ulness, ever since that most grievous of
disasters, the passing of 'Abdu'l-Baha, this world of dust has become a
cage, and a place of torment; and to the unrestrained nightingales it is
only a prison, narrow and dark.

Certainly, a pure soul will not bind his heart to this passing show, and
the gems of spiritual love will yearn only to be let go, out of this
world. Nevertheless, the all-compelling will of God and His
all-encompassing and irresistible purpose has desired that this dark earth
should become as the Abha Kingdom, and this heap of dust be changed until
it becomes the envy of the rose gardens of Heaven.

This is why the Manifestations of God, the Day-springs of that
all-glorious Sun, have willingly accepted to bear, and take upon Their own
sacred and immaculate Selves, every trial and tribulation and calamity and
hurt. And They have established laws and ordinances, that assure the
flourishing and freedom and joy and salvation of all the human race. In
this way that primal purpose will be revealed, and that subtle mystery
divulged.

Thus too, have They trained certain souls, and reared them with the hands
of loving-kindness, that these should arise to perform the noble and
exalted task, and should devote their efforts toward carrying out this
duty, watering the Tree of life and serving all mankind.

Praise be to God, you are confirmed and flourishing in the Faith, and
partaking of your portion from that heavenly table, and are receiving your
benefits in both worlds.

35: The passing of 'Abdu'l-Baha, may our lives ...

(157) The passing of 'Abdu'l-Baha, may our lives be a sacrifice for His
meekness, was the ultimate calamity, the most great disaster. The light
has fled our hearts, and our souls are wedded to sorrow, and no power in
all the world can furnish any consolation, save only the power that comes
from the steadfastness of the believers and their deep-rooted faith, and
their unity, and their love for one another.

Only these can lessen the pain and quiet the anguish.

Although to outward seeming the Sun of the Covenant has hidden Himself
behind the clouds, and the Orb of the Testament is concealed, and on the
holy horizon of glory, He has now set, and is lost to view--still His rays
are shining from out His hidden place, and forever will His light shed
down its splendours.

For ever and ever will He, with all that invisible grace, and those
bestowals of the spirit, lead the seeker onward