f godliness, severed from the world, clinging to
the handhold that is sure and strong, spreading abroad the spirit of life,
riding the Ark of salvation. Be ye daysprings of generosity,
dawning-points of the mysteries of existence, sites where inspiration
alighteth, rising-places of splendours, souls that are sustained by the
Holy Spirit, enamoured of the Lord, detached from all save Him, holy above
the characteristics of humankind, clothed in the attributes of the angels
of heaven, that ye may win for yourselves the highest bestowal of all, in
this new time, this wondrous age.

By the life of Baha! Only he who is severed from the world shall achieve
this ultimate grace, he who is a captive of divine love, empty of passion
and self, from every aspect true unto his God, humble, lowly,
supplicating, in tears, submissive in the presence of the Lord.

200: O MY SPIRITUAL LOVED ONES! AT A TIME WHEN AN ...

O my spiritual loved ones! At a time when an ocean of trials and
tribulations was surging up and flinging its waves to the heavens, when
multitudes were assailing us and the tyrannical were inflicting upon us
crushing wrongs--at such a time a band of individuals, intent on defaming
us, allied themselves with our unkind brother, brought out a treatise that
was filled with slanderous charges, and levelled accusations and calumnies
against us.

In this way they alarmed and confused the government authorities, and it
is obvious what the condition of this captive then became, in this
dilapidated fortress, and what terrible harm and mischief was done, far
worse than words can tell. In spite of everything, this homeless prisoner
remained inwardly tranquil and secure, trusting in the peerless Lord,
yearning for whatever afflictions might have to be encountered in the
pathway of God's love. For bolts of hate are, in our sight, but a gift of
pearls from Him, and mortal poison but a healing draught.

Such was our state when a letter came to us from the American friends.(62)
They had covenanted together, so they wrote, to remain at one in all
things, and the signatories one and all had pledged themselves to make
sacrifices in the pathway of the love of God, thus to achieve eternal
life. At the very moment when this letter was read, together with the
signatures at its close, 'Abdu'l-Baha experienced a joy so vehement that
no pen can describe it, and thanked God that friends have been raised up
in that country who will live