separation from it would to them be unthinkable. They will
hearken unto infallible proofs from the Hyacinth of that assembly, and
receive the surest testimonies from the beauty of its Rose and the melody
of its Nightingale. Once in about a thousand years shall this City be
renewed and re-adorned.

Wherefore, O my friend, it behooveth Us to exert the highest endeavour to
attain unto that City, and, by the grace of God and His loving-kindness,
rend asunder the "veils of glory"; so that, with inflexible steadfastness,
we may sacrifice our drooping souls in the path of the New Beloved. We
should with tearful eyes, fervently and repeatedly, implore Him to grant
us the favour of that grace. That city is none other than the Word of God
revealed in every age and dispensation. In the days of Moses it was the
Pentateuch; in the days of Jesus the Gospel; in the days of Muhammad the
Messenger of God the Qur'an; in this day the Bayan; and in the
dispensation of Him Whom God will make manifest His own Book--the Book unto
which all the Books of former Dispensations must needs be referred, the
Book which standeth amongst them all transcendent and supreme. In these
cities spiritual sustenance is bountifully provided, and incorruptible
delights have been ordained. The food they bestow is the bread of heaven,
and the Spirit they impart is God's imperishable blessing. Upon detached
souls they bestow the gift of Unity, enrich the destitute, and offer the
cup of knowledge unto them who wander in the wilderness of ignorance. All
the guidance, the blessings, the learning, the understanding, the faith,
and certitude, conferred upon all that is in heaven and on earth, are
hidden and treasured within these Cities.

For instance, the Qur'an was an impregnable stronghold unto the people of
Muhammad. In His days, whosoever entered therein, was shielded from the
devilish assaults, the menacing darts, the soul-devouring doubts, and
blasphemous whisperings of the enemy. Upon him was also bestowed a portion
of the everlasting and goodly fruits--the fruits of wisdom, from the divine
Tree. To him was given to drink the incorruptible waters of the river of
knowledge, and to taste the wine of the mysteries of divine Unity.

All the things that people required in connection with the Revelation of
Muhammad and His laws were to be found revealed and manifest in that
Ridvan of resplendent glory. That Book constitutes an abiding testimony to
its people after M