maintain that these terms bear
reference to this material universe, how could it be possible, when the
visible order of things is still manifestly existing? Nay, in this
instance, by "first" is meant no other than the "last" and by "last" no
other than the "first."

Even as in the "Beginning that hath no beginnings" the term "last" is
truly applicable unto Him who is the Educator of the visible and of the
invisible, in like manner, are the terms "first" and "last" applicable
unto His Manifestations. They are at the same time the Exponents of both
the "first" and the "last." Whilst established upon the seat of the
"first," they occupy the throne of the "last." Were a discerning eye to be
found, it will readily perceive that the exponents of the "first" and the
"last," of the "manifest" and the "hidden," of the "beginning" and the
"seal" are none other than these holy Beings, these Essences of
Detachment, these divine Souls. And wert thou to soar in the holy realm of
"God was alone, there was none else besides Him," thou wilt find in that
Court all these names utterly non-existent and completely forgotten. Then
will thine eyes no longer be obscured by these veils, these terms, and
allusions. How ethereal and lofty is this station, unto which even
Gabriel, unshepherded, can never attain, and the Bird of Heaven,
unassisted, can never reach!

And, now, strive thou to comprehend the meaning of this saying of 'Ali,
the Commander of the Faithful: "Piercing the veils of glory, unaided."
Among these "veils of glory" are the divines and doctors living in the
days of the Manifestation of God, who, because of their want of
discernment and their love and eagerness for leadership, have failed to
submit to the Cause of God, nay, have even refused to incline their ears
unto the divine Melody. "They have thrust their fingers into their
ears."(119) And the people also, utterly ignoring God and taking them for
their masters, have placed themselves unreservedly under the authority of
these pompous and hypocritical leaders, for they have no sight, no
hearing, no heart, of their own to distinguish truth from falsehood.

Notwithstanding the divinely-inspired admonitions of all the Prophets, the
Saints, and Chosen ones of God, enjoining the people to see with their own
eyes and hear with their own ears, they have disdainfully rejected their
counsels and have blindly followed, and will continue to follow, the
leaders of their Faith. Should a