49. Part Two — 29
1Among the proofs of the Manifestation (Bab) were the power, domination and authority which proceeded from the person of that Manifestor of Existence and that Appearance of the Adored One throughout all regions of the earth. Although that Eternal Beauty appeared in Shiraz and removed the veil in the year " Sixty," yet in a short time the signs of the power, domination, sovereignty and authority of that Essence of essences and Ocean of oceans became so manifest throughout all countries, that from every city the traces, indications, evidences and tokens of that Heavenly Sun became visible. Many a pure and chaste heart became expressive of that Eternal Sun, and many a sprinkling of enlightenment from that Sea of Intuitional Knowledge encompassed the contingent beings. Though the divines and grandees in every city and town arose to reject and suppress them, girded up loins of envy, hatred and injustice to eradicate them, killed many a holy one who was the essence of justice, by the accusation of injustice, and destroyed with severest torment many a temple of spirit which showed forth pure knowledge and deeds; yet each one of these beings was occupied in the commemoration of God until the verge of death, and soared in the sky of submission and resignation. He so influenced and transformed these beings that they had no purpose except His wish, and sought nothing but His command. They yielded to His good pleasure and attached their hearts to His thought.
2Reflect a little; hath such a power and influence appeared from any other in the world? All these purified hearts and sanctified souls hastened with perfect resignation to the call of destiny. During occasions of complaint, nothing proceeded from them except thanksgiving, and in time of affliction, only submission was visible. It is an evident fact how much hatred, animosity and enmity the people of the earth entertained toward these companions, for they considered tormenting and oppressing those holy ideal countenances conducive to prosperity, salvation and everlasting success and gain. Hath such commotion appeared in the lands at any period from the age of Adam down to the present time, or such tumult been witnessed among the servants? Notwithstanding all their sufferings and injuries, they became the objects of the curses of the people and the subject of censure by all the servants. It seemed as if patience originated in the world of existence from their self-restraint, and faithfulness appeared in the regions of the earth from their actions.
3Briefly: reflect upon all these events which have happened, and things which have come to pass, in order that thou mayest be aware of the greatness and importance of the Cause. Then the spirit of tranquility will be breathed in thy being through the favor of the Merciful, and thou wilt rest and abide upon the throne of assurance. The One God testifies that were ye to reflect a little, ye would find that aside from all these established facts and mentioned proofs, the very cursing, execration and rejection by the people of the earth are the greatest proof and weightiest evidence of the truth of these heroes of the field of severance and resignation. When thou dost reflect upon the contradictions of the people, including divines, men of learning, and the ignorant, thou wilt become more firm and steadfast in this Cause; for whatever hath happened was previously prophesied by the Mines of Intuitional Knowledge and Sources of Eternal Command. Although this servant did not intend to speak of former records, yet out of love for your Honor We mention some traditions applicable to this place, although in reality there is no need to do so, for what hath already been stated is sufficient for the earth and all therein. In fact, all the Books and mysteries are contained in this brief account. If one should ponder a little, he will comprehend all the mysteries of the Divine words and facts which have appeared from that Ideal King, from what hath already been mentioned. But since the people are not in one degree and station, We cite some traditions in order to cause steadfastness in wavering souls and tranquillity in troubled minds; likewise the Divine proof may be perfected and completed to the servants both high and low.
4Among them is the tradition, "When the standard of Truth shall appear, the people of the east and west will curse it." One should drink a little of the wine of severance, establish himself upon the seat of impregnability and observe: " One hour's reflection is better than seventy years of pious devotion," (to discover) the reason of this base action, that the people, notwithstanding declaration of love and search for Truth, curse the followers of the True One after the Appearance, as is evidenced in the tradition. It is clear that the reason is none other than the abrogation of customs, ceremonies, habits and rites by which the people are bound. For should that Beauty of the Merciful conform to the same customs and ceremonies, and approve that in which the people are engaged, then by no means would such disagreements and violence appear in the world. This blessed tradition is confirmed and substantiated by the saying: " The day whereon the herald shall summon (mankind) to an objectionable affair" (K. S. 54).
5To resume: Since the Herald of Oneness from behind the Veils of Holiness summons people to be entirely severed from that which they hold, and since this Divine Call is contrary to their desire, therefore all such tests and trials occur.