en gradually that spring was followed by the autumn of death and decay.
The teachings of Christ were forgotten. The Christly bounties ceased.
Divine moralities disappeared. Day ended in night. The people became
negligent and oblivious. Minds weakened until conditions reached such a
crisis that material science rose in the ascendant. Knowledge and sciences
of the Kingdom became obsolete, the mysteries of God deepened, and the
traces of the bounties of Christ were completely obliterated. The nations
were enmeshed in superstition and blind imitation. Discord and
disagreement arose, culminating in strife, war and bloodshed. Hearts were
torn asunder in violence. Various denominations appeared, diverse sects
and creeds arose, and the whole world was plunged into darkness.

At such a time as this Baha'u'llah dawned from the horizon of Persia. He
reformed and renewed the fundamentals and realities of Christ's teachings.
He endured the greatest difficulties and underwent the severest ordeals.

Praise be to God that the teachings of God are revoiced, the light of
reality has dawned again, the effulgence is increasing daily, and the
radiance is shining more gloriously in the zenith. From the cloud of mercy
a deluge is descending; the Sun of Reality is brilliant in its eternal
station. Again we are hopeful that the same springtime may pitch its tent
and that these boundless bestowals may appear once more among us. Through
your efforts and sincerity this is made possible. If you arise in the
Cause of God with divine power, heavenly grace, the sincerity of the
Kingdom, a merciful heart and decisive intention, it is certain that the
world of humanity will be entirely illumined, the moralities of mankind
will become merciful, the foundations of the Most Great Peace will be
laid, and the oneness of the kingdom of man will become a reality. This is
the great bounty I desire for you, and I pray and supplicate the divine
threshold, imploring in your behalf.

O Thou merciful God! O Thou Who art mighty and powerful! O Thou most kind
Father! These servants have gathered together, turning to Thee,
supplicating Thy threshold, desiring Thine endless bounties from Thy great
assurance. They have no purpose save Thy good pleasure. They have no
intention save service to the world of humanity.

O God! Make this assemblage radiant. Make the hearts merciful. Confer the
bounties of the Holy Spirit. Endow them with a power from heaven. Bless
them with