53. Part Two — 33

1To resume: It is astonishing that with such evident and obvious references, these servants have avoided the Truth. For example, mention of the sorrow, affliction and imprisonment inflicted upon that Essence of Divine Nature hath been made in the former traditions. In "Buhar": "In our Gha'im there are four signs from four Prophets, Moses, Jesus, Joseph and Mohammed. As to the sign from Moses, fear and anticipation; from Jesus that which was said in His behalf; from Joseph imprisonment and pious dissimulation; from Mohammed that He will appear with signs like unto the Koran." Notwithstanding such a sound tradition which mentions all the events just as they have transpired, no one hath became mindful, nor do We suppose they will henceforth become so, excepting those whom thy Lord wisheth. "Verily, God shall cause him to hear whom He pleaseth; but I shall not make those to hear who are in graves."

2It hath been evident to your Honor that the Birds of Divinity and Doves of Eternity have two utterances. One they reveal according to the outward, without allegory, covering or veil, that it may be a guiding lamp and beckoning light by which wayfarers may reach the summits of holiness, and seekers be led to the court of Union. Such are the clear records and evident verses already mentioned. The other utterance they reveal in veil and covering to expose that which the malicious have concealed in their hearts and disclose their innermost beings. Therefore it is said by Sadek-Ibn-Mohammed, "God will purge them and sift them." This is the Divine balance and the eternal touchstone wherewith He tests His servants. No one comprehendeth the meanings of these utterances except tranquil hearts, approved souls and abstracted minds. In similar utterances the literal meaning understood by people is not intended. Thus it is said: "Every knowledge hath seventy senses, of which one only is known among the people; but when the Gha'im shall arise, He will spread the remaining senses among men." Likewise it is said: "We speak one word and by it We intend one and seventy meanings; each one of these we can explain."

3To resume: These things are mentioned that the people may not be troubled by certain traditions and utterances, the signs of which have not appeared in the world of dominion, but that they may attribute their perplexity to their own lack of comprehension and not to the non-fulfilment of the meanings of the traditions; for the intent of the Imams of religion is not known to these servants, as evidenced by the traditions themselves. Consequently the people should not deprive themselves of the bounties through such texts, but should question the custodians thereof, so that the hidden mysteries may appear and become manifest free from veils.

4But no one is found among the people of the earth who is a seeker of the Truth, and who turns to the Manifestations of Oneness, concerning intricate questions. All are dwelling in the land of oblivion and follow the people of hostility and rebellion. But God will do unto them just as they are acting, and will forget them even as they have ignored His Meeting in His Days. Thus those who have denied are judged, and He shall judge those who reject His signs. We conclude the saying with His words (Exalted is He!)—"Whosoever shall withdraw from the admonition of the Merciful, we will chain a devil to him, and he shall be his inseparable companion" (K. S. 43).

5"Whosoever turns aside from my admonition, verily, he shall lead a miserable life" (K. S. 20).

6Thus it hath been formerly revealed, were ye of those who reason.

7Peace be upon those who hear the melody of the Dove in the Sadrat-El-Muntaha!