e chastisement that had
sealed its fate.

The text of certain Muhammadan traditions, the authenticity of which
Muslims themselves recognize, and which have been extensively quoted by
eminent Oriental Baha'i scholars and authors, will serve to corroborate
the argument and illuminate the theme I have attempted to expound: "In the
latter days a grievous calamity shall befall My people at the hands of
their ruler, a calamity such as no man ever heard to surpass it. So fierce
will it be that none can find a shelter. God will then send down One of My
descendants, One sprung from My family, Who will fill the earth with
equity and justice, even as it hath been filled with injustice and
tyranny." And, again: "A day shall be witnessed by My people whereon there
will have remained of Islam naught but a name, and of the Qur'an naught
but a mere appearance. The doctors of that age shall be the most evil the
world hath ever seen. Mischief hath proceeded from them, and on them will
it recoil." And, again: "At that hour His malediction shall descend upon
you, and your curse shall afflict you, and your religion shall remain an
empty word on your tongues. And when these signs appear amongst you,
anticipate the day when the red-hot wind will have swept over you, or the
day when ye will have been disfigured, or when stones will have rained
upon you."

"O people of the Qur'an," Baha'u'llah, addressing the combined forces of
Sunni and _Sh_i'ih Islam, significantly affirms, "Verily, the Prophet of
God, Muhammad, sheddeth tears at the sight of your cruelty. Ye have
assuredly followed your evil and corrupt desires, and turned away your
face from the light of guidance. Erelong will ye witness the result of
your deeds; for the Lord, My God, lieth in wait and is watchful of your
behavior... O concourse of Muslim divines! By your deeds the exalted
station of the people hath been abased, the standard of Islam hath been
reversed, and its mighty throne hath fallen."

Deterioration of Christian Institutions

So much for Islam and the crippling blows its leaders and institutions
have received--and may yet receive--in this, the first century of the Baha'i
Era. If I have dwelt too long on this theme, if I have, to a
disproportionate degree, quoted from the sacred writings in support of my
argument, it is solely because of my firm conviction that these
retributive calamities that have rained down upon the foremost oppressor
of the Faith of Baha