intellect and understanding and not in age and duration of life. Verily thou hast know thy Lord while thou art young in age; but there are thousands of women who are heedless of the commemoration of God, veiled from the Kingdom of God and deprived of the bounty of the gift of God. As to thee, thank thy Lord for this great gift. I beg of God to heal thy mother, who is revered in the Kingdom of God.

“O my God, my God!...”

O my God, my God!

I am a servant attracted to Thee, humbly coming to the door of Thy Oneness and addressing the kingdom of Thy mercy.

Yes, my God, permit that I should be entirely Thine, occupied in thinking of Thee, inflamed by the fire of Thy love and separated from all except Thee, so that I may work in Thy Cause, spread Thy wisdom, transmit Thy knowledge and the joy of knowing Thee.

Yes, my God, I am a flame lighted by the hand of Thy power. Do not permit that it be extinguished by the winds of trials. Increase my love for Thee, my ardor for the Beauty of Thy Oneness, the fire that burneth in me in the Sinai of Thy Singleness, and the eternal life in me, through Thy bounty and grace; for Thou art the Protector, the Watcher, the Pitiful and the Merciful!

“O thou who art attached to the Beauty of God!...”

O thou who art attached to the Beauty of God!

Verily, I was rejoiced when I read thy excellent letter, which portrayed a spiritual attraction and a rejoicing at the (news) of the merciful Kingdom! Know thou verily, the hand of divine Providence hath attracted thee to the Throne of the Kingdom, and the divine glad-tidings hath caused such joy and happiness in thee, that thou hast removed the covering and lifted the veiling from the Countenance of the Divine Beauty, beheld the Brilliant Face through thine insight, and became cognizant of the mysteries of purity and sanctity in this divine Cause!

Now, with a heart overflowing with the love of God, supplicate to God with all joy, and thank thou God for this guidance and this high gift. And know thou, that verily, the vanguards of the gifts of thy Lord shall overtake thee from all sides (parts) when thy feet become firm in the Path.

“O thou who art attracted to the Light of Guidance!...”

O thou who art attracted to the Light of Guidance!

Verily, I read the signs of thy thanks to God, for He hath guided thee unto the Path of the Kingdom, dispelled the darkness, caused thee to enter into the light of faith, and awakened thee to the proof and argument. This is through the grace of thy Lord, the Merciful, who hath chosen thee for His knowledge and hath adorned thy head with the crown of His love which is scintillating in the apex of glory and beneficence.

Verily, I beseech the Threshold of Mercifulness to kindle the lamp of light within thy heart, so that thy breast may thereby be dilated and thy soul rejoiced.

Thou art present in spirit in a meeting (in Acca) in which the gifts of God are radiating, even though thou art remote in regard to body in the far away land.

As to thy coming here now, this is not in accord with the wisdom revealed in the Gospels. But the time shall come and thou wilt attain to the gifts of thy Lord. But for the present, make thy tongue fluent in praising thy clement Lord at every moment and time, so that thou mayest attain to all good under the shadow of the Lord of Generosity and Beneficence.

“O thou who hast gained illumination from the Light of...”

O thou who hast gained illumination from the Light of Guidance!

Verily, I perused thy brilliant letter, which showed that thou hast advanced toward God, thy sight illumined by witnessing the signs of God, thy heart cheered by the sacred and spiritual breeze which is being blown from the garden of the Kingdom of God.

It behooveth thee to spend thy life, body and blood in the path of God, for this mighty gift.

Verily, I inhale the fragrance of faithfulness from the believers of that brilliant and pure city. I beg of God to make His beloved and maid-servants in that city as one band, united in soul, heart and tongue, even as stars assembled in the constellation of Unity, although the distance between them is extensive and the interval infinite.x

O maid-servant of God! Know thou, the first bounty from the True One is love, unity and harmony, and without these all the deeds pass in vain and give no result. Love is the result of the Manifestation and the glorious purpose of the rising of Light on the Mount, in the Sinai of the Forgiving Lord.

It is incumbent upon you (to act) with merciful harmony and spiritual unity, so that the bounties of your Lord may embrace you and make you as waves in this sacred, moving sea. This is seemly of the believing women! This is the spirit of the assured women! This is the light of the peaceful women! This is the ultimate wish of the attracted women!

Verily, I beseech God to illumine thy sight by witnessing the light of hopes and cause thee to speak His praise among the maid-servants, and to make thee steadfast in this path, on which feet have slipped through the power of tests.

And I beg of Him to enable thee to confirm thy parents and make thee a servant in His great vineyard, and cause the consolation of thine eye, thy noble child, to enter the garden of His exalted Kingdom.

“O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!

Verily, I read thine excellent letter and was informed of thy turning unto God, thy drawing near unto the lofty holy Threshold, thy drinking from the Fountain of Life and that thine heart hath partaken of the lights of heaven. Verily, I beg of God to ordain for thee in the future to come to this Blessed and White Land, to cause thee to hear the melodies of the Dove and to grant that thou mayest present thyself before the hands of Abdul-Baha.

Exert thyself, O maid-servant of God, that thou mayest guide thy relatives and bring union and accord among the beloved ones and harmony among the maid-servants of God; and that thou mayest become of the myrtles of the Paradise of Oneness and of the trees of the Reality of Singleness.

Every flock of the sheep of God which is protected under the shadow of the Divine Shepherd will not be scattered, but when the sheep are dispersed from the flock, they will necessarily be caught and torn by the wolf.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon you to flock together! It is incumbent upon you to be united! It is incumbent upon you to expose yourselves to the fragrances of God at every time and moment!

Verily, I am with you when you turn unto God and are attracted to the fragrances of God, and I pray for confirmation, union, harmony and love in your behalf.

Deliver my greetings and praise to the maid-servants of God there.

“O thou wonderful leaf of the Tree of the Love of God!...”

O thou wonderful leaf of the Tree of the Love of God!

All that thou hast written was perused. It was read from beginning to end, and it caused joy and fragrance. But we write a brief but useful answer, on account of the lack of leisure. Engage thou in commemorating God at every morn and turn unto the Horizon of Mercifulness.

Take some honey, recite “Ya Baha-ul-ABHA,” and eat a little thereof for several days. For these thy prevailing diseases are not on account of sins, but they are to make thee detest this world and know that there is no rest and composure in this temporal life.

I beg of God that thou mayest find a cheerful life, cause the increase of the longing of all present in the meetings of the maid-servants of the Merciful One and bring joy and happiness to the handmaidens of God; so that thou mayest diffuse the fragrances and chant the manifest verses. Supplication to God at morn and eve is conducive to the joy of hearts, and prayer cause spirituality and fragrance. Thou shouldst necessarily continue therein.

I beg of God that the closed door may be opened before the face of the friends and that they may be enabled to visit the Holy Threshold.

Trust thou in the divine grace and have hope in the merciful gift. If thou wishest for everlasting joy and happiness, engage thou in delivering (teaching) the Cause of God night and day, for the commemoration of God attracts confirmation and assistance like unto a magnet.

“O thou maid-servant of God!...”

O thou maid-servant of God!

Thy letter was received and thy words produced effect in the hearts. For thy letter showed thy love for the Glorious Lord, proved thy knowledge of His Highness, the Merciful One, and indicated thy effort and exertion in unifying the beloved ones and creating harmony among the chosen ones.

O thou esteemed (or dear) maid-servant of God! All that thou hast looked upon—even in the dominion of Victoria, the Queen of England—is but an image on the water and a mirage of phantasms! That which is a reality and is eternal and everlasting is the love of God, is the knowledge of His Highness, the Forgiver, is the spread of the perspicuous religion of God, the uplifting of the Word of God, and the diffusion of the lights of the guidance of God!

I beg of God, that thou and thy revered husband and thy affectionate father will be confirmed by the gift of the Merciful One; and that thy brother will also follow you, in order that he may, through the gems and pearls of the guidance of God, wear a kingly crown on his head.

O thou favored maid-servant of God! I give thee the name Natekah (i.e., Speaker—gifted with speech; it can also be written Nátegheh), in order that thou mayest find an eloquent speech in teaching (the Truth); that thou mayest kindle the lamp of light in those parts, especially in Baltimore, and bestow joy and happiness upon the hearts through the commemoration of God.

My good pleasure is in this, that thou shouldst devote thy time wholly to teaching (the Truth), so that thou mayest train the souls, illumine the eyes, and make the ears hearing.

“O thou bird who art warbling in the Garden of the...”

O thou bird who art warbling in the Garden of the Guidance of God!

Verily, I read thy excellent and brilliant letter. It showed how thou hast sought the fire of guidance from the Sinaitic Tree, and art shining by the light of faithfulness of the Supreme Concourse.

Blessed art thou; again, blessed art thou! Glad-tidings be unto thee; again, glad-tidings be unto thee!

Appreciate the worth of this peerless and choice Pearl (of the Truth). By the life of God, verily, this is the most splendid jewel which glitters on the crown of glory, among all the people of the world.

“O ye two doves, flying in the verdant Gardens of the...”

O ye93 two doves, flying in the verdant Gardens of the Kingdom!

Thank ye your Lord for that by reason of which He hath guided you into the Path of Safety, led you unto the Fountain of Life, turned your faces unto the Lord of the evident Signs, and baptized you with the Water of Life, and the everlasting spirit of safety, in this new and glorious century.

Your pictures came to the presence of the servant of God, who is supplicating to His Kingdom that He may cause to descend upon you the heavenly blessings. He was rejoiced by seeing your likenesses, for his spirit is attached to the Spirit. And from the flowers, which were enclosed in your note, he has smelled the scent of the gardens of your hearts, which are ornamented by the flowers of faith and assurance; and I ask God to continue sending upon you the gifts of His merciful benevolence at all times.

“O thou who art attracted to the Bounty of El-ABHA!...”

O thou who art attracted to the Bounty of El-ABHA!

Verily, I have read thine excellent message, which announced thy praise to thy Supreme Lord, and I have understood thine effort and endeavor in spreading the perfume of guidance and propagating the Supreme Word!

Verily, I implore God to keep thee and thy wife steadfast in such service with which both of your faces may shine in the Concourse of El-ABHA!

Indeed, this is the treasure of the Kingdom, which (treasure) ceaseth not; and I beg of Him to cause you (both) to be in no need of the false beauty of the world and to be as two rising stars in the horizon of existence!

“O thou messenger in the command of God!...”

O thou messenger in the command of God!

Blessed art thou for guiding ........ unto the Fountain of the Water of Life, caused him to enter the Ark of Safety, demonstrated unto him the manifest signs, and proved to him the elegant proofs. May God reward thee with the best of rewards, in the end and the beginning. Therefore, continue spreading the fragrances of God in this new age, which dawns as the sun with the lights of favors unto the horizon of ages and centuries.***

“O thou maid-servant of God!...”

O thou maid-servant of God!

Be rejoiced at the mercy of God and be delighted by the remembrance of thy Master! Thank thou Him, for He hath removed the veils from thy wight and shown thee a Glorious Face! Blessed art thou, as thou hast sought martyrdom in the Cause of God! Know thou verily, He will strengthen thee to the service of His Cause in His vineyard.

“O thou who art set aglow with the Fire of the Love of...”

O thou who art set aglow with the Fire of the Love of God!

Thy letter reached me and I noted its beautiful contents. I ask God to augment thy faith, certainty, steadfastness and firmness, that thus thou mayest be a cause for enkindling the fire of the love of God in the hearts of the maid-servants of God.

We sent thee a rosary, as thou didst so wish. Mention God94 with this and thus thou mayest be strengthened in spirit and fragrance, in joy and love.

Convey my greeting and praise to thy honorable husband, Mr. ........, the beloved, the precious and honored.

“O thou who art advancing toward the Kingdom of...”

O thou who art advancing toward the Kingdom of God!

I received thy letter and was informed of the content of thy speech.

Know thou, verily, Baha’ was the Sun of Love and Peace, who shone forth with the Light of Guidance and was a Spirit of Life to all regions. The signs of His effulgence shall appear when the love of God shall influence the hearts, just as the soul influenceth bodies. The clouds of darkness shall be dispelled from the manifest light of love and peace, and from the abundant bounty of reconciliation and tranquillity.

As to thee: Do not look at thy weakness and impotence; nay, look at the power of thy Lord, which hath surrounded all regions. The sea of forgiveness hath moved and the waves of pardon and beneficence have submerged the people of sin. Be isolated from the grades of self and desire, so that thou mayest succeed in that which behooveth the service of the Kingdom of God, and that thou mayest be healed from every disease and sickness.

As to the “white dove,” it is the Holy Spirit. It shall flutter over thee and over the head of the beloved of God.

Verily I beseech God to assist thee with the spirit of knowledge and enable thee to be good and benevolent to all the people of religions.

“O thou who art advancing toward the Divine...”

O thou who art advancing toward the Divine Kingdom!

What thou hast written was understood and noted. Thou hast asked concerning the station of this servant. The station of this servant is servitude to the Holy Threshold (BAHA’O’LLAH) and I glory and honor in this. Abdul-Baha is the standard of the divine love, the sign of the gift of God, the servant of the assemblage of the merciful ones, the light of the meeting of the spiritual ones. He is the orb of peace and reconciliation and the light of love in the world of humanity. He is the herald of the Kingdom of the Merciful One and the promulgator of the religion of rectitude and security. This is the station of this servant! This is the Truth!

I hope through the divine grace that the brilliancy of the love of God will pervade all regions, and that he will remove warfare and strife from the world of existence. Then the human world will become expressive of the unity of the merciful world, the inferior world will become a clear and purified mirror reflecting the Supreme Concourse, the East and West will embrace each other like unto two longing ones and the North and South will shake hands and clasp each other in the arms like unto two beloved ones. This is the station of Abdul-Baha.

As to the light thou dost witness: It is not an earthly light (phenomenal); nay, rather, it is a heavenly light. It cannot be seen by the sight; nay, rather, it is perceived by the insight.

As to the resurrection of the body of Christ three days subsequent to His departure: This signified the divine teachings and spiritual religion of His Holiness Christ, which constitute His spiritual body, which is living and perpetual forevermore.

By the “three days” of His death is meant that after the great martyrdom, the penetration of the divine teachings and the spread of the spiritual law became relaxed on account of the crucifixion of Christ. For the disciples were somewhat troubled by the violence of divine tests. But when they became firm, that divine spirit resurrected and that body—which signifies the divine word—arose.

Likewise the address of the angels to the people of Galilee, “That this Christ will return in the same way and that He will descend from heaven,” is a spiritual address. For when Christ appeared, He came from heaven, although He was outwardly born from the womb of Mary. For He said: “No man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven.”

He said: “I came down from heaven and likewise will go to heaven.” By “heaven” is not meant this infinite phenomenal space, but “heaven” signifies the world of the divine kingdom which is the supreme station and seat of the Sun of Truth.

To be brief: The mysteries of the Holy Books are many and require explanation and elucidation. I hope thine insight will be so opened that the divine mysteries may become manifest and clear. O thou candle of the love of God!

I read what thou hast written. Its meanings were spiritual and its contents merciful. It indicated (thy) pure intention and expressed clear brilliancy.

I beg of God that thou mayest become an associate and partner of Abdul-Baha in servitude to the Holy Threshold of Baha’, that thou mayest praise me in my pure servitude and summon all to the Most Great Guidance.

“O thou who art advancing toward God!...”

O thou who art advancing toward God!

What thou has written was perused. Thou hast written concerning the meeting of His Highness Christ after the crucifixion and that some of the apostles perceived Him but did not recognize Him; but that they did recognize Him after the breaking of bread.

Know thou that the Messianic Spirit and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is always manifest, but capacity and ability (to receive it) is more in some and less in others. After the crucifixion the apostles had not in the beginning the capacity and ability of witnessing the Messianic reality. For they were agitated. But when they found firmness and steadfastness their inner sight became opened, and they saw the reality of the Messiah as manifest. For the body of Christ was crucified and vanished, but the Spirit of Christ is always pouring upon the contingent world, and is manifest before the insight of the people of assurance.

O thou seeker of the kingdom of God! If thou wishest thy speech and utterance to take effect in the hardened hearts, be thou severed from all attachment to this world and turn unto the Kingdom of God. Enkindle the fire of the love of God in the heart with such intensity that thou mayest become a flame of fire and a luminous lamp of guidance. At that time thy speech will take effect within the hearts, through the confirmation of the Holy Spirit.

“O thou sincere servant of the Lord of the Kingdom!...”

O thou sincere servant of the Lord of the Kingdom!

Thou art favored and accepted in the Threshold of His Highness the Incomparable One, and art beloved and praised in the presence of Abdul-Baha. Thy services in the divine kingdom are evident and registered and the most eminent reward and the most great bounty are destined and in store for thee. The confirmation which hath descended unto thee is conducive to unlimited favor. Therefore, be thou engaged in the glorification of the Forgiving Lord.

“O thou whose heart is filled with the Love of God!...”

O thou whose heart is filled with the Love of God!

I was informed of thy longing for meeting (me) and that thy breast is boiling with the love of God. Blessed are thou for this wish.

O maid-servant of God! Beseech thou God to be filled with His love and make thy tongue fluent with the glorification of God.

Verily, I supplicate God to forgive thy father and to submerge him in the sea of forgiveness and pardon.

Be not grieved at the death of that infant child, for it is placed in trust for thee before thy Lord in His great Kingdom.

Verily God will bestow upon thee that whereby thy heart shall be rejoiced and thy breast shall be dilated. Verily thy Lord is compassionate and merciful!

“O thou favored maid-servant in the Threshold of the...”

O thou favored maid-servant in the Threshold of the Almighty!

The letter which thou hast written was perused and its contents were noted. Thou hast written concerning spiritual hearing and insight. The insight (or inner perception) is a correct sight, for it never blundereth. But the outward sight doth err (or misjudgeth); it seeth the mirage as water, considereth the revolving flame as a circle, imagineth the images reflected in a mirror as a reality and judgeth huge bodies as small ones, from a remote distance. There are many evidences as to the blundering of the sight; but the insight apprehendeth the reality and discovereth the mysteries.

As to the difference between inspiration and imagination: Inspiration is in conformity with the Divine Texts, but imaginations do not conform therewith. A real, spiritual connection between the True One and the servant is a luminous bounty which causeth an ecstatic (or divine) flame, passion and attraction. When this connection is secured (or realized) such an ecstasy and happiness become manifest in the heart that man doth fly away (with joy) and uttereth melody and song. Just as the soul bringeth the body in motion, so that spiritual bounty and real connection likewise moveth (or cheereth) the human soul. As to truthful dreams: I beg of God that thy inner eye (insight) may be so opened that thou mayest thyself differentiate between truthful and untruthful dreams.

Treat thy friends and relatives in general with the utmost kindness and love; (deal in like manner) even with strangers (or outsiders). Convey my great compassion to the little maid-servant of God, ......... She must memorize and recite the following commune:

“O loving God! I am a young child, a suppliant, a...”

“O loving God! I am a young child, a suppliant, a captive. Be Thou my refuge, my support, my protector. I am in distress: give me the means of tranquillity. I am needy: bestow upon me the treasure of the Kingdom. I am dead: give me the Spirit of Life. I am weak: favor me with power and strength, so that I may be a maid-servant in Thy Threshold, with perfect purity and sanctity; sacrifice myself unto Thee, be quit of myself and seek Thee, walk in the path of Thy good pleasure, speak Thy secret and witness the signs of Thy Oneness wherever I look. O God! Make me ablaze, like unto the fire of Thy love, and make me free from attachment to this mortal world, until I find the peace of soul and the rest of conscience.

“Thou art the Powerful, the Mighty! Thou art the Hearer, the Seer!”

“O thou who art advancing toward God!...”

O thou who art advancing toward God!

Blessed art thou, for the lights of guidance have shone forth upon thee and the bounty of the Supreme Kingdom hath illumined thy heart. The effect of the Spirit will surely increase within hearts, so souls will grow in advancing toward the Kingdom, the wonderful bounty shall appear from the invisible kingdom, the hidden exalted world, and your powers and firmness will increase in the Cause of God, the Lofty, the Mighty.

“O thou Godlike person and spiritual friend!...”

O thou Godlike person and spiritual friend!

Verily God hath, through His bounty and grace, removed the covering from off thine eyes and inspired thee the night in which the Morn of Guidance dawned and the Holy Spirit breathed in the being of “The Exalted, the Supreme”95 . Ye went out96, desirous to witness and visit the Lord, and awaited the appearance of the Great Bounty in that brilliant night. Is there any evidence greater than this to the discerning? No, by my Beloved, the ABHA! This is a gift to which ye have been assigned among mankind. Thank ye God for this bestowal in which the inspired ones glory in the kingdom of heaven.

As to thee, strengthen thou thy back to spread that Spirit and diffuse that Light and arise to serve the Cause of God in His vineyard, so that thou mayest be of the first to call in the name of God and draw nearer unto the Kingdom of thy Lord, the Glorious, the Supreme. Truly, I say unto thee, if thou be steadfast in this Cause and arise with all thy power to promote the Word in those parts, and if thou render thine utmost efforts in breathing the Spirit of Life into the hearts of the righteous, thou wilt find thyself assisted by the angels of heaven and the hosts of the Supreme Concourse; thou wilt hoist the banner of peace and the sounds of the trumpet will be heard in the tunes of love and union throughout those countries; thou wilt guide people (literally, souls) to the running water of life and lead them to the field of knowledge; thou wilt give them to drink the wine of assurance and quicken them with the fragrances of the Merciful One; thou wilt clothe them with the robes of bestowal and give them to drink the wine of faithfulness in love for Baha’, so that they will be awakened from the sleep of selfish desires and behold the signs of their Mighty Lord in this exalted life. This is better for thee than all the glory and dominion of the world.

As to thy coming at this time to the Blessed Spot (Acca), this is not in accordance with the wisdom revealed in the Tablets. Send unto us some of the traces of thy pen (writings) so that we may see it and pray God to assist and render thee successful in everything.

“O thou whose face is illumined with the Light of the...”

O thou whose face is illumined with the Light of the Love of God!

The answer already hath been delayed, but there is no harm in that. For, verily, my heart is gazing unto thee, my love is constant and permanent for thee and the fragrances of holiness are wafting (over thee) and my spirit is pouring upon thee, and the spiritual communication is extended between us.

O maid-servant of God! It is incumbent upon thee to show forth the greatest steadfastness; it is incumbent upon thee to stand the tests of the Lord! Be thou firm in the love of thy Lord, the Clement, the Merciful!***

“O thou who art enkindled with the Fire of the Love...”

O thou who art enkindled with the Fire of the Love of God!

Thy letter was received and I was informed of the contents. It was a proof of truthfulness and sincerity and an evidence of spiritual feelings. Consider how the radiance of the light of the Holy Spirit doth illumine the court of the soul, that it bringeth about spiritual discoveries and produceth merciful attachment! The essential meeting is that spiritual attachment (or union) and heartfelt feelings; when this gift becometh manifest, heavenly bounties will be attained and hopes shall be fulfilled. It is the same as I have written: Thou shalt attain to visit Acca; but now a physical visit (or presence) will lead to interference on the part of the ignorant and cause the tumult and commotion of the unwise. For the present, satisfy thyself with a spiritual union. God willing, thy coming will be also brought about afterward.

Occupy thyself with the Kingdom as much as thou canst and forget all else save the True One; in order that thou mayest, day by day, find a new power in the Cause of God and gain a great stability.

“O thou who art advancing toward the Threshold of...”

O thou who art advancing toward the Threshold of Mercifulness!

Verily, I have read the expressions of thy longing for the visit and thy craving to come to this Brilliant Spot. But the violators of the Covenant of God have stirred up the dust of deception, and besides this, there are numerous obstacles and it is impossible for thee to come in these times. But verily, I pray my Lord to make this success feasible unto thee in a future time. There is for this a mature wisdom concealed from sight, but it shall appear as clear as the sun in midday.

As to thee, be rejoiced at the glad-tidings of thy Lord and trust in His great gifts, the lights of which have shone forth upon the horizons of hearts and souls, and trust in the assistance of thy Master, and ask what thou wishest of the gifts of thy Lord, the Unconstrained! Draw nigh unto Him with a pure heart, cheerful face, gazing eye and a joyful spirit and plunge with thy whole being into the sea of the love of God and forget all else save Him, so that thou mayest be filled with such spiritual sentiments from the kingdom of God, which will take the reins of desire from thy hands and move thee with the power of thy Lord, just as the wind moveth a mote in the open air as it willeth. At that time we will draw unto each other in spirit, a nearness which will be eternal, everlasting and endless.

“O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!

Verily, I considered the meanings of thy beautiful words and found them as a peerless, brilliant pearl, shining with a luster of the lights of the love of God. God shall surely enable thee [to speak] in more eloquent and wonderful words through a confirmation from the Spirit of the gift of God.***

O maid-servant of God! Verily, the picture (photograph) is an indication of what is in the heart of man. There are faces which are rejoiced and brilliant like unto the garden of paradise and faces which are dusty and dark and are covered with the dimness of fire.

Verily I beg of God that He may strengthen thee in whatever matter thou mayest undertake and unto which thou mayest advance.

O maid-servant of God! Thy heart shall surely have attractions and revelations through the power of the Beauty of El-ABHA, which will be followed by glad-tidings and signs, in every minute and instant. Verily, I reveal unto thee in spirit and address thee in heart, a speech which will open unto thee the doors of mysteries which are concealed behind veils. When mirrors become pure and the lights shine, the signs of the Sun of Truth shall reflect therein with most wonderful splendors.

O maid-servant of God! Verily, I have not forgotten thee and will not forget thee. Trust thou in the love of Abdul-Baha, for verily, nothing equals it.

O maid-servant of God! Verily, the Household97 present unto thee greeting and praise, with all longing and attraction.

“O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!

I pray to God that He may cause to descend upon thee a heavenly blessing, quicken thy heart with the Holy Spirit into an everlasting life and make thy heart a source of merciful sentiments; so that thy breath may become a quickener of the souls, thine attractions may move the heart of the world, thy strong love may attract the hearts of men, and that thine abundant affection may become a mercy to mankind in the world of existence. Verily, my Lord is Powerful, Potent and the Bestower!

Be thou loving to every afflicted one, a dispeller of sorrows to every grieved one, a refuge to every fearful one, a heavenly food to every destitute one, a balm to every wounded one, a consolation to dejected hearts, a blessing to unfortunate souls, a treasure to every begging one and a succor to every lamenting one—so that thou mayest be a banner of guidance and the essence of piety among the maid-servants of thy Supreme Lord. Verily, thy Lord is the Beneficent, the Gracious, the Bestower!

“O maid-servant of God!...”

O maid-servant of God!

***I beg of God that He may make [that place] a center of merciful events and a point whereon the lordly favors may fall; and that He may make thee so ablaze with the fire of His love that the flame of the love of God may pervade all those parts.

“O thou dear maid-servant of God!...”

O thou dear maid-servant of God!

Thy letter was received and a sweet odor wafted from the rose-garden of its meanings. Thou hast offered thanks before the threshold of the One God, for that thou hast stepped into the Court of the Manifestation in such a blessed day and hast partaken a share and portion from the bounties of the Pre-existent Beauty98 . This mortal world is fickle and unstable like unto a shifting shadow, and the human life is like unto a mirage and a reflection on the water. When thou lookest at the result thou wilt consider the preliminaries as important, otherwise, preliminaries without a result are of no fruit or harm; they are pure fancy and sheer darkness. Therefore even a short duration of life is sufficient.

I beg of God that He may render thee successful so that thou mayest find the result of the supernal life from the temporal life and attain to the gift of the heavenly food and be strengthened to serve the Cause of God.

“O thou who art esteemed in the Threshold of the...”

O thou who art esteemed in the Threshold of the Almighty!

Praise thou God, for that thou hast found the Light of Guidance, recognized the Lord of the Kingdom, art engaged in the service of the Divine Garden and hast guided a number of souls and led them to the Kingdom of Existence. When thou occupiest thyself with all thy strength in service, thou wilt become a magnet of attraction and cause every seeker to reach the presence of the Desired One; thou wilt raise a great clamor in the world and evince such an ecstasy and rapture that will astonish the minds.

Send my loving greeting to those souls whom thou hast guided unto the divine kingdom and say unto them: “Ye must appreciate Miss ....... Move your tongues in thanksgiving and be obliged for her great effort; for she gave you to drink the wine of guidance from the cup of the love of God and led you to the kingdom of lights. Were you to thank her for many years as a reward for this guidance, ye will not be able to repay your obligation for this gift.”

Thou hast written concerning the Impersonality of the Divinity. Personality is in the Manifestation of the Divinity, not in the Essence of the Divinity. The reality of the divine world is purified and sanctified from limits and restriction. But the pure Mirror, which is the Manifestor of the Sun of Truth and in which the Sun of Truth is manifest in appearance—that mirror is restricted, not the lights. The soul pervadeth throughout the whole body, and its commands are effective in all the parts and limbs of man. Notwithstanding its utmost sanctification (or abstraction) this soul is manifest and evident in all its grades, in this material form. By seeing God is meant beholding the Manifestation of Himself; for witnessing the sun in its entire splendor, in a clear glassy surface, is identical with witnessing the essence of the sun itself.

When the souls of the sincere depart (from this body), then their unreal vision (i.e., seeing) is changed into a vision of reality. Even as man, when in the age of babyhood and imperfection, though he seeth things, yet that vision is superficial and external. But when he reacheth the world (or age) of perfection and becometh endowed with reasoning faculty and (the power of) discrimination and comprehension, then that vision of his is a vision (i.e., seeing) of reality99 and not the unreality.

It is evident that the divine nearness is an unlimited nearness, be it in this world or the next one. This is a nearness which is sanctified from the comprehension of the minds. The more a man seeketh light from the Sun of Truth, the nearer he will draw. For instance, a clear body is near unto the sun, and a black stone is far from the sun. This nearness dependeth upon clearness, purity and perfection and that remoteness is due to density, dullness (or obscurity) and imperfection.

As to the question whether the souls will recognize each other in the spiritual world: This (fact) is certain; for the Kingdom is the world of vision (i.e., things are visible in it), where all the concealed realities will become disclosed. How much more the well-known souls will become manifest. The mysteries of which man is heedless in this earthly world, those will he discover in the heavenly world, and there will he be informed of the secret of truth; how much more will he recognize or discover persons with whom he hath been associated. Undoubtedly, the holy souls who find a pure eye and are favored with insight will, in the kingdom of lights, be acquainted with all mysteries, and will seek the bounty of witnessing the reality of every great soul. Even they will manifestly behold the Beauty of God in that world. Likewise will they find all the friends of God, both those of the former and recent times, present in the heavenly assemblage.

As to the difference and distinction between Lazarus and that “rich man”: The first was spiritual, while the second was material. One was in the highest degree of knowledge and the other in the lowest depths of ignorance. The difference and distinction will naturally become realized between all men after their departure from this mortal world. But this (distinction) is not in respect to place, but it is in respect to the soul and conscience. For the Kingdom of God is sanctified (or free) from time and place; it is another world and another universe. But the holy souls are promised the gift of intercession. And know thou for a certainty, that in the divine worlds, the spiritual beloved ones (believers) will recognize each other, and will seek union (with each other), but a spiritual union. Likewise, a love that one may have entertained for any one will not be forgotten in the world of the Kingdom. Likewise, thou wilt not forget (there) the life that thou hast had in the material world.

O thou maid-servant of God! Hold fast to the Most Strong Handle100 and be thoroughly attracted to the Kingdom of ABHA, until thou mayest at every instant find a new confirmation and attain to a wonderful gift and become a cause for the guidance of souls.

“O thou who hast attained to Truth!...”

O thou who hast attained to Truth!

I beg of God that the divine light which is spoken of in the Twelfth Chapter of John may shed its rays upon thee forever, so that thou mayest always be in light. The life of man in this world is short and will soon drawn to an end. Consequently one must appreciate (or count as gain) every breath (or moment) of his life and endeavor in that which is conducive to eternal glory.

Thou hast written concerning the shining assembly of Washington (D.C.): This caused me great joy, for that assemblage is a rose-garden of mysteries and very sweet fragrances of being inhaled from it. I hope that through the sincerity of heart of the friends and maid-servants of God, that assembly will continue and be extended (or grow) day by day, will increase in luminosity every moment and that the members of that assembly will make extraordinary progress in the Divine Threshold.

If the health and well-being of the body be expended in the path of the Kingdom, this is very acceptable and praiseworthy; and if it is expended to the benefit of the human world in general—even though it be to their material (or bodily) benefit and be a means of doing good—that is also acceptable. But if the health and welfare of man be spent in sensual desires, in a life on the animal plane, and in devilish pursuits—then disease is better than such health; nay, death itself is preferable to such a life. If thou art desirous of health, wish thou health for serving the Kingdom. I hope thou mayest attain a perfect insight, an inflexible resolution, a complete health and spiritual and physical strength in order that thou mayest drink from the fountain of eternal life and be assisted by the spirit of divine confirmation.

Say unto ........: “Thou art sowing pure seeds, but that soil (wherein the seeds fall) is full of useless plants, weeds and rubbish. Therefore the seeds are wasted. Consequently, come and sow those seeds in a pure, sweet and fertile soil, in order that they may vegetate, become fresh and verdant and form into heaps on heaps of harvest.”

Send my greeting to ........ and say unto her: “The sun is in the utmost effulgence but the surface turned toward it must be a mirror; the clearer and purer it is, the more lights shall be reflected therein.”

Send my loving greeting to his honor ........ and say unto him: “Do not miss the opportunity. Now in the springtime and the bounty of heaven is pouring on earth and the fields and rose-gardens are in growth and development. Exert thyself as much as thou canst, in order that through this everlasting bounty and the sprinklings of the clouds of the divine gift, thou mayest grow and thrive like unto a fruitful tree, with the utmost freshness and purity.”

That matter (or substance) which is the cause of the moderation and perfection of the body is that perfect moderate temperament which is produced by the organization and admixture of constituent elements; that matter (or substance) is material (or physical) not spiritual. But reason, which comprehends (or detects) the realities of things, is a spiritual reality, not physical (or material). Therefore the animal is deprived of reason, and it (reason) is specialized to mankind. The animal feeleth realities which are perceptible to the senses, but man perceiveth intellectual realities (or things perceptible to reason). Consequently, it hath become evident that reason is a spiritual faculty, not physical (or material).

The Holy Land is not tranquil in these days101. Consequently, let thy presence (or coming) in the Holy Land depend on some other time. Endeavor night and day in serving the Cause of God; this service is real visit, and this is meeting, itself.

Deliver my greeting to each one of the friends of God and maid-servants of the Merciful with the utmost love.

That blessed name which thou hast asked to remain with thee forever and become the cause of spiritual progress—the name is “Aseyeh,” which is the name of the mother of Abdul-Baha. I give the blessed name to thee. Be therefore in the utmost joy and happiness, and be engaged in all gladness and attraction (or ecstasy) for thou hast become the object of such a favor.

“O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!

I know how great a love thou hast! Thou art like unto a blooming rose in the rose-garden of the love of God and thou art like unto a fruitful tree on the bank of the stream of knowledge of God. I beg of God that thou mayest always enjoy spiritual nearness and ever be rejoiced. Reveal thou (or teach thou) the Word of God; be not grieved at the people’s lack of hearing. Do thou sow the seed, and God will make it grow and the cloud (or rain) of mercy will develop it.

Convey greeting to the beloved of God and to the maid-servants of the Merciful.

“O thou maid-servant of God!...”

O thou maid-servant of God!

Thy detailed letter was perused. On account of the multitude of occupations and work, a brief answer is written. This brief Tablet is most significant. Thou art forever in my memory and in reality thou art present. Thou art never forgotten!

Blessed is thy state that thou art firm in the Covenant and steadfast in the Cause of God. Rest thou assured of the bounty and providence of the Heavenly Lord. Be thou rejoiced! Be thou a merciful being! Be thou illumined! Associate with all the maid-servants of the Merciful with utmost love and kindness, also with other women of the world.

I have prayed for the outpouring of the blessing upon those souls for whom thou hast asked supplication of the Holy Spirit (in their behalf). I hope that they may become quickened through the breeze of life wafting from the garden of immortality and be gladdened with utmost happiness and joy. But the capacity is necessary for the descent of rain, and preparation of soil is of great importance. The heavenly outpouring will develop from the pure ground roses and hyacinths. We also hope that such things will appear from them.

Convey my respectful greeting to the attracted maid-servant of God ......... I am always engaged in her remembrance, beseeching for her merciful gifts from the Heavenly Father. Utmost bounty is extended toward her.

Exert thyself in studying the Persian language in order that with perfect eloquence and fluency thou mayest talk, read and write.

Know thou the value of ........ for she hath an illumined heart and a soul gladdened with the love of God. She hath presented herself at this Blessed Spot, hearing the utterances of Abdul-Baha with her own ears. Blessed is she, and again, blessed is she!

“O thou dear maid-servant of God!...”

O thou dear maid-servant of God!

The letter that thou hast written in Persian was highly appreciated. I have read it from beginning to end. It contained wonderful thoughts.

Convey my longing greetings to all the friends in Washington (D.C.). Also present my respectful greetings to the maid-servants of the Merciful. Present my respectful salutations to the maid-servant of God, the Eternal, the Protector, Mrs. ........, for she is near and dear in the Threshold of Oneness. I beseech God that she may be confirmed and assisted in all stations and attain the heavenly confirmations.

“O thou who art attracted to the Kingdom of God!...”

O thou who art attracted to the Kingdom of God!

The letter written by you *** was received. Its contents became evident. The expressions (of thy letter) evinced utmost attraction and caused joy and fragrance.

Thou hast asked for permission to come to our presence with his honor ......... I am also longing greatly after the meeting of the friends. If there was no obstacle, it would be very acceptable, but in these days, thy presence (in this land102) is not according to wisdom. Besides this, thou must be engaged in the service of the Kingdom in those parts. Also, the presence of his honor103 ........ is of utmost necessity in those parts, for we henceforth forward all the Tablets to him for translation, that he may send to the believers. If he should move, this work would be neglected. Therefore now thou must wait until some happy occasion will bring this about later on.

Also, thou hast written concerning the meeting with the minister of Persia. This is very acceptable. The believers of God must render utmost consideration toward Persian ministers and officials.

Also convey respectful greetings from Abdul-Baha to all the friends of God.

“O thou maid-servant of the Blessed Perfection!...”

O thou maid-servant of the Blessed Perfection!

Thy letter was received. It was written in Persian. I was very much pleased. I hope thou wilt memorize all the poetry of the Blessed Perfection and chant with wonderful melody in the assemblages and gatherings. These verses will soon be translated into English poetical form and then this Divine Song will rise from those lands and reach the ABHA Kingdom in utmost joy and happiness.

Thou hast written that ........ is giving lessons of [the Book of] Ighan104 ; this news brought me real joy.

Thou hast written that ........ hath started upon her trips again, to be engaged in the service of the Kingdom. In reality she is attracted and will bear every calamity and trial in the path of the Blessed Perfection and this very thing will be conducive to her spiritual development.

O thou attracted one! If thou art able, be thou engaged in the promotion of the Cause of God, either with ........ or alone.

O thou maid-servant of God! Whatever thou dost and upon whatever occasion thou showest any effort, the end will prove fruitless except in teaching the Cause of God and in serving the divine Kingdom.

If the means of thy travel to these parts105 be brought about, it is better to come alone, because ........ must remain in those parts and be engaged in the service. The confirmation of the Holy Spirit will descend upon him uninterruptedly.

Convey respectful greeting to the beloved maid-servant of God ........ and love her.

“O thou attracted maid-servant of God!...”

O thou attracted maid-servant of God!

Thy letter *** was received and its contents produced happiness and joy, for it evinced affinity and love among the maid-servants of the Merciful One gathering in the assemblages and commemorating the name of the True One. ***

Convey my respectful greeting to ........ and announce to her: “This period is a blessed period; endeavor that thou mayest live according to the requirements of this Glorious Age.”

Convey my greeting to ........ and say: “The Heavenly Table is descended; become thou hungry in so far as thou canst and partake of that Food.”

Announce thou to ........: “At a time when the light of the Sun of Truth hath penetrated into all those regions, then the spiritual oneness will become realized. Therefore, make thou an effort that the souls may become attracted with the light of the Kingdom and the shining heavenly lamp become ignited in thy house. I beseech God that thou mayest become a center of merciful feelings in those regions and seek after the everlasting glory.”

I prayed for those whose names thou hast mentioned in thy letter, asking from God confirmation and assistance in their behalf. Say to the beloved maid-servant of God, ........, to write the book which she had in mind.

“O thou favored maid-servant of God!...”

O thou favored maid-servant of God!

Thy letter was received. Thou hast expressed joy on account of thy visit to the friends of Chicago. I also yearn to visit them. At the time when ye were assembled in the house of Mrs. ........, Abdul-Baha was also present with heart and soul.

I hope that hou mayest become an incarnation of love and embodiment of spirit and personficiation of kindness and that thou mayest progress day by day in the spiritual attributes through the Beauty of ABHA.

Convey respectful greeting on my behalf to the dear and kind maid-servant of God, the assured leaf, ....... Behold thou how attracted and enkindled she is! Love and have great consideration for the attracted maid-servant of God, ......... Exercise the utmost affection and kindness toward the dear maid-servant of God, .........

O thou maid-servant of God! No one hath any way to the Reality of Deity except through the Instrumentality of the Manifestation. To suppose so is a theory and not a fact.

Convey greeting on my behalf to ........... and say: “If thou art desiring the refulgent light, add to thy love for God. If thou art begging for the breaths of the Holy Spirit, become thou engaged in the commemoration of the Beauty of ABHA. If thou art seeking everlasting glory, choose humility in the path of the True One. If thou art aspiring to eternal life, sacrifice thy soul in the way of God.”

Announce my love and affection to the attracted maid-servant ......... and say: “Every eye which is weeping for the sake of the love of God is blessed; every ear which is hearing the divine call is blessed. Then may thine eyes flow with the tears of joy because of the coruscation of the fire of the heart and may thy soul and thy spirit be attracted to the Beauty of the Beloved.”

Show forth kindness on my behalf to the maid-servants of the Merciful whom thou hast mentioned by name in thy letter and impart to them the glad-tidings of the Kingdom.

Give especial greeting to ........... and say: “There lie glorious meanings in the word “Allaho-ABHA.106 I hope thou wilt discover those significances.”

“O thou spiritual maid-servant of God!...”

O thou spiritual maid-servant of God!

Thy letter was received and its contents became known. God willing, the vision will become actualized. Announce thou to ........: “Become thou a new creation and be thou patient and forbearing. Be baptized by the fire of the love of God and by the spirit of the knowledge of God, in order that thou mayest become characterized by the spiritual attributes; attain to the nature of that kind Beloved; be so enkindled that thou mayest illumine a region, become a sign of guidance and an ensign of the love of God.”

O thou maid-servant of God! I know that thou hast spiritual love for Abdul-Baha and this is confirmed and beyond doubt.

Say to ........: “Leave thou the “New Thought” and seek after the New Kingdom. The “New Thought” is a part of the New Kingdom. When thou hast found the latter, thou hast found the former; nay rather, thou hast found all things.”

“O thou attracted maid-servant of God!...”

O thou attracted maid-servant of God!

Thy letter was received. Thou hast manifested cheerfulness and gladness on account of the news of my happiness. Abdul-Baha hath the glad-tidings of the Kingdom of ABHA. His happiness hath no sorrow in its trail and His life is not followed by any death. To him, prison is a court; to him, a tomb is a spacious palace; to him, a well is the apex of heaven; and to him, manacles and chains are the throne of ether.

If at times he becometh sad, it is not on account of affliction and adversities, but that grief is produced from a word or an act which is against the exhortations and behests of the Blessed Perfection.

For instance: I hope that the believers of God may become the cause of the unity and agreement of the human realm, and suffer other nations and communities of the world to enter under the shade of the Canopy of Oneness. Now, when the news reacheth me that the slightest differences have crept in among the believers of God, I become sad and heartbroken.

The point is this: Afflictions and hardships, ordeals or trials, do not make me weak or faint, nor do they in the slightest degree make me sad or unhappy.

Thou hast written regarding the feast *** I became very happy therefrom. Convey greeting on my behalf to the favored maid-servant of God, ......... and say: “On that night thy house was the nest and the shelter of the birds of God. The divine melodies and the celestial lyres made that place a feast of heaven and an assembly of the Kingdom. Abdul-Baha was present there in heart and soul and was joyful and happy. Thank thou God.”

Announce salutation to Mrs. ......... and say: “A thousand times, Well done! —that thou art working in the vineyard of the Kingdom and hast arisen to faithfulness and art engaged in the service of His Highness, the Almighty! Thou art helping the helpless ones and art comforting those who are instance.”

Convey respectful greeting to Mrs. ......... and say: “May thy joy be unending and thy comfort and happiness everlasting! May thy life be eternal and the light of thy thought the heavenly glad-tidings.”

Convey greeting and kindness to the maid-servant of God, ........, and say: “If thou art desiring an illumined house, enkindle thou therein the lamp of the love of God; and if thou art seeking after a heavenly palace, make thy house the gathering place of the believers of the Merciful One; so that the splendors of the Sun of Truth may cast therein rays spiritual and the harmony of holiness ascend to the Kingdom of ABHA.”

Say to the maid-servant of God! The feast given by Mrs. ......... became highly acceptable and the respected personages who served in that feast, as did ........., Mr. ........., Mrs. ......... and Mrs. ........., are in reality worthy of all praise. They were engaged in the duty and the work of Abdul-Baha and have arisen to serve the believers of God.

Convey my greeting to his honor ......... and say: “Thou didst deliver a wonderful talk on that night. Well done! Well done! That talk was given in the West yet Abdul-Baha became happy from it in the East.”

I congratulate and compliment the maid-servant of God, ........, in her firmness and steadfastness in the Cause of God. Truly, I say, she is illumined, spiritual, heavenly and celestial. She taketh care of the strangers among the friends and serveth and praiseth the servants of God.

O thou maid-servant of God! Do not be slow in the study of the Persian language and be thou engaged in the service.

“O thou who art firm in the Covenant!...”

O thou who art firm in the Covenant!

Thy letter was received. Thou hast written regarding thy trip to the Holy Land. God willing, this desire of thine will be realized.

The name Aseyeh is acceptable in the Threshold of Oneness, for the daughter of Pharaoh had this name, who, when (Moses) the Light of Guidance dawned, became confirmed by the Merciful One, left the court of Pharaoh with its grandeur and sovereignty and became perfumed with the fragrances of holiness. Then she assisted in the service of His Holiness (Moses)—upon him be peace! Also, Aseyeh was the name of my mother.

Thou hast written that thou lovest the Bible. Undoubtedly, the friends and the maid-servants of the Merciful should know the value of the Bible, for they are the ones who have discovered its real significances and have become cognizant of the hidden mystery of the Holy Book.***

Deliver my greeting to ......... and say: “I supplicate God that thou mayest gladden and rejoice the heart of ......... with the melody of the Kingdom, rend asunder the veil of her concealment, enlighten her face with the light of the Most Great Guidance and make her eyes see and her ears hear.”

Say on my behalf to the maid-servant of God, ........, “The end of every (material) work is without result, because it is perishable and inconstant, but the first (real) work is attraction to the fragrance of God, enkindlement with the fire of the love of God, reading the verses of Unity and beholding the lights from the Dawning-place of Mystery.107 After that cometh the training of the soul, purification of character and service to humanity. If thou art able to accomplish any one of these, the result is eternal and the fruit everlasting.”

Thou hast written regarding thy coming to the Holy Land; do not hasten, for then thou mayest travel with comfort. It would be better not to resign from the school, nay rather, avail thyself of the opportunity during vacation time which is in the season of summer, and present thyself in this land; because thy presence in that school is fruitful. Thou shalt finally study the Persian language.***

“O thou whose breast is dilated with the Fragrances...”

O thou whose breast is dilated with the Fragrances of God!

I received thy letter which showed thine advance toward the Kingdom of God.

O maid-servant of God! Verily, the weakness of body and its strength do neither harm nor benefit; nay, rather the spirit must be strong through the breath of the Holy Spirit, at this time, so that it may apprehend the consummate wisdom which is deposited in this great age. I beg of God that He may increase joy and fragrance in thy spirit, give thee power and strength, and that He may help thee at every moment in faith and assurance. Verily my Lord is powerful in all things! Trust thou in the grace of thy Master and ask that which thou wishest from His Name, the Clement, the Merciful.

“O thou who art rejoiced at the Kingdom of God!...”

O thou who art rejoiced at the Kingdom of God!

The letter indicating thy great wish to be a maid-servant of the Cause of God in His wonderful and excellent vineyard, was received.

Thank thou God that He hath removed the veil and hath manifested unto thee the reality of things until thou hast apprehended that, verily, the world and all of its concerns are but confused dreams and of non-duration.

Verily I beg of God to grant thy greatest wishes and bestow upon thee the good of this and the world to come.

“O thou herald of the Kingdom!...”

O thou herald of the Kingdom!

Thou wast not alone in the trip that thou didst undertake in various places. The spirit and soul of Abdul-Baha was with thee. Although thou hast been afflicted with many and severe persecutions, hast heard derision, scorn and contempt and observed the opposition of the heedless ones, yet this is conducive to thy glory, that thou hast been made a target for the arrow of opposition in the Path of God and hast drunk the cup of affliction. Consider this, how many a calamity was submitted to by those sanctified souls in bygone ages and to how many sufferings they were resigned! Thou also must endure dire oppression and ordeals in the Path of ABHA and maintain the feet of steadfastness and firmness. Then thou shalt behold the confirmation of God surrounding thee. Rejoice thou and be happy that thou hast attained to this station and walked in the footsteps of the holy souls.

Announce on my behalf longing greeting to Mr. ........ and say, “The melody of the Kingdom is that which hath caused the motion of the universe; the musk-diffusing fragrance of the rose-garden of God is that which hath perfumed the nostrils; and the reflection of the Sun of Truth is that which hath illumined the whole earth. Now is the beginning of illumination! Therefore, the people of darkness imagine that they can oppose (this Revelation); yet, ere long they shall find themselves in loss and consternation! They shall observe that the power of the Word of God hath subdued East and West. Be thou not sad and dispirited on account of the opposition of the heedless ones. Soon they shall regret sorely. Reflect thou how the Pharisees persecuted and looked down in contempt upon His Holiness the Christ. The result was that His lamp became ignited, His light began to shine and His followers sparkled like unto the stars from the horizon of existence; and the consequence to the Pharisees was the pangs of remorse and regrets.”

Convey, also, greeting to the maid-servant of God, Mrs. ........ and say, “Thy house is the nest and the shelter of this heavenly bird. Undoubtedly, thou must enkindle the lights of the Kingdom therein.”

Likewise convey respectful greeting on my behalf to Mrs. ........ and say, “I ask God that thy house may become the gathering-place of the spiritual ones and the assembly of the godly ones; that the light of Truth may shine therein and make it brilliant and resplendent.”

Also convey longing greeting to Mr. ........ and say, “Those souls who, in the time of His Highness Christ, turned their faces toward the Kingdom and quaffed the wine of guidance from the cup of the Word of God, had their troubles changed into everlasting bliss. No matter how much they heard the rebuke of the heedless ones, observed the censure of the relatives, were afflicted with the injury of the oppressors and thrown into abjection, yet that ignominy finally became eternal glory. Thou must show the utmost love and kindness towards the heedless ones and the oppressors and ask from God forgiveness and pardon for them, for they are ignorant. If they understood, they would not oppress; nay, rather would they arise (to serve the Cause) with faithfulness.”

Announce, also, respectful greeting from me to Mrs. ........ and Mrs. ........ and say, “The sons of the Kingdom are scattered throughout the whole world, but the ignorant Pharisees have arisen with the utmost hatred instigating persecutions. They imagine that persecution and suffering will hinder the promulgation of the Cause; whereas no rampart is able to obstruct the descent of the waves of the Most Great Sea; no veil can conceal the rays of the Sun of Truth; no wall can stay the wafting of the Divine Breeze; and no power is able to resist the Spirit of God. Be ye not sad nor dejected on account of the disturbance and uproar of the people of desire and passion. Ere long the symphony of the Kingdom shall silence all the other noises. Rest ye assured and illumine your house with the lights of divine commemoration.”

Give my greeting to Mr. ........ and announce to him, “Caiaphas and Annas were the colossal pillars of the Mosaic Dispensation in the day of His Highness the Spirit; but as they did not acknowledge the Word of God, they fell from the apex of glory to the bottom of the pit of the greatest abasement. But Peter was a catcher of fish; as he turned his face toward the Word of God, the fame of his imperishable, deathless and immortal glory encircled East and West; and he found in the sovereignty of the Kingdom, eternal and everlasting majesty. It is the same in these days.”

“O thou who art attracted to the Kingdom of God!...”

O thou who art attracted to the Kingdom of God!

Thy letter was read with the utmost attention. The poetry was beautiful.

Praise be to God, thou art severed from all else save the Heavenly Father. Thou hast been of the earth—thou art now of the Kingdom. Thou hast been of the world—thou art now of the Realm of Might. Thou art spreading the divine Teachings. Thank thou God, thou art bearing trials in the path of the Kingdom and art enduring persecutions and sufferings. These afflictions are conducive to the spiritual development and the descent of the Holy Spirit.

O thou dear maid-servant of God! I supplicate God that He suffer thee to become a herald of the Kingdom in all those places, so that thou mayest proclaim the glad-tidings of the Lord of Hosts.

“O thou beloved and benevolent daughter of the Kingdom...”

O thou beloved and benevolent daughter of the Kingdom of God!

The letter which thou hast written was received. I read it with the utmost love; thy services became known and thy forbearance in the afflictions became evident and manifest. Happy is thy condition, for thou art spending thy days in heralding the Kingdom and art crying, “O ye concourse of men! Make ye straight the path; walk ye in the direct road!” Thou hast abandoned ease and accepted thousands of hardships and traveled for the purpose of promoting the Word of God.

Convey on my behalf love to Mrs. ........ and say, “Praise be to God, thou art set aglow with the fire of the Love of God and hast arisen in the service of the Cause of God.”

Announce my affection to the maid-servant, ....... and say, “Thank thou God that thou hast become related to the Kingdom and art an object of the favors of the Lord of Might.”

Gladden the heart of Mrs. ........ by the divine glad-tidings and say, “Be thou like unto a bird and unweariedly soar upward until thou reachest the Supreme Apex.”

Say thou to Mr. ........, “When engaged in useless service the end is loss within loss. Therefore, serve thou the Lord of the Kingdom, which in the end is profit within profit.”

Announce my respectful greeting to Mrs. ........ and her daughter and say, “Thank ye God that ye have illumined faces with the light of Guidance and ye have perfumed the nostrils with the holy fragrances of the rose-garden of the Kingdom of ABHA.”

Proclaim the glad-tidings of the bounty of the Almighty to Mrs. ........ and deliver my respectful greeting to Mrs. ........ and say, “In the churches turn thy face toward the Kingdom of ABHA and supplicate the help of the Holy Spirit, and, with a detached heart, begin to talk.”

Convey respectful greeting to Mr. and Mrs. ......... and say, “Be ye thankful to God that your house became the nest of the birds of the divine garden and the shelter of the flocks of heaven. They sit together, read the holy Tablets, are engage din the commemoration of the True One and strive and endeavor to promote the Word of God.”

O thou maid-servant of God, Mrs. ..........! Regarding the star with five points, thou hast made an excellent comparison.

O thou maid-servant of God! If it is possible, change the meeting of every nineteen days into a feast. ***

O thou maid-servant of God! Those fishes which thou hast seen in the vision are the souls who are swimming in the sea of this nether world. God willing, thou wilt bring them out of the nether world, with the net of the love of God, into the immensity of the kingdom. Those brilliant stars which thou hast beheld are the children of the Kingdom. That brilliant crescent is the Cause of God. The appearance of His Highness Christ and His white robe and resplendent light in His blessed face is the proof of the power and the promulgation of the Word of God in America.

Therefore, it is the same thing which I said: “The night is drawing nigh and then no one can work.” Consequently, one must hasten to perform something and show forth exertion.

“Thy letter was received. It became conducive to...”

108 Thy letter was received. It became conducive to happiness. Up to the present thou hast been serving in the Kingdom of God and hast been assisted. I hope that, in the future, thou wilt become assisted more and serve more. Praise be to God! Thou art watched by the glances of Providence and art encircled with endless bounties. I hope that, day by day, thou mayest step further, become characterized with a godlike nature and disposition, manner and morals, in order that thou mayest become the cause of the guidance of many souls and the instrument for the illumination of a region.

“O thou beloved maid-servant of God!...”

O thou beloved maid-servant of God!

The letter, which thou hast forwarded through Mrs. ........ was received. Thank thou God that thou art assisted in the thralldom of His Threshold, art favored in the Kingdom, art heralding the Name of the True One, art speaking of divine praises, art guiding the souls to the Sun of Truth, art quickening the dead with the breaths of the Holy Spirit and art endeavoring with heart and soul to spread the Cause.

Thou hast Mrs. ........ as thy partner and sharer, co-operating with each other to serve, and hast lied in her house.

Show thou forth love to Mrs. ........ and convey to her greetings on my behalf. Associate with her and seek her companionship as far as possible, for it is conducive to the development of you both.

“O thou who art advancing toward God!...”

O thou who art advancing toward God!

Verily, I received thy letter, which showed that thou hast turned unto the Kingdom of God and advanced toward the Beauty of El-ABHA.

Verily, thy Lord hath chosen thee for His love, elected thee for His knowledge and selected thee for entering the Paradise of El-ABHA, so that thou mayest attain to the mightiest bliss and greatest honor: It is no other than the Light which is shining upon hearts and sights and the Spirit which is thrilling and flowing within veins and nerves!

Verily, thou hast attained thereto, for thou hast acknowledged the Oneness of God and His Singleness, and turned unto His Face, the lights of which are shining from the horizon of the unseen, upon all regions!

“O thou who art attracted to the Call of the Kingdom!...”

O thou who art attracted to the Call of the Kingdom!

Thy letter was presented and I was informed of thy expression. And it was glorious proof of thine abundant reliance upon the Kingdom of thy Lord and of thine excessive love for thy great Master.

Know thou, verily, the Kingdom is a magnet of the divine world, and it attracteth the iron of pure hearts which are capable of the bounties of the Lord of Might. Blessed art thou, for thou hast turned unto the Lord of Heaven, thy heart hath relied upon the light of guidance, thou hast advanced toward the center of righteousness, and thy spirit is cheered by the bounty of the Supreme Concourse.

Verily, I beseech God to strengthen thee with the Most Great Power, so that the Spirit may pour upon thee the teachings of the Beauty of El-ABHA, and to baptize thee with the water of life, the fire of the love of God and with the spirit of confirmation among the maid-servants.

O maid-servant of God! It is incumbent upon thee to supplicate to thy Lord, to seek His nearness with thy heart, to be submissive and humble before His maid-servants and to serve His great vineyard.

Forsake the mortal grades (i.e., things of the world) and be engaged in praising thy Lord; so that His Holy Spirit may assist thee; may make thee a sign of faith and illumine thy heart with the light of assurance, and that thou mayest become a sign of peace, a servant of reconciliation, love and security. Verily, my Merciful Lord is gracious under all aspects!

As to thy question concerning Christ: Know thou, He was perfect in respect to spirit as well as body. His material (body) was a perfect body in every respect; none of His material conditions were imperfect at all, inasmuch as imperfection is contrary to perfection. His heavenly condition was also a perfect one, comprising all the divine perfections. Reflect thou upon these words, so that the door of knowledge may be opened before thy face.

Verily, I beseech God to strengthen the assured leaves (or women) whom thou hast mentioned in thy letter, under all grades, aspects and circumstances.

“O thou who art turning unto the Kingdom of God!...”

O thou who art turning unto the Kingdom of God!

Thy letter came and I was informed of its wonderful contents. Know thou, verily, all the doors are closed except the door of the kingdom of God! All the trees are without fruit except the Tree of Life planted in the paradise of God! All the winds are disqueting to the souls except the cup of the love of God! Every benefit vanisheth except the food of heaven. It is incumbent upon thee to partake thereof.

Verily, I beg of God to strengthen thee in these divine gifts, merciful bestowals and supreme favors. Exert thyself, so that thou mayest abundantly enjoy this glorious grace.

“O my God! O my God!...”

O my God! O my God!109

This is a servant who hath ascended to the Kingdom of Thy Mercifulness; supplicated to the realm of Thy Might and Singleness; is rejoiced at the appearance of Thy Kingdom; the effulgence of Thy lights and the spread of Thy signs. He hath believed in Thy Verses, been overtaken with the ecstasy of Thy love and with the cheer of Thy affection, until his soul craved to behold Thy Beauty—and could not (or was unable to) endure the grief and violence of the fire of separation, hastened unto the Supreme Friend and betook himself to Thy Threshold of Holiness at the visiting places of grandeur!

O my Lord! Suffer him to abide in a blessed abode and cause him to enter into a retreat of faithfulness and favor him to everlastingly dwell in the heavenly paradise, the precinct of meeting in the shelter of Thy great mercy!

Verily, thou art the Beneficent, the Merciful, the Powerful, the Forgiving, the Mighty, the Bestower!

“O thou who art honorable and faithful to God!...”

O thou who art honorable and faithful to God!

How many men and women awaited the manifestation of the Messiah after Moses? Yet when His beauty shone forth and His face appeared, they (the people) did not recognize Him, but continued to follow the superstitions of the Pharisees, who used to say: “Where is the authority of the Messiah? Where is the throne of David, the Glorious? Where is his iron rod? Where are his innumerable hosts? Where are his attacking armies? Where are his angels of heaven? Where do we see justice of government existing among people and even among beasts and insects? Where is his great majesty? Where is his power, which shaketh heaven and earth? Is not this a claim of one who is bewildered and wandering amidst valleys and hills? Doth he not ride upon as ass, while on his head there is a crown of thorns and he is despised?”

Indeed, all of the foregoing statements are of the evil opinions which the Pharisees used to proclaim through every man’s tongue. But those who had listening ears and clear insight, listened not to such misleading speeches, but realized the Messiah as the rising Sun with His effulgent face, and that the radiance of His illumination was diffused over the whole world. They regarded even the ass on which He (Christ) was mounted as a splendid throne and also the thorns which were upon His head as a brilliant diadem!

Verily, direct thou thine own self towards His Kingdom, that thou mayest perceive that His traces and authority continue forever and will never cease!

“O thou whose heart is empty and pure through the...”

O thou whose heart is empty and pure through the Light of the word of God shining therein!

I have read thy brilliant letter which proveth thy humbleness before the Divine Might and thy cheerfulness by the fragrances of God emanating from the gardens of expressions and facts. I ask God to make thee, thy relations and kindred attentive to the Merciful Mighty and the Supreme Kingdom and to illumine their sights and hearts by the light of the knowledge of God. And [be] thou rejoiced at the mercy of thy Lord and this great abundance from the Kingdom of Mysteries. Be thou a strong and fortified refuge and a high cave. This is naught else than to cut thyself from everything beside God, to be drawn by the fragrances of God and to be happy and joyful by the gift of God.

“O thou who art shining with the Kingdom’s Lights!...”

O thou who art shining with the Kingdom’s Lights!

Verily, I am informed of thine earnest desire for the Kingdom of God, thy sparkling by the love of God and thy longing for the service of the sacred and effulgent Threshold. I pray God to kindle and light the lamp of knowledge in the glass of thy heart, so that it may shine upon all parts of the world and bring thy husband to the life by the Spirit of Life, assist thee to announce the good news by the illuminating Light, and remove the covering of thy sight so that thou mayest see God’s Beauty and His Essential Perfection, His astonishing profusion and His appearance to the hearts and spirits. ***

“O thou maid-servant of God!...”

O thou maid-servant of God!

Thy letter *** was received; its contents were very sweet. The sweetness of the meanings was unlimited. I ask God that thou mayest find rest and comfort in the shelter of the holy Banner of Peace and Concord; become the means of spreading the love of God; attain boundless health and security; grow joyfully, day by day, through the glad-tidings; soar on high through ecstasy and delight; sings the melody and proclaim the call, “Ya Baha-ul-ABHA!”

O maid-servant of God! That call to which thou didst listen is from the Kingdom of ABHA. Therefore, praise and glorify the Possessor of that Call, so that the call may be repeated.

As to the interpretation of the vision, it is thus: Ascent from earth to heaven indicateth growth in the love of God and development in the knowledge of God. The more thou dost develop, the brighter and more spacious becometh the pathway to the Kingdom. The building in front of which thou didst stand is an edifice of divine edifices, a station of the spiritual stations. I hope that thou mayest attain to that station, also to other stations which are the other edifices.

I supplicate and implore the Kingdom of ABHA in behalf of thine honored husband and all the family and the friends in Cincinnati. I pray that the heavenly blessings may descend, the divine bounties become possible and that thou mayest become a true caller of the Word of God.

“O thou who art turned to the Kingdom of the Lord, the...”

O thou who art turned to the Kingdom of the Lord, the Forgiving!

With prayers and supplications and with submissive songs of the Texts of God, I plead to Him to accept thee in His Kingdom; to clothe thee with the mantle of sanctity; to gloriously cover thee with the veil of abstinence; to illumine thy brow with the light of singleness; to console thine eyes with the seeing of the Texts of the Kingdom in the human form; and to make thee utter the mentioning of Him, rejoicing through His bounty, heralding His Kingdom with a bright face, whose light will illumine all sides

“O thou maid-servant of God!...”

O thou maid-servant of God!

It is incumbent upon thee to turn thyself wholly to the kingdom of God, to sever thyself from aught else but Him, to be filled by the love of God, to put on the garment of sanctity and continence, which is free from worldliness, to [become] transfigured in the mantle of the gifts of the kingdom of God and to be a great sign among the maid-servants of God; that the Supreme Concourse may send out through thee a fragrance by which hearts may be cheered and spirits rested.

Give this Truth to every pliable soul that thou mayest deem ready to harken unto the voice of God; for this is better unto thee than the earth and that which is thereupon.

“O thou who art longing to witness the lights from the...”

O thou who art longing to witness the lights from the Beauty of El-ABHA!

Thy letter reached me at this moment and I was rejoiced at thine excellent words which proved the enkindlement of the fire of the love of God in thy heart. Be confident in the bounty of thy Lord. Verily He will make thee a manifest example and an evident proof for the attainment of His Kingdom in this glorious century. Then the fire of His love will flame in thy heart, the light of His knowledge will shine in thy face, thy tongue will speak with eloquent explanation and thy spirit will be attracted unto the kingdom of knowledge.

O maid-servant of God! The Spirit knoweth the spirit, the Spirit addresseth the spirit and the Spirit associateth with the spirit.***

“O thou spiritual clarion!...”

O thou spiritual clarion!

The voice of the physical clarion may travel the distance of three miles, but the harmony of the spiritual Clarion reacheth to the East and the West. The effect of that is only in the bodies; but the effect of this is in the spirits. The first proclaimeth the time of prayer; the second announceth the appearance of the Most Great Resurrection. That hath no conscious knowledge of its own voice; while this is exhilarated and rejoiced by its own melody.

How significant and eloquent were those new verses, for they were the notes of the clarion of the love of God.

Raise thou this call as much as thou canst, and sound and blow this clarion continually night and day, so that the souls may become quickened and the people find eternal life.

“O thou dear maid-servant of God!...”

O thou dear maid-servant of God!

What thou hast written hath caused joy and happiness, for it was an evidence of turning to the Kingdom and of seeking the bounty of heaven. I ask God to provide means whereby that which is thy utmost hope may be realized.

Concerning the young Japanese, the answer to his letter is enclosed herein. Perchance this youth may be the cause of guiding his family and people.***

“O thou flower of the Rose-Garden of the Love of God!...”

O thou flower of the Rose-Garden of the Love of God!

The letter which thou hast written was read. Thou hast written regarding the arrival of the beloved maid-servant of God, Mrs. ........; that she has lived for eighteen days in your house and become the cause of joy and fragrance among the believers.

Praise be to God! that thou hast seen the effulgence of the light of the covenant which hath enlightened all the countries. Invoke thou God that day by day the splendors of the Orb of regions may become manifest and evident more and more.

Thou hast asked for permission to present thyself with thy dear husband in this Blessed Spot. In these days it is not according to wisdom. Postpone this matter until some other time.

Convey greeting and kindnesses on my behalf to all the maid-servants of the True One.

“O thou who art kindled with the fire of the Love of...”

O thou who art kindled with the fire of the Love of God!

Blessed art thou, for thy letter was presented at the Blessed Spot and was read by Abdul-Baha with a delight and love which is journeying out towards all directions.

O servant of God! Be thou a sign of guidance, a standard of the Supreme Concourse and a light shining in the meeting of the maid-servants.

Verily, I beseech my Lord to grant thee thy greatest wishes and to bestow on thee the privilege of entering into the center of the Kingdom of God; and to make thee a herald in His name, in that vast and extensive region.

Deliver my greeting and praise to all the maid-servants of God.

“O thou dazzling gem by the light of the Love of God!...”

O thou dazzling gem by the light of the Love of God!

Verily I read thy beautiful, elegant and expressive letter which informed [me] of thine extreme love for God, which (love) impresseth the souls and dilateth the breasts and which causeth thy heart to become filled with the knowledge of God and overflow with the favor of God.

I ask God to make thee a sign of mercy and an exemplar of servitude to the Sublime Threshold.

Thank God for saving thee from baseness, trouble, selfishness and death, and [that He] took away the veil from before thine eyes, manifested unto thee the Beauty of El-ABHA, granted thee healing, planted in thy heart the seed of love and thereby chose thee from among the maid-servants. Therefore, endeavor so that thou dedicate (thyself) entirely to God; no thought or mention should remain in thee save the name of thy Supreme Lord. Endeavor so that those countries become illumined by the light of the gift of God.

Embrace the light of thine eyes (thy son) on my behalf in the Kingdom of God.

“O maid-servant of God!...”

O maid-servant of God!

Thy letter was received and its content read. Thank God that thou wast guided by the light of guidance and attracted to the Kingdom of ABHA. Serve God day and night and seek happiness from His name. Although thou hast met with many difficulties and passed through many trials, yet thou must thank God that thou didst attain to the light of guidance and directed thyself to the Kingdom of Glory.

I hope that thou mayest be a cause of guidance to people and that thou mayest seek absolute spirituality. Train thy dear son in such a manner that he will attain the illumination of the Kingdom, will become a true servant of God, a light of love and a radiance of harmony.

“O thou who art enkindled with the fire of the Love of...”

O thou who art enkindled with the fire of the Love of God!

Thank thou thy revered friend and thy attracted (spiritual) sister who hath guided thee to this right path and given thee to drink the choice wine of knowledge from the cheerful cup. Wert thou duly informed of this divine bounty, thou wouldst kneel down and prostrate thyself before her for this great gift. For, verily, thou wert athirst and she was a clear running fountain. Thank thou God for that He hath favored thee with her meeting, that thou art benefited by her clouds and sought light from her lamp. Wert thou to expend all that is in the earth, thou wouldst not appreciate her due value. Glorified is He who hath enabled her to illumine thine insight, to purify thy heart, to dilate thy breast and to sanctify thy soul!

Then know thou, if thy revered husband herald the Kingdom of God among peoples, he would find the doors of the Kingdom open before his face among the nations, and then his breath would take effect within the heart of the world through the breath of the Holy Spirit.

I beg of God to guide him unto that whereunto He hath guided thee, and to favor him with that with which He hath favored thee. At that time the lamps of gifts will be enkindled among thy kinsmen and people.

Verily, thy Lord is the Beneficent, the Merciful, the Giver!

Upon ye be greeting and praise!

ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.

Frontispiece

Tablets
of
Abdul-Baha Abbas
Volume II
Published by
BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING SOCIETY
P. O. Box 283
CHICAGO, U. S. A.
First edition: Published at Chicago, May 1915
Second edition: Published at Chicago, February 1919

“It is hoped that wonderful effects will be displayed...”

“It is hoped that wonderful effects will be displayed in the future, that the friends of God may live and act in accord with the heavenly teachings, in order that the region of America may become the Paradise of Abha, that desert and wilderness become the rose-garden of human perfections, the verses of guidance be read, the melody of “Ya Baha El-Abha!” reach the Kingdom of Beauty; warfare and bloodshed be removed from among the people, affinity and love hoist their tent upon the apex of the world, and all mankind become real friends with one another and each soul respect the other. Whenever these signs appear, then it will become manifest that the Tablets have had their effect.”

“Abdul-Baha Abbas...”

Abdul-Baha Abbas

“O thou who art attracted by a Breath that passed upon...”

O thou who art attracted by a Breath that passed upon thee from the Holy Garden, the Blessed Spot—the Paradise of El-Abha!

I have read thy brilliant letter, which although short in words yet [is] loquacious, and shows thy firmness in the Covenant of God, thy steadfastness in the religion of God, thy adherence to the laws of God, and thine energy which thou hast shown towards the doctrines of God. Thou has done well. Thou has done well, O thou shining star in the Horizon of El-Abha! Well done! Well done! O thou burning candle in the glass of that remote country!

It hath been reported by ..... that thou hast rendered valuable services to the vineyard of God and His beloved servants, that thou art encouraging the shaking hearts and making them more firm and solid, and about the facilitations thou hast made for the promotion of the utterances of God amongst the people. By the Life of God! the angels of heaven magnify thee, the Supreme Concourse praise thee, the party of the Kingdom of El-Abha announce to thee the glad-tidings and the hosts of the unseen assist thee and render thee victorious through the banners of Baha.

I have answered the two supplications sent through thee by two newly guided servants.

“O thou honorable lady!...”

O thou honorable lady!

Verily, I received thy excellent letter and read it and my heart was gladdened with its content, which shows thy guidance. Thou hast—praise be unto God!—entered under the shadow of the Kingdom of God and become one of the sheep of God; [entered] under the education of the Holy Shepherd, who hath sacrificed His soul and body, as well as His grades, to His subjects.

As to the letters which thou hast sent, I forward to thee their answers through this letter and thou wilt send them to the owners; thereby thou wilt be rewarded in the Kingdom of God, since thou hast guided those souls unto the Right Path, and caused them to enter the Kingdom of God. El-Baha be upon thee!

“O thou who art advancing towards God!...”

O thou who art advancing towards God!

I have already read thy letter sent to his honor, ..... May God confirm and strengthen thee to serve His Cause and to enable thee to speak His praise among the maid-servants of the Merciful, and to call out in His name in those regions and climes; so that thou mayest work in the vineyard of God with thy heart severed from aught else save God, and overflowing with the waters of the knowledge of God.

We have herewith written answers to the three supplications which thou hast sent.

Rejoice at the glad-tidings of God, in this day wherein the fragrances of holiness have perfumed the nostrils of all in the universe!

“O thou maid-servant of God!...”

O thou maid-servant of God!

I was informed of the contents of thy letter and rejoiced with the fragrances which are being diffused from the garden of its texts. It showed that thou art inebriated with the wine of the love of God and moved by the breezes of acceptance which are blowing from the point of the favor of God.

By my life, I was rejoiced at thy humility, submissiveness, lowliness and meekness in the Cause of God, inasmuch as rendering service to the maid-servants of God is a mighty crown, which all the greatest queens among women will glory to wear.

O maid-servant of God! thou oughtest to pray; thou oughtest to be suppliant; thou oughtest to be humble in every time and moment.

I beg of God to enable thee to serve Him in His glorious vineyard, and in His garden, by the holy fragrances of which all regions are perfumed in this great day.

As to thy coming to this land, there is no harm in that. Thou art permitted to come and this is an ample reward unto thee.

“O thou believer in God!...”

O thou believer in God!

Thy letter was received and from its contents happiness was realized. It was a proof of faith and assurance and of firmness in the Covenant and Testament.

Desire thou through the bounty and mercy of the Lord of Might that He make thee a cause of spreading the fragrances of God and confirm thee in the service of the Kingdom of God.

The letter of Mrs. ........ was considered and for thy sake a letter was written her. It is enclosed.

I pray God and supplicate the Threshold of Mercy for both of you that you may attain to that which is the will of God and may be aided and strengthened (while) in this mortal world.

There is much work and I have not the leisure to write more than this.

“O thou who has turned towards the Lights of the...”

O thou who has turned towards the Lights of the Alliance!

Verily, I greet thee from the White Place, the bright, blessed Holy Land, and say: “Greeting and praise and blessings and glory be upon thee, O thou believer in God, and (O thou) enkindled by the fire of the love of God!

“Verily, the Lord of Hosts shall watch thee with the gaze of the eye of favor and shall assist thee in a matter whereby thy breast shall rejoice and thine eye shall brighten and thine affairs shall be arranged and composed from all directions.”

Therefore, thou wilt call and say: “Blessing be upon me for this great favor and for this manifest success!”

“O thou who art directed unto God!...”

O thou who art directed unto God!

Verily, I saw thy photograph and was rejoiced by perceiving thy illumined likeness, which proved the purity of thy heart and thy being well directed unto God.

Strive with thy power to paint thy likeness on the pages of the hearts with such beauty as to brighten the minds. That beauty is the splendor of the Merciful and the glad-tidings of thy Lord, the Clement, whereby the faces shine with an eternal light in the course of ages and centuries.

“O thou maid-servant of God!...”

O thou maid-servant of God!

In these times thanksgiving for the bounty of the Merciful One consists in the illumination of the heart and the feeling of the soul. This is the reality of thanksgiving. But, although offering thanks through speech or writings is approvable, yet, in comparison with that, it is but unreal, for the foundation is spiritual feelings and merciful sentiments. I hope that you may be favored therewith. But the lack of capacity and merit in the Day of Judgment does not prevent one from bounty and generosity, for it is the day of grace and not justice, and to give every one his due is justice. Consequently, do not look upon thy capacity, nay, rather, look upon the infinite grace of the Bounty of Abha who grace is comprehending and whose bounty is perfect.

I beg of God through the confirmation and assistance of the True One thou mayest show the utmost eloquence, fluency, ability and skill in teaching the real significances of the Bible. Turn toward the Kingdom of Abha and seek the bounty of the Holy Spirit. Loosen the tongue and the confirmation of the Spirit shall reach thee.

As to that great Sun which thou sawest in a dream: That is His Holiness the Promised One and the lights thereof are His bounties. The surface of the water is transparent body—that is, pure hearts. Its waves are the moving of the hearts, the cheering of the souls—that is, spiritual feelings and merciful sentiments. Thank tho God for that thou hast had such a revelation in the world of dreams.

As to the fact that man must entirely forget himself, by this is meant that he should arise in the mystery of sacrifice and that is the disappearance of mortal sentiments and extinction of blamable morals which constitute the temporal gloom, and not that the physical health should be changed into weakness and debility.

I humbly supplicate to the Threshold of Oneness that heavenly blessings and merciful forgiveness may overtake thy dear mother, sisters and loving relations, especially thy betrothed who suddenly departed from this world to the next one.

“O thou seeker of the Kingdom!...”

O thou seeker of the Kingdom!

Thou hast forwarded thy photograph and it was considered. In thy face a brilliant light is apparent and that sparkling light is the love of God. All faces are dark except the face which is a mirror of the light of the love of divinity. This light is not accidental—it is eternal. It is not temporal but real. When the heart hath become clear and pure then the face will become illuminated, because the face is the mirror of the heart.

I was indeed very happy to look at thy picture and pray God that thy face may become shining. Be happy and joyful and in this Age be it illuminated and full of light.

“O thou kind maid-servant of God!...”

O thou kind maid-servant of God!

Truly, I say, thou art worthy of the service in the Kingdom and art meriting to be a maid-servant in the threshold of the love of the realm of Might. Rest thou assured upon the bounty and favors of the Lord of Hosts, who will undoubtedly confirm thee.

Restrict all thy time to the spreading of the fragrances of God and be thou engaged in the guidance of souls. I associate with thee in spirit at all times and am thy friend and helper.

Ere long thou shalt behold that innumerable centers are going to be organised in America110 for the purpose of the promotion of the Cause of God and hearing the speeches of the maid-servants of the Merciful and the believers of God. Consider thou the days of Christ, how they were a very few, yet in a short space of time they caused a clamor and acclamation throughout all regions.

Convey my greetings to Mrs. ........ and say: “These seeds which are scattered here and there are spreading strong roots in the bosom of the earth and these will develop and grow until many harvests are gathered. Rest thou assured.”

O thou maid-servant of God! Show thou the utmost affection and love toward Mrs. ........ Truly, I say, his honor Mirza ........ is beloved and kind. Ere long he shall behold the universal confirmation descending upon him.

O thou maid-servant of God! Strive thou in Buffalo (N.Y.) so that perfect and lasting spiritual assemblies may be established and the souls be trained and progress spiritually.

Convey my respectful greetings to Mr. and Mrs. ........ and say: “A most great gift is prepared and made ready for you in the universe of the Kingdom and the invisible realm. Display ye an endeavor and show ye an effort, so that ye may attain to it and become eternal and everlasting.”

Exercise the utmost affection on my part to Miss ........ and say: “If thou art seeking a heavenly palace, make thy house the gathering-place of the friends of God.”

O thou maid-servant of God! Praise be to God that thou has become famous throughout the regions as a Bahai. This favor is worthy of the utmost thanks and praise.

O thou maid-servant of God! Whenever thou art intending to deliver a speech, turn thy face toward the Kingdom of Abha and, with a heart detached, begin to talk. The breaths of the Holy Spirit will assist thee.

Assist thou Dr. ........ and help her all the time. Perchance, God willing, she may attain to guidance. Exercise the utmost kindness to ........ and say: “Whatsoever is thy desire is found in the Cause of Baha’o’llah. If thou art asking confirmation and assistance, be thou faithful, firm and steadfast.”

“O thou who art advancing unto the Kingdom of God!...”

O thou who art advancing unto the Kingdom of God!

Verily, I read thy letter which was sent to us, and I noted its contents, wherein thou prayest for confirmation to serve thy Lord. I pray God to bless thee and aid thee to receive His trusts, so that thou mayest receive the greatest favor in the world of humanity.

O maid-servant of God! Forget all else save God, be in communion with Him, supplicate and pray to Him to make thee conqueror over the material things, impressed by the bounties of the Kingdom, commemorating the name of thy Lord, pure from all else save Him, and imbued with the spiritual attributes of those who are holy (and high); then shall thy breaths have effect upon the hearts, and attract the hearts of thy son and husband unto the Kingdom of God.

I pray god to confirm thee in this, to make firm thy heart in faith, and give thee a spiritual power, effective in hearts and spirits.

“O thou who art set aglow with the Fire burning in the...”

O thou who art set aglow with the Fire burning in the Tree of Sinai!

Verily, I read thy letter, which speaks of the throbbing of thy heart by the thoughts of the love of God and indicates the unity of the maid-servants of the Merciful, their harmony in the word of God, and their attraction by the fragrances of God, for they are the waves of one sea, the leaves of one tree, and the flowers of one garden. By these tidings the heart of Abdul-Baha was made happy and he attained thereby fragrance and spirituality.

For the Greatest Name and the Ancient Beauty111—may my soul be a sacrifice to His beloved—endured all difficulty and ordeals for the purpose of uniting the hearts of the beloved of God; that they might be exhilarated through the wine of unity and proclaim with one voice:

“Hasten to love, to love, O peoples of the world!

Hasten to harmony, to harmony, O creatures of the universe!

Hasten to peace, to peace, O mankind!

Hasten to safety, to safety, O concourse of the Divine!

Hasten to concord, to concord, O hosts of the Merciful!

Hasten to oneness, to oneness, O people of El-Baha, among the people!”

I ask God to aid you in spreading these fragrances, and in reading these words in the supreme assemblages and great meetings.

Convey my spiritual greeting to thy honored sister. I ask God to confirm the weak and to make them mighty in the kingdom of His Majesty. I pray God to guide thy honorable husband to the Path of the Kingdom, the sublime, and to aid thee in the service of His Cause in His glorious vineyard.***

“O thou who has advanced towards Baha’!...”

O thou who has advanced towards Baha’!

Truly, I say unto thee, wert thou to spend all that is on earth, thou couldst not obtain this gift which God hath strengthened thee to take freely. Lo! it is the guidance of God and it is being attracted to the Beauty of El-Baha! Thank God for this gift, which is the most wonderful jewel which is glittering on the crown of great glory and honorable position.

“O thou who art anticipating the descent of the Gift of...”

O thou who art anticipating the descent of the Gift of God!

The sweetness of the expressions contained in thy words reached the taste of my perception and I was informed of the glorious aim embodied in thy sentences.

No doubt the breeze of God hath awakened thee from thy sleep, until thou hast become conscious of the bounties of the Kingdom which are descending at this time.

As to thy desire to be severed from this mortal life and thy great attraction to the eternal life: This is becoming to every discerning human being who hath a lofty character. I pray God to ordain for thee this pure life and make thy heart attracted unto exalted grades, favored in His Supreme Kingdom, humble and meek before every penitent servant and diffusing the fragrance of God in this new age.

“O thou shining ray!...”

O thou shining ray!

Verily, the ray, being transmitted from the etheric sphere, rends the space and reaches the surface of the earth and dispels the gloomy darkness. Verily, be thou one of the rays of the Sun of Truth and then thou wilt cause the darkness of error to disappear and wilt change its intense obscurity into a discovering light which will guide (the people) unto the Kingdom of God.

“O thou effulgence of the Kingdom!...”

O thou effulgence of the Kingdom!

I read thy letter and was informed of thy speech, the contents of which were full of the feelings within thy consciousness, and of thy spiritual sympathies. The light is divided into two kinds, material and spiritual. The material light is a vanishing matter and is known by etheric vibrations. But the spiritual light is the divine, eternal and never-ending quality and is a truth of the Kingdom. Blessed is thy face for that it hath taken a portion and a radiance from that Light.

“O thou candle of the Love of God!...”

O thou candle of the Love of God!

The light of man depends on the light of the love of God. Thank thou God, for thou hast illuminated thy face with this light and hast partaken of the bounty of the Kingdom of El-Abha, chanted the verses of unity and worn the crown of guidance of the Glorious Lord on thy head. This is the real Kingdom!

“O thou who art desirous of the Kingdom of God!...”

O thou who art desirous of the Kingdom of God!

Thy letter was the cause of happiness and its contents were the proof of thy turning to the Shining Beauty. In this blessed period, when the light of the endless bounties is illuminating the dark world, some souls, like the butterfly, circled round the Divine Lamp and with perfect yearning sacrificed their lives.

I ask of God that thou mayest be one of those souls, so that the rays of knowledge will shine forth from thy face to those regions and will be the cause of guiding the seekers of Reality.

Though thou wert obliged to leave Baltimore, I hope that thou wilt be the cause of guidance in Washington (D.C.). Receive proofs and evidence from Mirza Abul Fazl112 so that thou wilt be armed with convincing proofs and sufficient argument to break down the ranks of denial, pride and ignorance.

“O tho dear friend!...”

O thou dear friend!

The maid-servant of God ........ hath remembered thee in her letter and hath thus made my heart busy with thy thought. Consider how much she must care for thee to have remembered thee in such a place. Indeed, this is great love and I am hopeful that this may be a confirmation to thee, so that thou mayest become a personage of the Kingdom, heavenly, illumined and spiritual and a means of spreading and exemplifying the qualities and attributes of God.

“O thou who art advancing toward God!...”

O thou who art advancing toward God!

The letter of that divine maid-servant was received and contents were apprehended. The morn of guidance is beaming forth from the supreme horizon and the light of oneness is shining on the supreme apex. The verses of unity are being chanted and the evidences of the Glorious Lord are in themselves the greatest witness and proof.

I beg of God that thou mayest be so replenished with the spirit of the love of God that there may not remain (in thee) any place or access for the winds of tests. For what can dark doubts do with the light of guidance, or clouds with the shining moon? Tests and trials only cause agitation to weak hearts. But the pure souls, a hundred thousand tests are but to them like mirage, imagination and shadow. The shadow cannot withstand the rays of the sun and pure fragrances of holiness will not be concealed through the doubts of the beetle. The headache of wavering (or hesitancy) will not affect those exhilarated with the wine of the love of God.

In sooth, there will be found in those regions certain persons like the Pharisees of the time of Christ, who, night and day, will exert themselves with all heart and soul to cast forth doubts, in order that they may deprive the souls of the glad-tidings of the Holy Spirit. They will disseminate false rumors and utter many a calumny and will publish and announce (false) stories. They will undertake all these only for the sake of earthly vanities.

And some Pharisees among the missionaries of the Gospel will hasten thither from Persia and say, “We are aware of the secret of the matter.” All they may say is sheer slander.

Now know you these [things], that in its time you may dispel and annihilate the darkness of those suspicions, like unto a manifest light. I beg of God that He may grant thee a power that thou mayest resist all in the earth—how much more these weak, hired individuals who receive salary and bribe for spreading such calumnies!

Be ye admonished, O possessors of understanding!

“O thou dear maid-servant of God!...”

O thou dear maid-servant of God!

Your letter was received. Its contents were a glorious proof that thy heart and soul are attracted to the fragrances of the Merciful One. Thank thou God for that thou art awakened by such a Breeze and quickened by such a Spirit and hast found joy and fragrance.

Those souls who have attained to faith, if they be protected and preserved from tests and keep firm and steadfast, the divine confirmations will surround them from all directions.***

I beg of God that thou wilt be confirmed with the love of God in all conditions. I beg of God that thou mayest be so assisted in serving the Holy Threshold that all thy family will be astonished and amazed, and will glory and honor.

“O ye shining Assembly!...”

O ye shining Assembly!113

The meeting that you organized hath attracted the divine gaze and the subject of your conversation was the divine commemoration. A ray from the Kingdom of Abha fell upon that assemblage and that meeting was adorned, and a number of souls, supplicants to God, were gathered in that meeting. If this assembly continues as it is befitting and behooving, great results will thereby appear and conduce to the illumination of those parts, spiritual progress will ensue, the lights of the Sun of Truth will shine, hearts will be illumined, eyes will become seeing, ears become hearing, the lukewarm (or withdrawn ones) become aflame, the inanimate (or numbed ones) will be enkindled in soul and an ecstasy will come to all by which those present will be astonished.

I supplicate to and invoke before the Threshold of Oneness, saying:

“O Thou Creator! Preserve and protect Thou that assembly from grave (or general) tests and keep them firm and constant in the Covenant and Testament. Confer upon them such steadfastness as will enable them to withstand doubts and root our the foundation of calumnious rumors; for some person hath appeared (or arisen) with the utmost falsehood, in those parts, and publisheth false reports in some newspapers.”

“O ye members of the shining assembly! Each one...”

O ye members of the shining assembly! Each one of you must resist doubts (or false rumors) in those parts like unto a great barrier, until the invisible confirmations may appear and merciful assistance may become manifest. May your souls be cheered!

“O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!

Verily, I read thy letter of thanksgiving to God, for He hath illumined thy heart with the light of the Mightiest Guidance, dilated thy breast through the fragrance of the garden of His Kingdom, the Abha, caused thee to speak His praise in that remote and extensive country, and hath enabled thee to guide souls who are attracted to the beauty of God and enkindled by the fire of His Love at this moment.

By the Lord of Hosts, God hath ordained for no one greater good than this, or any spirit more brilliance than this, or any spirit more activity than this.

Were the dominions of the whole, entire earth to be thine, it would not equal this great dominion which is no other than spreading the guidance of God. Forasmuch as the earthly dominion is like unto the kingdom of Edward VII, king of England, his coronation day became unto him the day of griefs, the day of sorrows, and the days of moaning; his joy was changed into abundant sorrow, and the light of happiness was transformed into the darkness of a gloomy night. This is the condition of the world, its honor, its dominion, its glory and affluence.

But as to thee—O thou who art attracted unto God! —thou hast established an eternal and everlasting throne through the guidance of God, and hast become crowned with a diadem, the gems of which scintillate throughout centuries and ages; nay, rather, for cycles and periods!

This throne cannot be shaken by the powers of the earth and its calamities; nor can incidental obstacles, worldly impediments, or all the diseases and ailments prevent or delay this coronation.

For this is under the protection of God and His preservation, defended by His guard and in the stronghold of His patronage, and is watched over by the eye of His mercifulness. therefore, thank thou God forevermore!

Deliver my greetings to the attracted maid-servant of God thy honorable wife, and bear unto her the glad-tidings of the graces of her Lord.

“O thou whom I mention with my heart and tongue!...”

O thou whom I mention with my heart and tongue!

Though I do not see thee with mine eyes, I do see thee with my heart, and mention thee with the fullness of love, clemency, yearning and attraction, supplicating my Lord that we may meet together at the meeting of His Kingdom and the pavilion of His might, where we shall chant the verses of thanks for His bounty, generosity and gifts, the lights of which have shone upon all horizons and their effulgences have become intense upon the hearts of the people of harmony.

O thou my dearly beloved! Hasten! Hasten! to the gifts of thy Lord, the Merciful! Come to the Benefactor; avail thyself of this opportunity and take thy portion of this Greatest Treasure in this promised day!

“O thou spiritual youth and merciful young man!...”

O thou spiritual youth and merciful young man!

Consider the grace of thy Master; how He hath directed thee to the fountain of salvation, until thou hast drunk from the salsabil (i.e., clear water of life) of the guidance of God, in this holy and rich garden.

Cling to this firm handle and make thy feet steady in this path, so that the bounties of thy Supreme Lord may successively pour upon thee and make thee a sign of His mighty knowledge.

“O thou who art directed to the Light of Guidance!...”

O thou who art directed to the Light of Guidance!

Thank thou God, for tho hast chanted the verses of the Mighty guidance in the assemblage of knowledge and hast unfurled the banner of attraction in those most extensive places. Therefore, appreciate this with due appreciation and know thou that this guidance is a gift, greater than which cannot be imagined. Forasmuch as it is a bounty from the Glorious Lord, a success to every sincere servant, a light for the faces of devoted ones and a bestowal from the Lord, the Clement, the Merciful.

“O ye who are advancing towards the Kingdom of...”

O ye114 who are advancing towards the Kingdom of God!

Mr. ........ hath praised you that, verily, ye have rent the veil asunder, removed the covering, become informed of the mysteries of God and of the symbols of the Holy Bible, have understood the interpretations of its verses, discovered the truth of its evidences and been guided to the Path of His Kingdom; are imploring for His heavenly gifts and are engaged in His commemoration among seekers. Verily, I thank God, for He hath guided you and ordained for you this great success and manifest bounty. Kiss, on my behalf, the faces of your august children who are nurtured from the breast of the guidance of God.

“O My God! O My God!...”

O My God! O My God!

This thy servant hath abandoned superstitions, emerged from darkness and hath entered into Thy Light which hath shone forth to the world! Praise be unto Thee, O My God! for thou hast removed the covering from his insight, caused the reality of Guidance to appear unto him and hath ordained for him a gift which is not followed by destruction!

O Lord! O Lord! Send unto him a gentle breeze from the garden of Thy sanctity in Thy Kingdom of Abha, so that he may be refreshed and developed as a flourishing branch in that adorned and thickly planted grove; cause his tongue to speak Thy praise among mankind and confirm him through the breath of Thy Holy Spirit at the time of prayer, so that he may become a soul unto bodies, a light unto every eye, a joy to every heart, a consolation to every depressed one, a happiness to every grieved one, and a proof to every gazer! Verily, Thou art the Powerful, the Potent, the Bestower, the Merciful, the Giver!

“O thou who art advancing unto God!...”

O thou who art advancing unto God!

Thy precious and beloved letter came to hand and all contents noted. Consider how the bounty of God hath surrounded thee until it brought thee to the shore of the sea of the endless and boundless gift of God! I supplicate the benevolence of God and His providence to make thee a dazzling light and a merciful and bounteous gift to His creatures; and to enable thee to be firm and steadfast in the Cause of the Truth and to appoint thee as a means for the exaltation of His Word.

“O thou confirmed by an inspiration from the Kingdom!...”

O thou confirmed by an inspiration from the Kingdom!

Blessed thou art, for thou hast delivered the Word of thy Lord to ........, the maid-servant of God!

Glad-tidings unto thee for that by reason of which the spring of knowledge hath flowed out in the garden of thy heart, inundated thy tongue and made thee utter the name of thy Lord and call the people to the Kingdom of thy God!

I supplicate God, my Lord and thy Lord, to illumine thy forehead with the light of success and victory, strengthen thy spirit by the breath of god, quicken thee by the spirit of God and make thee a pillar of guidance set up in the firmament of the Kingdom of God.

Grieve not because of my imprisonment and calamity; for this prison is my beautiful garden, my mansioned paradise and my throne of dominion among mankind. My calamity in my prison is a crown to me in which I glory among the righteous. Thou shalt hear greater than this.

I ask God to assist whosoever is related to thee to receive guidance in the future days, and to bless Mrs. and Miss ........, Miss ........ and Miss ........, and make them the signs of His gift among the people of the world.

“O thou who art attracted unto the Beauty of El-Abha!...”

O thou who art attracted unto the Beauty of El-Abha!

Verily I read thy recent letter***, and noted its beautiful contents and meanings which proved thy firmness in the straight Path.

O friend! Be set aglow with the fire of the love of God, so that the hearts of the people will become enlightened by the light of thy love.

Supplicate to God, pray to Him and invoke Him at midnight and at dawn. Be humble and submissive to God and chant the verses of thanksgiving at morn and eve, for that He guided thee unto the Manifest Light and showed to thee the straight Path and destined to thee the station of nearness in His wonderful Kingdom. Verily I ask God to augment for thee, every day, the light of guidance and His gift of virtue, comfort and ease. Thus thou mayest set a good example in that region; that He may lift up the veil from before the eyes of thy mother and father, so that they may witness the lights of the Kingdom of God, which have encompassed all regions.

“O thou who hast spread the Fragrance of God!—may...”

O thou who hast spread the Fragrance of God!—may God confirm thee!

Since thou hast reached America, we have not received any message announcing to us thy safe and sound arrival there, but Mr. ........, in a letter to us, hath endeavored to explain in detail that thy return was like showers of rain to that country and like the attack of a lion upon those valleys and mountains. He also informed us that thou hadst been received there with honors by the best men; by those whose breasts were dilated by the gentle breeze coming from the gardens of the Kingdom of God.

O thou who warmest thyself by the fire of the love of God, spreading from the Tree of the Covenant! Let thy soul be at ease and thy heart in peace concerning the perfect success and progress which the pen is not able to express, for in a short time thou shalt see the flag of the Kingdom waving in those far and wide regions, and the lights of the Truth shining brilliantly in its dawn above those horizons, and thou shalt know that thou art the center of the circle of the love of God, the axis around which souls revolve in their way and supplication to God. Therefore, thou must widen thy heart, dilate thy breast, have patience in plenty, calmness of soul and cut thyself from everything but God! By God, the truth is, if thou goest according to the teachings of El-Abd115 and followest the steps of Him who is annihilated in God, thou shalt see that the cohorts of the Kingdom of God will come to thy help, one after another, and that the hosts of the Might of God will be in thy presence in steady succession, the gates of the great victory opened and the rays of the brilliant morning diffused! By thy life, O my beloved! if thou didst know what God hath ordained for thee, thou wouldst fly with delight and thy happiness, gladness and joy would increase every hour! El-Baha be upon thee!

Present to the beloved people of God there my longings for them. Preach to them the glad-tidings of God.***

Present my best greetings to the honorable and spiritual women, to those who are very much attracted toward God, and particularly to that one who have proved that it is possible for a camel to pass through a needle’s eye. May God keep them in joy and happiness and burning with His love.

“O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!

Be rejoiced for my mentioning thee and gladden thine eyes by the bounty of thy Lord. Know, verily, that His favor unto thee is great, great; for He guided thee unto the Merciful Light, confirmed thee in bearing calamities and hardships in the path of God, on the part of the neglectful ones.

There is no harm in any affliction which befalleth thee in the love of El-Baha, for this affliction is a gem which glistens and shines on the crown of guidance which adorns thy head among the maid-servants. Remember the hardships of the disciples, and what Mary, the Virgin; Mary, the Magdalene; and Mary, the mother of Jesus, bore in the path of God; especially Barbara, until she was martyred in the love of Christ; and she being attracted unto the Kingdom of God, her spirit soared unto the summits of holiness in the paradise of eternal life, in the place of Meeting.

“O thou whose nostrils are perfumed with the Fragrances...”

O thou whose nostrils are perfumed with the Fragrances of God!

Verily, I read thy letter which contained graceful expressions and was of a well made foundation, and I inhaled the odor of the love of God from the garden of its meanings and witness the lights of sincerity in the Cause of God from the dawning-place of its mysteries.

Blessed art thou, O maid-servant of God, for thou art attracted to the Word of god, and thy heart is illuminated with the lights of the guidance of God, and thy soul is cheered by the gentle breeze blowing from the direction of the favor of God.

Verily thy Lord is gracious toward thee. Thank thou God for this great bounty and praise Him for He hath caused thee to enter His New Kingdom; and glorify Him for He hath chosen thee from among those men and women “who were called”.

Preach the Kingdom of God to every man and maid-servant who is waiting the appearance of His Glorious Kingdom. The lights of guidance shall surely be spread, even as the morning light spreads over all the regions of the earth; all the regions of the earth shall be refreshed by the Word of God.

Deliver my longings and greetings to the consolation of thine eye116, ......, and to thy younger son, ....... Verily I love them both even as a compassionate father loveth his dear children. As to thee, have for them an abundant love and exert thine utmost in training them, so that their being may grow through the milk of the love of God, forasmuch as it is the duty of parents to perfectly and thoroughly train their children.

There are also certain sacred duties on children toward parents, which duties are written in the Book of God, as belonging to God. The (children’s) prosperity in this world and the Kingdom depends upon the good pleasure of parents, and without this they will be in manifest loss.

Send my greetings to ........117, who is free in this world, but a slave of God in His Great Kingdom.

“O dear servant of God!...”

O dear servant of God!

The tests of God are surrounding you from all directions and many afflictions have occurred; but thanks be to God that you and your honorable husband are patient, thankful and constant.

The necessity and the particularity of the assured and believing ones is to be firm in the Cause of God and withstand the hidden and evident tests. Thanks be to God that you are distinguished and made eminent by this blessing. Anybody can be happy in the state of comfort, ease, health, success, pleasure and joy; but if one will be happy and contented in the time of trouble, hardship and prevailing disease, it is the proof of nobility. Thanks be to God that that dear servant of God is extremely patient under the disastrous circumstances, and in the place of complaining gives thanks.

Verily I am pleased with both you and [your husband], and I ask God that you may find pleasure and ease in another world—for this earthly world is narrow, dark and frightful, rest cannot be imagined and happiness really is non-existent, everyone is captured in the net of sorrow, and is day and night enslaved by the chain of calamity; there is no one who is at all free or at rest from grief and affliction. Still, as the believers of God are turning to the limitless world, they do not become very depressed and sad by disastrous calamities—there is something to console them; but the others in no way have anything to comfort them at the time of calamity. Whenever a calamity and a hardship occurs, they become sad and disappointed, and hopeless of the bounty and the mercy of the Glorious Lord.

Give especial greetings of Abha to all the friends of God and the divine servants, and give them deep love from Abdul-Baha.

O dear servant of God! Give my greeting and love to your boys. I ask God that each one of them become a shining lamp.

“O thou dear maid-servant of God!...”

O thou dear maid-servant of God!

In reality thou art faithful and assured, thoughtful and mentioning the name of thy Lord. All the inhabitants of the Kingdom are satisfied with thy service, and the approximate angels are opening their tongues in thy praise. These angels are spiritual and merciful powers, and in one sense the angels are those sanctified souls who have disentangled themselves from the world of possession and are confirmed with the powers of the Kingdom. However, be thou not sad. Rejoice and delight in the divine glad-tidings!

I know that thou art in difficulty, but this difficulty is conducive to the everlasting felicity and this weakness is followed by the supreme strength. Consider thou how the faithful women in the time of Christ, and after the departure of His Highness, underwent hardships! What difficulties did they not bear; and what calamities did they not endure! But that adversity and trial, misfortune and derision, became the cause of imperishable and deathless glory and rest.

Do ye not look upon the beginning of the affairs; attach your hearts to the ends and results. The present period is like unto the sowing time. Undoubtedly it is impregnated with perils and difficulties, but in the future many a harvest shall be gathered and benefits and results will come apparent. When one considers the issue and the end, exhaustless joy and happiness will dawn.

Live thou as far as thou art able according to the divine commands and advices, because they are conducive to eternal life.

Caress and kiss on my behalf, with utmost love and yearning, thy two dear children. I supplicate God that they may come the servants of the Cause of God as their father and mother have, and be trained according to Bahai education, so that they may become two great signs of the love of God.

“O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!

Verily, I read thy interesting letter, understood from it an excellent meaning and pray to God to augment thy love, knowledge, certainty and confidence.

O maid-servant of God! Everything of importance in this world demands the close attention of its seeker. The one in pursuit of anything must undergo difficulties and hardships until the object in view is attained and the great success is obtained. This is the case of things pertaining to the world. How much higher is that which concerns the Supreme Concourse! That Cause involves every favor, glory and eternal bliss in the world of God. The seeker after the great guidance and eternal happiness necessarily will encounter difficulties. He must be patient under such circumstances. The chosen believers of the past quaffed the chalice of suffering and sank deep in the ocean of trials until they attained to that blessed station and sublime beatitude.

Verily, I pray to God to aid thy children in the service of the Word of God, the furtherance of His Covenant and the spread of His fragrances, for this is the great happiness of this life and that to come.

I ask God to confirm the maid-servants of God, Mrs. ........ and Mrs. ........, in spirituality and to make them firm in turning unto the Center of Mercy and to make them sincere unto His glorious Face.

Convey my greetings to Madam ........ and say to her: “Be not sorrowful on account of separation; verily, thy Lord is of more good to thee than anything in the material world. He is the best companion and the best friend and will accompany three under all aspects.”

Convey my regards to the maid-servant of God, ........, and say to her: “Be rejoiced, O maid-servant of God, through the fragrances which have perfumed the world. Seek an abundant share from this table which hath descended from heaven.”

O maid-servant of God! It is necessary for every sould who believeth in her Lord to send Abdul-Baha a letter of acknowledgement in the Oneness of God.

“O thou maid-servant of God!...”

O thou maid-servant of God!

Glad-tidings unto thee because of my address and answer to thee! God hath purified thee from iniquities when He hath drowned thee in the sea of His mercy and made thee drink the cup of faith and the pure wine of knowledge. Well done! Well done! because thou hast desired the evanescence of thy will for the will of God, sought the augmentation of the love of God, the enlargement of the knowledge of God and straightforwardness in the path of God. I ask God to assist thee under all conditions and to enable thee to attain the utmost of hopes.

“O thou who art calling in the Name of God and heralding...”

O thou who art calling in the Name of God and heralding unto the Kingdom of God!

Verily I considered the contents of thy recent letter, thy beautiful writing and I observed thy heartfelt thanks. Verily my heart is filled with love and affection; overflowing with spiritual attractions.

Verily I know that the Tablets (Book) of Abdul-Baha and his address is a hidden mystery and concealed fact. No one is informed of its greatness and importance at these times, but in the course of time and future centuries the signs thereof will be manifested, the lights thereof will dawn forth, the fragrances thereof will be diffused and the greatness, the importance thereof will be known. The truth I say unto thee, that each leaflet from Abdul-Baha will be a wide-spread book, nay, rather, a glistening gem on the Glorious Crown. Know tho its value and hold great its station.

Then praise God for that He chose thee to love Him and elected thee to spread His fragrances. He selected thee from among the women of the world, so that thou become a flame to the fire of His love, a sign of the Kingdom of His Grace and a summoner to His Name, in humbleness and meekness, invocation and supplication to God.

Verily I ask God to protect thee from the waves of tests and storms of trial until thou becomest firm in the Cause of thy Lord—a firmness whereby thou be enabled to withstand all nations and peoples. When thou art thus confirmed by God, with firmness and solidity in His Covenant among the people, thou wilt see the hosts of the Kingdom shelter thee from all sides with banners whereunto all heads bow.

O maid-servant of God! It is incumbent upon thee to be firm! It is incumbent upon thee to be steadfast! It is incumbent upon thee to be steadfast! It is incumbent upon thee to be steadfast in the Cause of the Light which hath shone forth unto the world with great brilliancy!

O maid-servant of God! Verily, Mary, the Magdalene, was a villager, but she kept firm in the Cause of Christ and confirmed the apostles at the time she declared to them (thus): “Verily, Christ is alive and eternal and death did not overtake Him; and verily, the foundation of His religion is not shaken by His crucifixion at the hand of the oppressors!” By this her face is eternally shining from the horizon of guidance.

O maid-servant of God! The circumstances will be severe for every thankful servant (i.e., believer in the Teachings) in those boundaries and countries. The people shall arise against you with the most bitter hatred, opposition and envy. Swords of persecution and curses shall be thrown at you by all the nations. The wind of tests and trials shall fiercely blow and thereby the weak trees, which are not firmly rooted in this wonderful vineyard, shall be uprooted. But the trees which are strong, thriving and green will be strengthened, their branches extended, their leaves opened, their appearance beautified and their blossoms and fruits increased. I ask God to make thee one of those firmly rooted trees and an extended branch in this most great vineyard, and to make thy heart like unto a cup overflowing with His love in every assemblage. Verily He is the Powerful, the Generous!

Supplicate to God to guide Mrs. ........, so that she may become thy partner and partaker of this great bounty, and to confirm the family of Mr. ........, so that they may be blest with blessings and successive aids and with the appearance of the manifest signs. Thus all ye may become spreaders of the banner of union, love, harmony and peace upon plains and deserts, hills and mountains.

“O thou who art firm in the love of God!...”

O thou who art firm in the love of God!

Verily I read thy recent letter*** and I praised God for His glorious mercy and His blessings which are successively poured into the pure hearts.

I have written a reply to the letter of ........ and have enclosed it with this letter. I ask God to make him a sign of guidance and to guide, through him, souls (people) of his native land and of other people. Verily, my God chooses whomsoever He willeth, by His mercy and generosity, for entrance into the Kingdom of Glory and shineth the lights of (His) Beauty upon them. Blessed is he who keeps firm in the Path and stands for the Cause of thy Merciful Lord—a firmness like unto the lofty mountains.

O maid-servant of God! Verily, I pray God to sanctify thee from the material and thus clothe thee with the garment of holiness and the mantle of purity and send through thee the glad-tidings of thy Lord from the Kingdom of Heaven.

O maid-servant of God! It is incumbent upon thee to be firm and steadfast, for by it man attains the greatest hope. Bear every difficulty and be content with any ordeal for the love of thy Lord, so that thou mayest obtain that favor, the lights of which shine throughout the horizons.

“***O ye shining faces and spiritual beings!...”

***O ye118 shining faces and spiritual beings!

Verily, I was rejoiced at beholding those merciful faces in whose brows the lights of guidance shine on account of their turning unto the Kingdom of El-Abha! O ye beloved of God and His chosen Ones!

Blessed are your ears, for they have heard the Call!

Blessed are your eyes, for they have beheld the signs of their Mighty Lord!

Blessed are your tongues, for they have uttered the praise of my Lord, the Supreme!

Blessed are your nostrils, for they have inhaled the odor of faithfulness from the people of guidance!

Blessed are your hearts, for they are attracted to the Beauty of El-Abha!

Blessed are your breasts, for they are dilated by the knowledge of God!

Blessed are your souls, for they have partaken of the spirit of life from the fragrances of sanctity in the Paradise of El-Abha!

Thank ye God! for He hath guided you unto His Kingdom and hath chosen you from among the called ones of nations! Your Lord hath indeed crowned you with the diadem of eternal glory (which will continue) throughout cycles and ages! Truly I say unto you, verily, the angels of heaven repeatedly bless you, for ye have advanced toward God and turned unto His Great Kingdom. Ye shall surely see in this effulgence a flash which will pervade all regions. At that time, all nations and communities will arise to praise and glorify you, and they will bless themselves with your commemoration in gatherings, temples of worship and in exalted assemblies. Is there any gift greater than this?

It is incumbent upon you to have union and harmony and love and uprightness, and to be characterized with the morals of your Lord, the Clement; to walk in the highway of equity and beneficence. Be ye manifestations of the mercy of God, dawning-places of the light of His great bounty, and arise with all steadfastness, truthfulness, trustworthiness, compassion, modesty, love and accord with the people of the world, no matter of what community they may be; inasmuch as it behooveth the light to shine even upon the rocks in the field, and the soul is qualified for quickening individuals, even though they be of the ugliest and most disagreeable form, and a pure tree is adapted to bestow a blessed fruit even upon those who throw stones at it.

“O ye who are attracted! O ye who are united! O ye...”

O ye119 who are attracted! O ye who are united! O ye who are believers and assured!

Glad-tidings unto you for that ye believed in God, were attracted to the Beauty of God, were directed unto the Kingdom of God and were kindled by the fire of the love of God!

Therefore, I say unto you that, verily, the angels of the Kingdom pray for the maid-servants of the Merciful; the possessors of brilliant hearts, spiritual susceptibilities, godlike feelings, heavenly attributes, holy characteristics, confident souls, perfection of humanity and sanctified and pure souls who are striving to spread the spirit of harmony—holy above qualities (pertaining to) nature and passion—spreaders of the fragrances of God severed from all else save God, banners of union and peace—signs of love and accord!

Blessed are ye for organizing the assembly of unity! I ask God to confirm you by the divine aid and strengthen you by the heavenly strength so that every one of you may become a shining star by the light of the love of God in the world, and banners moving by the breezes of love and peace on the heights of glory among mankind; and lamps brilliant by the lights of eternal majesty on the assemblies of men.

If ye keep firm in this path, ye will see by the eyes of joy signs wherefore ye will thank your Forgiving Lord, and will be confirmed by the hosts from the Supreme Concourse and angels from the Kingdom of El-Abha.

“O ye longing ones! O ye cheered ones! O ye attracted...”

O ye120 longing ones! O ye cheered ones! O ye attracted ones! O ye who are beseeching the Kingdom of God!

Blessed are ye, for ye have removed the covering; witnessed the lights of the Sun of Truth which is shining from the horizon of bestowal; are attracted by the fragrances sent forth from the garden of the Kingdom; have arisen to praise the Lord of Grandeur and Might, and have resolved to disseminate the teachings of God in those vast and extensive regions!

Truly I say unto you! Verily, ye have cast away superstitions; have partaken an abundant portion from that Reality which is shining upon all regions; have perceived the manifest signs, have entered the ark of salvation and attained unto eternal life, under the shadow of the Lord of Hosts, gazing unto the Most Honorable Station, enkindled with the fire ablaze in the tree of existence, in the spot of Sinai; responding to the call of the Clement One, severed from the world, and yearning for the place of sacrifice in the path of Baha’.

You will surely hear from this call a ringing voice in the regions. Then the nations will awake to this effulgence and hasten unto the fountain of the Covenant; so that they may drink fresh and salutary water from the grace of your Lord, the Clement.

At that time, the faithful shall be cheered, the sincere shall rejoice and the yearning ones shall be drawn unto the unseen world, the Kingdom of your Lord, the Merciful!

O ye beloved of God and His chosen ones! Trust ye in the divine confirmation, the merciful bounty and the supreme bestowal. Verily, He will confirm your hearts, dilate your breasts, make your tongues fluent and will rejoice your souls by a grace from the Compassionate Merciful One!

O ye beloved of Baha’! Do not look at your weakness, nay, rely upon the confirmation of the Holy Spirit. Verily, It maketh the weak strong, the lowly mighty, the child grown, the infant mature and the small great.

I beg of God that He may make you diffusers of His fragrances, servants of His Cause, gazers unto His Face, speakers in His praise, and that He may protect you against tests and trials, so that ye may become shining lights, beaming stars, gleaming lamps and lofty trees. Verily, this is not difficult with God!

Verily, I hope from God that ye may become my associates in servitude to His Holy Threshold and my partners at the entrance of the Door of His Oneness; so that ye may equally serve in His great vineyard. Then thank ye your Lord, for He hath favored you with this manifest success. By God, the True One! this cannot be equalled either by the dominion of the world or by the gift of ruling over all regions with pomp, glory and power! Reflect ye upon the chosen ones of God in the earlier ages! How their worth was unknown during their days; how they were known by people as but ordinary individuals and unimportant persons! Afterwards, their arguments appeared, their lights scintillated, their stars beamed, their trees became lofty, their mysteries gleamed forth, their fruits were praised, their reservoirs became overflowing, their gardens adorned, their birds warbled and their joy became perfect in the Kingdom of their Beneficent Lord.

O my God! O my God! These are souls who have advanced toward Thy Kingdom; their breasts dilated by supplicating to Thy Realm of Might; their eyes anticipating the descent of Thy mercy; and their spirits rejoiced at Thy grace and gift!

O my God! O my God! Guard them by the eye of Thy protection, preserve them in the cave of Thy defence, deliver them from the grade of the contingent world, protect them during the violence of tests and trials, and assist them by a power from the breath of Thy Holy Spirit, in the world of existence! Verily, Thou art the Beneficent, the Mighty, the Clement!

“O thou who art kindled by the Fire of Guidance which...”

O thou who art kindled by the Fire of Guidance which blazed and burnt in the Tree of Sinai!

By the life of God, I am moved with joy by the mention of the beloved and delighted in the love of the elect! And now, with a heart clear from aught else save God and overflowing with the love of God, I mention thee, supplicating God to make thee a lamp of guidance in those districts, that out of thee the spirit of knowledge may be spread upon the hearts and spirits until thou becomest a spring of fresh and sweet water whereto the thirsty and earnest desirers will come to drink, and thus be satisfied with the sweetness thereof.

Rejoice at this address which I hope from God will have a great effect on thy heart and spirit and accordingly become the banner of the Supreme Concourse in that distant and extensive spot121 through which certain nations and tribes would be directed with bright faces, rejoiced hearts and speaking tongues uttering the praise of God.

“O thou who art advancing toward God!...”

O thou who art advancing toward God!

Verily I read thy letter which thou hast sent through Mrs. ........ and was rejoiced at its contents, which indicated thy excessive love and thy great passion for the Kingdom of God!

O my friend! Thank thou God for He hath illumined thy sight with a radiance which is shining forth from the Sun of Truth; hath quickened thee, and baptized thee with the water of life and with the fire of the love of god.

I beg God to bless thee so that thou mayest diffuse the fragrances of God in those countries and purify hearts from the filth of ignorance and to make thy revered wife and honored daughters signs of His love among the maid-servants of God, and to ordain for thee a reward befitting one who hath attained (the visit of) the Holy Threshold in this Cause.

Verily, I bestowed every kindness upon the maid-servant of God, Mrs. ........, because she hath been the cause of thy guidance, and hath given thee to drink the cup of knowledge.

“O thou who art firm in the Covenant!...”

O thou who art firm in the Covenant!

Supplicate God that thou mayest be confirmed to what is worthy and fit for the Most Mighty Cycle.

Deliver my respectful greeting to Mr. ........ and refresh him with regards and affection. Convey my longing greeting to [Messrs.] ........., ........ and ........ and say [to them] to engage with Mr. ........ in the service of the Word of God with the utmost love and affinity, in order that they may behold the confirmation of the Supreme Kingdom and observe the protection and preservation of His Highness the Almighty. Truly their hearts are like unto a cup, overflowing with the wine of the love of God and at all times I expect to hear good news of them.

O thou dear friend! Thou hast said the truth! Last year122 was the time of test for all the friends. Trials for the faithful believers are like unto divine bestowal and everlasting gifts.

The firmness and steadfastness of the person will become evident and manifest. How could the disciples of His Holiness (Christ) attain to any spiritual development if they did not undergo trials and tests!

O friend! Although we are weak, yet the confirmations of the Merciful Lord are inexhaustible. Pray thou that the ill-natured become good-natured and the weak become strong.

The dream thou hast seen is in accord with thy interpretation. I hope that Mr. ........ may become the light of the Merciful One and be confirmed and assisted to spread the Cause of God.

“My God! My God! Elohim ....”

My God! My God! Elohim123 .

To this Thy servant give the understanding of the Old Testament and the New and enable her to speak forth with mighty voice and to sing with power the holy songs and to discover the real meaning and the secret mysteries of those verses, for Thou art the Powerful Inspirer and the Mighty One!

“O maid-servant of God, thou who hast given up thy...”

O maid-servant of God, thou who hast given up thy life to the service of the Kingdom of God!

I have read the signs of thy thankfulness to God for guiding thee to the way of the Lord, to the path of salvation which leads to the Tent of the Testament behind the Tabernacle in the Capital of the Kingdom.

Know in the reality of assurance that every true woman who is attracted by the fragrances of holiness in this most glorious age will surpass even the most developed men of previous centuries.

It is incumbent upon thee to make thy greatest effort; to put forth thy full strength; to supplicate and to worship, and to be careful to put thy full trust in the Kingdom of the Lord Most High.

Make ready thy soul that thou mayest be like the light which shineth forth from the loftiest heights on the coast, by means of which guidance may be given to the timid ships amid the darkness of fog and the heaving of the sea.

Then gain the knowledge of godliness and learn the exact facts from the revered Abul Fazl124, and, if it be possible, remain there a few months.

With regard to thy friend, send her to the sea coast or accompany her to Marseilles and return to Cairo that thou mayest learn the necessary proofs.

Then return to America—this is in case it is possible for thee. If anything happens otherwise, the way is open and it will be made convenient for thee—say always in the name of God—and rely upon Him; but to understand the teachings regarding the Truth is absolutely required. And upon God let thy confidence rest.

“O thou who in truth art attracted through the Breaths...”

O thou who in truth art attracted through the Breaths of the Holy Spirit!

I sent to thee a letter few in words and full in its meanings and its mysteries, showing signs of good-tidings. By my life, there are manifested meanings in the mysteries of the words!

At present I address thee in plain language without being veiled, and I say to thee: “Stand up with all thy strength to guide the followers of negligence and blindness, and diffuse the breaths of God in those regions; and set off with all speed to New York and Chicago and call with the loudest voice in the assemblies of the beloved ones and invite them to the Alliance of God; and make them steadfast in the Covenant of God, and bear good-tidings to all the steadfast ones, and inspire all who waver to be firm in the religion of God and to resist all force with is against the Alliance of God. Verily I promise the confirmation of the Holy Spirit to thee in those great assemblies whenever ye argue upon the Covenant of God.”

“O thou who art attracted to the Kingdom of God!...”

O thou who art attracted to the Kingdom of God!

I hope thou wilt ride thy steed in this field as much as thou canst and that thou mayest know nothing except praising, worshiping and extolling the Sun of the World of Creation.

O maid-servant of God! The radiance of favor is (cast) upon thy head and thou art clad with the robe of gift. Praise be unto God, that the breeze of the divine spring maketh the soul thrive and the fragrances of holiness are quickening the heart of man. Favor is perfect and bounty is overflowing—the doors of prosperity are opened and hearts are expanded and dilated. The drops of the cloud of favor are continually (falling) and the lakes of graces are successively overflowing. The wine of the love of God is circulating, and the melodies of thankful birds are astonishing all people distant and near. The radiance of the Manifestor of the Mount is illuminating all hearts and breasts and the never-ending bounties are successively (flowing) from the divine Kingdom. I hope that, through the favor of the Blessed Perfection thou wilt become the lamp of the society of Green Acre (Me.), and wilt become the cup-bearer of the wine of the love of God, thou wilt invite a great number of people into the Kingdom of the Powerful Lord and wilt teach numerous souls, thou wilt put the crown of the exalted gift upon thy heard and wilt rule over the empire of the greatest spirituality, and thou wilt become the envy of the queens of all regions and wilt be the rival of all the celebrated people of the world.

“O thou who art wholly advancing unto God!...”

O thou who art wholly advancing unto God!

Verily I have read thy letter in answer to mine and praised God—may glory and dignity be unto Him!—for by reason of which He hath kindled the lamp of guidance in the glass of thy heart, lighted in thy breast the fire of love and faithfulness, illumined thy face with the light of His knowledge among women and chosen thee for spreading His fragrances amid the maid-servants. Be happy and rejoice at this speech through which the sick will recover, the sad become cheered, the dumb speak and the deaf hear; rather, the decayed bones will be quickened and the rocks and stones be affected.

Remember my spiritual favors which have uninterruptedly descended upon thee at the table which was spread under the abundant gifts of the Kingdom of God. Verily, I continue supplicating God to make to grow from the luxuriant garden of the heart the aromatic plants of His knowledge, through the abundant rain pouring froth from the clouds of His Kingdom, the Most Great; that thou mayest be a herald of the Covenant in those regions and a preacher of the Kingdom of God in those distant isles.

Blessed thou art for this letter. Glad-tidings unto thee for this speech!

“O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!

By God the Truth, verily he angels of the Supreme Assembly pray for thee every morn and eve and announce to thee glad-tidings! O blessed art thou who hast devoted thyself to diffusing the fragrances of God! Know thou that, verily, thy Lord will surely strengthen thy hands and assist thee through the hosts which are hidden from the sight of the heedless ones, and will give the victory through a numerous army from the Supreme Assembly and will illuminate thy heart with the rays shining from the Kingdom of Abha, the Most Glorious! O maid-servants of God! Gird up thy loins, strengthen thy back, be not discouraged or grieved if people are pouring the arrows of scorn and blame thee, insomuch as in this thou wilt follow the example of those who have endured every tribulation and calamity.

As to the young man and his revered wife, [as to] both of whom thou hast informed me: I beseech God to remove the veil from them and lift the covering from before their faces, so that they may witness the greatest signs of their Lord, the Great, in this day in which all the regions of heaven and earth are sparkling with the lights of their Lord. Tell him, “Verily the Kingdom hath appeared with the ornaments of sanctity on the apex of the world of being. Thou oughtest to enter therein, and this is glad-tidings unto thee and to all those who have been expecting the advent of the Kingdom of their Lord with true heart turned toward God.”

“O thou who art attracted to the Word of God!...”

O thou who art attracted to the Word of God!

Verily I read thy excellent letter, nay, rather thy brilliant, peerless pearls, which proved thy sincerity in the Cause of God, the enkindlement of thy heart with the fire of the love of God and the illumination of thy face through the light of the gift of God!

O maid-servant of God! Know, verily, I was with you in spirit during your assemblage in the meeting of the commemoration of God, the House of Agreement, under the Standard of peace, and I perceived ye with my spirit on the Mount of Salvation and shared with ye in celebrating the praise of my Lord, and I smiled with all cheerfulness, joy and gladness when I found that ye were beseeching God and supplicating before the Kingdom of God. I beseech God to guide some of those who have given themselves to the Word of God, while they know not the Word. And I beg of God to give insight to every heedless one, so that he may witness the signs of his Mighty Lord in this great century wherein the Lord is glorified for the bounties and gifts which He hath bestowed on all the horizons [i.e., regions] through His Ancient Grace.

Verily I wrote an answer to the letter of ........ and enclose it in this letter.

O maid-servant of God! By God the True One, verily Abdul-Baha invokes God to strengthen thee through the mightiest power, so that thou mayest become a star of guidance in Green Acre, to diffuse the fragrances of God, to blow forth the spirit of God, to summon people to the Word of god, and may speeches pour forth from thy pure lips as a torrent which rapidly pours down from the loftiest mountains!

“O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of the...”

O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of the Garden of the Covenant and art speaking the praise of the Orb of the Universe!

Know thou, verily, I read thy letter which expressed the commemoration of thy Lord, the Great, and indicated that the fire of the love of god is ablaze in thy heart and in the soul of the sincere ones. Truly I say unto thee, verily thy magnificent letter was as one of the melodies of the birds of holiness in the wonderful garden. Verily the hearts of the Supreme Concourse are dilated with the songs which thou hast warbled on the Blessed Tree in the Exalted Paradise.

O maid-servant of God! Verily Abdul-Baha was with you in Green Acre in his spirit, soul and in all of his spiritual grades, and he was your companion in your meetings and was bearing unto you, with his spiritual tongue, the glad-tidings of the divine splendors which shall be poured forth upon you from the Kingdom of God, in a short time.

O maid-servant of God! Be rejoiced at this glad-tidings whereby the hearts of the people of the Kingdom of El-Abha are moved with joy. Verily I beseech God to make Green Acre as the paradise of El-Abha, so that the melodies of the nightingale of sanctity may be heard from it and that the chanting of the verses of unity may be raised therein; to cause the clouds of the great gift to pour upon it the rains falling from heaven; to make those countries become verdant with the myrtles of truth and inner significances and to plant therein blessed trees, with the hand of Providence, which may bring forth pure and excellent fruits wherefrom the fragrances of God may be diffused throughout all regions. These signs shall surely appear and these lights shall shine forth.

O maid-servant of God, the Merciful! It is incumbent upon you to unveil the covering and to witness the Beauty of the Almighty! Ye shall surely see the lights rising in those parts, as ye have already seen them. Ye shall surely behold a Pillar of Fire extending upward to the Supreme Apex and it will call unto you with the most wonderful expression and will address you, saying:

“I am the Ancient Light! I am the Lord of the Exalted Kingdom! I am the Star shining forth unto the horizon of the hearts of the people of Oneness!”

O maid-servant of God! Be tranquil in heart and be enkindled with the fire ignited in the Blessed Tree—an enkindlement which may cause a fire to blaze in the inanimate hearts in those regions.

O maid-servant of God! Be not disheartened if thou hearest the murmuring of the deniers, the clamor of the hypocrites, the shouting of the contradictors, the barking of the furious, harmful dogs, in those climes. Remember the persecutions which consecutively befell the disciples of christ from the perverse Jews. Consequently, withstand their oppositions with all quiescence and dignity (patience) and their contradictions with all cheerfulness, gladness and dilation of heart (i.e., exaltation) by day and night. Resist their fighting with peace and reconciliation, their blows with kindness and perfection and their blame with joy and tranquillity. Do beseech God to direct them to the Path of Salvation and breathe into them the Spirit of Life. Be thou a light to every darkness, a dispeller of every sadness, a healer for every sick person, a quencher for every thirst, a shelter for every refugee, a refuge for every captive. If the Pharisees interfere with thee, it is incumbent upon thee to implore God to guide them to the road of salvation! And it is incumbent upon thee to be affable to them under all circumstances, to be patient in afflictions, to be courteous with the enemies and to pray for the hateful sinners! This is the nature of the faithful and convinced women believers whose hearts are dilated with the fragrances of God and who instruct (people) in the teachings of God!

O maid-servant of God! Trust in the grace of thy Lord. He shall surely assist thee with a confirmation whereat minds will be amazed and the thoughts of the men of learning will be astonished. Consider the divine splendors in Green Acre: One of them is the tree of fire and another is what was witnessed by thy friend—a light shining forth unto all sides. This is through the grace of thy Lord unto thee! Consequently, be engaged in perusing St. John’s Revelation; all these signs are spoken of in that vision. Thou shalt soon behold (things) still greater than this.

O maid-servant of God! It is incumbent upon thee to diffuse the fragrances of God and to be occupied in delivering (teaching) the Cause of God! Deliver my greeting to ........ and say unto them: “Trust ye in the grace of your Lord and thank your Master, for He hath directed you to the Path of the Kingdom of God. Verily He is the Assister, the Beneficent!”

The coming of any one to these countries is, at this time, difficult and unallowable. I beg of God to facilitate it and then we will permit ........ to come. I beg of God to manifest His lights in the heart of ........ so that he may apprehend that which he never before apprehended and behold the mysteries of the Kingdom with real certainty in this glorious age.

God willing, next year some of the teachers (of the Truth) will present themselves at Green Acre and will cause the voices of the people of the Kingdom to reach the Supreme Apex.

“O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God and...”

O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God and enkindled with the Fire wherein Moses, the Speaker, found Guidance!

May it be salutary to thee, the draught from this cup, which is overflowing with the wine of the love of God.

Blessed art thou, that thy heart is connected with the callings of the Kingdom of El-Abha, so that thou hast dispensed with the telepathic wires of the world, because the terminal of the spiritual wire reached the center of thy heart and the other is placed in the Spiritual Center, vibrating informations constantly through the power of the Spirit and successively conveying the great glad-tidings. This is the station of (or for) every maid-servant whose heart is filled with the love of God and attracted to the Beauty of El-Abha.

Thank God for showing unto thee and thy dear friend, the revered ........, the great power and might of the Kingdom personified in the body of humanity, and that thou didst worship Him with a brilliant heart, and He addressed thee (saying): “Peace be unto thee! Peace be unto thee!” His white vestment is the garment of the Manifestation and [His] brilliant color. Regarding the gems which appeared on His breast, they are peerless pearls of wisdom which shine unto the horizons with a godlike fame. As to His shining face, verily it hath illumined the earth and dispersed the darkness from the contingent world. Regarding thine entrance with thy friend into the gallery lighted with lamps, know thou that gallery is the world of humanity and the lamps His wonderful teaching, His all-wisdom, His perfect bounty and His clear manifestation. He is the Absent-Present in the world of humanity.

O maid-servant of God! It is incumbent upon thee to diffuse the fragrances, it is incumbent upon thee to promulgate the teachings of God and it is incumbent upon thee to breathe the spirit of life into the hearts of the people of those regions, so that thou be a lamp of guidance in the recess of Green Acre. Take the cup of the love of God in thy right hand and with thy left hand hoist the banner of universal peace, love and affection among the nations of the earth. Call out (saying): “Hasten! Hasten unto the Great Bounty! Press! Press forward unto the Abundant Mercy! Speed! Speed unto the Manifest Light! Be urgent! Be urgent for the Great Attainment! Verily, by God the Truth, the doors of the Kingdom are opened, the lights of god have shown forth and illumined the horizon of the earth! The Lord of Hosts hath descended with the army of lights and angels of heaven and depressed the armies of darkness! He sent His angels to all directions, with a call of the trumpet of realities and meanings, instructions and teachings! Therefore, O people of the earth, appreciate the opportunity, in this new century, wherein the lights have been revealed by the Glorious Lord!”

In regard to the school which tho didst think of and its organization: I ask God that thou shouldst become confirmed in it with all order and command. But now it is necessary first to organize the Cause of God in those countries; then, order and preparation. Therefore arise, through a power from God, in organizing the Cause of God—that is, the diffusion of the fragrances of God, promotion of the Word of God and heralding unto the nations and peoples with a pre-existent power the appearance of the Most Great Sun.

“O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!

Verily I read thy excellent letter and was dilated through its excellent contents. Know thou that the distance of habitation doth not prevent the rising of the lights, and that time and place only control the bodies and not the spirits which are free from the contingent beings, not (do they control) the realities which are sanctified from the stains of the world. When the Spirit is breathed in the East, its signs immediately appear in the West and it hath a spiritual dominion which penetrates the pillars of the world.

Then know thou that God hath not ordained any greater happiness and joy than the removing of the veils by witnessing the Kingdom of God and presenting oneself in an assembly which is radiant with merciful emotions which cannot be apprehended by minds and thoughts.

O maid-servant of God! Verily opposition will wax fierce upon thee and denial and unbelief will day by day increase. People will arise to oppression and people will torment thee for thou hast believed in God, art attracted to the fragrances of God and hath spoken His praise among the maid-servants. They will execrate, revile, curse and oppress thee with acute tongues. Be not distressed at this; nay, rather continue with an increased firmness and stanchness in the Cause of God. For through calamity the heart of Abdul-Baha is attracted; through (suffering) oppression the breast of Abdul-Baha is dilated; through enduring afflictions the faithfulness of Abdul-Baha is proven; through imprisonment the soul of Abdul-Baha is cheered; at every moment he wishes to quaff the cup of sacrifice in the path of God.

O maid-servant of God! Opposition shall surely pass away, the dark clouds in all regions will be dispelled and the lights of the Covenant shall shine forth. At that time your value shall appear among the nations of the world and tribes and people will arise to praise you. Take warning by the former cycles and the bygone Manifestations.

O maid-servant of God! Verily the Cause is great and great! Regiments and regiments enter therein! Some people must necessarily turn their backs upon it, on account of their lack of sincerity in he Cause of god and for their selfishness and egotism.

O maid-servant of God! A pure sea doth not accept a dead body, therefore the waves will necessarily throw the dead finally upon the shores.

O maid-servant of God! When some souls turn away from the love of God, there is no harm therein. Did not Judas Iscariot, the chief of the apostles, turn away on account of jealousy for Peter the apostle? Likewise, some people must necessarily turn away on account of jealousy for others.

As to thee: Consider the predecessors as a warning to posterity and purify thy heart from all else save God, under all circumstances. When thou was in Acca we pointed this out to thee.

O maid-servant of God! Whenever sorrows and afflictions grow violent toward thee, remember that which we told thee during thy presence in these lands; then thy sorrows shall be removed and thy heart shall become dilated through the fragrances of God in these days.

Be thou rejoiced at the glad-tidings of God! Be as a globe of fire from which the heat of the love of God will be diffused. Sanctify thyself from the grades of this world, be purified from the superstitions of people and be characterized with spiritual qualities. Be thou a mountain of quiescence, a sign of meekness, a sea of patience, a light of love, a standard of utter separation (from all else save God), so that thou mayest become everlasting in the Kingdom of God.

The light shall surely encompass the maid-servants who are attracted by the fragrances of God and it will shine forth from their faces upon all regions.

O maid-servant of God! Let thy joy and happiness be increased every moment through the light of God.

Verily, the Exalted Leaf and the brilliant Leaves125 remember thee by night and day. Then know thou, verily the prison is my wonderful paradise in love for Baha’; it is my lofty stronghold, my impregnable mansion and glorious throne. Be not grieved thereat, nay, rather beg of God to make me quaff the cup of sacrifice in the path of Baha’.

“O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!

I am already informed of the import of thy wonderful letter and the meanings of thine excellent words. I was rejoiced to find how it expressed that thou art devoted to God, turning unto the Supreme Horizon, enkindled with the fire of the love of God and attracted to the fragrances of God.

I beg of God to increase thy separation from the world, thy supplication before the Kingdom of God and thy yearning for the Beauty of God.

What thou hast said (in thy letter) concerning the servant of Baha’, the “Mother of the Faithful,” is but true. Verily she is purified in soul, enkindled by the fire of the love of God, hath sincerely turned unto her Master, hath completely faced toward the Kingdom of God and hath arisen to diffuse His fragrances in all parts and serve His friends with a sincerity and joy unto which the Supreme Concourse beareth witness. She shall surely have a firm and steady footing in the Cause of God, her face shall shine forth from the Horizon of Loftiness, her fame shall be spread in the Kingdom of God, and [she] shall have a ringing voice throughout regions, and the lights of her glorious deeds shall beam forth during cycles and ages.

As to ........ and ........, verily the faces of these are as the pupil of the eye; although the pupil is created black, yet it is the source of light. I hope God will make these black ones the glory of the white ones and as the depositing of the lights of love of God. And I ask God to assist them in all circumstances, that they may be encompassed with the favors of their Loving Lord throughout centuries and ages.

As to ........, verily God hath ordained for her a noble station. The lights of knowledge shall surely shine forth from her face upon the world. Verily she is attracted to the word of her Lord, was dilated by hearing the speech of Abdul-Baha at the time of meeting and her eyes became consoled by witnessing the signs of her Mighty Lord.

As to the maid-servant of God ........: God hath indeed favored her with an excellent disposition which is like fragrance from a garden of the Merciful and she passeth her days in serving the Cause of God. I beg of God to confirm and assist her under all aspects and circumstances.

As to the son of the “Mother of the Faithful”: I beg of God to make his ears attentive, his eyes observing, his heart abounding with the lights of guidance and to make his soul as one of the signs of his Mighty Lord. Pray ye in his behalf night and day that God may strengthen him in a matter which may shine, beam and glow in the niche of the Kingdom of God and that He may cause him to arise and assist the pious ones, to seek bounty from the signs, to gain illumination from the lights, deliver the necks of all men from the chains of superstition, to feed the needy ones upon the food of the Kingdom of God and support the weak ones with a penetrative power from the Word of God. Verily thy Lord is the Confirmer!

“O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!

We have written a clear and efficient answer to ........ out of the love for thee and for her; otherwise Abdul-Baha is free from any other mention than that of God.

As to thee, be not grieved at anything whatever. There is a right wisdom in whatever happens in this great Cause. Be not grieved if the trash of the world is decreased in thy hands, for thy brilliant heart is a great treasury, inasmuch as every heart which trusts in the grace of its Lord is illumined through the lights of its Creator and it is one of the treasuries of the Kingdom, filled with the wealth of His divine world and heavenly bounties. This is a great wealth!

Deliver my greetings to ........ and announce to him the glad-tidings of God and say unto him: “This day is the day of soaring and the day of shining. This day is the day of the Ancient Honor, Abundant Wealth, Mighty Dominion and Great Gift. Appreciate thou its value and do not neglect it, so that thou mayest attain to that which was longed for by the holy ones in bygone ages and centuries.”

“O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!

Verily I read thy letter which indicated thy knowledge of the significances of the Revelation of St. John. I ask God to enlighten thine eyes by witnessing His lights which have illumined the horizon of existence to eternity of eternities. Praise God that He manifested unto thee the brilliancy of the Sun of Truth which is shining from the Kingdom of El-Abha; and God made thee look with divine eyes at the reality of revelation. Rest assured the light of the love of God will envelope the world with great illumination.

O maid-servant of God! May God increase thy glowing with the fire of His love and by a light from the rays of the Sun of the Universe.

O maid-servant of God! Raise the call at Green Acre, summon all unto the Kingdom of God whose lights shone forth, fragrances wafted, clouds changed into tears (or drops of rain) and guardians smiled.

“O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!

Verily I read thy last letter and gathered from its meanings the mysteries of thy great love. I supplicate to my Lord that He may at every moment increase thy joy and fragrance, thy speech and utterance, thine attraction and enkindlement, and that He may heal thee from the infirmities which have affected thee and weakened thy feeble body, and strengthen thee to guide mankind into the Supreme Kingdom and quicken hearts by the fragrances of the Paradise of Abha, so that thou mayest become a bird warbling upon the twigs of the Tree of Life, with most wonderful melodies and most charming tunes.

“O thou artery pulsating in the body of the world!...”

O thou artery pulsating in the body of the world!

Verily I read thy recent letter which indicated conscious joy and abundant happiness from the glad-tidings of the Kingdom of El-Abha. Know, verily that the feast is the day wherein God opened thine insight through the Manifest Light, showed thee unto His Great Kingdom and granted to thee to drink from the chalice overflowing with the wine of divine guidance among the maid-servants. Is there a feast more happy and more noble than this? No, indeed, by the Lord of Heaven, it is a day wherein the thirsty one attaineth to the Spring from which gusheth forth cool and refreshing water, the lover meeteth his Loved One and the sick one is healed by the remedy of the Physician. Blessed art thou for attaining unto this!

Verily, the people who rejoice in the day of the feast and enjoyed the tree126 (which) was decorated, following the custom of ancient times, are the people of superstitions. By the Majesty of thy Lord! Were they in the time of Christ, they would turn their backs and would not behold His smiling, glorious face; but today they play in the shallow waters of their superstitions without discretion.

Therefore, thank God for His having privileged thee to attain nearness to the Blessed Tree which is grown upon the highest Sinai and is set aglow with the fire of God’s love, calling unto responsive listeners. I supplicate God to heal thee from all troubles and diseases and make thee a sign of guidance and a standard of the Supreme Concourse in those regions and particularly at Green Acre.

“O thou esteemed maid-servant of the Loving Lord!...”

O thou esteemed maid-servant of the Loving Lord!

What thou hast written in recommendation of a number of Christians was perused. Although the presence of these persons will, in these times, cause the revolt of the heedless ones and increase the trouble, yet for your sake we will send them a telegram to Egypt and permit them to come and visit. This is but for thy sake, and Abdul-Baha cannot endure to meet but the people of the Merciful and does not wish to be in union except with the heavenly ones.

O thou chosen maid-servant of God! It is time for thee to cry aloud and fervently, day and night, not to sit still a moment, not to rest for an instant, but to be always engaged in the commemoration of God and invite the people with the utmost longing and ecstasy unto the Kingdom of God.

Raise thou such melodies and harmony in Green Acre that may reach unto the Kingdom of Abha and cause joy and exaltation in the angels of heaven! This matter needs a great enthusiasm (heat or exertion) and a sanctity and purity like unto a manifest light. Thou knowest what secrets doeth the spirit of Abdul-Baha communicate with thee and what glad-tidings he giveth unto thee! Show forth thy capacity and merit, for without capacity the Gift doth not become manifest.

“O thou dear maid-servant of God!...”

O thou dear maid-servant of God!

Thy letter was excellent and its contents were perfect and complete. Happy is thy condition for that thou hast not forgotten the time of thy visit127, nay, at every instant thou hast grown in this thought and art remembering the exhortations of Abdul-Baha and wishing in thy soul to put them thoroughly into practice. Praise be to God that thou hast kept steadfast with all firmness under the millstone of tests like unto a grain of diamond. Be not grieved; tests lead to the development of holy souls and the ardor of the flame of fire causeth the pure gold to shine and the violence of winds is conducive to the growth and thriving of a firm and well rooted tree.

If the earthen house and mortal dwelling-place was burned,128 yet I hope that thou mayest build thy nest and abode, like unto the birds of holiness, in the Tree of Life in the Divine Kingdom.***

All the members of the household, especially the Exalted Leaf129, send most wonderful Abha greetings. The maid-servant of God, ........, is present here longing for you with the utmost joy and happiness.

As to the catalogue of the book of which thou has written, convey (the following) to the author of that book:

“Although thou hast exerted the utmost endeavors in compiling this book and hast written the life of His Kingdom Christ and His blessed sayings—and this service and labor deserve favor—yet these are events of former times and all that is past is of a different effect. If thou art a hero of the field and a melodious bird in the garden of the Merciful One, speak of the Beauty of Abha, for it is ready and present. consider that the last year’s springtime is past and all that thou mayest say or hear (about it) is but a story (or narrative); but appreciate thou this New Year’s Spring—which is this present time—hath pitched its tent with the utmost magnificence in the field and plain and hath made the mountain and desert verdant and fresh, hath made the trees to appear pure and fresh, blooming with flowers and blossoms through the vernal bounty and caused them to bring forth pure fruits. Nor all that thou mayest speak of the past springtime, be it even spoken with all excellence and eloquence and in accord with reality, all that will, nevertheless, be a past story.

“Do thou not abandon that which is ready in the present time until thou mayest gain the result and gather fruits from the garden of thy hopes and wishes. Otherwise, thy book is a book of history—it will be concluded and forgotten. Harken unto me (i.e., take my advice): One single ready drop is better than a sea which is past. More especially, this New Cause is like unto a sea, while all those which are past were like unto rivers.”

“O bird without a nest!...”

O bird without a nest!

It is reported thy home and shelter is burnt, thy resting place and habitation is become desolate. Though this news is greatly affecting, yet do not be sorrowful and disheartened, because the birds of the divine gardens have nests on the branches of the Tree of Life. The earthly abode is not worth the attachment of the heart, for this structure will surely be destroyed, but that which is of worth to freed ones (detached from all save God) is the heavenly palace and the court of Divine Majesty. Thanks be to God that for each one of the divine freed slaves and the heavenly and dear maid-servants, and indestructible mansion will be erected in the New Kingdom. This mansion will be an everlasting dwelling, an eternal abode and shelter.

There is a hidden wisdom in the burning of the house which before long will be clearly known. Divine attractions and heavenly bounties alone cause happiness to the hearts.

Use your utmost endeavors to dwell in the thought that in Green Acre this year the divine proclamation will be raised to the heavenly zenith and the lights of the supreme guidance will enlighten those regions.

Be sure that heavenly assistance will be given and that the breeze of the Divine Garden will perfume the nostrils of the inhabitants of the earth. Some of the weak souls thought that this dear maid-servant of God was attached to this house and to this perishable world. Now the house is burnt, all will realize that thy attraction is increasing, thy steps are drawing near, thy flag is raised higher and thy condition more excellent. Show forth such happiness and joy that all will be astonished.

“O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of the...”

O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of the Kingdom of El-Abha!

I read thy letter which was beautifully composed and which indicated that thy delicate body hath gained rest. I send thee the answer spiritually so that the signs of the address may become manifest in thy heart. Verily thou art with me in spirit at all times. I ask God to make thee follow my example in establishing the Kingdom of Unity and Peace and building up the Dominion of Love and Faith which was founded by the Beauty of El-Abha. Rest and repose are necessary for thee in these days; be thou composed in all conditions. Thou art with me under all circumstances. Then thank God for His guidance unto thee. He hath made thee drink from a cup overflowing with the wine of His love in the world. I ask God to make thee the essence of holiness and purity among the maid-servants of the Merciful—thus thou mayest be a brilliant flame in the universe.

All the Illumined Leaves, the maid-servants of God in this most great prison, convey to thee greeting and praise.

“Inquire after the health of Miss .........., send...”

130 Inquire after the health of Miss .........., send her my greeting and say: “Many ideas rise up in the human mind; some of them concern truth and some untruth. Among such ideas those which owe their source to the Light of Truth will be realized in the outward world; while others of a different origin vanish, come and go like waves on the sea of imagination and find no realization in the world of existence.

“Similarly, numerous, various meetings and assemblages have been organized during the past ages and bygone centuries. All these produced no result except those assemblages which rendered unmixed service to the Light of Truth; from such assemblages alone great results were realized in the world of existence.

“For instance, consider how many a thousand assemblages—religious, political and literary—have been organized in India, Persia, Turkestan, Chinese countries and, in a word, in every part of Asia. All these gave no result except that assemblage of the disciples of Christ on the mount fifty days after Christ’s ascension. all that hath since been effected along the line of diffusing the holy fragrances of Christ, uplifting the Word of God, spreading the Gospel, training souls and guiding the people, hath been wholly from the result of the effects produced by that assemblage of the disciples. Those effects are continual even in the present time.

“Consequently, if one looks for praiseworthy results and wishes to produce eternal effects, let him make exceeding effort, in order that Green Acre may become an assemblage for the Word of God and a gathering place for the spiritual ones of the heavenly world.

“The moldered, two-thousand-years-old superstitions of the heedless, ignorant peoples, whether of Asia or Europe, should not be spread in that revered gathering place; for, if such be the case, let it be known for certain that that assemblage will yield no result and will, before long, be forgotten and consigned to oblivion, similar to other meetings of bygone times.

“I beg of God that that esteemed maid-servant of God shall be the cause of spreading the Cause of God, so that the Light of Truth may shine and the world be illumined.

“When you reflect attentively, you will find that the Word is what we have hereby said and that all else save this is pure imagination, is of no stability and is evanescent.

“The tree must have roots in order to yield fruit. The trees of the forest of Asia have yielded no fruit for thousands of years, except the blessed Trees of the Divine Manifestations, for each one of these Trees hath so developed and flourished that it hath trained and nourished the whole earth with fruits and yields.”

“O thou beloved maid-servant of God!...”

O thou beloved maid-servant of God!

What thou hast written was considered. It indicated purity of heart and advancement toward God.

O thou maid-servant of the Blessed Perfection! Be thou not sad, neither be thou unhappy, although the divine tests are violent, yet are they conducive to the life of the soul and the heart. The more often the pure gold is thrown into the furnace of test, the greater will become its purity and brilliancy and it will acquire a new splendor and brightness. I hope that thou art thyself in such a position.

Consider thou the lives of the former sanctified souls; what tests have they not withstood and what persecutions have they not beheld; while they were surrounded with calamities they increased their firmness and while they were overwhelmed with tests they manifested more zeal and courage. Be thou also like unto them.

The utmost favor is shown toward thee and the divine bounties are thy guide. endeavor thou, as far as thou canst, in order that thou mayest be like unto a chaste and clear mirror, cleansed and purified from every dust, so that the outpouring of the rays of the Sun of Truth may descend and thou mayest illumine those who are around thee. This is my counsel to thee. I pray always in thy behalf and supplicate for thy confirmation and assistance, in order that thou mayest become a sign of the Most Great Bounty and be the cause of the guidance of many souls. If thou art mindful, seek thou the favor everlasting and the illumination eternal. Do thou some work, that thou mayest become favored in the Threshold of the Almighty and a beloved maid-servant of the Blessed Perfection, in the Kingdom.

His honor ........ hath delivered thy message. I entreat God that thine utmost hopes and desires may become realized.

Every one in the Holy Household is engaged in thy remembrance and sends thee their longing greeting.

Convey to ........ my respectful greeting and announce to him: “No matter how brilliant a receding star is, its light never reaches to this world. Worship thou the newly ascendant Shining Luminary whose lights are glittering and whose proof is self-evident. Become thou the cause of guidance of the person whom thou art respecting. No matter how much endeavor and effort is shown, a tree which hath been in existence for two thousand years or more will never bring new and fresh fruits. This is the truth and there is nothing beyond the truth but manifest error.”

“O thou who art favored in the Kingdom of the...”

O thou who art favored in the Kingdom of the almighty!

The letter that thou hast written with the utmost eloquence, compassion, humility and submission of heart and spiritual emotions, hath been read.

If the people live and act in accord with the General Tablets which are revealed to the beloved of the East and of the West, this universe will become another universe and the whole existence of this world will be clad in another garment. You must encourage and reinforce the beloved of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful that they may live and act in accord with the teachings in the General Tablets.

Consider thou how vast is the arena of the Kingdom—it hath environed the whole world. The splendor of Providence hath encircled all races, nations, communities and religions; the foundation of foreignness is swept away and the basis of Oneness is established; love hath become universal and the spiritual ties are strengthened.***

“O thou favored maid-servant of God!...”

O thou favored maid-servant of God!

The meeting which thou hast formed and therein assembled the faithful (or believers) together and engaged with them in the commemoration of God, caused the Supreme Concourse to praise and the angels of heaven to applaud.

Be thou a cause of unifying hearts as much as thou canst and guide thou the heedless souls, and in this spiritual springtime perfume thou nostrils with the sweet fragrances of the rose-garden of the Kingdom. This is eternal life; this everlasting Glory! And this is a peace which is not followed by any trouble! All else save this is a plaything of children and is useless and nonsense!

“O thou who art advancing towards the Shining Orb of...”

O thou who art advancing towards the Shining Orb of the Horizons!

Verily, the East and West have already glittered through the light which is shining forth from the Horizon of the mercy of thy Lord, the Clement, the Merciful, but the blind are still in great error.

The Call of God is already raised throughout all concourses of the earth; but the deaf are still muffled in thick veils. All things have already uttered the praise of God; but the dumb are still continuing in their astounding silence.

As to thee: Listen to the Supreme Concourse and hear the call, “Glory be unto my Lord, the El-Baha!”

“O thou who art spreading the Cause of God!...”

O thou who art spreading the Cause of God!

I hope thou wilt become as a rising light and obtain spiritual health—and spiritual health is conducive to physical health—so that thou mayest be enabled to liquidate thy debts and be strengthened to attain the blessing of the Forgiving Lord; that thou mayest become a mirror of truth and reveal the spiritual brilliancy of the heavenly universe to all eyes, direct large numbers of people under the shadow of the Powerful Lord and guide all thy family and relations unto the Greatest Guidance; and that thou mayest be honored with a visit to the Holy Threshold after having attained to all these gifts.

“O thou maid-servant of God!...”

O thou maid-servant of God!

Acquire the Persian tongue, so as to learn of the meanings of the divine words and to know the divine mysteries, to develop an eloquent speech and to translate the blessed Tablets of Baha’o’llah. The Persian language shall become noteworthy in this cycle; nay, rather, the people shall study it in all the world.

“O thou rose of the Rose-Garden of the Love of God!...”

O thou rose of the Rose-Garden of the Love of God!

His Holiness Christ—may my spirit be His sacrifice! —said in the Gospel, “Many are called, but few chosen.” That is, many have been invited to faith, but few chosen for guidance. Praise be to God that thou wert of the chosen, realized the Day of the Lord, heard the divine Call and attained the Light of Reality! Endeavor and make an effort that certain souls may be trained, of whom His Holiness Christ said, “Ye shall know the tree by its fruits.” That is to say, every soul is known by (his) conduct, manners, words and deeds. Therefore, we must strive with life and heart that, day by day, our deeds may be better, our conduct more beautiful and our forbearance greater. That is, to cultivate love for all the world; to attain beatific character.

O maid-servant of God! Study Persian and acquire it more day by day, for by the study of this language great and boundless results are obtained.

Convey greeting and praise to thy revered mother and also to all thy sisters. I hope that all may become bright as the candle through the light of the love of God.

“O thou maid-servant of God!...”

O thou maid-servant of God!

Be happy for thou hast found guidance, witnessed the light of Truth and hearkened unto the exhortations of Abdul-Baha. Though the worth and value of this gift is not apparent and manifest in this world of mortality, in the divine world this gift is abundantly radiant and brilliant. Thou shall of course perceive (or behold) this.

I have not forgotten thee nor will I do so, and I always beg of God that thou wilt day by day increase in love and that thy heart will become more illuminated. I was rejoiced with the kindness shown by the dear maid-servants ........ toward ......... For God hath guided the maid-servants of the Merciful in order for kindness (to appear) so that they may become a mercy to all mankind (or all the creatures) and a gift to the world of humanity.

“O thou maid-servant of God!...”

O thou maid-servant of God!

The tongues have spoken of thy attraction to God and the pens testified of thy burning by the fire of the love of God. Indeed the heart of Abdul-Baha approveth of this, because it feeleth its heat from this distant and Blessed Spot.

O maid-servant of God! By God, the Truth, the Spirit of Christ from the Supreme Concourse doth in every time and aspect announce to thee this great good news.

Be, therefore, a divine bird, proceed to thy native country, spread the wings of sanctity over those spots and sing and chant and celebrate the name of thy Lord, that thou mayest gladden the Supreme Concourse and make the seeking souls hasten unto thee as the moths hasten to the lamp, and thus illumine that distant country by the light of God.

“O thou bird warbling in the Garden of the Love of...”

O thou bird warbling in the Garden of the Love of God!

Thank God that He hath illumined thine insight, led thee unto the Fire glowing in the Tree of Man, caused thee to utter His praise among the creatures and guided certain women to whom thou delivered the Word of God.

O maid-servant of god! Verily thy Lord lighteth the lamp of love in the heart of whomsoever He chooseth. This is indeed the great happiness. He confirmeth him in the service of His Supreme Vineyard.

I pray God to confirm the relatives in attaining to the Brilliant Light, to let the light of insight shine forth to the hearts and sights, to aid thy friends in being illumined by the light of El-Baha and [being] fed from the heavenly table, and to make thee empty, void from the thoughts of the life of this world and filled with the love of thy Lord, ready for His service, uttering His praise and demonstrating with proofs the appearance of the Kingdom of God.

“O thou who art conscious!...”

O thou who art conscious!

At last thou didst learn of the path of salvation and didst find the straight way. Now remain firm that thou mayest attain confirmation and victory.

The powers of the sympathetic nerve are neither entirely physical nor spiritual, but are between the two (systems).131 The nerve is connected with both. Its phenomena shall be perfect when its spiritual and physical relations are normal.

When the material world and the divine world are well co-related, when the hearts become heavenly and the aspirations grow pure and divine, perfect connection shall take place. Then shall this power produce a perfect manifestation. Physical and spiritual diseases will then receive absolute healing.

The exposition is brief. Ponder and thou shalt understand the meaning. Although, on account of lack of time, the answer is short, by close reflection it shall be made long.

“O thou who art advancing to the Kingdom of God!...”

O thou who art advancing to the Kingdom of God!

On perusing the contents of thy brilliant letter, I became cognizant of the secrets of thy heart, which is illumined by the clear light.

Verily, I supplicate my Lord to cause to descend upon thee an abundant grace of the spirit of His Holiness, that thine eyes may become clear and thy mind rejoiced by the gift which hath shone over all regions.

Know that the poor people hasten by parties to the Kingdom of God; the weak become mighty before thy Lord, and the slaves when entering the shadow of thy Lord attain the station of masters, lords and freed slaves in the presence of God.

Grieve not because of my confinement, for it is a joy to my heart, a pleasure to my spirit, a good news to my soul, an utmost desire of my hope, an intended aim of my aspiration; because it is a confinement in the path of God, the Lord of the worlds.

“O thou maid-servant of God!...”

O thou maid-servant of God!

I have read thy letter which indicated thy straightforwardness in the love of God and thy desire in spreading this brilliant light among the offspring of the Africans. How good is the intention! And what an excellent aim this great aim is! Indeed the hearts of the Africans are as a blank scroll of paper upon which thou canst write any phrase; but thou must have patience and a heart as firm as a mountain, owing to the innumerable hardships that may intervene, which could be endured only by one who surrenders to grievous calamities.

If thou art of the people of this field (race-course) let loose the reins and rely upon the Merciful, and He will indeed assist thee with the hosts of the unseen at all times. Use thy utmost power to affiliate the hearts and, with the whole of thy might, bring the scattered souls into union.***

Look not unto thy weakness, but rely upon thy Lord, and He will then grant thee all thy desires and reveal to thee the answer without asking.

“O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!

Thou hast said aright, that verily, Abdul-Baha looketh to deeds and not to words. Even as it was said by Christ, “Ye shall know them by their fruits.”

Be not grieved if the affairs are made difficult and troubles have waxed intense upon thee from all sides! Verily thy Lord changeth the hardships into facility, troubles into ease and afflictions into greatest composure. Verily, thy Lord is on the right path!

Tests and trials shall soon arise, blessed are those who endure patiently! Blessed are those who keep firm! Be patient, that thou mayest be rendered victorious in thy greatest wishes, and know thou that verily, thou art with me in the nearness of my Lord, the Supreme!

Verily, this is a glad-tidings unto thee forevermore!

“O thou who art controlled by the attraction of the Fragrances...”

O thou who art controlled by the attraction of the Fragrances of God!

I perused thy letter which speaks of thy love to God and thine attraction to the Beauty of God, and I became cheered in heart by its beautiful contents. In my previous letter to thee it was my intention to point out to thee that in the way of exalting the Word of God there are tests and trials, and in His love there are at all times calamities and afflictions and sufferings. Therefore, it behooveth one to first ponder over these calamities and wistfully accept them, then undertake to spread the fragrances of God and exalt His Word. At that time, whatever may befall him in the love of God, of reproach, persecution, reviling, abuse, insult, beating, imprisonment or assassination, will not offend him; rather it will augment his attraction to the Beauty of God. This was what I intended previously. Otherwise, woe and misery to the soul which hunts after comfort, luxury, wealth and affluence, while it is remiss of the mention of God; because calamity in the path of God is a favor to Abdul-Baha.

In one of the Tablets the Beauty of El-Abha sayeth, “I never passed by a tree that my heart did not address it, saying, ‘Would that thou was cut in My Name, that upon thee my body should be crucified!’”

This is that which was uttered by the Greatest Name. This is His Path! This is the evidence of His Great Kingdom!

“O thou who art commemorating the Name of God!...”

O thou who art commemorating the Name of God!

Verily, I read thy interesting letter and my heart was made happy by its beautiful contents.

O maid-servant of God! Rest assured in the bounty of thy Lord and place thy confidence in Him, for He will confirm thee in all aspects and under all conditions.

Know, verily, that the seed, however virile it may be, however strong the hand of the sower, however pure the water that watereth it, it is impossible for it to grow, blossom and bear fruit in a short time; nay a long period is needed for its development.

So is the Kingdom of God. Consider the seed which was sown by Christ; verily, it did not blossom until after a long period. Thus it is incumbent upon thee to be patient in all affairs. Verily thy Lord is powerful, forgiving, precious and persevering! Depend upon the favor of thy LOrd. He shall bless thee and protect thee under the shadow of His generosity and mercy.

“O thou maid-servant of God!...”

O thou maid-servant of God!

I supplicate and implore my Lord to strengthen thee by the Spirit of Life, make thee enter the Ark of Safety, and show thee the evident signs; that the veils of the people of suspicion may be rent asunder and the brilliant proof of God become manifest to all regions, and thy heart be made a clear mirror wherein are printed the Lights of the Kingdom of the earth and heaven.

“O thou who art remembered by Abdul-Baha!...”

O thou who art remembered by Abdul-Baha!

Thy letter which is couched in graceful words hath given me joy and happiness, for it showeth how thou art controlled by the attraction of the fragrances of God and how thou art kindled by the flame of fire that burneth in the Tree of Sinai.

Blessed art thou because of this great bounty and manifest abundance! Verily, by day and by night I do mention thee and thy daughter who is the delight of thine eye, and supplicate God to make you both two burning lamps, shining at the meetings of the maid-servants of God, spreading the light of knowledge, burning the moth of imaginations and surmise and removing, through the light of manifest evidences and peremptory proofs, the darkness of suspicions.

“O thou whose heart is moved by a breeze blowing from...”

O thou whose heart is moved by a breeze blowing from the Garden of El-Abha!

Thy elegant and terse letter, couched in graceful words, was read by me. I rejoiced at the fragrances of love, which being scented from the verdant gardens of the Paradise of El-Abha, have cheerfully moved thee.

O maid-servant of God! Be submissive to thy Lord, humble to His servants and compliant to his maid-servants. Overcome passions and desires, purify the heart from remembrance of aught save that of thy Lord, the Precious, the Gracious, and be controlled by the attraction of the Beauty of God, that His remembrance may run as the spirit in thy blood veins and limbs, and thus fill thee with the thoughts of the love of God.

O maid-servant of God! Ignite the fire of love in the hearts which are remiss of the mention of God that they may become awakened by the breath of God, and quickened by His Spirit in this Great Day.

“O thou attracted maid-servant of God!...”

O thou attracted maid-servant of God!

Verily, I bow my face to the dust of the Threshold of El-Baha and to Him who sitteth on the Throne, I petition as a supplicating captive, begging Him to make thee to behold His Glorious Face and to purify thine insight from aught else save Him among the people. Verily, He is the refuge of all and our Great Protection!

We are all poor at His Door, weak before His Power, lowly at His Threshold, and we possess the power of neither good nor harm. He is indeed the Confirmer, the Strengthener, the Benevolent!

Truly hath He opened before our faces the doors of the Kingdom, granted us the treasures of His mysteries through the divine bounty and He hath chosen us for His love, for attainment unto His lights, the study of His teachings, the spreading of His name, the guidance unto His path and service in His great vineyard. I pray for confirmation in thy behalf and thou shouldst pray for strength on my part. Thy prayers for me should be that I may attain martyrdom in His path, that my spirit may be His sacrifice, and that my blood may be shed for His love.

O maid-servant of God! verily, I long for that cup, which is overflowing with the bounty of God, as a patient desiring to be healed, as a thirsty soul seeking water, as the poor in quest of wealth, and as one in separation yearning after the meeting of the beloved one night and day.

“O thou who art advancing to the Kingdom of God!...”

O thou who art advancing to the Kingdom of God!

Verily, I pray God to make thee the sign of guidance among the maid-servants of the Merciful, to enkindle in thy heart a spark of that fire which was ignited in the Sinaiatic Tree and to give thee to drink and overflowing cup from the choice wine of the love of God, until the intoxication of that wine may so prevail upon thee that thou mayest thereby forget all else save God, be attracted to the Beauty of God, glorify thy Lord and sanctify Him during morn and eve.

O maid-servant of God! It is incumbent upon thee to be severed from the desires of the world, and it is incumbent upon thee to be attracted to the Supreme Kingdom. At that time thou wilt become fluent in tongue and thou wilt speak in most eloquent words through the confimation of the Holy Spirit. This is that gift which the Lord of Heaven hath promised.

“O thou who dost believe in the Spirit of Christ, in the...”

O thou who dost believe in the Spirit of Christ, in the Kingdom of God!

The body is composed, in truth, of corporeal elements and every composition is necessarily subject to decomposition; but the spirit is an essence, simple, pure, spiritual, eternal, perpetual and divine. He who seeketh Christ from the point of view of His body hath, in truth, debased Him and hath gone astray from Him; but he who seeketh Christ from the point of view of His Spirit will grow from day to day in joy, attraction, zeal, proximity, perception and vision.

Thou hast then to seek the Spirit of Christ in this marvelous day. The heaven whither Christ ascended is not an infinite space. His heaven is much rather the kingdom of His Lord, the Munificent. As He said, “The Son of Man is in heaven.” It is known then that His heaven is beyond the boundaries that surround existence and that He is elevated for the people who adore.

Pray God to ascend to this heaven, to taste of its food—and know thou that the people have not understood to this day the mystery of the Holy Scriptures. They believe that Christ was deprived of His heaven when He was in this world, that He had fallen from the heights of His elevation and that later He ascended to this elevated pinnacle—that is to say, towards the heaven which doth not exist, for there is only space. They expect that He will descend from this heaven seated upon a cloud. They believe that there is in the heavens a cloud upon which He will be seated and by which He will descend; while, in reality, the clouds are vapors which rise from the earth and which do not descend from the heavens. The cloud mentioned in the Holy Scriptures is the human body, because it is a veil for them, like a cloud, which prevents them from seeing the Sun of Truth which is shining in the horizon of Christ.

I pray God to open before your face the gates of revelation and of vision in such a way that thou shalt learn the mysteries of God in this known day.***

“O ye who are considering the Kingdom of your august...”

O ye who are considering the Kingdom of your august Savior!

I know the ardor which enflames you both132 with the desire to present yourselves in the Sacred Place and I desire, also, to see you both. But my Lord hath a supreme wisdom and His wisdom hath required the imprisonment of Abdul-Baha and the prevention of visits of impassioned friends. It is a temporary condition that will pass away in the future. In the meantime I shall remember you in my heart and I love you with a holy affection that is spiritual, divine, eternal and perpetual; that is founded on the surest base and on the most durable of foundations. I pray God to remove all the veils and to illumine your hearts with lights shining from the Supreme Horizon, in such a manner that the light of guidance shall move before you and that your hearts shall dilate in perceiving great signs. Turn towards California with a luminous face, a joyous soul, an attracted heart, an enlightened spirit, an eloquent speech and a radiant expression. In those regions God will, through you, become the guide of many people.

“O ye two singing birds in the Garden of Belief!...”

O ye two133 singing birds in the Garden of Belief!

I have read your letter in which you confess the Unity of God and the grandeur of His reign, and in which you make known that you have been attracted by the perfumes of God and that you have bathed in the sea of knowledge. Thank God for that! I pray God to strengthen your steps in the straight road, to preserve you from violent tests, in making of you two green and fruitful trees in His great vineyard, to the end that ye may arrive at a favor that shall make of you two elected ones in the court of the august Lord. Appreciate this favor and give thanks to your Savior that He hath heaped upon you this great kindness.

“O thou who art turning unto the Kingdom of God!...”

O thou who art turning unto the Kingdom of God!

Thy letter is received and perused. It afforded us joy and pleasure, gave us good news and is the token of the wealth of thy love. This period of time is the Promised Age, the assembling of the human race to the “Resurrection Day” and now is the great “Day of Judgment.” Soon the whole world, as in springtime, will change its garb. The turning and falling of the autumn leaves is past; the bleakness of the winter time is over. The new year hath appeared and the spiritual springtime is at hand. The black earth is becoming a verdant garden; the deserts and mountains are teeming with red flowers; from the borders of the wilderness the tall grasses are standing like advance guards before the cypress and jessamine trees; while the birds are singing among the rose branches like the angels in the highest heavens, announcing the glad-tidings of the approach of that spiritual spring, and the sweet music of their voices is causing the real essence of all things to move and quiver.

O my spiritual friend! Dost thou know from what airs emanate the notes sung by those birds? They are from the melodies of peace and reconciliation, of love and unity, of justice and security, of concord and harmony. In a short time this heavenly singing will intoxicate all humanity; the foundations of enmity shall be destroyed; unity and affection shall be witnessed in every assembly; and the lovers of the love of God at these great festivals shall behold their splendor.

Therefore, contemplate what a spirit of life God hath given that the the body of the whole earth may attain life everlasting! The Paradise of El-Abha will soon spread a pavilion from the pole-star of the world, under whose shelter the beloved shall rejoice and the pure hearts shall repose in peace.

“O ye two pilgrims of the Holy Shrine!...”

O ye two134 pilgrims of the Holy Shrine!

The news of your protected and safe arrival in Paris, France, reached here and made me glad and happy. The news expressed the love and devotion of the beloved of Paris, who met you with the greatest joy and cheerfulness, and who are themselves in love, peace and harmony.

You shall openly declare all the signs of the Kingdom that you say with you own eyes and shall suggest with greatest joy and happiness all the divine teachings that you heard. I ask and supplicate God to make you to convinced souls, to bring you forth with such a steadfastness that each of you may withstand the people of a country, and to intoxicate you with the wine of the love of God so that you may cause your hearers to dance, to be joyful and to exult.

This is the time of happiness; it is the day of cheerfulness and exhilaration. For, praise to God, all the doors are opened through the bounty of the Glorious Beauty. But one must show forth perseverance and self-devotion and consecrate his thoughts, until the tree of hope may give fruit and produce consequences.

“O ye two lamps of the Love of God!...”

O ye two135 lamps of the Love of God!

Your letter to ........ was read and its contents considered. Its meanings expressed the feelings of spiritual hearts and emanated from the spring of the conscience. This is from the bounty of the Kingdom of Abha. I hope that this drop will increase and grow and become like unto an ocean; that your faith, certainty and love toward God may grow, that your light may increase, that ye may become heavenly and that ye may receive aid and confirmation at every moment, spreading the Word of God and promulgating His religion.

“O thou respectful soul!...”

O thou respectful soul!

Thy letter with its great and expressive contents gave me satisfaction. It gave utterance to the feelings of thy heart and to thy contentment. Thy going to California was for the best. I hope that it will give great results; that through thee the ignorant will receive knowledge, the blind will gain sight, the deaf will hear, the dumb will speak, the negligent will awaken, the heedless will receive intelligence. If thou arisest as it must and should be in the service of the Cause, the divine assistance will direct and the heavenly, everlasting help will continue. I hope that thou will be assisted to the intention which thou hast in thy heart.

“O thou faithful maid-servant of God!...”

O thou faithful maid-servant of God!

What thou has written me hath been seen. Indeed thou belongest to the Kingdom and thou turnest towards the Horizon of Abha. I ask from the bounty of God that thou mayest be enflamed day by day more and more by the fire of the love of God.

It seems that thou wast uncertain whether to occupy thyself in writing or in delivering the tidings of the Cause of God. In these days, to deliver the glad-tidings is the best of all. Open then thy tongue to the guidance of the human race on any occasion that presents itself.

Thou hast asked about knowledge and cognition. Read the divine books and tablets and look into he books of proofs that have been written in presenting this Cause. One of them is the Book of Ighan136, which is translated into English. There is also the book137 by Mirza Abul Fazl and there are others written by the believers. In the time to come, many divine books and tablets will be translated and thou wilt read them; but thou mayest ask God that thou mayest attract divine knowledge by the magnet of the love of God. When the soul becomes sanctified in every condition and becomes pure and holy, then the door of the divine knowledge will be opened to the face.

Thou hast written about the dear maid-servant of God, Mrs. ........ That one attracted unto God is indeed always occupied in the service and she doth her utmost to spread the divine lights; if she continueth in the same way there will be great results in the future. That which is of the greatest importance is to have firmness, steadfastness and constancy.

I pray God that through the desires and the efforts of the maid-servants of the Merciful the foot of the mountains by the ocean’s shore138 will be enlightened by the brilliancy of the love of God in such a way that its light may be transmitted all over the world.

You ask if, through the appearance of the Kingdom of God, every soul hath been saved. The Sun of Reality hath appeared to the all the world. This Luminous Appearance is salvation and life; but only he who hath opened the eye of reality and who hath seen these lights will be saved.

You also ask about the eventual victory of spirituality in the Bahai age. It is certain that spirituality will overcome materiality and that the divine will have the victory over the human; it is also true that by divine education souls in every condition of existence will be elevated, except those that are blind, deaf, dumb and dead. How can such souls comprehend the light? The sun lighteth up all the dark world, but the blind man hath no portion in its brilliancy; the cloud of mercy poureth forth streams of water, but the sterile land will never produce plants and flowers.

Give my greetings to the maid-servant of God, Mrs. ........ and to her daughter. I pray God to assist them to help them, that their meeting day by day will grow brighter and that their hearts will be more and more attracted.

If you see Mrs........., give her my greeting and say to her: “Thou hast come to Acca, thou hast seen my teachings, thou hast heard my explanations and thou hast smelled the sweet odors of the Kingdom. Do not forget this, and try with thy heart and soul to diffuse this fragrance to thy respected husband also.”

Give my greeting to all the maid-servants of God.

“O thou attracted maid-servant of God!...”

O thou attracted maid-servant of God!

The celebration of the Feast of Naurooz139 made me glad. Consider how different this meeting was from that of last year. Consider the bounty and the blessing of God. Therefore, know that this Cause is progressive. All the obstacles of the world cannot hinder it. Thou didst realize divine joy and happiness in that meeting. Is it possible for earthly gatherings to give such divine joy? This bounty is in itself the greatest evidence of the appearance of the Kingdom. I ask God to increase daily the fire and zeal of the love of God. Thus may that land become a veritable paradise and the heavenly attainments become manifest.

If thou knewest in what (spiritual) state I write this letter thou wouldst surely become like a flame of fire and set aglow the hearts by the fire of the love of God.

Thou hast written concerning the Most Holy Book.140 It is intended that in the future-inshallah141—means will be provided and with the utmost care it will be translated and sent to those regions.

O thou dear maid-servant of God! The souls who bear the tests of God become the manifestations of great bounties; for the divine trials cause some souls to become entirely lifeless, while they cause the holy souls to ascend to the highest degree of love and solidity. They cause progress and they also cause retrogression.

Dr. ........ hath well said. Surely this Cause is beyond imaginations and thoughts. convey greetings of respect to him, to his revered wife, to his son and to his bride.

O thou maid-servant of God! Surely, if holy souls are found and arise to do well the commandments and precepts of God, to serve, they will verily become centers of light; an illuminating ray will extend from their hearts to all parts and the continent will become radiant.

Surely, all must today be called to love, to unity and to kindness; to integrity, to friendship, to fellowship and to divine worship. I hope that thou and thy dear husband may continue to serve in all spirit and fragrance and that in this world ye may remain two radiant candles and in the eternal horizon ye may glisten like unto two shining stars.

“O thou beloved maid-servant of God!...”

O thou beloved maid-servant of God!

Thy letter *** was received and its contents became known.

In this most Merciful Age the ignorant prejudices are entirely removed, therefore the marriage of Miss ........ to Mr. ........ is permissible; but Miss ........ must exert herself day and night so that, like the favored maid-servant of God, Mrs. ........ she may guide her husband. She must not rest until she makes him her spiritual as well as physical partner in life. But the Bahai engagement is the perfect communication and the entire consent of both parties. However, they must show forth the utmost attention and become informed of one another’s character and the firm covenant made between each other must become an eternal binding, and their intentions must be everlasting affinity, friendship, unity and life. The bridegroom must, before the bridesman and a few others, say: “Verily, we are content with the will of God”. And the bride must rejoin: “Verily, we are satisfied with the desire of God.” This is Bahai matrimony.

Regarding the marriage of Mr. ........ and Miss ........, that also, God willing, is blessed.

The marriage of the Bahais means that both man and woman must become spiritually and physically united, so that they may have eternal unity throughout all the divine worlds and improve the spiritual life of each other. This is Bahai matrimony.

“O maid-servant of God!...”

O maid-servant of God!

Thy letter hath arrived. It brought joy to all hearts, for it carried the proof of thy sincere work. Today, directing mankind in the right path is the magnet which will attract to us the help of God. All those who consecrate themselves to this work are accompanied by divine protection. Thus, rely upon God and address thy supplications to the Most High. Then, after perfect renunciation, care for the souls of the undirected and negligent. I pray that thou mayest be aided and strengthened.

Thou has demanded the permission to go to Algeria in order to give thyself to the direction of men; may God aid and help you in this work.

“O thou who art seeking for the Power of the Holy...”

O thou who art seeking for the Power of the Holy Spirit!

The reality of man is like unto a sea, and the Holy Power is like unto brilliant pearls. Not until the sea moveth in waves doth it throw a shell of pearls upon the shore. Therefore if thou wishest to become heavenly, cut thy attention from the earth; that is, cease to attach thy heart unto this world and seek connection with or attachment to the Kingdom and turn unto God. and when thou doest this, thou wilt become the mercy of God and a gift of the Almighty. Consider how the attracted maid-servant of God, Mrs. ........, is in constant progress through the heavenly bounty. I hope that thou mayest become likewise.

“O thou maid-servant of God!...”

O thou maid-servant of God!

What thou hast written was perused and its contents became manifest. Thou hast questioned how thou canst accept this divine cause, for thou art a member of the Church: (Know thou) in the day of the Manifestation of Christ, many souls became portionless and deprived (from the favor of God) because they were members of the Holy of Holies in Jerusalem. According to that membership, they became veiled from that brilliant Beauty. Therefore, turn thou thy face to the Church of God which consists in divine instructions and merciful exhortations. For what similarity (is there) between the church of stone and cement and the Celestial Holy of Holies!

Endeavor that thou mayest enter in this Church of God. Although thou hast given oath to attend the church, yet thy spirit is under the Covenant and Testament of the Spiritual Divine Church. Thou shouldst protect this. Although they consider the wine and the bread in the church as the blood and body of Christ, yet this is but the appearance and not the reality. But the reality of Christ is the words of the Holy Spirit. If thou are able, take a portion thereof.

The performance of baptismal celebration would cleanse the body, but the spirit hath no share; but the divine teachings and the exhortations of the Beauty of Abha will baptize the soul. This is the real baptism. I hope that thou wilt receive this baptism.

“O thou maid-servant of God!...”

O thou maid-servant of God!

The subject matter of thy letter is known to me. Happy is thy condition, for thou hast loved Jesus always and wept over His sufferings. Sufferings though they were intense in those days, yet they are more intense in these days and are more worthy of being wept over. But at present, one must not weep, but one must show forth firmness and steadfastness and withstand the tests.

I beg of God that that maid-servant of God and all her family be blessed, remain firm and steadfast in love for His Holiness Baha’, and arise (to do) that which is befitting these days.

“O thou who art attracted to the Light of the Kingdom!...”

O thou who art attracted to the Light of the Kingdom!

Thank thou God, that in this glorious period, thou hast advance toward the Manifest Light; thou hast beheld the doors of the Kingdom open and considered entrance therein conducive to eternal prosperity and success. Thou hast arisen to serve the Cause of god and occupied thy time in assisting in the spiritual meeting. Ere long thou shalt know what a light thou hast enkindled.

“O thou who hast been attracted by the Magnet of the...”

O thou who hast been attracted by the Magnet of the Kingdom!

Note that thy Lord hath manifested the Magnet of the souls and hearts in the Pole of the existing world, to which all the sacred hearts are attracted from the far distant lands and countries.

The iron body is attractable although at long distances away; but the earthen one is not although in contact and very close.

Therefore, thank thou God for being an attractable body, to be drawn to the Magnet of the Kingdom of God.

“O thou whose heart hath been filled with the love of...”

O thou whose heart hath been filled with the love of the Beauty of God!

I have read thy kind letter and voiced thy words which show the excess of thy love to God, the greatness of thine adherence to the Cause of God and the abundance of thine attraction to the Kingdom of God. From a man like unto thee such words are always expected and it is your duty thus to proclaim.

I do greet thee from this Exalted Place, while thou art in that far distant country, and present to thee salutations and praise, and I see thee with the eye of the heart as though thou were present here and I speak to thee by the tongue of the Spirit, saying: “Blessed thou art with every blessing! Then preach to the beloved of God in that country the glad-tidings of El-Baha!”

The form of prayer requested by thee:

My God! my God! thou art my hope and my beloved, my intended aim and desire! With great humbleness and entire devotion I pray to Thee to make me the minaret of Thy love in Thy region, the lamp of Thy knowledge among Thy creatures and the banner of thy gift in Thy Kingdom.

Make me one of Thy worshippers who cut themselves from everything but Thee and sanctify themselves from everything pertaining to the world and divert themselves from the defects of the suspicious.

Let my heart be dilated with joy through the spirit of confirmation from Thy Kingdom and illumine my sight with seeing the hosts of success following one another and descending upon me from thine Omnipotence.

Thou art the Almighty, the Invincible, the Powerful!

“O thou who art turned to the Kingdom!...”

O thou who art turned to the Kingdom!

In truth, I say unto thee that if a spark of the fire of the love of god should fall into a heart, its flame will increase gradually, as the breeze blows upon it, until the sparks of the flame reach the Supreme Kingdom, providing the necessary preparations are made to kindle that fire in thy heart, to shed the tears from thine eyes and to bring thy patience to an end for the purpose of being drawn into the Kingdom of El-Abha.

In truth, I say unto thee, if thou hear this call, do not relax in mentioning God, nor grow weary of spreading the fragrances of God. And then rejoice at the good news of the gifts which shall shine as the sun in the highest culmination of America.

“My God! My God!...”

My God! My God!

I am a servant, miserable, humbled, submissive and low at the door of Thy Oneness, supplicating Thee with a heart full of Thy love and a face rejoiced at Thy glad-tidings!

O God! Make me of those who are drawn unto light and [who] detest darkness; with a heart overflowing with the lights of Thy love among mankind; a tongue fluent in mentioning Thee in the assemblies of worship (remembrance); a breast, cheered and widened with Thy knowledge when uttering explanations; an eye consoled with seeing Thy traces in all directions; a foot firm in Thy Covenant, which I have received from the traces of the Supreme Pen; a spreader of mysteries to those who are heedless of them, who have veiled themselves with doubts and suspicions.

Verily Thou art the Almighty, the Powerful, the Generous!

“O thou who art kindled with the fire of the Love of...”

O thou who art kindled with the fire of the Love of God!

Verily I read thy words which showed thy yearning love in God, and chanted thy expressions written in His praise.

I beg of God to make thee a sign of guidance, a standard of righteousness and a lamp shining with the light of the knowledge of God.

Give my greeting and salutation to Mrs. ........ and say to her: “Be not disappointed by the calamity which hath befallen thee and be not grieved that the consolation of thine eye (thy child) hath left the world of dust and hath ascended to the expanse of the Kingdom, that he hath abandoned the abode of the lowest world and hath sought refuge in the presence of the greatest mercy, where the Lord hath placed him in a comfortable abode.”

We have already written a consoling letter142 to her, whereby her breast will be dilated and her soul will cheer.

“O thou who art attracted unto the Beauty of God!...”

O thou who art attracted unto the Beauty of God!

Verily I have read thy excellent letter and was gladdened by its wonderful meaning. Blessed art thou, as thou hast been kindled like a lamp by the fire of God’s love and as thou hast supplicated unto God and communicated with thy Lord with an eloquent tongue and excellent explanation.

Verily I pray unto my Lord with all humbleness, meekness, obedience and submissiveness—which demolisheth every edifice of self-exaltation—that He shall strengthen thee by the fragrances of holiness and the breath of the Spirit of Truth and cause thee to be dedicated (or severed) unto God, purged and purified from the dross of the world, holy and sanctified from carnal passions, sacrificing thy soul to the beloved of God, contented with that which the Lord hath granted thee in the world, anxious to perform noble and good deeds while following the teachings of god, and in all things adhering to the law of God!

As God liveth! shouldest thou be honored by attaining to this station, thou wilt find thyself in the center of the Paradise (Ferdowce), the highest of paradises!

“O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of god...”

O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of god and steadfast in the Covenant of god!

Verily I read thine eloquent letter, the composition of which was beautiful, words excellent and significances interesting, and I thanked God that He hath chosen certain souls for His knowledge and love, deposited in their hearts His mysteries, manifested from their faces His lights and made them the signs of His Kingdom, the banners of His majesty, the trees of His paradise and the birds of the garden of His holiness.

O thou, my honorable friend! Verily I scented the fragrance of meekness and humbleness from the orchard of the meanings of thy letter and was caused to rejoice, smile and be made glad that God hath made thee humble and submissive to His beloved. Verily this is the greatest bounty from God and by it the breast of Abdul-Baha is dilated in this remote prison.

O friend! Verily the prison is my paradise and the chains my necklace; my balance (or testing) is my redemption (or salvation) and the castle is my fortified safety, for this imprisonment is in the path of my Lord and it is my salvation, my joy, my gratitude and happiness. Verily, in calamity the face of Abdul-Baha shineth and through hardship joy is attained by this servant in all conditions.

O thou friend! Be not sorrowful because of my imprisonment and lament not for my difficulties; nay, rather ask God to increase my hardship in His path, for therein lies a wisdom which none are able to comprehend save the near angels.

O thou friend! Verily, those among the friends who were martyred in the path of God—verily this is a favor from God which He bestoweth upon whomsoever He chooses; verily God is the most bountiful!—they attained what the holy ones in the Supreme Kingdom yearned for, and quaffed the wine of grace from the bountiful hand of thy Lord the Merciful—may my spirit be a sacrifice to them!

Therefore, be not sorrowful, for in it is a great bounty for them and by it (martyrdom) the fire of the love of God is increased in glowing, the Word of God in spreading, the standard of God in elevation, the fragrances of God in diffusion, and by this blood the tree of peace is watered, the orchard of unity and harmony pruned, and by it the fragrances of holiness emanate from the Tree of Life and are being diffused in the world. Verily this is from the mercy of God, which is bestowed upon whomsover He wishes.

O friend! I implore to God to make thee a banner of the banners of the Kingdom, firm and steadfast, unshaken by the most severe winds of tests and trials in this terrestrial world; to confirm thee in the servitude of the Sublime Threshold; to guide through thee many souls and to make thee a sign of meekness and humbleness before the beloved of God, the Mighty, the Protecting!

“O thou who art arisen for the service of the Cause of...”

O thou who art arisen for the service of the Cause of God!

I received thy recent letter and rejoiced in spirit at its interesting contents which indicated thy arising for the service of the Kingdom of god, servitude unto His beloved ones and meekness and lowliness to His chosen ones.

I ask God to augment, day by day, thy zeal, attraction and glowing with the fire of God’s love; to destine for thee a glorious station (or mansion) in His great Kingdom and to open before thy face doors of success and dilation, such that hearts shall be amazed and minds astounded.

“O thou who art controlled by the attraction of the Holy...”

O thou who art controlled by the attraction of the Holy fragrances of the gardens of God’s Kingdom!

Thy brilliant letter, which thou hast sent by the beloved ........, was read by me. The bounty is of God for that He hath inspired thee with the word of fidelity and chosen thee from among those who are called, whether men or women. Therefore, thank thou thy Lord at morn and eve and glorify His praise for this favor. Verily a great favor is bestowed upon thee!

Our dear friend ......... hath arrived. He praises the beloved of God and His maid-servants and adorns the ears with the pearls of praiseworthy actions and good qualities of the elect and the faithful.

I supplicate God to enable him and every one else to serve Him in the garden of El-Abha and to help thee to be gentle, humble and submissive; to reveal Himself upon thee with the attributes of the Merciful and to grant thee a heavenly table at all times.

“O thou honored friend!...”

O thou honored friend!

Verily the sight of Providence is far reaching and the divine glance is perfect. Thou hast always been a recipient of favors and the object of the bounty of the glorious Beauty of Abha. I trust in God that thou mayest be thus aided by Him to serve His Cause and so shine as a luminous star in the horizon of His Kingdom, an illumining candle burning in the assemblage of the Bahais; that thou mayest be confirmed by a power of the Kingdom and attain divine bounty and providence.

As to the question of women being chosen rather than men: In this cycle there were men who arose through a divine power and who shone forth as the sun from the dawning-point of holiness; and, likewise, there appeared certain women who became side by side with men. The expression which you quote, “Every woman who is directed to the guidance of God in this great age, will surpass men in every respect,” signified that, in this age, certain women will appear who will surpass some men. It does not mean that they will surpass all the men who have given their lives as sacrifices in this Cause; for in this wonderful cycle there appeared such men as his holiness Khudoos, his holiness Bab-el-Bab, his holiness the “King of Martyrs” and his holiness the “Beloved of Martyrs,” his holiness the great Vaheed143, and such ones who have no equals in the world of existence.

If, in the letters to the maid-servants of the Merciful, there hath been written in the sense of encouragement (that form which such meanings can be inferred), the purport is that some women in the wonderful age have surpassed some men, and not that all women have surpassed all men. The members of the House of Spirituality must give unlimited encouragement to women. In this age, both men and women are in the shadow of the Word of God. Whosoever endeavors the most will attain the greatest share, be it of men or of women, of the strong or of the weak.

As to the matter of teaching and the choosing of men, the letters which I have written to the Spiritual Meeting (House of Spirituality) of which you are a member, will answer this question and will manifest the station of men who remain firm in the Covenant of God. Refer to them.

As to the number of Tablets to women, this is due to the fact that most of the letters which come to the Holy Land are from women. Rarely do letters come from men and, naturally, to women the most are written. Men are enjoined more than women to give the Message of the Cause of God and to diffuse His fragrances.

My dear friend! If thou didst know how dear thou art to Abdul-Baha, thou wouldst spread wings, and through excess of joy, soar and begin teaching all that country.

As to the question: “Whither shall we turn in our prayers?” There is an appointed center toward which one must direct himself in prayer, but at present this center is not unfolded because of wisdom. In its time this shall be announced. At present, in those regions, you should direct yourself, as formerly, to the East. The appointed and certain center will be announced in its time.

You also ask: “To whom shall we turn?” Turn to the Ancient Beauty. If it be the will of God, the blessed likeness (of the Manifestation) will be sent in its proper time, so that, in the world of the heart, thou mayest direct thyself to that holy likeness and thus be saved from imagination and phantasy. However, in the Temple (Mashrak-el-Azcar) the blessed picture must never be placed (or hung) on the wall. This you should know.

As to the subject of babes and infants and weak ones who are afflicted by the hands of oppressors: This contains great wisdom and this subject is of paramount importance. In brief, for those souls there is a recompense in another world and many details are connected with this matter. For those souls that suffering is the greatest mercy of God. Verily that mercy of the Lord is far better and preferable to all the comfort of this world and the growth and development of this place of mortality. If it be the will of God, when thou shalt be present this will be explained in detail by word of mouth.

“O thou who art firm in the Covenant!...”

O thou who art firm in the Covenant!

Your letter *** arrived at this time and was read with great care. Its contents proved a source of gladness, for it indicated firmness.

Today firmness is of the greatest favors of the merciful Lord. How many a soul who traveled in one pathway and after a time wanting firmness (or constancy) went back; yea, followed the way again until he reached the same point (as before) and arrived at the first destination. Thus did he waste his life and endeavored to set the minds (of the people) uneasy and doubtful. The opportunity and portion of these souls became an evident loss.

Thank thou God that thou art firm and constant and art abiding at the threshold of servitude. I ask God to increase daily thy faith and certainty, trust and firmness. Give thou the glad-tidings in a manner which shall set afire souls that are in lethargy, give life to them that are dead and sight to the blind.

Give greeting and praise from Abdul-Baha to all the friends of God, particularly to the maid-servant of God, the firm and steadfast Mrs. ........ . Tell her to “feel at rest; thou art ever in mind, with me and present in the gathering. God willing, I shall ask thee to come.”

“O thou friend of old and O thou incomparable companion!...”

O thou friend of old and O thou incomparable companion!

Many letters have so far been received from thee and lengthy answers have been written to them, but it is strange that they have not reached thee. I was grieved when Mr. ....... said thou hadst not received them. Therefore, I write this epistle immediately so that it may be a cause of comfort to thee.

O dear friend! Thou art more deserving than others; thou art worthy of every favor and attention. Is it possible then that I should answer others and leave thee disappointed? God forbid! Thou art an old and true believer; in faith thou hast attained precedence; thou art constantly engaged in servitude; with an eloquent tongue thou art teaching the Cause of God; thou hast become the cause of faith in others; whenever thou findest an opportunity thou dost travel and visit the believers, disseminating the fragrances of God; thou hast a soul full of glad-tidings and hast an enlightened and clear heart. I have a great attachment for thee; how is it possible then that I should disappoint thee?

I pray and supplicate God and ask for favor and help for thee. I am very desirous to behold thy face.

Convey to all the beloved of God the utmost longing on the part of Abdul-Baha.

“O Lord! O Beloved!...”

O Lord! O Beloved!

The truthful servant, Mr. ........, abandoned home, left his native land and crossed the great ocean until he reached the shore of the Holy Land and arrived at the Blessed Spot. He laid his head upon the threshold of the sacred dust; he implored and supplicated the Gateway of Unity and sought confirmation and strength.

Now he is returning to his native clime to serve and to spread the fragrances of the Holy Spirit.

O Lord! Confirm him, aid and strengthen him through the hosts of the Kingdom, so that he may become the cause of the spread of the Word of God, the cause of joy and happiness to the friends and the means of awakening the negligent. Thou art the Mighty and Powerful and Thou art the Precious, the Almighty, the Wise!

O thou truthful servant of the Beauty of Abha! With a power of the Kingdom, a divine attraction and a spiritual breath, return thou to that land; fill to overflowing the lives and hearts with the wine of the love of God; be the cause of joy to all and the means of unity and agreement to all; because through unity and agreement do the beloved of God hoist the standard, shine with the light of the love of God and are tender to one another.

This is the attitude of the beloved of God and this is the example and life of the sons of the Kingdom of God.

“O thou herald of the Kingdom!...”

O thou herald of the Kingdom!

Thank God that thou didst come to the holy shrine, put thy head upon the holy dust, reached the gathering-place of the spiritual ones, became a member of the assembly of the Merciful, found friendship with Abdul-Baha and with the utmost love and joy spent a few days there. Then thou didst receive permission to return so that thou mayest serve the Kingdom on the continent of America and show (to the people) the way to heaven and lead them toward the Lord of Hosts. I hope that, with a divine strength and a godlike personality, with a heavenly guidance, with a divine attraction and with a spiritual zeal, thou wilt educate the people.

O thou, the firm one in the Covenant! Give my respectful greeting to thy honored wife and say to her from me: “The Jewish people were expecting the manifestation of Jesus and were at the same time attracted to Moses. When His Holiness Christ appeared, they (the Jewish people) thought that holy personality intended to take away the eternal honor of Moses. Moses, in the eye of Israel, had no equal. Now, these had never thought that a greater than him (Moses) would appear. So this way of thinking became the cause of their being kept away from the Light of Christ and they were prevented from the precious things of the Holy Spirit, notwithstanding the fact that the greatest friend of Moses was Christ and He made His Holiness Moses great in the eye of the world and made Him to be glorious in the contingent world; whereas, even now, Israel (that is, the Jews) deny His Holiness, the promised Christ, and count Him to be an enemy of His Holiness Moses and of Aaron and David; and they were kept away from the bounties of Christ. They think that no other great person like Moses could ever come upon the earth and if such a person should be sent (by God), he must come under the shadow of His Holiness Moses and promulgate the law of the Torah. This negligence on the part of the Jews became the cause of keeping away a multitude from the heavenly bounties and from the beneficence of the Holy Spirit for nineteen-hundred years.

“The Sun is ever the same, but the place whence the Sun hath appeared hath changed. Then, at Christ’s time, it appeared in the sign of Aquarius, but not it hath manifested itself from the sign of Cancer. These signs are just for an illustration. The sun is the same sun, no matter from what sign it may manifest itself or from what spot it may arise. Thou must look at the Sun; do not become veiled by the places from which the Sun appears.”

O Mr. ........! Likewise instruct and give my love to thy dear son and say: “O dear one of Abdul-Baha! Be the son of thy father and be the fruit of that tree. Be a son that hath been born of his soul and heart and not only of the water and clay. A real son is such an one as hath branches from the spiritual part of a man. I ask God that thou mayest be at all times confirmed and strengthened.”

O thou servant of Baha’! Thou hast asked regarding the political affairs. In the United States it is necessary that the citizens shall take part in elections. This is a necessary matter and no excuse from it is possible. My object in telling the believers that they should not interfere in the affairs of government is this: That they should not make any trouble and that they should not move against the opinion of the government, but obedience to the laws and the administration of the commonwealth is necessary. Now, as the government of America is a republican form of government, it is necessary that all the citizens shall take part in the elections of officers and take part in the affairs of the republic.

O thou firm one in the Covenant! We give thee Thahbet (the Firm) for a name, so that this name be an example of firmness and in the future thou mayest, even more than before, be confirmed in service, and upon thee be El-Baha-el-Abha!

“O thou Thahbet (Firm) in the Covenant!...”

O thou Thahbet (Firm) in the Covenant!

Thy letter was received. It indicated firmness and steadfastness; therefore, it gave me joy and gladness.

Today the greatest of all affairs in the Cause is firmness and steadfastness. A tree will not give fruit unless it be firmly rooted. A foundation will not last unless it be firm. There is nothing in this world of man greater than firmness. A soul who is firm will become a son of the Kingdom of God and will be confirmed with the power of the Holy Spirit.

For this reason I have named thee Thahbet (meaning firmness) and I ask the True One and supplicate Him that thou shalt remain firm in the Cause of God as an unshakable mountain and that the whirlwinds of test shall never have any effect upon thee; nay, rather that thou shalt be the cause of the firmness of others.

With me thou art beloved and I ask God that thou mayest become the lighthouse of guidance in those regions and that thou mayest shine with the lights of oneness in this world of man.

“O thou who art firm in the Covenant!...”

O thou who art firm in the Covenant!

The letter, which thou hast written to his honor Mirza ........, was considered.

Be thou happy! Be thou happy! that thou hast put aside rest and composure; that thou hast traveled through and visited different states and endured innumerable inconveniences so that thou might diffuse the fragrances of mysteries and perfume the nostrils of the spiritual ones. When thou wert engaged in the service of the Cause, thou wert my partner in all trials and difficulties. Thou hast been my associate and companion and both of us were intoxicated and exhilarated with the wine of the love of god.

Praise be to God that thou hast been confirmed in the service and I have likewise been assisted in visiting the Holy Threshold. In one day144 the world hath become another world and the chains and manacles of prison and incarceration have been broken to pieces, and Abdul-Baha hath attained to the meeting of the Holy Threshold.

Although in prison, I have experienced the utmost joy and fragrance, the heart was attracted, the spirit rejoiced, the eyes turned toward the Kingdom of God and the tongue mentioning the Name of the True One and displaying the utmost effort and endeavor in the promotion of the Word of God and the diffusion of the fragrances of God; yet, under all difficulties, there have been no shortcomings, nor hath there been any lack of enthusiasm. The call hath been raised uninterruptedly and the fragrances of holiness have been diffused through all regions and empires.

In the meeting that had been organised in Los Angeles the rays of the Sun of Truth shone forth, making it an assembly of illumination. The house of Mr. and Mrs. ........ became the nest and shelter of the birds of the Kingdom, and the house of Mrs. ......... and the residence of Miss ........ in Pasadena became the gathering-place of the Merciful and the rose-garden of realities and significances. I supplicate from the bounty and favor of His Holiness the Almighty to assist those holy souls by the invisible confirmations and that they be helped by the providence and grace of His Highness the One.

Convey on my behalf longing greeting to the brother of Mr. ........ and say: “Praise God that thou hast followed in the footsteps of thy respected brother, associated with him and become his confidant.”

Likewise announce my longing greeting to the assemblies of Oakland and San Francisco. The houses of Mrs. ........ and Mrs. ........ have become the place of reading the divine verses and the nests of the nightingales of the heavenly orchard. A sweet fragrance hath reached the spirit and soul from those assemblies.

Praise be to God, that in all cities the believers have met thee with the utmost attraction and thy shining face and joyful disposition became the cause of the enkindlement of the fire of their souls and hearts. Undoubtedly thou shalt also make a trip to Green Acre.

The utmost joy was produced by the news of the purchase of the ground for the erection of the Temple. I hope that ere long they may lay the foundation.

Deliver on my behalf divine glad-tidings to the assemblies in Seattle, the members of the houses of Mrs. ........ and Mrs. ........ and the assemblies in Portland and Denver and say: “O ye sons and daughters of the Kingdom! Be ye thankful that although the light of guidance hath dawned from the East, yet, praise be to God, it illuminated both the East and the West! In order that glorification and thanks may be shown for these bounties, the words and actions must be in accordance with the advices and behests of His Highness Baha’o’llah. Thanks does not depend upon words but upon deeds!”

“O ye beloved of God and His sincere friends!...”

O ye145 beloved of God and His sincere friends!

By the life of God! The hearts are cheered whenever you are mentioned, the souls are comforted in your love, the holy spirits are captivated by your fragrance, the eyes are expecting to see you and the hearts are longing to meet you, owing to the fact that your hearts were kindled with the fire of the love of God, your ears were charmed by hearing the Word of God and your souls were rested in the appearance of the mysteries of God.

Blessed are ye, O children of the Kingdom of God! Glad-tidings to ye, O friends of God! as He hath made your destiny great and your share victory and happiness, your lamps lighted and your spring to yield supply!

Ye are the most brilliant stars! Ye are the most dazzling lamps! Ye are the green branches! Ye are the ripe fruits! Ye are the beautiful gardens! Ye are the overflowing bowls!

God is merciful and compassionate! His bounty is great and great! He appropriateth by His mercy those whom He liketh and chooseth for His love those of whom He approveth. This is in accordance with what Christ said: “Many are called, but few chosen.”

God maketh your endeavor praiseworthy, your reward great and your days in El-Baha feasts and pleasures, because of your casting away the imaginary god and accepting the Knowable, for [your] discarding every evil spirit, craving for the witnessed Light and for turning your faces to the Exalted Position.

God will show forth your endeavor, increase your spirit and fragrance, perfume the different directions with your perfume, enlighten the horizon with your light and quicken the hearts with that which is treasured within you; will cheer the souls with what you have accomplished and cause the verses of thankfulness to be recited in all places; the banner in remembrance of you to wave through all the ages; your fame and praise to encircle the horizon and the tongues to speak of your virtues and good endeavors.

By the living Truth! That bounty is great and great and the Lord is supreme in majesty! The confirmation is successive and success is continuous, and the kindness of your God, the Merciful, the Compassionate, will surround you from all sides.

“O ye sincere ones! O ye firm ones! O ye heralds of...”

O ye146 sincere ones! O ye firm ones! O ye heralds of the Kingdom of God!

Fly away with joy! Flutter in the open of the Kingdom! Spread the wings of sanctity in those districts and lands, so that the shadow of the King of the Kingdom may be stretched over those climes and the fragrances of God be diffused in those tracts and in those vast and extensive regions.

By the Lord of the Kingdom! If one arise to promote the Word of God with a pure heart, overflowing with the love of God and severed from the world, the Lord of Hosts will assist him with such a power as will penetrate the core of the existent beings.

As to ye, be rejoiced, O ye children of the Kingdom of God! Your faces will surely become illuminated, your brows shining, your breasts dilated with an abundant bounty and refreshed with a rain pouring from the clouds of the gift of God. You will find yourselves as souls for the temple of the contingent world and as arteries pulsating in the body of the universe. Your faces will shine with the light of favor throughout all environments.

Make your feet firm; withstand the creeds (or multitudes); chant the Book; and explain mysteries through an inspiration on the part of your Exalted Lord, the possessor of glory and honor!

“O ye two revered persons, ye servants in the vineyard...”

O ye two147 revered persons, ye servants in the vineyard of God!

Verily, I read your letter and was informed of its contents filled with spiritual attractions and thanked God—glorified is He!—for His grace and His merciful bestowals.

It behooveth you to be the first assistant to the Word of God, the first servant of the Cause of God and the first one to withstand the spreaders (of false rumors) who say that which they know not, who calumniate God, well knowing that they are calumniators and that they, themselves, have contrived the thing for their own sakes, and evil is that which they do.

Remember what the Pharisees published concerning Jesus, attributed to Him and said about Him and how they oppressed Him until they paraded Him in Jerusalem in such a form as made the angels of sanctity to weep in the Sublime Kingdom. They put on His head a crown of thistles; nay, more, they cast dust in His face—into a face whereby the heaven and the earth is illuminated! They turned their backs upon Him, then bowed and said: “Peace be unto thee, O King of kings! Peace be unto thee, O King of the Jews!”

Of the same class are the Pharisees and priests in this manifest day. “Leave them to amuse themselves with their vain discourse.” They are as people deluded by their temptations and are isolated from the gifts of your Lord, the Clement, the Merciful. “They are deaf, dumb and blind; therefore, they will not understand.”

Verily, I, through the grace of my Lord, have never heeded these souls, even to reading their articles, inasmuch as their articles signify no other than the buzzing of flies to the hearing of an eagle, or the croaking of a frog of the material world to the ears of the leviathan of the sea of the Kingdom. Is it to be considered as anything? No, by no means! Verily, the eagle soareth high in the supreme apex while the flies rumble in the lowest rubbish.

But it is incumbent upon you to block them up as a stone with decisive arguments before which heads are bowed and voices are made humble. God will strengthen you therein. You will surely find these Pharisees in manifest loss. Can one ever prevent the waves of the sea of the Lofty One from rolling? Or is it possible for me to restrain the fragrances of sanctity from diffusion? Or can one withhold the sun from casting its rays to all regions? No, by no means! Nay, rather such souls make the table sent down from heaven unlawful unto themselves.

How is the bat to be compared with the most great orb which bestows bounty upon all regions! How is the gnat to be compared with the eagle soaring in the spacious firmament! How are the Caiaphas and Annas to be compared with the Christ mounted on the clouds with great power and glory!

Thank God that He hath opened your insight to the Light which is shining from the Supreme Concourse and caused you to witness His most mighty signs. By my life! the hearts of the people of Baha’ are cheered with such gifts!

“O ye sincere, O ye firm and steadfast in the Testament...”

O ye148 sincere, O ye firm and steadfast in the Testament of God!

I have read your letter signed by you, which shows your steadfastness and firmness in the Covenant of God and His Testament, which was confirmed by the trace of His Supreme Pen149, the greatness of which hath been divulged in all the regions, entered the palaces of kings of which both rulers and subjects have been informed, and no human being could ever deny it, even he who turns away and backslides. It came to the imagination of some children that they are able to abolish this Covenant, the like of which was not known in the early centuries and the heavenly ages of the past; and they shall see themselves in evident loss!

But as to you, O ye firm and steadfast, be straightforward in the Cause of God, let your feet be firm in the Religion of God, and arise with every effort within your power to render victorious the Covenant of God. By God, the Truth, you will be assisted by a numerous army, and re-inforced by a cohort of the angels of God. Pay not the slightest attention to that which is said by these children, for their statements and sayings are nothing but confused dreams.

The Star of the Covenant shall shine intensely upon all horizons and regions, and the violators will be as bats hiding themselves in dark holes! It is enough humiliation and abasement to them that they have violated the Covenant of God and contradicted the Appointed Center, and desired to demolish this solid edifice—which, alas, could not be! By God, they did not demolish but their own edifice, did not shake but their own foundations, and did not scatter but their own union, and to them shall come the news of what they have done!

But as to you, O ye beloved of God, strengthen yourselves by every effort and arise to serve the Cause of God, for verily the Holy Spirit will confirm you by the breaths of the True One in all cases and under all circumstances!

“O thou who art firm in the Covenant!...”

O thou150 who art firm in the Covenant!

***The prison is like a paradise to Abdul-Baha, the depth of the well is as the height of the moon—such is my desire in the Path of the Blessed Beauty! Were it not for the chain, sword and affliction, how should the people of faithfulness be distinguished from the people of hatred? Nay, otherwise, they would seem as one. This wound cannot be remedied save by a host of calamities, and this illness cannot be cured except by the cup of affliction.

I ask God that I may not repose for a moment, but that, night and day, in the love of the Blessed Beauty151—may my spirit be a sacrifice to Him!—I may drink from the rosy cup of the blood of the heart.

With every breath do I desire to perceive thousands of afflictions approaching me from every inhuman one; at one time, to rest in the bottom of a dungeon; at another, to repose on the chain; and, ultimately, by the favor and providence of the Blessed Perfection, to roll my face and hair in my blood.

Therefore, their invitation152 was not accepted because they invited departure to that region. Lately, that general letter was requested from persia, and it was sent thereto.***

“O ye friends of God and daughters of the Kingdom!...”

O ye153 friends of God and daughters of the Kingdom!

The letter you have written was considered. It caused abundant spirit and fragrance. It was not a letter, it was a rose-garden. The fragrances of the flowers of significances were exhaling from that garden and perfumed the nostrils. It was a proof of unity and oneness and an evidence of love and freedom.

I became very happy through reading it. I hope that this love and unity may increase day by day, and its effects may reach other regions. The purpose of the coming of the Manifestation of the Mount is the unification of the world of humanity. Therefore, the friends of God and the daughters of the Kingdom must serve this purpose and become the cause of joy to the heart of Abdul-Baha. Thus can they bring together under the protection of the Tent of Oneness the other nations and peoples; make this gloomy world radiant, this mundane earth a plane of the Kingdom, and the material world the manifestation of divine signs.

O ye friends and daughters of the Kingdom and leaves of the Blessed Tree! Endeavor to make that continent the Paradise of Abha, and the West the East of Lights. This is the hope of Abdul-Baha.

“O ye dwellers of the Kingdom!...”

O ye154 dwellers of the Kingdom!

Thank ye God that ye have turned your faces toward the Kingdom of Abha, and are yearning for the outpouring of the Exalted Realm. Ye are accepted in the Threshold of the True One and are chosen by the Most Great Guidance!

Ye have asked regarding the word of the “Ransomed Ones”. The mystery of “Ransom” (or Sacrifice) is a most great subject and is inexhaustible.

Briefly it is as follows: The moth is a sacrifice to the candle. The spring is a sacrifice to the thirsty one. The sincere lover is a sacrifice to the loved one and the longing one is a sacrifice to the beloved. The point lies in this: He must wholly forget himself, become a wanderer (in the Abode of the Beloved) enamoured with His Tresses. He must consign to oblivion the body and soul, the life, comfort and existence. He must seek the good pleasure of the True One; desire the Face of the True One; and walk in the Path of the True One. He must become intoxicated with His Cup, resigned in His Hand and close the eyes to life and living, in order that he may shine like unto the Light of Truth from the Horizon of Eternity. This is the first station of sacrifice.

The second station of sacrifice is as follows: Man must become severed from the human world, be delivered from the contingent gloominess, the illumination of mercifulness must shine and radiate in him, the nether world become as non-existent and the Kingdom become manifest. He must become like unto the iron thrown within the furnace of fire. The qualities of iron, such as blackness, coldness and solidity which belong to the earth disappear and vanish while the characteristics of fire, such as redness, glowing and heat, which belong to the Kingdom become apparent and visible. Therefore, iron hath sacrificed its qualities and grades to the fire, acquiring the virtues of that element.

Likewise, when the souls are released from the fetters of the world, the imperfections of mankind and that animalistic darkness, and have stepped into the Realm of Abstraction, have partaken a share from the outpouring of the Placeless and have acquired lordly perfections, they are the “ransomed ones” (or the martyrs) of the Sun of Truth, who are hastening to the altar of heart and soul.

“O Thou Pure God!...”

O Thou Pure God!155

Gaze providently at the beloved ones and the dear maid-servants in Chicago. Confer upon them Thy bounty and grace. Teach them the law of the Kingdom, burn away the veil of material superstition and light the candle of Thy love in their hearts!

O God! The clay (or being) of these servants is kneaded with the water of fidelity and the nature of these maid-servants is adorned with love! They believe and are assured. they are firm and steadfast; they are kneeling and worshipping; they are uttering (the Words) and are informed. Render them confirmed and victorious with the hosts of strength. Aid and gladden them through the angels of the Kingdom of Abha! At every moment reveal a new power to them and with every breath confer a great bounty. Thus with a heavenly power, divine strength, merciful fragrance, supreme light, and conscious attraction, may they arise to serve Thee, to perfume the East and the West with the fragrances of holiness, establish the universal peace, promulgate integrity and honesty, to adore the truth, become a means of life to the people of the world, a cause of comfort and rest to them; to help the spiritual meeting, to serve the gathering of the Lord, to send well-informed souls (teachers) to other regions and climes, to be self-sacrificing with life and heart, to build the Mashrak-el-Azcar, to raise the anthem of sanctity to the Supreme Kingdom, to live in perfect love with one another; nay, rather, to be the cause of rest ot whole world, to adorn the realm of creation, to destroy the edifice of jealousy and envy and to establish the law of love and unity, to be truthful servants of mankind and conscientious well-wishers of the human race!

O God! Thou art the Able, the Powerful! Thou are the Confirmer and the Helper in all conditions and circumstances!

“O thou whose breast is dilated (with joy) for the Kingdom...”

O thou whose breast is dilated (with joy) for the Kingdom of Truth!

Verily I read thy letter which showed that thine inner heart is attracted to the Beauty of God and that thou hast entered the Kingdom of God. I beg of god to make thy feet firm in this right path and to protect thee from violent tests and form calumnies on the part of every woman who hath, like unto Judas Iscariot, turned away from the True One and who hath withdrawn herself and is deprived of the mercy of God.

As to thee, O maid-servant of God! Blessed art thou, for thou hast dealt with people in goodness and good favor. Do not seek from them any reward whatever, but seek all grace and beneficence from thy Lord, and even deal with the people of great oppression in faithfulness, for as much as this is becoming of the people of Baha’.

“O thou maid-servant of God!...”

O thou maid-servant of God!

The letter that thou hast written, through his honor Mr. ........, was received. In reality, there is no happiness in the world of existence for men except in the splendors of the Light of the Kingdom.

Thou has written concerning the acceptance (of this Cause) by some French people. Make an effort in order that some firm and steadfast souls may arise in this great Cause from France, and to make that jungle a garden of God.

Be assured in the favor and grace of God, for each maid-servant of God who ariseth to serve the Kingdom will undoubtedly be confirmed.

“O thou who art honored and dear!...”

O thou who art honored and dear!

Thy letter was received and was the source of pleasure, for thou hast not forgotten this imprisoned one and remembered Acca. Although thy days here were few, as they were pleasant, they will count as years; a real intimacy between thee and all the family was formed which will not be forgotten in the passing of the years.

I desire of God that thou wilt be heavenly, angelic and spiritual; and as a torch, become illumined with the love of God in the kingdom of existence.

In regard to the question thou askest about the picture of this oppressed one, say that it was much spread in America: Know that this imprisoned one never had a picture taken except in youth, and that one also on account of the command and will of Baha’o’llah, I merely consented so as to obey His command. Therefore I do not like it to be great spread.

I desire of God, that the traces of the spiritual likeness, which are attributes and qualities, will remain eternally.

“O thou who art attracted to the Spirit of Truth!...”

O thou who art attracted to the Spirit of Truth!

In whatsoever matter man wisheth to engage, he must first acquire some capability and make provisions and preparations therefor. In this day, whatever soul intendeth to raise the voice of the Kingdom, and to draw people under the Tree of Life in the ideal paradise, and to invite them to eternal life, must first be delivered from all attachments, must even shut his eyes to rest, quietude and to the mortal life of this world.

I hope thou hast abandoned all such (mortal) things, and when thou hast attained to this great bounty, that is, when thou art delivered from the attachments of this mortal world, and hast intended to endure all calamities in the path ofGod—in such wise that reproaches on the part of the enemy will seem to thee as praise and glorification, and the blame of the people of hatred will appear like unto admiration and applause, and the bitterness of afflictions will taste as the honey of favor and all hardships be as sweetness—then canst thou step into the path of the Kingdom and become the herald of God.

Consequently, do thou show a steadfast and firm footing in this station, engage in guiding the people and call them unto the Kingdom; then wilt thou find how the divine magnet—the power of the Word of God—will attract the hearts and bestow ecstasy and enthusiasm upon souls!

When thou reachest this station there shall remain no obstacles and no veil shall intervene, and all that is thy highest wish shall be realized.

Send my greeting to Miss ........ . I hope she may be wholly attracted to the Kingdom of God.

As to the book that thou intendest to write: When thou hast written it (or if you write it), send it to the Holy Land (i.e., Acca) to be seen (or examined) so that thou mayest publish it afterward.

“O thou dear maid-servant of God!...”

O thou dear maid-servant of God!

Thy letter was received. Thy faith and certainty became evident. Happy is thy condition, that in such a day thou hast opened thine eyes and beheld the light of the Sun of Reality.

Convey reverential greetings to the believing maid-servant of God ........ and say: “Be not grieved and bear the ordeal from thy husband. The meeting of the beloved of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful take the place of his ignorance. I hope that they may be the cause of joy and happiness to thee.”

“O thou who art advancing to the Kingdom of God!...”

O thou who art advancing to the Kingdom of God!

What thou hast written became evident and what thou hast heard from Mirza ........ regarding the necessity of many teachers in America, is true. I have said so. Indeed, there is need of a thousand teachers, each one severed from the world, attracted by the Holy Spirit in the Supreme Concourse and joyful through the Kingdom of God and in perfect sanctity, holiness and sufficiency.

This matter of teachers requires the greatest condition; that is, they should never stain themselves with the world, they should not look for the least pecuniary reward from any soul; nay, rather they should bear the utmost poverty and with the perfect wealth of nature156, through the bounty of God, may they associate with the people. They should seek no reward nor recompense. Freely have they received, freely should they give. His Holiness Christ sayeth: “When ye leave the city, clean off from your shoes the dust thereof.” The holiness of the teachers must reach this degree. Thus may they utter with eloquence, while in ecstasy and great joy, and guide the people to the manifest light.

If this be the endeavor, strive with life and heart and guide the people to he Kingdom of God, lead them to the straight pathway, inform them of the greatness and magnitude of this Cause and give them the glad-tidings through the bounty of divine providence and the revelation of the Sun of Truth in this great age.

Convey my greeting to the advancing maid-servant of God [thy wife], and say to her: “O maid-servant of God! Seek whilst thou canst the life eternal and wish for everlasting glory in the divine world.”

Embrace twice thy children, and give my greeting to the maid-servant of God, thy mother.

thy name is Joseph. Let thy title be Bahai.

“O thou child of the Kingdom and firm in the Covenant!...”

O thou child of the Kingdom and firm in the Covenant!

Thy letter, through his honor Mirza ........, was received and thy former letters also became acceptable and through the contents of those writings utmost joy and fragrance was produced, for they all evinced faith, assurance and firmness in the Covenant.

In this day the most vital and momentous matter is steadfastness in the love of the Manifestor of Light on the Mount of Sinai and endurance of ordeals and unaccountable calamities in this Cause.

Ere long the seditious people shall arise in that country to deride the righteous ones and to ridicule the holy ones. Every day they will cast ignominy and at every moment they will present great persecution. They shall revile the friends for the sake of the love of Baha; and bring down upon them contempt and sarcasm; neither do they fall short in creating torture.

This is the custom and sentence of the people of bygone ages. Undoubtedly these things must transpire in these days even with a greater intensity.

That is why His Holiness the Christ sayeth: “Everything which hath happened in the cycles of the former prophets will certainly occur again in these days.” Consider ye! What calumny, slander, cruelty and oppression were brought down upon the apostles by the Israelites for the sake of faith and assurance! They unlocked the hands of pillage, persecuted and tortured those sanctified souls. Therefore, there is no doubt but that you will become afflicted with trial, calamity and oppression in the path of the Beauty of Abha. These trials are the essence of bestowal and pure bounty and the proofs of your acceptance in the Threshold of Oneness. Consequently, when the fire of trials is ignited, celebrate ye in joy, dance with overflowing emotions and be ye happy that—praise be to God!—ye have become the target of contempt in the path of the Beauty of Abha and are hated by the people of passion and desire.

Thy services in the highway of the Kingdom are accepted, thy toleration of the troubles is known and manifest and thy eloquent speeches in the assemblies of believers are heard and appreciated. I hope that through these services thou mayest become the manifestor of the favors of the Lord of the Kingdom and recipient of the merciful glances of His Highness the Magnificent and the Compassionate.

“O thou speaker in the remembrance of God!...”

O thou speaker in the remembrance of God!

Verily I say unto thee, O servant of God! The earth and what is therein are imaginations or reflections in mirrors or shades; but the bounty of the Kingdom and the gifts of the invisible world are the thoughts of the Merciful One, and the lordly radiances are immortal and constant and unending. Thou must depend upon these! Thou must depend unto these! Thou must depend upon these!

Be assured with the true assurance that, verily, dependence upon the Covenant of God is surrounded from all directions by those gifts and the angel hosts assist it on the right hand and on the left hand, and the power of the Holy spirit strengthens it in all circumstances and meets it with signs of splendor in the horizons.

Therefore, confirm the wavering minds in the path of God, and the feeble souls with the love of God.

“O thou pure soul who art kindled by the fire of the love...”

O thou pure soul who art kindled by the fire of the love of Baha’!

By God, the True One! thy letter created joy and happiness within hearts, because it was speaking the praise of Baha’ and contained words which showed thy attraction to the light of the Beauty of El-Baha.

Blessed art thou and blessed is thy heart which is longing for the Kingdom of El-Baha, and that thou art hoping to serve Baha’ in His great vineyard and in His wonderful garden!

I beg of God to favor thee with a power which may encourage thee to promulgate the Truth and guide the father and sister to the right path. I beg Him to make thee a herald, in His name, in those regions.

Have resignation and devotion and attraction and make thy heart empty of aught else save the love of Baha’. This is the state which was coveted by the near ones and this is a position which was longed for by the holy souls.

“O thou who hast turned thy face toward the Kingdom...”

O thou who hast turned thy face toward the Kingdom of God!

I supplicate God that thou mayest become like unto Peter, the “Rock”—unshaken, immovable and strong; be assisted by heavenly confirmation; be helped to the service of the Cause of God, opening thy tongue to teach the divine instructions, and living and walking according to the laws of the Book of Akdas157 .

Thou hast asked permission to come to our presence: These days are very difficult. God willing, it will be brought about in the future. I pray to God that thou mayest enter into such a state that presence and absence may become equal in thine understanding.

“O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!

Thy letter *** was received. Its contents were of the utmost grace, for it indicated that thou hast become a heavenly, spiritual Bahai; that is, thou hast found the attractions of heart and art aspiring to associate with the Holy Fragrances.

Peter, who was the Rock (of the Christian dispensation), was firm and solid; but, in the moment of Christ’s deliverance, that Rock quaked a little, until the crowing of the cock was raised. I hope that thou wilt become, in steadfastness, so firm and so solid that thousands of deliverances would not cause thee to tremble.

This is the New Spirit and the uninterrupted assistance. When this is attained, the language will become eloquent and the utterance penetrating.

“O thou who hast approached the Kingdom of God and...”

O thou who hast approached the Kingdom of God and hast looked toward the Center of the Covenant!

Verily, thy namesake, the faithful Joseph, fell surely into grievous distress through the jealousy of his brethren, who dishonored him; nay, outraged him, and cast him behind their backs and threw him in a dark well; they sold him for a paltry price—for a few pence—returning to their father at eve weeping, and, with his shirt stained with false blood, they slandered the wolf who was free from blame. The same shall also appear from these violators. Then interpret this vision: How the conduct of these former evil-doers agreeth with the course of the succeeding followers of the great darkness!

Verily, thou who art called by this honorable name, desire to have a portion in its great successes, to become a cherished one in the Egypt of the love of God, to possess qualities free from all evil and to become the source of good deeds.

God assisteth whomsoever He pleaseth with that which He pleaseth. Verily He is the Mighty and Powerful!

“O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!

Verily, I received thy letter which spoke of thy extreme love for God, thy being occupied in the commemoration of God and thy joy in the Spirit of God.

Verily, I supplicate God to enkindle in thy heart the fire of His love; and enkindlement the light of which shall affect all regions, so that thy face may become illumined by the lights of the Spirit and [give forth] fragrance in the world of possibility. Arise for the service of the Cause of God in those countries which are vast and spacious, and sing, warbling beautiful melodies in the Name of thy Lord, the Supreme.

I saw thy photograph among the photographs of the friends, witnessed the light of guidance glistening in thy face and asked aid and strength for thee in this great day.

The most important matter in this day is the spreading of the fragrances of God in those cities. Verily, confirmation will surround thee from all sides.

This matter is equivalent to thy presence in these regions. Now presence is not allowable for a certain wisdom which God shall manifest in future time.

“Verily I approach Thee, O my God, in the darkest hour...”

Verily I approach Thee, O my God, in the darkest hour of this dark night, and pray Thee with my inmost heart, while I am moving by Thy fragrances, which are being diffused from Thy Kingdom of Abha, and say158 :

O my Lord, I have not words enough to praise Thee, nor can the birds of meditation ever ascend to the Kingdom of Thy sanctity. Thou art, in Thine entity, sanctified from every praise and commendation, and art purified, in Thyself, from the thanksgiving of the people of emanation. Thou hast been eternally in the sanctity of Thyself exalted beyond the comprehension of the knowing among the Supreme Concourse, and Thou shalt be permanently in the purity of Thine essence, incomprehensible beyond the knowledge of the praisers among the dwellers in the exalted Realm of Might!

O my God, O my God, because of Thine incomprehensibility, how can I ever mention Thee by any praise, or glorify Thee by any commendation! Thou art, O my God, exalted and sanctified from all praises and glorification, O Thou, my beloved!

O my God, O my God, have pity on my impotence, my abasement, my indigence, my shame, and my humility. Give me the cup of Thy forgiveness and Thy gift, move me by the breath of Thy love, dilate my breast by the light of Thy knowledge, purify my person by the mysteries of Thy singleness, and quicken me through the breezes of the garden of Thy mercy so that I may sever myself from all beside Thee, lay hold of the hem of the mantle of Thy majesty, forget aught else save Thee, be associated with the fragrance of Thy days, be enabled to continue faithful in the threshold of Thy sanctity and stand up in the service of Thy Cause, be submissive and lowly before Thy beloved ones and to account myself as nothing in the presence of Thy chosen ones. Verily, Thou art the Helper, the Assister, the Exalted, the Generous!

O my God, O my God, I beg of Thee, by the effulgence of the light of Thy countenance, whereby all the regions of the world are illumined; by the glances of the eye of Thy mercy, which comprehends all things; by the billows of the sea of Thy favor, wherewith all parts are overflowing; by the rains from the clouds of Thy gift, which are falling upon the essence of the created beings; by the radiance of Thy mercy, which overpowers existence—to strengthen Thy chosen ones to faithfulness, to enable Thy beloved ones to serve Thine exalted Threshold, to encircle them through the hosts of Thy power, which have encompassed all things, and to assist them through Thy numerous armies from the Supreme Concourse.

O my God, these are lowly souls in Thy doorway and poor ones before Thy court, humbly seeking Thy grace and in need of Thy confirmation, turning toward the Kingdom of Thy Singleness, and yearning for the bounties of Thy gift. O my Lord, refine their consciences through the lights of Thy sanctity, and purify their hearts through the gift of Thy confirmation, dilate their breasts through the fragrances of joy and happiness, which are being diffused from Thy Supreme Concourse, and illumine their sight by witnessing Thy chief signs. Make them signs of sanctity and standards of purity waving on the apex of the contingent world, unto all creatures; so that their words may take effect in the hearts though they are even as flint. May they stand up to serve Thee, to devote themselves unto the Kingdom of Thy divinity, to turn unto the realm of the might of Thy self-subsistence, to spread Thy signs, to become illumined through Thy lights, to unfold Thy mysteries, to direct Th servants unto the running water, and the fountain of Tassnime159 which is gushing and springing out in the midst of the paradise of Thy singleness; to unfold the sail of devotion on board the Ark of Deliverance and sail on the sea of Thy knowledge, to spread the wings of unity and soar up towards the kingdom of Thy Singleness, to become servants whom the Supreme Concourse may commend, and whom the people of Thy Kingdom of Abha may praise, to hear the invisible heralds who announce the chief glad-tidings; to pray Thee at the dawn with with most wonderful invocations, while yearning after Thy visit—O my mighty Lord!—to weep every morn and eve, longing for the entrance into the shadow of Thy great mercy!

O my Lord, assist them in all cases, and help them under all circumstances, through the angels of Thy sanctity, who are Thine invisible hosts, and overwhelm all the armies of the inferior concourse. Verily, Thou art the Powerful, the Omnipotent, the Comprehending, and Thou art the Almighty!

O pure God, O loving God! We are wandering around Thy abode and longing for the gift of Thy meeting, and are loving Thy characteristics. We are helpless, humble, lowly, and weak; confer Thy mercy upon us, favor us with Thy gifts, overlook our shortcomings, and conceal our endless faults. We are Thine, whatever we might be (good or bad), and whatever we may say or hear is but Thy commendation. We seek but Thy face, and we search but Thy path. Thou art the loving God, while we are but sinners and love Thee passionately. O Thou Cloud of Mercy (shower upon us) a few drops! O Flower-garden of Favor (send to us) some fragrances! O Sea of Gifts (flow over us) Thy waves! O Sun of Grace (pour on us) some radiances! Have pity on us, and show us favor. We swear by Thy Beauty that we are full of errors, and we have no deeds, but hopes. Except Thy concealing veil should cover us, and Thy preservation and protection should favor us, these weak souls have not enough power to employ themselves in Thy service, and the indigent ones have not enough wealth to show a rich appearance. Thou art the Powerful, the Mighty!

I beg of Thee to assist them! Do refresh these faded souls with the drops of the cloud of Thy gifts, and do illumine these lowly beings through the effulgences of the sun of Thy Singleness! I pray Thee to cast these thirsty fishes into the sea of Thy mercy; guide their lost caravan unto the asylum of Thy unity; direct these bewildered souls unto the fountain of Thy guidance, and cause these wanderers to abide in the shelter of Thy might. Suffer the thirsty ones to drink from the Salsabil160 of Thy gifts, and quicken the dead by eternal life. Endow the blind with sight, the deaf with hearing, the dumb with speech, the lukewarm with energy, the heedless with mindfulness, the sleepers with wakefulness, and the proud with humility. Verily, Thou art the Powerful, Thou art the Forgiver! Thou art the Loving! Verily, Thou art the Generous, the Most High!

O friends of God, and assistants of this humble servant! When the Sun of Truth shone forth with Hi infinite bounties from the dawning-place of hopes, and the horizon of existence was illuminated through the radiance of sanctity—then He cast forth such splendor whereby the gloomy darkness disappeared! Therefore, the earth became the envy of the celestial world, and the realm of dust was made a scene of the exalted kingdom. Then the fragrances of holiness exhaled, and the sweet odors were diffused. The breeze of the divine spring blew, and the fruitful winds of infinite generosity passed by from the point of favor. The brilliant morning dawned and the glad-tidings of the greatest gift were announced. The divine spring appeared throughout the contingent world. The earth of existence moved and the material world was put in motion. The barren and dried up soil turned into an eternal garden, and the inanimate earth was endowed with eternal life. The flowers and myrtles of knowledge grew, and the fresh herbage of the knowledge of God flourished. The material world showed forth the bounties of the Merciful, and the visible world displayed the scene of the invisible world. The call of God was raised, the divine banquet celebrated, the cup of the Testament was circulated and the universal acclamation was uttered!

Among the people, a multitude became intoxicated with this divine wine—and a multitude were deprived of this great favor. Many a soul enlightened his sight and insight by the radiance of grace, and many were cheered and rejoiced at the melodies of unity. Some birds sang melodies and harmonies, and some nightingales began to warble on the branches of the rose-tree of mercifulness. The Kingdom and the phenomenal world were adorned, and became the envy of the delectable paradise—but, alas—and a thousand times alas!—that the heedless souls are still in the sleep of negligence, and the ignorant are keeping clear of this holy gift. The blind are veiled, the deaf are bereft and the dead despair of attaining to it; just as it is said (in the Koran) “They despair of the life to come, as the infidels despair (of the resurrection of) those who dwell in the graves.”

As to you—O friends of the Merciful!—move your tongues to thank the Loving Lord, and employ yourselves in praising and glorifying the Beauty of the Adored One, for ye were granted the privilege to be exhilarated from this most pure cup, and became full of cheer and attraction from this goblet of wine. Ye have perfumed your nostrils with the fragrances of sanctity, and delighted your senses with the scent of the garment of the Joseph of faithfulness. Ye tasted the honey of devotion from the hand of the Unique Beloved and partook of the eternal table at the feast of the blessing of the Presence of the Unity. This favor is one of the special gifts of the Presence of the Merciful, and this grace and generosity is one of the incomparable gifts of our Loving Lord. this is in accordance with what Christ said: “Many are called, but few chosen.” That is to say, there are many who are invited, but those souls who are signalized with the grace and favor of guidance are but very rare. “This is the bounty of God; He will give the same unto whom He pleaseth; and God is endowed with great bounty.”

O friends of God! the candle of the Testament is surrounded by the hypocritical winds of the people of the world and the nightingale of faithfulness is surprised by the crows of ill-nature—the violators. The mindless birds of night are plotting against the dove of commemoration and the ferocious beasts are prowling after the gazelle of the plain of the love of God. So, He is in great danger and painful affliction.

The beloved of God must be as firm as a mountain, and must not quiver under the most violent shock, nor grieve at the greatest calamities; but must be as a solid foundation. They must cling to the hem of Glory and trust in the Beauty of the Most High. They must lean on the help and assistance of the Ancient Kingdom and confide in the care and protection of the Generous Lord. They must at every instant nourish and refresh themselves with the dew of favor, and in every breath revive and cheer themselves through the waves of the Holy Spirit, raise themselves to serve the Cause of the Supreme, and endeavor their utmost to diffuse the breath of God. they must be as a strongly fortified fortress for the defense of the blessed Cause, and as a well-made fortification for the protection of the hosts of the Pre-existent Beauty. They must in all conditions faithfully guard the edifice of the Cause of God, and be scintillating stars on the horizon of the visible; because the gloomy darkness of all nations prevailed from all directions, and all the creeds of the world are plotting to quench their evident light. Notwithstanding the strenuous opposition of all tribes, how can ye continue heedless thereof? So, ye must be conscious and aware thereof, and be ready to guard and preserve the Cause of the Creator. For this day the most necessary duty is to purify your morals, to correct your manners, and to improve your deeds. The beloved of the Merciful must appear with such morals and habits among the creatures that the fragrant odor of the garden of sanctity may perfume all the horizons and may quicken all the dead souls, because the Manifestation of Divinity and the dawning of the infinite lights of the Invisible is intended for the education of souls and the refinement of the morals of all in existence, so that some blessed souls may be delivered from the gloomy world of brutality and be characterized with attributes which tend to adorn the being of man; that the earthly people may become godlike, the dark ones may become illuminated, the uninstructed ones may become familiar with the mystery of the Kingdom, and the mortal souls may be associated with the Immortal Splendor; the deprived ones may partake of the endless sea, and the ignorant may drink from the living water of knowledge; the savage may give up their ferocity, and the cruel may become forbearing; that the warlike may search after true conciliation and the pitiless savages may be favored with ideal peace; that the degraded may learn about the condition of purity and the soiled ones may attain to the stream of sanctity. If these divine bounties do not appear in the being of men, the bounty of the Divine Manifestation will prove fruitless and the splendor of the Sun of Truth will become without effect.

So, O beloved of God, endeavor with your hearts and souls, that ye may be qualified with the morals and attributes of the Blessed Perfection, and partake of the bounties of His sanctity; that ye may become signs of unity and standards of oneness, discover the essence of singleness and sing harmonies and lays in in this divine garden, in merciful melodies; that ye may become as thankful birds, and sing a song in the rose-garden of existence which may astonish minds and senses; that ye may hoist a standard on the apex of the universe which may flutter in the winds of favor, and plant a tree in the field of the visible world which may bring forth fruits of the utmost delicacy and freshness.

I swear by the Ideal Educator that, if ye act in compliance with the divine exhortations, as revealed in brilliant Tablets, this gloomy earth will become a mirror of the Exalted Kingdom, and the inferior page will display the Kingdom of Abha!

O friends of God! Praise be unto God that the invisible bounties of the Sun of Truth are encompassing you from all directions, and the doors of mercy are opened from all parts. Now is the time to be benefited and filled therewith. Seize the opportunity, and lose not the chance. Keep yourselves entirely clear of the world’s conditions of gloom, and show forth the characters and qualities of divine souls, that ye may consider to what an extent the radiance of the Divine Sun is shining and brilliant, and how the signs of favor are showing forth from the invisible World of Unity.

O friends of God! Praise be unto God that His Imperial Majesty, the Shah, acts with the utmost kindness, and His Highness, the Prime Minister, is practising the greatest fairness and equity towards the people. So, the friends of God must night and day pray for the permanence of the glorious empire, and raise themselves to return thanks to His Majesty for his justice, equity and kindness, because this is one of the indisputable commandments of God, as revealed in all celestial books.

“To the beloved of God in Persia!...”

To the beloved of God in Persia!

O ye dear friends of Abdul-Baha! It is some time since any heart-thrilling melody hath reached the ear of life from certain countries, and life and conscience have not found happiness and joy. Howbeit all are remembered at all times and are indeed present before the sight. For, verily, the chalice of the heart is overflowing with the wine of the love of the friends; and their attachment and the desire to see them flow and circulate in the veins and arteries, even as the spirit.

In this condition it is evident how sad and grieved the heart is. In this storm of ordeal, whose wave hath reached the Supreme Apogee, and the arrow of hate hath come in succession from the six points; with every breath there is bewildering news and every day astonishing signs in the Blessed Spot.

The center of violation161 supposed that through mere pride the foundation of the Covenant and Testament could be destroyed and that the righteous ones would shun and disobey the ordinances of God. Therefore, he spread writings of suspicion to all parts and busied himself with secret plans.

At one time he cried that “The Divine Foundation is overthrown, the law of God is abrogated, therefore the Covenant and Testament of God are annulled!” Again, he moaned and grieved that “We are exiles and captives, hungry and thirsty, night and day!” One day he effected disturbance and commotion, saying, “The Oneness of God is abolished, and the Manifestation, before the lapse of a thousand years, hath appeared!”162

Upon finding that these fictions were not successful, he gradually planned corruptions and caused commotion. He grasped every garment (means); he calumniated to the government and he became acquainted with some of the unfriendly, associated and became confidential with them. Together they compiled a report and presented it to the center of the government, which disturbed the members of the cabinet.

Among their fictitious reports was this: That this oppressed one163 has hoisted the banner of independence; upon that banner he has inscribed “Ya Baha El-Abha!” and circulated it in all this country,164 in the cities and hamlets, even among the tribes in the desert, and that he has summoned them all to assemble under the banner.

O God, verily I seek shelter in Thee from this action which is contrary to the precepts of Baha’, nay, it is a great wrong, committed only by every persistent sinner. For Thou hast enjoined upon us obedience to kings and rulers!

Among the fictions was that the building upon Mt. Carmel was purposed to be a fort, built with perfect solidity and strength, assigned it to be the “illumined city” and made the Holy Tomb, the Sacred Mecca; when in truth that is a building containing six vaults.

Among other fictions was, that he has founded a new monarchy (kingdom) and that he has called all the friends to this great wrong. God forbid; God forbid; God forbid! Praise be to Thee!165—this is a great calumny!—that since the Sacred Tomb166 has become a visiting center for the world, it shall be a great misfortune to the country and to the public! and that the center of violation is not connected with these affairs, nay rather, he is a Suni, Sanavi, Bekri, and Omari.167 That he knows the Blessed Perfection168 to be only one of the reformers among the people, and a follower of the Path, and that these affairs were instituted by this oppressed one.

In short, an inquisitory body was appointed by the center of the great government—may her glory increase! —and was sent to this land, taking up its abode directly in the home of one of the plaintiffs. The parties who joined in compiling the report and who were co-partners of my brother were sent for and questioned regarding the truth of the report. They amplified the contents of the report, explained them, confirmed them and above all added to them. They were the plaintiffs, the witnesses and the judge. Now that body hath returned to the Capital and every day terrible and frightful news is received.

But Abdul-Baha—praise be to God!—is in perfect peace, composure and rest. He is not even disturbed through this calumny and fiction, but rather hath referred all affairs to the pre-ordained decree and in perfect joy and happiness is ready to give up his life, expecting every ordeal.

Praise be to God!—the kind friends of God are also in a state of resignation and submissiveness. All are happy, thankful, joyful, and content. But the center of violation presumed that after the shedding of the blood of this oppressed one, or the throwing of him into the Mediterranean Sea, he will become nameless, traceless and forgotten, and that he [himself] would find an arena to gallop in and could win, with the spear of suspicions and fictions, the object of his hopes and desire. In vain! In vain! If there be no permanence to the fragrance of the musk of faithfulness, will any one be attracted by the vile odor of jealousy? If the deer of God be torn asunder by dogs and wolves, no one will run after the blood-thirsty wolf. If the nightingale of significances end his days, no one will listen to the croaking of the raven, nor to the cawing of the crow. what vain imagination is this, and what an ignorant display! Their actions are like unto a mirage in the desert, which the thirsty imagines to be water, but when he reaches it, finds it to be nothing.

In sooth, O ye friends of God, make firm your feet and heart, make perfect resolve through the power of confirmation of the Blessed Beauty; engage in the service of the Cause of God and withstand the nations and the peoples with the firmness, the solidity and and the steadfastness of the people of Baha’. Thus may others wonder how these hearts are fountains of trust and mines of the love of His Majesty, the Merciful One. Thus may ye remain unshaken by the painful occurrences in the Holy Land, and may remain firm through the disastrous events. If all the friends oppose (the Cause of God) with sword and one remain (firm), he will be the proclaimer of God, a divine herald, and will stand before all upon the earth.

In sooth, you must not mind the events in the Radiant Spot. The Holy Land is ever in danger and the flood of ordeal comes from every side, for the call hath become world-wide and the summons hath spread throughout the earth, and enemies, both the unfamiliar and the familiar, are engaged in their plans, their stratagems and schemes to calumniate; and it is evident that such a place is in danger, for against calumny there is no defence, nay rather, some wandering oppressed souls are imprisoned in a fortress, having no helper, assistant nor shelter from the sword of accusation and the teeth of calumny, save God!

Ye must think of this: How many dear friends have hastened to the divine altar; how many blessed souls have sacrificed life; what holy blood was shed; what pure hearts were drowned in blood; how many breasts were offered as targets for the arrows of malice, and how many sanctified bodies were cut to pieces. What is our duty? To be thinking of our own life and to dissimulate and associate with enemies and friends, or should we also follow the righteous and walk in the footprints of those who are great?

The numbered days (of life) will vanish away, and the present existence disappear. The garden of being will lose its freshness and fragrance, the orchard of mirth will miss its joy and beauty. The spring of life will change into the autumn of death, the joy of happiness of the palaces will change into the gloomy darkness of the grave. Therefore, it is not worth attachment and the wise person will not set his heart thereon. The wise and great man seeketh heavenly glory and divine might, desireth eternal life and seeketh nearness to the Threshold of God.

For in the tavern of the mortal world the bile of the man of God is not removed. He will not rest a moment here and will not stain himself with the attachments of the world. Nay, rather, the friends are the stars of the summit of Providence and the planets of the firmament of Guidance. with perfect strength do they dispel darkness and destroy the foundation of envy and enmity. They wish for the world and its denizens unity and peace; they destroy the basis of war and strife; they seek integrity, faithfulness and friendliness, and are well-wishes even of the evil-disposed enemy. Thus they make this prison of infidelity the sublime mansion of fidelity, and this dungeon of envy a delectable paradise.

O ye friends, endeavor with life and heart that this world may become the mirror of the world of the Kingdom; that the earthly kingdom be filled with the bounty of the heavenly; that the voice of the Supreme Concourse may be raised in commendation, and that the traces of the bounty and grace of the Beauty of Abha may envelop the earth!

His honor, Ameen169, hath praised highly the honored servants and the maid-servants of the Manifest Light; commending each one separately and eulogizing the firmness and steadfastness of all; that—praise be to God!—the friends and maid-servants of the Merciful in all Persia are in perfect resignation and firm and steadfast, like unto a firm and solid foundation, and in an absolute state of ecstasy and attraction are engaged in spreading the fragrance of the Lord of Lords.

Through this news, at this time of great jeopardy, much happiness was realized, for the supreme hope and desire of this oppressed one is the spirituality of the hearts and the radiance of the beings of the friends. When this gift is obtained every ordeal is for him as an abundant bounty and a great shower.

O my God! O my God! Thou seest me drowned in the sea of ordeals, seized upon by the fire of infidelity, with tears flowing in the dark night rolling in the bed of sleeplessness, mine eyes expectant to see the dawn of the lights of Faith. And when I am anxious, as the fish whose bowels are inflamed upon the dust, I anticipate the manifestation of Thy bounties from all sides!

O Lord! Surround the friends in other regions with Thy great bounties and uplift those who are weak among Thy chosen, through Thy strength and providence, in every remote place!

O Lord, verily they are the captives of Thy love and the prisoners of Thy host, the birds of the atmosphere of Thy guidance, the fish of the sea of Thy providence, the stars of the horizon of Thy bounty, the army of the fortress of Thy law, the banners of Thy remembrance, the eyes of Thy mercy, the fountains of Thy grace and the springs of Thy generosity. Therefore, guard them with the eye of kindness, confirm them in promoting Thy Word, strengthen their hearts in Thy love, reinforce their backs in Thy service, make firm their loins in Thy servitude, spread through them Thy fragrances, reveal through them Thy signs, manifest through them Thy proofs, accomplish through them Thy words and perfect through them Thy mercy!

Verily, Thou art the Powerful, the Mighty, and, verily, thou art the Clement, the Merciful!

“El-Baha, praise, light, blessing and peace be upon thee,...”

El-Baha, praise, light, blessing and peace be upon thee,170 O thou fire of the Love of God, thou light of the Kingdom of God, thou radiance of the Gift of God, thou peerless pearl in the Sea of the Mercy of God, thou sturdy lion in the Jungle of the Guidance of God!

I testify that, verily, thou hast believed in God, thou hast become assured of the Verses of God, thou hast trusted in the appearance of the Kingdom of God, thou hast turned unto God, thou hast kept firm in the Covenant of God, thou hast served the Cause of God, thou hast endeavored to promote the Word of God, and thou hast suffered martyrdom in the path of God. May the soul of men be a sacrifice to thee!

Blessed is the land which is reddened by thy blood! Blessed is the heart which is burnt with the fire of thine afflictions! Blessed is the eye which weeps over thy disaster! Blessed are the hearts which are consumed by thy calamities! Blessed are the bosoms which are rent asunder by thy sufferings!

Praise be unto thee! Exaltation be unto thee! Faithfulness be unto thee! O thou sign of guidance and thou standard of great martyrdom!

O that the bullets which shot thee were shot at the breast of Abdul-Baha! O that the darts which pierced thee would strike the heart of Abdul-Baha! By the might of my Lord, afflictions are much more favored by Abdul-Baha than the honey of life, inasmuch as this cup is overflowing with the gift of God.

Blessed is the one who attaineth to visit thy grave! Blessed is the forehead which is set against thy tomb! Blessed is the man who serves thy sepulchre! Blessed is the person who lights a lamp171 at thy resting-place!

I beg of God to cause spheres of light to descend upon thy sepulchre and the clouds of mercy to shower rains of forgiveness upon thy resting-place and tomb!

Verily, He is the Compensator, the Beneficent, the Giver!

“O thou peerless, matchless, glorious martyr!...”

O thou peerless, matchless, glorious martyr!172

Verily, I salute thy pure dust, and thy holy, blessed tomb, which is perfumed by the fragrances of sanctity which are blowing upon thee from the Supreme Concourse, and the lights which are cast upon thee from the Kingdom of El-Abha, and the copious rain which purifieth thy fragrant plain, and say: “Upon thee be El-Baha! Upon thee be mercy, O thou lamp ignited with the fire of the love of God, irradiated with the ray of the gift of God, and aflame in the glass of the knowledge of God! Thou art he who hath drunk the cup of sacrifice, hath expended his life in the path of God, and hath shed his blood on the earth in love for the Beauty of God. For they did not appreciate thy merit, denied thy dignity, were veiled from beholding the gift of thy Lord, and supposed themselves to be just. No! By no means!

“Punishment is for such as persecuted thee, hell is for such as rejected thee, fire is for such as sentenced thee to death, infernal flame be for such as betrayed thee, and the hellish gulf is for such as shed thy blood with impunity! And paradise is for such as love thee, heaven is for such as serve thee, the everlasting abode is for such as visit (thy tomb)!

“Upon thee be El-Baha! Upon thee be greeting and praise, O thou who hast suffered martyrdom in the path of God, and art submerged in the ocean of the mercy of God!

“Blessed are the nostrils which will be perfumed by the scent of thy brilliant spot! Blessed are the eyes which will be illumined by the ray which is being cast upon thee from the bounty of the Kingdom of El-Abha!

“I beg of God to make thy sepulchre a mine of mercy, a depository of gifts, and to encompass it with manifest signs. Verily, He is the Beneficent! the Giver! Verily, He is gracious, and showeth great favor toward martyrs, and He is the Bestower, the Generous!”

“The first light which shone forth from the horizon of...”

The first light which shone forth from the horizon of Eternity, the first radiance which was cast forth from the Morn of Guidance, and the first mercy which descended from the Kingdom of Heaven, be upon thee,173 O thou manifest light, thou “strong rope,” and the beloved one of the denizens of the exalted heaven, who hast suffered martyrdom in the path of the Lord of the Creatures, and who art submerged in the sea of favors, through the grace of thy Lord, the Clement! the Merciful! El-Baha be upon thee! Praise be upon thee!

By God, the True One! The angels of mercy bless thee in the Kingdom of El-Baha, and the nostrils of the chosen ones are perfumed with the sweet odor which is wafting from the garden of the Supreme Concourse upon thy sepulchre; and hearts are burning, tears are being shed, the power of endurance is cut off by the grievous disaster and great martyrdom, whereby all hearts are consumed!

I testify that, verily, thou art a martyr of faithfulness, thou art peerless among the beloved, thou art matchless among the chosen ones and art fortunate among the pious! Blessed art thou, for they pierced thy shining brow with a nail, and suspended upon it thine outward decoration, tortured thee by reins, made thee to ride on a furious bull, paraded thee in the city, cut off thine ear with a sharp-edged blade, and by force and compulsion made thee to devour it, tormented thee with the torture of the wicked, persecuted thee with a rage like unto the ferocity of ravenous wolves of the plain and desert, and consumed thy pure body with the torture of fire!

Blessed is the pure blood which was shed on the perfumed soil, and which was poured out in the path of the forgiving Lord! Blessed is thy body which was burned by the hand of every transgressor! Blessed is thy throat which was cut by the poniard of every traitor! Blessed is thy breast which was stricken by the oppressors’ darts! Blessed is thy heart which was wounded by a sharp sword! Blessed art thou, for thou hast showed forth all happiness and joy when hou wert being paraded in the streets of the people of haughtiness and the people of wickedness were clapping their hands and oppressing thee with innumerable blows and wounds, whilst thou wert clapping thy hands with them—O thou manifestor of light!—and wert warbling melodies, whereby the people of the Kingdom of El-Abha were moved and breasts dilated (with joy)!

By God, the True One! Verily, Abdul-Baha inhaleth the odor of faithfulness from that remote region, the soil of which is reddened by thy pure blood, and beholdeth the lights of bestowal successively pouring upon thy resplendent tomb, and the rains of grace dropping upon thy blessed resting-place, which is fragrant, brilliant and magnificent!

Blessed is he whosoever may roll his face in the dust of thine excellent grave! Blessed is he whosoever may press his brow on thy great sepulchre!

Upon thee be El-Baha! Upon thee be praise! Upon thee be bestowal, O thou honorable martyr, who hast severed thyself from all things in the pah of thine Ancient Lord, who hast sacrificed thy soul, blood and body in the path of thy Most Beautiful Beloved One!

Upon thee be grace from thy Lord, the Exalted! the Great!

“O ye beloved servants of Abdul-Baha and the maid-servants...”

O ye174 beloved servants of Abdul-Baha and the maid-servants of the Merciful One!

It is the early dawn and the soul-refreshing breeze of the Paradise of Abha is wafting upon all the contingent beings, but it displays the effect only in pure hearts and perfumes only the healthy mind. A seeing eye beholdeth the splendors of the sun and a hearing ear listeneth to the melody of the Supreme Concourse. Although the mercy of the vernal shower and the heavenly outpouring descend upon all the earth, yet only from a virgin soil vegetation groweth while the brackish ground is deprived and unproductive, for the traces of the outpouring are not evident and manifest. Now the holy Fragrances of Abha are diffused in every clime, but only the spiritual souls are attracted and draw benefits. It is hoped by this imprisoned one, from the bounty of the Living Self-Subsistent, that, through the dominating power of the Word of God, the nostrils of the heedless ones becomes opened and partake a share from the fragrances of the Rose-Garden of Mystery.

O ye friends of God! The real friends are the skillful physicians and the divine instructions are the antidote of the Merciful One and the remedies of the hearts. They (the believers) heal the nostril affected with rheum, make mindful the negligent ones, give a share to the deprived ones and make hopeful the hopeless ones. In this day if anyone liveth in accord with the heavenly teachings and instructions, he shall become a spiritual physician to the world of humanity and the trumpet of Israfel175 to quicken the dead; for the confirmations of the Kingdom of Abha are uninterrupted and the victory of the Supreme Concourse is the associate of every one who is pure in heart. The weak gnat will become the strong royal falcon and the sparrow is transformed into the eagle soaring toward the apex of the Ancient Glory. Therefore, look ye not upon your own capability and merit, nay rather, lay your confidence in the bounty and protection, favor and grace of the Blessed Perfection—may my life be a sacrifice to His beloved ones!—and, mounting upon the charger of magnanimity, rush ye toward the arena of martyrdom, so that ye may win the polo of favors in this vast field of God!

O ye maid-servants of the Merciful One! The queens of the world went down to the tombs and disapeared and vanished from the face of the earth. There remained for them no fruit, no name, no trace, no fame and no existence. But every one of the maid-servants in the court of Oneness shone forth like unto the brilliant stars from the glorious Ancient Horizon, cast their rays upon centuries and cycles, attained to their utmost desires in the Kingdom of Abha and drank from the wine of meeting (with God) in the Assembly of the Almighty. These souls have taken a share from (the benefits) of being and obtained results.

O ye friends of the wronged one! Purify your eyes from beholding [any as] strangers. Do ye not see foreignness, nay rather, know all as friends; for with the observation of strangeness, the practice of love and unity is difficult.

In this wonderful age, according to the divine texts, ye must befriend all nations and communities. Ye must not look upon violence, force, evil intentions, persecutions or hostility, nay rather, ye must raise your eyes to the horizon of glory [and see] that each one of these creatures is a sign of the Lord of Signs and [has] stepped upon the arena of existence through divine favor and supreme energy. Thus they are known and not unknown, are friends and not strangers. We must deal with all according to the above criterion.

Therefore, the beloved must, with infinite kindness and love, associate and sympathize with both friends and strangers and not look at all upon the merits and capabilities of the persons. Under all circumstances they must show forth genuine love and be not defeated by the intensity of rancor, hatred, quarrel, malice and the grudge of the people. Should they (they people) shoot arrows they (the friends) must administer milk and honey; if they give poison, the believers must impart delicacies; if they cause pain, let the beloved be a remedy; if they strike a blow, let them become the antidote.

O my God! O my God! Verily, these are Thy weak servants and Thy submissive, faithful ones and Thy sincere maid-servants who are humbled before Thy illumined Threshold, acknowledging Thy Oneness which hath appeared like unto the appearance of the sun in midday, listening to Thy call from Thy mysterious Kingdom and uttering Thy prayers with hearts overflowing with Thy love and devotion!

O my Lord! Pour upon all of them the rain of Thy mercy, [cause to] descend upon every one the showers of Thy bounty from the clouds of Thy munificence, make them graceful plants in Thy divine Rose-garden and suffer these myrtles to become verdant, green and refreshed by the outpouring from the Cloud of Thy Singleness.

Verily Thou art the Powerful, the Most High, the Mighty and Omnipotent, and the Creator of the earth and heaven, and verily there is no God but Thee, the Lord of the Manifest Signs!

“O servants of the Blessed Beauty!...”

O servants176 of the Blessed Beauty!

It is a well known fact that, owing to the frequency of disturbances, the work of delivering the Message hath been for a short time discontinued. In consequence, persons travel less frequently to the different parts of the country. It is known and clear that today the unseen divine assistance encompasseth those who deliver the Message. And if the work of delivering the Message be neglected, the assistance shall be entirely cut off, for it is impossible that the friends of God could receive assistance unless they be engaged in delivering the Message. Under all conditions the Message must be delivered, but with wisdom. If it be not possible openly, it must be done quietly. The friends should be engaged in educating the souls and should become instruments in aiding the world of humanity to acquire spiritual joy and fragrance. For example: If every one of the friends (believers) were to establish relations of friendship and right dealings with one of the negligent souls, associate and live with him with perfect kindliness, and meanwhile through good conduct and moral behavior lead him to divine instruction, to heavenly advice and teachings, surely he would gradually arouse that negligent person and would change his ignorance into knowledge.

Souls are liable to estrangement. Such methods should be adopted that the estrangement should be first removed, then the Word will have effect.

If one of the believers be kind to one of the negligent ones and with perfect love should gradually make him understand the reality of the Cause of God in such a way that the latter should know in what manner the Religion of God hath been founded and what its object is, doubtless he will become changed; excepting abnormal souls who are reduced to the state of ashes and whose hearts are like stones, yea, even harder.

If by this method every one of the friends of God were to try to lead one soul to the right path, the number of the believers would be doubled every year. But this should be carried out with perfect wisdom and in such a manner that no harm would ever result therefrom.

In the same way those who deliver the Message should travel to all parts of the country. And if delivering the Message should be the cause of disturbance, let them then be engaged in encouraging and educating the friends, in order that those souls receive spiritual attraction and rejoice, seek delight and ecstasy, acquire new life and through the fragrances of sanctity gain vivacity and freshness.

The object is this, that in the time of peace and safety this work of delivering the Message should be carried on with the utmost fervor. But when there is no peace and safety, extreme wisdom should be exercised, though no complete cessation of effort is permissible, for in that case the divine assistance shall be entirely cut off.

With regard to the formation of benevolent associations, surely this subject should be given due attention. The disciples of His Holiness Christ—may my life be a sacrifice unto Him!—were only eleven persons and they had established a benevolent fund. So the establishment of the fund had that degree of importance.

“O ye sincere ones! O ye favored ones! O ye beseeching...”

O ye177 sincere ones! O ye favored ones! O ye beseeching ones! O ye supplicating ones!

Verily, I set my forehead on the dust and turn my face toward the Lord of Lords and invoke my Lord with intense fervor and attraction, that He may look upon you with the glances of the eye of His providence, watch over you with the gaze of His protection, unite your hearts, dilate your breasts, harmonize your souls, rejoice you with gladness, exhilarate you with the chalices of salvation, make you steadfast in the divine Cause and that He may enable you to cling to the hem of the Almighty, to hasten toward the place of sacrifice and to be sheltered under the shadow of the Blessed Tree whose roots are planted firm and whose branches are extended to heaven:

O my Lord! O my Lord! These are the chosen ones whose faces are illumined with the light of guidance, who found the heavenly table pleasing to their tastes, who submitted willingly to every matter which happened in the land and sought help from the hosts of the Supreme Concourse. Their feet are indeed made firm, their banners hoisted, their deeds righteous and their actions just. O Lord! Make them fragrant plants of Thy paradise, flowers of the garden of nearness, verses of Thy glorious book, words of Thy “Published tablet” unto the people of the world and as falcons soaring on the loftiest summit. Verily Thou art the Beneficent, the Merciful, the Powerful, the Mighty, the Bestower!

O my dear friends! Yours was not merely a letter; it was perfumed with amber and diffused a sweet fragrance. Every word thereof was a rose in the rose-garden of the love of God and was a flower, a hyacinth.

When the breeze of Providence blows from the direction of gift, the gardens of hearts attain thereby exceeding purity and freshness. Such significances arise from the soul and consciousness and impart joy and fragrance.

O friends! It is the wish of Abdul-Baha that the friends may establish general unity and not a particular meeting of unity. You must have great consideration for this fact, for during the past cycles though such events (founding of particular, i.e., exclusive unity meetings) were, in the beginning, a means for harmony, they became in the end the cause of trouble.

We are all servants of one Threshold, attendants at one Court, waves of one sea, drops of one stream, the dust before one door and plants of one garden. There must arise no trouble to deprive one from that which is the real purpose. The beloved of God must be friendly even with strangers and intimate even with outsiders—how much more with others among the righteous (i.e., believers)!

To organize assemblies is praiseworthy and acceptable, but these must be established for certain matters. For example: Assemblages for teaching (the Truth), gatherings for the spread of the fragrances of God, gatherings for the relief of the orphans, gatherings for the protection (i.e., feeding, etc.,) of the poor, assemblages for the spread of learning and, in a word, there must be gatherings for matters which concern the well-being of men, such as organizations of a society of commerce, societies for the expansion of agriculture. To be brief, similar societies are very acceptable and praiseworthy and concern all in general and not a particular number.

In a word: That which is conducive to the life (or growth) of the people is acceptable and whatever is the cause of disaffection is blameworthy. I hope all the friends of the East and West shall rest in the same assemblage and adorn one gathering, appearing with all the heavenly attributes and virtues in the world of humanity.

O my Lord! O my Lord! Enable me to witness the most great sign and to realize the fulfillment of this hope throughout all regions. Verily Thou art the Bestower, the Beneficent, whose bounties are great!

Some of the friends have asked to present themselves in these parts. In these days this does not conform with wisdom. God willing, permission shall be given at some favorable time.

“Glory be unto Thee, O Thou whose mercy hath encompassed...”

178 Glory be unto Thee, O Thou whose mercy hath encompassed all things, whose gift is made perfect, whose power hath encircled the world, whose proof is demonstrated, whose signs have become manifest, whose words are promulgated, whose arguments are established and whose ensigns are hoisted! Praise be unto Thee for that which Thou hast bestowed! Thanks be unto Thee for that which Thou hast granted! Glorification behooveth Thee for Thou hast manifested Thyself! Glory be unto Thee Glory be unto Thee! How inaccessible is Thy station! How manifest is Thy proof and how all-embracing is Thy munificence!

Verily the dark night hath been spreading its wings over all the regions and the face of the heaven and earth was hidden behind the clouds of inky gloom and blackness—wherefore the sights were veiled from beholding the most great signs and inner perceptions were blinded and unable to find the fire of divine guidance; souls were wandering in the desert of error and heedlessness and the possessors of intelligence were lost in the wilderness of amazement and skepticism, crying and weeping as a mother bereft of her babe—bewailing and lamenting like unto a thirsty one in the midst of a vast and boundless Sahara!

But through Thy greatest bounty, the glorious dawn broke and the lightning of guidance flashed from the Supreme Horizon upon the face of heaven! Then the First Point (the Bab) appeared among mankind with the glad-tidings of Thy Manifestation, the fragrances of Thy Holiness and the verses of Thy Singleness, spreading Thy good news, heralding Thy Name, declaring and praising Thee in numerous epistles!

Thine is favor for this gift which hath cheered the souls of the pure ones! Thine is generosity for Thou hast enabled every righteous and devoted one to adore Thee by causing the Sun of Truth to shine upon all the regions of existence! Thine is glory and excellence! Thine is power and beauty! Thine is sovereignty and authority! Thine is dominion and kingdom! Thine is exaltation and omnipresence! Thine is divinity and lordship! For thou hast manifested Thy bounty from the horizon of emanation, rent asunder the veil and raised the covering from Thy illumined countenance in the promised day and shone forth upon the world of being with the rays gleaming from the dawn of revelation!

Then the “Resurrection” appeared, the “Day ofd Judgment” became manifest, the “earth” heaved and shook, the “mountains” were levelled, the “seas” boiled, the “sun” was eclipsed, the “luminaries” were darkened, the “stars” scattered, the “signs” became known, the “bridge” expanded, the “conditions” were fulfilled, the “balance” was set up, the “fire” burned fiercely and the “paradise” became begemmed!—wherefore the devoted ones entered into delectable gardens with beatitude and the veiled ones were left to amuse themselves with their own imaginations; the possessors of perception beheld the lights and those whose eyes were weak vanished in gloomy darkness before the appearance of the mid-day Sun!

Then those whose ears were unstopped and open rejoiced in listening to the call, while the deaf (or ignorant) were astonished , crying out, “What is the cause of this acclamation and rejoicing?” Then the fluent speakers loosened their tongues in thanksgiving and glorification, while the dumb became as hard and lifeless stones; then the souls were purified, the hearts were attracted, the breasts were dilated, the characters were sanctified, the secret thoughts became manifest and the realities stepped into the arena of existence; they sought illumination, were guided, became ablaze, enflamed and enkindled, called forth and proclaimed, saying:

“Glad-tidings be unto the righteous ones! Rejoicing be unto the perceiving ones! Happiness be unto the favored ones! Joy be unto the yearning ones! Cheerfulness be unto the attracted ones! Exhilaration be unto the longing ones!

Glory be unto Him who hath arisen from the Brightest Dawn!

Glory be unto Him who hath shone forth the Manifest Light!

Glory be unto Him who showered Glorious Outpourings upon the contingent beings!

Glory be unto Him who illumined the Supreme Horizon with such a Radiance by which the gloom of the dark night hath been dispelled!

Glory be unto Him who causeth to descend the Food from heaven!

Glory be unto Him who causeth the Running Spring to gush forth from the rugged cliff!

Glory be unto Him who poured down the Pure Water from on high!

Glory be unto Him who allayed the thirst of the devoted ones with the Cup which is mixed with Camphire!179

Glory be unto Him who developed the barren and sterile ground into fruitfulness!

Glory be unto Him who hath produced growth in the adjoining fields of various natures!

Glory be unto Him who irrigated them with the same waters gushing forth from that Fountain!

Glory be unto Him who adorned the delectable gardens with all kinds of delicate and delicious fruits!

Glory be unto Him who ushered in the Emanation of the new creation!

Glory be unto Him who hath brought forth the Day of Retribution!

Glory be unto Him who granted Life unto the contingent Beings!

Glory be unto Him who created the Existence!

Glory be unto Him who extended forth the Path!

Glory be unto Him who made clear the Way!

Glory be unto Him who appeared in the Most Wonderful Age!

Glory be unto the Founder of this New Epoch!

Then thanks be unto Thee, O my God, for these Gifts and praise be unto Thee, O my Beloved, for this Eminent Bounty! Verily Thou art the Merciful of the Most Merciful!”

O ye merciful friends of Abdul-Baha! At this moment a letter hath been received from America containing the good news that that region of the Occident hath become the Orient; that is, in that region the rays of the Sun of Truth have appeared and shone forth with such penetration that the bright light of the morn of guidance hath dawned and every longing one hath attained to the desire of this heart, and that the melody of the Kingdom of Abha ascends continuously to the Supreme Concourse and the soul-refreshing strains of “Ya Baha El-Abha!” reach the ears of the peoples and communities of that country.

According to what they have written, they have celebrated the day of the “Birth anniversary” in twenty-four cities by giving public feasts and beautiful receptions. They have spent that day in the utmost joy and happiness, they have sent out general invitations, spread the table of gifts, engaged in the commemoration of the True One and in imparting glad-tidings to each other. Likewise, letters of congratulation and felicitation have been received from these twenty-four cities and assemblies. Consider ye what influence the penetrative power of the Word of God hath displayed in existence and how the universe is stirred and moved through it! How in America on the “Birth anniversary” such feasting and banqueting is prepared! How the remote ones have become the near ones and how the customs and habits of the East are spread abroad! This is the penetrative power of the Word of God and this is the might of the subduing desire of God!

O ye friends of God and maid-servants of the Merciful! His honor Ameen180 hath mentioned you with the highest praise and commendation, saying that, thank God, the believers in all parts of the cities and towns are the manifestations of bounties and the dawning-places of justice and equity; are mindful, obedient, kind-hearted and steadfast; are engaged in reading the verses and occupied with spreading the signs; are in the utmost ecstasy and exhilaration and intoxicated with the pure wine; are active in praising and adoring the Most Great Name and intimate in paying homage to the Holy Threshold; are living in accord with the divine teachings and exhortations and are in every way endowed with all human excellences and attributes; that they are in the utmos unity and agreement and in great zeal and enthusiasm; are kind to every soul and treat all the communities with exceeding joy and fragrance; that they have sympathy even for the enemies and are faithful friends even to the unjust; that to the outsiders they are as relatives and to the strangers they are a swift-healing antidote instead of a poisonous sting; are the servants of the world of humanity and manifestors of the attributes of the Merciful One! Blessed are they for this testimony, which is expressive of the beauty of their characters and the merit of their virtues! Truly, I say, his honor Ameen is the well-wisher of all. In the day of the Manifestation he was the Ameen (Faithful) of the Blessed perfection181 and in the days of the Covenant182 he is the confidant of this yearning one. Therefore, his testimony is heard and accepted and his evidence is praised and beloved.

O ye beloved of God! According to what is heard, some of the ulemas of the Sheite sect (Persian moslem mullas), as well as some leaders of the Shekhei school, are engaged constantly in instigating revolts and have arisen against the government with enmity and opposition, confusing the affairs of the state more than before.

Praise be to God!183 What is this heedlessness and ignorance and what is this antagonism and insubordination! Verily, the Persian empire hath been at all times deprived of every bounty on account of the encroaching influence of the ritualistic mullas! Whenever that just government conceived a good intention to introduce reforms and amelioration of conditions, these ignorant leaders raised vehement opposition, protested severely and prevented the introduction of measures which would better conditions and spread culture and progress. One must be just. The intention of His Imperial Majesty is higher and purer than all the other leaders and chiefs, for the sole desire of the throne is the peace and security of the inhabitants and the cultivation and betterment of the conditions of the empire. But alas! they do not give a moment’s rest to the kind Padeshah, in order that he may voluntarily and of his own accord inaugurate reforms as much as may be warranted by circumstances.

However, the inhabitants of Persia are not the only ones who are afflicted with this ignorance and blindness. The people of the imperial Ottoman government are also in a state of the utmost ignorance and blindness. Diversity of opinions and ignorance of factions do not allow one breath of tranquility to the imperial government, in order that it may adjust internal conditions and rectify foreign relations. Yet, under all these conditions, His Imperial Majesty the Padeshah f the Ottomans is intelligently directing the affairs. The proof and testimony of this assertion is the protection afforded these exiled ones (in Acca) from the rebellious despotism of the enemies. If authority were in the people’s hands or in other hands than those of the government, the conspiracies and seditions of inside and outside enemies would have scattered even the ashes of this imprisoned one to the winds. But the forebearance, intelligence, foresight, far-reaching wisdom and discernment of His Imperial Majesty the Padeshah of the Ottomans have so far protected these exiled ones, notwithstanding the attacks of the calumniators and the party of the slanderers. We are of those who pray for these two just kings and are grateful to these two equitable sovereigns.

Praise be unto God! One of the imputations of the enemies is this: That—we seek refuge in God—we deny the validity and truth of the Sun of Guidance, the Lamp of the Supreme Concourse, the messenger of the Almighty, His Highness Mohammed Mostafa—upon Him be greeting and praise!—and that—God forbid! —we have written books in His refutation. Woe unto those who have arisen to spread this great falsehood and calumny! However, all the friends of God who are informed of the mysteries know that this exiled and imprisoned one would readily sacrifice his life at the dust of the Prophet’s feet. Furthermore, the Blessed Perfection-may my life be a sacrifice to His beloved ones—in the book of Ighan, hath established with invincible proofs and clear arguments the prophethood of His Highness the Messenger—may my life be a sacrifice to Him!—and also His Highness the Supreme (the Bab) hath invoked Him (Mohammed) in many supplications. Notwithstanding all these evidences, the unjust ones are crying out and secretly spreading the falsehood that we—God forbid!—are His deniers and the unfaithful friends (nakzeen) acknowledge these erroneous imputations. Praise be to God! If we deny the messengers and prophets of God, what have we to say for ourselves? Glory be unto Thee, O my God! Verily this is a great calumny!

To be brief, the aim is this: Though the interference of the ignorant and fanatical leaders the country of Persia is in a state of decadence, although the pure intention of His Imperial Majesty the crowned Shah is for progress. However, ye who are the well-wishers of the government and are sincere, obedient and kind toward it, be ye engaged always in service. Should any one of you enter into the service (or employment) of the government, he must live and act with the utmost truthfulness, righteousness, chastity, uprightness, purity, sanctity, justice and equity. But if—I seek refuge in God—any one betray the least of trusts or neglect and be remiss in the performance of duties which are intrusted to him, or by oppression takes one penny of extortion from the subjects, or seeks after his own personal, selfish aims and ends in the attainment of his own interests, he shall undoubtedly remain deprived of the outpourings of His Highness the Almighty! Beware! Beware! lest ye fall short in that which ye are commanded in this Tablet!

“O thou who art sweet tongued!...”

O thou who art sweet tongued!

Thy poem184 is a wonder to the minds and intellects and thy composition an evidence of the gift of the great Lord. Therefore, thy wine is the pure wine, thy heart the recess of light and thy brow radiant with love.

If the people of the world were fair in judgment, the sweetness of thy poem should be a sufficient proof.

A young boy of the posterity of Israel whose pure mouth still emits the fragrance of milk, uttering such a marvelous anthem!

“O bird of the Rose-garden of Fidelity!...”

O bird185 of the Rose-garden of Fidelity!

Be of no cheerless heart; have no wing nor feather broken;sigh not, neither do thou wail, and sit not chilled in a corner.

The little girl lamented is in the divine Rose-garden in the highest happiness, delight, cheerfulness and gratification. Why then art thou grieved, sorrowing with a bleeding heart? This is the day of rejoicing and the hour of ecstasy! This is the season of the dead arising from the graves and gathering together! And this is the promised time for the attainment of plenteous grace.

Be calm, be strong, be grateful, and become a lamp full of light, that the darkness of sorrows be annihilated, and that the sun of everlasting joy arise from the dawning-place of heard and soul, shining brightly.***

Upon thee be the Glory of the Most-Glorious!

“O thou friend!...”

O thou friend!186

A fire from the Kingdom hath been kindled in the heart of the world, in the Blessed Tree, whose flame shall ere long set aglow the pillars of the earth and its rays illumine the horizons of the nations. All the signs hath appeared, all the (prophetic) references hath become clear, all that was revealed in the Books and Scriptures hath become fully manifest, and there is no ground for any one to hesitate in regard thereto.

Some people of former times and some sects avoided certain others as strangers, but now the Glorious Beloved One hath ridden upon His swift coursing steed, circling about in the arena of Truth and all that was hidden became manifest.

Let there be no more silence nor reticence, taciturnity nor negligence. The Candle is lighted—yet the moths continue motionless and melancholy behind the veils.

Now is the time to roar like unto a sea and seek to ascend heavenward! If we desire to reach the apex of the Supreme Kingdom, we must unfurl our wings; if we wish to dive into the depths of the ocean,we must teach our limbs swimming. The time is short and the Divine Courser moves swiftly on; let us keep up and compete with each other and let us light a brilliant candle!

“O ye brilliant realities!...”

O ye187 brilliant realities!

Blessed are ye, for that ye believed in the Lord of Hosts, advanced unto the Kingdom of God, with faces rejoicing with the glad-tidings of God, that ye were awakened by the breezes of God, revived by the Spirit of God, and attracted by the fragrances of God. May it be salutary to ye, the cup overflowing with the wine of the love of God!

Thank your Lord for making ye signs of guidance and standards of the Supreme Kingdom. Soon shall the earth shake in your name, the angels pray for you. the bells ring in your mentioning, the hearts overflow with your love and tongues speak in your praise; forasmuch as the doors of the Kingdom are being opened before your faces, and the paradise of eternal life is being prepared and decorated for your entrance; therefore enter ye, while believing, assured, rejoiced, attracted, severed from the world and all therein. And be not sorrowful on account of the affliction of Abdul-Baha, for calamity is a light, whereby his face glistens among the Supreme Concourse; affliction is healing to his breast, joy of his heart, happiness to his soul; nay, rather, the most honored garment upon his temple and best robe upon his body, and the dearest crown upon his head. This is his utmost desire.

Implore unto God and supplicate to Him in your prayers at morn and eve, asking God to destine to Abdul-Baha the draught of the great martyrdom, so that he may welcome it with great desire, and ascend unto the Kingdom of God with illumined face, with smiling lips, brilliant forehead, eloquent tongue, and great thankfulness among the Supreme Concourse.

“O ye who are attracted! O ye who are remembered!...”

O ye188 who are attracted! O ye who are remembered! O ye who are directed unto the Kingdom of God!

Verily I supplicate God in heart and spirit to make you signs of guidance, standards of sanctity and fountains of knowledge and understanding, that through you He may guide the seekers unto the Straight path and lead them unto the Mighty Way in this Great Cycle.

O beloved of God! Know ye that the world is like unto a mirage which the thirsty one thinks to be water; its water is a vapor; its mercy a difficulty; its repose hardship and ordeal; leave it to its people and turn unto the Kingdom of your Lord the Merciful. Thus the lights of mercy and beneficence may shine upon you, the heavenly table descend for you, your Lord may bestow upon you the greatest gifts and favors, whereby your breasts may become dilated, your hearts gladdened, your souls purified, and your eyes enlightened.

O beloved of God! Is there any giver save God? He chooseth for His mercy whomsoever He desireth.

He shall open unto you the doors of His knowledge, fill your hearts with His love, rejoice your spirits by the wafting of His holy fragrances, illumine your faces by the Manifest Light and elevate your names among the people.

Verily your Lord is the most merciful of the merciful! He will aid you through an unseen host, and help you by armies of inspiration from the Supreme Concourse, send you the fragrances of the Supreme Paradise, perfume your nostrils by the breath of purity wafted from the garden of the Supreme Concourse, cause you to enter the Ark of Safety, and reveal to you the Manifest Signs.

Verily this is a great bounty! Verily this is a manifest attainment!

“O thou who art guided by the Light of Guidance!...”

O thou who art guided by the Light of Guidance!

Verily, I am informed of thy confession of the Oneness of God and thy being attracted to the fragrances of God. I implore unto God to make thee a sign of guidance; thy face rejoicing among the maid-servants of the Merciful, and thy heart severed from this world, which weakeneth the hearts and spirits.

“O thou whose breast is dilated by the Fragrances of...”

O thou whose breast is dilated by the Fragrances of God!

Verily thy letter reached me and I prayed God to confirm thee in guiding the people to the Manifestation of Lights; satisfying the thirsty ones with the pure and peaceful water; leading the sick to the Glorious Physician; guiding those who are led astray into the Path, imparting the wine to those who are seeking, and feeding the hungry souls with the food which descendeth from the heaven of thy Lord, the Glorious!

“O thou who seekest for the Will of God!...”

O thou who seekest for the Will of God!

Give thanks to God that thou entered the divine Kingdom and knowest the heavenly Lord of Hosts!

The light of truth hath radiated from the Sun of Divinity to the horizons in such a manner that the East and the West are illumined. But, alas! the blind do not see and the deaf do not hear the divine proclamation. The bats do not perceive the light of the sun and the beetles cannot enjoy the fragrances of a rose-garden.

Consider that the horizons of the world were enlightened through the light of the beauty of His Holiness Christ; yet all the people were asleep, blind and sightless, except a few whose eyes were opened and perceived the lights. Now thou shalt thank God that a beam of the light came to thy sight. I ask God that thine inner sight may be illumined so that thou mayest discover the hidden mysteries of the Kingdom of God. If thou become so, thou wilt be an evident light and a divine angel in the celestial dominion; then it dependeth on the divine confirmation, according to thy perseverance.

“O thou seeker of the True One!...”

O thou seeker of the True One!

In the day of Christ all nations were expecting that His Holiness Christ should come from heaven, and He came from heaven, though outwardly He came from the womb of Mary. Hence, He hath said in the Gospels: “No one shall ascend to heaven except the one who hath come from heaven.” Now all the people expect Him to come from heaven.

If thou wishest to find the truth, compare the days of the Manifestation of the Beauty of Abha with the days of Christ; consider this is identically like that and the same doubts and oppositions are put forth (by the people).

as to the proofs and arguments of the Beauty of Abha, these are manifest like the sun. If thou wishest a discerning eye and seekest for a hearing ear, set thou aside that which thou hast heard from fathers and ancestors, for such things are imitation—and then seek for the truth with the utmost attention until the divine confirmation may reach thee and the matter may be properly disclosed unto thee.

“O thou cup overflowing with the Wine of the Love of...”

O thou cup overflowing with the Wine of the Love of God!

Know, verily, that the doors of the Kingdom are being opened to the East and West. Verily the people neglected the Name of their Lord after expectancy of centuries and ages! However, those whose consciences were pure, whose hearts were sanctified, urge forward thereto and enter therein through every door with faces shining, hearts and spirits rejoiced. thank God for this great guidance and mighty gift!

“O thou whose tongue is uttering the Name of God!...”

O thou whose tongue is uttering the Name of God!

Turn wholly unto the Lord of Hosts, “Glorious Station,” the Manifest; be severed from all things, and hold to the robe of the Clement Lord, and enter into the extended shade, until thy Lord confirmeth thee by the fragrances of holiness in this promised day, wherein the name of the Kingdom is celebrated and spread in all regions.

“O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!...”

O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!

Verily, I read thy words of thanksgiving to God, for He hath guided the beloved of God and His maid-servants to the light of guidance and given them to drink the cup filled with the wine of the most mighty gift. Verily, I beseech the Divine Might to strengthen them by the Holy Spirit in all times and circumstances so that they may be firm in the Cause of God and steadfast in love for Baha’, a firmness and steadfastness resembling that of immovable mountains and lofty hills.

O maid-servant of God! Deliver my greetings, praise and longings to the beloved of God and His maid-servants in that remote region, and say unto them:

“Hasten, hasten to the fountain of the mercy of God! Hasten, hasten to enter into the Kingdom of God! Hasten, hasten to the effulgence which is shining like unto the sun from the Supreme Horizons throughout ages and cycles!

“O beloved of God and His maid-servants! Verily the Beauty of El-Abha hath endured every hardship, calamity and great affliction in love for you, so that ye may be directed by the lights of the Kingdom unto the King of the Realm of Might, and be shining as a brilliant light in the glass of the contingent world. Hasten to avail yourselves of the opportunity to enter [the protection of] the inaccessible Cause and lofty Shelter!

“Truly I say unto you, this is a gift which neither the dominion of the world, nor the riches of treasuries, nor the glory of the distinguished men of the world, can equal in this glorious century and new age; inasmuch as crowns are transient, while this is eternal and never ending.”

O my Lord! O my Lord! Strengthen them in whatsoever Thou willest, with that Thou willest, upon what Thou willest!

“O maid-servant of God!...”

O maid-servant of God!

Verily thy letter indicated thy faith in the Oneness of God. I ask God to make thee firm in His Religion, to confirm thee through the breath of the Holy Spirit, so that thou mayest speak the teachings of God and guide the people unto the Kingdom.

O maid-servant of God! Verily the bounty of God upon thee is great, great! If thou remainest firm in the path of the love of thy Lord, thou shalt behold the doors of success and progress open before thy face from all sides. Verily this is not far from the mercy of thy Lord!

“O maid-servant of God!...”

O maid-servant of God!

I ask God to open before thy face the doors of wisdom, to give thee a drink of the chalice overflowing with the wine of certainty, and to inspire thee with the mysteries of the Holy Book, so that thou mayest know the significances of vision and the reality of revelation, and all the hidden symbols of prophetic Scripture, such as those of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel.

“O thou who art advancing unto God!...”

O thou who art advancing unto God!

Thank God for that He taught thee the word of guidance, illuminated thy heart by the light of the Kingdom in this world, destined to thee eternal life, everlasting salvation, progress and prosperity in the world of spirit.

Hold to the garment of glory, grasp the firm rope and loosen thy tongue in praise of the Beloved El-Abha. Neglect not praying and communing in the gloomy midnights and morn and eve, and offer glory unto thy Lord, the Supreme.

“O thou who art set aglow with the Fire of the Love of...”

O thou who art set aglow with the Fire of the Love of God!

Verily, I am in receipt of thy letter, and my breast is dilated by its contents which proved thy great attraction (to God), thy joy of heart and the rejoicing of thy spirit by the Kingdom of God.

Trust in God in all matters and lead the people unto the solid faith, the way of the Kingdom; so that they may be ushered into the canopy of peace and abide in the strong castle of the mercy of thy Lord, the Clement; that they may hoist the standards of the love of God in the highest mountain summits, promulgate the revelation of strength on the Ark of Safety and immerse [thyself] in the seas of the mercy of thy Lord, the Clement.

Convey my greetings and praise to thy respected wife and to thy mother, who believed in her God; cheer her heart and comfort her spirit through the Kingdom of God.

“O thou who art turning thy heart unto the Kingdom of...”

O thou who art turning thy heart unto the Kingdom of God!

Verily, I read thy recent letter and praised God for having blessed thee with two babes, as a mercy on His part. He is indeed the Merciful, the Generous!

Give to them the names Leah and Rachel, which are the names of the two wives of Jacob, for they were two sisters, beloved of God. Perchance God hath destined profound wisdom in this.

Then thank God that He hath guided thy honorable wife to the Manifestation of Light, the Revealer of Signs and the Source of Mysteries. Verily, this is the great favor.

Then know verily, that the doors of tests will be opened in that town, but it is incumbent on thee to be steadfast in the love of God and firm in His great Cause. He who remaineth firm, grows; and he who is steadfast will be confirmed by God with great power in this glorious century.

“O thou who art baptized by the Spirit of the Love of...”

O thou who art baptized by the Spirit of the Love of God!

Be rejoiced with this great bounty and gladdened by this mighty gift!

Verily, thou art from the West and we are from the East, the distance between is great. Nevertheless, it is as if we were from one native land, one city, one house and one household. The love of God gathered us all under the shade of one tent, beneath one banner.

This is from the power of the command of God and His dominion, which encompasseth all contingent beings and affects the hearts of all existing things.

“O maid-servant of God!...”

O maid-servant of God!

Verily, the Lord of Hosts calleth thee from the absence of existence (or non-existence) and sayeth:

“Come, O My maid-servant, to My Kingdom!

Come, O My attracted one, unto My Great Paradise!

Come, O My maid-servant, unto My Sublime Heaven!

Come, O My attracted one, unto the place of My Glorious Throne.”

Therefore turn, with a heart throbbing and tears flowing, unto the Beauty of El-Abha, so that thou obtaineth the great favor and drinketh from that wine, and tasteth the fruits of the Paradise of El-Abha.

“O thou faithful and confident!...”

O thou faithful and confident!

Thanks be to God that thou hast obtained that which was sought by all prophets and holy souls; namely, the knowledge of God and the love of god. First, the knowledge; and, second, His unfathomable love. Also the different members of thy family, who followed thee and who obtained that which thou didst obtain.

This is a great gift from God and hath no equal; although in this physical world its greatness is not perceivable, nor its nature clearly known, yet in the spiritual world it shineth like the sun.

So long as the pearl remaineth hidden at the bottom of the sea, its value is not known nor its brilliancy and fineness seen, it is only when in the hands of the expert jeweler that its great beauty becomes revealed.

Thou shouldst be at the utmost height of joy and satisfaction, for thou art surrounded by the bounties of the Merciful and hast become the object of the appearance of divine guidance.

In order to give thanks for this great and glorious gift, thou shouldst do all thou canst to guide His creatures, to give sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, life to the dead, and endeavor to turn those who are still attached to material things in the way which leads to spiritual heights; to help them to travel in the way of the Kingdom and to walk in the path that leads to the King of Kings.

Servant and believer in God! Present the greetings of Abdul-Baha to the faithful maid-servant of God [thy wife] and to thy two revered daughters.

“O thou my dear friend, my associate and companion!...”

O thou my dear friend, my associate and companion!

The times of (our) meeting189 are still remembered and the sweetness of thy company is lastingly established in the recess of (my) life.

I pray and implore the threshold of the Lord of the Kingdom always, and seek for thee His strength and confirmation, saying:

“O Lord of Hosts! Confirm Thine affectionate ........ in Thy servitude, aid him in the service of Thy Word, open to his face the door of knowledge, reveal to his heart the realities and significances, and grant him the ecstasy of the cup of reality, gladden him through the melody of Thy love, make his night, day, and day, happy!”

In sooth, O dear one! thy services are evident, thy endurance of ordeals and difficulties well known.

In the organization of the Mashrak-el-Azcar, thou art indeed well striving. I hope thou wilt attain a great reward, open an eloquent tongue, raise a wonderful melody in every meeting, draw and paint the images and forms of the Kingdom in the material world.

Rest assured in the grace of the Lord and be dilated by His infinite favors.

Convey greetings of reverence to the maid-servant of God [thy wife], likewise thy revered daughter. I am ever thoughtful of them and will never forget them.

“O thou spiritual friend!...”

O thou spiritual friend!

Thy services are accepted in the Kingdom of Abha, mentioned in this merciful Assemblage and the cause of joy and gladness to Abdul-Baha.

Thank God, thou art a believer and an assured one, firm and steadfast; a truthful servant of the divine Kingdom and an agreeable lover of His Holiness Baha’o’llah. Thou hast spent thy time in spreading the fragrances of God and thy possession in the promotion of the Word of God.

Rest assured in the great bounty and bestowal, be attracted by the fragrances of the Kingdom of Abha. Fatigue not thyself on account of any difficulty and give not up because of any ordeal. Be not grieved because of any trial nor hindered by any hindrance.

Night and day confine thy time to the education of the world of humanity. Arise to guide the creatures and spend time in promulgating the teachings of His Holiness Baha’o’llah, so that lives may find glad-tidings, hearts gladness, the souls eternal life and the minds extraordinary advancement.

In respect to the Mashrak-el-Azcar: Brevity must now be observed; that is, as much as possible endeavor should be made so that by the assistance of all the friends and the sincerity of your intentions it may become instituted and built in Chicago even though it be not possible to build a most solid, lofty and great (edifice). Whatever is now possible should be erected.

And the question of giving the glad-tidings (i.e., teachings of this religion) should be given moment. The holy souls who are free from the ties of this mortal world and attain the confirmation of the Holy Spirit, although they live on earth, yet, verily, they are heavenly, illuminated, spiritual, divine. Such souls must appear and engage, with simplicity, freedom and purity, in training the public and in guiding all people. If such souls arise, the Holy Spirit will aid them, the hosts of the heavenly angels will render them victorious, the bounties of the Kingdom of Abha will surround them, the ray of the Sun of Truth will shine, the breezes of the Paradise of Abha will give spirit, the ocean of favors will boil and the good scent of the fragrances of holiness will perfume the nostrils of the inhabitants of the world.

By the bounty and grace of the Educator, I hope thou mayest attain to this providence and bounty!

Convey greeting of reverence of utmost kindness to all thy relations, [thy wife] and thy respected daughter, and others, and to all the beloved and the maid-servants of the Merciful.

“O thou my spiritual companion!...”

O thou my spiritual companion!

Two letter have reached me from you, and the contents of both I have considered. Communication of the beloved of God from all parts of the world with America, and the correspondence of America with all parts is most agreeable and the cause of attracting the hearts. Endeavor greatly to accomplish this important matter and write to all parts.

The beloved of God must, like the roses of the rose-garden, send fragrant messages from one to another, receive strength from one another, and co-operate together, by the strength of the Kingdom. There is no greater means than communion and communication. “Communication is half a meeting.”

Send a copy of this letter to all parts and write to them. Thus may the beloved of God, in every city, send collectively letters to other cities, especially America. This shall be the means of growth and the cause of attraction. he souls will be made happy, the spirits revived, the hearts dilated and the breasts expanded. Convey greetings and longing to all the beloved of God.

“Honorable Dr. ............”

Honorable Dr. .........

According to what is heard you have received the permission of medication and the certificate of graduation (diploma) from the College of Medicine. Now experience is necessary in order to attain skill and proficiency. The greatest of all these is the confirmation and the strength of His Majesty, the One (God), through the favor of the Blessed Perfection. I am hopeful that will also be thine.

For the physician the first qualifications are: Good intentions, trustworthiness, tenderness, sympathy for the sick, truthfulness, integrity, and the fear of the Lord.

With life and heart strive thou to be both a spiritual and physical physician. Thus mayest thou be Ameen and Fareed (Trustworthy and Unique).

Thy honorable father night and day prays, hopes and supplicates that thy life, like his, may be entirely devoted to the service of the Threshold of God, that thou remain the servant of the Holy Cause.

“O Spiritual ........!...”

O Spiritual ........!

Thy letter is received; likewise that of Mr. ........ Print soon the booklet (Mirza Badi Ullah’s Epistle to the Bahai world) and spread it broadcast.

The dear maid-servant of God, ........, is indeed an assured believer; likewise ........, his honor Mr. ........, and his honor Mr. ......... In reality they are revered souls. I hope that they will soon arise for the Mashrak-el-Azcar and thus attain His favor.

All the beloved of God must strive so that this eternal edifice arise. ***

“O thou bearer of the Great-tidings of the Kingdom of...”

O thou bearer of the Great-tidings of the Kingdom of God!

Thy letter *** was received. It contained the good news of the assemblage of the beloved ones, of the Meeting of Faithfulness which was held, the joy and fragrance obtained, the appearance of the lights of the love of the Beauty of Abha, and the good news that the breasts of the beloved ones were dilated (with joy). This news caused such joy that our afflictions, sufferings and calamities were wholly forgotten, a new carpet was spread and a great joy attained with the utmost exaltation! For Abdul-Baha serves with all devotion in order that union and affection may be created among the beloved of God; nay, in the whole of the human world.

My utmost hope and wish is to find that an assemblage hath been arranged which hath become the cause of love and affection in the world of humanity which announceth the glad-tidings of the Kingdom of Abha, diffuseth the fragrances of the love of God, setteth the pillars of the world in motion through the power of divine guidance, and is quickening the dead through the spirit of divine knowledge!

O dear friend! The darkness of error hath encompassed the world; it is now the time to spread the light of guidance. The world hath wholly become the tomb of the dead; it is now time that it shall be transformed into palaces of the living. The East and the West have become a thorny desert of oppression; it is time they should become a rose-garden of faithfulness.

You have written concerning the Feast190 of Remembrance which you arranged after the Persian manner, at which Mr. ........ and Mr. ........ engaged in serving the beloved ones like unto Abdul-Baha: This arrangement of festivities and affection, chanting of Tablets, explaining realities and significances, and this inculcating of the teachings and exhortations of Abdul-Baha causeth everlasting life and maketh the hearers as heavenly angels.

Whenever such an entertainment is arranged through spiritual sentiments, shining faces and merciful hearts, it is a “Lord’s Supper.” For the brilliancy of the Kingdom of Abha will shine and the spirituality of Abdul-Baha become manifest. This is that “divine table” (or food) of which mention is made in the prophecies: “On that day they shall gather together at the divine table”; and “people shall come from the East and West and arrive in His Kingdom.”

Convey loving greetings to his honor ........ and say: “O dear one! The heart of Abdul-Baha greatly rejoiceth at thy reading of the Tablets and Words at the meetings of the merciful ones! I beg of God, that in all assemblages thou mayest cause happiness unto the hearts of the friends and bestow joy and fragrance!”

Announce to his honor ......... my love and longing (for him) and say: “That Power which strengthened the apostles is now in full confirmation. I hope thou wilt receive an abundant portion from that confirmation.”

Announce the utmost love from Abdul-Baha to his honor ........ and say: “O thou friend of my heart! The heavenly food is needed successively; be thou a server of the food and direct thou the people of the world to present themselves at that able and guide them to partake thereof.”

Convey greetings and respect from Abdul-Baha to the esteemed maid-servant of God, ........, and say: “Thou art always in our midst and art not forgotten, even for a moment. I beg the Beauty of Abha for confirmation in thy behalf. It is some time since, by the dust of calamities and occupation of mind, the correspondence hath been delayed; but there is no harm in that. For my heart is engaged in prayer and I beg for confirmation in thy behalf.”

Convey on my behalf, greetings and respect to the invoking maid-servant of God, ........, and say: “Thank thou God for thou hast arrived at the Holy City and at the Heavenly Jerusalem and hast found thy way to the Divine City and entered the Kingdom of Abha!”

O thou real friend! O Mr. ........! Seek not a single minute of rest and do not keep still. Travel more and more in cities and villages. Bear the glad-tidings and guide them. Strengthen the beloved (i.e., believers) and open the eye of perception of the strangers (those who do not believe).

As to chanting supplications in the Oriental tune, this is very agreeable. His honor ........ must exert his endeavors in this matter.

In reality the friends of God are always present in my society and are associated with the friends of God in the Sacred Spot; even though they be in the remotest lands of the earth.

O thou real friend! Such entertainments are always necessary, for they cause the increase of love, unity and harmony in the friends of God. Bring about (such entertainments) by all means.

“O thou esteemed maid-servant of the Word of God!...”

O thou esteemed maid-servant of the Word of God!

Praise be to God! upon thy departure from Acca, thou hast been assisted and rendered successful in serving the Kingdom of God. Accordingly, thou must offer the utmost thanks to the Threshold of Oneness, for this, thy journey, was fruitful and this peregrination became the cause of discovering the mysteries of the Lord of Glory.

Arise thou, in unison with his honor [thy husband], to serve with the utmost devotion and consecrate your time, night and day, to promote the Word of God, to diffuse the fragrances of God and to guide all the people of the earth. In the world of existence nothing hath any result, even if it be dominion over the East and West. But that which hath an immortal result is servitude in the Holy Threshold, service rendered to the Kingdom of God and guiding all in the earth. I hope, through the divine grace and bounty, thou wilt be assisted and strengthened therein.

“O thou who art kindled as a lamp with the Fire of the...”

O thou who art kindled as a lamp with the Fire of the Love of God!

Be thou a fountain flowing with the waters of the mercy of God, a myrtle perfumed with the fragrances of God and a bird warbling the most wonderful melodies of the knowledge of God in the garden of faith.

Know thou, verily, the Sun of Truth hath shone forth with the lights of peace upon all regions. Strife and conflict will surely be removed from all the nations of the earth. Carnage shall be taken away; fighting, violence and reviling will be changed into universal reconciliation and the hosts of tranquillity will pitch their tents in the midst of the world. Then the awning of the mercy of thy Lord will be hoisted and those souls who are free from the filth of prejudice, contradictions and presumption and are filled with a love that imparts affinity, intimacy, affection, meekness and humbleness will be sheltered under it.

“O thou who art cheerful in heart, by the Fragrances...”

O thou who art cheerful in heart, by the Fragrances of the Merciful!

Verily, I read the verses of thy thanksgiving unto God, for depositing in thy heart an eternal joy reviving thee by the breath of the Holy spirit to everlasting life, [for having] cast upon thee the light of guidance and awakened thee by the breezes of His great mercy. Therefore, thank God for this. Verily, His bounty to thee is great, great!

Beware not to be sorrowful on account of my confinement; inasmuch as it is the comfort of my heart, the healing of my breast, the dispeller of my sorrow and sadness, the cause of my salvation in servitude to the Bounty of El-Abha.

If thou desirest to pray for me a beneficial prayer, do not ask for the removal of my imprisonment, but implore God to increase my calamities in the Path of El-Abha, to make me a sacrifice in His love and give me to drink the cup of martyrdom by His bounty and grace.

I ask God to confirm thee by the breath of His Holy Spirit, the hosts of His angels and armies of His strength, so that thou arisest to serve the vineyard of God and to enlighten the insight of thy revered husband by the light of the knowledge of the Greatest Name. This is not far from the bounty of thy Lord.

The maid-servant of Baha’, the Exalted Leaf191, conveys to thee greetings and praise—likewise the rest of the brilliant leaves192 .

Regarding the star which appeareth while thou art turned unto God: This is the spiritual disclosure and the divine impression. Also the fire circle which appeareth to thine eyes, is a spiritual transfiguration and [signifieth] the Eternal Grace manifesting itself in the human garment; because “cloud” signifies the human form (or body), while the “circle of fire,” the divine form, which is manifested in the reality of man.

“O thou who art attracted by the Love of God!...”

O thou who art attracted by the Love of God!

In the Persian tongue has thou written a letter; I was happy to read it.

Praise be to God! This is the dawn of the light of unity between the Eastern and Western people. In Persia the English language is being studied widely and in America the Persian tongue is beloved by some dear souls. In both countries the respective languages are being studied. This is in itself a proof that the East and the West (literally, place of sunrise and sunset) shall clasp hands as two families. The standard of unity shall be raised, and the means of love and friendship will be accomplished.

Endeavor to complete the study of the Persian—thus mayest thou read the Tablets of the Blessed Beauty193 and mayest translate them, and without the interpreter’s aid thou mayest read all my letter to thee.

“O thou dear maid-servant of God!...”

O thou dear maid-servant of God!

Thank thou the kind Father for that the world of creation was adorned with the light of His Manifestation and the heart of the universe found comfort in His mercy, for His infinite mercy whereby He illumined thine heart with the light of guidance and thy sight with witnessing His radiance to the extent that thou didst hearken to he call of the Supreme Concourse and didst turn to the horizon of sanctity. Praise be to Him and to Him be thanks for this greatest favor and evident attainment!

As to thy vision, it is reality itself (it is what hath occurred). Whatever thou hast seen in the realm of vision is interpreted in the contraries and opposites, for laughter in the world of vision is weeping, and weeping, joy and happiness; death is longevity, and dangers, in certain cases, safety itself. Harm (in this wise) is helpfulness, and friendship, enmity and hatred. Therefore, thou shalt not kill the lamb; nay, rather thou shalt be the cause of the spread of His Name; thou shalt share a portion of His eternal life and attain a share of His infinite mercy. The impressions of the heart (the painful feelings of the heart), which were like the blows of a weapon, are interpreted to mean joy and happiness. I hope that thou mayest attain to all these.

The purport of the study of the Persian tongue is this: That thou mayest memorize a commune in the Persian and at the time of communion and supplication, when present in the meeting of the maid-servants of the Merciful, thou mayest chant it.

The translation of Tablets is acceptable and beloved. If, occasionally, thou writest a concise, terse and useful article, with the utmost sweetness, containing the teachings and exhortations of the Blessed Perfection, verbatim, for the purpose of publishing in the journals of Denmark, it will be most agreeable. I ask God for strength and confirmation for thee.

“I ask God that thou mayest find a perceiving eye, an...”

194 I ask God that thou mayest find a perceiving eye, an attentive ear and an eloquent tongue; that thou mayest loosen thy tongue in delivering the Cause of God, promoting the Word of God in that country, educating the children and training them in the training of God, and in early childhood enkindling in their hearts the lights of spiritual morals.

Thou hast written that in thine articles for the papers thou hast cited from the holy Tablets of Tarazat and Tajalliat. It is very agreeable.

Respecting the translating of Miss Barney’s book, in which thou hast engaged thyself, it is very agreeable; but thou must communicate concerning this with Miss Barney herself. She will assist thee in its publication and spreading.

I ask God to aid thee by the divine confirmation and engage, night and day, with the commemoration of God.

Upon thee be Baha El-Abha!

“***O ye real friends of Abdul-Baha!...”

***O ye real friends of Abdul-Baha!

From the gathering of those illuminated faces and flowers of the rose-garden (of God) in Camp Mineola195 utmost joy and fragrance (to me) was the result.

I hope that assembly, like sparkling stars, may shed the lights of love and unison upon the human world, and become the cause of the happiness and joy of the inhabitants of the earth; that they may become like unto clear mirrors reflecting (the rays) of the Sun of Truth, and give the glad-tidings of the manifestation of the Lord of the Kingdom.

I ask the blessings of God that year after year He may add souls to that assembly, and in future it may become doubled an hundred-fold.

How blessed it is that this assembly may become firmly established, and it is sure that the heavenly confirmations will pour down!

“O ye beloved friends of Abdul-Baha!...”

O ye196 beloved friends of Abdul-Baha!

The detailed letter which you have written was received and it was read with the greatest attention. From the rose-garden of its significances a perfumed fragrance reached the nostrils and from its suggestions and statements traces of sincerity of intention became manifest.

Praise be to God!—that each one of that assembly is like unto a shining lamp, is ignited by the fire of the love of God, hath closed his eyes to the world and the inhabitants thereof, hath burned away the veils of superstitions and hath acquired the treasury of Truth. I have loosened my tongue to thank God for this gift at the Threshold of Oneness and praised and glorified the Incomparable God for His bounty, because He assisted those souls in the service of the Kingdom, and established such an assembly in New York that it will finally become a cause of the guidance of that continent.

You have written that there is a difference among the believers concerning the “Second Coming of Christ.” Praise be to God!—time and again this question hath arisen and its answer hath emanated in a clear and irrefutable text from the pen of Abdul-Baha that what is meant in the prophecies by the “Lord of Hosts,” the “Promised Christ” is the Blessed Perfection (Baha’o’llah) and His Highness the Supreme (the Bab). The faith of everyone must resolve around this palpable and evident text.

My name is Abdul-Baha, my identity is Abdul-Baha, my qualification is Abdul-Baha, my reality is Abdul-Baha, my praise is Abdul-Baha. Thraldom to the Blessed Perfection is my glorious and refulgent diadem; and servitude to all the human race is my perpetual religion. Through the bounty and favor of the Blessed Perfection, Abdul-Baha is the Ensign of the Most-Great-Peace, which is waving from the Supreme Apex; and through the gift of the Greatest name, he is the Lamp of Universal Salvation, which is shining with the light of the love of God. The Herald of the Kingdom is he, so that he may awaken the people of the East and of the West. The Voice of Friendship, Uprightness, Truth and Reconciliation is he, so as to cause acceleration throughout all regions. No name, no title, no mention, no commendation hath he nor will ever have except Abdul-Baha. This is my longing. This is my supreme apex. This is my greatest yearning. This is my eternal life. This is my everlasting glory! Express ye the same thing which is issued from my pen. This is the duty of all. Consequently the friends of God must assist and help Abdul-Baha in the adoration of the True One; in the servitude to the human race; in the well-being of the human world and in divine love and kindness.

O ye friends of God! Through the Appearance of the Blessed Perfection the theories are abrogated and the facts are established. The time of superficiality is gone by and the cycle of reality hath appeared. One must become the incarnation of Servitude, the personification of Love, the embodiment of Spirituality and the mirror of Mercy.

The believers must become the cause of life; deliver the people from heedlessness, call the souls to the perfection of humanity, beckon nations to unity and agreement, destroy the foundations of foreignness, make everyone as friends and associates, treat the negligent souls as their own children, and train and educate them with the utmost love—so that the ignorant become wise, the blind become endowed with sight, and the deaf be given hearing.

O ye friends of God! Beware! Beware of differences! By differences the Temple of God is razed to its very foundation, and by the blowing of the winds of disagreement the Blessed Tree is prevented from producing any fruit. By the intense cold of the diversity of opinions the rose-garden of Unity is withered, and the fire of the love of God is extinguished!

O ye friends of God! Abdul-Baha is the Manifestation of Thraldom and not “Christ.” The servant of the human realm is he, and not a “chief.” Nonexistent is he and not “Existent.” Pure nothingness is he and not “Eternal197 .”

There is no outcome or result to these discussions. We must put aside these disputes and controversies, nay, rather must we consign them to utter oblivion and arise to do that which is indispensable and which is demanded of us in this Day. Controversies are words and not significances, theories and not realities.

The quintessence of Truth is this: We must all become united and harmonized in order to illumine this gloomy world, to abolish the foundations of hostility and animosity from among mankind, to perfume the inhabitants of the universe with the holy fragrances of the nature and disposition of the Beauty of Abha, to enlighten the people of the East and West with the light of guidance, to hoist the tent of the love of God and suffer each and all to enter under its protection, to bestow comfort and tranquillity to every one under the shade of the Divine Tree, to astonish the enemy by the manifestation of the utmost love, to make the ravenous and bloodthirsty wolves to be gazelles of the meadow of the love of God; to administer the taste of non-resistance to the tyrant, to teach long-suffering and resignation of the martyrs to the murderer, to spread the traces of Oneness, to chant the praises and glorification of the Glorious Lord, to raise the voice of “Ya Baha El-Abha!” to the Supreme Apex and to reach the ears of the inhabitants of the Kingdom with the outcry—“Verily the earth is illumined by the lights of its Lord!” This is reality! This is guidance! This is service! This is the consummation of the perfection of the realm of humanity!

O ye believers of God! Each person must summon the people to the Servitude of Abdul-Baha and not the Christhood; and no soul must either publicly or privately utter one word against or in contradiction to the general Teachings, and no one must believe that Abdul-Baha is the “Second Coming of Christ”, nay, rather he must believe that he is the Manifestation of Servitude, the Main-spring of the Unity of the human world, the Herald of the True One with spiritual power throughout all regions, the Commentator of the Book according to the divine text, and the Ransom to each one of the believers of God in the transitory world.

Print ye this Tablet and spread it throughout all countries.

“O ye who are turned towards the Kingdom and drawn...”

O ye198 who are turned towards the Kingdom and drawn unto the Holy Fragrances diffused from the Garden of El-Abha!

Arise with every power to assist the Covenant of God and serve in His vineyard. Be confident that a confirmation will be granted unto you and a success on His part given unto you. Verily He shall support you by the angels of His Holiness and reinforce you with the breaths of the Spirit that ye may mount the Ark of Safety, set forth the evident signs, impart the spirit of life, declare the essence of His commands and precepts, guide the sheep who are straying from the fold in all directions, use every effort in your power to give the blessings ye have and strive earnestly and wisely in this new century. By God, verily the Lord of Hosts is your support, the angels of heaven your assistance, the Holy Spirit your companion and the Center of the Covenant your helper! Be not idle, but active and fear not. Look unto those who have been in the former ages—how they have resisted all nations and suffered persecutions and afflictions, and how their stars shone and their attacks proved successful, their teachings established, their regions expanded, their hearts gladdened, their ideas cleared and their motives effective. Ye are now in a great station and noble rank and ye shall find yourselves in evident success and prosperity, the like of which the eye of existence hath never seen in former ages.

El-Baha and salutations be upon every one who is firm in the Covenant, free from dissension, sanctified from deceits and steadfast in the Path!

“O ye elect and chosen ones of the Kingdom!...”

O ye199 elect and chosen ones of the Kingdom!

Thank God that the Greatest Name selected and elected that gathering, ushered it into the Kingdom of Eternal Glory, honored and crowned it amid the Supreme Concourse.

He placed upon each head a glorious diadem of guidance and established each one upon the throne of eternal reign. This is not known now but shall become evident and clear hereafter.

The seed when growing, at first doth not attract attention, but later it becometh green and thriveth, adorning the rose-garden and the orchard. Now, likewise, this divine bounty is unknown, it is not yet revealed, but soon will its splendor illumine the horizons and brighten the East and the West.

Send Mr. ........ to India for the purpose of teaching. He must have a companion. If this be not possible from among the men, send one of the maid-servants of the Merciful.

As to the ordeals of Abdul-Baha, his trials and calamities, grieve not on that account, but rather be in perfect happiness and joy, for—praise be to God!—he was worthy and deserved these trials in the Path of Baha’.

Through the news of the progress of the Cause of God, and the unity and agreement of the beloved of God, great joy was realized, and to such an extent that I forgot all sorrow and all ills. ***

“O ye sons of the Kingdom!...”

O ye200 sons of the Kingdom!

At a time when conditions were most difficult and oppressive and the reception or letters hard and impracticable, your letter was received. Therefore, its reception denoteth that the honorable assembly is confirmed. I hope from the bounties of His Highness the Incomparable One that under all circumstances and conditions ye may become assisted in the service of the Kingdom of God.

Ye have written regarding the erection of the Temple and the purchase of the ground, or the finding of a place to be as a home for the gathering of the believers. At this moment that Abdul-Baha is immersed in the ocean of calamities, this news caused him joy and happiness, that—praise be to God!—the friends and the maid-servants of the Merciful are thinking to serve the Kingdom of God.

O ye sanctified souls! It is the time of firmness and steadfastness and the period of arising in the service of the Word of God, for the Blessed City201 is environed from all directions with the tempestuous waves of tests and trials and the sweeping hurricanes of persecutions and hardships are blowing and roaring high. The joy and happiness of the heart of Abdul-Baha depends upon the stability and constancy of the believers. For they must live and act in accord with the divine advices and exhortations and show forth to each other the power of the perfection of love with infinite accord and unity, so that they may become the embodiment of one existence, the waves of ones sea, the myrtles of one rose-garden, the rays of one sun, the stars of one horizon, the fruits of one tree and the birds of one meadow.

Likewise, they must treat with and behave toward all the governments, nations, communities, kings and subjects with the utmost sincerity, trustworthiness, straightforwardness, love and kindness. Even they must make hopeful a bloodthirsty enemy, show sympathy with the utmost faithfulness and honor to the perfidious unjust, know the ill-wisher as the well-wisher and torment not the sinner with reproaches. Should they become the targets of a thousand arrows of persecution, they must challenge it with love and friendship and treat every one with purity of purpose and kindness.

O ye friends of God! Show ye an endeavor that all the nations and communities of the world, even the enemies, put their trust, assurance and hope in you; that if a person falls into errors for a hundred-thousand times he may yet turn his face to you, hopeful that you will forgive his sins; for he must not become hopeless, neither grieved nor despondent. This is the conduct and the manner of the people of Baha’. This is the foundation of the most high pathway! Ye should conform your conduct and manners with the advices of Abdul-Baha.

Concerning the erection of the Temple: Now all the believers must become united, so that the Temple may be built soon in one place. For should (the believers) undertake (the erection of the Temple) in many places, it will not become completed anywhere; and as in Chicago they have preceded every other place to plan the erection of the Temple, undoubtedly to cooperate and help them is nobler and a necessity. Then, when it is built in one place, it will become erected in many other places. If, for the present, you prepare or establish a home in New York, though by renting it, to become a center for the gathering of the believers of God, it is very acceptable. God willing, in all the states of America in the future there will be erected Temples with infinite architectural beauty, art, with pleasing proportion and handsome and attractive appearances; especially in New York. But for the present, be ye satisfied with a rented place.

The utmost happiness was produced by hearing the news of unity and agreement among the believers in New York; for the foundation of progress is union and when this object is attained, the Cause will develop.

Deliver on my behalf longing greeting to his honor Mr. ........ .

When the friends and the maid-servants of the Merciful gather together on Sundays, in the spiritual assemblies, exercise ye toward them, on behalf of this imprisoned one, the utmost affection, love and kindness.

Convey on behalf of this longing one the glad-tidings of the attainment to confirmation to his honor Mr. ........; that ere long he shall in such wise be assisted by the confirmations of the Kingdom of Abha that he, himself, will become astonished.

O ye members of the spiritual assembly! Become ye firm and steadfast in the Covenant and Testament to such a degree that your meeting become the expression of one soul and endeavor ye with your hearts and minds so that ye may become the cause of the illumination of this darkened world and that through your efforts the lights of the Kingdom dawn upon this nether sphere.

Whatever hath and will transpire in this land is through the conspiracy of the brothers who are not resting, neither day nor night, and are thirsting for the blood of Abdul-Baha. The government is not responsible at all. These difficulties are brought about through the evil slanders and machinations of the nakazeen202 .

“O thou whose heart is attracted and whose breast is...”

O thou203 whose heart is attracted and whose breast is dilated with joy by the Holy Fragrances!

Give the glad-tidings to the assemblies of the beloved who are firm in the Covenant and say:

“Verily the Lord hath manifested Himself in this new and wonderful age with the greatest bounty and mercy, which have never been preceded and whereof the eye of existence hath never seen the like; and it is His Great Covenant and New Testament, as appointed by the trace of His Supreme Pen, through which, and according to clear ordinances and explicit statements, the matter was plainly shown and the branches (sons), twigs (relations), kinsmen and beloved were commanded to obey the “appointed Center of the Covenant.” But the Covenant of God and His Testament is a bounty to the righteous and a curse to the wicked.

“On hearing this Command some faces have rejoiced by this Glowing Lamp, and others become gloomy and in their hearts the fire of jealousy and rebellion hath been kindled. They disobeyed the Command of their Lord the Merciful, endeavored to spread lies and arose to divulge seditious rumors contrary to that which was descended from God. They imagine that they are able to resist this Power, which penetrates into the heart of the contingent world, or to cover the Truth through their false tongues and complicated opinions, and to withhold this Sea from surging, the holy fragrances from being spread, and the breaths of the Spirit of the Ancient from reaching the beloved! No, by no means! Verily, the Word of God penetrates into the core of all things and cannot be resisted either by the hosts of the world or by the armies of the enemies! In the past ages there is a warning to every intelligent one! Ye shall see their banners reversed, their sign abolished, their happiness destroyed in those regions in a similar way to the disappointment of their hopes in the East.

“But, as the people of the West are still children in the Cause204 and have not perfect knowledge of its reality and validity, the nakazeen thought it to be an easy prey and availed themselves of this opportunity for laying doubts and suspicions, speaking false words, divulging seditious calumnies among the people. Ye shall see all this as scattered dust, and all these thick, dark clouds which were gathered in those far regions, will disappear and the Sun of Certainty and Reality shall shine with the Most Dazzling Light; the darkness will vanish, the firm believers will be in great joy, and the nakazeen shall be in evident loss.”

“O ye servants of God and maid-servants of the...”

O ye205 servants of God and maid-servants of the Merciful!

The letter, which was in reality the congratulation for the entrance of the day of the anniversary of His Highness the Promised One, was received. The names of the friends of God were read one after another and caused great joy.

I hope that upon the coming of each auspicious day the friends of God may become doubled, that is, may become twofold; that the gentle fragrances of the love of God may be spread so universally that large cohorts enter under the shadow of the Word of God in a short space of time, and arise to serve, according to the heavenly instructions, in order that strife and warfare may vanish wholly from the human world, and the beauty of love, friendship and harmony may appear with such an appearance that all the intellects may become astonished, all the souls entranced and all the hearts attracted.

O ye friends! O ye maid-servants of the Merciful! Should ye realize in what a state this Tablet is written, assuredly ye will soar heavenward with joy and exultations and begin to cry out: “Glad-tidings! Glad-tidings!”

Today the whole world is heedless and ye are aware; all are in sleep and ye are wide awake; all are deprived and ye are the custodians of the mysteries of the Kingdom! Therefore, to render thanks for these bounties, open ye the tongue of praise and glorification and engage yourselves in the divine commemoration, in order that the confirmation may be added and the assistance may become renewed!

“O ye beloved! O ye maid-servants of the Merciful!...”

O ye206 beloved! O ye maid-servants of the Merciful!

What a wonderful meeting ye have arranged and longed for the beauty of service and have arisen to spread the fragrances of God! Truly I declare, ye are confirmed by the cohorts of the Supreme Concourse and are reinforced and empowered by the Exalted Realm!

When the confirmation of the Holy Spirit descendeth, ye are not a drop, but a roaring sea! Ye are the stars of the horizon of guidance! If this committee become firm, it will grow and develop; if it remain steadfast, it will become a gift of the Almighty to the human world; if it last, it will display marvelous signs for the well-being of the children of man!

The hosts of the Kingdom of Abha are drawn and filed up in battle-array on the plain of the Supreme Apex and are expecting that a band of volunteers step upon the field of action with the intention of service; so that they may assist that band and make it victorious and triumphant.

O Thou Almighty God! Confirm Thou these friends and the maid-servants of the Merciful! Grant Thou to them assistance. Open Thou before their faces the closed doors and make them intimate with the fragrances of holiness, so that they may become the confident friends of each other; raise the melody and the song of joy and sing the harmony of heaven, in order that they may exhilarate and gladden the regions of the West and impart attraction and ecstasy!

Make Thou them the magnets of love so that they may attract the hearts to the Kingdom of Abha!

Verily, Thou art the Powerful and the Mighty; and Thou art the Giver, the Seer and the Hearer! There is no God but Thee, the Generous, the Merciful!

“O ye whom God hath chosen from among those who...”

O ye207 whom God hath chosen from among those who are called!—know that “many are called but few are chosen”!—upon whom He caused the evident Light to descend; whom He guided into the right Path, and to whom He gave the Glad-tidings of the Great Success!

Ye must be sincere and faithful, ye must follow the ordinances which refer to the Covenant of God, who is the solid edifice.

O ye beloved of God, know that steadfastness and firmness in this new and wonderful Covenant is indeed the spirit that quickeneth the hearts which are overflowing with the love of the Glorious Lord; verily, it is the power which penetrates into the hearts of the people of the world! Your Lord hath assuredly promised His servants who are firm and steadfast to render them victorious at all times, to exalt their word, propagate their power, diffuse their lights, strengthen their hearts, elevate their banners, assist their hosts, brighten their stars, increase the abundance of the showers of mercy upon them, and enable the brave lions (or teachers) to conquer.

Hasten, hasten, O ye firm believers! Hasten, hasten, O ye steadfast! Abandon the heedless, set aside every ignorant, take hold of the strong rope, be firm in this Great Cause, draw light from this Evident Light, be patient and be steadfast in this wise Religion! Ye shall see the hosts of inspiration descending successively from the Supreme World, the procession of attraction falling incessantly from the heights of heaven, the abundance of the Kingdom of El-Abha outpouring continually and the teachings of God penetrating with the utmost power, while the heedless are indeed in evident loss.

“O ye esteemed maid-servants of God, and ye revered...”

O ye208 esteemed maid-servants of God, and ye revered beloved ones (or men believers) of the Merciful!

Your letter was received and its contents noted. The maid-servant of God, she who hath ascended to heaven, i.e., Mrs. ........, hastened from this mortal world to the divine world and soared from this temporal realm to the expanse of the Kingdom. She abandoned the earthly cage and flew toward the bower of the upper world; so that, like unto a nightingale of significances, she may, in that divine rose-garden, engage in praising, glorifying and sanctifying the True One, with the most marvelous melody.

Consequently, do ye not sigh in grief of her decease, and be not dejected on account of her ascension.

To the people of adoration, death is an ark of deliverance, and to pure souls, flight from this world of dust is the means of attaining the Kingdom of Spheres. By “Spheres” is not meant this infinite space, nay, is meant the divine world, and the invisible realm.

To be brief: I hope her noble son may seek the Path wherein his mother walked, and may become better and more illustrious; nay, rather, the lights of his love may also take effect in his grand parents.

As to ye who are friends of that bird of the meadow of guidance, ye must, after her, have such unison, love, association and unity that it may make things better and more favorable than they were during her days.

Praise be to God! the divine bounty favors all of you, he doors of gifts are open before the faces of you all, and the radiance of the Sun of Truth is shining upon you all. Capacity, worth (or merit) and ability, are necessary, for the clearer and purer the mirror is, the lights of the Sun are more manifest thereon.

We are always gazing toward those parts in order to find from what corner (or place) the voice will be raised! We hope Baltimore will become an assemblage of light and that city may become a mirror of the love of God!

“O ye my dear friends!...”

O ye209 my dear friends!

Your letter was received and its contents were wonderful and beautiful for it evinced the spreading of the light of Guidance. Praise be to God! the lights of the Morn of Eternity have cast their rays upon that city, and in the future it will become enlightened, and luminous stars will dawn, gleam and sparkle from its horizon.

Today the Sun of the Most Great Guidance hath appeared with the greatest splendor from the horizon of the world, and the rays of the Sun of Truth shine with utmost light and power therefrom. Therefore, the world hath become another world and the bounties, other bounties!

A little earnestness and endeavor is encumbent upon you, so that the pages of the soul may be cleansed and purified from the rust of attachment to this ephemeral world. At that time you will consider how dazzling and brilliant is the effulgence of the Kingdom.

The maid-servant of God, Mrs. ........, and the maid-servant of God, Mrs. ........—praise be to God!—have made their homes the nest and shelter of the heavenly birds, and have arranged meetings. I hope that these two meeting places will become more illumined day by day, adding to the knowledge, faith and assurance of the audience, and increasing their resolution and steadfastness.

In fact, those two gathering places are my homes, and the nest and shelter of the birds of the field of God. Convey my loving greetings to each and every believer!

Likewise present my respectful greetings to the dear maid-servants of God in Baltimore and Washington.

“O thou who art advancing toward the Kingdom of...”

O thou who art advancing toward the Kingdom of Abha!

Be thankful that thou art inebriated with the cup of the love of God, hast partaken of the graces of the Supreme Concourse and art quickened with the fragrances of holiness.

Night and day lament and implore, with the utmost supplication and humility, before the Threshold of the Presence of the One God, that thou mayest be strengthened to guide people with all steadfastness on this path and take a plenteous share from this Most Great Sea.

The hosts of the Kingdom will assist (thee) and the heavenly armies will protect and defend thee. Wherefore seek bounties as much as thou canst.

“O thou who art supplicating unto God!...”

O thou who art supplicating unto God!

Verily I mention thee always and shall never forget thee forever and ever. I beseech God to make thee a sign of guidance among the people and a lamp of dazzling light in that extensive and large city, so that pure and good souls may be illuminated by the light of the knowledge of God and thus serve the Merciful Threshold by showing earnest desire for love, peace, affinity and harmony with the people of all religions. Verily the Spirit through which the temple of the contingent world shall be quickened in this time is indeed the founder of peace, the spirit of affinity and the light of love. This is that whereby this being of existence shall evolve and develop and the world of humanity be adorned with the raiment of glory and honor. Therefore it is incumbent upon thee to enkindle thyself with the fire of the love of God in order that thy words may have an effect in hearts which are as of hard stone.

“O thou young, incomparable tree of the Rose-garden...”

O thou young, incomparable tree of the Rose-garden of the Love of God!

Thank thou God that thou art planted beside this heavenly stream, has been favored with the inexhaustible outpouring, hast been trained and developed by the rain of the cloud of the Kingdom of God and hast brought forth fruit under the care of the Divine Gardener. Now it is the time to cast the shade and produce delicious fruits and impart sweetness to the palate of the spiritual ones. Exert [thyself] with heart and soul. Do not rest one moment, neither do thou seek after composure. Give thou to others the glad-tidings of the Kingdom and announce to them the manifestation of the signs of the Realm of Might! This is from the bounty of God. He bestoweth to whomsoever He willeth. Verily God is the Possessor of great gifts!

“O thou who hast approached toward God!...”

O thou who hast approached toward God!

Verily I have received thy letter and my heart was dilated by the content of thy expression, for it indicated the illumination of thy heart, the spirituality of thy soul, thy detachment from all the grades of this nether world and thy yearning after the effulgences of the Realm of Light.

By the glory of my Lord, I declare: “Verily the splendors of divinity are continually descending upon the pure, enlightened souls and the outpouring of the Kingdom fall tumultuously, like unto torrents, upon the favored realities from the rains of the providence of thy Lord, the Merciful, the Clement!

“Cast behind every single thought and idea and attach thyself to the commemoration of thy Master, the Ancient. Be thou soaring in the Kingdom of God, the Mighty, the Beneficent. Live thou in Paris until the fragrance of the love of God may emanate from thee in the college wherein thou art studying sciences and unfurl thou the standard of universal peace, reconciliation, agreement and security among all men. Rejoice thou by the bounty of thy Lord which hath encompassed the whole existence and sing and warble with the most wonderful melody in the rose-garden of knowledge. Verily thy Lord, the Beneficent, will confirm thee in every moment and second and will empower thee with such a power that the columns of warfare and bloodshed shall shake and the foundation of peace and harmony shall arise.”

“O thou who art firm in the Covenant of God!...”

O thou who art firm in the Covenant of God!

Mayest thou enjoy this cup which is overflowing with the pure wine of the love of God! Glad-tidings unto thee for that by reason of which thou hast become an acceptable servant before God!

Verily I have read thy brilliant letter and praised God for He hath made the cup of thy heart filled with the pure wine of His love and hath chosen thee to enter the Kingdom of His Guidance.

Now as to what thou askest concerning giving up the scientific attainment in Paris for the sake of confining thy days to the delivery of this Truth, it is indeed acceptable and beloved, but if thou acquire both it would be better and more perfect, because in this new century the attainment of science, arts and belles lettres, whether divine or worldly, material or spiritual, is a matter which is acceptable before God and a duty which is incumbent upon us to accomplish. Therefore, never deny the spiritual things to the material, rather both are incumbent upon thee. Nevertheless, at the time when thou art working for such a scientific attainment, thou must be controlled by the attraction of the love of thy Glorious Lord and mindful of mentioning His Splendid Name. This being the case, thou must attain the art thou art studying to its perfection.

I implore God to assist thee in all cases and aspects and perfume thy nostrils with the holy fragrance during all times. Be tranquil through my love unto thee and rejoice at my compassion upon thee.

As to the tribute thou hast sent: We have accepted it as a treasure because it was presented by thee with all love and great sincerity and we shall use it in building the Holy Tomb210, that thy name may become immortal forever and ever.

“O thou who art directed toward the Light of Guidance!...”

O thou who art directed toward the Light of Guidance!

In this moment the heart of Abdul-Baha is rejoiced at thy remembrance and he is writing an answer to thy letter so that thou mayest be so moved by the breezes of the love of God that thou mayest become the envy of the cypress of the rose-garden and cause joy, yearning, longing and ecstasy to the friends.

In this great dispensation, art (or a profession) is identical with an act of worship and this is a clear text of the Blessed Perfection. Therefore, extreme effort should be made in art and this will not prevent the teaching of the people in that region. Nay, rather, each should assist the other in art and guidance. For instance, when the studying of art is with the intention of obeying the command (of God) this study will certainly be done easily and great progress will soon be made therein; and when others discover this fragrance of spirituality in the action itself, this same will cause their awakening. Likewise, managing art with propriety will become the means of sociability and affinity; and sociability and affinity themselves tend to guide others (to the Truth).

Satisfy thy revered father and seek his pleasure,so that he may consider that thou observest his obedience more than ever. Practice the utmost love and affection.

I supplicate and beseech the Threshold of Oneness that thou mayest be confirmed and assisted.

“O thou who art rejoiced by the Divine Glad-tidings!...”

O thou who art rejoiced by the Divine Glad-tidings!

Verily I have received thy last letter and thanked God that thou didst reach Paris protected and guarded (by Him). Thank thou God that He assisted thee to behold the brilliant faces of the believers of God and favored thee to meet them in American countries. For, verily, beholding those shining countenances is a divine gift; by it the hearts are dilated, the souls are rejoiced and the spirits are attracted toward the Supreme Concourse.

Do not lament over the departure of my dearly beloved Breakwell, for verily he hath ascended to the luminous rose-garden in the Abha Kingdom, near the mercy of his Lord, the Almighty, and is crying out with the loudest voice: “O that my people knew how my Lord hath forgiven me and made me one of those who have attained (to the meeting of God)!”

O Breakwell, my beloved! Where is thy beautiful countenance and where is thy eloquent tongue? Where is thy radiant brow and where is thy brilliant face?

O Breakwell, my beloved! Where is thy enkindlement with the fire of the love of God and where is thy attraction to the fragrances of God? Where is thy utterance for the glorification of God and where is thy rising in the service of God?

O my dear, O Breakwell! Where are thy bright eyes and where are thy smiling lips? Where are thy gentle cheeks and where is thy graceful stature?

O my dear, O Breakwell! Verily thou hast abandoned this transitory world and soared upward to the Kingdom, hast attained to the grace of the Invisible Realm and sacrificed thyself to the Threshold of the Lord of Might!

O my adored one, O Breakwell! Verily thou hast left behind this physical lamp, this human glass, these earthly elements and this worldly enjoyment!

O my adored one, O Breakwell! Then thou hast ignited a light in the glass of the Supreme Concourse, hast entered the Paradise of Abha, art protected under the Shade of the Blessed Tree and hast attained to the Meeting (of the True One) in the Abode of Paradise!

O my dearly beloved, O Breakwell! Thou hast been a divine bird and, forsaking thy earthly nest, thou hast soared toward the holy rose-garden of the Divine Kingdom and obtained a luminous station there!

O my dearly beloved, O Breakwell! Verily thou art like unto he birds, chanting the verses of thy Lord, the Forgiving, for thou wert a thankful servant; therefore thou hast entered (into the realm beyond) with joy and happiness!

O my beloved, O Breakwell! Verily thy Lord hath chosen thee for His love, guided thee to the Court of His Holiness, caused thee to enter into the Rizwan211 of His Association and granted thee to behold His Beauty!

O my beloved, O Breakwell! Verily thou hast attained to the eternal life, never-ending bounty, beatific bliss and immeasurable providence!

O my beloved, O Breakwell! Thou hast become a star in the most exalted horizon, a lamp among the angels of heaven, a living spirit in the Supreme World and art established upon the throne of immortality!

O my adored one, O my Breakwell! I supplicate God to increase thy nearness and communication, to make thee enjoy thy prosperity and union (wih Him), to add to thy light and beauty and to bestow upon thee glory and majesty.

O my adored one, O my Breakwell! I mention thy name continually, I never forget thee, I pray for thee day and night and I see thee clearly and manifestly, O my adored one, O Breakwell!

***Concerning thy question whether all the souls enjoy eternal life: Know thou those souls partake of the Eternal Life in whom the Spirit of Life is breathed from the Presence of God and all beside them are dead—without Life, as Christ hath explained in the texts of the Gospel. Any person whose insight is opened by God seeth the souls in their stations after the disintegration of the bodies. Verily they are living and are subsisting before their Lord and he seeth also the dead souls submerged in the gulfs of mortality. Then know thou verily all the souls are created according to the nature of God and all are in the state of (unconscious) purity at the time of their births. But afterward they differ from one another insofar as they acquire excellencies or defects. Nevertheless, the creatures have different degrees in existence insofar as the creation goes, for capacities are different, but all of them are good and pure (in their essence), then afterward they are polluted and defiled. Although there are different states of creation, yet all of them are beneficial. Glance thou over the temple of man, its members and its parts. Among them there are the eye, ear, nose, mouth, hands and fingers. Notwithstanding the differences between these organs, all of them are useful in their proper spheres. But if one of them is out of order, there is need of a remedy and if the medicine does not heal, then the amputation of that member becomes necessary.

Verily I beseech God to make thee confirmed under all circumstances. Do not become despondent, neither be thou sad. Ere long thy Lord shall make thee a sign of guidance among mankind.

“O thou dear and honorable!...”

O thou dear and honorable!

I received thy last letter through his honor ........ and its contents imparted to me spiritual joy, for it indicated the high and good friendship between thee and the respectful maid-servant of God, ......... I supplicate God to increase at every moment and second your faith, assurance, steadfastness and your knowledge, and likewise to create spiritual friendship and celestial love among the friends, in order that they may become a unit host and enlisted soldiers (of the Kingdom of God) with accomplishment, skillfulness, solidarity, fellowship and unison.

Verily, by this their breasts will become dilated, their names exalted, their faces illumined, their host confirmed and their progress, illumination, insight, knowledge, spirituality, fragrance, attraction, enkindlement, sanctity and purity promulgated.

Convey my greeting to ........ and say to her: “Verily the teachings which flowed from the lips of His Highness Christ were spiritual, celestial, heavenly and the cause of the eternal life; therefore it is explained as heavenly food and the divine table. But the philosophers who were the greatest sages of the world at that time could not realize the power of the teachings of Christ and these very philosophers were veiled from the Spirit of Christ and did not acknowledge His instructions, for their imaginations did not correspond with the apprehensions of their intellects. O what remorse is their lot by losing this Great Cause! Consequently, the teachings of Baha’ shall assuredly breathe the spirit of peace, the love of God and divine compassion in the hearts of men. These universal results will become clear to those who cling to them (teachings) after experience. As to thee, consider profoundly these teachings in order that thou mayest apprehend their realities.”

O my dear Mr. .........! I beseech God to grant thee the power of knowledge and understanding so that thou mayest fathom the mysteries of the teachings descended from the presence of he Glorious Lord.

“O thou spiritual son!...”

O thou spiritual son!

Verily I have received thy lettter***and its contents were known. I supplicate God to open to thee a way and prepare for thee and guide thee in thy affair.

But concerning thy marriage with the maid-servant of God, ........, do not be in a hurry. Deliberation and patience are necessary until her mother giveth her consent and thy father and mother also acquiesce. This is the divine commandment! Take thou hold of it with a true firmness. Verily this is better for thee under all circumstances! Verily thy Lord is gracious to His servants and He facilitates ere long every straight cause. But thou must submit to and rely upon God under all conditions and He will bestow upon thee that which is conducive to thy well-being. Verily He is merciful and compassionate! For how many an affair was involved in difficulty and then was straightened, and how many a problem was solved by the permission of God.

Be thou not grieved, neither be thou sad. Finish thy studies in sciences and then turn thy face unto God, asking from Him help and protection under all conditions.

“O thou dear friend!...”

O thou dear friend!

What thou hast written was perused. I beg of God that thou wilt become assisted and confirmed under all circumstances to find the ease of spirit and the happiness of consciousness, to enter under the shadow of the Tree of Life and to perfume thy nostrils from the fragrances of the holy rose-garden and to illumine thy heart with the lights of the mercy of guidance. Through the grace of His Highness, the Almighty, all the affairs become easy and feasible.

“O thou who art attracted to the Fire of the Love of...”

O thou who art attracted to the Fire of the Love of God!

I am cognizant of all thou hast written in thy letters. To attain the pleasure of God is the more important thing. Thank God thou art content with the will of God and art attached in heart to His divine wishes; and as thou art thus, all thy desires will be granted thee.

Relative to your going to America, thou must observe the wishes of thy parents and in the meantime endeavor to diffuse the breaths of God and satisfy those who are thirsting for the fountain of the knowledge of God by giving them the heavenly water and merciful rain.

Give my greetings to ........ and say to her: “If thou desirest to soften the hearts and bring thy friends under the shadow of the Tree of Life, show forth firmness and integrity; day by day increase thy sincerity and severance until by the power of the Truth thou wilt soften and subdue the hearts and awaken the souls of the heedless.”

Also give my spiritual greetings to Mr. and Mrs. ........ and say to them: “May your little daughter be a blessing to you.”

O my dear ........, endure and be patient, and by patience thou wilt attain thy desire.

“O thou sincere servant of God!...”

O thou sincere servant of God!

Be not sad nor sorrowful over what hath occurred. What hath transpired is for the best and in it is a sacred wisdom concealed which ere long will become manifest.

Turn thou to the Kingdom of Abha and supplicate to the Highest Concourse. The aid and mercy of God encompasseth all and His divine bounty is all-sufficient. Verily something will soon occur for that kind friend (i.e., thyself) which will bring all happiness, joy, pleasure and contentment in the Kingdom of God.

Regarding those whose names thou hast written, I ask aid and assistance for them from God, especially ......... I beseech at the Threshold of the Oneness of God to shower upon him blessings and open upon him the door of guidance, bestowing upon his heart the heavenly light.

“O thou who art firm in the Covenant!...”

O thou who art firm in the Covenant!

Thank thou God for that thou art assisted to establish a spiritual meeting in that city. That assembly is the rose-garden of the Cause of God and that meeting is the gathering-place of the beloved of God. If it endureth, it is the first assembly of the world and is the greatest assembly of mankind. Exert thyself with all heart and soul so that it may continue and be stable and constant until blessed results may ensue therefrom, for without firmness and steadfastness no matter shall prove effective in existence. Some of the friends organized meetings for teaching in the neighborhood of that region, but owing to lack of steadfastness those meetings scattered with great rapidity. I hope that thy spiritual meeting may become continual and cause the spread of the lights.

“O thou my dear friend!...”

O thou my dear friend!

I am now viewing the flowers in the little garden and remembering thy rose-like face. This material rose, although it is beautiful and fragrant, yet it cannot be compared with the beauty of the friends. Great is the difference between this fragrance and that of the friends, between the scent of this rose and the fragrance of the love of God. That face of thine which attracts the hearts is far more beautiful and better than this rose, for with that beauty is accompanied illumination.

Thy gift is much appreciated and very acceptable. I was made very, very happy and I prayed for thee that thou mayest appreciate the contents and significance of it.

Indeed thou hast served in Washington with no will save the will of God in view and thou hast made me happy and attained my pleasure.

Hold the spiritual meeting at the stated times and be thou its candle, giving (the friends) such happiness and joy through the glad-tidings of God as will make them joyful and full of ecstasy. Give them all my loving greetings. Surely manifest the utmost love and goodness o the Baltimore friends and organize for them a spiritual gathering.

“O thou who art firm in the Covenant!...”

O thou who art firm in the Covenant!

Great joy was obtained on learning of the harmony and love of the friends. Communication with the friends of various parts is one of the greatest means for spreading the fragrances.

The place adjoining Washington, where, during the summer season, the maid-servant of God, Mrs. ........, shall go, if it will not cause any disturbance and doth not become a means of talk among the enemies, the gathering of some of the friends there will be favorable. We must be considerate lest it may cause “sensation” among the people, for some people are weak and should be treated very quietly. However, the gathering of some of the friends there will be a cause of enkindling the fire of the love of God and the organization of a Bahai meeting will be harmless.

Every week two or three of the Washington friends should go to Baltimore and endeavor to help and encourage the friends there.

As to the seven qualifications (of the divinely enlightened soul) of which thou hast asked an explanation, it is as follows:

1. KNOWLEDGE. Man must attain the knowledge of God.

2. FAITH.

3. STEADFASTNESS.

4. TRUTHFULNESS. Truthfulness is the foundation of all the virtues of the world of humanity. Without truthfulness, progress and success in all of the worlds of God are impossible for a soul. When this holy attribute is established in man, all the divine qualities will also become realized.

5. UPRIGHTNESS. And this is one of the greatest divine attainments.

6. FIDELITY. This is also a beautiful trait of the heavenly man.

7. EVANESCENCE OR HUMILITY. That is to say, man must become evanescent in God. Must forget his own selfish conditions that he may thus arise to the station of sacrifice. It should be to such a degree that if he sleep, it should not be for pleasure, but to rest the body in order to do better, to speak better, to explain more beautifully, to serve the servants of God and to prove the truths. When he remains awake, he should seek to be attentive, serve the Cause of God and sacrifice his own stations for those of God. When he attains to this station, the confirmations of the Holy Spirit will surely reach him, and man with this power can withstand all who inhabit the earth.

In regard to children, thou hast written that it is decided to train them in the teachings of God from childhood. This thought is very acceptable.

Give greeting and praise to all of the friends of God and to His maid-servants.

“O thou who art firm in the Covenant!...”

O thou who art firm in the Covenant!

Thy letter, sent through the maid-servant, ........, hath been received. Thou hast written concerning the changing of names. A name hath no importance, for a name must needs have a bearer (i.e., deserving a high name). That is to say, consider (people’s) morals and character, then consider the person himself and be attentive (to detect) one’s manners and conduct and consider his faith and assurance. If a person is illumined with the light of the love of God, he is (like unto) the morning star, even though his name be dark; and if he is a captive in the darkness of error, he is gloomy even though his name be that of a shining star. Consequently, be thou intent that thou makest thy face illumined with the light of the love of God, through the divine assistance and favor. This attribute will make thee independent of every name!

Convey my loving greetings to all of the friends of God.

“O thou seeker of the Kingdom!...”

O thou seeker of the Kingdom!

Thy letter***was received. Its contents became evident. Thou hast written concerning Baltimore—this caused me great joy.

The revered maid-servant of God, Miss ........, hath undergone great roubles. Praise be to God! that she hath arisen (and is confirmed) to serve (the Kingdom of God).

I hope that Mr. and Mrs. ........ will become the cause of spreading (the teachings) and organizing gathering-places.

The news of Camp Mineola brought me utmost joy and fragrance. I pray to God that the power of the Word of God may become more evident and manifest day by day in those regions.

Convey my respectful greeting to the maid-servant of God, Mrs. ........, and say: “Thy service is to the everlasting Kingdom of Glory and is conducive to eternal life.”

Convey also my greeting to the maid-servant of God, Mrs. ........, likewise to Miss ......... I supplicate in their behalf that God may bestow upon them heavenly illumination.

In another letter***thou hast expressed sorrow and grief concerning the events in the Holy Land. On the contrary, (these events) must cause joy, happiness and exultation, for this is the day of trial and the occasion for the manifestation of the secrets of the soul and heart. Have the utmost joy about the incidents in the Holy Land and do not consider from any other viewpoint; for the deluge of affliction is surrounding always the Holy Land and the sincere servant of the True One is like unto the enkindled lamp around about which the adverse winds blow. Therefore, you must engage in your own occupation, be familiar in spreading the fragrances of God and characterized in promulgating the Word of God. For instance, if you receive news that the Holy Land is entirely changed, you must not become relaxed at all; nay, rather you must become firmer, more steadfast and more attracted and more engaged in the service of the Kingdom.

“What thou hast written was read and its contents...”

212 What thou hast written was read and its contents became known. In reality blessed days are coming. This is the time for the service of the Kingdom and the period of spreading the divine Call. I hope that thou and all of the friends will occupy their time in the service of the Kingdom at this moment when Abdul-Baha is involved in he greatest danger, so that this heart may become gladdened and that you may become strengthened by the Word of God, causing also the strength of others.

Concerning thy presence in the Land of Desire, for the present postpone (this matter) for some later time until the arrival of summer and the passing of frosty winter. At that time it will be acted upon according to the circumstances.

The petition concerning unity and harmony, signed by the majority of the believers of God, was received. We have written a detailed answer for it and it will be forwarded. This letter, which was signed by the majority of the friends, brought me great, great joy.

The book that thou hast written thou wilt send and, after its translation, it will be read.

Each letter that thou receivest from me, where in the ending there is the command for its spreading, thou oughtest to publish that letter and circulate it.

Endeavor so far as thou art able to create unity, harmony and loving-kindness among the believers of God.

“Thy last letter was received and its contents brought...”

213 Thy last letter was received and its contents brought joy. Thank thou God, for thou art engaged in serving the Word of God and spending thy time with the friends of God. If thou somewhat regard thy father and mother, too, so that they may be somewhat pleased, this will be the cause of pleasing me. Father and mother are worthy of esteem and it is necessary (to secure their good pleasure); but this on condition that they may not prevent one from nearness to the Threshold of the Almighty and may not withhold one from walking in the path of the Kingdom. Nay, rather they (parents) should encourage and inspire one (to walk in God’s path).

As to living (or conduct) in accord with the Book of Akdas: We have spoken of this to his honor Mr. ........, for there is freedom in those lands and there are no obstacles.

Likewise, the Ishrakat, Tarazat, and Tajalliat214 must be translated and published (and spread) among the friends.

But, whatever writings and articles which the believers may write for the spread of the Cause of God, these they must necessarily send to the Holy Land, in order to be corrected and rectified (or approved of) and then to be returned to them and then published. Before their being corrected here and before securing permission from here, their publication is by no means allowable.

As to the obligatory prayer (to be said three times a day): Each one must say his prayer alone by himself, and this is not conditional on a private place; that is, both at home and in the worshipping-place, which is a gathering-place, it is allowable for one to say his prayer; but each person must say his prayer by himself (i.e., not in company with others who might recite the same words and continue the same postures together at the same time). But if they chant supplications (communes, etc.) together (and in company), in a good and effective voice, that is very good.

“O God!...”

215 O God!

Grant Washington happiness and peace! Illuminate that land with the light of the faces of the friends, make it a paradise of Glory, let it become an envy of the green gardens of the earth! Help the friends, increase their number, make their hearts sources of inspiration and their souls dawnings of light. Thus may that city become a beautiful paradise and fragrant with the fragrance of musk.

“O God!...”

216 O God!

Make this youth illumined and this weak one strong! Bestow upon him knowledge and give unto him an added strength at every dawn. Thus may he be protected and sheltered in Thy protection from every sin to serve Thy Cause, to guide those who are led astray, to lead those who are poor (or weak), to free those who are in captivity (or bondage), to awaken those who are in lethargy and to be happy with Thy remembrance and thought. Thou art the Powerful, the Wise!

“O thou who art firm in the Covenant!...”

O thou who art firm in the Covenant!

The short treatise which thou has written upon “Service in the Kingdom,” forwarding it here and asking permission for its publication, was read. Spread it among the believers.

Likewise, correspondence with all the believers in all parts is very desirable.

The copy of the pamphlet that thou hast sent before, God willing, in opportune time will be read and forwarded to thee.

O thou who art firm in the Covenant! Endeavor thou in the service in the Kingdom and, God willing, in a seasonable time, permission will be given to thee to come to the East.

Convey longing greetings to all the friends of God.

“O thou servant of Baha’!...”

O thou servant of Baha’!

Thy letter***was received. Correspondence between the believers of the Orient and the Occident, as well as between the different states of America, is of the utmost importance and is conducive to the enkindlement and attraction of the hearts. Show thou great consideration to this matter.

Thou hast written concerning the translation of Tablets. Perfect translation will be made at a time when a committee of translators is organized. The members of that committee must be composed of several Persians and several Americans, all of whom must have the utmost proficiency in both the Persian and English languages. Then the Tablets will be translated through this committee. For the present the organization of such a committee is not possible. Therefore, whenever the publication of a Tablet becomes necessary, have a proficient person translate it, then circulate it and the end will be attained.

Regarding the station of this servant: My station is Abdul-Baha, my name is Abdul-Baha, my qualification is Abdul-Baha, my praise is Abdul-Baha, my title is Abdul-Baha. All the friends of God must declare this word, in order that all of them become united and harmonized upon it. No difference must arise. Collect, translate, print and spread all the Tablets written by me regarding this question.

Concerning the Book of Akdas: Undoubtedly it must be translated by a scientific committee of translators. The translation of one person is not sufficient.

Concerning the spiritual assembly of Washington: I supplicate God that it may finally become the cause of the unification of all the nations of the world.

The maid-servant of God, Miss ......., hath not yet returned from Persia. God willing, we will direct her to travel to those parts.

Thou hast written regarding the believers of Baltimore. Undoubtedly whenever opportunity affords, the believers of Washington must go to Baltimore, become engaged in teaching the Truth, spread the carpet of feasting and prepare the heavenly table.

Convey respectful greeting on my behalf to the maid-servant of God, Miss ........, and say: “O thou divinely attracted one! Day and night, with an eloquent tongue, teach thou the heedless ones; awaken those who are speechless and silent. Undoubtedly the confirmation of the Holy Spirit will descend upon thee.”

Announce, on my behalf, respectful greeting to the attracted maid-servant of God, Miss ........, and say: “O thou beloved maid-servant of God! Now is the time, now is the moment in which, like unto Mary Magdalene (who loosened her tongue in the city of great Rome), thou mayest arise and become engaged in teaching the coming of the Kingdom of God and spread far and wide to the ears the glad-tidings of the Realm of Eternity!”

In brief, O thou servant of Baha’! Strive ye that the souls be engaged, in all parts of Europe, with the utmost purity and sanctification, in the diffusion of the fragrances of God.

Undoubtedly teachers both from among the women as well as the men must go to Australia and New Zealand whenever the means and opportunity are brought about. Now make ye an effort that perchance through correspondence some souls, in those parts, may become illumined with the light of the Kingdom.

O thou servant of Baha’! Rest thou assured. I supplicate from God that thou mayest be delivered wholly from passion and desire and become the faithful and sincere servant of the Beauty of Abha.

“O thou who art firm in the Covenant!...”

O thou who art firm in the Covenant!

Thou hast written to his honor ........ concerning the Feast.

This Feast was established by His Highness the Bab, to occur once in nineteen days. Likewise, the Blessed Perfection [Baha’o’llah] hath commanded, encourage and reiterated it. Therefore, it hath the utmost importance. Undoubtedly you must give the greatest attention to its establishment and raise it to the highest point of importance, so that it may become continual and constant. The believers of God must assemble and associate with each other in the utmost love, joy and fragrance. They must conduct themselves (in these Feasts) with the greatest dignity and consideration, chant divine verses, peruse instructive articles, read the Tablets of Abdul-Baha, encourage and inspire each other with love for the whole human race, invoke God with perfect joy and fragrance, sing the verses, glorifications and praises of the Self-subsistent Lord and deliver eloquent speeches. The owner of the house must personally serve the beloved ones. He must seek after the comfort of all and with the utmost humility he must show forth kindness to every one. If the Feast is arranged in this manner and in the way mentioned, that supper is the “Lord’s supper,” for the result is the same result and the effect is the same effect.

O thou sincere servant of the Beauty of Abha! Thou hast written concerning Baltimore. Convey respectful greeting on my behalf to Miss ........ and say: “Exert thyself as much as thou canst in order that thou mayest illumine Baltimore, lay there an eternal foundation and ignite a lamp whose rays may shine throughout cycles and ages.”

Thou hast written concerning the Tablet of Baka Ya Ali—Baka Ya Vafi (Tablet of Protection). This Tablet is for the healing of ailments. Whenever one is anxious about the recovery of an ill one, he may read this prayer with a melodious voice while in a state of the utmost attention and concentration.

Thou hast written regarding Buddha and Confucius. Buddha was an illustrious personage. Confucius became the cause of civilization, advancement and prosperity for the people of China. Now it is not the time when we discuss concerning the stations and positions of those who are passed away. We must concentrate our attention upon the present. What hath transpired in a former time is past. Now is the time when we restrict our discussion to the Most Great Luminary of Peace and Salvation in the Age, to talk of the Blessed Perfection [Baha’o’llah] and to voice His exhortations, behests and teachings. Buddha and Confucius were kings in bygone ages who have disappeared. Their sovereignty in this world is ended and their cycle is completed. Now the Throne of the Kingdom of Abha is established and the Blessed Perfection is sitting upon the Throne of Grandeur. We must raise this Call, promulgate the Word of God and live in accord with the teachings and advices of the Beauty of Abha.

Thou hast written regarding ........, the resident of Calcutta (India), that he hath forwarded to thee some addresses so that thou mayest correspond with them about the Cause of God. If thou doest write to them there is no harm done, nay, rather it is advantageous.

But regarding the tests: Undoubtedly they must be violent so that those souls who are weak may fall back, while the souls who are firm and sincere may shine forth from the horizon of the Most Great Guidance like unto the sparkling stars.

“O thou sincere servant of God!...”

O thou sincere servant of God!

Thy letters are received regularly and by reading them joy was produced.

Thou hast written regarding the building of the Mashrak-el-Azcar in Washington. This matter was discussed with the maid-servant of Baha’, Miss ......... It hath been concluded that when she arrives in America she will discuss this question with you. Whatever will be the conclusions of your discussion write to Acca. The maid-servant of Baha’ is in Paris; she will go to America. These services of thine are in reality worthy of praises, that thou hast sacrificed thyself wholly to the True One.

Mr. ........ and Mr. ....... arrived and stayed a few days here. The, with the utmost joy and fragrance, they started toward India.

“O thou who art firm in the Covenant!...”

O thou who art firm in the Covenant!

Thy letter***was received and its contents became the cause of the happiness of the heart of this grieved one, for it was an evidence of exertion and magnanimity in the service of the Cause of God.

Thou hast written regarding the publication of a magazine. If thou shouldst edit one magazine every six months—two in a year—then forward it to the Holy Land to be corrected and returned, after due correction, for its publication—it is very acceptable and will be the cause of the penetration of the Word of God.***

Thy former articles were received. I have not yet had time to read them. However, one of thy articles was corrected and forwarded and thou hast it printed and circulated. Now write thou a new article and send it here to be corrected. It is better.

Regarding the proposition which thou hast suggested that one of the maid-servants of the Merciful reside in the Land of Desire and be the medium for the regulation of correspondence, now it is not according to wisdom.

Therefore, now edit thou a magazine in Persian and English, then forward it here to be revised and sent back for publication.

Convey the wonderful Abha greeting to all the friends of God.*** ***O thou my kind friend!

I have the utmost love for thee and I ask God that thou mayest become assisted in the world and in the Kingdom and precede Paul and Peter in spreading the Word of God and diffusing the fragrances of God and become a manifest ensign in the regions of America.

Perhaps thou wilt meet a person in Paris who is thoughtless and followeth his own desire. Forget thou wholly his vain sayings and know thou that in future again thou wilt become in touch with such souls, but—praise be to God!—the fire of thy love is to such a degree that the suggestions of such souls do not at all affect thee.

In brief, arise thou in the service of thy Lord with the utmost firmness and steadfastness. I was very much pleased with thee. Undoubtedly this favor will become the cause of the greatest development for thee.

Likewise, thou and his honor Mirza ........ are two brothers and like unto two birds living in one nest and singing one melody.

“O thou who art firm in the Covenant and Testament!...”

O thou who art firm in the Covenant and Testament!

Thy letter***was received and its contents became known. Thou hast written regarding the election of a committee217 . This is very acceptable, is conducive to the glory of the Cause of God and the spreading of the fragrances of God in those regions. I hope that this committee may progress day by day until it become a merciful assembly.

Thou hast written regarding the correspondence with other parts, that from now on it will be carried under the name of The Bahai Assembly of Washington. This is also acceptable. I hope that this committee becometh established and its members be of the utmost unity and affinity. If the Bahai Assembly of Washington ariseth in a befitting manner to love, service and magnanimity, the lights of the love of God will be cast upon all sides from the Assembly and it will find more importance day by day, until it attain to the Most Supreme Station. ***

“O thou my beloved friend!...”

O thou my beloved friend!

For a long time thou didst have the longing to visit the Blessed Spot and the yearning to meet this imprisoned one. Finally this gift became realized, but it was for one moment and as the dew to the rose-garden of the hearts. The destiny was such and the means were brought about in this way. I became sad and disappointed more than thyself. But I hope that this meeting became as the wick of the lamp and the fire—that as soon as it was touched it became ignited. I am expecting the results of this meeting, that I may see thee lighted as a candle and burning thyself as a moth with the fire of the love of God, weeping like unto the cloud by the greatness of love and attraction, laughing like unto the meadow and stirred into cheerfulness like unto the young tree by the wafting of the breeze of the Paradise of Abha!

All the believers in the East and in this Spot are expecting the receipt of letters from thee.

“The letter was received and its contents became evident....”

218 The letter was received and its contents became evident. Thou hast written regarding the days of summer, that thou hast vacation for three months and a half. Shouldst though find any companions, make thou a trip to Persia, for during three months and a half it is possible to reach Teheran, stay there a few days and then return; but the time is not sufficient to come to the Holy Land. If the trip to Persia cannot be brought about, then to Ishkabad219 .

Regarding the question of matrimony: Know thou that the command of marriage is eternal. It will never be changed nor altered. This is divine creation and there is not the slightest possibility that change or alteration affect this divine creation (marriage).

Regarding the remains of his honor the beloved Breakwell—him who hath attained to the meeting of the countenance of his Lord in His great Kingdom—must be interred in that very land, not in some other place, for to transfer the remains of the believers from one city to another city is against the test of the Book.

Concerning the word Baha’o’llah: It must be written with O and not with U.

Regarding the Moronites: All the communities of the world will finally become familiar with this great and most holy Cause and all of them will enter under the shade of the Word of God.

Convey my respectful greeting to Mrs. ........ and say: “We hope that day by day thou mayest take higher flights, attain to greater spiritual attraction, thy word become more penetrative through the power of the Spirit and through the confirmations of the Kingdom of Abha become more illumined. This is the path of salvation and prosperity. This is the attractive power of the Holy Spirit from the Supreme Concourse.”

“O thou who hast confessed and believed in the Words...”

O thou who hast confessed and believed in the Words of God!

Thank God, for He hath uncovered the veil from before thine eye, and that thou hast witnessed the great signs of the greatest glad-tidings which have been revealed in the Gospel, Bible and the Psalms; and wert confirmed that verily those glad-tidings have been allusions to the appearance of the Kingdom of God during this time, and that the horizons shall brighten through the light of the effulgence in this age, which is the age of the lights and the century of thy God, the Powerful, the Almighty!

What a great gift is this guidance, the standards of which are raised, the traces of which are published and the breeze of which has blown, the garden of which is ornamented, the basins of which have poured out, the birds of which have sung and the joy of which is completed!

I beg God to cause thee to be a crier unto His Kingdom in that region, wherein the Sun of Truth hath newly commenced to disseminate and the dawn of guidance hath risen from its horizons.

“O thou who art assuredly believing in God!...”

O thou who art assuredly believing in God!

Verily, I am informed of thy letter which showeth how thou art praising God, hast acknowledged the unity of God, art attracted to His kingdom and art thanking Him for His favor; that He hath strengthened thee in guidance, hath illumined thine inner sight with the light which is shining forth from the Kingdom of El-Abha, hath caused thee to hear the Call of the Merciful from the Supreme Concourse and hath made thee one of the chosen ones in His brilliant and holy Threshold. O glad-tidings be unto thee for this great gift! O blessed art thou for this worthy deed!

“O thou maid-servant of God!...”

O thou maid-servant of God!

What thou hast written was perused. It is evident that thou hast all thy life been seeking the Lord of signs, until now thou hast found the path of Truth and discovered the Lord of Hosts and attained His Kingdom.

If thou shouldst stand firm and steadfast, thou wilt progress day by day in this condition, and this flame of fire will become a luminous lamp. If it be possible for thee, turn thy face toward that city and be a cause of guidance to some souls there. It is not now advisable for you to write secretly; the time will come for that. When you go there yourself you will be confirmed to teach some of the people.

“O thou who art advancing toward God!...”

O thou who art advancing toward God!

Verily, I read thy long letter, which showed thine abundant joy for the appearance of the Kingdom of God and the longing of thy heart for the knowledge of God. endeavor with thy soul, so that the fountain of knowledge may flow within thy heart and the bounties of mysteries may pour upon thee from the Kingdom of Lights. Then thou wilt understand the meanings hidden and recorded in symbols in the Holy Scriptures.

O maid-servant of God! Hold fast to the Covenant which hath emanated from the Supreme Pen and which is scintillating with the light of the Orb of the Horizons. Know thou verily, Baha’o’llah is the Promised One in all the Books and Tablets, and verily, this servant, is the herald of the Kingdom of God.

And know thou, that verily, he earthly world is as a prison to the holy souls and these long for the Kingdom of Sanctity, as birds long for their nests in the gardens of beautiful and wonderful trees, flowers and fruits. And know thou, verily, that those who were following the steps of Christ, detached their souls from the desires of the world, and made their hearts to depend on the bounties of heaven. Such as the people of the Kingdom and they are in no need of return for apprehending the bounty of the Kingdom. The consciences of such souls are clear, their inmost hearts are pure, [they] have obtained their aim, have betaken themselves to the vicinity of the mercy of their Mighty Lord, and thus they are in no need of being refined, developed and again endowed with sight.

I beg of God to grant all thy wishes and to cause to appear unto thee the reality of the Cause and the divine teachings through a heavenly bounty from the heaven of the Covenant.

Send my greetings and peace to thy revered husband. Every one of my household, the firm ones in the Covenant, present unto thee greetings and praise.

“O thou who hast prayed to the Kingdom of God!...”

O thou who hast prayed to the Kingdom of God!

I have read thy letter and I have taken knowledge of God as to thy conduct towards the Kingdom of God and also thy conflagration with the fire of God’s love. Be reassured by the grace of thy Lord and direct thyself towards Him.

Consider attentively and with assiduity in the New Testament, as well as the Bible, and thou shalt find new significances, very clear of this great Manifestation.

I declare by the just God that thou wilt see therein a revelation of the Holy Spirit which will aid thee in the good understanding of the Truth and the mysteries and significances of the Books of God, the All-powerful and the Eternal.

Then as to what thou hast asked me for pious people who died before they heard the Voice of this Manifestation. Listen: Those who have mounted to God before hearing the Voice, if they followed the rules of conduct as laid down by Jesus and always walked in the straight path,they have obtained this Dazzling Light after their rising to the Kingdom of God. I pray God to lift the veil for thee and to corroborate by the spirit of experience, so that all may be evident to thee, by the Holy Spirit of God.

I implore God to give thee indication of good conduct in the way of salvation, as a guiding lamp lighted from the fire of God’s Love, and to cause thee to be called in His Name by the multitude of the world, so that the Name of God shall be proclaimed in all far off countries.

Give my compliments and my praises to thy estimable husband; my greeting and praise to thee.

“O ye two maid-servants of God!...”

O ye two220 maid-servants of God!

The Lord of the Kingdom hath invited, chosen and guided you through His pure favor, feeding you from the heavenly table of divine knowledge! Know ye the value of this favor and bounty and loosen your tongues in praise; showing forth the power of knowledge and assurance and breathing the spirit of guidance into the hearts of the seekers.

Ask from God that ye stand firm and steadfast in this great Cause.

I pray in your behalf, asking assistance and favor for you. I hope that ye may become confirmed and helped.

“O thou thrall of the Lord of the Kingdom!...”

O thou thrall of the Lord of the Kingdom!

Thy photograph was considered with utmost insight. This picture is an emblem of an enlightened face, that is, a countenance which hath taken a share of the outpouring of the manifest Light. This picture is produced by the light of the sun. Therefore, it is called a sun picture. I pray to God that thy picture may become reflected upon the page of existence forever and ever.

“O thou attracted maid-servant of God!...”

O thou attracted maid-servant of God!

A few days ago the photograph of thyself and sister was received and a tablet was revealed and forwarded. Now, also, through pure mercy, the answer of thy letter is transmitted.

Praise be to God! that the heavenly blessings are being poured upon thee and thou art being led by the light of guidance.

Supplication to God that the seed of knowledge in the soil of thy heart may soon develop and grow into hyacinths and roses221 and that the flower-garden of the love of God may be thereby perfumed.

Therefore, I beseech God that He may bestow upon thee a meek and submissive heart and that He may confirm thee in the service of the divine garden and assist thee to emulate the actions and deeds of the godly ones. Also, that He may guide, to the Kingdom of God, your father, mother and friends, in order that by these heavenly blessings they may become fruitful trees and obtain a portion of the great and glorious gift.

“O ye members of the shining assembly!...”

O ye members of the shining assembly!222

The letter which was written by you, was not a letter, but a musk sack. For the fragrances of the rose-garden of its significances perfumed the nostrils of every heavenly one; evincing firmness in the love of God, steadfastness in the Covenant and Testament and affinity among the friends.

This yearning one was enflamed and burning intensely, but when I perused that letter, a gentle breeze wafted and an extraordinary freshness and delicacy was imparted to me. I turned my face toward the Threshold of the Almighty and supplicated Him imploringly thus:

“O thou Eternal One! Make the friends of that country prosperous, acquaint them with the mysteries; usher them into the divine rose-garden and reveal to them the hidden realities and significances; make their hearts the association of truth and their souls full of divine melodies and sacred (choral) music!”

“O God! This respectful assemblage are my relatives and kindred and the cause of the happiness of this afflicted one. Bestow upon them a shining face and grant them a musk-diffusing character. Show them the mystery of the Kingdom and suffer them to hear the soul-elevating harmony of heaven! Awaken (the people) by the breeze of the Paradise of Abha and make them alive by the power of the Holy Spirit. Verily, Thou are the Powerful and Omnipotent, and Thou art the Bestower and generous!”

“O thou dear servant of God!...”

O thou dear servant of God!

Thy letter is received and its contents were the cause of happiness. Regard the bounty and forgiveness of the Mighty Creator: Though Abdul-Baha is in this blessed and illuminated Spot and thou in St. Peter (Minn.)—the other side of the world—thou hast inhaled the divine breath notwithstanding the great distance, and beheld the heavenly Light. There are thousands of people in the Holy Land associated with us and yet they are deprived and have no hope in God. This is naught save a blessing from the heavenly Father which hath enlightened that face (i.e., thy face) and made that heart (thy heart) divine. I ask God that thou wilt be so animated by the breaths of the Holy Spirit that thou wilt cause that region to become an Eden of Paradise and illumine many souls with the brilliant Light.