rred by violation, the more deepen
ye in firmness and steadfastness, and be assured that the divine hosts
shall conquer, for they are assured of the victory of the Abha Kingdom.
Throughout all regions the standard of firmness and steadfastness is
upraised and the flag of violation is debased, for only a few weak souls
have been led away by the flattery and the specious arguments of the
violators who are outwardly with the greatest care exhibiting firmness but
inwardly are engaged in agitating souls. Only a few who are the leaders of
those who stir and agitate are outwardly known as violators while the
rest, through subtle means, deceive the souls, for outwardly they assert
their firmness and steadfastness in the Covenant but when they come across
responsive ears they secretly sow the seeds of suspicion. The case of all
of them resembleth the violation of the Covenant by Judas Iscariot and his
followers. Consider: hath any result or trace remained after them? Not
even a name hath been left by his followers and although a number of Jews
sided with him it was as if he had no followers at all. This Judas
Iscariot who was the leader of the apostles betrayed Christ for thirty
pieces of silver. Take heed, O ye people of perception!

At this time these insignificant violators will surely betray the Centre
of the Covenant for the large sum which by every subtle means they have
begged. It is now thirty years since Baha'u'llah ascended, and in that
time these violators have striven with might and main. What have they
achieved? Under all conditions those who have remained firm in the
Covenant have conquered, while the violators have met defeat,
disappointment and dejection. After the ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha, no
trace of them shall remain. These souls are ignorant of what will happen
and are proud of their own fancies.

In short, O ye friends of God and maidservants of the Merciful! The hand
of divine bounty hath placed upon your heads a jewelled crown, the
precious gems of which shall shine eternally over all regions. Appreciate
this bounty, loose your tongues in praise and thanksgiving, and engage in
the promulgation of the divine teachings, for this is the spirit of life
and the means of salvation.

186: O THOU WHO ART FIRM IN THE COVENANT! THREE ...

O thou who art firm in the Covenant! Three consecutive letters have been
received from thee. From their contents it became known that in Cleveland
the hearts are affl