Volume 099: Akka 1308–1309 A.H. (1890–1892), Part I (2 of 3)

BH11604: Praise be unto the one true God, Who hath…

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

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

Praise be unto the one true God, Who hath adorned the world of being and the kingdom on high with the presence of the perfect man, Who hath commanded justice that the very root of the tree of oppression might be plucked from the earth and returned to that which is meet and destined for it. Glory be unto Him! Glory be unto Him! How great is His dominion, how mighty His utterance! His consummate wisdom is manifest and evident in all things, and the luminary of His Cause shineth resplendent and ready above all things. Blessed is he who hath turned unto Him, and blessed the helper who hath arisen to render Him victorious, and blessed the supporter who hath aided Him in the days of His imprisonment.

And peace and blessings be upon the Hands of His Cause who have traversed the lands to exalt His Word, who have not violated His Covenant and Testament, and who have attained unto the choice wine of revelation in His days. These are among the most exalted of creatures in His Book. The angels and the Spirit pray for them by His leave. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to aid them and assist them in a manner befitting their connection to His firm and mighty Cause. We are all, verily, among those who return unto Him.

May my spirit be offered up for your remembrance! Your esteemed letter from Baku and from other places hath shone forth like a brilliant light and hath been the cause and means of illumining this heart that was afflicted with the darkness of sorrows. The mention and remembrance of the Afnan is a true sustenance, for through it is strength imparted to one’s being. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to assist His Afnan in a manner befitting His days. Verily, He is the Revealer of verses and the Fulfiller of needs. After reading it, we proceeded to the Most Exalted Station, and after attaining presence and receiving full permission, all of it was presented before the countenance of the Lord of the worlds and was honored to be heard. This is what the Tongue of the All-Merciful uttered in the Kingdom of utterance—blessed and exalted be His Word:

He is the All-Commanding, the All-Wise

O My Afnan! Upon thee be My glory and My loving-kindness! In view of the world’s lack of capacity, countless calamities have encompassed the nations. This Wronged One hath informed all of that which would protect and elevate them. The outpourings of God’s Most Great Ocean have, in the days of His Manifestation, been lavished upon all creation. God, exalted be His glory, beareth witness that this Wronged One hath desired naught but the triumph of His Cause, the exaltation of His Word, and the guidance of all humanity. I speak the truth, and for the sake of God do I speak: Today the people of Baha must arise to aid the Cause, and with spirit and joy, with wisdom and utterance, must revive and refresh those who are withered and faded, turning them from that which they possess to that which God possesseth, and clinging to that which draweth souls near unto Him.

Your honor and all the Afnan know well what the deeds of this community were before and what they became thereafter. the ungodly and the deluded ones among the people of the Bayan have now, contrary to the past, outwardly clung to that which leadeth to attainment and meeting. Jinab-i-Haydar-Ali hath written that Hadi of Dawlatabad hath arrived in the Land of Ta and on Fridays ascendeth the pulpit to commemorate the tribulations of the Prince of Martyrs. In Iraq, some have engaged, without divine permission, in revelry and merriment during the first of Muharram, conduct which is opposed to all the peoples of the world. Until now some of that land’s inhabitants have imagined that this community, God forbid, hath not and doth not love the Prince of Martyrs, peace be upon him; nay, that their hearts are aflame with the fire of hatred and animosity.

In truth this matter hath caused the stumbling of souls, for they know not the bounty and grace that were manifested on that Day. Moreover, these companions know with absolute certitude that His Holiness hath arisen from the grave by God’s leave; therefore the Concourse on High, the dwellers of the All-Highest Paradise and the Supreme Heaven are all engaged with Him in joy and gladness. In any case, while the veils of ignorance and unawareness persist, one must adhere to the customs of the people for the sake of drawing near and guiding souls. Most people are ignorant, and this ignorance hath resulted from lack of education. The turbaned ones in Iran, devoid of justice, have uttered that which was born of fancy and conjecture, and most are still unable to rend these veils asunder unless divine grace assist them and deliver these poor ones.

The people of the Bayan are observed to be even more veiled than those souls. They themselves acknowledge that after the Qa’im will come the Manifestation of Husayn, and all the Prophets will gather beneath His standard. Nevertheless they see yet deny, they witness yet recognize not. Indeed, the proofs of truth are beyond counting, but hearing ears are lacking. Those who were clinging to that which is rejected now make show of that which is accepted. Deception hath reached such a point that the pen is powerless to describe it.

This Wronged One hath, from the beginning until now, commanded all to perform such deeds as would guide souls and draw them near, and hath dedicated two days of Muharram to Husayn ibn ʿAli, peace be upon him—the first by virtue of the Primal Point’s deputyship, and the second in his own right. Blessed is the soul that hath done what was commanded in the Book. O party of God! Hold fast to pure morals and praiseworthy deeds, for these two attract the hearts and minds of the world. God, exalted be His glory, has in this Revelation ordained these two as helpers and supporters. The people of Baha must with complete determination hold fast to these two and occupy themselves with the conquest of hearts and minds. We beseech God, the Most High, to aid them and assist them in that which will cause His Cause to be exalted amongst His servants. In truth, the companions of love, upon them be the glory of God, His mercy and His care, have attained to that which hath had and hath no likeness or equal. We hope that henceforth they will behave toward all people as would a kind and loving father and exert utmost effort in preserving a pure and goodly reputation.

O ʿAli, O Afnan! Make mention of all the friends on behalf of the Wronged One and give them the glad-tidings of God’s bounty and mercy. We beseech God to manifest through you that which will cause the people of the world to become detached. From the Land of Ta numerous petitions have arrived, but he who stands in service hath shown submission and contentment. No complaint hath been manifested from him; rather, with complete determination he hath striven to prevent these reports from reaching the Most Holy Court. Blessed is he and happy is he. All the Afnan and friends must arise to reward this rare and meritorious deed. Verily, God is the Helper, the All-Wise, and He is the Enabler, the All-Knowing.

God is witness and testifier that from the deeds of him who stands in service hath appeared that which causeth joy and happiness to those near and sincere. This evanescent servant saith: My God, my God! Take the hands of Thy Afnan and Thy loved ones and assist them in the service of Thy Cause. Thou seest them, O my God, holding fast unto Thee and unto Thy Strong Cord. Send down, then, upon them the rain of Thy mercy from the clouds of Thy grace, and open before their faces the doors of Thy bounty and generosity. Verily, Thou art the Powerful, the Commander, the Wise. In view of the deed manifested by him who stands in service, it is certain that divine reward shall reach this pure and holy deed, and in this world and the next shall clothe this deed with eternal honor and everlasting acceptance.

Verily our Lord is the All-Bountiful, the Generous. In these days, mention of this praiseworthy deed hath repeatedly been heard from the tongue of grandeur. Inevitably grace shall encompass, mercy shall be bestowed, and the hand of power shall assist. Verily, He hath power over all things. He answereth him who calleth upon Him and giveth unto him who asketh of Him. There is no God but He, the Forgiving, the Merciful.

Section 2: “Concerning what thou didst write about the friends…”

Concerning what thou didst write about the friends in Badkubih, upon them be the glory of God, the Lord of Oneness, they are truly aflame and mention of them hath been and is repeatedly made in the Most Holy Court, especially the teachers who are the cause of the turning of the servants and their orientation toward the Source and Return. We ask and beseech God to increase their determination and steadfastness in such wise that they may become known and mentioned among the people of the world for their service to the Cause. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to exalt His loved ones there and make firm their feet upon the path. Verily, He is the Mighty, the Bestower. Within His grasp are the reins of all affairs and in His right hand is the kingdom of the dominion of earth and heaven.

Regarding what you wrote about the attention of Karbila’i Qasim, upon him be the Glory of God, after presenting it they said that in these days the cold weather and the turbulence of the sea do not allow for travel, but permission has been granted that whenever the severity of cold subsides, there would be no objection to his turning towards the prison. This is what the Wise Commander has ordained.

As for what you wrote concerning the stay of the beloved of hearts, Jinab-i-Varqa, upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God, that he should stay for some time—truly today all must be engaged in service to the Cause, and service to the Cause is teaching. God willing, may all be assisted. They said:

“O Varqa! Upon thee be the Glory of God, the Lord of all beings. God willing, thou art holding fast to divine counsels and, detached from all else, art clinging to Him. This station is the most glorious of stations and the cause of the turning of hearts and faces. Praise be to God, thou hast repeatedly attained His presence, meeting, vision and hearing. He verily will assist thee and aid thee, and He is the All-Bountiful, the Generous, the Forgiving, the Merciful.”

The sons are remembered before His face and are blessed with grace and mercy. We beseech God to assist them in His remembrance, His praise, and His service, the Mighty, the Exalted.

God willing, may that beloved of hearts make the servants aware of the divine verses and what hath appeared from His presence, and awaken them from the slumber of heedlessness. In these days the servants are seen to be better than before; most have intended to understand this Cause. Now that beloved one must, while in that land, engage in guiding people with the utmost joy and fragrance. They have repeatedly made teaching conditional upon wisdom, lest something occur that might cause the weak to waver. You have been present in the prison and have seen and witnessed the wisdom with which the chosen ones are commanded. It is hoped that all the chosen ones in that land will hold fast unto wisdom and act in ways that cause the nearness of the servants. Verily our Lord is the Compassionate, the Generous. Please gladden the eyes of Azizu’llah and Ruhu’llah, upon them be the Glory of God, who are truly remembered in heart and tongue and are visible before His face. We beseech God, our Lord, to ordain for them what beseemeth His greatness, His favors, His generosity and His gifts. He is verily the Hearer, the Answerer. God willing, these prayers will be answered. Verily our Lord is the Forgiving, the Merciful.

Regarding what you wrote about the Afnan, Aqa Mirza Abu’l-Hasan, upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God, he has arrived and attained the honor of presence and meeting, and was honored at the feast the previous night. We beseech God to assist him and ordain for him glory and wealth. He is verily the Lord of all beings and He is the Powerful, the Mighty.

Concerning your request for permission to return and bring one or two souls with you, after presenting it in the Most Holy and Exalted Presence, it was honored with acceptance—may my soul be a sacrifice for His favor. It is hoped that from your honor will appear that which is befitting, so that its fame may encompass the world and straighten the crookedness of this faithless world. This matter is most precious and desirable, and surely divine confirmations will assist and make it manifest. He is verily the Generous, the Possessor of Great Grace.

Concerning what you wrote about the land of the Holy Shrine, God willing, it will be arranged and accomplished. For nearly a month or more during these days, the heavens have both wept and lamented due to the heedlessness of the heedless ones and the oppression of the oppressors. Therefore, the paths were blocked and the ways forbidden. However, when divine grace provides assistance and the paths and ways become temperate through the spring breezes of the All-Merciful, your honor’s instructions will be carried out. Verily our Lord is the Helper, the Enabler, the Powerful, the Wise. Glory and remembrance and praise be upon your honor and upon those who love you and hear your words concerning the Cause of God, our Lord, the Lord of the visible and invisible, the Lord of all worlds, and praise be to Him for He is the Master of the Day of Judgment.

Regarding what you mentioned about sending trees and their saplings and the hidden fruits therein, which in truth are the very essence of mysteries—indeed these matters are worthy of eternal praise and remembrance, for the purpose is the presence of the delicate, blessed, gathered fruits before the face of the Intended One and His chosen ones, saints and servants. Therefore, every person of capability should consider this according to their ability, especially the Afnan of the Blessed Tree, upon them be the Most Glorious Glory of God, who are themselves related. Surely they have not hesitated and will not hesitate in services that are in the name of the Truth, exalted be His glory. We beseech God to assist them, exalt them, strengthen them, and open before their faces the gates of grace, wealth and glory.

Verily He is the Giver, the Forgiving, the Mighty, the Great. And we beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to enable its supporter, its receiver, its sender, and its bearer who takes and delivers to the place God has ordained for its planting. Then we beseech Him, exalted be He, to ordain for the sender what befits His generosity and bounty, and to make his remembrance as enduring as the endurance of the trees and their fruits in the earth. Verily He is the Protector of those who intend by their deeds and actions the benefit of the servants and the prosperity of lands. Verily He hears the voice of whoever calls upon Him and remembers whoever communes with Him, and He is the Fulfiller of needs from before and after. Verily He is the Single, the One, the Powerful, the Mighty, the Unconstrained.

BH11863: Know thou that religion is as heaven; and fasting…

…Know thou that religion is as heaven; and fasting and obligatory prayer are its sun and its moon. We entreat God, exalted and glorified be He, to graciously aid everyone who acteth according to His will and good-pleasure….

BH00159: God beareth witness that there is none other God…

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

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

God beareth witness that there is none other God but Him. He hath manifested His Cause amidst His servants with such sovereignty as no opposition or neglect could impede, and with such power as none in all lands could weaken. He hath spoken before all faces, declaring:

“The Promise hath come, and the Promised One is He. He hath appeared with such authority as none in the heavens or on earth can withstand.”

He desireth naught save the preservation of His creation and their drawing nigh unto the court of His glory. Blessed are they who have hearkened unto that which hath been raised up through the will of our Lord, the Lord of the Throne on high and of the dust beneath. Woe betide every barking dog who hath followed his base desires and idle fancies. There is none other God but Him, the Single, the One, the Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

The pearls of praise and remembrance which were wrapped in the garments of words and expressions became the cause of true joy and spiritual delight. From their fragrance divine ecstasy was manifest, and from their perfume eternal gladness was attained. After the appearance of the delicate pearls of love and affection from the shells of remembrance and utterance, having sought audience, he presented himself before the countenance of the Lord of all beings. After the appearance of the luminary of permission, the entire letter was presented and achieved the honor of His good-pleasure and acceptance, for each word thereof testified to the devotion, orientation and sincerity of that beloved of hearts. It is hoped that at all times they may be occupied with service to the Divine Cause, that perchance the heedless ones of the world may become aware and those who have turned away from among the peoples may be blessed with acceptance. In any case, after the letter was heard, these exalted words shone forth from the Dayspring of utterance, the Goal of all the worlds. His word, exalted be His glory and sublime be His utterance:

In His Name, the One Who prevaileth over what was and what shall be!

The Book of God speaks before the faces of all else, and with the blessed word “The Promised One is come” does it herald. By God! The rapture of His Revelation hath struck the Divine Lote-Tree; its rustling is raised high, its murmuring is manifest upon the rivers, and upon the seas appear the pearls of knowledge and wisdom that from the beginning of creation until now were hidden and concealed from the eyes of men. Like the sun they have risen, like light they shine forth. Glory be to God! The heedlessness of the factions hath reached such a pass that the Truth, exalted be His glory, hath veiled the mysteries of the Book.

Zion crieth out, Jerusalem is filled with delight, from the right hand Mount Carmel proclaimeth: “O people of the churches! Kings and subjects waited for centuries and ages, and now the Beloved of all existence appeareth before all faces, yet ye are heedless. O friends! The true Friend is manifest and the Luminary of bounty, by the will of the Sovereign of existence, hath risen and shineth forth. Why have ye become heedless? Are ye deprived of the Speaker of the Mount through poverty, or through wealth have ye become negligent of this supreme blessing?

The Dawning-Place of Glory is come, the Manifestation of Beauty is come, mentioning His branches [shu’b] in every land and calling all to the Kingdom of nearness and meeting. O leaves and fruits of that Tree! The Wronged One is occupied with your remembrance in the prison of Akka. Why do ye tarry? The light of acceptance shineth from the Dawning-Place of union—why do ye remain bewildered? Its light appeareth like fire from the most exalted Standard, and its call is raised above all else. O servants! Ye are the saplings of My bounty. I planted you with the hand of loving-kindness and watered you from the clouds of grace with that water which is mentioned in every Book and recorded by the Pens of favor and bounty. Now is the time to show forth your service, and the moment to manifest your love. With divine power and celestial might, aim ye for the ultimate goal and the supreme summit.

O My branch in Berlin! He Who said ʿI shall come’ is come, and His signs of grace have encompassed the world. That peerless Friend is come, that incomparable Companion hath rent asunder the veil. Hasten! Hasten! It is the time of attainment. Come! Come! The hidden treasure is manifest, the concealed store is apparent. The promises of the Books are fulfilled and the signs of the Scriptures are witnessed. Deprive not yourselves and remain not portionless.

O Ibn-i-Asdaq! Convey My greetings to the sacred land of Kha. Say: O Mashhad! Forget not thy station. Through God’s grace all the land of Kha hath been freshly adorned with the blood of contentment. Exalted is this supreme bounty! Say: O land of Kha! O people of the cities and regions! The Chosen One is come with mysteries, that Hidden and Veiled One is come with light and radiance. Today all things are enraptured and engaged in joy, absorbed in supreme delight. Why are ye silent and withered? The water whereby all things are made alive floweth from the right hand of the Merciful One’s utterance. Make mention of the loved ones on behalf of the Wronged One—a mention that shall add to the Divine Lote-Tree and deliver the entire world from aught else but the Friend, drawing them unto Him and attracting them to Him.

Gracious God! The people of God suffered themselves to be killed rather than kill. During the events that came to pass, they were the embodiments of utter meekness and even interceded on behalf of the murderers before the governor. Yet the envy and hatred of the heedless only increased; this bountiful grace held no value in their eyes and brought forth no fruit or result. But on account of the meekness of the people of God and their lack of any aid or helper, he who is the possessor of armaments arose to redress the wrongs. Absolute meekness yieldeth many a result and beareth many a fruit.

Now pride, wealth, heedlessness and error have deprived most from justice and fairness. Outwardly justice is proclaimed, while inwardly there is great agitation and pure oppression. In the capital they have gathered several souls who outwardly speak words from which the fragrance of love is diffused, while inwardly they arrange dry wood for kindling the fire of hatred, and the flames of self and passion and lies and calumny from thence are continuous. Yet these souls consider themselves aware and God heedless. Evil indeed is what they imagine. In any case, these are the days for the revelation of what is hidden in hearts and the betrayal of eyes. Soon will the recompense of their deeds reach them. Verily He is ever watchful. There is no God but Him, the Mighty, the Powerful, the All-Seeing.

The servant has presented thy letter and mentioned it before the Countenance. We have answered thee with that from which the fragrance of loving-kindness is diffused. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to assist thee and enable thee to that whereby His Cause may be exalted among His servants, His remembrance in His lands, and His name among His loved ones. Mention thou the oppressed one to Ali, upon him be the glory of God. Say: O Ali! The eyes behold the Tree and its fruits and leaves and branches, yet deny them. Say: O people! Fear God. The ocean is before your faces. Behold its illumined pearls and manifest waves, and be not of those who broke the Covenant and denied the favor of God, the Lord of the worlds. O Ali! God willing, the answer to your previous petitions will be graciously given. Verily He loves His loved ones and adorns them with the ornament of His loving-kindness. He is indeed the All-Bountiful, the All-Generous.

The effulgent rays of the Divine Luminary of utterance have so encompassed all things that verily all are powerless and incapable of reckoning them. From the earliest days until now there hath been revealed that which appeareth difficult and arduous to compile. That Beloved One and the fair-minded bear witness unto that which hath been sent down from the heaven of the Beloved of all creation. In truth, the Kingdom of utterance hath been revealed, yet minds and ears are wanting. According to the divine command, what is now required are those matters that conduce to fellowship and constitute the cause of unity, and teaching with wisdom and utterance in such wise as to remain somewhat veiled from view. For after all that hath come to pass and been made manifest, though this people have been slain yet have they in no wise retaliated, nevertheless the malice of evil souls hath increased.

It is not known what they say concerning this matter and to what pretext they cling. One of God’s loved ones was hanged in the land of Sad and martyred, and afterwards his blessed remains were burned, and in ʿIshqabad they committed that which caused the denizens of Paradise to break forth in lamentation, yet the loved ones offered no resistance. As soon as the ruler of that city arose to establish justice and execute his judgments with equity, heedless souls abandoned truthfulness, sincerity, trustworthiness and fidelity, and arose to censure and persecute. Now the tyranny of the oppressors shineth even as the sun. They oppress and rejoice, yet they perceive not. Soon shall they receive the recompense of their deeds, for they have to deal with the Just, the All-Wise. Verily He is the One Who hath power over whatsoever He willeth through His word “Be” and it is.

Glory be to God! This servant is amazed at what this Hadi-i-Dawlat-Abadi is saying. From the beginning of the Cause he had no knowledge whatsoever. He and Siyyid Muhammad and their like acted solely out of desire for leadership, doing that which causeth loss in this world and the next. Siyyid Muhammad Isfahani was one of the servants and accompanied Us from Iraq. After his opposition became manifest in the Land of Mystery, We banished him. Later it was heard that he called himself “Quddus”. In truth he was a fitting Quddus for this heedless party. As for Mirza Hadi Dawlat-Abadi, the Supreme Pen hath repeatedly recorded mention of his transgression, heedlessness and denial. In recent times, in the Tablets that were revealed, He summoned him that perchance he might present himself and be attracted by the breaths of revelation, but no effect was manifested therefrom.

By the life of our Lord! He acteth like those four false ones who are the inventors of spurious laws and the builders of imaginary cities. Now consider the heedlessness of this wicked soul who hath repeatedly cast into hearts and minds enmity and hatred for the Lord of existence and the Sovereign of the seen and the unseen. He hath witnessed the requital of the deeds of the former party, yet he hath committed that which causeth the eye of certitude to weep.

It is incumbent and obligatory upon the friends of God, exalted be His glory, who are the manifestations of justice and fairness, to protect the servants from the vain imaginings of the former party, lest they be afflicted anew. I beseech God to protect and assist this party in such wise that they may regard all else as non-existent and as naught, and arise with complete steadfastness to exalt the Word.

The heedless souls possess not an atom of understanding, for they have met or encountered various persons and have used their words as proof to destroy the truth and establish falsehood, despite His saying that no one should look to aught but the Truth on the Day of His Manifestation. He emphasizes greatly, lest on that Day they should turn away from Him by clinging to the Bayan, saying—exalted be His mention: “I have written an essence regarding His mention, which is that He shall not be indicated by My indication nor by what was revealed in the Bayan.” And yet the entire Bayan is adorned with the mention of this Cause and was revealed specifically for this Cause. That Holy Being repeatedly stated that whatever goodly mention appears in the Bayan was intended for Him.

Day and night He was occupied with the mention of the Most Great Name. When the station of the manifestation of this most exalted and blessed verse was reached, which was revealed in the early days in the Qayyumu’l-Asma—exalted be His mention: “O Remnant of God! I have sacrificed my entire being for Thee and have wished for naught but martyrdom in Thy love and crucifixion in Thy path.” In any case, I beseech God to remove the soreness from eyes that all may attain to that which they are deprived of today.

Mention was made of Mirza Muhammad Husayn, son of Fa’iz, upon him be the glory of God. After it was presented before the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence, this supreme utterance was revealed—exalted be His glory: Praise be to God that they have attained to the days through His grace and have turned to that which all others have neglected. All this is through God’s bounty and mercy. God willing, they shall attain to the Divine Tablet, exalted be His glory. This servant also conveys greetings to them and ever beseeches God for the elevation of their station. Verily our Lord is the Powerful, the All-Bountiful, the Answerer.

Mention was made of the friends. Praise be to God, the breezes of revelation have seized them all, and after being presented before the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence, holy, luminous and blessed tablets have been revealed from the heaven of bounty. God willing, may they attain unto them and receive their portion and share from the hidden oceans within the exalted words. Verily our Lord is the Generous Giver.

The souls that were mentioned in the letters of that beloved of the heart, from before and before before, have all attained to the hearing of the Lord of all beings, and it is hoped that there may be revealed for all that which will bestow portions upon the world and confirm them in their turning to God. I beseech and implore God to grant the grace of true hearing, for in truth whoever attained thereunto turned to God and became occupied with that which beseemeth mention, praise and attention. Blessed are they that hear and blessed are they that drink.

Mention was made of the honored leaf Diya’ul-Hajiyyih, upon her be the Glory of God. Several months ago, two Tablets were sent specifically for her and the honored leaf Agha Shahzadih, upon them both be the Glory of God. God willing, they will attain to them. And now too it was stated that, God willing, another Most Glorious Tablet which is the cause and means of life in infinite worlds shall be graciously bestowed specifically upon Diya’ul-Hajiyyih.

Section 2: “The decorative paper that was sent arrived…”

The decorative paper that was sent arrived and praise be to God, it was honored with wondrous, sublime divine verses, as the Hidden Words in Arabic and Persian as well as certain other Tablets were written upon it. In truth, this paper was honored with that for which all the papers of the world were created and brought into being. Glory be to God! The divines of Iran have not to this day attained to an atom’s weight of understanding and knowledge, while paper has attained to it.

From what has recently been observed and estimated, nearly a hundred volumes have been sent down from the heaven of grace and bounty upon the peoples of earth and heaven. Nevertheless, the divines of those regions are still reclining upon the couch of vainglory—nay rather, they are sleeping—nay rather, they are dead. The servant beseecheth His Lord to raise up one through whom their heads may be lifted up in His days. Verily our Lord is the All-Bountiful, the All-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

Mention was made of his honor Ibn-i-Shahid, upon him be the Glory of God. After it was submitted to the Most Holy, Most Exalted Presence, these sublime words appeared from the Dawning-Place of Will. His word—exalted be His glory:

Ibn-i-Shahid has ever been and still is remembered. Whenever We have mentioned Our loved ones, mention of him too has been sent down from the heaven of favor. In these days too, should God will and desire it, a Most Holy, Most Exalted, Most Luminous Tablet shall be graciously bestowed as a bounty from His presence, for He is the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous. End quote.

Mention was made of his honor Bujistani, upon him be the eternal Glory of God. After it was submitted before the Seat of Grace, these manifest verses were sent down from the heaven of favor. His word—exalted be the pearls of His utterance above similitude and comparison:

I am the All-Glorious, the Most High

Praise be to God, his honor Ali has repeatedly attained to the outpourings of the true Outpourer. We have sent down upon him from the heaven of My utterance the verses of My grace and bounty, that he may rejoice and be of the thankful. This is My Book which We have sent down to him once again. Verily he is God’s herald among His servants and the guide of creation to His path, and he is the one attracted, the speaker, the all-knowing. O Ali! Nothing whatsoever escapeth thy Lord’s knowledge. We heard thy call when thou wert present before the faces of My loved ones. Verily thy Lord is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. He seeth and heareth, He commandeth and judgeth, He doeth what He willeth and decreeth what He desireth.

He who desired Me and soared in Mine atmosphere hath mentioned thee. We have mentioned thee in this perspicuous Book. He beareth witness before all faces and speaketh, saying: O people! The Day hath come—dominion belongeth unto God, the Lord of the worlds! Beware lest the events of the world or the affairs of those who have denied the Day of Judgment sadden thee. Say: O loved ones of God! He desireth to behold you upon thrones, facing one another. Blessed is he who casteth away what he hath and taketh what I have commanded him from the presence of One mighty, faithful. Convey My greetings from Our presence to the faces of those who are with thee, both female and male. Verily thy Lord loveth him who loveth Him and mentioneth those who have turned toward Him with radiant faces. He is the All-Forgiving, the Most Merciful. The Glory shining from the horizon of the heaven of My bounty be upon thee and upon those who have recognized this Great Announcement wherewith the All-Merciful hath given glad-tidings in the Qur’an and by whose name the Books of the Messengers have been adorned. End.

This is what was sent down for Ibn-i-Shahid, upon him and his son be the Glory of God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. His word—mighty be His utterance and exalted His proof:

He is the All-Knowing Witness

This is the Day in which He Who was hidden hath appeared, and He Who was promised hath come, and He Who was concealed hath emerged. Blessed is the servant who hath heard and seen, and woe unto the heedless. Say: O people, fear God, then open your eyes. Verily the Great News standeth before your faces. Behold, and be not of the doubters.

We have remembered thee time and again, and have remembered thy father who attained the supreme martyrdom in the days of God, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. The angels and the Spirit received him at his ascension, and I am the All-Knowing, the All-Informed Witness.

When thou didst inhale the fragrance of My utterance and didst gain illumination from the light of My verses in My Tablet, say: Praise be to Thee, O my God, for having given me to drink from the ocean of Thy bounty the Kawthar of Thy grace, and for having caused me to turn toward the horizon of Thy Manifestation through Thy mercy which hath preceded Thy earth and Thy heaven. I beseech Thee by the pearls hidden in the treasuries of Thy Pen and the jewels concealed within the shells of the ocean of Thy grandeur, to assist me under all conditions to mention that which will draw Thy servants nigh unto the court of Thy glory and the carpet of Thy holiness.

O Lord! I am he who hath taken none other but Thee for his Lord, and hath chosen none other but Thee for his helper and supporter. O Lord! Thou seest the trustees of Thy earth in the hands of the treacherous among Thy creation, and those who have turned toward Thee among the ones who have turned away from among Thy servants. I beseech Thee by the waves of the ocean of Thy bounty and the mysteries hidden in Thy Book and Thy knowledge, not to disappoint me from that which is with Thee. Verily Thou art the Almighty, the Mighty, the All-Bountiful.

The glory shining from the horizon of My Kingdom be upon thee and upon those who love thee for the sake of God, the Supreme, the Mighty, the Chosen One.

This was revealed for Haji Abu-Talib, upon him be the glory of God

In the name of the All-Knowing Lord

The Sun of Truth hath called out from the horizon of the heaven of utterance, summoning all to that which draweth them nigh, benefiteth them and exalteth them. But the ears of the servants, being polluted with false tales of old, are deprived of hearing, save whom God willeth. O Abu-Talib! Hearken unto the eternal call with pure and attentive ears. If thou succeedest in hearing, thou shalt witness all else but God as non-existent, and shalt turn with all thy might toward the horizon of the Manifestation.

Today the breezes of revelation have perfumed the worlds of the seen and unseen, and the traces of the Most Exalted Pen have encompassed all. Blessed is every hearer who hath attained unto hearing, and every seer who hath been honored with beholding and meeting. He who loved Me hath mentioned thee; We have remembered thee in this Clear Book whereby all things have spoken, and the Most Exalted Paradise. O people! The Self-Subsisting hath come, and through Him the seal of the choice sealed wine hath been broken. Turn ye and drink, and be not of the heedless ones.

The Cause of God is more manifest than the sun in midheaven, yet passion and desire have kept the servants far from the most holy and exalted court. Say:

My God, my God! Withhold not Thy loved ones from the ocean of Thy bounty and the sun of Thy knowledge. Thou seest them, O my God, holding fast to the cord of Thy grace and clinging to the hem of Thy mercy. Ordain for them that which will draw them nigh unto Thee and acquaint them with Thy straight path and Thy mighty Message. There is none other God but Thee, the Forgiving, the Merciful.

O Lord! It behooveth the days and Thy Cause to be manifested among the peoples with such power that neither the might of rulers nor the ascendancy of those who have denied Thy right and pronounced judgment against Thy trustees and the hands of Thy Cause with such tyranny as hath caused every stone to lament and every kernel to cry out, and the tears of them that know to flow. Praise be to Thee, O Thou Who art the Goal of the world and the Glory of those who are in the heavens and on earth.

This was revealed for Shaykh Muhammad, upon him be the glory of God

In My Name that is sanctified from all names

O Muhammad, upon thee be My Glory! Today the outpourings of the All-Bountiful One have encompassed all things, and the waves of the ocean of utterance are manifest and visible before the faces of the world. The path is clear, the proof is sent down, mercy hath preceded, and bounty hath descended. Yet the people remain veiled. The hand that was created to grasp the divine Book is seen to seize unjustly the wealth of others and to possess it. The ears and eyes have become two steeds for the self and passion. Glory be to God! Impure deeds have occupied all with that which profiteth them not and deprived them of nearness unto God. They were created for the meeting with Him and were brought from nothingness into being for His service, yet they have become heedless of that which is with God, being occupied with that which they possess.

Say: My God, my God! Cleanse the eyes of Thy creation from the ophthalmia of vain imaginings and illumine their hearts with the lights of Thy Name, the All-Knowing. O my Lord! Make known to them Thy path and strengthen them in that which Thou hast commanded them in Thy Book. Verily Thou art the Powerful One Whom no might can frighten, no hosts can prevent, and no power of those who have denied Thee, disputed Thy signs, broken Thy Covenant and cast away Thy Book can weaken. There is no God but Thee, the Self-Subsisting, the Mighty, the Powerful, the Omnipotent, the August, the Great.

And this is what was revealed for His Honor Mirza Qasim Khan Mustawfi, upon him be the Glory of God:

In the Name of the Mighty Speaker

This Day hath no peer or likeness, inasmuch as the Ancient Beauty is seated upon the Most Great Throne. The attraction of His Revelation hath seized the worlds of the seen and the unseen. Blessed is the soul that hath not been deprived by the world and whatsoever is therein of ornaments, bounties and colors, and hath not been kept back from drawing nigh unto God. Say: O people of God! The Day is your Day and the time is your time. Why do ye fear and of what are ye afraid? Through the weakness of the servants, the leaders of the former party seized the reins of all and occupied them with their own desires. Through names they turned the people away from the straight path—sometimes in the name of the successor, at times in the name of the chief, and in the name of Shaykhi and Bala-Sari and the Fourth Pillar they sent the helpless people to hell-fire, as ye have all seen and heard and continue to hear. Until now they are engaged in cursing God, exalted be His glory, from their pulpits, and now again Dawlat-Abadi hath caused the servants to descend from the loftiest heights to the lowest depths through these same names.

Say: O people of God! Abandon these names. Today that which all servants, from the first to the last, have beseeched and hoped to attain from God hath been made manifest. Blessed is the ear that hath not been deprived of hearkening unto the Word of God by the traditions, stories and proofs of the former party. Say: O servants! With the finger of detachment and reliance rend asunder the veils and adorn yourselves with the ornament of the fear of God. What was the outcome of the deeds of the former party and what did they achieve? Blessed is he who hath cast them and their vain imaginings behind him and taken what he was commanded from the heaven of the bounty of his Lord, the Standing One, the Manifest, the Speaking, the Mighty, the Clear.

Thus have We sent down the verses and dispatched them unto thee that thou mayest be among the joyous ones, among the successful ones, among the steadfast ones, and that thou mayest say in all conditions: Praise be unto Thee, O Lord of the worlds and God of all who are in the heavens and on earth.

The names mentioned have been honored with the lights of the Sun of Oneness and eternal praise and utterance. For each name a Tablet was revealed and sent down from the heaven of divine will. We hope that each one may attain unto new and everlasting life through the verses revealed by the True One, glorified be His majesty. Verily our Lord is the Gracious Helper and the Merciful, the Compassionate. Mention was made of those connected to you, and for each one a most mighty and holy Tablet was revealed and sent down from the heaven of the bounty of the Lord of all beings. Verily He giveth and withholdeth, and He is the Mighty, the Unconstrained.

Convey my greetings and glorification to the loved ones of that land and its surroundings. God is my witness that I have ever sought and continue to seek the sealed wine for each one in the Most Holy Court, that all may become intoxicated with this everlasting wine and eternal blessing—an intoxication that increaseth consciousness and understanding. Should man attain unto the effects of this wine, he would consider all else but God as non-existent. No occasion or station would remain for the barking ones and the infidels. In these days the loved ones of God must drink and give others to drink with hands of sincerity and purity, of love and faithfulness. Verily our Lord is the Mighty, the Powerful, and He is the All-Bountiful, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

Glory and remembrance and praise be upon you and upon those who are with you and love you and upon every firm, steadfast, unwavering and upright believer. Praise be to God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

BH00247: O God, my Adored One, my Object of worship…

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

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

O God, my Adored One, my Object of worship, the Gracious, the Merciful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise, the All-Forgiving, the Concealer of faults, the All-Bountiful! Thou beholdest Thy loved ones amidst heedless souls, and Thy sheep among wolves who have denied the Day of Judgment. O Lord! Thou seest the righteous among the wicked, and the virtuous among those who have denied Thy Chosen Name. I beseech Thee by Thy gifts and favors, by the lovers of Thy Beauty and the lights of Thy horizons, to protect Thy chosen ones, then aid them with the hosts of Thy unseen realm, and make them the ensigns of Thy guidance and the manifestations of Thy power.

O Lord! Thou hearest the cry of them that are nigh unto Thee and the lamentation of the sincere ones. I beseech Thee by Thy radiant Light and Thy resplendent Cause to open before our faces the doors of Thy grace and bounty. Verily, Thou art the Forgiving, the Compassionate, the Bountiful. O Lord! Bless Thy loved ones and magnify those faces that have traversed lands to exalt Thy Cause, Thy remembrance and Thy praise, and who have been afflicted in Thy love with that which caused the dwellers of the pavilion of Thy sanctity and grandeur to lament. There is no God but Thee, the Omnipotent, the Almighty.

The letter from that beloved of the heart arrived repeatedly, praise be to God. The glad tidings of your well-being and health brought renewed joy. All the letters bore witness to the devotion, acceptance, steadfastness and service of that beloved of the heart. After reading and observing, they were taken to the Most Exalted Paradise and presented before the countenance of the Lord of all beings, attaining the honor of His attention. Then the Tongue of Grandeur spoke these exalted words, blessed and exalted be His utterance:

O Amin! Upon thee be the glory of God, His care and His mercy. The servant in attendance submitted thy letters before His presence. Blessed art thou for having confined thy affairs to the love of God, His praise and the service of His Cause. We testify that thou didst hear and respond, and didst succeed time and again in attaining that which God revealed in the books of the past and future. Verily thy Lord is the Compassionate, the Bountiful. He it is Who aided thee and through thee set right the affairs of His loved ones. Thou hast ever been and art still beneath the glances of His care, and hast been a helper and supporter of His servants. God willing, henceforth too thou shalt hold fast to that which causeth the exaltation of His Word and the elevation of His station. We testify that thou didst turn to Him when people turned away, and believed in Him when most of the servants denied Him. Say:

My God, my God! I am Thy servant and the son of Thy servant. I beseech Thee to assist me in uniting the hearts of Thy loved ones and setting right their affairs in Thy days. I testify, O my God, to my poverty and Thy wealth, my powerlessness and Thy might, my weakness and Thy strength. I beseech Thee by the ocean of Thy mercy and the heaven of Thy wisdom to aid me in that which Thou lovest and art pleased with. Then I beseech Thee, O God of Names and Creator of heaven, by Thy Most Great Prison and Thy tribulations among the nations, and by Thy utterance through which Thou didst subdue the world, to make me a banner of Thy Name and an ensign of Thy love. Verily Thou art powerful over what Thou willest, and in Thy grasp are the reins of all affairs. There is no God but Thee, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting.

Convey My salutations and glorification to the faces of My loved ones who have spoken in My praise and have arisen to serve My Cause, and whom the names have not prevented from turning to My countenance and clinging to the hem of My mercy. We beseech God to keep all steadfast in service to the Cause in such wise that all that is possessed by men shall not prevent them from drawing nigh unto God and turning to Him. These are the companions of the Ark of God that were mentioned before. They must engage in guiding humanity with utmost joy and fragrance, wisdom and utterance. O Amin! I say in truth that wisdom consists in deeds that guide the servants to the court of the Friend. In some lands they have done that which hath caused the servants to become remote and to flee. We counsel all to love, mercy and fellowship. Verily He is the Lord of creation, the Merciful to His servants, the Protector of lands. There is none other God but He, the Commander in the beginning and in the end.

Praise be to the one God Who granted success and made that noble person the center of service for His loved ones, upon whom be His glory and praise. This servant has ever beseeched and continues to beseech that He may cause that beloved one to attain all the bounties of His days and make him the cause of agreement and unity. He is the Powerful, the Helper.

Mention was made of the honored beloved, His Name Jamal, upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God, and likewise their degrees of devotion, arising and steadfastness were recorded. After being submitted to His presence, these verses were revealed—exalted be His glory:

O Amin! Upon thee be My glory! Convey My glorification to My Name Jamal and give him the glad tidings of the effulgences of the light of God’s grace, exalted be His glory. As thou didst mention, Jamal, upon him be the glory of God, the Self-Sufficient, the Most High, hath given his wealth, family and children in the path of God and wishes to surrender them to thee. In truth this is a beautiful mention, for the purpose is spending in the path of God, exalted be His glory. Blessed is he. This deed of his was accepted before the Throne. Praise be to God, he hath ever been and continues to be engaged in remembrance, praise and service to the Cause.

This servant conveys glorification and glory to them, offers salutations and praise, and beseeches God, exalted be His glory, for that which will cause the exaltation and elevation of His Word. Praise be to God, his honor has been and continues to be engaged in remembrance, praise and service. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to protect his honor with the hosts of the invisible and visible realms. Verily He is the All-Bountiful, the Kind, the Forgiving. The payment for the feast which he and Qurratu’l-ʿAyn Hubbu’llah, upon him be the glory of God, gave has been received and God willing the means for a feast before the Throne of the Lord will be prepared. Verily He is the Gracious, the Generous.

Mention was made of Aqa Mirza ʿAli Khayyat, upon him be the glory of God. After being submitted to the Most Holy Court, these verses were revealed from the heaven of the grace of the Manifestation of clear proofs—exalted be His glory:

He is the Expositor, the All-Knowing

O Ali, after Mirza! The call hath been raised from the prison of Akka in such wise that the hearts of kings and rulers have been stirred thereby. The breezes of revelation have seized them. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to aid them and strengthen them to champion His mighty and glorious Cause. Yet the lamp is amidst tempests, as testifieth He with Whom is the knowledge of the former and latter generations. O Ali! The Trusted One hath made mention of thee and of thy ardor and thy service in My path. We make mention of thee in this perspicuous Book. Say: Praise be unto Thee, O Desire of the world and Lord of the nations, for having remembered me in the prison and guided me to Thy straight path. Blessed art thou for having sought the ultimate goal and attained that which God hath sent down in His mighty Book. Thus hath the tongue of grandeur spoken and called all to the Mighty, the All-Praised.

This servant likewise conveyeth greetings and glory unto him, and I beseech God, exalted be His glory, to adorn him and all the loved ones with the ornament of wisdom, that all may hold fast unto it and with heart and soul seek the supreme horizon.

And as for the mention made of the spiritual friend, Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Ali-Asghar (Isku’i), upon him be the glory of God, verily he speaketh in remembrance of the Truth and is ablaze with the fire of love. After presentation at the Most Holy and Most Exalted Court, these manifest verses were sent down from the heaven of bounty of the Manifestation of clear signs. His word, exalted be His majesty, universal be His favors, and glorified be His remembrance:

He is the Compassionate, the All-Bountiful!

O Amin! Upon thee be the manifest light! The fire of divine love hath warmed the world of being, and the effulgences of the Sun of Revelation have shone forth from every direction. Say: Come, O ye who are endowed with insight! Say: Come, O ye who are possessed of vision! Be fair, O dawning-places of equity and manifestations of justice, in that which hath appeared in truth. Justice is a great gift of God, exalted be His glory. Blessed are they who have attained thereunto, and woe unto the heedless! O Mir Ali-Asghar! Upon thee be the most resplendent light of God! Hearken unto the melodies of the Dove of My utterance and the warbling of the Nightingale of My praise.

Verily it will draw thee to a station wherein thou shalt behold naught save the effulgences of the Light of My Cause, the firm, the impregnable. Thou hast attained unto My mention aforetime, which when it flowed from the tongue of My grandeur, all things proclaimed: By God, there hath appeared that the like of which hath never appeared in creation! To this beareth witness the Lord of invention in this wondrous, this glorious moment. Say: O concourse of the opposers in the Bayan! Be fair in God’s sight concerning that which hath appeared in truth, and follow not the imaginings of those who have disbelieved in the Day of Judgment. The Day is come, yet the people are in grievous blindness.

Blessed art thou for having turned toward the supreme horizon when every heedless doubter turned away therefrom. We bear witness that thou didst hear what was raised from the prison of Akka and didst turn unto it when the servants turned away, save whom God willed, the Mighty, the Powerful.

O Mir-Qabil-ʿAli! Hearken unto the everlasting Call of God. Verily it attracteth thee even as it attracted the hearts of them that are brought nigh. Say: The Glory of God speaketh not of His own desire, but rather by that which is commanded by God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. I was still, and the hand of Will moved me; I was asleep, and the breathings of the Lord of creation awakened me; I was silent, and the Will of God, Lord of all worlds, caused me to speak. Say: Fear ye God, O people, and deny not Him through Whom the Trump was sounded, and the Speaker of Sinai spoke, and the hidden mysteries in God’s Books, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy, were revealed.

O Amin! Send unto him the breathings of revelation that they may attract him and draw him nigh unto the Peerless, the All-Informed. Verily thou hast mentioned him, and We have mentioned My loved ones in the Land of Ta in such wise as cannot be equaled by all the books of the world. To this beareth witness this wondrous Book. The Glory shining from the horizon of the heaven of My mercy be upon them and upon those who have taken the chalices of mystic knowledge and drunk therefrom in My Name which God hath made the Point of Adoration for all names and the Dawning-Place of His Cause for all who are in the heavens and on earth.

Section 2: “Make mention of the loved ones…”

Make mention of the loved ones in the Land of Ta on behalf of the Wronged One. They have attained unto My mention before and after, and among them is he who was named Mihdi, whom thou didst mention in thy pages. We beseech God to preserve him and assist him to serve His Cause. Verily He is the Protector of the sincere ones. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

Divine verses have been revealed in such measure as transcendeth computation and is sanctified from limitation. It is hoped that the men of this age will arise with perfect determination to educate mankind—an arising that is sanctified from sitting down and from alteration. Verily God, our Lord, is powerful over all things.

As to what was written concerning the spiritual friend, his honor Aqa Siyyid ʿAli (Khalaj-Abadi), upon him be the Glory of God, after being submitted before the Ancient Beauty, this conclusive command was revealed, these are His—exalted be His glory—words:

Whatsoever the consultation of them that are brought nigh and the sincere ones approveth, and that which your honor deemeth advisable, may be carried out. Likewise these sublime words were revealed from the Dawning-Place of bounty, the Source of verses—exalted be His utterance: His honor Siyyid ʿAli, upon him be My Glory and My favor, hath turned and hath attained unto that which is the foremost station in the book of the world and the highest rank in the scroll of nations. We testify that he hath turned and attained and won that which the honored servants have won, and hath heard the Call of the Wronged One, and hath witnessed that which God hath witnessed, that there is none other God but Him, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. Convey My greetings unto him and illumine him with the lights of My wondrous utterance. The resplendent and gleaming Light be upon My loved ones who have not broken My Covenant and My Testament and have acted according to that which was enjoined upon them in My perspicuous Book.

Time and again, repeatedly, that loved one attained to the remembrance of God, His eternal grace and everlasting bounty. Well is it with thee and blessed art thou! The beloved of the heart, His honor Haji Mirza Haydar-Ali, upon him be the Most Glorious Beauty of God, God willing, will succeed in guiding the people. They were instructed to move about those lands with wisdom for a time and then return to the land of Ta. His presence in the land of Ta is, in wisdom, more conducive to acceptance before God, the Lord of the Mighty Throne. From the earliest days until now, he has been and remains steadfast in service and holding fast to the cord of God’s Cause.

We beseech God to manifest through him that which will draw the servants nigh unto the Dawning-Place of His signs and acquaint them with His straight path. In truth, the service of that loved one is most great, for he must needs occupy himself with setting aright the affairs of the friends according to the Most Exalted Command, as indeed he does. The purpose of the journey of the beloved of the heart, His honor Haydar-Ali, upon him be God’s eternal glory, to the region of Kha is that certain souls who have previously intended to turn toward the Most Exalted Horizon might attain to the station of supreme steadfastness.

The spiritual loved ones, their honors Nayyir and Sina, upon them be God’s most luminous light and most resplendent glory, they too have turned toward those regions. Mention of them has been and continues to be made in the Most Holy Court. Certain holy Tablets have been revealed from the heaven of the Will of God, exalted be His glory, specifically for those souls who have made request. God willing, these will be sent hereafter. Their deeds and mention have all been recorded before the Lord, exalted and sanctified is He. On one occasion these blessed supreme words flowed from the tongue of the Lord of all beings, exalted be His utterance:

“Verily they have drunk the wine of love from the cup of My bounty and have attained unto My remembrance and praise. Upon them be My glory and My loving-kindness and My mercy which has preceded all who are in the heavens and the earth.”

And mention was made of the spiritual loved one, his honor Aqa Mirza Mu’min, upon him be the Glory of God. After it was presented before His countenance, He said:

“We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to protect him and those with him and to make mention of them in such wise as will cause their deeds to endure on this straight path and mighty announcement.”

In these days the letter of the beloved of the heart of His Honor, Ibn-i-Ismu’llah al-Asdaq—upon them both be the Most Glorious Baha of God—hath reached this servant, and previously as well mention of him had repeatedly been made. Praised be God, he standeth fast in service and holdeth firmly unto whatsoever God willeth. Time and again there was heard from the Blessed Tongue, concerning him, that which causeth joy unto the near ones and the sincere. The Tablets which that beloved of the heart had requested especially for certain of the friends have been sent down from the heaven of the divine Will. It is hoped that the receptive ones, despite the deniers, may drink of the sealed wine and hold fast unto that which beseemeth the Days of God. The most holy and exalted Tablet which was revealed from the heaven of the will of the Lord of mankind in the name of the spiritual loved one, Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza ʿAbdu’l-Baqi—upon him be the Baha of God—was dispatched, that, God willing, they may drink from the Kawthar of the utterance of the Desire of all the worlds that which is the cause of everlasting life.

And as to what they had written concerning the letter of the spiritual loved one, Jinab-i-Haji Aqa—upon him be the Baha of God—after it had been presented in the Most Holy and Inviolable Presence, these blessed words were revealed. He, verily, is the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting.

“O thou who art mentioned! Hearken unto the call of the Wronged One. Verily, it draweth thee nigh unto God, the Lord of lords, and attracteth thee unto a station wherein naught is heard save the remembrance of God, the Mighty, the Powerful, the Bestowing. O Haji Aqa! Thy remembrance is the remembrance of one who arose to serve Me and turned unto Me when My servants turned away from Me. We have remembered thee with that whereby they who are near unto God perceive the fragrance of the loving-kindness of God, the Lord of mankind. Verily, We exhort thee and those who have believed unto that which is seemly and unto that whereby your remembrance shall abide in the Book of God, the Dayspring of lights, when thou hast attained unto My verses and inhaled the fragrance of My utterance.”

Say: My God, my God! Praise be unto Thee for having guided me, and enabled me, and strengthened me, and taught me, and made me to know Thee. I beseech Thee by the sanctity of Thy Being and the detachment of Thine Essence from all else besides Thee to ordain for me that which befitteth the heaven of Thy generosity and the ocean of Thy bounty. Thou art verily the Almighty, the All-Glorious, the All-Forgiving.

This servant beseecheth God—exalted be His glory—on behalf of each of the sincere ones and those who have turned towards Him, for that which hath no likeness or equal.

My God, my God! Aid Thy loved ones to turn their faces toward the light of Thy countenance and to cling to the hem of Thy mercy. Thou art verily the One Who hath power over whatsoever He willeth. There is none other God but Thee, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

The funds sent by them for the transcription of the divine Books, as well as the ornamented, embellished and gilded papers have arrived, and his honor, the Pride of Scribes, His Holiness the Name of God Zaynu’l-Muqarrabin, upon him be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious, is engaged in transcribing them. God willing, they will arrive. In truth, this matter too is reckoned as service to the Cause of God, and if they are able to send repeated supplies of paper, it would be acceptable in the sight of God and adorned with the glory of His good-pleasure.

In these days mention was made in the Most Holy Court of the spiritual friend who stands ready to serve, regarding His Holiness the Afnan, Haji Siyyid Ali, upon him be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious, who, in accordance with the command, hath proceeded to the City of Love for the sale of properties and the payment of debts. Firm and mighty decrees have been issued to all the friends that they should strive to the extent possible in his affairs—that is, he who stands ready to serve—and should endeavor to rectify whatever hath transpired. Although at one time they said:

“O servant in attendance! The recompense and reward for the deeds of him who stands ready to serve rest with God, exalted be His glory.”

In truth, that which hath been manifested from him hath few equals. His deed shall never be erased from the Book of God. Verily, He doth not suffer the reward of the doers to be lost. And they said that all the Afnans should arise to do that which befitteth his deed. Although God, exalted be His glory, hath been and is the Helper, yet every soul must manifest his own service. Thus hath My tongue spoken in the kingdom of My utterance, as a mercy from My presence, and He is the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous.

Thanks be to God, mention of them hath repeatedly issued from the Tongue of Grandeur. The servant beseecheth his Lord to aid him and ordain for him every good thing which He hath sent down in His perspicuous Book.

O spiritual friend, Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad Hasan, upon him be 966 [Baha’u’llah]. As commanded, convey greetings. Several rings adorned with the Greatest Name should be sent. This is from the bounty of our Lord upon him. Verily, He is the All-Bountiful, the Generous. Likewise, as commanded, convey greetings to His Honor, the revered beloved, Ismu’llah Jamal, upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God; and His Honor, the revered beloved, Jinab-i-ʿAli-Qabl-i-Akbar, upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God; and the beloved of the heart, His Honor Ibn-i-Abhar, upon them both be the Most Glorious Glory of God. God willing, wondrous, exalted and sacred Tablets will descend from the heaven of bounty and be sent in the future.

This servant conveys greetings, praise, glory and splendor to each of these gentlemen, and begs for their steadfast and unwavering confirmation. Verily, He is the Hearer, the Answerer. Glory, remembrance and praise be upon your honor and upon those who are with you and who love you for the sake of God, the Lord of the worlds.

The servant 27 Jamadi’ul-Avval 1308

BH01211: Praise be unto the peerless Lord, Who is worthy…

He is God, exalted be His glory, His majesty and His power!

Praise be unto the peerless Lord, Who is worthy and deserving, Who hath adorned the lands of holy and tranquil souls with the flowers of knowledge and wisdom through the rain of His mercy and utterance. His will hath no impediment and His purpose no veil or barrier. His is the praise and the glory, and His the remembrance and the splendor, for having illumined the hearts of His sincere servants with the light of His knowledge and adorned them with the ornament of His sanctification and holiness. He is the Self-Subsisting, to Whose power and dominion the tongues of His servants and creation bear witness. There is none other God but Him, the Single, the One, the Mighty, the All-Bountiful.

And blessings and peace be upon His Beloved One, the Dawning-Place of His knowledge and the Dayspring of His verses, and upon His family and companions, through whom the call was raised and the banner of unity was planted in the world of creation—blessings that the passage of time cannot alter. Verily, He is the Mighty, the Bestower.

The servant perceived the fragrance of your letter before its appearance and arrival. This testifieth and will continue to testify to the loftiness of your love and the excellence of your affection in God, the Lord of the Throne and earth, the Master of the hereafter and the former times.

O beloved of my heart! Your words have stirred me and your utterances have gladdened me. After reading and reciting, I approached a place that God hath sanctified from the idle fancies of heedless creatures. When I arrived, I presented what was in your letter, whereupon the Master—may our souls be sacrificed for His sake—spoke:

“O thou who art mentioned before the Wronged One! We have heard thy call and perceived from thy letter the fragrance of sincerity and supplication unto God, the Self-Sufficient, the Most High. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to adorn thee in all conditions with the ornament of righteousness and fear of God, to protect thee from the evil of enemies, to give thee to drink at all times from the cup of recognition, and to ordain for thee from the Pen of Destiny that which will draw thee near unto Him and assist thee in that which thou hast been commanded in His Book. Verily, He is the Almighty Whom the veils of the deluded cannot hinder, nor the imaginings of the heedless. There is none other God but Him, the Single, the One, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

O Rida! Upon thee be My peace. Thou art ever remembered in the gathering of the captives. Blessed art thou for having drunk the choice wine of certitude and utterance in praise of God, the Lord of the worlds and the Goal of all peoples. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to open before thy face the door of His bestowal, to rain down upon thee from the clouds of His generosity the showers of His bounty and the outpourings of His mercy, to protect thee with the hosts of power and might, and to assist thee in good deeds. Verily, He is the Guardian of good deeds and the Revealer of verses. There is none other God but Him, the Mighty, the All-Knowing.”

Praise be to God that the glad tidings of that spiritual beloved’s health and well-being arrived and became the cause of joy and delight. God is witness that I have ever been thinking of you and have ever beseeched the Self-Sufficient, the Most High for your well-being. However, since you have been in the service of Jinab-i-Amin—upon him be God’s peace, protection and mercy—complete assurance and certitude was attained. I beseech God, exalted be His glory, to preserve and protect him, to strengthen him through His might and exalt him through His loving-kindness. Moreover, mention of him was heard at times from the Master’s tongue. Surely this mention must have an effect in the world. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to send down upon him from the heaven of His grace the rains of blessing and favor.

Verily, He is the Lord of creation and in His grasp are the reins of all who are in the heavens and on earth. The gift that was sent in their name has arrived. Praise be to God Who hath manifested from His presence that which indicateth His love and affection. Think not that there was any hesitation in accepting what was sent. Nay, by the very Self of the Lord, this servant beareth witness that it was accepted with supreme acceptance. The gaze of them that are endued with certitude is fixed upon love and purpose and the sender, not upon aught else. Love hath its aspects and stations. It is the teacher of hearts and souls and the revealer of mysteries. And since this deed was adorned with the ornament of love, its acceptance transcendeth all acceptance and is approved by His loved ones and chosen ones.

Concerning what you wrote about this servant’s intention to gather the means for the garden remaining firm and steadfast—this is among the aspects of love, for when a hundred cometh, ninety is also with us. When love is established, its conditions and effects are present. This condition can never be separated or divided from that which is conditioned by it. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to preserve you and draw you nigh. Verily, He is the Lord of grace and confirmation, the Helper of them that do good amongst His servants, and the Ultimate Goal of them that know in His kingdom.

The apple of my eye, his honor Aqa Mirza Mustafa—upon him be 9 6 6 [Baha’u’llah]—hath repeatedly made mention of you. Indeed, each of the existing chosen ones hath made and continueth to make mention of you, and all beseech from God, exalted be His glory, whatsoever constituteth the supreme ladder for ascent and exaltation. Verily God is the Generous Giver. Nothing escapeth His knowledge. He doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He pleaseth. He is the Mighty, the Powerful, the Omnipotent. Peace and remembrance and mercy be upon you and upon God’s righteous servants. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

The servant, 9th of Jamadiyu’th-Thani 1308

Since they had inquired about the previously sent grape vines, the grape vines that were sent as gifts—as their cuttings arrived here dried up—therefore remained barren and unfruitful.

BH00967: Praise be sanctified above all that hath been…

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

Praise be sanctified above all that hath been and shall be, befitting that Self-Subsisting Lord Who, through the light of His creative Word “Be!”, hath enabled sheer nothingness to attain the mantle of existence. The blessed word “and it is!” hath been and ever shall be a witness to this manifest and resplendent power. The convulsions of the world and the oppression of nations have neither prevented nor deterred Him from His purpose, though at times, in accordance with the requirements of consummate wisdom, the manifestations of grace and favor are made to pause. And since most have no access to the City of understanding of this station, they become possessed of vain imaginings.

Glorified art Thou, O my God, my Lord, and my Support! I beseech Thee by the oceans of Thy patience and forbearance, and by Thy power and might, to enable the ignorant to draw nigh unto the City of Thy knowledge, and the rulers to the court of Thy justice. Thou art verily the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous, and within Thy grasp lie the reins of all who are in the heavens and on earth.

May my spirit be a sacrifice unto your mention and utterance, your arising and your steadfastness! For some time, outwardly no news had been received from your honour, although praise be to God, repeatedly from the tongue of the Goal of the world was heard, specifically concerning your honour, that which is the cause of eternal joy and gladness. And after attaining the presence on this day, these exalted words were revealed and sent down from the tongue of grandeur, exalted be His utterance and magnificent His proof:

In My Name, the Wronged One

O My Afnan! Upon thee be My glory and the glory of all who are in My kingdom! This Wronged One is afflicted each day with fresh calumnies. Glory be to God! Lies and calumnies have reached such a point as cannot be recounted or expressed. Each soul who turneth toward this direction, from behind the hill arriveth word that he hath stolen large sums of money from merchants and brought it to Akka. Although these matters are the cause of grief, yet since they are for the sake of God they are the water of life and are in truth the manifestation of joy and delight. The world and all that is therein, in relation to God, blessed and exalted be He, are loved and accepted, but if this relationship be severed they are not worth a penny. Praise be to God, whatsoever hath befallen Us, its purpose is clear and evident to the Afnan of the Divine Lote-Tree, manifest as the sun and apparent to all. Deeds are the mirror of existence and the record of rank and station. Say:

My God, my God! Praise be to Thee for having revealed unto me that which was concealed from Thy servants and treasured up through Thy power and might. I beseech Thee, O God of Names and Creator of heaven, by the lights of Thy justice and the manifestations of Thy sovereignty, to assist the heedless to turn unto Thee and to face the door of Thy bounty. Then open unto me, O my Master and my King, the doors of Thy mercy and Thy generosity in every world of Thy worlds. Verily, Thou art the Almighty, the Glorious, the All-Bountiful.

Verily each of these mentions is a key to unlock a door, and when its time cometh it shall open a matter from God, the Opener, the Bountiful. O Afnan! Upon thee be My loving-kindness, My grace and My mercy. For some time now Afnan, Haji Mirza Abu’l-Hasan, upon him be the Glory of God, hath attained the presence and dwelt in the vicinity, and their affairs have been in upheaval. Although these upheavals are the means of tranquility and assurance, for the Afnan were created for the promotion of God’s Cause—when outwardly restricted, inwardly they are engaged in service to the Cause of God, blessed and exalted be He. Your honor is aware and can testify to what was mentioned. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, first to set right his affairs through His bounty and generosity, and to ordain for him that which shall profit and enrich him, and to strengthen him in all His worlds. Verily He is the All-Bountiful, the Generous Giver. Your honor must also strive diligently to the extent possible to set right [their affairs]. I beseech the True One in all conditions for whatsoever conduces to glory, exaltation and grace. Verily He is powerful over all things.

The Greater Branch hath repeatedly made mention of your honor and sought [divine] confirmation and grace. We beseech God to fulfill the needs of His Afnan through His might, power and sovereignty. Convey greetings to the Afnan on behalf of the Wronged One. They are remembered in all conditions and are recipients of grace. We beseech God to exalt them through His Name and make them banners of His guidance amongst His creation. Verily He is the Hearer, the Answerer. The Glory shining from the horizon of the heaven of My mercy be upon you and upon those who are with you and who love you and hearken unto your words concerning this manifest Cause. End.

The upheavals that have arisen have made manifest matters that had remained concealed. A certain soul, toward whom the utmost favor had been shown, hath at length, by reason of the instigations of the slanderers, occupied himself night and day with such designs. In truth, what a wondrous veil hath been rent asunder! So much so that even when His Holiness Afnan, Jinab-i-Aqa Siyyid Ahmad—upon him be the Most Glorious Baha of God—turned his steps toward this region, they sent word by telegraph in his wake unto Beirut that Siyyid Ahmad and his servant, Nasru’llah, had stolen a sum of money in cash together with certain banknotes and had directed their course unto that land. Shaykh Muhammad Yazdi is occupied with such matters as these, that his own condition and the condition of him who misled him may be made manifest. Verily, God is the Expounder, the All-Wise. Today is the day wherein the hidden things of men’s breasts and the treachery of their eyes are laid bare. God, the Most High, the Most Great, hath spoken the truth.

Attention to the rectification of the affairs of that honored Afnan—upon him be the Baha and loving-kindness of God—who is resolved to set forth, dependeth upon the care of Your Honor, and assuredly you will extend such attention as lieth within your power. Unto the gentlemen, the Afnans of the Divine Lote-Tree—upon them be the Most Glorious Baha of God—I convey abasement, utter self-effacement, glorification, and Baha. The one God beareth witness to the condition of this servant, that they have ever been remembered in the Most Holy Presence; of this supreme bounty there can be no doubt, and the divine Books, both before and after, testify and bear witness thereto.

This evanescent servant hath in all conditions besought, and still beseecheth, the All-Sufficing, the Most Exalted, for whatsoever may conduce to their exaltation and advancement. Assuredly, whatsoever hath been submitted, and whatsoever is submitted, is attended by acceptance; with the bountiful, deeds are not hard to accomplish. The Most Glorious Baha and the most exalted praise rest upon Your Honor, and upon whoso loveth you and heedeth your word, your remembrance, and your utterance in proclaiming the Message of God, the Most Great, and His manifest Cause. Praise be unto Him, inasmuch as He is the Best-Beloved of all the worlds.

The servant 9 Jamadiyu’th-Thani 1308

BH04698: Praise befitteth the Lord of all being, Who through…

In the Name of the Desire of the worlds!

Praise befitteth the Lord of all being, Who through a single drop from the ocean of His generosity brought the world of existence into being, and through the radiance of the Day Star of His Most Great Name illumined both the world and all nations. His purpose in this supreme mercy and mighty favor hath been and still is the recognition of Him by His servants. Blessed is the servant who hath taken and drunk from the hand of bounty the living waters of immortality. He is of the people of Baha, who in the Qayyumu’l-Asma hath been mentioned and recorded by the Supreme Pen. Blessed is he and joy be unto him.

O my God and my Lord! Withhold not Thy servants from entering the crimson Ark of rubies which Thou hast ordained specifically for the people of Baha. O Lord! Thou seest Thy servant turning toward the horizon of Thy prison. I beseech Thee by the light of Thy Cause, whereby Thy earth and heaven were illumined, to aid me to serve Thy loved ones. Verily Thou art powerful over whatsoever Thou willest. There is no God but Thee, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise….

BH02958: Praise befitteth that Most Glorious, Most Exalted, Most Great…

Praise befitteth that Most Glorious, Most Exalted, Most Great, Most Holy, Self-Subsisting Lord Who, through one blessed word shining forth from the heaven of His Will, illumined the world of utterance and adorned it with the pearls of knowledge. Glorified be His majesty, boundless His grace, and there is no God but Him. He is the One Who hath power to manifest diverse letters from a single letter, and from these He brought forth the realms of words, and revealed the hidden pearls concealed within the shells in the ocean of His power. Within this utterance lie hidden the seas of knowledge and wisdom which none can manifest save through His might and power and grandeur and sovereignty….

This day is sanctified above all days, for it is attributed to the Truth. Blessed is he who hath attained to circumambulation of the Kaaba of God and hath clung to the hem of His mercy….

O party of God! This is the day of service and assistance. With the Kawthar of utterance quicken the dead and guide the wayward to the dawning-place of nearness. Ye are the cup-bearers of the Salsabil of utterance, the Desired One of all worlds. Soon shall the carpet of the world be rolled up. Every created thing, with its outer and inner tongue, beareth witness to its transformation and evanescence. Blessed are they that hear!

That which today taketh precedence over all matters and is acceptable in the presence of Him Who conversed on Sinai is the manifestation of unity and concord from the horizons of the heavens of hearts. Blessed is he who hath made his paramount concern the unification of the hearts of My loved ones.

O party of God! We counsel you to such deeds as will cause the exaltation of God’s Word and lead to the acceptance of the people of the world….

BH00666: Praise be to the Lord of all desires…

He is the Most Holy, Most Great, Most Exalted, Most Glorious!

Praise be to the Lord of all desires, the Sovereign of the unseen and seen realms, the Manifestation of names and attributes, Who with one exalted Word adorned absolute nothingness with the ornament of existence, and through it illumined the visible and invisible cities with the light of vision and knowledge. Exalted be His glory and His power, and exalted be His light and radiance! Light, radiance, remembrance and glory be upon those who have arisen to aid His Cause and uphold His commandments and laws, whose feet have not slipped through the doubts of the people nor the intimations of the idol-worshippers. They heard and turned to Him; they recognized and spoke, until they arose to serve His Cause, the Impregnable, the Inaccessible, the Mighty, the Wise.

O beloved of my heart! The words and utterances which bore the sweet fragrances of love and unity have arrived—the arrival of an ocean of praise and remembrance for one who is truly thirsty and spiritually athirst. After their arrival, perusal and contemplation, such a state of joy was attained that pen and ink fail to describe it, for from each word thereof wafted the fragrance of the love of the Desired One of all worlds. Blessed are ye and joy be unto you for that which hath flowed from the fountain of your love, the river of your knowledge. We beseech God to assist you and draw you nigh unto Him in all conditions. Verily, He is the Self-Sufficient, the Most High. And after the manifestation of joy and gladness, having aimed for the supreme heights and most exalted horizon, and after complete permission was granted, the verses and prose which flowed from the pen and ink of love and affection were presented. This is what the Lord of all men hath spoken in reply—exalted be His utterance and magnificent His proof, and there is no Beloved besides Him.

He is the Speaking One, the Compassionate, the Generous.

O Muhammad-Qabli-ʿAli! Upon thee be My glory and loving-kindness. The people of that house and station have ever been present before the countenance of the Lord of all men and have been remembered with most wondrous praise. The honored and exalted Ha-Qabli-Sin, who hath ascended unto the Most Sublime Horizon, was blessed with special favors, and We revealed for him, before and after his ascension, that which brought solace to eyes and manifested mysteries. We testify that he arose to serve the Cause with such power as was not weakened by the affairs of men, and drank the nectar of immortality from the hands of bounty with such steadfastness as was not shaken by the conditions of the divines nor the might of princes nor the clamor of every remote barking dog. We testify that he attained unto that which was inscribed by the Supreme Pen in the Books of God, the Lord of the Mighty Throne. He hearkened when the Call was raised, hastened and said:

“Yea, yea, O Thou Goal of the hearts of them that know! Here am I, here am I, O Beloved of all who are in the heavens and on earth!”

Thus did the Lord of existence manifest His grace and mercy that hath preceded all things. Verily thy Lord is the All-Bountiful, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

O Muhammad-Qabli-ʿAli! Give thanks unto God, thy Lord, for having aided thee to turn unto Him and for having revealed unto thee in the Most Great Prison that whereby the Tree was transformed into Fire and cried out, saying:

“O concourse of earth and heaven! The Lord of all creation hath come with sovereignty encompassing the unseen and the seen, and with a Cause before which all the armies of the world are powerless.”

To this doth the Most Great Name bear witness in this mighty, exalted Station. Thy letter hath come before the Wronged One, and from it We perceived the fragrance of thy remembrance of this Most Great Announcement, whereby the hearts of the sincere were set ablaze. Blessed be thy tongue for having spoken the truth, and thy pen for having manifested before the face of the Lord of Names, in this exalted station, the pearls of remembrance and praise. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to strengthen thee through His sovereignty and to assist thee through His power, and to record for thee, with the Pen of His grace and the ink of His bounty, the reward of attaining His presence. He, verily, is the Single, the One, the Powerful, the Mighty. The glory shining from the horizon of the heaven of My Kingdom be upon thee and upon them that are with thee and love thee for the sake of God, the Lord of the worlds.

We wish to make mention of My leaf and My handmaiden who hath turned unto and believed in God, the Mighty, the Wise. O My leaf! Hearken unto My call from this Spot which God hath made the point round which circle them that are nigh unto Him and them that believe in His unity. We have mentioned thee aforetime in verses that shall neither be effaced nor altered throughout centuries and ages, and God hath made them to endure in His perspicuous Book. Rejoice thou in these glad-tidings whose light hath shone forth from the horizon of the heaven of the utterance of thy Lord, the Speaking, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. Blessed art thou and they that are with thee. We have sent down for you that which will draw you nigh unto God, the Lord of the exalted Throne.

O ʿAziz! Upon thee be the glory of God and His loving-kindness. Thou hast attained unto turning toward Him and unto the praise of thy Lord, through Whom was manifested that which was hidden in knowledge and treasured in the protection of God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. The servant who is present hath submitted that which God cast into thy heart, and We have found therefrom the fragrance of orientation and turning unto Him. Verily thy Lord is the Remembering, the Speaking, the All-Knowing. Give thanks unto God for having brought forth from the treasury of thine utterance the pearls of His knowledge. He, verily, is the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous. Say:

My God, my God! Praise be to Thee for having honored me with Thy days and illumined me with the lights of Thy knowledge. I beseech Thee by the ocean of Thy verses and the heaven of Thy grace, and by the Lamp that hath taken neither guard nor veil unto itself, to make me known by Thy Name and steadfast in the service of Thy Cause. I beseech Thee, O Lord of the worlds, to open through the key of Thy All-Bountiful Name the doors of Thy favors, Thy mercy and Thy riches. Verily, Thou art the Almighty over what Thou willest, and in Thy grasp are the reins of all affairs of the first and the last. The glory shining from the horizon of the heaven of My grace be upon thee, upon thy tongue, upon thy heart and thy devotion, upon those who are with thee, and upon every steadfast and firm one, and every faithful and trusted one.

Praise be to God! After the arrival of the letter another world appeared and another fragrance was diffused, for that which emanated from the essence of the heart was each a radiating light and a shining brilliance in praise and glorification of the Goal of the world and the Beloved of nations. After its presentation and recitation the Tongue of Grandeur spoke this blessed word—exalted be His utterance:

“O servant in attendance, divine confirmation hath encompassed the dear one, upon him be My glory. Blessed be it unto him and may it be wholesome unto him.”

In truth, in the earliest days, despite the turning away of most people, he attained the Kawthar of utterance in such wise that he was adorned with the ornament of acceptance and illumined with the light of good-pleasure. At the time of its presentation and recitation, the lips of the Intended One were smiling and the face of the Beloved was radiant and joyous. No deed until now has been lost nor shall it be. Mention and praise in these days, known as the Day of God, is considered the most excellent of remembrances. I have beseeched and do beseech God, exalted be His glory, for confirmation in mentioning and praising His loved ones. Praise be to God, the people of that household have, from the earliest days until now, been blessed with beholding the signs, reading the verses, and turning to the horizon of the Manifestation.

Blessed are they and joy be unto them. His honor, the departed and elevated one, upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God, was mentioned most often in the presence of the Goal of the worlds. By the life of our Lord, he was repeatedly remembered in His presence and was blessed with special favors. At all times the assistance of grace reaches the elevated one in the Most Exalted Paradise. Verily our Lord is the All-Bountiful, the Generous, the Compassionate, the Forgiving, the Merciful. I make mention of all the relatives and beseech God, exalted be His glory, for each one that which is the cause of exaltation and the means of elevation. Verily He fulfilleth the rewards of the doers of good and granteth the needs of the sincere ones.

As for their seeking permission to attain the presence and their supplication, after its presentation He said:

“In these days the wisdom to which all are commanded does not permit it. We bid thee to patience and forbearance and We beseech God to record for thee the reward of those who hastened and turned until they attained the presence and heard My mighty and wondrous call.”

In truth, the reward of attaining the presence hath been written, recorded and confirmed for that spiritual loved one. Now it is fitting that not only “blessed be it unto your honor” be mentioned but also “may it be wholesome unto your honor” be said. Praise be to God, the Bestower of this lofty station and this mighty and wondrous mention. The dominion and the kingdom and the majesty and the power belong to God, the One, the All-Informed. Glory and mention and praise be upon you and upon those who are with you and upon every one who hath arisen with supreme steadfastness to establish this Most Great and Mighty Cause.

The servant 9 Rajab 1308