BH00040: Praised be His most sanctified and exalted Presence, immune…

Section 1: “In the name of our Lord, the Most…”

In the name of our Lord, the Most Holy, the Most Great, the Most Exalted, the Most Glorious

Praised be His most sanctified and exalted Presence, immune from extinction and decline, Who hath brought forth the pearls of divine knowledge from the shells of the ocean of the hearts of the sincere ones and the believers, and made them manifest in the assemblage of the world, that eyes might be illumined by their vision and that these pearls might themselves guide humanity, leading all people and drawing them to the highest horizon. This blessed Day is in truth the Day of vision, for all that was created for it hath been made manifest. God willing, may heedless souls adorn themselves with the ornament of fairness, that perchance they may discover the fruit of their own creation and attain unto that for which they were created. Glory be to God! Any soul who hath attained even a measure of awareness standeth bewildered before the all-encompassing divine bounties and the manifestations of heavenly grace in these days. So completely have they encompassed all things that there is fear lest eyes become veiled from their true station.

Praise be to God for having created us, taught us, caused us to know Him, and guided us unto Him on a Day wherein hearts were shaken and eyes were dazed. And may peace, salutations, glorification and splendor rest upon those who have arisen with supreme steadfastness in the Cause of God, the Lord of creation, who have testified to that which God hath testified, and who have acted according to what was commanded in the Book. These are servants whom the affairs of creation have not kept back from the Truth, nor have the ornaments of the world, its commerce, conditions and manifestations diverted them from the remembrance of their Creator, their Fashioner and their Ordainer.

Glory be unto Thee, O Lord of existence and Sovereign of the seen and unseen! I beseech Thee by the Most Exalted Word through which Thou hast manifested whatsoever Thou didst desire, O Lord of all names, and by the light of the countenance of those near unto Thee, and by the rapture of the hearts of the sincere ones, to send down from the heaven of Thy grace upon Thy loved ones that which will draw them nigh unto Thee and protect them from the oppression of such of Thy servants as have been kept back by transient things from the highest Paradise and from all that is with Thee, O Creator of the heavens!

And then, once again was the power of consciousness perfumed by the breezes wafting from the flowers that had grown in the garden of your heart from the water of the loving-kindness of our Lord and your Lord. When the fragrance of your words attracted me, I turned to the Ancient King and appeared before His Most Great Throne and presented what was mentioned in your letter indicating your devotion, service and steadfastness. Then the Countenance of God turned and He, exalted be His glory, spoke thus:

He is the One dawning from the horizon of eternity

Glorified is He Who hath revealed the Cause, sent down the verses, and guided the people to the path of righteousness. Observe how in the days when the Wronged One was imprisoned and afflicted at the hands of the enemies from both parties, when ranks were formed and thousands appeared, when ways were connected and news was unceasing, nevertheless did He raise the call with the most exalted voice and guide all on earth to the Truth, exalted be His glory. However, the heedless divines have become the cause of the people’s negligence. They are the greatest veil and the august coverings mentioned. Soon shall the hand of divine power rend asunder these coverings and remove these veils from their midst, that all the world may turn to the highest horizon and receive their portion from the effulgences of the light of His countenance. Be thou speaking at all times. The pure seed that thou sowest in the good, blessed and fertile soil will assuredly grow and appear.

O thou who gazest toward My horizon and art turned to My face! Be not grieved at the delay. Soon shall God manifest that which He hath purposed. Verily thy Lord is the All-Powerful, the Almighty. The servant who is present hath come with thy letter and presented it before the Face, and We have revealed for thee verses that call out between earth and heaven of My grace and loving-kindness. Be thou grateful unto thy Lord, the Compassionate, the Generous.

We have heard what thy tongue hath uttered in praise of this Wronged One, the Peerless. Thou wert remembered in the Most Great Prison and wert present when the Light was shining from Its luminous horizon. Remind the people in the days of thy Lord and give them the glad tidings of this News which was inscribed in the Books of God, the Lord of all worlds.

Say: Beware lest the books of the world veil you from this Perspicuous Book. By God! The ocean of utterance hath surged and the Mother Book hath been sent down, and He Who conversed on Sinai hath come with that which was hidden in the knowledge of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Cast aside what the people possess. The Self-Subsisting hath appeared with the truth and calleth you to a station wherein the atoms have testified to the Revealer of verses, if ye be of them that know.

O concourse of earth! How long will ye worship idols? Cast them behind you, turning unto the All-Informed, the Single One. Say: By God! Your idols are your divines who have broken God’s Covenant and His Testament and turned away from Him Whom they invoke at all times. He who hath heard the Call and answered his Lord—he, verily, is the learned one in the estimation of God, the Mighty, the All-Knowing. Through him the lips of utterance smiled throughout all possibility and the Nightingale sang upon the branches. Thus doth God exalt whomsoever He willeth through His grace, and He is the Strong, the Mighty.

Convey My greetings and peace unto those who are with thee and unto those on whose faces thou seest the signs of humility before God, the Lord of this wondrous Day. The glory shining from the horizon of the heaven of My loving-kindness be upon thee and upon those who have clung to My luminous hem.

The heaven of grace hath spread its shade and the Tree of loving-kindness hath manifested its wondrous fruits. The Bestower, may His glory be exalted, and the partaker are both beloved, and the two blessed words “well done” and “well pleased” are the portion of this ephemeral one. God willing, may that beloved of the heart ever receive his portion from the wondrous, sublime bounties and attain unto this exalted, most high station. Verily, He is powerful over all things.

Some time ago, a very detailed letter containing divine verses and exalted, blessed Tablets was sent, according to thy wish, to his honor Aqa Mirza ʿAli-Naqi—upon him be the Glory of God—for delivery. God willing, it will have reached thee by now, though no word hath been received from thee. I beseech and implore God, exalted be His glory, that wherever thou mayest be, thou mayest be verdant and flourishing through the spring rains of utterance.

News has arrived from the land of Sad. The signs of joy and gladness of that land have shone upon this land, and this matter is most beloved and blessed. Its blessedness will become more manifest with the passing of centuries and ages, day after day. And at first it was adorned with the permission of the Goal of all the worlds. Praise and gratitude be to God for His favors, bounties, grace and beneficence. They wrote of their arrival in the land of K and meeting with the friends. Praise be to God, all are recipients of the outpourings of the true Bestower. For some time the Ancient Tongue has been speaking these words in every place:

“O servant present, ask God to assist all to preserve what has been bestowed.”

The exaltation of the Cause is and has been beyond doubt. Should the entire world rise up in oppression and strive with the utmost diligence to extinguish the light of justice, ultimately the sun of justice will certainly emerge from behind the clouds. This is what God promised Us before this creation. In this case, it is incumbent upon all to preserve their ranks and stations in the name of Truth, lest the afflictions, trials, hardships and tribulations they have endured in the path of God be in vain. Verily our Lord is the All-Knowing Teacher.

Regarding what they wrote about the arrival of Shaykh (upon him be 9 66 [Baha’u’llah]) who delivered the holy Tablets—the servant gives thanks to God for this and beseeches the Exalted Truth to give all to drink from the ocean of utterance and bestow their portion. Concerning what was written about Navvab (upon him be the Glory of God) and his wife regarding their intention to separate—there is no doubt the shortcoming was from the wife’s side, however reconciliation is better, as holy souls before and after have been tried and maintained patience out of wisdom, and in this there is wisdom from God and a great reward. At Navvab’s request, a special Tablet was previously bestowed upon him, but Navvab is protected from hardships by God’s protection—He is the Protector, the Mighty, the Powerful.

In both cases, whether reconciliation or separation, wisdom should be observed in every situation and time—this is closest to piety. This is a general ruling heard from the tongue of the Most Great Spirit. God willing, this servant himself will also send a letter to Navvab. Praise be to God, they are confirmed in service and steadfast in the Cause. Soon all these matters will be gathered and spread in the world’s assemblage. Blessed is he who has attained to God’s Cause and woe to the heedless.

Regarding what was written about copper that Shaykh mentioned—you know that such matters have never been disclosed to anyone. In those days, when attention was sometimes directed to areas around the prison, considering that, this servant made the request so that both a service would be rendered by them and it would be useful for travel. This is a bounty from the Truth upon him. These matters are conditional upon their being carried out with the utmost joy and fragrance, meaning that no hardship should occur in sending it.

Regarding what was written about the utmost eagerness of Nun Vav (upon him be the Glory of God) in rendering services—God willing, may he ever be successful in service and be manifest and evident like a banner upon the hills in the path of God.

And as to what thou didst write concerning the wickedness of Baqir the Second—that is, the second Wolf—who in the Land of Kaf was inflamed with the fire of hatred; and likewise thy mention of the friends of God who have suffered oppression: at a fitting hour these matters were submitted in the most holy, the most impregnable Court. This is that which the Tongue of Grandeur hath spoken—His Word, exalted be His glory:

Jinab-i-Asad: God willing thou art assisted to service and betterment—thus was it ordained for thee in the Book from God, the Mighty, the Bestower. Verily We give thee glad tidings of My mercy, My favors and My grace, and We send Our greetings from this Station. We make mention of the Jafar whom thou didst name, that he may rejoice in the remembrance of God, the Lord of the Final Return. O Jafar! Woe unto every oppressor who hath oppressed, and light unto every oppressed one who hath shown patience in what befell him in the path of God, the Lord of all lords. Verily My oppression is My most glorious garment—I love to wear it at all times. By God’s life! Soon all thou seest shall perish, but there shall endure for thee what hath befallen thee out of love for God, the Mighty, the All-Knowing.

We make mention of My servant Hashim and give him glad tidings of this Most Great Remembrance through which the earth hath been illumined by the light of God, the Lord of all men. Grieve not at anything, but place thy trust in God. Verily He is with whosoever hath turned unto Him when mankind turned away. Had this world any worth, We would not have left it to every oppressive tyrant. God will soon seize them with His might, and will make manifest your stations before all the world—He is the Powerful, the Chosen One.

O Asad! We have made mention of Jafar and Hashim, and We desire to make mention of My handmaiden who hath turned toward the Most Exalted Horizon and believed when the handmaidens of the earth turned away. Thus doth the Lord of the world make mention unto thee—He with Whom is the Mother Book. Then know, O thou who art mentioned in My presence and who hath turned toward My horizon, that by the oppressors We meant the divines, not the rulers. By God’s life! Through them was raised the edifice of tyranny and corruption appeared throughout all regions. Were it not for the divines, the rulers would not have opposed this Cause whereby God would assist them as He assisted them aforetime, and through which their sovereignty and power became manifest in the land. The kingdoms have need of order to protect them and justice to cultivate them. Thy Lord is verily the Expositor in truth and sincerity. Blessed is he who hath recognized, and woe unto every heedless doubter. We send Our greetings from this Station upon thee and upon those whose names thou hast mentioned—and I am the Mighty, the All-Bountiful. End.

Praise be to God! The whole world hath partaken and continueth to partake of the living waters of the verses revealed from the Wellspring of divine utterance, which hath so encompassed all things that none hath the power to deny it. These deniers who are now visible are heedless; were they to be silent for but a moment and listen, all would be found submissive, humble, lowly, and remorseful. Mention was made of the oppressed ones of the land of Jasb. Observe now to what degree tyranny hath reached, that souls who day and night think only of removing from the world oppression, transgression, tyranny and whatsoever is unworthy of their station, are counted as oppressors, apostates and corrupters, and are afflicted with diverse trials.

All these matters have proceeded and continue to proceed from the veils, the dark clouds, the tyranny and oppression of the turbaned ones. They have been and continue to be the source and origin of these heedless souls. Even as the lights of compassion, mercy and fairness shine forth from the Sun of Truth, so too doth the smoke of tyranny, oppression, error, malice and ignorance arise from those furnaces kindled with the firewood of rancor and hatred—and God is sufficient witness to this. Apart from these ignorant souls, none else was or is blameworthy in the first instance. God protect us and you from the evil of these people. However, the days of the oppressors have been and are numbered. Soon shall they receive the recompense of their deeds.

Section 2: “Mulla Ghulam-Rida and Muhammad-Javad, upon them be…”

Mulla Ghulam-Rida and Muhammad-Javad, upon them be the glory of God and His mercy, are mentioned at the Most Holy Court in such wise that were it to be cast upon the graves, their inhabitants would arise. Blessed are they and blessed is he who remembereth them in what befell them in the path of God, our Goal and your Goal and the Goal of all who are in the heavens and the earth. The servant beseecheth his Lord to deliver them from the oppression of the oppressors and to grant them His presence or to inscribe for them from His Most Exalted Pen His reunion. Verily our Lord, the All-Merciful, is the Almighty, the Powerful, and worthy to answer prayer.

Concerning the mention that was made of Aqa Muhammad-Husayn ibn Sad-Qaf and Aqa Nasru’llah and Aqa Ghulam-Ali and Aqa Ali son of his eminence Marfu’, upon them be the glory of God, it was submitted at the Most Holy Court, and these exalted words were revealed from the heaven of bounties and favors. His words, exalted be His grandeur:

He is the Light from the Horizon of Revelation

O Muhammad qabl-i-Ha and Sin! Thou hast attained unto the Most Great Word of God when the Mother Book turned toward thee from this Station at the mention of whose name the limbs of every treacherous one trembled and the face of every trustworthy one was illumined. We love him who hath loved the Face and make mention of him in such wise that his remembrance shall endure through the duration of My name in the kingdom of My mighty utterance. Be steadfast in the Cause with the most great steadfastness and strive that there may appear through thee that which beseemeth the days of God, the Lord of the worlds. Say: O people of the earth! Know ye that power and strength lie in steadfastness and unity.

Hold fast unto them that your stations may be made manifest in the Kingdom and the signs of God may be spread abroad in the East of the earth and in its West. Verily your Lord, the All-Knowing, will aid you through His grace, and He is the All-Informed Teacher. Say: Hold fast unto that which God hath desired. By My life! Through it shall the doors of hearts be opened and ye shall behold mankind hastening unto God, the Mighty, the Praised. Give thanks unto God for this Most Great Tablet, whereunto nothing in the kingdom can be compared, as attesteth every discerning knower. Glory be upon thee and upon him who hath attained unto this glorious and wondrous station.

And this is what was revealed from the Tongue of Grandeur for his eminence Nasru’llah. His words, exalted be His dominion:

In My Name, the Compassionate, the Generous

Glorified is He Who hath sent down the verses and dispatched them unto him who hath believed in Him and His Book, when He came from the heaven of command with manifest sovereignty. He desired naught for Himself. He accepted the Most Great Prison and summoned all therein unto the supreme horizon and unto that which shall profit them in the world to come and the present one. Every discerning scholar beareth witness unto this.

Blessed art thou, O Nasrullah, for having turned unto Him Who was wronged and having inhaled the fragrance of the Robe when every suspicious scholar turned away—they who cast the Book of God behind their backs, following their vain imaginings. They are assuredly among the wrongdoers. Blessed is the strong one whom the clamor of the divines hath not weakened, and blessed the eye which the veils of every heedless and remote one have not prevented. When thou hast attained unto My Tablet and found the fragrance of My utterance, render thanks unto thy Lord, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. We counsel thee and those who have believed in that whereby the station of man shall be exalted in the realm of possibility, and I am the All-Knowing Counselor.

Say: Praise be unto Thee, O my God, for having moved Thy Most Exalted Pen to make mention of me. I beseech Thee not to disappoint me of what lieth with Thee, for Thou art verily the Ever-Forgiving, the Merciful. At this point We make mention of My loved ones in that land and give them the glad-tidings of the spirit and sweet savors, inasmuch as the countenance of the All-Merciful hath turned toward them from this distant spot. Grieve not over what hath befallen you. By the life of God! Ere long the tongues of the world will speak your praise and acclaim, and curse your enemies. Thus doth inform you He with Whom is a perspicuous Book. Rejoice that the Lord of the Worlds maketh mention of you—He for Whose voice’s hearing multitudes have died in yearning. He beareth witness Who speaketh in every condition that there is none other God but I, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. The splendor shining from the horizon of the heaven of My loving-kindness be upon thee and upon those who love Me and make mention of Me, and whom I have mentioned in such wise that its fragrance shall never cease to endure throughout the eternity of My most excellent names. Thy Lord is verily the All-Bountiful, the Ancient of Days.

And this is what was revealed for Ghulam-Qabli-ʿAli. His blessed and exalted Word:

In My Name, the Most Ancient, the Most Great, the Most Glorious

We have made mention of thee before and after, and at this moment, O Ghulam-Qabli-ʿAli. Thou art beneath the glances of thy Lord’s loving-kindness. This is a word which no treasures can equal, wert thou of them that comprehend. Act in accordance with what We have commanded thee in the Book, that all who are endowed with vision may witness in thee the effects of what God, the Lord of the Day of Judgment, hath willed. Grieve not over the world and its conditions. Rather, rejoice in this ocean which casteth upon thee the pearls of wisdom and utterance. Thy Lord is verily the Bestower, the Bountiful. Thus have We opened before thy face the door of grace with the key of My Name, the All-Powerful. The Glory be upon thee and upon My loved ones in that land who have cast aside the way of the people, turning unto My straight Path.

And this is what was revealed for Ali, upon him be the Glory of God. His mighty and glorious Word:

In My Name, the Forgiving, the Bountiful

O Ali! We have mentioned thee before with words from which mercy raineth down before the countenance of every discerning and insightful one. And We made mention of thy father, to whom My Most Exalted Pen hath testified concerning his faith, his devotion and his orientation when the Light was shining from the horizon of Baghdad. He was indeed the All-Remembering, the All-Knowing. He attained the presence and drank the cup of reunion in the days of God, the Mighty, the Wise. How many a day did he circle round the House, and how many a night did he voice the praise of his Glorious Lord. And We made mention of his son, the Light, who heard with his own ear that which the Interlocutor of the Mount spoke forth in this wondrous Revelation.

Blessed art thou, and blessed is he, and his brother, and his mother who heard and was blessed to hearken unto the Call when it was raised between earth and heaven, and who believed in God, the Lord of the worlds. And We made mention of My handmaiden who attained the presence and ascended to the Supreme Companion, the station whereby the eyes of those near unto God were solaced. We make mention of you and your descendants, and We counsel you to pure righteousness and to that which hath been sent down in the Book from the presence of an ancient Revealer.

O Asad! Upon thee be My glory and My loving-kindness. Give thanks, for We have mentioned every name that was in thy letter and have sent down lustrous words, each letter of which hath illumined the earth and heaven. Yet the people remain in evident veils. Give glad tidings to My loved ones and to those who have observed My covenant and My testament and have borne hardships in My path. They are under the glances of My loving-kindness and are mentioned in My Mighty Book.

Some time ago, that which shall endure throughout the kingdom of earth and heaven was revealed specifically for his honor, the departed and accepted one, Kamaluddin, upon him be the glory of God and His mercy. God willing, may the true friends who have drunk from the Kawthar of bounty and who are gazing toward the horizon of the Cause hold fast to the cord of unity. God is witness and testifier that if what hath appeared and been revealed from the Source of the Cause were to be adhered to in every city and land, ere long the light of the Cause would appear with perfect radiance and brilliance and encompass all. We beseech God, exalted be His glory, to grant success and triumph to all in accordance with His good-pleasure.

A letter was also written by H.S., son of Sadiq, to the spiritual friend Haji Mirza Abu’l-Hasan, upon him be the glory of God and His loving-kindness, and was dispatched to the Most Holy Court. God willing, may they be speaking the praise of the All-Merciful at all times and be steadfast in His service. Another letter from that beloved one, dated the second of Dhi’l-Qa’dah, brought tidings and glad news, including mention of the Beloved of the worlds, that beloved one’s arising to serve the Cause, mention of the divine friends, and the glad tidings of your esteemed being’s health and well-being. It was as though each letter thereof appeared in human form and was inscribed on the right hand of these clear words:

“Blessed is he who hath perfumed Me and illumined Me with the light of the remembrance of the Goal of all who are in the heavens and on earth.”

God willing, may this messenger never cease to pass by and may his foot never stumble upon a stone.

Regarding the envelope addressed to his eminence Aqa Siyyid Abu-Talib, upon him be 966 [Baha’u’llah], according to instructions it should remain with your honor. It would be best to open it and make a copy, and there is no harm if you return it to its owner, but a copy should be taken so that it is not lost. The Blessed Tablet was revealed at the beginning of his imprisonment. This year most Tablets were delayed due to the disturbances in these parts. For example, the Tablets for the Land of M were revealed two years ago but until now, due to wisdom, were not sent. In these days, eleven of them were sent, so that the rest may be sent successively. It is hoped that all will attain.

Regarding the piece you had written about, it has been written and is available here. Since no suitable bookbinder and illuminator can be found in this land, therefore what is fitting has not been accomplished. However, according to the principle that “if the whole cannot be attained, the whole should not be abandoned,” a temporary binding will be placed on it specifically for preservation. Otherwise, whatever that beloved one deems advisable, let it be done. However, if it is given in the same condition as it arrives, this would be closer to righteousness, as the signs of imprisonment are apparent and evident on it, and these blessed signs are in the path of the Friend.

Concerning what they wrote about sending funds according to instructions to the mentioned souls, praise be to God Who enabled you to act according to His will. And regarding what they wrote about what they deemed advisable in the matter of N.J. and its components, it was appropriate and fitting. It is hoped that that beloved one will forever stand firm in service and be confirmed in assisting the oppressed.

Regarding what was written about Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-Javad from the land of Naraq, upon him be the Glory of God—at first it caused infinite sadness, but when this servant reached the word of salvation, boundless joy appeared. I beseech God, exalted be His glory and station, to assist that beloved one in all matters. The aforementioned Aqa Muhammad-Javad attained the presence [of Baha’u’llah] in Iraq and dwelt in that land for a time, in days when the manifestations of power, the conditions of grandeur, the fragrances of verses, and the effulgences of the suns of evidence were witnessed in such wise that the walls, stones, and pebbles of Zawra were in a state of attraction, excitement, vibration and resurrection. After the migration, he and his brother were ever-remembered in the presence. Assuredly, these tribulations and afflictions that have befallen the friends of God will be followed by innumerable rewards and recompense.

Consider the previous centuries: Jesus, Son of Mary—may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for Him—was summoned before an assembly with such humiliation as none but God knows, and now all kings remove their crowns in honor of His name, especially in these days when European governments have turned to religion and have arisen with complete determination to implement it. Although what has previously been revealed from the Supreme Pen will undoubtedly come to pass—some years ago a special Tablet was revealed for one of the friends wherein it was recorded that the face of the world is turning toward irreligion, and likewise some future events were inscribed therein—assuredly whatever is mentioned therein will appear in the world, and after the completion of the appointed time the Cause will be raised up in such wise that all will turn to it and approach with the utmost humility and submissiveness. In truth, however much this servant wishes to be brief and not cause trouble, it is observed that the choice is not in his hands—the attraction of friendship draws and carries one away to wherever God wills.

Section 3: “Concerning what was written about Jinab-i-Aqa Mashhadi Husayn…”

Concerning what was written about Jinab-i-Aqa Mashhadi Husayn [Baha’u’llah] from Abadih and the actions of the opponents against him—this was presented at the Most Holy and Most Exalted Court. This is what the Tongue of Grandeur spoke, exalted be His glory:

“Excellent is what he has done who has turned to God, recognized Him, spoke and arose.”

May they ever be assisted in that which is the good-pleasure of God. O Asad! We have found from Abadih the fragrance of steadfastness to such a degree that were it to be divided among a thousand souls it would suffice them. Reflect on this bounty to which the Pen of the All-Merciful has testified. We, from this station, send Our greetings to My loved ones there and command them to that whereby the Cause of God is exalted, but with wisdom and utterance. They must teach the Cause with wisdom. Ere long the Word of God will be seen raised up in all directions, and this is what the All-Informed acquaints you with. End.

That concerning the passing of the honored and illustrious Haji Mirza Kamal’d-Din, upon him be the glory of God, Lord of the Day of Judgment, you have written—from this matter great joy was attained. Assuredly, whatever emanates from that spiritual beloved concerning the friends of God has been and continues to be put into effect. “You have all arisen to serve God and serve His loved ones.” This is a mighty station. He beseeches God, his Lord, to adorn your deeds with the seal of acceptance. Verily He has power over all things. Praise be to God that this prayer has been and continues to be adorned with the ornament of acceptance. I beseech and hope from the Exalted True One, glorified be His majesty, that He may assist Jinab-i-Aqa Nur and Jinab-i-Aqa Ali, upon them be the glory of God, and the other survivors of His Holiness Kamal, upon him and upon them be 96 [the glory of God], in that which is beneficial for them, and in all conditions may He not withhold from them the gaze of His favor. Verily He is the All-Forgiving, the All-Generous. And praise be to God, our Lord and the Lord of all who are in the heavens and earths.

The third letter from that beloved one, which was adorned with the date of 4th of Muharram al-Haram, clothed the form of sorrow with the ornament of joy. God willing, this new garment will not change and will always be observed with the freshness of youth.

Concerning the mention of the receipt of the lost letter, praise and thanks be to God that once again it was not afflicted as before and remained preserved by divine protection. This evanescent servant has ever besought the True One, exalted be His glory, to assist him in mentioning and praising those near to His threshold. All atoms bear witness to this matter and behind them is our All-Knowing, All-Informed Lord.

Concerning your mention of His Excellency and that some deemed it wise to rely on correspondence in affairs—this matter accords with wisdom, for often the enemies of His Excellency would have seized upon your association and would have departed from wisdom. Every soul has had and has both friend and foe, especially one of such an exalted station. That beloved one has truly acted with perfect wisdom in this regard. Consultation has been and will be a guide and is confirmed by the Holy Spirit. He has prospered who has turned toward it and lost who has turned away. I beseech the True One, exalted be His glory, to increase His Excellency’s confirmations through your confirmations and to grant the sealed wine. Verily our Lord, the All-Merciful, is the Giver, the Munificent, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting.

In these days, God willing, the Tablets will arrive. Since such favor has not been shown to anyone until now, therefore a complete effect must become manifest and they must be adorned with the ornament of love, which is considered the supreme ornament.

Concerning what you wrote about His Excellency’s movement being deemed wise that His Excellency should also move—this matter is surely acceptable and effective, for wherever they proceed, it has been and continues to be the cause of manifesting the fire of love and planting new saplings and growing the flowers of knowledge and wisdom.

And concerning what you wrote about turning toward the land of N.J.—praise be to God that this journey increased the warmth of love, and likewise the illumination of vision. Turning toward God, speaking for God, and acting for God have been and continue to be effective, and no essence can equal its influence. God, our Lord, suffices as witness to what I say.

As regards what you wrote concerning Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-Ali, upon him be the Glory of God, that he had given nineteen tumans as Huququ’llah to Her Holiness the Mother of the Sacred Household, upon her be the Glory of God and His favors, this was accepted before the Throne. Blessed is he in that he fulfilled and acted upon what was commanded in the Book of God, Lord of the worlds. And regarding what Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Abdu’r-Rahim, upon him be the Glory of God, wrote to your honor mentioning the debt and hardship of certain ones, this matter was presented in the Most Holy, Most Exalted Court. He says, exalted and mighty be He:

“O Asad! Upon thee be My Glory! All must trust in wisdom and cling to the means. Blessing will descend and hardship will be transformed into ease, and abundance will become manifest and evident. Verily thy Lord is the Munificent, the All-Bountiful. Let them not be saddened by the severity of these days. By the life of God, great prosperity follows and supreme bounty hovers above. Soon will His grace descend in truth as a favor from His presence. Verily He is the Generous, the Forgiving. Convey My greetings to My servant ʿAbdu’r-Rahim and give him the glad tidings of My turning toward him and My favor unto him, that he may rejoice and be among the thankful ones, and arise to mention God and His call and to teach His Cause, the Mighty, the Great, with wisdom and utterance. Verily thy Lord is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.”

And We send greetings to My loved ones in all regions and We counsel them to love and unity and to that whereby the Cause will be uplifted among the servants. Thus have We commanded all before and at this time. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

And regarding what they wrote that Jinab-i-Mir, upon him be the Glory of God, indicated that Jinab-i-Ustad Husayn, upon him be the Glory of God, owes twenty-nine tumans—this sum, according to the command, should be given from the Huquq to Jinab-i-Mir to pay his debts. Those souls who are enabled to perform this righteous deed will attain a great reward, and this servant will also send a receipt. Blessed is he whom God has enabled to serve Him in His days and has accepted what was done in His path, for the fragrance of a deed performed for His sake in the divine days remains and endures throughout the duration of His names and attributes. Blessed is he who has recognized and acted in the days of his Lord, the Forgiving, the Generous.

As for what you wrote concerning Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad Mihdi, upon him be the Glory of God, it was presented in the Most Holy, Most Exalted Court, and likewise his petition, after permission was granted, attained the hearing of the Beloved of the worlds, and these verses were revealed from the heaven of grace. He says, exalted be His grandeur and mighty be His power:

He is the Hearer, the Answerer

O Mihdi! Upon thee be my glory! The servant in attendance here hath presented thy letter before the Wronged One. We have found from it the fragrance of thy turning to the Most Exalted Horizon and thy orientation toward the Countenance after the passing of all things. We have heard the yearning of thy heart and the sighs of thy innermost being for that which passed thee by in the days of God, Lord of the Throne and earth, and Master of the last and the first. We answer thee with this Tablet, from whose horizon hath shone the sun of thy Lord’s loving-kindness, the Mighty, the All-Forgiving. Be thou assured by God’s grace and mercy, and hold fast to wisdom and utterance and the teaching of His Cause, which hath been among the greatest of deeds. The glory shining from the horizon of My loving-kindness be upon thee and upon those who have cast aside what the people possess, holding fast to that which is with God, the Lord of Lords.

Holy greetings and praise, sanctified from the affairs of service, do I convey to them. God willing, may they drink from the Euphrates of divine mercy which floweth and descendeth in the blessed divine verses. Every matter hath annihilation following it and change pursuing it, but the Word of God hath ever been and ever shall be abiding and eternal. Their tablet was revealed in a state where the Ancient Beauty, exalted be His glory, was smiling and uttering these verses. God willing, may they be assisted to serve the Cause and make up for what they have missed.

As for what was written regarding Hakim Eliyahu, upon him be the glory of God, his petition was presented in the Most Holy, Most Exalted Presence after the petition of Aqa Muhammad Mihdi, upon him be the glory of God. He, exalted and mighty be He, saith:

In My Name, the Manifest, the All-Knowing

We have heard thy call and seen thy letter. Thy cries and lamentations are like unto the cries and lamentations of those near ones and sincere ones, and thy call is the call of those who remember. God knoweth every branch and is aware of every matter. The fragrance of His garment hath been a spiritual herald, and He caused thee to attain unto Him. Thou didst reach Him and hear His call and drink from the Kawthar of His love. Preserve these stations through the name of the Glorious Lord. He hath heard the call of every wronged one and hath turned to every one who hath turned to Him. He is the Helper and He is the Succourer, He is the Powerful and He is the Mighty. Be thou assured by His grace and hold fast to His cord and cling to the hem of His generosity. Verily He is the Munificent, the Generous. At the end We counsel thee to patience and tranquility. All matters are suspended and connected to wisdom from God. Hold thou fast unto it and maintain calm and beautiful patience.

God willing, may they attain unto that which is the cause and means of salvation. This servant also conveyeth greetings and praise to them and beseecheth God, exalted be His glory, for assistance and confirmation. Verily He is the Guardian of the doers of good.

As for what was written regarding Mulla Baqir 966 [Baha’u’llah] from the people of N and J, their petition was presented in the Most Holy Presence and attained the hearing of God, exalted be His glory, and a tablet was revealed from the heaven of will. God willing, may they attain unto it and drink from the Kawthar of inner meanings. This is what the Tongue of Grandeur hath spoken in reply. He said—may the spirit of all in the kingdom of command and creation be His sacrifice:

In My Name that dawneth from the Horizon of Command

O Baqir! All atoms are set in motion by the vibration of the Divine Word and are ablaze with the fire of His love. This is the Day wherein earth glorieth over heaven, inasmuch as it hath become the seat of God’s Throne, and all its trees, leaves, fruits, stones and kernels are engaged in the glorification and praise of God. Yet mankind, though created specially for this Day, remain heedless and veiled from the Lord of Destiny. For years the earth hath found no rest. Each day a fresh calamity appeareth and a new turmoil ariseth, nor shall it find peace save through the command of Him Who is the Almighty, the Ancient of Days. All things are imprisoned within the grasp of His might. This, verily, is easy for Him to accomplish. This is the word which was spoken aforetime. The deeds of the heedless servants are made manifest. That which hath been revealed by the Supreme Pen in God’s Book is evident and visible, and that which hath not yet been manifested shall assuredly come to pass. This is an irrevocable decree from God, the Lord of what was and what shall be.

Consider the former generations and reflect how much oppression was visited upon the chosen ones of God. In all ages, the divines of the age were foremost in opposition, and through their opposition all turned away. Observe what the All-Merciful hath revealed in the Qur’an:

“They exchanged the grace of God for unbelief, and caused their people to dwell in the abode of perdition.”

O thou who gazest upon His countenance! Be not grieved by the oppression of the Wolf and his like. If bubbles upon the surface of water have their moment of stability, such souls too shall have their repose. Far, far from it! Soon shall all return to nothingness. Strive thou to be enkindled with the fire of the Divine Lote-Tree—a fire which the seas of the world cannot quench, let alone this handful of dust.

Today the Sun of bounty is shining and the Ocean of grace is surging. Beseech God to aid thee in that which shall endure as long as His Kingdom endureth. Thou didst mention submission and contentment. By God! Whosoever attaineth thereunto and drinketh from the ocean of contentment is recorded by the Supreme Pen in the Crimson Book. Well is it with him and joy be unto him! Thus did the Herald—may the souls of all else be sacrificed for His sake—proclaim: Strive ye all that perchance ye may attain unto the word of His good-pleasure. This is mentioned as the ultimate station with the Lord of all mankind. Whosoever today testifieth to that which God hath testified, and acteth according to that which is commanded in the Book—concerning such a one shall the word of His good-pleasure be sent down.

As to thy question concerning predestination and free will, in former years there hath been revealed from the realm of divine knowledge that which sufficeth all. And now, that which the Herald hath spoken—that Beloved One Who speaketh naught but the truth and in all conditions proclaimeth “Verily I am God, there is no God but Me, the Lord of all things, and all else besides Me are My creation. O My creation! Worship ye Me.” If thou wouldst ponder upon the manifestation of God’s favor—exalted be His glory—and the sending down of this Tablet, thou wouldst become aware of the reality of that which thou hast asked. Yet today what is beloved is that ye arise to serve the Cause, for time is most precious, the Day most great, and the Cause most mighty. Were the fruit and effect of but one word of God’s utterances to appear on earth, all would arise with their very souls to serve the All-Merciful. I have desired forgiveness from thy Lord. He hath, of a truth, forgiven thee through His grace, and taught thee that which draweth thee nigh unto Him. Be thou thankful for this great favor and say: Praise be unto Thee, O Thou Goal of them that know Thee and Beloved of them that are near unto Thee.

Section 4: “May the honored one be assisted, arise…”

May the honored one be assisted, arise in service, be engaged in remembrance, be silent when reading, be firm when needed, be articulate and steadfast. This servant conveyeth greetings and salutations unto him.

As to what was written concerning Haji Baqir, upon him be the Glory of God (Baha’u’llah) and what befell him, it was presented before Him from Whose knowledge nothing is hidden. Thus hath the Tongue of the All-Merciful spoken in the Kingdom of Utterance, exalted be His glory:

O Asad! Upon thee be the Glory of God and His mercy. There hath befallen Haji that which hath caused grief to them that are nigh and sincere. Let them not be saddened. If perishable riches be taken from man, imperishable treasures are ordained for him with God. Regret is for wealth that is spent in ways other than the path of God; otherwise, that which is doomed to perish beseemeth them that perish. Beseech ye God that all may be enabled to discharge the rights of God, for thereby wealth becometh pure and blessed, and existence free and joyous. God willing, may all find the sweetness of the All-Merciful’s utterance and the sweetness of deeds performed in His path. By My life! Whoso hath found it hath detached himself from all else. Thus hath flowed the stream of mercy from the tongue of thy Lord’s wisdom, the Compassionate, the Bountiful. Convey My greetings to My loved ones and give them the glad-tidings of My grace and mercy, and remind them of that which hath been revealed in My perspicuous Book. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

And concerning what thou didst write about Aqa Rahim of N.J., upon him be the Glory of God, and his intention to pay the rights of God—may he, in all conditions, gaze toward the Most Exalted Horizon and act according to that which God hath revealed in the Book. Mention of him attained the presence of the Most High and these exalted words were revealed from the heaven of mercy, exalted and mighty be His Word:

O Asad! Upon thee be My Glory. Make mention of Rahim on My behalf. We have remembered and do remember all who have turned unto God, the Self-Subsisting, the All-Compelling. There is none, whether great or small, for whom My Most Exalted Pen hath not revealed that which cooleth the eyes. Ask God to assist Rahim in His remembrance, praise, service to His Cause, and the discharge of what is incumbent upon him regarding the rights of God, the Lord of what was and what shall be. By God’s life! All that the world possesseth cannot equal one word from thy Lord’s utterances. To this testifieth His Book Preserved and His Decree Irrevocable.

Two other souls were mentioned. God willing, may all attain His grace and act in accordance with what He loves and is pleased with. His Holiness Afnan (may the Most Glorious Glory be upon him) wrote regarding the matter of Aqa Rahim as per your letter to this servant. As commanded, nine tumans from the available funds should be sent from the Land of Qaf to Jinab-i-Samandar (may the Glory of God be upon him) to be delivered to Mulla ʿAbdu’l-Husayn (may the Glory of God be upon him) and a receipt obtained.

Another matter: As per the blessed Command, consider the case of the sister of Sultanu’sh-Shuhada (may the Glory of God be upon them both). Her rights, with whomever they may lie, must be delivered to her. Her petitions have repeatedly reached the Most Holy Court and one Tablet was revealed and sent in response to her supplications.

Regarding the turning toward the Most Holy Court by the Names of the Unity, after the Master of Names heard this, this supreme word was revealed from the Kingdom of Will—His blessed and exalted Word:

“If it occurs with spirit and fragrance, there is no harm. And if truly the lack of turning toward the Blessed Kaaba causes clamor among the deniers, they may turn in such wise that the pebbles of the earth and the fish of the sea join in their praise. Thus it behooveth everyone who desireth God, the Lord of the worlds. Blessed are they and those whom God hath made worthy of this noble station.” However, it was repeatedly stated that if not turning causes objection, then pausing in these matters is preferable, for perhaps souls may be quickened and enabled to serve the Cause. Today, holding fast to that which exalteth the Cause before God is [most] great. He recordeth for whosoever desireth the reward of meeting Him, and He is the Mighty, the Powerful.

Regarding what was written about the handmaiden of God, the wife of Aqa Muhammad Hashim Mishki-baf (may the Glory of God be upon them both), it was submitted to the Most Holy Court. This is what was revealed for her from our All-Knowing, All-Wise Lord. His exalted Word:

“O My handmaiden! Remember thy Lord with these sublime words: Glory be unto Thee! In Thy grasp is my forelock and the reins of the affairs of Thy servants. I beseech Thee by the handmaiden who melted in separation and remoteness from Thee to ordain for me by the Pen of Thy Will that which will preserve me beneath the shade of the Tree of Thy grace. O Lord! The atoms have testified to Thy generosity, bounty and favors, and all created things to Thy knowledge, wisdom and all-encompassing power. I beseech Thee to send down from the heaven of Thy Will that which will deliver me from my will and desire and benefit me in all Thy worlds. O Lord! Thou art nearer to Thy servants and handmaidens than their own selves, and more knowing of what is with them and what benefiteth them. Verily Thou art the Mighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.”

And regarding the mention of Aqa Siyyid Baqir (may the Glory of God be upon him), this is what was revealed for him from the heaven of grace—His Word, great is His grandeur:

He is the Ruler over what He willeth

A mention from Us to the one who desired to be remembered in the Most Great Prison, that his name might be honored through attaining the presence of the Wronged One, Who hath come from the heaven of Command with the hosts of ordinances and laws. Blessed is he who hath beheld My horizon, heard My call, desired My remembrance and attained unto My Word. He is indeed of the people of Baha in the Book of God, the Mighty, the Bestower. O Baqir! He who arose to serve Me made mention of thee. We have remembered thee with a remembrance that, were it to be cast upon the mountain, would cause it to soar with longing for the meeting with God, the Lord of lords. Cast aside what the people possess and take what is with thy Lord, the Master of mankind. Thus have We remembered thee and revealed for thee that which will draw thee nigh unto Him in all conditions. Beware lest the affairs of the world sadden thee or the veils of those who dispute the signs prevent thee. The glory shining from the horizon of My loving-kindness be upon those who have held fast to the Sure Handle when the All-Merciful came with power and sovereignty.

And as to what thou didst write concerning Aqa Nasru’llah, the son of Aqa Muhammad-Hashim, the brother of the two Martyrs—upon them be the glory of God—after it was laid before the most holy, the most impregnable Court, this most blessed, most wondrous Tablet was revealed. His Word—blessed and exalted be He:

In My Name, the Mighty, the Chosen.

O Asad! O thou who hast drunk the choice wine of My utterance and turned thy face toward My countenance! No name was presented before the Face but that We mentioned it as a bounty from thy Lord, the Generous. The mention of all is remembered in the Most Holy Court and divine verses have been specifically revealed for all, and even those souls whose names have not outwardly been honored by being heard, their mention too hath been revealed from the Most Exalted Pen. Verily, He is the All-Bountiful, the Forgiving, the Merciful. We have mentioned him and do mention him that it may be for him a remembrance, a treasure, an honor and a store with God, the Lord of the worlds. Verily, He loveth him who loveth Him and remembereth him who uttereth His beautiful praise. Glory be upon the people of Baha who have embarked upon the Crimson Ark through this wondrous Name.

And as to thy mention of Aqa ʿAli, the son of the honoured Leaf, the venerable aunt—upon them be the glory of God—this is that which hath been sent down for him from the heaven of the Will of our Lord, the All-Powerful, the Self-Subsisting. His Word—glorified and exalted be He:

In My Name that prevaileth over the heavens.

O ʿAli! We have heard thy mention and have remembered thee as a bounty from Us, and We have heard thy call and have answered thee in truth, and We are the Answerer. Rejoice in that the Wronged One hath turned toward thee from the direction of the Prison with a loving-kindness whose station none knoweth save the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Blessed is he who hath attained unto My Most Great Word, and woe unto every heedless doubter. Hold fast unto the cord of the Cause in this Day wherein the Ancient Beauty and the Most Great Name calleth out with a call that hath enraptured the hearts of those who have recognized. Cast aside what the people possess and take what hath come to thee from God, the Lord of the worlds. Beware lest the affairs of creation prevent thee from the Truth. Leave the people and what they possess behind thee, turning toward the Supreme Horizon, the station from which the light hath shone forth through this wondrous Name. The glory that is manifest and resplendent from the kingdom of My utterance be upon thee and upon those who have attained unto the days of God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.

With utmost abasement and supplication, this fading servant entreateth the Most Exalted One that He may cause all His servants, from East and West, to taste the sweetness of His Revelation and His utterance, and of whatsoever hath appeared and shall yet appear from His presence; that all may become aware of what hath come to pass in the world, and may discover that for which creation was intended. And as to what thou didst write concerning the younger son of Jinab Ja’far—upon him be the glory of God—it was submitted before the Most Great Presence.

This is that which the Tongue of the All-Merciful hath spoken—His Word, exalted and glorified be He:

In My Name, through which the ocean of life hath surged

This Book hath been sent down in truth from God, the Lord of all worlds. We make mention therein of him who hath turned unto the Countenance, that it may be unto him an everlasting treasure with his Lord, the Protector, the Trustworthy. O Jim-ʿAyn! The Wronged One maketh mention of thee from the direction of Truth, and calleth thee to the Most Exalted Horizon, and guideth thee unto His Straight Path. Blessed art thou for having inhaled the fragrance of My raiment, and turned thy face toward My countenance, and heard My wondrous Call. Be thou in all conditions firm in thy grasp of the cord of thy Lord’s loving-kindness, and put thy trust in Him. He, verily, is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.

Grieve thou not over anything. The Most Great Joy hath appeared, for God hath come with His manifest Command. Blessed is he who hath cast away idle fancies and taken hold of that which hath come unto him from God, the Single, the All-Wise. Thus hath the fragrance of the Merciful’s utterance been wafted throughout all contingent being. Blessed is he who hath found it, and woe unto the heedless. The Glory be upon thee and upon thy mother who hath heard the Call and turned unto it, and upon every maidservant who hath attained unto the recognition of God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.

This concludeth what hath come from His bounty. Who else can reckon His bestowals or render Him proper thanks? All existence hath confessed its powerlessness, its poverty, its inadequacy and its evanescence, and hath acknowledged that He is the Self-Sufficient, the Most Exalted.

The changing of names is not permitted at present, though afterward the matter resteth in His hands. Their occupation is well-pleasing at the Divine Threshold. A change of intention is necessary, and praise be to God, they have succeeded in this.

Eight pieces were sent, two of them practice pieces and evening exercises, and six others in clear script. Fifteen other pages were bound for safekeeping and all were dispatched. Let them act as they deem advisable. We beseech God to aid His servants to recognize that for which they were created. He, verily, hath power over all things.

To the honored leaf, upon her be the Glory of God, His favor and His grace, we convey greetings and salutations. God willing, whatever was neglected before shall now be undertaken. It is hoped that from what hath transpired, perfect results shall become manifest. Verily, all authority is within the grasp of our Lord and your Lord and the Lord of all who are in the kingdom of Command and Creation. The Glory, manifest, resplendent, shining forth from the direction of the prison of our Lord and our Goal and your Goal, be upon you and upon those with you and upon those who have attained unto this Manifest Announcement.

In Rabi’u’th-Thani 1300