ry bond. In this day the one who is favored in the
threshold of grandeur is the one who offers the cup of faithfulness and
bestows the pearl of gift to the enemies, even to the fallen oppressor,
lends a helping hand, and considers every bitter foe as an affectionate
friend.

These are the commands of the Blessed Beauty, these are the counsels of
the Greatest Name. O ye dear friends! The world is engaged in war and
struggle, and mankind is in the utmost conflict and danger. The darkness
of unfaithfulness has enshrouded the earth and the illumination of
faithfulness has become concealed. All nations and tribes of the world
have sharpened their claws and are warring and fighting with each other.
The edifice of man is shattered. Thousands of families are wandering
disconsolate. Thousands of souls are besmeared with dust and blood in the
arena of battle and struggle every year, and the tent of happiness and
life is overthrown. The prominent men become commanders and boast of
bloodshed, and glory in destruction. One says: "I have severed with my
sword the necks of a nation," and one: "I have levelled a kingdom to the
dust"; and another: "I have overthrown the foundation of a government."
This is the pivot around which the pride and glory of mankind are
revolving. In all regions friendship and uprightness are denounced and
reconciliation and regard for truth are despised. The herald of peace,
reformation, love and reconciliation is the Religion of the Blessed Beauty
which has pitched its tent on the apex of the world and proclaimed its
summons to the people.

Then, O ye friends of God! Appreciate the value of this precious
Revelation, move and act in accordance with it and walk in the straight
path and the right way. Show it to the people. Raise the melody of the
Kingdom and spread abroad the teachings and ordinances of the loving Lord
so that the world may become another world, the darkened earth may become
illumined and the dead body of the people may obtain new life. Every soul
may seek everlasting life through the breath of the Merciful. Life in this
mortal world will quickly come to an end, and this earthly glory, wealth,
comfort and happiness will soon vanish and be no more. Summon ye the
people to God and call the souls to the manners and conduct of the Supreme
Concourse. To the orphans be ye kind fathers, and to the unfortunate a
refuge and shelter. To the poor be a treasure of wealth, and to the sick a
remedy and hea