imprisoned in the cage of their idle fancies, acceptable? Like
the bats of darkness, they lift not their heads from their couch except to
pursue the transient things of the world, and find no rest by night except
as they labor to advance the aims of their sordid life. Immersed in their
selfish schemes, they are oblivious of the Divine decree. In the daytime
they strive with all their soul after worldly benefits, and in the night
season their sole occupation is to gratify their carnal desires. By what
law or standard could men be justified in cleaving to the denials of such
petty-minded souls and in ignoring the faith of them that have renounced,
for the sake of the good pleasure of God, their life and substance, their
fame and renown, their reputation and honor?...

With what love, what devotion, what exultation and holy rapture, they
sacrificed their lives in the path of the All-Glorious! To the truth of
this all witness. And yet, how can they belittle this Revelation? Hath any
age witnessed such momentous happenings? If these companions be not the
true strivers after God, who else could be called by this name? Have these
companions been seekers after power or glory? Have they ever yearned for
riches? Have they cherished any desire except the good pleasure of God? If
these companions, with all their marvelous testimonies and wondrous works,
be false, who then is worthy to claim for himself the truth? I swear by
God! Their very deeds are a sufficient testimony, and an irrefutable proof
unto all the peoples of the earth, were men to ponder in their hearts the
mysteries of Divine Revelation. "And they who act unjustly shall soon know
what lot awaiteth them!"...

Consider these martyrs of unquestionable sincerity, to whose truthfulness
testifieth the explicit text of the Book, and all of whom, as thou hast
witnessed, have sacrificed their life, their substance, their wives, their
children, their all, and ascended unto the loftiest chambers of Paradise.
Is it fair to reject the testimony of these detached and exalted beings to
the truth of this pre-eminent and Glorious Revelation, and to regard as
acceptable the denunciations which have been uttered against this
resplendent Light by this faithless people, who for gold have forsaken
their faith, and who for the sake of leadership have repudiated Him Who is
the First Leader of all mankind? This, although their character is now
revealed unto all people who have recognized them