on
one and the same law, for they seek no God but their own desire, and tread
no path but the path of error. In leadership they have recognized the
ultimate object of their endeavour, and account pride and haughtiness as
the highest attainments of their heart's desire. They have placed their
sordid machinations above the divine decree, have renounced resignation
unto the will of God, busied themselves with selfish calculation, and
walked in the way of the hypocrite. With all their power and strength they
strive to secure themselves in their petty pursuits, fearful lest the
least discredit undermine their authority or blemish the display of their
magnificence. Were the eye to be anointed and illumined with the collyrium
of the knowledge of God, it would surely discover that a number of
voracious beasts have gathered and preyed upon the carrion of the souls of
men.

What "oppression" is greater than that which hath been recounted? What
"oppression" is more grievous than that a soul seeking the truth, and
wishing to attain unto the knowledge of God, should know not where to go
for it and from whom to seek it? For opinions have sorely differed, and
the ways unto the attainment of God have multiplied. This "oppression" is
the essential feature of every Revelation. Unless it cometh to pass, the
Sun of Truth will not be made manifest. For the break of the morn of
divine guidance must needs follow the darkness of the night of error. For
this reason, in all chronicles and traditions reference hath been made
unto these things, namely that iniquity shall cover the surface of the
earth and darkness shall envelop mankind. As the traditions referred to
are well known, and as the purpose of this servant is to be brief, He will
refrain from quoting the text of these traditions.

Were this "oppression" (which literally meaneth pressure) to be
interpreted that the earth is to become contracted, or were men's idle
fancy to conceive similar calamities to befall mankind, it is clear and
manifest that no such happenings can ever come to pass. They will
assuredly protest that this pre-requisite of divine revelation hath not
been made manifest. Such hath been and still is their contention. Whereas,
by "oppression" is meant the want of capacity to acquire spiritual
knowledge and apprehend the Word of God. By it is meant that when the
Day-star of Truth hath set, and the mirrors that reflect His light have
departed, mankind will become afflicte