es according to their own ideas, which do not
bear resemblance, and worship the same. This is the station of the
ignorant ones who are as animals, following every croaker and shaken by
every wind. "Forsake them to play in their shallow waters."

THIS BRANCH WILL ASCEND

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 unto me and causes
me to taste the sweetness of the cup of the great martyrdom, my greatest
desire will be fulfilled. Fear not if this Branch be severed from the
material earth and cast aside the leaves--nay, rather, its leaves will
flourish, for this Branch will grow after it is cut from the earth, will
ascend until it shelters the universe, its foliage will reach the supreme
Apex and bear fruits, imparting fragrant perfume unto the world.

AFTER THIS STORM

O ye beloved of God! When the winds blow severely, rains fall fiercely,
the lightning flashes, the thunder roars, the bolt descends and storms of
trial become severe, grieve not; for after this storm, verily, the divine
spring will arrive, the hills and fields will become verdant, the expanses
of grain will joyfully wave, the earth will become covered with blossoms,
the trees will be clothed with green garments and adorned with blossoms
and fruits. Thus blessings become manifest in all countries. These favors
are results of those storms and hurricanes.

The discerning man rejoiceth at the day of trials, his breast becometh
dilated at the time of severe storms, his eyes become brightened when
seeing the showers of rain and gusts of wind, whereby trees are uprooted;
because he foreseeth the result and the end, the leaves, blossoms and
fruits; while the ignorant person becometh troubled when he seeth a storm,
is saddened when it raineth severely, is terrified by the thunder and
trembleth at the surging of the waves which storm the shores.

As ye have heard of the former times, when Christ--glory be to
Him!--appeared, a storm of trials arose, afflictions appeared, the winds of
tests blew, the thunder of temptation descended and hosts of people
surrounded the houses of the friends; then the weak ones were shaken and
were misled after once being guided; but the disciples withstood the
hardships and endured the storms of ordeals