52. Part Two — 32

1To resume: We hope that the people of the Beyan may be trained; that they may soar in the atmosphere of spirit and abide in its court; that they may distinguish the True One from all others, and penetrate a false vestment with the eye of insight. But in these days such odor of jealousy is diffused, I swear by the Educator of Existence, including the seen and the unseen, that from the beginning of the foundation of the world though it hath no beginning to the present time, no such envy, animosity and hatred have appeared or ever will appear. For a number who have not inhaled the odor of justice, have hoisted banners of discord, and have agreed to oppose this servant. From every direction a spear is visible and from every side an arrow flies. This, although We have not gloried in any matter, nor have We sought superiority over any. To every one We have been a most affectionate companion and a most forbearing and indulgent friend; with the poor We have been as the poor, and before the learned and lofty, perfectly submissive and resigned. Yet by God, than Whom there is no other God, the hardships, calamities and sufferings inflicted by the enemies and possessors of the Book are as nothing compared to what hath been inflicted by the believers (Babis).

2To be brief: what shall We say? For were the world just, it could not endure this recital. As this servant, upon His arrival in this land (Baghdad), became aware, in part, of events which would subsequently happen, We took Our departure before that time, repaired to deserts of solitude and spent two years in the wilderness of isolation. Fountains were flowing from Our eyes and seas of blood streaming from Our heart. Many a night We were destitute of food and many a day the body found no rest. Notwithstanding these showering afflictions and successive calamities by the One in Whose Hand is our Soul We continued in perfect happiness and exceeding joy, for We were not aware of the loss or benefit, health or ailment of any. We were occupied with Ourselves and detached from all else. But the noose of the decree of God is wider than reflection and the arrow of His destiny is sanctified from plan. The head hath no release from His noose and there is no escape from His desire except by submission. We swear by God that We had no intention of return from this exile nor hope of reunion after this journey. Our only purpose was to avoid being an object of disagreement among the Ahbab, a source of disturbance among the companions, the cause of injury to any one, or the occasion of sorrow in any heart. We had no other intention and object than those mentioned, yet every individual formed an opinion and idea according to his own desire. Finally the decree of return emanated from the Source of Command and We involuntarily obeyed and returned. The pen is unable to record that which was experienced after Our return. For two years enemies have exerted their utmost effort and endeavor to destroy this humble servant, as all are informed. Nevertheless not one of the Ahbab hath rendered assistance, nor offered help. Nay rather, instead of assistance, successive and continuous sorrows like pouring rain are inflicted by words and deeds, while this servant is ready, life in hand, with all resignation, that perchance through Divine providence and favor this well-known and mentioned Letter may be sacrificed in the path of the Point and the Exalted Word. Were it not for this intention by the One at Whose command the Spirit giveth utterance We would not have tarried one moment in this city, "Whereunto God is sufficient witness." We conclude the saying with "There is no power and strength but in God alone."..."We belong to God, and unto Him shall we surely return" (K. S. 2).

3The possessors of intelligence who have drunk from the choice Wine of love and have taken no step to gratify self, witness the proofs, evidence and argument which indicate this wonderful Cause and impregnable Divine Manifestation clearer than the sun in the Fourth Heaven. Now consider the turning away of the people from the Divine Beauty and their advancement toward egotistical desire. Notwithstanding all these sound verses and substantial references as recorded in the "Greatest Weight" (Koran), which is the Divine Trust among the servants; and notwithstanding these clear traditions which are more explicit than explanation and elucidation, yet the people have ignored and rejected them all, clinging to the outward sense of some traditions which they have not found consistent with their own understanding, and the meaning of which they have not comprehended. Thus are they bereft of the wine of the Glorious One and the everflowing fountain of the Beauty of the Eternal One.

4Consider, even the date of the Manifestation of that Essence of Light hath been recorded in the traditions, yet they are not mindful, nor severed a single breath from selfish desire.

5In the tradition, Al-Mofazzal questioned Sadek: "O my Master, how will be (the sign of) His Manifestation?" Then he answered: "In the year sixty, His Cause shall appear and His mention shall be elevated."