ect it, or to effect a
cure, whilst He Who hath been the Manifestation of Power amongst men was
withheld from achieving His purpose, by reason of what the hands of the
ignorant physicians have wrought.

177 Consider these days in which He Who is the Ancient Beauty hath come in
the Most Great Name, that He may quicken the world and unite its peoples.
They, however, rose up against Him with sharpened swords, and committed
that which caused the Faithful Spirit to lament, until in the end they
imprisoned Him in the most desolate of cities, and broke the grasp of the
faithful upon the hem of His robe. Were anyone to tell them: "The World
Reformer is come", they would answer and say: "Indeed it is proven that He
is a fomenter of discord!", and this notwithstanding that they have never
associated with Him, and have perceived that He did not seek, for one
moment, to protect Himself. At all times He was at the mercy of the wicked
doers. At one time they cast Him into prison, at another they banished
Him, and at yet another hurried Him from land to land. Thus have they
pronounced judgement against Us, and God, truly, is aware of what I say.
Such men are reckoned by God among the most ignorant of His creatures.
They cut off their own limbs and perceive it not; they deprive themselves
of that which is best for them, and know it not. They are even as a young
child who can distinguish neither the mischief-maker from the reformer nor
the wicked from the righteous. We behold them in this Day wrapt in a
palpable veil.

178 O ye rulers of the earth! Wherefore have ye clouded the radiance of
the Sun, and caused it to cease from shining? Hearken unto the counsel
given you by the Pen of the Most High, that haply both ye and the poor may
attain unto tranquillity and peace. We beseech God to assist the kings of
the earth to establish peace on earth. He, verily, doth what He willeth.

179 O kings of the earth! We see you increasing every year your
expenditures, and laying the burden thereof on your subjects. This,
verily, is wholly and grossly unjust. Fear the sighs and tears of this
Wronged One, and lay not excessive burdens on your peoples. Do not rob
them to rear palaces for yourselves; nay rather choose for them that which
ye choose for yourselves. Thus We unfold to your eyes that which profiteth
you, if ye but perceive. Your people are your treasures. Beware lest your
rule violate the commandments of God, and ye deliver your wards to the