Volume 073: Akka 1301 A.H. (1883–1884), Part I (4 of 6)

BH08453: Thy call hath been heard and thy turning unto…

He is the One Who speaks between earth and heaven.

Thy call hath been heard and thy turning unto God is evident. We beseech God that He may aid thee in a matter that shall endure and abide and never be effaced from the pages of time. This Day was promised in the divine Books and all were awaiting it, yet when it dawned from the horizon of God’s Will, all were found heedless save a few who turned with faces illumined unto thy Lord, the Almighty, the Powerful. The ones who have turned unto God must know their worth and recognize their station. Blessed is the soul that heard the blessed words “Am I not your Lord?” and attained unto “Yea.” Blessed art thou for having turned unto God and hearkened unto the call of the Wronged One from the precincts of this mighty Prison. The glory of God, proceeding from God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise, be upon thee.

BH08335: That which thou didst send hath been received…

He is the One Who calleth betwixt earth and heaven

That which thou didst send hath been received, and the servant in attendance before the Wronged One hath presented it. We have heard it and respond to thee through this perspicuous Tablet. Say: Glory be unto Thee, O Thou before Whom the learned have confessed their powerlessness to soar into the atmosphere of Thy knowledge, and the mystics have acknowledged their inability to befittingly praise Thee!

I beseech Thee by the Dawning-Place of Thy Revelation, and the Dayspring of Thy Most Great Signs, and the Manifestation of Thy Most Exalted Attributes, to make me in all conditions steadfast in Thy love. O my Lord! I am he who hath turned to Thy most exalted horizon when he heard Thy sweetest call. I beseech Thee not to disappoint me of that which is with Thee and which Thou hast ordained for Thy chosen ones through the hands of Thy Command.

Verily Thou art He Whom the conditions of the world cannot frustrate, nor can the clamor of the nations prevent Thee. Thou doest what Thou willest through Thy power and ordainest what Thou pleasest through Thy will. There is none other God but Thee, the Almighty, the All-Conquering, the All-Powerful, the All-Wise.

BH01089: Glorified be His Most Exalted Station, His Grandeur…

Glorified be His Most Exalted Station, His Grandeur and His Power!

Praise be to God Who hath sent down the verses and manifested the clear evidences and caused the Supreme Pen to speak forth betwixt earth and heaven. Verily, there is none other God but Him, the Single, the One, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. And blessings and peace be upon Him Who is the source and end of existence, the Ultimate Goal and Refuge, through Whom the Morn of Revelation sang and the Nightingale trilled upon the Mount, and upon His family and companions through whom the horizon of the world was illumined and the Temple of the Cause was established upon the Most Great Throne—they who strove in the path of God with their wealth and their souls until the valley flowed with their might and the Zawra smiled through their benevolence.

To continue: O My loved one! Thy missive hath arrived, and manifest is the effect it hath produced. By the life of God, it was spirit itself, adorned with the remembrance of Him Who is the Goal of all creation and embellished with the praise of the Best-Beloved of all the worlds. Your reward is with God.

God willing, be occupied at all times with the remembrance and praise of God, exalted be His glory. Give out the Tablets according to the requirements of the time, for in these days some are fearful, some are anxious, and for others, due to wisdom, it is not permissible to give them. Ye must wait until the time is ripe, and time arriveth more swiftly than lightning. The intention is that until ye are informed of the conditions of the friends, make no mention of the Tablets. Every sapling in the Garden of Utterance that deserveth the water of mercy, bestow upon it the water of inner meanings, and God, exalted be His glory, saith “Well is it with him.” This matter should be before the eyes of that loved one according to the command.

Counsel all the friends to patience, calm and dignity, and say: O friends of God in the earth! Ye are honored in all the divine worlds through the name of the True One, but in this transient world which will end more quickly than aught else, ye have been afflicted with abasement. In the path of the one true God ye have heard taunts and witnessed tribulation, ye have been imprisoned and have laid down your lives, but because of the tyranny of a few heedless ones, ye must not transgress the bounds of God—that is, ye must not molest any soul. All that hath befallen you hath been for God’s sake, this is the truth, no doubt lieth therein. And now too refer all matters unto Him, trust in Him and commit all unto Him. Assuredly He will not abandon you, of this too there is no doubt. No father delivereth his child to the lion, and no shepherd entrusteth his sheep to the wolf. Surely he exerteth his utmost in their protection. If for a few days, in accordance with consummate wisdom, outward affairs proceed contrary to one’s desire, there is and was no harm in this.

The intention is that all should fix their gaze upon the Supreme Horizon and hold fast to that which hath been revealed in the Tablets. They should not step into the realm of corruption, nor place their feet in the arena of contention and conflict. They should assist God, exalted be His glory, through the hosts of patience and resignation, through goodly deeds and character, and through wondrous and sublime words. In these days, in one of the Tablets, this exalted word hath flowed from the Most Exalted Pen—glorified be His utterance:

“At all times, hold fast to that which will cause the exaltation of the Word of God. Goodly deeds and a praiseworthy character are the hosts of God in this supreme Revelation, and likewise are blessed and goodly words. These hosts attract hearts and unlock the gates of cities. This weapon is sharper than the weapons of the world.”

Ask God to assist all to fulfill that which hath flowed from His Most Exalted Pen in the Scriptures and Tablets.

By the Day-Star of the heaven of inner meanings! If the friends were to act, or had acted, according to that which was revealed, the whole world would guard them as the pupils of their eyes, and the hosts of the unseen would protect them from behind. All things have been and are among the hosts of God. The winds are reckoned among His troops, the mountains among His armies. Moses with but a staff threw the world into turmoil, for it appeared through God’s command and arose to serve Him. God willing, it is hoped that the hidden staff will part asunder the sea of self and passion, and guide all unto God. Verily, He hath power over all things and is worthy to answer prayer.

According to His blessed command, in the Land of K thou shouldst convey greetings to the mother of the sanctuary—upon her be the Most Glorious Glory of God—and likewise to the paternal aunt and the daughters of the paternal aunt and all the kindred, one and all, and give them the glad-tidings of God’s favors and the mention of the Wronged One. In truth they have suffered greatly in the path of God. They have not been, nor will they be, forgotten, and are mentioned in the Tablets from the Supreme Pen. Some time ago, a Tablet was specifically revealed and sent to each one; therefore, this time there was a pause. We convey greetings to each one of the men and women, and give them glad-tidings of God’s special favors.

And likewise, gladden the rest of the friends in that land with the mention of the Most Great Scene. The honored cotton-carders are truly engaged in service. Blessed are they both. Verily, We make mention of them and give them glad-tidings of God’s favors and mercy. Convey greetings from the Wronged One to the kindred of Muhammad-Sadiq—upon them be My Glory. God willing, may they manifest that which God loveth and act according to that which hath been revealed in the Book, and with the hosts of deeds and character rout the ranks of the devils. God willing, may all attain unto the hearing of the Call of God and hold fast unto His path. End.

This evanescent one begs that greetings and salutations be conveyed to each of the gentlemen and friends who are present in that land. Peace be upon you, and the mercy of God, and His blessings.

The servant, in the first of the month of Safar, 1301.

BH11075: Glorified art Thou, O God of all beings…

…Glorified art Thou, O God of all beings and Desire of all created things! I beseech Thee, by the effulgences of the lights of the Sun of Truth, to aid Thy loved ones and chosen ones to do that which Thou lovest and with which Thou art well-pleased. Then send down upon him who hath turned unto Thee the rain of Thy bounty and Thy mercy, and ordain for him, through Thy grace, the good of both this world and the next. Verily, Thou art the Omnipotent over whatsoever Thou willest, and within Thy grasp lie the reins of all things. There is none other God but Thee, the Mighty, the Wise.

BH00866: Praise be to God Who hath sent down…

He is God, exalted be His glory, the Most Great, the Most Powerful!

Praise be to God Who hath sent down the laws and made them a stronghold for His servants and a cause for the preservation of His creation. Blessed is he who hath clung to the Book of God and acted according to what He hath commanded, and woe unto the heedless. And prayers and peace be upon the Lord of both worlds and the Purpose of all who are in the heavens and the earth, through Whom the Kingdom of Names was illumined and the standard of “He doeth whatsoever He willeth” was raised, and upon His family and companions, the manifestations and repositories of knowledge and wisdom, through whom cities and villages were subdued and the law of God, the Lord of all creation, was spread, and upon every steadfast, firm and trustworthy follower.

And now, your letter arrived and the correspondences were received and given to their owners who will send their own replies. Your deeds are, God willing, accepted. Praise be to God, they are remembered in all conditions and are occupied in service. His Holiness Afnan (may all glory be upon him) sent a letter to this lowly one. Among other matters, he had written about Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Ali-Rida (may the glory of God be upon him). It is hoped that a reply will be sent. I beseech God to assist him in that which He loveth and is pleased with. In truth, he is engaged in service.

The latest news is that the beloved of heart and soul, Jinab-i-Varqa (may the Most Glorious Glory of God be upon him) was given expenses and sent to his former location. And regarding the prisoners T and R, they had written that there is complete hope that they will be released in these days. This is the news that has arrived from various directions. Knowledge is with God. However, regarding the beloved of the heart, Jinab-i-Varqa (may God’s favors be upon him), a word was previously revealed from the Supreme Pen, and His Holiness Afnan has given him this glad tidings. Verily He knoweth and we know not what is with Him, and He is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

Regarding the Tablet of Jinab-i-Haji Muhammad-ʿAli (may the glory of God be upon him) from the people of Q, which they had written about, it was sent this time, and likewise the Tablet of Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad Isma’il Haji Malik, wherein mention was made of his deceased brother, wife and son, and likewise in other Tablets whatever needed to be mentioned has been mentioned. You will observe that God willing the rest will be sent later, and most of these Tablets this time are, as commanded, in this lowly one’s handwriting.

And regarding what they mentioned about Jinab-i-Akhund Mulla Husayn and the maidservant of God (may the glory of God be upon both of them), it was presented in the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence, and this supreme word was revealed in response. His mighty utterance is:

He is the All-Seeing, the All-Informed

O Husayn! The oppressed One of the horizons is surrounded by the people of discord, who with utmost effort strive to extinguish the divine light and quench the fire of the divine Lote-Tree. What benefit did their fathers and ancestors who previously girded themselves for these deeds obtain? By the life of God, they incurred a loss which cannot be remedied! The heedless souls followed suit, unaware that the Truth is ever-watchful and vigilant.

Blessed art thou, O Husayn, for thou hast hearkened unto the call of Husayn—that Husayn Whose appearance after the Qa’im was promised by God to all the world. His is the Manifestation of Whom it is said that all the Prophets and Messengers will gather beneath His banner—meaning they will attain to the recognition of His Cause. Praise be to the Goal of the world and the Ancient King Who hath enabled thee to attain this exalted station and most high rank. Guard it through His Name, the All-Powerful, the Almighty.

And likewise, addressing His handmaiden, His word, exalted be His glory, was revealed thus:

He is the All-Knowing, the All-Seeing

O handmaiden of God! Mention of thee hath been made in the presence of the Wronged One, and in every year there hath been sent down from the heaven of divine bounty, specifically for thee, that which no earthly thing can equal. Were the friends of God to become aware and know the station of the Word that floweth from the Most Exalted Pen concerning them, it is feared they would perish from joy and gladness. Blessed is the soul that hath attained unto the commanding Word of God—such a one hath attained an everlasting bounty. Convey on behalf of the Truth greetings to all the handmaidens in that land and give them the glad-tidings of His grace and favor, that they may arise as beseemeth the days of God. He guideth whom He willeth unto His straight path and acquainteth whomsoever He desireth with that which is hidden from the eyes of the heedless. The glory be upon thee and upon My handmaidens in thy vicinity, who were not deterred by the clamor of the oppressors.

Praise be to God, the honored one, upon him be the glory of God, and likewise the leaf who is known as the handmaiden of God, have attained the bounty of the Goal of all the worlds. Blessed be they both and joy be unto them. The Afnan, upon him be from all nine [glory] most glorious, hath mentioned their two brothers and what that beloved one hath written. This evanescent one beseecheth the Truth that in this Revelation no sapling and no plant be deprived of the spring rain of His generosity.

As to what they wrote regarding whether permission is granted to bring someone on their return or not, this matter was presented. Thus did the All-Merciful speak in the Kingdom of Utterance—exalted be His utterance: We have granted thee permission in this, that there may be with thee one who remembereth God in the evening and at sunrise. God willing, may all the peoples of the world attain to the mention, praise and service of the Cause. If one faileth to attain this station, in truth his existence hath yielded no fruit and his tree hath borne no fruit.

This evanescent servant beseecheth the Exalted Truth at all times that He may cause all to attain unto His good-pleasure and adorn them with this crown which is the greatest of all the crowns of the world. Verily, He is powerful over all things.

Another submission to his honor, the beloved of hearts, Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad Mustafa, upon him be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious: I convey greetings with utmost sincerity. His letter arrived and brought complete joy. Since this servant had no matter requiring his attention, no separate letter was submitted. What he had written was the undoubted truth. I beseech God to sanctify His loved ones from that which causes their own abasement and degradation. Verily He is the Hearer, the Answerer.

All praise be unto His Presence. Please convey greetings and salutations to his honor, the esteemed and kind friend Jinab-i-Aqa Abdul-Ghaffar, upon him be the praise of God. I implore and beseech God, exalted be His glory, to grant him success and aid him in preserving what has been bestowed. Verily He is the Answerer, the All-Knowing.

Another submission: Please convey, on behalf of this evanescent one, expressions of utter nothingness and effacement to each and every one of the divine friends in that land. Peace, praise and mercy be upon you all, and praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

The servant 5 Safar 1301

BH00749: The command belongeth unto God Who, through a wave…

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

The command belongeth unto God Who, through a wave from the ocean of His trials, hath drowned countless souls whose number none knoweth save His all-knowing, all-informed Self. Exalted, exalted is He at Whose word all who are in earth and heaven were thunderstruck, then through another word of His were raised up servants whom none hath known save He, and He is the Truth, the All-Numbering, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. The Word in one station is expressed as the Trumpet, and when it is blown again, behold, they stand and gaze.

O God of Names and Creator of Heaven! I beseech Thee by the kingdom of Thy Cause, and the might of Thy Revelation, and the divine realm of Thy glory, to send down from the heaven of Thy bounty upon all existence that which will draw them nigh unto Thee, guide them to Thy path, acquaint them with Thy station, cause them to speak Thy praise, and attract them to Thy mighty and impregnable Kingdom. Then protect, O my God, Thy Afnan who hath risen to serve Thee. This servant testifieth that he hath, for numbered years after being enkindled with the fire of Thy love and tasting the sweetness of Thy utterance, arisen to serve Thy Cause in such wise that all things behind me bear witness to this. Verily, Thou art the One Who hath power over whatsoever He willeth, and in Thy grasp are the reins of all names. Verily, Thou art the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful.

My spirit be a sacrifice for your standing and service. The honored letter dated the 11th of Dhi’l-Qa’dah was graciously received. Praise and thanks be to Him Who continuously and successively favors this evanescent one with blessed leaves adorned with the ornament of love for the Beloved of the worlds. All bounty and all sustenance referreth to Him and descendeth from the heaven of His favor—all is from God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. He created, guided, and taught knowledge and refinement. The purpose hath been the manifestation of the human essence, that it might attain to the recognition of the Countenance of Unity and be exalted to eternal life. The Sun of generosity hath shone forth, and from that effulgence another effulgence appeared, and from that effulgence yet another became manifest, and from these effulgences the world became illumined and radiant. One of these stations, through His grace and bounty, is the station of the Afnan. Exalted is He Who hath related them to Him, and exalted is He Who hath mentioned them in that which never endeth. God willing, you shall at all times be engaged in mention, praise and service to His Cause, as you have been and are.

Regarding the House, according to His command it is contingent upon a clear future command, and its mention is not permitted until God cometh with His decree.

News of His Holiness Ism-i-Sittih (Name of God), upon him be all glory, hath repeatedly reached this region. They desired to extinguish the light of God through their devices and quench His fire through their vain imaginings. Far, far from it! However, from the allusions in the utterance of the Desired One of the worlds, it was understood that some of the friends have again disturbed the government, and thus after ease came hardship. But as it was from fear and hope of deliverance, they were graced with pardon. The loved ones of the land of Ta, upon them be the glory of God, are afflicted with two trials—internal investigators from the right and external ones from the left. The command is in the hand of God, the Self-Sufficient, the Most High.

That which was written concerning the honored Chief, upon him be Baha’u’llah’s glory—praise be to God that he succeeded in that which the company of divines and jurists remained veiled from. In these days, in a letter this servant was writing in response to His Holiness the beloved Aqa Mirza Haydar-Ali, upon him be Baha’u’llah’s glory, this most exalted Word was revealed from the tongue of the Lord of creation, exalted be His majesty: “Time and again it was heard that the nobles would flee from the Word of His Holiness the Qa’im, may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for Him, and the company of divines would be bewildered and perplexed as to what that Word might be.

And now they have fled before even hearing it, and are unaware. And that Word is this: He hath appeared in the garment of I’, and the Hidden One speaketh with the voice of I am the One known’.’ This is the Word that causeth the limbs of misbelief to quake and the hearts of the world to be troubled.” Thus ended the divine utterance. This statement hath been revealed from the Supreme Pen in numerous instances—one meaning clad in diverse expressions. May He grant the right of fairness, that they might at least understand this much: that the Word from which the nobles flee surely giveth them no rest—“As if they were frightened asses fleeing from a lion!” In any case, mention of the honored Chief was made in the Most Holy Court, and he hath attained divine favors. That which he sent was adorned with the ornament of acceptance, and the receipt was also sent.

As to the mention of the honored Mulla Husayn, upon him be Baha’u’llah’s glory, that he should be remembered in the Most Holy Court—this was presented, and this is what was revealed for him from the Kingdom of our Lord’s Will, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. Exalted be His grandeur:

He is the Manifest, the Hidden

O Husayn! The story of Husayn hath returned. The Desired One of the world calleth out to the peoples from the Most Great Prison and summoneth them to the most exalted Summit, yet the people, heedless, have arisen with swords of steel and arrows of rejection, and strive with utmost effort to shed His pure blood. The very One Who hath removed strife and conflict from the world they have regarded and do regard as among the workers of corruption. By God’s life! He hath come for the reformation of the world—to this testifieth the Mother Book before the face of thy Lord, the Mighty, the Bestower. Blessed is the soul whom the oppression of the oppressors hath not prevented from the Beloved of all creation, and whom the might of the idolaters hath not held back from taking hold of the Book.

Give thanks to the Ancient Beauty, Who hath aided thee to recognize Him and enabled thee to achieve that for which all have been created yet from which they remain heedless. Ere long shall the believers behold their station and the ungodly their place. Convey My greetings to those souls who have drunk from the Kawthar of the Merciful’s utterance and who are illumined and radiant through the dawning lights of the countenance of His Face. Say: This is the day of steadfastness, the day of service, and the day of arising. The glory from God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting, be upon thee and upon them. Thus ended the divine utterance.

Several days ago, in the letter of the honored Trustee, that is, my beloved Haji Mirza Abu’l-Hasan, upon him be Baha’u’llah’s glory, verses were specifically revealed for him from the heaven of God’s Will and were sent. The honored one mentioned hath repeatedly made mention of them. By God’s life! Every steadfast soul is today the recipient of an everlasting sovereignty—a sovereignty that cannot be described and that thought cannot comprehend before its manifestation. Blessed be they that attain!

And as for the mention made of the honored Haji M.L.K H.S., upon him be Baha’u’llah’s glory—praise be to God, they have attained God’s favors and their mention was made in the Most Holy and Most Exalted Court. The servant beseecheth his Lord to open before his face the gate of unveiling and attainment. Verily, He doeth what He willeth, and in His grasp is the reins of all things.

The letter of receipt has been sent. This servant’s final submission is to convey greetings and praise to the friends and believers of that land, and beseeches God to assist all to accomplish deeds that are befitting of the Day of God. Most regrettable and lamentable it is that some are unaware of the station of this time and are moved by their own desires. The True One, exalted be His glory, has been and ever shall be the Concealer, and I beseech Him, exalted be His station, to sanctify them from that which they possess and to bestow upon them that which He possesses. May the glory shining forth from the horizon of our Lord’s favor rest upon you, upon your brethren, your children, and your brethren’s children, and upon those who have clung to the hem of God, our Lord and your Lord and the Lord of all who are in the heavens and on earth. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

The servant 12th of Safar al-Muzaffar 1301

BH02252: Praise be to God Who created from His Most…

He is God, exalted be His glory, the Greatness and the Power

Praise be to God Who created from His Most Exalted Word sublime letters, and took their essence through the operations of His wisdom and the manifestations of His power, and from its letter Mim created the Kingdom of Utterance, and from its Ha’ the realm of praise and glorification, and from its other Mim the center of the circle of existence, and from its Dal created the servants and manifested the decree of return. And verily he is Muhammad in the heaven of utterance and the crown of names before God, Creator of heaven. And the peace that shines forth from the Supreme Paradise and the Most Exalted Heaven be upon him and his family and companions who broke the covenant and pledge of the idols and cast away their ordinances and pulled up the tent-pegs of the pavilions of misbelief and raised the pavilion of divine unity among the world despite those nations who clung to the ropes of vain imaginings, turning away from God, the Lord of all beings.

And furthermore, may my spirit be a sacrifice for your mention. The servant has received your noble letter which was honored by the mention and praise of God. When I took it and opened it and read it and found from it the fragrance of sincerity to God, the Lord of the worlds, I went and approached and entered and presented what was in it before His countenance. He said—and His sweetest utterance is:

“O servant! Make mention on My behalf of him who loved Me and desired My presence, and convey greetings unto him and magnify his countenance, and convey to him from the Wronged One that which will gladden him and attract him. We beseech God to grant him the good of the hereafter and of the former life, and to ordain for him and those with him His everlasting bounty and His perpetual table. Verily He is the One with power over what He willeth.”

The servant thanks his Lord for your arising and service and mention and praise. Verily He is the Protector of whoever befriends Him and the Answerer of whoever calls upon Him. And we beseech Him to remove the sorrows of His loved ones concerning what hath befallen His chosen ones in the land of Ta. Verily He hath power over all things.

As for what you mentioned regarding what Haji ʿA L from the people of K (upon him be the Glory of God) sent—give him glad tidings from the servant that what he sent hath been presented before His countenance and achieved the lights of acceptance, and He allocated a portion of it to each one, and the Lord—may my spirit and the spirit of all else but Him be a sacrifice for Him—said:

“Blessed is he who hath attained and been present and heard. We give him glad tidings of the acceptance of what he sent. This is a Day wherein naught is seen except God, that it may be proven that there is no God but Him.”

Praise be to God Who assisted His loved ones to recognize Him and turn toward Him and taught them His straight path. And as for the glad tidings you gave me about the arrival of Janab-i-Haza’—upon him be the peace of God—the servant conveys greetings to him and permission has been granted for him to proceed to the prison. Peace be upon your honor and upon those with you, and the mercy of God and His blessings.

BH00667: Praise, sanctified beyond all bounds and the limited world…

He is God, exalted be His glory, the Most Great, the All-Powerful

Praise, sanctified beyond all bounds and the limited world, befitteth the court of Him Who doeth whatsoever He willeth and decreeth whatsoever He pleaseth, Who with one blessed and exalted Word adorned the world with the ornament of existence and illumined it with the lights of the Sun of His grace. Out of pure bounty, generosity, kindness and mercy He sent down the Book and raised up Messengers that they might guide His creation to His straight path and enable them to attain unto His knowledge, which is the ultimate purpose for the creation of beings. These are the Manifestations of His Cause, the Dawning-places of His decree, the Recipients of His knowledge and the Daysprings of His remembrance, until this most great bounty and most perfect and transcendent grace reached its consummation in the person of the Seal, may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for His sake.

He is the Source and the Goal, He is the Manifestation and the Dawning-point. He is the Manifestation of the most excellent attributes and the most beauteous names. Through Him was the Mi’raj adorned and Batha illumined. Through Him was the Temple of Light established upon the Throne of Names and the Essence of Utterance seated upon the Throne of Speech. He is the Manifestation of “He is the First and the Last” and the Dawning-point of “He is the Outward and the Inward.” One word from the blessed Dawning-point of His remembrance appearing in the East—its influence and effect become manifest in the West. At His remembrance the Kingdom of remembrance falls silent, and at His utterance the Realm of speech becomes still. Through Him was made manifest all that was worthy of manifestation, and through Him was perfected all that befitted this station.

However, in these days, due to the weakness of the people, power has undergone change and strength has ceased to penetrate. We must all, at all times, beseech and implore the Self-Subsisting Lord that He might renew the aging elements of the community with fresh and luminous garments. He is the Renewer, He is the Powerful, He is the Mighty.

O God, O Generous One, O Merciful One, O Forgiving One! The assaults of the ungodly have scattered the strongholds of the believers to the winds, and from the bullets of the deniers the edifice of remembrance and knowledge has been shaken, and the hearts of those near unto Thee and the sincere ones are trembling and agitated. Although, O All-Knowing God, the deeds of this people and their actions have, after glory, brought abasement, and after power have revealed weakness, yet we beseech of Thee Thy ancient grace and we entreat Thee: look not upon our deeds and actions, for they were not and are not worthy of Thy glance. Look upon Thine own mercy and bounty. Thou art He to Whose forgiveness every tongue hath testified, and to Whose power every seeing one hath witnessed. There is no God but Thee, the All-Forgiving, the All-Merciful.

And furthermore, it is submitted to that honored beloved one that after your departure from Beirut several Sacred and Exalted Tablets were sent, which we hope reached you, and likewise are being sent this time. A letter from this evanescent one was written and sent to Ibn-i-Alif and Ha, upon them be the Glory of God, and that letter contains divine verses regarding the friends of those regions. After perusing and reading it, they should send it, or that beloved one himself may deliver it. God willing, may the sleeping ones of that land be awakened by your passing, may the dead be brought to life, and may the wanderers turn to their true homeland.

In these days, in response to the letter of that honored master, upon him be all 9 [Glory] most glorious, a letter was submitted and sent, which also conveyed the favors of the Truth, exalted be His Glory, and two pages were also sent. As commanded, whatever was from before should remain as it was, and whatever has arrived and arrives thereafter should be sent. You yourself have seen and know the details of this land, so there is no need for mention. And in that letter, as commanded, mention was made of that beloved one, and likewise one Most Holy, Most Exalted Tablet specifically for Mulla Husayn, upon him be the Glory of God, was revealed from the heaven of favor and was written and sent in the original letter. God willing, may they attain unto it and become perfumed by its fragrance and receive new life from its breezes. Consider how many verses have been revealed and how many evidences have appeared during the nights and days—truly their enumeration is difficult except for Him, verily He is powerful over all things. And likewise this Supreme Word was revealed from the Tongue of the Manifestation of Names, blessed and exalted be His Word:

“O servant in attendance, write to the Honorable Amin on behalf of the Wronged One to convey greetings to Nabil ibn Nabil. The favor of God, exalted be He, has been and is directed towards him. Truly the brothers have, from the first dawning of the Sun of Revelation until now, been occupied with mention and praise and have stood firm in service. God, His angels, His Prophets and His Messengers bear witness that they both turned to the Supreme Horizon when the Cry was raised and the Call was lifted. Blessed are they both and their father and those with them.” End.

This servant, the attendant, also extends greetings to them and begs confirmation from God, exalted be His station. Never has their mention been nor will it be effaced.

Likewise mention was made of Aqa Muhammad-Ali, upon him be 9 66 [Baha’u’llah], at the Most Holy and Most Exalted Court. Praise be to God, he attained that which most of mankind are veiled from. On Friday night, the night of the full moon, the Sun of Divine utterance, may His glory be exalted, rose and shone forth from the horizon of the heaven of knowledge. He said: Write to Jinab-i-Amin, upon him be My Glory, that he should convey Our greetings to Aqa Muhammad-Ali in the land of Sad. The Wronged One has ever remembered the friends of God with the most excellent mention and utterance, and We beseech God to gather all beneath the shade of the Most Exalted Word and to unite all hearts and minds. He is the Sovereign in the shadow of Whose will all have ever dwelt and shall ever dwell. His is the creation and the command, His the power and the might, the will and the choice. There is none other God but Him, the Mighty, the Compelling.

This servant also conveys his greetings to him. Some time ago a letter was written and sent to him, which was adorned with divine favors. Praise be to God, his services are mentioned in the presence of the Divine Countenance. It is hoped that the friends in every land and region will, with perfect love and unity, hold fast to that which will cause the exaltation of the Cause and act according to what is in the Book. Haji Muhammad-ʿAli, upon him be God’s favor, had a special Tablet which surely has arrived by now.

As commanded, convey special greetings to the friends in Sansan and other places and gladden them with the favors of God. God willing, may all hold fast to that which God loves. Your reward in all conditions rests with God, exalted be His glory. You have truly endured many hardships in His path and have mentioned the friends of every land in His presence. Today, when mention is made of any soul in His presence, a great reward is ordained for that one and is recorded by the Most Exalted Pen. Whosoever has assisted you in service to the Cause has truly rendered service, and his reward rests with Him. Verily, He has power over all things. Say: Praise be to God, the Single, the All-Informed.

This evanescent servant is very pleased with that beloved one, for he has wished and continues to wish for the good of all. This is a mighty attribute. God willing, may you be adorned with this excellence in all conditions. This is a blessing that cannot be compared with any other blessing.

This servant further submits that you should convey greetings and salutations to each of the friends residing in God’s lands. Most of them this year have been distressed, saddened and troubled by the wickedness of oppressive souls. However, praise be to God, one day this most exalted word was heard from the blessed tongue. He said, and His word is the truth:

“Verily, He has purified them and forgiven them, and His mercy that has preceded all in the kingdom of earth and heaven has encompassed them.”

This word is glad-tidings for the friends and loved ones, and a reward for their blessed temples. Blessed are they and joy be unto them. They have attained to God’s mercy, favor, grace and bounty. Verily our Lord, the Most Merciful, is the Kind, the Compassionate, the Forgiving, the Merciful. The glory shining from the horizon of eternity be upon you and upon those who act according to what they have been commanded in the Book of our Lord and the Lord of the heavens and earths. And praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

The servant 15th of the month of Safar 1301

BH01539: Praise be to God Who sent down the blessing…

He is God, exalted be His station, the Greatness and the Power

Praise be to God Who sent down the blessing, and verily it is a table spread that hath descended from the heaven of His grace, and it expresseth itself in every tongue through all things, and it is that blessing whereby whoso attaineth unto it shall neither hunger nor be troubled. And in the understanding of the divine ones it expresseth the Primal Reality and the Point of Unity and the Mystery of Oneness—the Beloved of the Lord of Names and the Best-Beloved of those who are in earth and heaven, Who was named Muhammad, may God’s blessings and peace be upon him and his family among all peoples. And He is the Book whereby were sealed the mysteries of origin and return from God, the Powerful, the Mighty, the Bestower. And blessings and peace be upon him and his family and his companions through whom were raised the banners of divine knowledge and the seal of the choice wine was broken and the ocean of divine confirmation did surge, and upon those who acted according to what they were commanded by God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

And then, this evanescent servant hath attained unto your exalted letter and found therein the fragrance of your love and sincerity and submission and humility before God alone. The servant beareth witness that you have attained the lights of divine unity and the station of detachment and have swum in the ocean of mystic knowledge until you discovered the pearl of utterance and the coral of inner meanings. The servant beseecheth his Lord to strengthen you and draw you nigh and aid you to accomplish what He loveth and approveth.

Although in truth that beloved one hath already attained this station, yet since prayer is beloved and good-pleasure is above all stations, from time to time this servant dareth to express such words. In truth this is a great and mighty station which none knoweth save Him. And after being informed and made aware it was submitted before His presence and He said:

“The truth is with him, he hath spoken truthfully. We beseech God to aid His servants to perform pure deeds and speak truthfully and to righteousness and the fear of God. Verily He hath power over all things.”

End quote.

And regarding his eminence Haji Ali Askar, may the 966 [Baha’u’llah] and His favors be upon him, they wrote that the beloved one his eminence Amin, may the 966 [Baha’u’llah] be upon him, hath repeatedly mentioned him, and especially in these days the sun of permission hath dawned from the horizon of will. However, since the weather is unsettled and likewise the sea is turbulent, patience is preferable. If they remain in that city and its environs, after things settle they may proceed. Although God, exalted be His glory, hath been the Protector and the waves of the sea move not, nor have they moved, appear not, nor have they appeared, except by God’s will, yet the intention is that in this winter season the sea hath not been, nor is, free from toil and hardship. Therefore their hardship is not beloved in the sight of this servant. And likewise They said if any work arose requiring return to their land, the reward of attaining the presence would be bestowed upon him. Verily he is among those who have succeeded in serving the Cause and have been adorned with the love of God, the Mighty, the Wise. End quote.

This transient one also conveyeth greetings and salutations to them. Another submission: whatever that beloved one doeth hath been and is according to the command, for at first They said complete association with known persons is not permitted, as people’s properties are with them and the great ones of the earth await pretexts. Therefore one must act with utmost wisdom. This hath been and is explained in detail to travelers as well. Verily our Lord, the All-Merciful, is indeed the Kind, the Affectionate. Any matter that occurreth for God’s sake is beloved and predominant over other matters. This is what I heard from the tongue of Him Who speaketh today in the heart of the prison that which causeth to tremble the minds of the weak and the hearts of the foolish.

The final glad tidings is that on Saturday morning the 15th of Safar, acting as your spiritual representative, I attained unto visitation and circumambulation and was adorned with acceptance. Praise be to God that the letter was concluded with a mighty matter. The peace shining forth from the horizon of the Abode of Peace be upon you and upon those who have held fast to the Sure Handle and have acted according to what they were commanded by God, the Lord of all beings.

The servant 15th of the month of Safar 1301

BH03481: Praise be to the Goal of all worlds Who…

He is God, exalted be His glory, the Grandeur and the Power

Praise be to the Goal of all worlds Who enabled His servants to know Him, guided them to His path, adorned them with the ornament of His love, and ordained that which would lead the poor to the ocean of wealth and the sick to the kingdom of healing. His is the praise and favor in all conditions.

Thereafter, your letter arrived and was presented exactly as received. He said:

“O Ali! Blessed art thou for having held fast with certitude, turning away from idle fancies and vain imaginings. Thy letter was presented and We heard from it thy call. We beseech God to assist thee and ordain for thee that which will draw thee near at all times. Verily, He is the One Who oversees what shall be and what has been.”

End.

That which was sent arrived and was accepted with favor. God willing, may they be assisted in all conditions in remembrance, praise, attention and devotion. All shall pass away and what remains is that which hath been revealed in the Book of God, the Lord of all worlds. Praise be to God, the Mighty, the All-Knowing.

After the arrival of your partner Haji Ali, convey greetings on behalf of this evanescent servant. We beseech God to grant him success in all conditions. As commanded, if trade is conducted in a place other than Beirut it would be better and more appropriate. And in whatever place business is conducted, they must act with the utmost wisdom, for people are ignorant and the Persian consuls seize upon pretexts and engage in corruption and the seizure of properties, as they have done. In all cases, no word that might cause corruption should pass from the tongue. Blessed art thou for having held fast to earning a living and adhering to wisdom. Peace be upon thee and the mercy of God.

BH01150: Honored friend, your letter was received and it truly…

He is God, exalted be His glory, the Most Great, the Most Powerful.

Honored friend, your letter was received and it truly brought both great joy and much sorrow, as it mentioned the ill health of yourself and those upon whom be [Baha’u’llah’s blessings], and likewise your esteemed brother Aqa Mirza ʿAli-Akbar, upon whom be Baha’u’llah’s blessings, and also the dear friend Aqa Lutfu’llah, upon whom be [Baha’u’llah’s blessings]. Indeed, “tribulation is for those who are near” has shown its face, and “the world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the unbeliever” has become manifest and evident. This year in this land too, numerous souls have been bereft of health and afflicted with illness. Yet praise be to God, all ended well. It is certain that the friends in that land too shall be adorned with the ornament of complete healing.

Some time ago, the spiritual friend Aqa Mirza ʿAli-Akbar submitted a petition to the Most Holy Court. A gracious reply was given and sent. Undoubtedly they have received it. The world has been seized by the dust of sorrows, and the darkness of rebellion has obscured it. People remain veiled and heedless, not having yet pondered what has been and is the cause of the triumph of the idolaters over the people of unity, why the clouds of oppression have prevented the light of the sun of justice from shining forth, where the fruits of the seeds of knowledge planted in the soil of hearts have gone, and what their yield has been. All Islamic lands are now surrounded while non-Islamic lands surround them. Indeed, how true are the words of the poet: “All this from the ill-fitted, disproportionate form.”

When Adam, the father of humankind, came, he said: “O people, fear God! I have come for your salvation and give you glad tidings of the meeting with the Beloved, and guide you to the land of security.” They said: “This is pure falsehood.” Then another Messenger came from the True Sender and said: “Fear God!” They replied: “We see you as a liar.” Thus did the Messengers come and show the way until it came to Moses. You have heard what the Pharaohs did and what the tyrants said. Despite the nine signs, they denied and strove with utmost opposition to extinguish the fire of the Blessed Tree.

Then Jesus came and said:

“O people, I have come to give you glad tidings of He Who shall come after Me to complete for you what I have mentioned to you.”

They seized Him and intended to kill Him, but God took Him by His power and raised Him to heaven. Although these holy, pure, and steadfast souls never saw a moment’s rest and were forever under the lash of enemies—consider Noah and the later Prophets such as Hud, Salih, Lot, and George—all were at all times subjected to such torments that none but God, exalted be His glory, knows of them. Yet none reflected on why these oppressed ones bore all these things.

At last the horizon of the world was illumined with the Greatest Light, the gate of grace was opened, the ocean of generosity appeared, the ornament of beginning was adorned with the name of the Seal, and the first Sun was manifested with the final Light. Blessed and exalted be His words: “But He is the Apostle of God and the Seal of the Prophets.” In the beginning of His Cause, He spoke nothing but the word of unity, saying: “O people, say ʿThere is no god but God’ that you may prosper.” Nevertheless, you have heard the scholars of the Torah and the Gospel and what the divines of idols have wrought! Every possessor of sight hath wept, and every possessor of a heart hath lamented. Then did His Cause appear with the utmost power and might in the world, until hearts were transformed and faces turned away from their devotion, and there came to pass what came to pass, as ye see and hear. This evanescent one beseecheth the True One, exalted be His glory, that He may deliver all from their deep slumber and rend asunder the veils that blind their eyes. He is the Omnipotent, He is the All-Powerful. The Command is God’s, the Lord of all names.

May the honored Sabri Effendi, upon him be the glory of God and His loving-kindness, ever abide beneath the shadow of the care of the Eternal Beloved in tranquility and peace. Convey to him greetings and expressions of sincere devotion from this evanescent servant. The other loved ones have never been, nor shall ever be, effaced from memory; they have ever been and shall continue to be remembered. To them also do I send greetings and salutations. To the apple of our eye, Inayatu’llah, and his sister and mother, upon them be peace, do I send salutations and give them the glad-tidings of the bounties and favors of the True One, exalted be His glory.

The degrees of humility, submissiveness, self-effacement and nothingness of your honor and your household have been mentioned in the Most Exalted Station and before the dwellers of the pavilion of infallibility. Whenever the letter of that honored friend arrived, this servant was specifically present and made mention of it, and tokens of loving-kindness were manifested from each of the Daysprings of light. This is a glad-tiding from the servant to you, both now and hereafter. Peace be upon you, and the mercy of God, and His blessings.

The servant 17 Safar 1301

The delay in sending the letter was due to the absence of rock candy. Two days ago, very excellent rock candy was obtained from a certain place and was sent.

BH11694: Praise be to God Who hath made known…

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

Praise be to God Who hath made known to us His Cause, taught us of His Revelation, guided us to His Path, and unveiled for us that which lay hidden in His knowledge and concealed within the treasuries of His power. He, verily, is the Single One, unto Whose oneness every tongue hath testified, that He is God, and there is none other God but Him. He hath ever been One, Single, Alone, and Self-Subsisting. He hath no peer in creation, no equal in invention, no likeness, no similitude, no partner, no helper, and no offspring. By this doth He shine forth as the Self-Sufficient, the Most High. Glory and splendor be upon His loved ones and chosen ones, whom the howling of wolves did not disturb, and who faltered not in their response when the Tongue of Grandeur spoke from its final habitation: “There is no God but Me, the Mighty, the Bestower!”

And then, thy letter was received, bringing boundless joy, for it was adorned with the mention of God, exalted be His glory, and His loved ones. This servant beseecheth God to cause all His loved ones in that land to attain His special favors. Blessed are they who have outstripped others in God’s Cause, who have acknowledged and recognized His oneness and singleness, and all that the Tongue of Grandeur hath uttered. May He honor others too with eternal life through the breath of accepted souls. Verily, He hath power over all things.

Concerning what thou didst write about proceeding to Istanbul and arriving there, it was presented before the Countenance of the Goal of the world’s desire. This is what the Tongue of Utterance spoke in the Kingdom of Knowledge—these are His words, exalted be His utterance and mighty His proof:

“O Sadiq! What thou didst write to the Branches of the Tree was presented before the Face and was seen, and the servant in attendance also submitted thy petition before the Wronged One. God willing, thou shalt in all conditions remain focused on the horizon of the Cause, for the stations of unity, the degrees of remembrance and detachment, the ways of success and prosperity, and the paths of knowledge and salvation have ever led and continue to lead to this station. Nothing can withstand His Cause. Whosoever hath turned towards it must fix his gaze upon the horizon of His Will and act in accordance with that which he hath been commanded, even should all on earth deny it. We convey Our greetings to the friends in that land and give them the glad tidings of divine favors. Blessed is he who hath heard the verses of his Lord and he who hath spoken His praise. Let them hold fast unto wisdom in all matters, lest there appear that which would grieve the hearts and souls.”

Praise be to God, mention was made of the friends of that land in the Most Great Scene, and a Most Holy, Most Exalted Tablet was specifically revealed for each one. All the world’s riches and adornments cannot equal a single letter thereof. Regarding what thou didst write about entering the great city, had thou acted in accordance with the Command, it would have been more fitting, beneficial and appropriate, for whatsoever proceedeth from God is assuredly in accord with consummate wisdom and closest to what is expedient. Praise be to God that after its presentation, thou wert adorned with the ornament of forgiveness. This is what our Beloved and your Beloved hath spoken, exalted be His utterance:

“We have forgiven him. Verily his Lord, the Most Merciful, is the Forgiving, the Generous.”

This is a great bounty and a mighty favor that hath shone forth from the horizon of generosity.

As regards what was written concerning Aqa Rida-Quli, upon him be the Glory of God, a Most Holy and Most Exalted Tablet was specifically revealed and sent to him. God willing, may he be accounted among the servants of God. And concerning his participation every year in the commemoration of His Holiness the Prince of Martyrs, may our souls be a sacrifice for him, this was presented at the Most Holy and Most Exalted Threshold. According to His command, they should continue to act as before. The people are weak and do not understand the cause and reason. Therefore, if it is abandoned, it will cause tumult and confusion. Wisdom requires that they deal with the divines and the descendants of the Prophet with love, as love may guide some to the straight path. Avoidance and distance have been and are the cause of estrangement. In the Most Holy Book He says, blessed and exalted be His utterance:

“Consort with the followers of all religions with joy and fragrance. Thus hath the light of Our guidance shone forth from the horizon of wisdom and utterance. Hold ye fast unto it. This is the command which the All-Wise, the Faithful, hath revealed from His Most Great Prison.”

For if association is abandoned, who will convey the Word of Truth and who will hear it?

However, they must pay the Huququ’llah, and this servant mentions this out of sincerity, for this practice has been and is the cause of the purification of wealth and the descent of blessing. Since it was asked what they should do, this servant mentioned the Command of God that was revealed in the Book, otherwise for many years most commands and ordinances were sent to various regions except this matter which remained concealed until God decreed it and revealed it through His grace as a bounty to His servants.

And concerning what was mentioned about Mulla Muhammad-i-Shirvani, upon him be the Glory of God, it was presented at the Most Holy and Most Exalted Threshold, and this is what was revealed for him from the heaven of the will of our All-Knowing, All-Wise Lord. His blessed and exalted Word:

He is the Hearer, the Answerer

Verily We have heard thy call and have answered thee with a Tablet from whose horizon shineth the light of God’s loving-kindness, the Lord of all worlds. This is a Day wherein everyone possessed of vision hath attained unto the Most Exalted Horizon, and everyone possessed of hearing unto His sweetest call, and every tongue unto His wise remembrance. Blessed is he who hath turned unto the Dayspring of grace and was among them that believe in the unity of God. The Wronged One hath desired naught from anyone. He hath summoned the people by night and by day unto that which God, the Mighty, the Wise, hath commanded. He calleth them unto righteousness and unto that which will draw them nigh unto the All-Informed One. Rejoice thou in that thou hast been mentioned before the Wronged One and in that which hath been revealed for thee, whereby thy remembrance shall endure as long as God’s most beautiful names endure. Be thou thankful for this great bounty.

God willing, may they be adorned with the fragrance of the utterance of the All-Merciful and with the ornament of steadfastness, and may they speak in praise and glorification of God, exalted be His Glory. According to His command, that spiritual friend should act with utmost wisdom. To everyone who is steadfast and firm, they should convey that which is the cause of sanctification, detachment, love and knowledge of God, exalted be His Glory. In the Hidden Words He says, exalted and glorified be His Word:

“The wise are they that speak not unless they obtain a hearing.”

No one is permitted to approach anyone without permission. Make this command known to all, for proceeding without permission can often lead to troubles. The excellence of deeds depends upon God’s good-pleasure. Blessed is he who acteth according to that which hath been ordained in the Book of God, the Mighty, the Wise.

With regard to the six firm, assured and steadfast souls—Jinab-i-Aqa Ali Akbar, Karbala’i Aqa Kish, Aqa Rida-Quli, Aqa Asghar, Aqa Mirza Abdul-Karim and Karbala’i Qasim, may the glory of God rest upon them—you mentioned that they have intended to undertake pilgrimage. This matter was presented in the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence and was met with approval. God willing, may they be assisted to perform good deeds and manifest praiseworthy conduct. They must give thanks to the Exalted Truth that they have been blessed with this supreme bounty. His is the glory and the generosity, His is the grace and the grandeur, His is the command and the judgment. This evanescent servant conveys greetings and salutations to them and to all the other friends of God in that land who are enkindled with the fire of love and illumined by the light of recognition.

He beseecheth from the Exalted Truth confirmation and assistance for all. Verily He is the Bestower, the Munificent, the All-Bountiful. The Glory shining from the horizon of the heaven of the bounty of our Lord and your Lord be upon you and upon them and upon those who have quaffed the wine of certitude from the hands of the generosity of our Lord, the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful. And praise be to God, the Most High, the Most Great.

BH01655: My Most Exalted Pen hath testified from the direction…

He is the Hearing, the Seeing, the Answering One.

My Most Exalted Pen hath testified from the direction of the white spot, from the Lote-Tree beyond which there is no passing, that there is none other God but Him, the Mighty, the Bestower. We have sent down the verses and manifested the evidences and sent down the heavenly table from the heaven of grace, but the people have deprived themselves of that which God, the Lord of lords, hath willed. This is a day wherein the mysteries of the Books of God, both past and future, have been revealed. Blessed is he who hath witnessed and seen, and woe unto every heedless liar.

O Husayn! The Wronged One hath made mention of thee and hath revealed for thee this Book whereby the horizon of utterance hath shone forth and all things have spoken:

“The Kingdom belongeth unto God, the Lord of what was and what shall be.”

This is a day at the mention of which the eyes of the chosen ones were solaced, but when it appeared the divines and religious doctors denied it, save whom God, the Lord of the Day of Reckoning, wished. I bear witness that through their oppression the servants have broken God’s Covenant and His Testament, and have committed that which hath caused the denizens of the most exalted Paradise and the dwellers of the pavilion of grandeur to lament at eventide and at dawn.

Blessed art thou for having rent asunder the veils and shattered the idols of fancy and vain imaginings in the name of God, the Lord of all men. How many a learned one hath been deprived of the ocean of divine knowledge, while thou didst turn and drink therefrom from the hand of the bounty of thy Lord, the All-Merciful, and didst attain unto that which most of the servants have failed to attain. God hath elevated thy station to one wherein He remembereth thee in the Most Great Prison with a remembrance through which the fragrance of life passeth over all creation. Glorify thy Lord with praise and thank Him at all times.

Well is it with thee for having cast away what the people possess, yearning for that which is with God, and for having arisen to serve the Cause with spirit and fragrance. By My life! We were with thee when thou didst speak in remembrance of My Most Great Name, turning toward this horizon whereby the horizons were illumined.

O Husayn! Dost thou know Who mentioneth thee and Who calleth thee from the precincts of the Prison? Say: Yea, by my Lord, in Whose right hand are all who dwell in the heaven of Command and creation, and in Whose grasp is the reins of all who are in the kingdoms of earth and heaven! The ears were created for this Most Great Day and the tongue for this Cause before which, when it appeared, all religions have bowed down.

O uncle! We have manifested unto thee the ocean of utterance and shown thee its waves and what floweth upon it by My Name, the All-Powerful, the Self-Subsisting. Reflect upon the stations of them that are veiled. All count themselves among the people of truth and await the days of manifestation, yet when the standards of divine expression were raised and the banners of the Revelation appeared, all were found to be veiled save whom God wished. The Truth, exalted be His glory, in all the Books both past and future, hath given everyone the glad-tidings of this most wondrous, most glorious Day. He Who possesseth the Mother Book beareth witness unto this. In all ages and centuries they have beseeched and implored God not to deprive them of the fragrances of His days, yet due to their heinous and unseemly deeds they have been deprived of their goal and forbidden from that for which they were created. He it is Who hath made their highest to be their lowest and their lowest to be their highest.

We convey greetings to all the friends in that land and give them the glad-tidings of God’s loving-kindness and bounty. We beseech God that all may be recorded and inscribed by the Most Exalted Pen in the Crimson Book as the fish of this ocean and the stars of this heaven and the letters of this Tablet. By My life! The world and all that is therein cannot be compared with this most exalted Word, for if a soul be recorded in the aforementioned Book, he shall attain unto special favors in all the divine worlds. Were We to describe this station, all who are in the heavens and earth would swoon away. Verily thy Lord is the All-Explaining, the All-Knowing.

Glory be upon thee and upon My loved ones who were not hindered by the affairs of the world from the Most Great Name and who cast away all that they possessed, clinging to the cord of the bounty of their Lord, the Strong, the Predominant, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

BH04702: Praise, sanctified above all words, befitteth the Lord…

Praise, sanctified above all words, befitteth the Lord of all mankind Who was not deterred by the tribulations of the world and the clamor of the nations from His holy purpose….

This is what hath been sent down from the Kingdom of utterance of the All-Merciful for His handmaiden who hath been named Narjis. His mighty Word:

In the Name of the Forgiving, the Generous

O my handmaiden! The handmaidens of the world are heedless of this supreme bounty and mighty benevolence. Their eyes are deprived of beholding the light of His countenance, and their ears are barred from hearkening to His call. All were created for this glorious and wondrous Day, yet they remain veiled and unmindful of it. Praise be to the Desired One of the world, that thou art adorned with the pearls of love and the gems of knowledge of the Best-Beloved of the worlds. This Tablet is as a crown for heads—adorn thy head of acceptance therewith, and remain firm and steadfast in the love of the Lord of Names. All the pearls and precious stones of the world are as nothing and shall perish compared to the pearl of thy love. Shouldst thou ponder upon this bounty, thou wouldst, throughout thy life, ceaselessly utter “Praise be unto Thee, O God of the worlds!” The glory of God rest upon thee and upon the handmaidens who have believed in God, the One, the All-Informed….

I presented at the Most Holy Court that which was befitting regarding the newborn. The favor of God concerning them is manifest and evident. Blessed is the newborn who has attained to the mention of God, the Most Great, and blessed is the father whose service the Supreme Pen has testified to, and blessed is the mother who has attained His beautiful mention. O Amin! While you drink milk from your mother’s breast, the world of the seen and unseen makes mention of you. You were born in His days and have attained His favors. The pens of the world are incapable of properly describing this station. Blessed art thou and thy father and mother, from God, the Possessor of the Kingdom of the hereafter and the former times, the Lord of the Throne and the exalted Seat.

Praise be to God! This child has traversed in one night the path of a hundred years, nay rather, has attained to God’s favor and mention in days when faces, scholars, nobles, and mystics were all deprived, save whom God willed. This is a great bounty and a tremendous favor. We beseech God, exalted be His glory, that they may ever dwell beneath the shade of the Divine Tree and drink from the Kawthar of meanings and utterance….

BH04748: Glorified art Thou, O Lord of all names…

In the Name of Him Who is the Guardian over all names!

Glorified art Thou, O Lord of all names and Creator of the heavens! Thou seest me in the claws of Thine enemies who have violated Thy Covenant and turned away from meeting Thee, after Thou didst counsel all in Thy Book and didst make a single word from Him to be above the Bayan and what Thou didst reveal therein of Thy verses. Thou knowest, O my God, that I stood firm in Thy Cause and spoke Thy praise in days wherein the back of the world trembled at the manifestations of Thy might and power.

When Thou didst manifest Thy Most Exalted Cause through Thy Name, the Guardian over all names, and didst raise up the banner of Thy victory between earth and heaven, there emerged from behind the rocks a band of wolves who committed that which caused the dwellers of heaven and the people of the cities of names to lament. By Thy glory, O my God! They violated my honor and sought to kill me. When their scheming was exposed, they wailed like bereaved ones and cried out like one stung by a speckled snake. O Lord! Thou seest the tears of mine eyes and hearest the sighing of my heart. I beseech Thee, O Ancient Lord, by the Most Great Name through which Thou didst subdue the world and didst open before their faces the gates of bounty, grace and generosity, that Thou mayest acquaint Thy servants with that which they have neglected, then draw them near, O my God, to the ocean of Thy bestowal [and heaven of] Thy gifts.

Verily, Thou art the One with power over what Thou willest and the Guardian over those in the kingdom of creation. There is no God but Thee, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

BH05562: O loved ones of the All-Merciful in the lands!…

In the Name of the one true God!

O loved ones of the All-Merciful in the lands! Every fire is observed to be extinguished except the fire which appeareth and blazeth forth in hearts for the love of God. Every mighty tree is uprooted by tempestuous winds save the trees in the divine garden. Every lamp is quenched save the lamp of God’s Cause which shineth resplendent in the midst of the world—winds cause its light to increase and cannot extinguish it. Strange it is that in the upheaval in the land of Ta some friends are seen to be disturbed, fearful and shaken. By the life of God! This was not and is not befitting for the friends. God is the Protector, God is the Helper, God is the Observer, God is the Mighty and Powerful.

Those who are His and are related to Him must be firm and steadfast like unto a mountain, nay even more so. We give glad tidings to all of God’s loving-kindness and His mercy, and We send Our greetings to them from this exalted station. God hath forgiven them as a bounty from His presence and made them among the pure ones. Read unto them the Tablet of God and its effects that they may rejoice in His Name, the Most Holy, the Most Exalted, the Mighty, the Wondrous. The light shining from the horizon of the heaven of utterance be upon thee and upon those who have held fast to My strong cord.

BH05515: The Tongue of Mercy speaks: O My friend…

He is the All-Wise Expositor

The Tongue of Mercy speaks: O My friend and My Afnan! The robe of glory has been cut and prepared to the measure of your temples, for that which has been revealed from the Supreme Pen cannot be equaled by any thing among all things. Praise be to God, in the prime of youth thou art associated with the Truth and art mentioned by His Name. The abasement suffered in these days is the dawning-place of glory and the dayspring of favor.

Ere long God will manifest, in truth, a matter from His presence, the Lord of all worlds. Had the people known, they would have circled round you. Soon shall they know what they missed on the day when all mankind shall stand before the Lord of the worlds. The transient, accidental conditions have prevented the people from hearing and seeing—neither are their ears worthy to hear nor their eyes fit to behold. By God’s life! They are in manifest loss. The Perspicuous Book speaks and the Mother Book is manifest, yet all are deprived and forbidden save whom God wills. Blessed art thou, and joy be unto thee and unto thy brothers and unto those who are with you and who love you for the sake of God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. The glory shining from the horizon of My loving-kindness be upon thee and upon them and upon My Afnans who have quaffed the choice wine of utterance from the hands of My bounty—they are indeed among the triumphant in the mighty Book.

BH05787: The Ancient King hath testified that this Pen spoke…

He is the All-Seeing, the All-Knowing, the Most Generous

The Ancient King hath testified that this Pen spoke before the creation of the world and the appearance of the nations, that there is none other God but Him, the Almighty, the Self-Subsisting. Through His manifestation all things appeared, and through His movement the Supreme Pen moved, though most of the people perceive not.

O peoples of the earth! Fear God and follow not the desires of those who turned away from the Truth when it came to them with a Cause that held sway over what was and what would be. Say: Ponder on that which hath appeared in truth, and deny not God and His sovereignty, and reject not His proof and His evidence. Thus doth the Tongue of Grace counsel you in this praiseworthy station. The ocean hath surged and the fragrance hath wafted, yet most of the people understand not. They have turned away from the Supreme Horizon by turning to every rejected ignorant one. When thou hearest My call and art stirred by the fragrance of My loving-kindness, turn thy face toward the Wronged One and say: I testify that Thou hast appeared and made manifest Thy path, and Thou hast spoken and caused all things to speak in praise of God, the Lord of the Promised Day. Thus hath the horizon of utterance been illumined by the light of this exalted Remembrance. Glory be upon thee and upon whosoever hath acted according to that which was ordained in an inscribed Tablet.

BH06044: Verily the lamp before the Face lamenteth…

He is the Unique Caller

Verily the lamp before the Face lamenteth with the lamentation of the bereaved for My loved ones, and saith:

“O Name of God! I know not at what hour they seized Thee, in what place they bound Thee, and at what time they imprisoned Thee. Do we hear Thy cry from the dark pit, or do we see Thee under chains and fetters through what the hands of the enemies have wrought? Would that I knew who is with Thee, who consoleth Thee, and who companioneth Thee in Thy tribulation.”

We have heard all that he hath uttered, and We have been patient, for We are the All-Patient, the All-Forbearing. We have detailed for thee what hath befallen the loved ones of God on earth—those who hastened with their hearts to a station that God hath made the Dawning-Place of His signs and the Dayspring of His mighty Cause. By God! The hearing ear perceiveth from all things their lamentation and their cry by reason of what hath befallen the Manifestation of the Self of the All-Merciful through sorrows, yet most of the people are heedless. Counsel the loved ones to patience and fortitude lest there appear from them that which they have been forbidden in the Book of God, the Lord of all worlds. The glory shining from the horizon of My Kingdom be upon thee and upon those whom nothing whatsoever hath deterred from God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

BH06365: O Shafi’! The fragrances of the Kingdom have encompassed…

O Shafi’! The fragrances of the Kingdom have encompassed the realm, and the dove coos upon the branch of might. The Book hath come, to which all the Books of God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting, have testified. The servant who is present hath appeared before the Face and laid before the Wronged One that which thy heart’s tongue uttered on the day wherein the faces of those who disbelieved in God, the Lord of existence, were darkened. We have heard thy call and have answered thee through this Hidden Tablet, which was concealed in God’s knowledge and inscribed in His Preserved Tablet.

Convey My glorification to My loved ones and give them the glad-tidings of My remembrance of them from this glorious station. We counsel them with that whereby God’s Cause is exalted amongst His servants. Blessed is he who acteth in accordance with that which he hath been commanded in God’s Book, the Lord of what was and what shall be.

O My loved ones in that land! We counsel you to observe justice and equity, trustworthiness and religiosity, chastity and faithfulness. Your Lord, the All-Merciful, is verily the Expositor, the Mighty, the Loving. He created you, sustained you, assisted you in His Cause, and acquainted you with that which remained hidden from most of the learned. He counseleth you with that which shall profit you in all His worlds. To this testifieth My Most Exalted Pen, and behind it, He Who in every state proclaimeth:

“There is none other God but Me, the Truth, the Knower of the unseen.”

O Shafi’! Rejoice in that We have remembered thee aforetime with that which diffused the fragrance of My loving-kindness, and in this irrevocable Tablet….

BH06575: O God of the world and Goal…

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

O God of the world and Goal of the nations! Glorified art Thou! Thou art He Who hath appeared and manifested whatsoever Thou didst desire, and of which Thou didst give tidings aforetime in Thy Books, Thy Scriptures and Thy Tablets. I beseech Thee by this Day wherein the Event hath come to pass, the Abyss hath appeared, all creation hath been shaken, and the edifice of the ungodly hath been made to tremble, to aid Thy loved ones to remain steadfast in Thy Cause. O Lord! This is the Day wherein the earth hath quaked, the mountains have been crushed to powder, and the Balance hath been set up. I beseech Thee by Thy most exalted attributes and the Dawning-Place of Thy signs, O Thou in Whose grasp lieth the reins of all things, to send down from the heaven of Thy bounty the rain of Thy generosity.

Then ordain for him who hath been faithful to Thy Covenant and Thy Testament that which beseemeth Thy generosity, Thy greatness and Thy sovereignty. O Lord! The hands of my hope have been raised toward the heaven of Thy favor. Do with me as beseemeth Thee, O Thou before Whose outstretched hand the very essence of bounty hath bowed down, and before Whose ocean of giving the very reality of grace hath been humbled—Thou Who art the Bestower, the Bountiful, the Gracious. Praise be unto Thee, O God of the worlds!

BH06424: In the name of God! He is the Speaking…

In the name of God! He is the Speaking Witness! Verily the sea walketh in human form and counseleth the servants with that which will profit them in the worlds of their Lord, the All-Wise. Verily the sun proclaimeth and beareth glad-tidings to the sincere of what hath been ordained for them in a perspicuous Book.

O concourse of creation! Behold then remember what the All-Merciful hath sent down in the Qur’an and in the Books of old concerning this Revelation through which the Speaker of the Mount hath spoken and the Lote-Tree of the furthermost boundary hath called out. By God! He Who was hidden hath come, and He Who was treasured hath appeared, and through Him all things have spoken: “The Kingdom belongeth unto God, the Most High, the Most Great!”

O concourse of divines! Cast aside what ye possess of idle fancies, then turn with your hearts toward the Most Exalted Horizon—the Station from which hath shone forth the Sun of Knowledge from One mighty and powerful. How many a learned one hath been veiled by the veils of conjecture, and how many an ignorant one hath hastened and attained unto that which God, the Mighty, the Praised, hath willed.

Glory be upon the people of Glory through whom the limbs of every heedless doubter have trembled. Thus have We mentioned thee that thou mayest rejoice and be of those who are thankful.

BH08041: He is the Witness from the horizon…

He is the Witness from the horizon of the world! The Lamp proclaims amidst the nations, saying: By God! That which was treasured in God’s knowledge and inscribed in His perspicuous Book, which was named the Mother Book by God, the Lord of the worlds, hath been revealed.

O thou who gazest toward the horizon of the Revelation! Hearken unto that which the Speaker of the Mount uttereth, Who was promised in the Books of God and mentioned by the tongues of the Messengers. He hath come with the truth, and through Him the pillars of misbelief have quaked, the edifice of unbelief hath been shaken, and the faces of those near unto God have been illumined.

When thou findest the fragrance of My utterance, render thanks unto God for this most great favor and say: Praise be unto Thee, O Thou the Goal of them that know! Thus have We caused thee to hear My sweetest call and shown thee My [straight] path.

The glory shining forth from the horizon of My Most Exalted Pen be upon the people of Baha who have cast behind them the books of the learned, holding fast to this mighty Book.

BH08819: Glory be to Him Who speaks the truth…

He is the One warbling upon the branches!

Glory be to Him Who speaks the truth and summons the people to the straight path. Today We turned Our face toward a place mentioned with joy, where the Most Great Throne was established beneath a pavilion raised in this wondrous Name. Before it flows water over white pebbles—exalted be the Lord of Names Who has manifested every mighty matter! When the Throne was established, We sent down verses in such wise that the hearts of the mystics were attracted, and We were gladdened there by God’s favor, the Lord of the worlds. Therein We made mention of God in the morning and at noontide until the sun set. Verily thy Lord is the All-Remembering, the All-Knowing. Blessed art thou for having been mentioned before the Face on this day. Be thou thankful to God for this and be of the thankful ones.

BH11877: The honored Afnans, upon them rest all My glory…

The honored Afnans, upon them rest all My glory, the Most Glorious, arrived in Beirut and, afterwards, by Our leave, gradually and individually arrived here. Having entered the canopy of Our favors and might, one by one they returned.

Regarding what had happened, they stated that their plan was that, after arriving in Beirut, Siyyid ʿAli would return to Shiraz to accompany the exalted leaf to this land of God. They stated that they had designed the plan in this way because they feared going to Shiraz any earlier might provoke the foes and enemies to act and prevent all from attaining Our presence. It was even asserted that, despite such caution, the enemies caused disturbances along the way; but creation, protection, and liberty are all in the hands of God, and He is the All-bountiful, the All-generous. In short, such excuses were heard from one after another. But the Lord hath knowledge of all things; He is the All-knowing, the All-informed.

Nevertheless, it would have been best [if they had] carried out the wishes of the illustrious exalted leaf, as this was most pleasing and acceptable to God; but it was otherwise ordained. The One True God is My witness! Our heart hath melted in agony that she was deprived of this pilgrimage, and all the dwellers under the tabernacle of purity and might are most sorrowful and despondent.

At one point, the Tongue of Grandeur spoke these exalted words: “O ʿAbd-i Hadir! The effect of what hath happened may well appear on earth.” More recently, this utterance was spoken by His blessed Tongue: “Write to My Afnan [who had promised to escort the Bab’s wife] that we agreed and consented to the exalted leaf’s request. Currently, the honored persons continue to stand ready and prepared to fulfil that promise, though they have not spoken of it.” He further stated, “Write of this matter to the Afnan, upon him be the glory of God, as he was well aware of such a promise beforehand. We desired to fulfil what We had assured the exalted leaf.”

BH04615: Praise be to God Who hath sent down His…

Praise be to God Who hath sent down His grace and revealed the heavenly feast and manifested that which draweth His servants to the supreme horizon and the loftiest heights….

O My beloved! The whole world hath been created for this Day, and it is clear and evident to every possessor of hearing, every possessor of sight, and every possessor of a heart that this Most Great Manifestation hath come for the reformation of the world and hath forbidden His loved ones from that which is abhorrent, let alone matters that would cause corruption or conflict and contention and the like. Nevertheless, they have turned away from justice and forsaken equity, and with the utmost tyranny and oppression have cast His loved ones into prison. They have risen up to humiliate Him Who hath desired glory for all, and in their vain imaginings have determined to shake the edifice of God’s Cause and obliterate its traces.

Fie upon them! The foolish of the earth laugh at their minds and understanding, let alone the wise; children laugh at them, let alone men. Have they not witnessed those mightier and greater than themselves who, with the utmost apparent power and strength, strove to extinguish the light of the Divine Unity and quench the fire of the Divine Tree? Yet all were observed to be abased and overthrown. Where is Caiaphas who mocked and derided the Spirit, and where are the princes who turned away from the Truth and occupied themselves with vanities? The Hand of Power hath made them scattered dust. Well is it said:

Wait until thou seest those who are parts today become whole; Wait until thou seest those who are thorns today become flowers…

BH02073: Praise be to God Who sent the Beginning…

He is God, exalted be His glory, to Whom belong majesty and power

Praise be to God Who sent the Beginning in the form of the End, and manifested the First in the image of the Last, that the word might be fulfilled that He is the First and the Last, the Manifest and the Hidden, and He is God, the Single, the All-Informed. And blessings be upon Him and upon His family and companions who held fast to the Book of God and strove in His path with true striving—they whom the All-Merciful hath described in the Furqan with His words “No fear shall be upon them, neither shall they grieve.”

And now, the servant hath been honored to receive your letter and the traces of your pen, from which wafted the fragrance of your love for God, our Lord and your Lord and the Lord of earth and heaven. Praise be to God, and to Him be praise and favor, and to Him be thanks and glorification, in that the servant was gladdened by the soundness of your health and your sincerity towards God. This servant hath ever beseeched and continues to beseech from God, exalted be His glory, the good of this world and the next for that beloved one. He is the Hearer and He is the Giver.

As to what you wrote regarding the friends and conveying the instructions—it is known that that spiritual beloved one hath been and remains firm, steadfast and established in service to the Cause. It is hoped that all may be adorned with the ornament of wisdom. Some of the servants in various regions utter words that yield no fruit whatsoever. God willing, may they speak as befitteth and act as becometh their own selves. And after presentation of the letter, they said: God willing, may they hold fast to that which was imparted to them face to face, and in all circumstances call the people to goodly conduct and the fear of God, that perchance through the grace of the Lord the characteristics of the self and satanic imaginings may be lifted away and spiritual qualities may become manifest from the mines of the hearts of the servants. This is the ultimate goal and the supreme pinnacle. We beseech God, exalted be His glory, not to deprive His creation and to adorn them with the ornament of justice and fairness. He is powerful and mighty over all things.

Peace be upon you and upon those with you, and the mercy of God and His blessings. End.

Your mention and greetings were conveyed to the two Most Great Stations. Special favor was shown towards that beloved one. Likewise the mention and greetings of the friends of God brought joy and delight. God willing, may they be assisted in that which God loveth and drink from the ocean of the Friend’s good-pleasure. The people of the Sacred Household and this servant convey greetings to each one.

Peace be upon your honor and upon them, and the mercy of God and His blessings. And we ask God for a good end. And as for what you mentioned regarding the arriving one—the servant sends greetings to him and congratulates him and remembers him with pure love, and those with him. And we beseech Him, exalted be He, to grant us reunion and remove the veils and barriers. His honor may present himself and be honored with what he desires. Verily He is the Compassionate, the Mighty, the Loving. Peace be upon your honor and upon those with you, both female and male, young and old.

BH03121: We have sent down the Book of Names…

He is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise!

We have sent down the Book of Names from the heaven of God’s Will, the Creator of the heavens, wherein We gave glad tidings to the world of this glorious and wondrous Day. Therein We counseled every name through the Most Great Name and commanded it to abandon all it possessed on the Day of Manifestation, when the Temple of God was established upon the throne of His Great Name. We taught every name My way and made known to it Him Who would come with clear sovereignty.

Yet when He came, all the names denied Him, save those whom God, the Lord of the worlds, willed. Among them were those who said “He hath not come; He will come hereafter,” and those who said “He hath falsely laid claim against the One, the All-Informed.”

Say: By what proof do ye establish your claims and by what evidence do ye prove your position? Bring it forth if ye be among those who know. Say: By God! The proof weepeth at what ye have wrought, and the evidence waileth like unto those who have lost their beloved ones. They have clung to their idle fancies and turned away from God, the Mighty, the Wise.

Verily he who pronounced death upon those who turned to the Supreme Horizon arose to slay Me. When God revealed what was hidden in his breast, he cried out within himself and denied what he had committed. To this testify those servants who were with Me in the Land of Mystery, and beyond them is a Preserved Tablet. We made known to him Our horizon and commanded him to do what was right, yet he arose to harm Me and committed that which caused the hearts of those near unto God to melt.

Say: O people! The Revealer of the Bayan said:

“O peoples of all possibilities! Ye were created that your names might be mentioned before the Throne.”

Fear God and be not among the veiled ones. Beware lest ye object to God or turn away from Him through Whom every wise command was revealed.

O thou who hast turned to the Countenance! When thou hast drunk the choice wine of knowledge from the ocean of My utterance, remind the people of what hath been revealed in the Tablet, that they may arise to what they missed in the days of their Lord, the Mighty, the Generous. By My life! We see them not in wakefulness, but rather in their ancient stupor. Remind them with wisdom, that perchance My beautiful remembrance may influence them.

The glory be upon thee and upon him who hath opened his eyes in God, the Goal of the sincere ones.

BH07304: This is the Day wherein the dwellers of earth…

He is the One manifest through His manifestation.

This is the Day wherein the dwellers of earth and heaven were seized with trembling, for the Beloved hath come without veil or covering. Verily He is the One calling in the atmosphere, manifest from His most exalted horizon, and speaking forth that “I am God, the Lord of all names and Creator of the heavens.” Blessed is the ear that hath been honored and the eye that hath beheld this horizon from which the horizons were illumined.

Say: O people, fear God and follow not every doubtful idolator. Say: Leave behind all that ye possess. By God, nothing among all things shall profit you this Day, nor any name among all names, nor that which ye have clung to of tales and traditions.

This is the Day wherein the hand of the All-Merciful hath taken the living waters, and He Himself calleth out saying:

“Come, O people of the earth, then drink in My Name, the Mighty, the Bestower.”

Thus have We mentioned thee in Our Most Great Prison that thou mayest thank thy Lord, the Master of all necks.

BH07268: He is the One manifest from the horizon…

He is the One manifest from the horizon of the prison. By the life of God, the thunder lamenteth and the clouds weep at what hath befallen God, the Lord of all men. He who was powerless to speak before His face hath uttered that which was not uttered by the Lord of the Stakes. Say: If thou dost object to God in this Revelation, by what proof canst thou establish that whereon thou dost rely, O heedless and doubting one? We sheltered him and gave him refuge beneath the tree, yet he denied the favor of God, the Revealer of verses. Blessed is the soul that hath drawn nigh and drunk the choice wine of the All-Merciful with delight and fragrance, and woe unto him who hath turned away and disbelieved in God, the Lord of all beings.

Thus warbleth the Dove and speaketh the Mother Book from His presence. O thou who hast turned to God! When thou hearest the Call raised from the luminous Spot and findest the fragrance of the garment in My most exalted words, arise and say: O Lord of existence! I beseech Thee not to cast me out from the door of Thy grace, nor to withhold me from the ocean of Thy bounty. Then make me in all conditions steadfast in Thy Cause. Verily Thou art the Powerful, the Self-Sufficient, the Most Exalted.

BH07348: In His Name, the One Who rules over all…

In His Name, the One Who rules over all who are on earth and in heaven! O people of Baha! Know ye your stations, then give thanks to Him Who made Himself known to you, caused you to hear His call, and guided you to His straight path. The pillars of the divines were shaken when the Lord of Names came with manifest sovereignty. The idols wailed and foundations trembled, while the sincere ones were in great joy. This is the day wherein smoke hath encompassed all who are in the kingdom of creation, save those whom God, the Mighty, the Wise, hath willed. O people of the earth! Be fair in the Cause of God and be not of the transgressors.

He hath come for your salvation. Fear God, O concourse of divines and O concourse of the corrupt ones! He hath come to set right that wherein ye are. He speaketh at all times: “The Desired One hath come with mighty sovereignty.” Beware lest the affairs of creation prevent you from the Truth. Cast away what the people possess and take what ye have been given from the presence of One mighty, powerful, ancient. Glory be upon the people of Baha who have drunk the choice wine sealed from the hands of the bounty of their Lord, the Generous.

BH07486: In My Name, the All-Speaking, the All-Wise! The Remembrance…

In My Name, the All-Speaking, the All-Wise! The Remembrance calls out from the most exalted station, speaking and saying:

“Praise be unto Thee, O God of the worlds, for having manifested Thyself, sent down Thy verses, and revealed Thy clear tokens! Woe unto him who hath denied Thy grace and turned away from Thy luminous horizon! He that denieth what Thou hast revealed through Thy sovereignty—to whom shall he turn, and in whom shall he believe? Perdition unto him and unto whosoever hath been heedless of Thy wondrous Day! Thou knowest, O my Beloved, that I have not failed in Thy remembrance. We counseled the people of the Bayan and took from them the covenant of Thy Self—to this testify all atoms and every fair-minded one possessed of knowledge. We counseled them in most explicit language that should He come with but a single word, they should not deny Him but rather ask Him, that He might graciously make clear unto them whatsoever He desireth. He, verily, is the All-Powerful, the Almighty. Thou knowest that in every instance We made mention of them, gave them glad-tidings, and bade them present themselves at the gate of Thy Revelation and submit themselves before Thee. And Thou, verily, art the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.”

BH07728: The Tree of Remembrance has been raised up through…

He is the Most High, the Most Glorious

The Tree of Remembrance has been raised up through this Name, whereby the Balance has been established and the Path set forth. O people of the earth! This is a Day wherein the Lord of Eternity gives you glad tidings through the Most Great Name, which proclaims throughout the world: “Verily, there is none other God but Me, the Mighty, the All-Forgiving.” Say: O people! Hasten to the shore of the Most Great Sea, then hearken unto that which the Beloved of the world calls out: “Verily, there is none other God but Me, the Mighty, the Bestower.” The rapture of the Call hath seized all who dwell in the Kingdom of Names and the Concourse on High, yet the people remain wrapped in slumber. The Hand of Grace draws nigh unto them and stirs them, that perchance they may awaken in this Dawn wherein the lights have shone forth. The wine of idle fancy hath so seized them that they are not roused by the Call, nor by the Cry raised betwixt earth and heaven, nor by His Hand manifest with power. Thus hath the Pen spoken that thou mayest rejoice in thy Lord’s bounty and remember Him at eventide and at dawn.

BH08273: The Book beareth witness that there is none other…

He is the Speaker in the Prison.

The Book beareth witness that there is none other God but Me, the Mighty, the Wise. The heaven hath testified that there is none other God but Me, the Single, the All-Informed. And every thing beareth witness that there is none other God but Me, the One, the Mighty, the Great.

Every leaf and stone and clod hath testified to the appearance of God and His sovereignty, yet the people deny and perceive not. The fragrance of the Beloved hath wafted throughout the world, yet the people detect it not. The mysteries have been revealed and the signs have appeared, yet the servants understand not. The earth hath been illumined by the lights of the Countenance and the heaven hath been adorned with the stars of wisdom and utterance, yet the people behold not. Thus hath the Sun of Knowledge shone forth from the horizon of the Pen of thy Lord, the Merciful. When thou hast understood and attained, shun the wicked and say: Praise be unto Thee, O Lord of existence!

BH08211: A remembrance from the Wronged One unto him who…

He is the Most Wondrous, the Most Glorious

A remembrance from the Wronged One unto him who hath turned towards God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. Say: Fear ye God, and cast not trustworthiness behind your backs, nor reject the truth knowingly. Verily My Most Exalted Pen counseleth all who are in the kingdom of creation to observe the Most Great Trustworthiness. By the life of God! Its light is more manifest than the light of the sun in the heaven of commandments. Every light hath been eclipsed before its light, its radiance and its effulgence. Thus doth He Who hath with Him the Preserved Tablet make clear unto you. Verily, he who adorneth himself with the ornament of trustworthiness is remembered by the Concourse on High, and upon him do the denizens of the realms of dominion and kingdom offer prayers. Thus have We taught thee that thou mayest teach the people that which hath shone forth and gleamed from the horizon of the will of thy Lord, the Protector over what was and what shall be. Read thou My verses and ponder that which hath been sent down from the heaven of My Will and that which every heedless and veiled one uttereth.

BH08953: He is the Most Holy, the Most Glorious! Say…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Glorious! Say: The Bayan is as the earth, and trustworthiness is as its water. Blessed is he who holdeth fast unto it and pondereth that which hath been sent down by God, the Revealer of Laws. Say: Through it the beauty of His Cause is made manifest, and the might of God and His loved ones is proven amongst His servants. Whoso hath recognized the authority and sovereignty of God must needs act according to that which He hath revealed in the Book. Say: Fear ye God, O people, and make not the Cause of God a mockery amongst you. Take hold of the Book with the power bestowed by Us, and follow not every heedless doubter. We have adorned the heaven of laws with the stars of trustworthiness and truthfulness—know this, O people, and associate not with God, the Lord of all men. Give thanks unto God for having turned toward thee from the direction of the Prison, and for remembering thee with that which causeth the mountains to soar.

BH01747: Praise be to God, Who hath created all…

Section 1: “Praise be to God, Who hath created all…”

He is God, exalted be His state of majesty and dominion.

Praise be to God, Who hath created all that is, through the Primal Word, and through it hath manifested such things as the pens of the world and the tongues of the nations are powerless to reckon. And may blessings and peace rest upon Him Who proclaimed unto all His Day, and His Manifestation, and His uprising and advent, and the exaltation of His Word and the elevation of His Cause; and [announced] the eight paradises, the lofty trees, the fruits of delight, and the clusters hanging low; and upon His kindred and His companions, the standards of guidance and the straight paths.

To continue: my soul is a sacrifice to the remembrance of you. The servant hath been gladdened by the receipt of your letter, and hath quaffed the choice wine of your mention and utterance, and beseecheth God, his Lord, to grant you success and to strengthen you, and to vouchsafe unto you the bounty of attaining His presence once again. Verily, He is the Lord of all mankind, and the Omnipotent to do whatsoever He willeth.

Concerning what ye had written regarding Haji Ghulam-ʿAli—upon him be the Glory of God—this was submitted in the presence [of the Blessed Beauty]. He said:

“In his delay there hath been no harm, neither is he blameworthy; but God hath willed that he should give tea unto the companions, and be aided to attain unto this blessed deed. Blessed is he, and happiness be his.”

And as to what ye had written, that Mashhadi Sadiq—upon him be the Glory of God—desired to send a gift unto the Most Holy Presence; and likewise the offerings of the handmaids of God—upon them be the Glory of God—praise be to God, were laid before Him, and were honored with acceptance. He said:

“Blessed is he who hath, this day, attained unto the remembrance of God and His praise, and hath turned toward His Horizon, and arisen to serve His Cause. They who have labored in the path of God—verily they have attained unto every good, in this world and in the world to come. It behoveth them to preserve this most exalted station, in the Name of their Lord, the Possessor of the Throne and of the dust. They who have been faithful to their covenants and their contracts and their vows, and have discharged the trusts of God and His dues—these are of the people of the Most Exalted Paradise. Thus doth the Wronged One, in His mighty prison, give them glad-tidings. Blessed are the servants who have triumphed, and the handmaids who have triumphed, and every soul who hath clung unto that which is meet and hath fulfilled what was enjoined upon him in the Book of God, the Lord of the worlds.”

O Zayn! Upon thee be My glory and My loving-kindness. Whatsoever is in the world is not, nor hath ever been, worthy of mention. Yet if a soul be enabled [to arise], and, in the path of God, expend one dirham—or even less—such an offering is, in the sight of God, among the treasures of old, and of the most ancient. For this cause hath the True One—glorified be His glory—remembered the doers and the expenders in all His Books. Entreat ye God to confirm all to render the Rights; for by these means is the Cause uplifted and made manifest. Were the servants to know, in these days, the station of deeds, they would all act according to that which beseemeth. The matter is in His hand: He ordaineth as He pleaseth; and He is the Ruler, the Bestower, the Just, the Expounder, the All-Wise.

God willing, may all be adorned with patience and steadfast endurance, with service and constancy. Had the peoples of the world acted, in former ages and in those to come, according to the law of God, assuredly Islam would not be seen this day in weakness. They are beheld in grievous peril, and this is naught but the fruit of unseemly deeds. Let them beseech, of the True One, [aid] for that honored personage and for all the friends, that He may enable all to attain unto His outpourings in such wise that they may return unto Him. Verily, He is the All-Forgiving, the Generous; yea, such a return may become the cause of the salvation of the community.

And as to what ye had written concerning the amount of money that had been remitted: let five tumans be taken by Aqa Mirza Abdu’llah—upon him be the Glory of God—and five tumans by Aqa Mirza Muhammad—upon him be the Glory of God—and four tumans on account of the debt of Aqa Mulla Muhammad-Ali—upon him be the Glory of God—for, outwardly, nothing is in his hand. And five tumans, according to the command of that honored personage, let him dispose of; and the remainder distribute among such souls as are in need.

This poor one, by night and by day, waileth and lamenteth and crieth aloud, that he may kindle the friends with the fire of the love of God, and that he may be granted the grace to safeguard the bounties. Alas, how great the loss, if the people of that land should become heedless of their stations, and squander the reward of their labors! It is now some years that the emigrants make not good mention—meaning those who come from that direction. The expectation is that the people of the Truth should appear, amongst the countries, even as stars—manifest, rising, and resplendent. Nay, it hath even been heard that the children, in no wise, obey their fathers. Verily, this is a thing wondrous!

A Tablet in this connection, revealed from the dawning-place of knowledge in the presence of the Beloved, is with the revered physician—upon him be the Glory of God. God willing, that honored one shall peruse it. The fruits of unity and concord are manifest, and their benefits resplendent; all must hold fast unto them. The believers and the affirmers of Divine unity are even as one being and one soul. What hath befallen man, that he is heedless of the Most Exalted Station, and is content with the lowest? Repeatedly hath this blessed utterance been heard from Him: that which is, in the first place and in the primal rank, obligatory and essential for children is the teaching of the word of Divine Unity and the ordinances of God; for without these the fear of God is not attained, and in the absence thereof a myriad hateful deeds, unrecognized and unseemly, and words impure, come to be made manifest.

And at another time He said: fathers must exert their utmost endeavor in fostering the religiosity of their children; for if the children attain not, in the beginning, unto this first adornment, they will become heedless of obedience to their parents—an obedience which, in a certain station, is obedience unto God. Such children then have not, nor will they have, any care; they do as their passions will. The friends of God, in that land, must appear in such wise that they may become the cause of the remembrance and awakening of the servants; for the mention of those souls is repeated in the Tablets, and it is heard in all regions. Should a thing appear contrary to their stations, it hath not been, nor is, beloved. The eyes of the peoples round about have been, and are, turned toward the friends of that land. God forbid that this station should be altered!

Let them sit together, and be gladdened together, and drink together, and hold fast unto the Most Glorious Law. God is witness and testimony that if souls act according to that which is in the Book, they shall attain unto every good, outward and inward. Verily, He guideth whomsoever He willeth unto His straight path.

And as to what ye had written regarding Shaykh Salman—upon him be the Glory of God—from the land of Taff: in these days it is not expedient that any soul should turn his steps toward those regions. Let three tumans from the fifty be given to him; if he return to his place, that is nearer unto expediency. The loved one, Aqa Muhammad Mustafa—upon him be the Most Glorious Glory—hath likewise written in this matter and hath deemed return advisable. He hath, on many occasions, attained unto visitation. God willing, may he bring the remainder of his days to their end in utter firmness and steadfastness.

Concerning the mention you made of two handmaids of God—upon them be the Glory of God—this was presented. He said:

“We beseech God to ordain for them that which shall profit them, and draw them nigh unto Him, and to bestow upon them that which shall be good for them in every world of His worlds. Verily, He is the All-Forgiving, the Most Generous.”

End of utterance.

And as to what ye wrote regarding Aqa Muhammad-Rida—upon him be the Glory of God—of the people of S—this likewise was submitted in His presence. This is what the Tongue of Utterance hath spoken:

He is the All-Knowing, the All-Remembering.

O Zayn! We have remembered him, and strengthened him to turn toward Us, and have given him to drink of the choice wine of recognition, that he may render thanks unto his Lord, the Compassionate, the Generous. We beseech God to make him steadfast and aided to act according to that which hath been enjoined in His perspicuous Book. It behoveth him to say:

O my God and my Master! I beseech Thee by Thine Chosen Ones, and by Thy Prophets, and by them that are nigh unto Thee amongst Thy creatures, to make me of those who have held fast to the cord of Thy obedience, and have clung to the hem of Thy bounty. O Lord! I have fled from mine own self unto Thee, lifting up the hands of my hope to the heaven of Thy munificence. I implore Thee, by the ocean of Thy grace and by Thy Most Great Name, to aid me to remember Thee and to praise Thee in such wise that neither the doubts of Thy creatures nor the insinuations of Thy servants may hinder me. Verily Thou art the Omnipotent, the All-Compelling, the Self-Subsisting. End of utterance.

And as to what ye wrote concerning Aqa Muhammad-Hasan—upon him be the Glory of God—in the land of H-M, and his request regarding his brethren: this servant beseecheth and hopeth of the True One—glorified be His glory—that He may confirm him in the service of the Cause, and likewise open the door of My mercy unto the faces of his brethren. Yet, according to the command, write ye unto him that, in all circumstances, he must watch over wisdom; for men are weak and are not aware of the Purpose. They speak out of their own desires, and they know not.

And concerning the mention you made of the spiritual beloved, Aqa Muhammad-Jawad—upon him be the Glory of God—of the people of N-R: this was presented. He said:

“Blessed is he, for he is of those who, in ʿIraq, attained unto visitation of the holy ones, and beheld the Most Exalted Station, holding fast to the Firm Handle. We beseech the Exalted One to send down for him, and for his brother, and for those with them, a blessing from His presence; and to preserve them from the evil of those who have clung to the cords of falsehood and calumny; and to write down for them the good of this world and of the next.”

End of utterance.

And as to what ye wrote concerning Aqa Yari—upon him be the Glory of God—and likewise the details regarding the bounds of the Sabbath: these were submitted in the presence. He said: “Blessed is he, in that he hath shattered the chains of vain imaginings.” The True One—glorified be His glory—saith, in the sacred Books of old, unto the children of Israel: “In the days when I delivered you from Egypt, I enjoined upon you neither sacrifice nor burnt-offering; rather did I enjoin upon you this blessed thing, that ye might hearken unto My voice.” Blessed are the contemplators and the discerning! Behold what the All-Merciful hath sent down in the Furqan. He—blessed and exalted be He—saith: “And indeed We sent Moses with Our signs: ʿBring forth thy people from darkness into light, and remind them of the Days of God.’ Verily in this are signs for every steadfast, thankful one.” Blessed is the soul that perceiveth the allusion of the All-Merciful’s utterance; and blessed is the soul that, after comprehension, speaketh according to the measure of minds and souls.

Praise be to God: Yari, through the aid of the Lord of Being, hath attained unto the lights of the Sun of Truth that shone forth from the horizon of Hijaz, and hath exchanged the former limits for recognition of the Seal [of the Prophets]. This is the great triumph, the straight path, the sure Cause. And He saith moreover: “Howl, O shepherds, and cry out, and wallow in dust, O chiefs of the flock, for your days are fulfilled for slaughter…”—to the end of His words. The divines of the Torah became the cause whereby the inheritors of the Speaker with God and the Friend of God were withheld from the true inheritance; they wander in deserts of darkness and ignorance, and perceive not.

Glorified be God! The person afore-mentioned, through the bounty of the True One—glorified be His glory—hath been illumined with the light of faith and hath set aside the ordinance of the Sabbath. Now it behoveth the people of Islam to manifest unto him the utmost love; for verily he is upon a straight path—this is of the grace of God, the Lord of the worlds. May God preserve us and them from those whose passions have prevailed over them, and whom leadership hath deceived, until they have become heedless of God and of what He hath sent down in the Book. End of utterance.

Section 2: “This servant conveyeth to him salutations, and beseecheth…”

This servant conveyeth to him salutations, and beseecheth the True One—glorified be His glory—to confirm him in that whereby his recognition shall not be severed from the world. Verily He is powerful over all things.

And as for Aqa Mirza Sulayman—upon him be the Glory of God—it is not expedient that he should, in this direction, turn his steps; but should he turn toward other lands, there is no harm, nor ever hath there been. In the Cause of the loved ones of God, wisdom is the first thing; for all are commanded thereto. The servant remembereth him, and will remember him, and saluteth him, and congratulateth him upon that which he hath attained.

And as to what ye wrote concerning Akkash Effendi—upon him be the Glory of God—and that which he desired: the Beloved of the world said: “It is beyond wisdom.” If the Persian suluk be sent, there is no harm. Akkash Effendi, in truth, both he and his father are very good; they have ever desired, and still desire, the welfare of the community, and have clung, and still cling, to the Law and the Path. Yet their dwelling is in a place through which travellers pass; they show friendship, but God knoweth what is in their hearts. Shaykh Abu’l-Qasim—upon him be the Glory of God—likewise hath walked, and still walketh, the straight path. In these days his mention came specially to mind, and tokens of favor were shown. We beseech God the Exalted to preserve them from the evil of the heedless and from the tyranny of the oppressors. Amen, O Lord of the worlds.

And as to what ye wrote concerning the well-beloved, the honored physician—upon him be the Most Glorious Glory: praise be to God, he hath arrived. The fullest favor hath been manifested toward him. God willing, he shall be confirmed and aided in that which is, in the sight of God, beloved and accepted.

And likewise Aqa ʿAbdu’l-Hadi—upon him be the Glory of God—attained [unto presence]. He showed forth favor, and, in view of the exigencies of the Cause, return was enjoined. All know that whosoever purposed to come hither, from the first of his arrival until this hour, hath continually been restrained by the Source of the Cause. That honored one himself beareth witness how many souls, with wailing and supplication, sought permission to come, yet were not granted leave. Notwithstanding this, certain wretched ones of Persia have imagined that the purpose of the loved ones is gathering and corruption—God forbid this mighty calumny! Strife and contention and فساد are of the nature of satans; the loved ones are sanctified, purified, and wholly severed therefrom. Every fair-minded and seeing one testifieth to this. And what was with the well-beloved, the honored physician—upon him be the Glory of God—and his favor, hath been received; the reply to it, God willing, will arrive.

Further: the names mentioned at the close of that honored one’s letter are all adorned with the lights of favor and have been enabled to attain unto remembrance—happy are they therefor.

And as to the mention of the well-beloved, Aqa Mirza Asadu’llah—upon him be the Most Glorious Glory—his remembrance hath ever been, and still is, in the assembly of the friends. His letters have, one after another, reached this servant; and now, as he is engaged in writing this missive, he imploreth aid from the True One—glorified be His glory—that he may be confirmed to answer his letters, and that it may be sent within this week.

And likewise the mention of the honored lady, the leaf, the mother of Aqa Mirza ʿInayat-u’llah—upon them be the Glory of God—who was, and still is, in prison: I offer her, and the leaf [her child]—upon them be the Glory of God—the expression of takbir and salutation.

Another letter from that beloved one, dated the fifteenth day of Safar the Triumphant, shed a fresh light upon the world of sight and bestowed a new vision. Praise be to God: it was adorned with the remembrance of the Beloved of all mankind, and spoke, and gave tidings, of the health of that honored person and his kindred. The All-Knowing, the All-Aware is witness and testimony that the letter of the loved ones bestoweth that which the cloud of mercy bestoweth, and dealeth with the trees of being as the Kawthar of life with the thirsty, and the pure water with the sapling. There is no God but Him, the Self-Sufficient, the Most High.

And as to the mention of favor, and the confession of inability to render thanks and praise unto the True One—glorified be His glory—verily such is indeed what hath been said; yet a hundred thousand praises be to the Beloved of all mankind, Who hath preserved these servants and enabled them to attain unto a drop from the ocean of recognition. The prayer of that honored one, and his desire in this station, hath been answered with true acceptance—happy are ye therefor.

And as to what thou didst write concerning the Feast, that it was held in the house of the spiritual beloved, Aqa Mirza ʿAbdu’llah—upon him be the Glory of God—happy are he, and happy are they who ate, and they who drank, and they who read, and they who listened, and they who remembered, and they who attained, and they who served, and they who cooked, and they who labored, and they who praised and thanked and glorified God, the Lord of the worlds. Unto all, this lowly servant offereth congratulations and conveyeth salutations, and declareth, “May it be pleasant and wholesome unto you.” This detail was submitted in the presence [of the Blessed Beauty], and these words were uttered from His blessed Tongue: “Blessed is he who hath attained unto the bounty of God—glorified be His glory—and hath arisen to praise and glorify Him in the realm of creation, in such wise that the face of heaven rejoiceth and all things are magnified.” End of utterance.

Praise be to God, a goodly share fell to all: they were both refreshed and gladdened, and were enabled to attain unto remembrance. As for the servant’s portion, it is not known where it is, nor in what place—[it is] with God, if He willeth and desireth.

The trust of Aqa Ghulam-Ali—upon him be the Glory of God—praise be to God, reached its place; and likewise the sum that was given to Aqa Abdu’l-Ghani—upon him be the Glory of God—was received. Sanctified be the dust of him who hath been honored to have what he sent of his substance adorned with the robe of acceptance.

And as to the mention of Mihman—upon her be the Glory of God—and the sister of the exalted one, Aqa Muhammad-Rida—upon them be the Glory of God—and likewise the arrival of that which had been enjoined: He said,

“Praise be to God and thanksgiving; His are bounty and generosity and grace. He bestoweth upon whom He willeth, and withholdeth from whom He pleaseth. We stand at His door, and beseech of His bounty and His generosity, and hope for that which is in the treasuries of His grace. Verily, He is the Munificent, the Generous.”

And as to what thou didst write concerning Aqa Muhammad-Mahdi—upon him be the Glory of God—of the people of Kh—this was presented. He said: “O Zayn! write unto him: Thy remembrance hath been, and still is, in the presence of the Wronged One. O Mahdi! The clouds of oppression have veiled the lights of the Sun of Justice, and the horizon of the divine bounty is overspread with thickening vapors. The vulgar multitude of the earth have risen up to extinguish the Light and to quench the Fire; and for this cause the radiant community hath been weakened, and the Most Glorious Law left in abeyance.

Unseemly deeds, in diverse forms, are seen: in place of glorification, the clash of swords is raised aloft; in place of righteous works, the rattle of chains is heard. The commission of forbidden things appeareth in the guise of piety, and the recompense of idle sports shineth forth in the form of guns. The wolves have encompassed the human world; heedlessness hath reached such a pitch that, in place of light, they have taken darkness for their leader; and the seats of knowledge and understanding they have clung to with ignorance and folly. They know not wherefore they have come, nor whither they go. Blind they came, blind they lived, and unto the grave they go.

Beseech thou the True One to aid the perspicuous Faith, to exalt the Word, and to make the world one single piece through the light of divine unity. Say: O friends! this day is the day of remembrance and praise. In nights and days occupy yourselves with the mention of the Lord of mankind, in such wise that the dominion of the sovereign and the riches of the owned may not withhold you from the inviolable True One, nor turn you aside from seeking Him.

Where are the people of rebellion and lewdness and oppression, and the haters of former times? Where is their power, and where their wealth, and where their pomp, and where their sovereignty? They boasted of riches, and displayed pride in perishing glory, until, kindled with the fire of wrath, they found their dwelling and abode in hell. If this world and its hues and ornaments possessed any worth, the chosen ones and the Prophets of God would not have surrendered themselves into the hands of idolaters. Consider the Seal of the Prophets—may our souls be a sacrifice for all besides Him—and likewise the Qiblih in the days of the Spirit, and before Him the Prophets and the near ones and the sincere: all, in the path of God, drank deadly poison as though it were the honey of everlasting life, and with the wings of longing soared to the domes of majesty. Would that the people might know! Would that the people might understand!

O Mahdi! the Wronged One hath remembered thee many times, and likewise the friends. God willing, thou wilt be confirmed in that which is acceptable in the sight of God. The life of the oppressors is even as the last remnant of the sun’s light upon the mountain-tops: soon shall it vanish away, and remembrance, and glory, and majesty, and light shall remain for God and for His loved ones. Say: O people of Baha! cleave to spiritual virtues, to pure words, and to praiseworthy speech and deeds. The True One loveth him who loveth Him, and remembereth Him, and doeth what He hath sent down in the Book.” End of utterance.

The sweet fragrances of musk-like meanings and utterance have seized the world: we beseech the True One to raise up those endowed with scent, and to grant them attainment. Verily, He is powerful over all things.

And as to what thou didst write concerning Aqa Nasru’llah and Aqa Muhammad-Taqi—upon them be the Glory of God—this matter must be made known to Kh alil—upon him be the Glory of God—himself. Glorified be God! A man must exert his utmost endeavor in discharging his debt; and if he be afflicted with poverty, the creditor must deal with him according to what is right. In truth, Aqa Muhammad-Taqi—upon him be the Glory of God—hath shown loving-kindness and extended help. We beseech the True One—glorified be His glory—to adorn His servants with trustworthiness and religiosity, with truth and purity.

And as to what thou didst write concerning Haji Mahdi—upon him be the Glory of God—praise be to God, he is confirmed through the bounties of the True One—glorified be His glory. He arrived, and heard, and drank; yet now he should remain there occupied with a task, for it is not expedient that he should turn his steps toward this land—and to relate the details is not permissible. This lowly servant beseecheth the True One—glorified be His glory—to open wide the gates of His most great mercy unto the faces of the people of Baha. He manifested exceeding favor toward him. Convey, on behalf of this servant, salutations unto him.

At this moment, as I am engaged in writing this missive, I was summoned; and after attaining the honor of presence, He said:

“Write unto Zayn—upon him be the Glory of God—that in all matters they must look to wisdom, and hold fast to this word: Believe not every speaker, and trust not every newcomer. Convey greetings to all the friends, and, on behalf of the Wronged One, enjoin them to act with wisdom. No adornment for man is higher than wisdom. God willing, may all be adorned and illumined with this shining ornament.”

And we make mention, at the end of the discourse, of him who is named Asdaq, even as we mentioned him before, and we beseech God to manifest for him, at every time, that which betokeneth His favor, and His mercy, and His compassion that have preceded existence. End of utterance.

This lowly servant likewise offereth salutations unto all: peace—manifest and resplendent—from the horizon of divine favor be upon you, and upon them, and upon those who sought help through patience and prayer, and through the remembrance of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. And praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

The Servant, 17 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1301.

BH02551: Lawh-i-Istiqamat

He is the Most Holy, the Most Glorious

O servants of the All-Merciful! We counsel you to observe trustworthiness, truthfulness and fidelity, and to fear God, the Mighty, the All-Wise. Whoso cleaveth unto the fear of God, he verily is of the people of this exalted station.

O people of Baha! Your eyes are gladdened by what they behold of My Most Sublime Horizon, and blessed are your ears for having been honored to hearken unto the verses of God, the Lord of all worlds. Know ye the value of this most exalted station. By My life! The treasures of the heavens and earth cannot equal it. Ye are beneath the glances of God’s loving-kindness—He heareth what ye speak of His love and seeth how ye fare in His Cause, the Mighty, the All-Wise. He maketh mention of you from His Most Great Prison in such wise as to immortalize your names in a preserved Tablet.

Say: By God! All things give you glad-tidings under all conditions, if ye be of them that know. Hold ye fast unto steadfastness, then again unto steadfastness, lest your feet slip from His Straight Path. Say: This is My greatest counsel and My most mighty trust unto you. Preserve it, then set it before your eyes. And God is witness to what I say.

We have counseled Our loved ones who soar in My atmosphere and drink the choice wine of My utterance to observe the Most Great Steadfastness in My Tablet and My Leaf and My Scriptures and My Pages and My Books. To this testify My Pen and My ink and My finger and My hand and My arm and My ear and My sight and My hair and My limbs and My truthful, trusted tongue.

We repeatedly made mention of this Greatest Remembrance until My Most Exalted Pen addressed Me as it moved between My fingers, saying:

“O Thou Who art imprisoned and wronged, Who art the All-Compelling over what is hidden and known! I behold that the ocean of Thy will is directed towards this Word which Thou hast made the foundation of Thy most sublime Words at the station of remembrance in the kingdom of creation. By Thy might, O Lord of eternity! I find myself bewildered at this, and Thou art the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. I beseech Thee to remove the veil from the face of my understanding and to make known to me Thy purpose, O Thou Goal of all worlds! Can it be possible that after the dawning of the sun of Thy Testament above the horizon of Thy Most Great Tablet, the feet of any one shall slip in Thy Straight Path?”

We answered:

“O My Most Exalted Pen! It behooveth Thee to occupy Thyself with that wherewith Thou hast been bidden by God, the Most High, the Most Great. Ask not concerning that which melteth Thy heart and the hearts of the denizens of Paradise who circle round My wondrous Cause. It beseemeth Thee not to learn what We have veiled from Thee. Thy Lord is verily the Concealer, the All-Knowing. Turn Thy most luminous countenance to the Most Great Scene and say: O my God, the All-Merciful! Adorn the heaven of utterance with the stars of steadfastness and trustworthiness and truthfulness and fidelity. Thou art verily powerful over what Thou willest. There is no God but Thee, the Ordainer, the Bountiful.”

BH03125: The Fire hath appeared and the Light hath shone…

He is the One manifest through His Name, the Self-Subsisting

The Fire hath appeared and the Light hath shone forth in this Revelation wherein the Tongue of Grandeur proclaimeth: “Verily, there is none other God besides Me, the Mighty, the Well-Beloved.” Indeed the Fire speaketh from the luminous Spot: “He Who is the Lord of earth and heaven hath come with manifest sovereignty.” The call of the Tree hath been raised upon the Sinai of the Command, and that which was concealed in the Books of God hath been revealed, and that which was inscribed by the Pen of God, the Lord of the kingdom of names and of heaven, hath appeared.

Blessed is the stranger who hath hastened to his most exalted home, and the poor one who hath hurried to the treasury of God, the All-Possessing, the Self-Subsisting. Blessed is the thirsty one who hath made his way to the Most Great Ocean, and the one who, having remained seated, hath arisen to serve the Cause of God, the Mighty, the Loving.

Say: The Lamp of bounty hath appeared in the world and from the horizon of justice hath dawned the Sun of God’s loving-kindness, the Lord of the seen and the unseen. Thus hath the ocean of utterance surged and the fragrance of the All-Merciful been wafted. Happy is he who hath drunk the first and attained unto the second in the days of God, the Lord of what was and what shall be.

O My Most Exalted Pen! Thy shrill sound hath been raised and thy fragrance diffused, after We found thee silent and still in this praiseworthy station. It saith:

“O my Lord, the All-Loving! I chose silence, for I was bewildered by Thy Cause and the manifestations of Thy sovereignty. Thou art, verily, the Truth, the Knower of things unseen. By Thy might! Such bewilderment seized me that I forgot myself, my station, my scratching sound and my movement. Thou art the Witness of what I say. I observe that they who were created from the spray of the ocean of Thy utterance by Thy command have risen up to harm Thy Self, yet Thou didst forbear despite Thy power and didst forgive though Thou wert able to subdue all who dwell in the realms of might.”

Thus did My Pen speak, but the people do not understand.

When thou art intoxicated with the wine of My knowledge and seized by the fragrance of Mine utterance, turn thy face toward the Prison and say:

“Perdition betide them that have wronged and imprisoned Thee, and woe unto them that have turned away from Thy face after God had made it the qiblih of all existence.”

Glory be upon thee and upon them that have shattered the idols of vain imaginings through this Name whereby that which was recorded in the Scrolls of God, the Mighty, the Well-Beloved, hath been made manifest.

BH05661: I bear witness to that which God did bear…

He is the All-Seeing, the All-Informed.

I bear witness to that which God did bear witness before the appearance of the names—that there is none other God but Him, and He Who speaks with truth is indeed the One hidden within God’s knowledge, the Lord of all worlds.

Say: By God! The Speaker of the Mount has appeared and the horizon of Revelation has been illumined through this Name whereby those in the graves have arisen, and every matter that was concealed behind the veils of the unseen and inscribed in God’s Books, the Most High, the Most Great, has been made manifest. Blessed is he who has found the fragrance of My garment, has spoken My praise and glorification, has soared in the atmosphere of My love, and has acted according to what was sent down in My perspicuous Book.

We have heard your call and answered you, and recognized your turning to Us. We have sent unto you that from which you will find the fragrance of your Lord’s mercy, the All-Bountiful. Beware lest the affairs of the nations veil you or the doubts of the sinful ones prevent you. Be steadfast in the Cause of your Lord and say: Praise be unto Thee, O Thou the Goal of the world and the One manifest through the Most Great Name, for having caused me to hear [Thy verses] and recognize Thy clear signs. I beseech Thee not to disappoint me from what lies with Thee. Verily Thou art the Giver, the Bestower, the All-Wise.

BH05862: In the Name of Him Who speaketh between earth…

In the Name of Him Who speaketh between earth and heaven! This is a Book which the All-Merciful hath sent down unto him who hath attained the Kawthar of certitude on the day whereon the foundations were shaken, and the earth was cleft, and the mountains passed away. Verily He hath appeared with the truth and hath revealed that which He desired through His command from His presence. Blessed is he who hath turned towards Him, and woe unto every denier and infidel.

O concourse of the earth! Be fair in your judgment by God and follow not your selfish desires in this Cause which, when it appeared, caused the lights to shine forth. Have ye anything greater than that which God hath brought? Then bring it forth and tarry not, O dawning-places of idle fancies! That which ye possess hath been cast away and your carpet hath been rolled up. Unto this beareth witness the Mother Book which is with Him.

Say: Verily the Book speaketh, would ye but hearken, O people of understanding! And say: He Who revealed it speaketh—unto this testifieth every learned one who hath spoken the truth in the days of his Lord, the Master of the Return.

The Hidden One hath appeared and calleth out, saying:

“O peoples of the earth! Answer Him Who summoneth you to the Most Sublime Horizon. Beware lest the conditions of those who disbelieved in the Beginning and the Return veil you.”

Thus have We illumined the horizon of the Tablet with the splendor of My Most Great Remembrance. Blessed is he who hath found the fragrance, and woe unto every heedless doubter.

The Glory shining forth from the horizon of this heaven be upon thee and upon those who have laid hold on the hem of God, the Lord of all mankind.

BH06166: A mention from the Wronged One Who is imprisoned…

He is the All-Seeing, the All-Informed.

A mention from the Wronged One Who is imprisoned in the path of God, the Lord of all worlds. He calls out with the most exalted call from the Supreme Horizon and summons all to the One, the All-Informed. O thou who hast turned towards God! Hearken unto the call from the direction of the luminous Spot, from the Divine Lote-Tree: Verily, there is none other God but Him, the Forgiving, the Generous. Behold and then remember what befell the Messenger of God, and before Him the Spirit, and the Prophets and Messengers—among the people were those who turned away from them, those who opposed them, and those who pronounced judgment against them without any proof or clear Book. Verily, he who chooseth the crooked path cannot make My straight path crooked. Thus have We sent down the verses and expounded them as a grace from Us. Verily thy Lord is the All-Bountiful, the Generous.

We counsel thee to manifest the most great steadfastness in the Cause of God, the Lord of all creation. By My life! The kingdom shall pass away, but power and might shall endure with God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. The Glory shining from the horizon of eternity be upon thee, upon thy wife, and upon all who are firm and steadfast.

BH07579: Thou seest me, O my God, and hearest my…

He is the One speaking from the horizon of the world!

Thou seest me, O my God, and hearest my call in this eventide. By Thy glory! The raptures of my longing for Thee and the fragrances of Thy raiment have so seized me that patience and composure have departed from me. By Thy beauty, O Thou Goal of the world and Beloved of the nations! Whenever tribulations surrounded me in Thy path and afflictions in Thy Cause, I found myself drawn and soaring in Thy atmosphere.

I know not what fire Thou hast kindled within me by the hands of Thy power, such that the waters of hardship in Thy love cannot extinguish it, nor can the seas of trials in Thy remembrance and praise.

I beseech Thee, O Lord of eternity, by this fire burning in the heart of the world, to rend asunder the veils of glory from before the face of Thy creation, that they may turn toward the ocean of Thy reunion and the fountain of Thy presence.

Then I beseech Thee by Thy Self not to deprive me of Thy sweet fragrances nor bar me from the heaven of Thy grace. Moreover, ordain for me what Thou hast ordained for Thy trusted ones. Verily Thou art the Generous Giver.

BH09730: He is the Speaking One, the All-Knowing! The people…

He is the Speaking One, the All-Knowing! The people of truth must today be even as true physicians laboring to heal humankind. No disease hath been or is greater than heedlessness, treachery, envy, malice and hate; and no healing remedy hath been or is more potent than the Word of God. O peoples of the contingent world! Hearken with the ear of the spirit to the call of the All-Merciful. By the life of God! Its fragrance hath encompassed the world and perfumed the Concourse on High. Arise through the power of the Most Great Name, and with utmost joy and delight heal and remove chronic diseases through the Divine Word. His Name is the key to deliverance and His love the strengthener of souls.

BH10913: O thou who gazest upon Mine horizon! The entire…

He is the Most High, the Most Exalted

O thou who gazest upon Mine horizon! The entire world hath been thunderstruck by this Most Great Word, save whom thy Lord willeth. He hath appeared in the garment of “I am” and speaketh forth with “I am the One Who is manifest.” This is the deadly poison for the evil ones and the water of life for the righteous. Thus hath My Most Exalted Pen spoken, to the shame of every infidel who hath disbelieved in God, the Lord of the Throne and of the dust.

BH04622: Praise be to God Who hath guided us…

Praise be to God Who hath guided us to His straight path…

The rain of mercy hath fallen in these days to such degree that in truth one is powerless and incapable of describing it. Blessed are you and those with you and those who love you. God is witness and testifier that this servant has ever been occupied with mentioning you and with companionship and association in the springtime of grace, and continues thus. Never do these matters fade from sight or are erased from the heart. I beseech God, glorified be His majesty, to manifest through you that which is lasting and enduring. Verily He is the Powerful, the Mighty.

O apple of God’s eye, upon whom be God’s loving-kindness! I have been and am mindful of thee. I convey greetings and praise to the honored leaf, upon whom be the glory and loving-kindness of God. I beseech God to grant her patience. Though the sorrows that have befallen are and have been grievous, yet through the manifestations of infinite favors and bounties, every bitterness becomes sweet and every hardship easy. How excellent was what was said of old:

“When I have Thee I have all, though naught else cometh to me.”

With the appearance of this verse, in truth the entire world is neither worthy of attention nor deserving of regard. Peace and glory and praise be upon you and upon those with you and upon those who have held fast to God’s mighty cord….

…all must be adorned with patience and steadfastness and submission and contentment, lest that occur from which the fragrance of discontent might be detected. They must not be saddened by the oppression of some, the wickedness of others, the calumnies of a faction and the abominable deeds of a people. Verily He seizes as He has seized. He has no need of anyone. His is the command and the creation. He seizes whomever He wishes, as He has done and you have seen. All must hold fast to the cord of patience and with perfect submission and contentment entrust all matters to God, exalted be His glory. It behooveth His loved ones to be as ensigns of guidance and as banners of ease and trustworthiness and chastity among all people.

If two or three foolish ones deny thee, Why shouldst thou become bitter when thou art a mine of sugar?

Let not the buzzing of the fly cause the Cause of the Lord of Lords to waver or grow weak, for it hath ever been and shall remain supported by a mighty host. Verily the hosts of God shall triumph. These hosts are none other than pure deeds, praiseworthy character, and words of wisdom, and behind them standeth the absolute power of God. Blessed are they who in this day fix their gaze upon the horizon of God’s Cause and not upon the deeds of the wicked ones. Their continuance and persistence are like unto that of an owl that crieth out upon a ruined wall, then riseth up and departeth. Take ye warning, O ye who are endowed with insight! This evanescent servant beseecheth God—exalted be His glory—to safeguard His loved ones within the stronghold of His protection and to inspire in them that which is befitting. He is the Powerful, the Mighty. Then peace and glory and mercy and grace be upon you and upon those who have attained unto the Cause of God, the Lord of all worlds. And praise be to God, the Lord of the glorious throne.