he divine Jerusalem; that upon each of these foundations the name of one
of the Apostles of His Holiness the Spirit(59) is written. That is to say,
the manifestation of the perfections, glad-tidings, virtues and high
attributes of that holy soul.

In brief, it is said that: "And he that talked with me had a golden rod to
measure the city and the gates thereof and the walls thereof." The purport
is this, that certain souls guided (people) with a rod of the plant, that
is, a reed wherewith he shepherded the sheep, like unto the rod of Moses;
other trained (the people) with a rod of iron and drove them, as in the
time of Mohammed (The scepter of Mohammed was the sword). In this Greatest
Day the rod of the plant and the rod of iron are changed into a rod which
is of pure gold and is from the endless treasuries of the Kingdom of God.

By the instrumentality of this, all people shall be trained. Observe the
difference: In a certain time the teachings of God were like unto the
twigs of a tree and by them the signs of God were spread, the law of God
promulgated and the religion of God founded. Later a time came when the
rod of the divine Shepherd was like iron, and now in this blessed and
glorious cycle that rod is become like unto pure gold. What a great
difference exists between them! Therefore know that the law of God and the
divine teachings prove a great advance in this day. They have reached a
degree of supremacy, compared with former ages. Nay, rather, this is pure
gold, while that was iron and wood.

This answer was written briefly because there was no more time. You will
certainly excuse. The maid-servants of God must reach a station wherein
they themselves shall comprehend the realities and meanings, to give clear
explanations for each word and the fountains of wisdom gush forth from the
reality of their hearts like a full flowing stream.

"O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!..."

O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God!

Verily, I noted the contents of thy letter, which was beautifully
composed, was informed of thy sorrow, the shedding of thy tears and the
glowing of thy heart on account of the imprisonment of Abdul-Baha.

O maid-servant of God! This prison is indeed more precious and sweet than
a garden to me, this fetter is greater than any liberty and the
confinement is broader than the most spacious wilderness. Therefore,
grieve not on this account. Verily, if my Lord destine