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able to thwart His Purpose. How glorified is His sovereignty, how exalted

His dominion!



Great God! Although His signs have encompassed the world and His proofs

and testimonies are shining forth and manifest as the light, yet the

ignorant appear heedless, nay rather, rebellious. Would that they had been

content with opposition. But at all times they are plotting to cut down

the sacred Lote-Tree. Since the dawn of this Revelation the embodiments of

selfishness have, by resorting to cruelty and oppression, striven to

extinguish the Light of divine manifestation. But God, having stayed their

hands, revealed this Light through His sovereign authority and protected

it through the power of His might until earth and heaven were illumined by

its radiance and brightness. Praise be unto Him under all conditions.



Glory be unto Thee, O Lord of the world and Desire of the nations, O Thou

Who hast become manifest in the Greatest Name whereby the pearls of wisdom

and utterance have appeared from the shells of the great sea of Thy

knowledge, and the heavens of divine revelation have been adorned with the

light of the appearance of the Sun of Thy countenance.



I beg of Thee, by that Word through which Thy proof was perfected among

Thy creatures and Thy testimony was fulfilled among Thy servants to

strengthen Thy people in that whereby the face of the Cause will radiate

in Thy dominion, the standards of Thy power will be planted among Thy

servants, and the banners of Thy guidance will be raised throughout Thy

dominions.



O my Lord! Thou beholdest them clinging to the rope of Thy grace and

holding fast unto the hem of the mantle of Thy beneficence. Ordain for

them that which may draw them nearer unto Thee, and withhold them from all

else save Thee. I beg of Thee, O Thou King of existence and Protector of

the seen and the unseen, to make whosoever ariseth to serve Thy Cause as a

sea moving by Thy desire, as one ablaze with the fire of Thy Sacred Tree,

shining from the horizon of the heaven of Thy Will. Verily Thou art the

mighty One Whom neither the power of all the world nor the strength of

nations can weaken. There is no God but Thee, the One, the Incomparable,

the Protector, the Self-Subsistent.



O thou who hast quaffed the wine of Mine utterance from the chalice of My

knowledge! These sublime words were heard today from the rustling of the

divine Lote-Tree which the Lord of Names hath, with the hand of celestial

power, planted in the All-Highest Paradise:



The first Taraz and the first effulgence which hath dawned from the

horizon of the Mother Book is that man should know his own self and

recognize that which leadeth unto loftiness or lowliness, glory or

abasement, wealth or poverty. Having attained the stage of fulfilment and

reached his maturity, man standeth in need of wealth, and such wealth as

he acquireth through crafts or professions is commendable and praiseworthy

in the estimation of men of wisdom, and especially in the eyes of servants

who dedicate themselves to the education of the world and to the

edification of its peoples. They are, in truth, cup-bearers of the

life-giving water of knowledge and guides unto the ideal way. They direct

the peoples of the world to the straight path and acquaint them with that

which is conducive to human upliftment and exaltation. The straight path

is the one which guideth man to the dayspring of perception and to the

dawning-place of true understanding and leadeth him to that which will

redound to glory, honour and greatness.



We cherish the hope that through the loving-kindness of the All-Wise, the

All-Knowing, obscuring dust may be dispelled and the power of perception

enhanced, that the people may discover the purpose for which they have

been called into being. In this Day whatsoever serveth to reduce blindness

and to increase vision is worthy of consideration. This vision acteth as

the agent and guide for true knowledge. Indeed in the estimation of men of

wisdom keenness of understanding is due to keenness of vision. The people

of Baha must under all circumstances observe that which is meet and seemly

and exhort the people accordingly.



The second Taraz is to consort with the followers of all religions in a

spirit of friendliness and fellowship, to proclaim that which the Speaker

on Sinai hath set forth and to observe fairness in all matters.



They that are endued with sincerity and faithfulness should associate with

all the peoples and kindreds of the earth with joy and radiance, inasmuch

as consorting with people hath promoted and will continue to promote unity

and concord, which in turn are conducive to the maintenance of order in

the world and to the regeneration of nations. Blessed are such as hold

fast to the cord of kindliness and tender mercy and are free from

animosity and hatred.



This Wronged One exhorteth the peoples of the world to observe tolerance

and righteousness, which are two lights amidst the darkness of the world

and two educators for the edification of mankind. Happy are they who have

attained thereto and woe betide the heedless.



The third Taraz concerneth good character. A good character is, verily,

the best mantle for men from God. With it He adorneth the temples of His

loved ones. By My life! The light of a good character surpasseth the light

of the sun and the radiance thereof. Whoso attaineth unto it is accounted

as a jewel among men. The glory and the upliftment of the world must needs

depend upon it. A goodly character is a means whereby men are guided to

the Straight Path and are led to the Great Announcement. Well is it with

him who is adorned with the saintly attributes and character of the

Concourse on High.



It beseemeth you to fix your gaze under all conditions upon justice and

fairness. In The Hidden Words this exalted utterance hath been revealed

from Our Most August Pen:



'O Son of Spirit! The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice;

turn not away therefrom if thou desirest Me, and neglect it not that I may

confide in thee. By its aid thou shalt see with thine own eyes and not

through the eyes of others, and shalt know of thine own knowledge and not

through the knowledge of thy neighbour. Ponder this in thy heart; how it

behoveth thee to be. Verily justice is My gift to thee and the sign of My

loving-kindness. Set it then before thine eyes.'



They that are just and fair-minded in their judgement occupy a sublime

station and hold an exalted rank. The light of piety and uprightness

shineth resplendent from these souls. We earnestly hope that the peoples

and countries of the world may not be deprived of the splendours of these

two luminaries.



The fourth Taraz concerneth trustworthiness. Verily it is the door of

security for all that dwell on earth and a token of glory on the part of

the All-Merciful. He who partaketh thereof hath indeed partaken of the

treasures of wealth and prosperity. Trustworthiness is the greatest portal

leading unto the tranquillity and security of the people. In truth the

stability of every affair hath depended and doth depend upon it. All the

domains of power, of grandeur and of wealth are illumined by its light.



Not long ago these sublime words were revealed from the Pen of the Most

High:



'We will now mention unto thee Trustworthiness and the station thereof in

the estimation of God, thy Lord, the Lord of the Mighty Throne. One day of

days We repaired unto Our Green Island. Upon Our arrival, We beheld its

streams flowing, and its trees luxuriant, and the sunlight playing in

their midst. Turning Our face to the right, We beheld what the pen is

powerless to describe; nor can it set forth that which the eye of the Lord

of Mankind witnessed in that most sanctified, that most sublime, that

blest, and most exalted Spot. Turning, then, to the left We gazed on one

of the Beauties of the Most Sublime Paradise, standing on a pillar of

light, and calling aloud saying: O inmates of earth and heaven! Behold ye

My beauty, and My radiance, and My revelation, and My effulgence. By God,

the True One! I am Trustworthiness and the revelation thereof, and the

beauty thereof. I will recompense whosoever will cleave unto Me, and

recognize My rank and station, and hold fast unto My hem. I am the most

great ornament of the people of Baha, and the vesture of glory unto all

who are in the kingdom of creation. I am the supreme instrument for the

prosperity of the world, and the horizon of assurance unto all beings.

Thus have We sent down for thee that which will draw men nigh unto the

Lord of creation.'



O people of Baha! Trustworthiness is in truth the best of vestures for

your temples and the most glorious crown for your heads. Take ye fast hold

of it at the behest of Him Who is the Ordainer, the All-Informed.



The fifth Taraz concerneth the protection and preservation of the stations

of God's servants. One should not ignore the truth of any matter, rather

should one give expression to that which is right and true. The people of

Baha should not deny any soul the reward due to him, should treat

craftsmen with deference, and, unlike the people aforetime, should not

defile their tongues with abuse.



In this Day the sun of craftsmanship shineth above the horizon of the

occident and the river of arts is flowing out of the sea of that region.

One must speak with fairness and appreciate such bounty. By the life of

God! The word 'Equity' shineth bright and resplendent even as the sun. We

pray God to graciously shed its radiance upon everyone. He is in truth

powerful over all things, He Who is wont to answer the prayers of all men.



In these days truthfulness and sincerity are sorely afflicted in the

clutches of falsehood, and justice is tormented by the scourge of

injustice. The smoke of corruption hath enveloped the whole world in such

wise that naught can be seen in any direction save regiments of soldiers

and nothing is heard from any land but the clashing of swords. We beseech

God, the True One, to strengthen the wielders of His power in that which

will rehabilitate the world and bring tranquillity to the nations.



The sixth Taraz



Knowledge is one of the wondrous gifts of God. It is incumbent upon

everyone to acquire it. Such arts and material means as are now manifest

have been achieved by virtue of His knowledge and wisdom which have been

revealed in Epistles and Tablets through His Most Exalted Pen--a Pen out of

whose treasury pearls of wisdom and utterance and the arts and crafts of

the world are brought to light.



In this Day the secrets of the earth are laid bare before the eyes of men.

The pages of swiftly-appearing newspapers are indeed the mirror of the

world. They reflect the deeds and the pursuits of divers peoples and

kindreds. They both reflect them and make them known. They are a mirror

endowed with hearing, sight and speech. This is an amazing and potent

phenomenon. However, it behoveth the writers thereof to be purged from the

promptings of evil passions and desires and to be attired with the raiment

of justice and equity. They should enquire into situations as much as

possible and ascertain the facts, then set them down in writing.



Concerning this Wronged One, most of the things reported in the newspapers

are devoid of truth. Fair speech and truthfulness, by reason of their

lofty rank and position, are regarded as a sun shining above the horizon

of knowledge. The waves rising from this Ocean are apparent before the

eyes of the peoples of the world and the effusions of the Pen of wisdom

and utterance are manifest everywhere.



It is reported in the press that this Servant hath fled from the land of

Ta (Tihran) and gone to 'Iraq. Gracious God! Not even for a single moment

hath this Wronged One ever concealed Himself. Rather hath He at all times

remained steadfast and conspicuous before the eyes of all men. Never have

We retreated, nor shall We ever seek flight. In truth it is the foolish

people who flee from Our presence. We left Our home country accompanied by

two mounted escorts, representing the two honoured governments of Persia

and Russia until We arrived in 'Iraq in the plenitude of glory and power.

Praise be to God! The Cause whereof this Wronged One is the Bearer

standeth as high as heaven and shineth resplendent as the sun. Concealment

hath no access unto this station, nor is there any occasion for fear or

silence.



The mysteries of Resurrection and the events of the Last Hour are openly

manifest, but the people are sunk in heedlessness and have suffered

themselves to be wrapt in veils. 'And when the seas shall boil... And when

the Scriptures shall be unrolled.'(5) By the righteousness of God! The

Dawn hath truly brightened and the light hath shone forth and the night

hath receded. Happy are they that comprehend. Happy are they that have

attained thereunto.



Glorified be God! The Pen is perplexed what to write and the Tongue

wondereth what to utter. Despite unprecedented hardships and after

enduring years of imprisonment, captivity and woeful trials, We now

perceive that veils thicker than the ones We have already torn asunder

have intervened, obstructing the vision and causing the light of

understanding to be obscured. Moreover We observe that the fresh calumnies

which are now rife are far more malicious than those of former days.



O people of the Bayan! Fear ye the merciful Lord. Consider the people of

former times. What were their deeds and what fruit did they gather? Every

thing they uttered was but imposture and whatever they wrought hath proved

worthless, except for those whom God hath graciously protected through His

power.



I swear by the life of Him Who is the Desire of the world! Were a man to

ponder in his heart he would, free of all attachment to the world, hasten

unto the Most Great Light and would purge and purify himself from the dust

of vain imaginings and the smoke of idle fancy. What could have prompted

the people of the past to err and by whom were they misled? They still

reject the truth and have turned towards their own selfish desires. This

Wronged One calleth aloud for the sake of God. Whosoever wisheth, let him

turn thereunto; whosoever wisheth, let him turn away. Verily God can well

afford to dispense with all things, whether of the past or of the future.



O people of the Bayan! It is men like unto Hadi Dawlat-Abadi(6) who, with

turban and staff,(7) have been the source of opposition and hindrance and

have so grievously burdened the people with superstitions that even at the

present time they still expect the appearance of a fictitious person from

a fictitious place. Be ye warned, O men of understanding.



O Hadi! Give ear unto the Voice of this trustworthy Counsellor: direct thy

steps from the left unto the right, that is turn away from idle fancy unto

certitude. Lead not the people into error. The divine Luminary shineth,

His Cause is manifest and His signs are all-embracing. Set thy face

towards God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting. Renounce thy

leadership for the sake of God and leave the people unto themselves. Thou

art ignorant of the essential truth, thou art not acquainted therewith.



O Hadi! Be thou of one face in the path of God. When in company with the

infidels, thou art an infidel and with the pious, thou art pious. Reflect

thou upon such souls as offered up their lives and their substance in that

land, that haply thou mayest be admonished and roused from slumber.

Consider: who is to be preferred, he who preserveth his body, his life and

his possessions or the one who surrendereth his all in the path of God?

Judge thou fairly and be not of the unjust. Take fast hold of justice and

adhere unto equity that perchance thou mayest not, for selfish motives,

use religion as a snare, nor disregard the truth for the sake of gold.

Indeed thine iniquity and the iniquity of such people as thyself have

waxed so grievous that the Pen of Glory was moved to make such

observations. Fear thou God. He Who heralded this Revelation hath

declared: 'He shall proclaim under all conditions: Verily, verily, I am

God, no God is there but Me, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting.'



O people of the Bayan! Ye have been forbidden to contact the loved ones of

God. Why hath this ban been imposed and for what purpose? Be ye fair, I

adjure you by God, and be not of the heedless. Unto such as are endued

with insight, and before the Most Great Beauty, the object of this ban is

known and evident; it is so that no one may become aware of his (Hadi's)

secrets and deeds.



O Hadi! Thou hast not been in Our company, thou art therefore ignorant of

the Cause. Act not according to thine idle imaginings. Aside from these

things, scrutinize the Writings with thine own eyes and ponder upon that

which hath come to pass. Have pity upon thyself and upon the servants of

God and be not the cause of waywardness like unto the people aforetime.

The path is unmistakable and the proof is evident. Change injustice into

justice and inequity into equity. We cherish the hope that the breaths of

divine inspiration may strengthen thee and that thine inner ear may be

enabled to hear the blessed words: 'Say, it is God, then leave them to

entertain themselves with their cavillings.'(8) Thou has been there

(Cyprus) and hast seen him (Mirza Yahya). Now speak forth with fairness.

Do not misrepresent the matter, neither to thyself nor to the people. Thou

art both ignorant and uninformed. Give ear unto the Voice of this Wronged

One and hasten towards the ocean of divine knowledge that perchance thou

mayest be adorned with the ornament of comprehension and mayest renounce

all else but God. Hearken unto the Voice of this benevolent Counsellor,

calling aloud, unveiled and manifest, before the faces of kings and their

subjects, and summon the people of the world, one and all, unto Him Who is

the Lord of Eternity. This is the Word from Whose horizon the day-star of

unfailing grace shineth resplendent.



O Hadi! This Wronged One, rid of all attachment to the world, hath striven

with utmost endeavour to quench the fire of animosity and hatred which

burneth fiercely in the hearts of the peoples of the earth. It behoveth

every just and fair-minded person to render thanks unto God--exalted be His

glory--and to arise to promote this pre-eminent Cause, that fire may turn

into light, and hatred may give way to fellowship and love. I swear by the

righteousness of God! This is the sole purpose of this Wronged One. Indeed

in proclaiming this momentous Cause and in demonstrating its Truth We have

endured manifold sufferings, hardships and tribulations. Thou thyself

wouldst bear witness unto that which We have mentioned, couldst thou but

speak with fairness. Verily God speaketh the truth and leadeth the Way. He

is the Powerful, the Mighty, the Gracious.



May Our Glory rest upon the people of Baha whom neither the tyranny of the

oppressor nor the ascendancy of the aggressor have been able to withhold

from God, the Lord of the worlds.