, the
Mighty, the Most Generous.

O Company of God! To each created thing, the Ancient Sovereignty hath
portioned out its own perfection, its particular virtue and special
excellence, so that each in its degree may become a symbol denoting the
sublimity of the true Educator of humankind, and that each, even as a
crystalline mirror, may tell of the grace and splendour of the Sun of
Truth.

And from amongst all creatures He hath singled out man, to grant him His
most wondrous gift, and hath made him to attain the bounties of the
Company on High. That most precious of gifts is attainment unto His
unfailing guidance, that the inner reality of humankind should become as a
niche to hold this lamp; and when the scattering splendours of this light
do beat against the bright glass of the heart, the heart's purity maketh
the beams to blaze out even stronger than before, and to shine in glory on
the minds and souls of men.

The attainment of the most great guidance is dependent upon knowledge and
wisdom, and on being informed as to the mysteries of the Holy Words.
Wherefore must the loved ones of God, be they young or old, be they men or
women, each one according to his capabilities, strive to acquire the
various branches of knowledge, and to increase his understanding of the
mysteries of the Holy Books, and his skill in marshalling the divine
proofs and evidences.

The eminent Sadru's-Sudur, who hath verily attained a most exalted station
in the Retreats of Bliss, inaugurated the teaching meeting. He was the
first blessed soul to lay the foundation of this momentous institution.
God be praised, during the course of his life he educated persons who
today are strong and eloquent advocates of the Lord God, disciples who are
indeed pure and spiritual descendants of him who was so close to the Holy
Threshold. After his passing, certain blessed individuals took steps to
perpetuate his teaching work, and when He learned of it, this Captive's
heart rejoiced.

At this time, likewise, I most urgently request the friends of God to make
every effort, as much as lieth within their competence, along these lines.
The harder they strive to widen the scope of their knowledge, the better
and more gratifying will be the result. Let the loved ones of God, whether
young or old, whether male or female, each according to his capabilities,
bestir themselves and spare no efforts to acquire the various current
branches of knowledge, both spiritual a