losophers, the exponents of learning,
parliamentarians and deputies, the rich ones of the earth, the followers
of all religions, and the people of Baha--all are brought within the
purview of the Author of these Messages, and receive, each according to
their merits, the counsels and admonitions they deserve. No less amazing
is the diversity of the subjects touched upon in these Tablets. The
transcendent majesty and unity of an unknowable and unapproachable God is
extolled, and the oneness of His Messengers proclaimed and emphasized. The
uniqueness, the universality and potentialities of the Baha'i Faith are
stressed, and the purpose and character of the Babi Revelation unfolded.
The significance of Baha'u'llah's sufferings and banishments is disclosed,
and the tribulations rained down upon His Herald and upon His Namesake
recognized and lamented. His own yearning for the crown of martyrdom,
which they both so mysteriously won, is voiced, and the ineffable glories
and wonders in store for His own Dispensation foreshadowed. Episodes, at
once moving and marvelous, at various stages of His ministry, are
recounted, and the transitoriness of worldly pomp, fame, riches, and
sovereignty, repeatedly and categorically asserted. Appeals for the
application of the highest principles in human and international relations
are forcibly and insistently made, and the abandonment of discreditable
practices and conventions, detrimental to the happiness, the growth, the
prosperity and the unity of the human race, enjoined. Kings are censured,
ecclesiastical dignitaries arraigned, ministers and plenipotentiaries
condemned, and the identification of His advent with the coming of the
Father Himself unequivocally admitted and repeatedly announced. The
violent downfall of a few of these kings and emperors is prophesied, two
of them are definitely challenged, most are warned, all are appealed to
and exhorted.

In the Lawh-i-Sultan (Tablet to the _Sh_ah of Persia) Baha'u'llah
declares: "Would that the world-adorning wish of His Majesty might decree
that this Servant be brought face to face with the divines of the age, and
produce proofs and testimonies in the presence of His Majesty the _Sh_ah!
This Servant is ready, and taketh hope in God, that such a gathering may
be convened in order that the truth of the matter may be made clear and
manifest before His Majesty the _Sh_ah. It is then for thee to command,
and I stand ready before the throne of thy