royal family of Iran.
From earliest childhood He was distinguished among His relatives and
friends. They said: "This child has extraordinary power." In wisdom,
intelligence and as a source of new knowledge He was advanced beyond His
age and superior to His surroundings. All who knew Him were astonished at
his precocity. It was usual for them to say: "Such a child will not live,"
for it is commonly believed that precocious children do not reach
maturity. During the period of youth the Blessed Perfection did not enter
school. He was not willing to be taught. This fact is well established
among the Iranians of Tihran. Nevertheless He was capable of solving the
difficult problems of all who came to Him. In whatever meeting, scientific
assembly or theological discussion He was found, He became the authority
of explanation upon intricate and abstruse questions presented.

Until His father passed away Baha'u'llah did not seek position or
political station notwithstanding His connection with the government. This
occasioned surprise and comment. It was frequently said: "How is it that a
young man of such keen intelligence and subtle perception does not seek
lucrative appointments? As a matter of fact every position is open to
him." This is a historical statement fully attested by the people of Iran.

He was most generous, giving abundantly to the poor. None who came to Him
were turned away. The doors of His house were open to all. He always had
many guests. This unbounded generosity was conducive to greater
astonishment from the fact that He sought neither position nor prominence.
In commenting upon this His friends said He would become impoverished, for
His expenses were many and His wealth becoming more and more limited. "Why
is he not thinking of his own affairs?", they inquired of each other; but
some who were wise declared: "This personage is connected with another
world; he has something sublime within him that is not evident now; the
day is coming when it will be manifested." In truth the Blessed Perfection
was a refuge for every weak one, a shelter for every fearing one, kind to
every indigent one, lenient and loving to all creatures.

He became well known in regard to these qualities before His Holiness the
Bab appeared. Then Baha'u'llah declared the Bab's mission to be true and
promulgated His teachings. The Bab announced that the greater
manifestation would take place after Him and called the promised one: "Him
whom