, so that all may become aware of that which is the cause of
human upliftment, and may, with the utmost endeavor, direct themselves
towards the most sublime Station and the Pinnacle of Glory. The fear of
God hath ever been the prime factor in the education of His creatures.
Well is it with them that have attained thereunto!

The first word which the Abha Pen hath revealed and inscribed on the first
leaf of Paradise is this: "Verily I say: The fear of God hath ever been a
sure defence and a safe stronghold for all the peoples of the world. It is
the chief cause of the protection of mankind, and the supreme instrument
for its preservation. Indeed, there existeth in man a faculty which
deterreth him from, and guardeth him against, whatever is unworthy and
unseemly, and which is known as his sense of shame. This, however, is
confined to but a few; all have not possessed, and do not possess, it. It
is incumbent upon the kings and the spiritual leaders of the world to lay
fast hold on religion, inasmuch as through it the fear of God is instilled
in all else but Him."

The second word We have recorded on the second leaf of Paradise is the
following: "The Pen of the Divine Expounder exhorteth, at this moment, the
manifestations of authority and the sources of power, namely the kings and
rulers of the earth--may God assist them--and enjoineth them to uphold the
cause of religion, and to cleave unto it. Religion is, verily, the chief
instrument for the establishment of order in the world, and of
tranquillity amongst its peoples. The weakening of the pillars of religion
hath strengthened the foolish, and emboldened them, and made them more
arrogant. Verily I say: The greater the decline of religion, the more
grievous the waywardness of the ungodly. This cannot but lead in the end
to chaos and confusion. Hear Me, O men of insight, and be warned, ye who
are endued with discernment!"

It is Our hope that thou wilt hear with attentive ears the things We have
mentioned unto thee, that perchance thou mayest turn men away from the
things they possess to the things that God possesseth. We entreat God to
deliver the light of equity and the sun of justice from the thick clouds
of waywardness, and cause them to shine forth upon men. No light can
compare with the light of justice. The establishment of order in the world
and the tranquillity of the nations depend upon it.

In the Book of Utterance these exalted words have been written down a