he life of all else but Him be offered up for His
sake--saith: 'If the Seal of the Prophets had not uttered the word
"Successorship", such a station would not have been created.'

The people aforetime joined partners with God, though they professed
belief in His unity; and although they were the most ignorant amongst men,
they considered themselves the most accomplished. But, as a token of
divine retribution upon those heedless ones, their erroneous beliefs and
pursuits have, in this Day of Judgement, been made clear and evident to
every man of discernment and understanding.

Beseech thou God, the True One, that He may graciously shield the
followers of this Revelation from the idle fancies and corrupt imaginings
of such as belong to the former Faith, and may not deprive them of the
effulgent splendours of the day-star of true unity.

O Jalil! He Whom the world hath wronged now proclaimeth: The light of
Justice is dimmed, and the sun of Equity veiled from sight. The robber
occupieth the seat of the protector and guard, and the position of the
faithful is seized by the traitor. A year ago an oppressor ruled over this
city, and at every instant caused fresh harm. By the righteousness of the
Lord! He wrought that which cast terror into the hearts of men. But to the
Pen of Glory the tyranny of the world hath never been nor will it ever be
a hindrance. In the abundance of Our grace and loving-kindness We have
revealed specially for the rulers and ministers of the world that which is
conducive to safety and protection, tranquillity and peace; haply the
children of men may rest secure from the evils of oppression. He, verily,
is the Protector, the Helper, the Giver of victory. It is incumbent upon
the men of God's House of Justice to fix their gaze by day and by night
upon that which hath shone forth from the Pen of Glory for the training of
peoples, the upbuilding of nations, the protection of man and the
safeguarding of his honour.

The first Ishraq

When the Day-Star of Wisdom rose above the horizon of God's Holy
Dispensation it voiced this all-glorious utterance: They that are
possessed of wealth and invested with authority and power must show the
profoundest regard for religion. In truth, religion is a radiant light and
an impregnable stronghold for the protection and welfare of the peoples of
the world, for the fear of God impelleth man to hold fast to that which is
good, and shun all evil. Should the lamp of religio