of exiles. Day after day, at the instigation of some of the outwardly
learned and of other individuals, he would stir up trouble for these
servants, although they had at no time committed any act detrimental to
the state and its people or contrary to the rules and customs of the
citizens of the realm.

207 Fearing lest the actions of these transgressors should produce some
outcome at variance with thy world-adorning judgement, this Servant
despatched a brief account of the matter to Mirza Sa'id Khan(28) at the
Foreign Ministry, so that he might submit it to the royal presence and
that whatever thou shouldst please to decree in this respect might be
obeyed. A long while elapsed, and no decree was issued. Finally matters
came to such a pass that there loomed the threat of imminent strife and
bloodshed. Of necessity, therefore, and for the protection of the servants
of God, a few of them appealed to the Governor of 'Iraq.(29)

208 Wert thou to observe these events with the eye of fairness, it would
become clear and evident in the luminous mirror of thine heart that what
occurred was called for by the circumstances, and that no other
alternative could be seen. His Majesty himself is witness that in whatever
city a number of this people have resided, the hostility of certain
functionaries hath enkindled the flame of conflict and contention. This
evanescent Soul, however, hath, since His arrival in 'Iraq, forbidden all
to engage in dissension and strife. The witness of this Servant is His
very deeds, for all are well aware and will testify that, although a
greater number of this people resided in 'Iraq than in any other land, no
one overstepped his limits or transgressed against his neighbour. Fixing
their gaze upon God, and reposing their trust in Him, all have now been
abiding in peace for well-nigh fifteen years, and, in whatever hath
befallen them, they have shown forth patience and resigned themselves to
God.

209 After the arrival of this Servant in this, the city of Adrianople,
some of the people of 'Iraq and elsewhere inquired about the meaning of
the term "rendering assistance unto God" which hath been mentioned in the
Holy Scriptures. Several answers were sent out in reply, one of which is
set forth in these pages, that it may be clearly demonstrated in the court
of thy presence that this Servant hath had no end in view but to promote
the betterment and well-being of the world. And if certain of the divine
favour