rd [appearance] is
one with their inward [heart], and their inward [heart] identical with
their outward [appearance]. The truth of the matter is not hidden or
concealed, but plain and evident before [men's] faces. Their very deeds
are the witness of this assertion. Today let everyone endowed with vision
win his way from deeds and signs to the object of the people of Baha and
from their speech and conduct gain knowledge of their intent. The waves of
the ocean of divine mercy appear at the utmost height, and the showers of
the clouds of His grace and favor descend every moment. During the days of
sojourn in 'Iraq this Oppressed One sat down and consorted with all
classes without veil or disguise. How many of the denizens of the horizons
entered in enmity and went forth in sympathy! The door of grace was open
before the faces of all. With rebellious and obedient did We outwardly
converse after one fashion, that perchance the evildoers might win their
way to the ocean of boundless forgiveness. The splendors of the Name of
the Concealer were in such wise manifested that the evildoer imagined that
he was accounted of the good. No messenger was disappointed and no
inquirer was turned back. The causes of the aversion and avoidance of men
were certain of the doctors of Persia and the unseemly deeds of the
ignorant. By [the term] 'doctors' in these passages are signified those
persons who have withheld mankind from the shore of the Ocean of Unity;
but as for the learned who practice [their knowledge] and the wise who act
justly, they are as the spirit unto the body of the world. Well is it with
that learned man whose head is adorned with the crown of justice, and
whose body glorieth in the ornament of honesty. The Pen of Admonition
exhorteth the friends and enjoineth on them charity, pity, wisdom, and
gentleness. The Oppressed One is this day a prisoner; His allies are the
hosts of good deeds and virtues; not ranks, and hosts, and guns, and
cannons.(21) One holy action maketh the world of earth highest paradise.
"O friends, help the Oppressed One with well-pleasing virtues and good
deeds! Today let every soul desire to attain the highest station. He must
not regard what is in him, but what is in God. It is not for him to regard
what shall advantage himself, but that whereby the Word of God which must
be obeyed shall be upraised. The heart must be sanctified from every form
of selfishness and lust, for the weapons of the unitarians
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