s not that they do not know what they
do--they are perfectly aware and still they exhibit opposition.

In short, the ocean of the Covenant is tumultuous and wide. It casteth
ashore the foam of violation and thus rest ye assured. Be engaged in the
furtherance of the Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar and prepare the means for the
diffusion of the divine fragrances. Be not engaged in anything but this,
for otherwise thou shalt dissipate thine attention and the work will not
advance.

188: O YE THE CHERISHED LOVED ONES OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA! ...

O ye the cherished loved ones of 'Abdu'l-Baha! It is a long time now since
my inward ear hath heard any sweet melodies out of certain regions, or my
heart been gladdened; and this despite the fact that ye are ever present
in my thoughts and standing clearly visible before my sight. Filled to
overflowing is the goblet of my heart with the wine of the love I bear
you, and my yearning to set eyes upon you streameth like the spirit
through my arteries and veins. From this it is clear how great is my
affliction. At this time and throughout this tempest of calamities now
tossing its waves to high heaven, cruel and incessant darts are being
hurled against me from every point of the compass, and at every moment,
here in the Holy Land, terrifying news is received, and every day bringeth
its quota of horror. The Centre of Sedition had imagined that it needed
but his arrogant rebellion to bring down the Covenant and Testament in
ruins; it needed but this, so he thought, to turn the righteous away from
the Holy Will. Wherefore he sent out far and wide his leaflets of doubt,
devising many a secret scheme. Now he would cry out that God's edifice had
been subverted and His divine commands annulled, and that accordingly, the
Covenant and Testament was abolished. Again he would set himself to
sighing and groaning that he was being held a prisoner and was kept hungry
and thirsty day and night. Another day he would raise an uproar, saying
that the oneness of God had been denied, since another Manifestation had
been proclaimed, prior to the expiration of a thousand years.

When he saw that his calumnies had no effect, he gradually formed a plan
to incite a disturbance. He began stirring up mischief, and went knocking
at every door. He started making false accusations to the officials of the
Government. He approached some of the foreigners, made himself their
intimate, and together with them prepared a docum