 Section 11 of The Baha'i Revelation by Thornton Chase. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater. The Baha'i Revelation by Thornton Chase, Section 11. A Statement. In the name of our Lord, Baha'u'llah, God is the one who inspired the hearts of His servants with that which He willeth. He is God. I testify with my being and identity that verily He is God. There is no God but Him. He hath ever been God and will be forevermore the one, the self-subsistent, the eternal. And I testify that verily the blessed perfection, His holiness, Baha'u'llah, is no other than the most great manifestation, magnified is His grandeur and glory, who was promised in all the holy scriptures, and that the most great mystery of God, the branch extended from the ancient root, who hath decorated His head with the crown of servitude, and named Himself Abdul Baha'u'llah, the servant of Baha'u'llah, is the successor of the blessed perfection, the center of His covenant, and the aim of His testament. And I testify that the hands of the cause of God, bearers of His ordinances to the servants, and preachers of His manifestation in the countries, are the saints of God and His chosen ones. By them the standard of the cause of God is raised, and His signs are promulgated among the creatures. They are the lamps of God for all in the heaven and upon earth. Upon them be the glory of God, His praise and His mercy. Oh ye, our brothers, who believe in God, and in the books of all His religions, know that all of us are unanimously believing in the ancient entity, the eternal God, that He is the creator of all things, that, verily, He hath ever been, and will continue to be, forever. We also believe that the prophets and the manifestations of God were all bearers of the message of God and that the holy scriptures are His books. Accordingly, our belief and religion is that all the prophets are of necessity as one light, one reality, and as the rays of one sun, even though they may appear to be different each from the other and each as a different person talking in a different tongue. Therefore, all their laws and books must needs be as one law and one book, even though some of the ordinances be, in form, contradictory to others, because all of them have spoken on the part of God, the one, the unit, and all the ordinances and laws are also revealed on His part. This assertion is in no need of further rational proof. Now we submit that there are in the holy scriptures references concerning the most great manifestation and other predictions and signs regarding the end of the days. These prophecies are recorded in various texts, both chronological and symbolical. All the nations have awaited the appearance of such signs and the coming manifestation of their promised one with earnest expectation. Yet, to the present day, the son of their hopes has not appeared to them from the horizon of their expectation. As to the honorable and faithful Baha'is, they believe that verily the promises and prophecies given in the holy scriptures have become fulfilled during the 19th century after Christ by the appearance of the prince of the universe. The most great Baha'u'llah exalted is His glory. This claim held by them is the best tidings to the expectant ones and a great joy to the seekers. But only those can approve it who are endowed with a pure heart and fortified with the confirmation of God and who hearken with sincerity to perfect proofs, to decisive and satisfactory arguments. The Baha'i people is ready with all power and strength to prove its claim and to unfold the truth of its religion, not through material force, but by spiritual power, not through the strength of this world, but by that of the kingdom. The Baha'i's wage war with all the armies of the nations of the world, not with swords and weapons, but through the power of utterance and the enfoldment of the mysteries and meanings of the divine words. They subdue the cities of hearts, not with assaults of armies of men, but rather by indisputable proofs, by love, compassion, and affection. Their sword is the word of God, their hosts, the divine inspiration, their ranks, submissiveness, humbleness, meekness, unselfishness, and pure servitude in the presence of every soul, of whatsoever religious nation and toward every being in existence. Their religion is to serve the people in the world. Their principle is obedience to government. Their teaching is summoning people unto God, the true one. Their rewards and recompense come only from God. They freely offer to people the bread of life and freely give them the water of life. Let him who hungers and thirsts partake freely of their table. Therely the doors of heaven are opened by the keys of the knowledge of his holiness, Baha'u'llah. The paradise of enlightenment is decorated. The rivers of inner significances are flowing. The birds of sacred mysteries are soaring around and the spiritual foods are prepared. Blessed are they who eat. Blessed are they who drink. End of section 11. Recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater. Recorded in London, England. Section 12 of the Baha'i Revelation by Thornton Chase. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater. The Baha'i Revelation by Thornton Chase. Section 12. Teachings. Baha'u'llah made the utmost efforts to educate his people and incite them to morality. The acquisition of the sciences and arts of all countries, kindly dealing with all the nations of the earth, desire for the welfare of all peoples, sociability, concord, obedience, submissiveness, instruction of children of both sexes equally, production of what is needful for the human race and inauguration of true happiness for mankind. Traveller's Narrative, page 69. Baha'u'llah's Declaration. These teachings are translations from Persian and Arabic, which are very difficult because of the wide differences between Orient and Occident, not only in idioms and forms of expression, but in methods of thought. They also relate to the loftiest conceptions of divine subjects and are for earnest consideration rather than mere reading. But they will be understood by those who study them with the heart. I was asleep on my couch. The breaths of my Lord the Merciful passed over me and awakened me from my sleep and commanded me to proclaim between earth and heaven. This was not on my part, but on his part. And to this bear witness the denizens of the realms of his power and his kingdom and the dwellers in the cities of his glory and himself the truth. I am not impatient of calamities in his way, nor of afflictions for his love and at his good pleasure. God hath made afflictions as a morning shower to his green pasture and as a wick for his lamp, whereby heaven and earth are illumined. The gales of the all-knowing, the all-glorious passed by me and taught me the knowledge of what hath been. This thing is not from me, but from one who is mighty and all-knowing. He bade me proclaim between the earth and heaven, and for this hath there befallen me that were at the eyes of those who know overflow with tears. I have not studied these sciences which men possess, nor have I entered the colleges. In choir of the city wherein I was, that thou mayest be assured that I am not of those who speak falsely. This is a leaf, which the breezes of the will of thy Lord, the mighty, the extolled, have stirred. Can it be still when the rushing winds blow? No, by the Lord of the names and attributes. Rather, do they move it as they list, for being belongeth not to non-entity in the presence of the eternal. His decisive command did come, causing me to speak for his celebration amid the worlds. Verily, I was not save as one dead in the presence of his command, the hand of thy Lord the merciful turning me. Can anyone speak on his own part, that for which all men, whether high or low, will contradict him? No, by him who taught the pen eternal mysteries, save him who is strengthened by the mighty and strong one. Tablet to the King of Persia. Glory be to thee, O God. Thou knowest that my heart is melted about thy matter, that my blood boils in my veins with the fire of thy love, and that every drop thereof cryeth unto thee with dumb eloquence, saying, O Lord Most High, shed me on the earth in thy way, that there may grow from it what thou desirest in thy books, but hast concealed from thy servants, save such as have drunk from the fountain of knowledge, from the hands of thy grace, and the stream of wisdom from the cup of thy bounty. Thou knowest, O God, that in every action I desire nothing save thy affairs, and that in every utterance I seek not but thy celebration. Neither doth my pen move except thy desire therein, thy good pleasure, and the setting forth of what thou hast enjoined upon me by thy authority. Thou seest me, O God, confounded in thine earth. If I tell what thou hast enjoined on me, thy creatures turn against me. If I forsake what thou hast enjoined on me for thy part, I should be deserving of the scourges of thy wrath, and far removed from the gardens of nearness to thee. Know by thy glory I advance toward thy good pleasure, turning aside from what the souls of thy servants desire, accepting what is with thee, and forsaking what would remove me afar off from the retreats of nearness to thee and the heights of thy glory. By thy glory, for thy love, I flinch not from ought, and for thy good pleasure, I fear not all the afflictions in the world. This is but through thy strength, and thy might, thy grace, and thy favor, not because I am deserving thereof. Tablet to King of Persia. Words of Bahá'u'lláh. When a seeker intends to turn the step of search and journeying into the path of the knowledge of the King of pre-existence, he must first cleanse and purify his heart, which is the place of the appearance and emanation of the hidden mysteries of divinity, from all the gloomy dusts of acquired learnings, and from the illusions of satanic appearances, and he must cleanse and refine his breast, which is the throne for the accession and establishment of the love of the eternal beloved. He must likewise sanctify his heart from attachment to water and clay, that is, from all phantasmal forms and spectral images, in such manner that no trace of love or hatred may remain in the heart, lest that love may cause him to incline toward a direction without guidance, or that hatred prevent him from another direction. Just as in this day, most are bereft of the immortal face and of the threshold of meanings because of these two tendencies and are grazing shepherdless in the deserts of error and oblivion. He should at all times trust in God and turn away from the creatures, be severed and detached from the world of dust and united with the Lord of Lords, not preferring his own self before anyone but cleansing the tablet of the heart from pride and vain glory, attaching the heart to patience and self-restraint, observing silence and avoiding useless speech, for the tongue is a smoldering fire and locacity is a deadly poison. Material fire devours bodies, but the fire of the tongue consumes souls and minds, the effect of the former vanishes in an hour, but the latter continues for a century. Egon 137 to 138. O people of Baha, ye are dawning places of the love and daysprings of the favor of God. Defile not the tongues with cursing and execrating anyone, and guard your eyes from that which is not worthy. Show forth that which ye possess. Be not the cause of sorrow to anyone, how much less of sedition and strife. Ishragot 38. He should consider backbiting as error and never step into that court. For backbiting extinguishes the brilliant light of the heart and numbs the life of the soul. He should be content with little and free from avarice, profiting by the companionship of the severed ones and regarding seclusion from haughty and worldly people as a benefit. At dawn he should be engaged in commemorations, seeking for that beloved one with the utmost earnestness and power, consuming heedlessness with the fire of love and praise. Passing over all else save God with the swiftness of lightning, bestowing a portion upon the destitute and not refusing benevolence and favor to the unfortunate. He should show kindness to the animals, how much more to mankind and especially to the people of the revelation, refusing not his life for the beloved and turning not away from the true one when reproached by the creatures. He should not wish for others what he doth not wish for himself, nor say that which he will not fulfill, keeping aloof from evil doers with all determination and asking the forgiveness of God in their behalf, condoning the sinners and despising them not, for the end is not known. In brief, the traveler and seeker should consider all else save God mortal and account all but the adored one as nothing. Econ pages 138 to 139. This day is the day of God. God alone is speaking in it and none should be mentioned but him. Where are purified eyes of clear insight? Where are the withdrawn and illumined hearts? This day is the day of eyes, ears and hearts. Besiege God that ye may possess these three, that ye may be withdrawn from the veils and sanctified. Because a thin veil, the thinnest may prevent the eyes from seeing, the ears from hearing and the heart from understanding. Ponder carefully on this supreme word which was revealed previously by the supreme pen. O children of knowledge, the physical eye will be prevented from seeing the world and what is in it by a very thin lid. Then what will be the result if the veil of avarice cover the eye of the heart? Blessing be upon the soul who hastened to the ocean of the mercy of his Lord, the ear which heard the cry of the supreme pen, the eye which saw his wonderful verses and the tongue which pronounced his most beautiful praise. Shouldst thou turn thy face toward all the things of this world and listen with a spiritual ear, thou wilt hear them exclaim. The ancient hath come, the Lord of the most great glory hath appeared. When the lamp of search, effort, longing, fervor, love, rapture, attraction and devotion is inkindled in the heart and the breeze of love blows from the direction of unity, the darkness of error, doubt and uncertainty will be dispelled and the lights of knowledge and assurance will encompass all the pillars of existence. Then the ideal herald will dawn as the true mourn from the divine city with spiritual glad tidings and awaken the heart, soul and spirit from the sleep of negligence with the trumpet of knowledge. Then the favors and confirmations of the eternal holy spirit will impart such a new life that one will find himself the possessor of a new eye, a new ear, a new heart and a new mind and will direct his attention to the clear universal signs and to the hidden individual secrets. With the new eye of God, he will see a door open in every atom for attainment to the stations of positive knowledge, certain truth and evident light and will perceive in all things the mysteries of the splendor of oneness and the traces of the manifestation of eternity. Every atom and object will direct him to the beloved and to the desired one. He will become so discerning that he will distinguish truth from falsehood as the sun from shadow. He gone, 139, 140. If anyone with a pure heart and clear intelligence thinks about that which has been revealed from the supreme pen, he will at once say with the tongue of honesty that now the truth is evident. Beware lest the matters of this world prevent thee from coming to the owner of names. By the life of God, that which is upon the earth shall vanish and not else remain save what hath been revealed from the heaven of the will of thy Lord, the precious. Tablet, by him who caused all else to pronounce the praise of himself, the world and what is seen therein to the one who hath clear insight will never be equal to one word of the words of God because the former is forever and ever transitory and evanescent. But the word of God is eternal and everlasting as is the eternity of the names and attributes. By the sun of the horizon, if all the world were of gold and silver, the soul which is really growing in the kingdom of faith will never turn toward it. If anyone findeth the sweetness of that which hath been mentioned, then he will not act against the ordinances of God and will turn to nothing but God. Also, he will see with a clear insight the evanescence of the material world and his heart will adhere to the everlasting kingdom. God manifested himself to teach the people truth, sincerity, religion, faith, submission, reconciliation, compassion, courtesy, prudence and piety and to adorn themselves with the garments of good qualities and holy deeds. Say, oh people, be merciful and do not desecrate the holy ordinances of God with your impure suppositions, evil thoughts and delusions. We ask God to lead all people to the truth, to assist them that they may return to him and to strengthen them, to serve his cause, to spread his words and to act according to the ordinances of their ancient master. End of section 12, recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater, recorded in London, England. Section 13 of the Baha'i Revelation by Thornton Chase This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater. The Baha'i Revelation by Thornton Chase, section 13. The Word of God Harken unto the exhortations of the unique friend with the ear of the soul. Oh people of God, the Word of God is like unto a tree. Its planting ground must be the hearts of the people. Cultivate it through the river of wisdom and utterance so that its roots may become firm and its branches surpass the firmament. Tablet of the World, 34. Harken to the voice of the compassionate counselor which is raised without veil or covering before the faces of kings and subjects and invite all the people of the world to the Lord of pre-existence. This is that Word from the horizon of which the orb of grace is shining and gleaming. Tarozat 16. The world hath been kindled by the Word of thy Lord, the shining splendor. It is softer than the east wind and hath appeared in the form of man and by it God hath quickened his advancing servants. In the inner part of this Word there is a water whereby God hath purified the hearts of those who came unto him and who were negligent in mentioning ought else save him and thus he brought them nigh to the outlook of his great name. We have caused the water to descend upon the dead and they arose looking toward the shining and brilliant beauty of God. The heart of the world is aglow with the Word of God. It is pitiable should ye not avail yourselves of this warmth. Tablet. The Word which the most faithful God wrote hath appeared. It hath indeed descended into the form of man in this time. Blessed is the Lord who is the Father. He hath come with his most mighty power among the nations. Turn toward him, O concourse of the good. The Father hath come and that which hath been promised unto you in the kingdom is accomplished. This is a Word which was concealed behind the veil of might and when the promise time came it shone forth from the horizon of the divine will with manifest signs. Consider how great is the value and how paramount the importance of the verses, the Word in which God hath completed his perfect argument, consummate proof, dominant power and penetrating will. In the declaration of his proof that king of unity hath not conjoined anything with them for among proofs and evidences verses are like unto the sun while all others are as stars. To the people they are everlasting proof, fixed argument and shining light from the presence of that ideal king. No excellence equals them and nothing precedes them. They are the treasury of divine pearls and the depository of the mysteries of unity. They are the strong thread, the firm rope, the most secure handle and inextinguishable light. Through them flows the river of the divine knowledges and bursts the fire of the consummate wisdom of the eternal. This is a fire from which two effects proceed at the same time. It creates the heats of love within the people of faith and produces the cold of heedlessness within the people of hatred. Oh friend, we must not depart from the command of God and acquiesce and submit to that which he hath appointed to be his proof. Econ 146 147 Verily the spirit of truth hath come to guide you into all truth. Verily he speaketh not unto you from himself, nay, but rather from before the all-knowing and wise. Say, he is the one whom the Son hath glorified and hath upraised his command. Abandon that which is before you, oh people of the earth, and take that which is commanded you from before the powerful, the faithful. Purify your ears and turn your minds to hear the sweet call which hath arisen from the direction of Sinai, the abode of your most glorious Lord. Verily he attracts you unto a station wherein you will behold the lights of the face which hath shone forth from the brilliant horizon. Say, verily he hath surely shone forth from the direction of the Orient and his signs have appeared in the Occident. Think there upon, oh people, and be not like unto those who neglected the remembrance when he came unto them from before the mighty, the laudable. Awake by the breezes of God, verily they have blown in the world. Blessing to whosoever hath found their fragrance and is of the assured. Blessed is whosoever is illumined by the Son of my word. Blessed is whosoever adorned his head with the wreath of my love. Blessed is he who was assured in my word and stood up among the dead for my remembrance. Blessed is he who cut himself from all others than me and soared in the ether of my love, entered my kingdom and perceived the dominions of my might, drank the kaothar, fountain of my favor, and the sal-sabeel stream of my grace was appraised of my command and of whatsoever was hidden in the treasuries of my words, and shone forth from the horizon of inner significances in my commemoration and my praise. Verily he is of mine. May my mercy, grace, favor, and glory be upon him. Lo hul actas. The Supreme Pen. Praise be to God. The true one, exalted is his glory, hath opened the doors of the minds and souls through the key of the Supreme Pen. Every one of the revealed verses is a manifest door to the appearance of spiritual virtues and holy deeds. Tablet of the World, 27. Through the motion of the Supreme Pen, a new life of significances is breathed into the body of words by the command of the ideal commander, and the effects thereof are visible and manifest in all the things of the world. Tablet of the World, 23. The Supreme Pen is that pen from the treasury of which the gems of wisdom and utterance and the arts of all the world have appeared and become manifest. Ishraqat, 11. We exhort them to equity, justice, trustworthiness, and honesty, and to that by reason of which the Word of God, as well as their own stations, shall be exalted among men. And I am the one who advises in truth where unto testifyeth he from whose pen the running water of mercy and from whose utterance the fountain of life hath flowed for the people of the world. Exalted is this most great bounty and glorious is this manifest gift. Words of Paradise, 65. The Day of Revealing This is the day wherein the speaker of the mount is established upon the throne of manifestation and the people have resurrected before God the Lord of the creatures. This is the day wherein the earth hath revealed her news and uncovered her treasures, the seas their pearls, the tree its fruits, the sun its effulgence, the moons their lights, the heaven its stars, the hour its tokens, the resurrection its majesty, the pens their traces, and the spirits their arcana. Blessed is whosoever knoweth him. Ishraqat, 11. Shouldst thou make the mirror of the heart pure and clear from the dust of prejudice, thou wilt comprehend all the symbols in the sayings of the perfect word of divinity in every manifestation and be informed of the mysteries of knowledge. But unless thou destroyest with the fire of severance the veils of learning which are conventional among the servants, thou wilt not attain to the brilliant mourn of the ideal knowledge. Ikon 49. In this day a great banquet is celebrated in the supreme concourse. For all that was promised in the divine books hath appeared. This is the day of the most great rejoicing. All must direct themselves to the court of nearness with the utmost joy, happiness, exaltation, and gladness, and deliver themselves from the fire of remoteness. Words of Paradise, 60. Joy unto him who, in this day, casts away that which is possessed by the people and holds fast to that which is commanded on the part of God, the king of names, and the creator of things. Words of Paradise, 72. If the spiritual and divine eye of man be opened he will see that nothing exists without the appearance of the splendor of that ideal king. For thou dost perceive that all contingent and created things express the manifestation and emanation of that ideal light, and dost behold the doors of the divine resvan, Paradise opened in all things for seekers to enter the cities of intelligence and wisdom, and attained ones to pass into the gardens of knowledge and power. In every garden the bride of significances is seen seated in the chambers of words with full adornment and grace. Icon, 99. By Nicholas James, Bridgewater. The Baha'i Revelation by Thornton Chase, Section 14. Declaration of God's Singleness. God, singly and alone, abideth in his own place which is holy above space and time, mention and utterance, divine description and definition, height and depth. Traveller's Narrative, 148. We bear witness that there is no God but him everlastingly he was and there was nothing beside him, everlastingly he will be, even as he hath been. Faulted is the merciful one above this, that the hearts of the people of wisdom should ascend unto the comprehension of his nature, or that the understanding of such as inhabit the worlds should rise to the knowledge of his essence. Holy is he above the knowledge of all save himself. And exempt is he from the comprehension of what is beside him. Verily in eternity of eternities was he independent of the worlds. Traveller's Narrative, 397. It is evident to the possessors of knowledge and illumined minds that the unseen divinity and essence of oneness hath been wholly beyond emanation and appearance. Ascent and descent ingress and egress is exalted above the praise of every praiser and the comprehension of every comprehender. He hath been and is everlastingly hidden in his own essence and will be eternally concealed from eyes and sights in his own entity. The sight comprehended him not, but he comprehended the sight. He is the gracious, the wise. Egon, 69. God in his essence is sanctified above ascent or descent, entrance or exit. He hath been and will be everlasting independent of or free from the attributes of the creatures. No one hath known him and no soul hath found out his substance. All the sages are bewildered in the valley of his knowledge and all the saints are perplexed in their endeavor to comprehend his essence. He is purified from being comprehended by all men of comprehension and is exalted above the knowing of men of knowledge. Persian, 7 valleys, 29. The true one is sanctified above all but his signs are manifest in all things. The signs are from him not he himself and all of them are recorded and visible in the volume of the world. The plan of the world is a great book. Everyone endowed with perception can grasp therefrom that which shall enable him to attain to the right path and the great message. Consider the rays of the sun. Its lights have encompassed the world but these blenders are from it and from its manifestations. They are through itself but are not itself i.e. its essence or substance. Whatever is seen on the earth is expressive of his power, knowledge and grace while he, God, is sanctified from all. His Holiness Christ says thou hast hidden these things from the wise and prudent and hast revealed them unto babes. Words of Paradise, 46. Declaration of God's Manifestations All my limbs testify that there is no God but him and that those whom he quickened with the truth and sent for men's guidance are the manifestations of his most comely names, the daysprings of his supreme attributes and the recipients of his revelation in the realm of creation by whom the standard of the faith of the unity is set up and the sign of renunciation becomes apparent and by whom every soul taketh a course towards the Lord of the Throne. Traveller's Narrative, 397. Man, the most noble and perfect of the creatures is a mightier evidence and greater expression than the other visible things. The most perfect, superior and excellent of men are the manifestations of the Son of Truth. These holy temples are the eternal primal mirrors which express the invisible of the invisibles and all his names and attributes such as knowledge, power, dominion, grandeur, mercy, wisdom, glory, generosity and beneficence. Egon, 72. I testify, oh my God, that this is a day wherein thy proof hath been completed and thy evidence became manifest, thy signs have descended, thy tokens have shone forth, thy face hath gleamed, thy argument been perfected, thy mercy hath preceded the beings and the Son of thy bounty hath shone in such wise that thou hast made known the manifestation of thyself, the treasury of thy science and the dayspring of thy greatness and might. He is the One whose covenant thou hast administered to whosoever is created in the kingdoms of heaven and earth, in the realms of command and creation. I testify that by him the supreme pen hath moved, by his mention the tablets have been adorned in the kingdom of names, by him thy breezes have spread and the fragrances of thy garment have been diffused between the earth and heaven. Tablet I testify that verily there is no God save him and he who hath come is verily the hidden mystery, the concealed secret, the most great book for the nations and the heaven of beneficence to the world. He is the mighty sign among mankind and the dawning place of highest attributes in the world of emanation. Through him hath appeared that which was concealed from all eternity and was hidden from men of discernment. Verily he is the one whose manifestation was announced by the books of God in former and later times. Whoever acknowledges him, his signs and his evidences hath verily acknowledged that which the tongue of grandeur hath uttered before the creation of heaven and earth and before the appearance of the kingdom and names. Through him the sea of knowledge hath moved among mankind and the running water of wisdom hath flowed from the presence of God the king of days. Blessed is the discerning one who witnessed and perceived, the hearing one who heard his sweet voice and the hand that took of the book through the power of its lord, the king of this world and of the world to come. Words of Paradise 70 The true one glorious is his glory for the showing forth of the gems of ideals from the mind of man hath in every age sent a trusted one. The primary foundation for the faith of God and the religion of God is this, that they should not make diverse sects and various paths the cause and reason of hatred. These principles and laws and firm shore paths appear from one donning place and shine from one dayspring and these diversities out of regard for the requirements of the time season, ages and epochs. We have sent one whom we have strengthened with the Holy Spirit that he may give you glad tidings of this light which hath shone forth from the horizon of the will of your lord the exalted, the most glorious and whose effects have appeared also in the west that ye may turn unto him in this day which God hath made the choicest of the days wherein the merciful hath revealed himself to whosoever is in the heavens and earth. The fragrances of the merciful have diffused their sweet odours over the beings. Thou didst find it their perfume and advance it unto them with a clean heart. Adorn thy temple with the embroidered garment of my name, thy tongue with my celebration and thy heart with my love, the precious, the powerful. We have not desired for thee ought save that which is then all thou hast in thine own possession and what is in the whole treasury of the earth. Verily, thy lord is the all wise, the all knowing. Behold, this is the son of the cause which hath shone from the horizon thereof blessed is God who hath appeared with the truth in manifest dominion. Tablet Do ye object to the one who hath produced unto you the evidences of God, his proofs, arguments and signs? They are not of his own accord, but from the presence of him who hath delegated and sent him with the truth and made him the lamp of the world. If my offence is caused by the exaltation of the Word of God and the manifestation of his command, verily will I be willing to be the first of culprits and will never consent to exchange this guilt even for the possessions of the kingdoms of the earth and heavens. Among mankind are some who say that this servant desireth the perpetuation of his name and others say that he desireth the world for himself, not withstanding that I have not found during the days of my life a place of safety such that I might set my feet therein but was ever overwhelmed in the floods of affliction whereof none is aware save God, verily he knoweth what I say. Doth he who regardeth not his life as assured for less than a moment desireth the world I marvel at those who speak after their lusts and wander madly in the desert of passion and desire. Shouldst thou drink the pure wine of life from the cups of the words of thy Lord the merciful thou shalt attain to a station whereby thou wilt cut thyself from that which thou hast and cry in my name among the inhabitants of the world wash thyself with the water of devotion for the sake of this celebration which hath shone forth from the horizon of creation verily it shall purify thee from the dust of the world. Consider reflect on those people of old who cast the signs of God behind their backs and pronounce sentence with evident injustice against the manifestations of the command. How many learned ones lamented at their separation and were expecting and supplicating day and night to be honored by the manifestation of a name of the names but when the creator of heaven came they turned away from him and denied as falsehood the argument of God and his evidence and practiced oppression against him where at the eyes of the messengers have overflowed with tears as to thee grieve not for anything and be resigned to God verily he heareth and seeeth and he is the listener the answerer Tablet End of Section 14 Recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater Recorded in London, England Section 15 of The Baha'i Revelation by Thornton Chase This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to be a volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater The Baha'i Revelation by Thornton Chase Section 15 The Purpose of Manifestation We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled so it shall be these fruitless strife these ruinous wars shall pass away and the most great peace shall come these strife and discord must cease and all men be as one kindred and one family traveler's narrative it hath been our aim to uplift men through exalted words unto the supreme horizon and prepare them to harken unto that which conduces to the sanctifying and purifying discord which results from differences in religions or sects where unto my heart and my pen my manifest and my hidden being bear witness God willing they all will turn unto the treasuries which are deposited within themselves Words of Paradise 58 Oh Beloved in this day opened by the key of the godly name the ocean of generosity is manifested and is rolling before your faces and the sun of providence is shining and gleaming do not exclude yourselves do not destroy your most precious time through the speech of this or that person confirm the back of energy and do your best in training the people of the world do not consider that the cause of God is a cause of opposition hatred and wrath the tongue of greatness sayeth that what is intended by that which is revealed from the heaven of will in this holy supreme manifestation is to unite the people with love and friendship toward all the people of Baha who have drunk of the pure wine of reality must associate with all the world with the perfect spirit of joy and fragrance and remind them of that which is for the benefit of all this is the commandment of the wronged one to his saints and sincere ones Oh people of the earth make not the religion of God a cause for variance among you verily of a truth revealed for the purpose of unifying the whole world fear God and be not of the ignorant blessed is he who loves the world simply for the sake of the face of his generous lord we did not come except for the purpose of uniting whosoever is upon the earth and bringing them into perfect harmony and agreement tablet look on the world as a temple body of a man attacked by disease and whose recovery depends upon the union of that which is in it therefore agree upon what we have established for you and follow not the ways of the disunited verily your God the merciful love us to see whosoever is in the world as one soul and one temple therefore avail yourselves of the bounty of God and his mercy in these days the like of which the eye of creation hath never seen blessed is he who casteth away that which he hath for the sake of desiring that which is on the part of God verily we bear witness that he is of the successful tablet to Napoleon the third the development of the world the training of nations the tranquility of the servants and the security of the people of all lands have been due to the divine precepts and ordinances religion is the greatest cause for the appearance of this great gift it bestows the cup of vitality confers immortal life and imparts eternal benefit to the people ishraqat 39 the faith of God and religion of God hath been revealed and manifested from the heaven of the will of the king of pre-existence only for the union and concord of the dwellers upon earth make it not a cause of discord and dissension religious hatred and ranker is a world consuming fire and the quenching thereof most arduous unless the hand of divine might give men deliverance from this unfruitful calamity O people of the world ye are all the fruit of one tree and the leaves of one branch walk with perfect charity concord, affection and agreement in our place we may be and whatever befall us the saints must gaze with perfect steadfastness and confidence towards the supreme horizon and occupy themselves in the reformation of the world and the education of the nations what hath befallen and shall befall hath been and is an instrument and means for the furtherance of the word of unity take hold of the command of God and cling there too verily it hath been sent down from beside a wise ordainer traveller's narrative 73 with perfect compassion and mercy have we guided and directed the people of the world to that whereby their souls shall be profited I declare by the son of truth which hath shone forth from the highest horizons of the world that the people of Baha had not and have not any aim save the prosperity and reformation of the world and the purifying of the nations traveller's narrative 74 end of section 15 recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater recorded in London, England section 16 of the Baha'i Revelation by Thornton Chase this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater the Baha'i Revelation by Thornton Chase section 16 instructions O people of God be not occupied with yourselves be intent on the betterment of the world and the training of nations the betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and excellent deeds and well approved and agreeable conduct the helper of the cause is deeds and its assistant is good character O people of Baha'i hold fast unto piety Tablet of the World 25 in this manifestation victorious hosts are worthy deeds and morals and the leader and commander of these hosts is God like piety this comprehends all and rules over all Ishra Gaut 25 O ye wise men among nations turn your eyes away from foreignness and gaze unto oneness hold fast unto the means which conduce to the tranquility and security of the people of the whole world this span wide world is but one native land and one locality abandon that glory which is the cause of discord and turn unto that which promotes harmony to the people of Baha'i glory is in knowledge good morals and wisdom not in native land or station O people of the earth appreciate the worth of this heavenly word for it is like unto a ship for the sea of knowledge and is as the sun to the universe of perception words of paradise 53 let not a man glory in this that he loves his country let him rather glory in this that he loves his kind traveller's narrative 11 well is it with him who is adorned with the decoration of manners and morals the pen of admonition exhorteth the friends and enjoineth on them charity pity wisdom and gentleness one holy action maketh the world of earth highest paradise traveller's narrative 76 O ye rich people when ye see a poor man do not grow proud and haughty and despise him from what ye were created for each one was created from despised water be truthful whereby your temples will be decorated your names elevated and your positions exalted among the people and you will have before God the truth a great reward O saints of God we enjoin on you chastity faithfulness godliness sincerity and purity lay aside the evil and adopt the good this is that where unto ye are commanded in the book of God the knowing the wise well is it with those who practice O saints of God regard the horizons of uprightness and be quit what is beside this there is no strength and no power save in God traveller's narrative 81 O people of God I exhort ye to courtesy or reverence courtesy is in the primary station the Lord of all the virtues blessed is he who is illumined with the light of courtesy and is adorned with the mantle of uprightness tablet of the world 27 verily through meekness man is elevated to the heaven of power and again pride degrades him to the lowest station of humiliation and abasement words of paradise 40 the possessors of justice and equity occupy the highest station the loftiest rank the lights of righteousness and piety radiate and shine from such souls it is hoped that nations and countries may not be deprived of the lights of these two orbs tarazat 8 trustworthiness is the greatest door to the security and tranquility of mankind the stability of every affair depends upon it and the worlds of honor glory and affluence are illuminated by its light trustworthiness is the best garment for your temples and the most splendid crown for your heads tarazat 9 the creatures were created through love they were commanded to live in friendship and unity now look to this carefully and mention this blessed word which has shone forth from the horizon of the mouth of the king of unity do not allow the opportunity to fall from your grasp and spend not your time uselessly I declare by the ocean of the godly knowledge that a moment in these days is more excellent than past centuries and ages to this bearth witness your lord the chooser in the generous station ye must burn up the veils by the flame of certainty and illumine the hearts and minds by the light of faith exert your intelligence that ye may drink from the stream of assurance which is overflowing through the divine throne the one who will gain this is of the people of eternity blessed is a heart which is quickened by a breath of god and a tongue that is adorned with his praise throughout the worlds be kindled by this fire which is burning in the world that through thee whosoever is in this earth shall be incandled think not that it is a fire rather it is a light and its traces shall surround whosoever is in all countries and regions be tranquil and confident through the bounty of god and his mercy tablet we enjoin upon the servants of god to be patient self constrained tranquil and grave cause of god may become manifest and prevalent between the earth and heaven the glory of god is upon them who have cast aside imaginations and adopted for themselves a way to god the owner of the safe retreat tablet verily he who doth not move by the breath of god in this day he is indeed dead before god the king of names and attributes arise from the graves of lusts and advance to the kingdom of your lord the ruler of the throne and the earth that ye may see that which was promised unto you on the part of your lord the all knowing do ye imagine that ye will be profited by what ye have it will be possessed by someone in your stead and ye shall return to the dust without finding anyone to succour or help of what use is a life that is ruled by death or a duration which vanishes or a grace that changes set aside what ye have and advance to the bounty of god which hath been revealed in this wonderful name tablet to emperor of russia be generous when in affluence and grateful when thou art poor be faithful to the rites of others let thy face be bright and open and be a treasure to the poor and needy be an admonisher to the rich and an answerer to those who call thee fulfill the promise thou giveest and all matters be just and equitable be silent among multitudes of men and upright in giving decisions be humble toward men be a lamp in darkness a comforter in troubles a sea to the thirsty a refuge to the afflicted a helper assistant and sucker to the oppressed in actions and deeds be virtuous and pious be a home to the stranger a healing to the sick a stronghold to him who asks for help a sight to the blind a path to him who goeth astray be thou the beauty of the face of truth an adornment to the temple of faithfulness a throne to the house of character and manners a spirit to the body of the world a banner to the hosts of justice and a light to the horizon of goodness be thou as a dew to the fertile and rich ground an ark to the sea of science a star in the heaven of generosity a diadem to the head of wisdom a white spot on the forehead of time and a fruit of the trees of humbleness I ask God to protect thee from the fire of hatred and the chill of enmity for he is the near the answerer tablet to Badia be patient in misfortunes and contented in all aspects in the truth be firm and unwavering be quick in doing good deeds be assiduous toward God be a valer of people's faults be an avoider of lust be a runner to the truth a cloud of bounty to the servants of God be kindly to thy debtors be a forgiver to the transgressors be a fulfiller of the covenant and steadfast to the cause thus doth the oppressed one admonish thee be pious and virtuous before God he admonisheth thee to follow fidelity truth and faithfulness they are incumbent upon thee they are incumbent upon thee tablet to Zia every soul is commanded by God to deliver the truth to the people who will surely be attracted by the words of such teachers if they be truth seekers otherwise his words will not have the least effect in the hearts of the worshipers of God thus doth God teach you verily he is the pardoner the merciful those who do wrong and oppress others and at the same time command the people to be just will by words coming out of their mouths be accused of lying and declared to be liars by the people of the kingdom and by those who go about the beautiest throne of thy lord tablet to Napoleon III the hearts God hath ever regarded the hearts of his servants and this too is by reason of his most great favour that perchance mortal souls may be cleansed and sanctified from earthly states and may attain unto everlasting places Traveller's narrative 115 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 appraised the heart must be sanctified from every form of selfishness and lust for the weapons of the Unitarians and the saints were and are the fear of God Traveller's narrative 76 that which God glorious is his mention hath desired for himself is the hearts of his servants which are treasures of praise and love of the Lord and stores of divine knowledge and wisdom all of the eternal King hath ever been to purify the hearts of his servants from the promptings of the world and what is therein so that they may be prepared for illumination by the effulgences of the Lord of the names and attributes therefore must no stranger find his way into the city of the heart so that the incomparable friend come unto his own place that is the effulgence of his names and attributes not his essence exalted is he for that peerless King hath been and will be holy for everlasting above ascent or descent Traveller's narrative 113 114 oh my friends harken unto the advice of one who exhorted you sincerely for the sake of God verily he hath created you and manifested unto you that which will elevate you profit you and make known unto you his right path and great message in truth piety is the first leader among the armies of the Lord and its hosts are pleasing morals and pure deeds by these are the cities of hearts and minds conquered in all ages and centuries and the standards of victory and triumph are planted on the loftiest places Ishragot 28 thou hast indeed created men to know thee and to serve thy cause whereby their stations may be exalted in thy earth and their souls be uplifted through that which thou hast revealed in thy epistles books and tablets the word Ishragot 16 were ye to taste the little of the clear water of divine knowledge ye would know that the real life is the life of the heart and not the life of the body for both animals and men share in the life of the body this life is a sign to possessors of brilliant souls who drink from the ocean of faith and partake of the fruit of assurance this life is not followed by death nor this immortality by mortality as it is said a true believer is alive both in this world and the world to come Egon 85 by life and death recorded in the books is meant life through faith and death through unbelief it is owing to lack of comprehension of this meaning that in every manifestation the generality of people refused to believe were not directed to the son of guidance and did not follow the eternal beauty O people of the earth the day of victory hath come and the speaker of the mount hath appeared with signs the like of which could not be produced by whosoever is in the heaven and earth we have forbidden any to works addition and strife and ordain that victory be gained only through commemoration and explanation thus hath the matter been decreed from before the merciful in his evident and clear tablet O people of Baha subdue the cities of the hearts by the sword of wisdom and demonstration those who argue in accord with their own desire and wish they are in obvious wrong say the sword of wisdom is hotter than the summer and sharper than the sword of iron if ye are of those who know draw out that sword in my name and power then invade with it the cities of the hearts of those who are fortifying themselves in the fortress of desire everyone who desireth victory must first subdue the city of his own heart with the sword of spiritual truth and of the word and must protect it from remembering ought beside God afterwards let him turn his regards towards the cities of others hearts this is what is meant by victory traveller's narrative 115 knowledge knowledge is divided into two kinds divine knowledge and satanic knowledge one appears from the inspiration of the ideal king the other emanates from the imaginations of darkened souls the teacher of one is the exalted God and the teacher of the other is sensual suggestion the explanation of one is fear God and God will teach you and the definition of the other is knowledge is the greatest veil the fruits of one tree are patience longing wisdom and love fruits of the other are pride vain glory and conceit no scent of these obscure learnings the darkness of which have encompassed all regions is inhaled from what the masters of utterance have explained concerning the meaning of knowledge the only fruit of this tree is injustice and iniquity and it yieldeth no crop but malice and hatred its fruit is a deadly poison and its shadow is a destructive fire Ikon 50 knowledge is one of the greatest benefits of God to acquire knowledge is incumbent on all in this day the mysteries of this earth are unfolded and visible before the eyes and the pages of swiftly appearing newspapers are indeed the mirror of the world they display the doings and actions of the different nations do not consider that we have revealed unto you ordinances but rather that we have opened the seal of the sealed wine with the fingers of might and power did men but know what pure wine of the mercy of their Lord the mighty the all knowing was beneath the seal and would certainly cast aside reproach and seek to be satisfied by this servant but now have they veiled me with the veil of darkness which they have woven with the hands of doubts and fancies travellers narrative 77 148 end of section 16 recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater recorded in London, England recording of the Baha'i Revelation by Thornton Chase this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater The Baha'i Revelation by Thornton Chase section 17 arts, crafts and sciences. Knowledge is like unto wings for the being of man, and is a ladder for ascending. To acquire knowledge is incumbent on all, but of those sciences which may profit the people of the earth, and not such sciences as begin in mere words and end in mere words. The possessors of sciences and arts have a great right among the people of the world. Indeed the real treasury of man is his knowledge. Knowledge is the means of honor, prosperity, joy, gladness, happiness, and exaltation. Words of Paradise 76. Oh people of Baha'u, the reflective faculty of the mind is the depository of crafts, arts, and sciences. Exert yourselves so that the gems of knowledge and wisdom may proceed from this ideal mind, and conduce to the tranquility and union of the different nations of the world. Words of Paradise 58. Occupations. It is incumbent upon every one of you to engage in some one occupation such as arts, trades, and the like. We have made this your occupation identical with the worship of God, the true one. Reflect, oh people, upon the mercy of God and upon his favors, then thank him in mornings and evenings. Waste not your time in idleness and indolence, and occupy yourselves with that which will profit yourselves and others beside yourself. Thus hath the matter been decreed in this tablet from the horizon from which the Son of Wisdom and Divine utterance is gleaming. The most despised of men before God is he who sits and begs, cling unto the rope of means, relying upon God the causer of causes. Every soul who occupies himself in an art or trade, this will be accounted an act of worship before God. Verily, this is from no other than his great and abundant favor. Glad tidings, 89. Religion. The people of wealth and men of honor and power must have the best possible regard for the respect of religion. Religion is a manifest light and a strong fortress for the protection and tranquility of the people of the world. For the fear of God commands people to do that which is just, and forbids them that which is evil. If the lamp of religion remain concealed, agitation and anarchy would prevail, and the orb of justice and equity and the Son of Peace and Tranquility would be withheld from giving light. Every man of discernment testifyeth to that which is here mentioned. Ishrokot 33. Against the sword may the word arise, against fierceness, patience, in place of oppression, submission, and at the time of martyrdom, resignation. Traveler's Narrative, 78. Blessed is the prince whose suckers a captive, the rich one who favors the needy, the just man who secures the right of a wronged one from the oppressor, and the trustee who performs what he is commanded on the part of the pre-existent commander. Words of Paradise, 55. End of Section 17. Recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater. Recorded in London, England. Section 18 of The Baha'i Revelation by Thornton Chase. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater. The Baha'i Revelation by Thornton Chase. Section 18. Education. The supreme pen, enjoineth upon all to instruct and educate the children. It is decreed that every father must educate his sons and daughters in learning and in writing, and also in that which hath been ordained in the tablet. He who neglects that which hath been commanded in this matter, if he is rich it is incumbent on the trustees of the House of Justice to recover from him the amount required for the education of the children. Otherwise, i.e., if the parent is not capable, the matter shall devolve on the House of Justice. Verily, we have made it the House of Justice an asylum for the poor and needy. Ishragot 37. He who educates his son or any other's children. It is as though he hath educated one of my children. Upon such an one be my Baha'u, glory, my providence, and my mercy, which hath embraced all in the world. Ishragot 37. Through union, the regions of the world have ever been illuminated with the light of the divine cause. The greatest means for this end is that the peoples should be familiar with each other's writing and language. The trustees of the House of Justice must select one tongue out of the present languages or a new language, and likewise select one among the various writings, and teach them to the children in the schools of the world, so that the whole world may thereby be considered as one native land and one part. Ishragot 36. The learned who practice their knowledge and the wise who act justly, they are as the spirit to the body of the world. Well is it with that learned man whose head is adorned with the crown of justice and whose body glorious in the ornament of honesty? Traveler's Narrative 75. The heaven of divine wisdom is illumined and shining with two orbs, consultation and kindness. The tent of the order of the world is hoisted and established on two pillars, reward and retribution. Ishragot 34. The righteous have always, through good words, taken possession of the gardens of existence. Tablet of the World 23. Precepts. We have said, and our saying is truth, consort with all the people of religions with joy and fragrance. Through this utterance whatever was the cause of foreignness, discord, and disunion has been removed. Tablet of the World 28. The language of kindness is the lodestone of hearts and the food of the soul. 29. It stands in the relation of ideas to words, and is an horizon for the shining of the son of wisdom and knowledge. 30. O son of man, if thou lookest towards mercy, regard not that which benefits thee, and hold to that which will benefit the servants, mankind. If thou lookest towards justice, choose thou for others what thou choosest for thyself. Words of Paradise 40. In every country or government, where any of this community reside, they must behave toward that government with faithfulness, trustfulness, and truthfulness. Glad tidings, 85. If ye be slain for his good pleasure, verily it is better for you than that ye should slay. Travelers Narrative 115. God hath prohibited unto men the drinking of wine. Travelers Narrative 133. It is not allowable to declare one's sins and transgressions before any man, in as much as this has not been nor is conducive to securing God's forgiveness and pardon. At the same time, such confession before the creatures leads to one's humiliation and abasement, and God exalted is his glory, doth not wish for the humiliation of his servants. Verily he is compassionate and beneficent. A sinner must privately between himself and God beg for mercy from the sea of mercy, and ask forgiveness from the heaven of beneficence. Glad tidings, 87. End of Section 18. Recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater. Recorded in London, England. Section 19 of The Baha'i Revelation by Thornton Chase. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater. The Baha'i Revelation by Thornton Chase. Section 19. Two Christians. O concourse of the sun, Christians. Are ye hidden from myself because of my name? What maketh ye to doubt? Ye have called for your lord, the self-dependent, night and day, and when he hath come from the heaven of pre-existence, in his greatest glory, ye have not approached him, and were of the heedless. Then consider those who turned away from the Spirit, Christ, when he came to them with manifest power. How many of the Pharisees were abiding in the temples in his name, and were entreating because of his separation. But when the gate of union was opened, and the light shone forth from the dayspring of beauty, they disbelieved in God, the exalted, and the great, and did not attain to his visitation. After having been promised their unto in the Book of Isaiah, as well as in the books of the prophets, and the apostles, no one of them approached the dayspring of favor, except those who were of no account among the people, but in whose names all the lords of evident honor boast at the present day. Remember, the most learned doctors of his country in his age condemned him to be murdered, whilst one who was a catcher of fishes believed in him. Be astonished thereat, and be of those who remember. Verily, we have come unto you, and have endured the abominations of the world because of your salvation. Do ye flee from him who hath redeemed his soul for your lives? Fear God, O concourse of the spirit, and follow not all learned men who are afar. Do ye suppose that he hath desired his soul after being at every instant under the swords of the enemy, or that he desired the world after being imprisoned in the most ruined of cities, then judge there upon, and follow not the oppressors? Open the doors of your minds. Verily, the spirit standeth behind them. What maketh ye to keep afar from him who hath desired to bring ye nigh to the shining abode? Say, Verily, we have opened unto you the gates of the kingdom. Are ye closing the doors of your houses before my face? Verily, this is not but a great error. Say, Verily, he hath come from heaven as he came from it the first time. Beware lest ye contradict that which he saith, as the nations before you contradicted that which he said. Likewise, I make known unto you the truth, if you are of those who know. Verily, the spirit of truth hath come to guide you into all truth. Verily, he speaketh not unto you from himself, nay, but rather from before the all knowing the wise. Say, he is the one whom the sun hath glorified and hath appraised his command. Abandon that which is before you, O people of the earth, and take that which is commanded you from before the powerful, the faithful. Purify your ears and turn your minds to hear the sweet call which hath arisen from the direction of Sinai, the abode of your most glorious Abha Lord. Verily, he attracteth you unto a station wherein you will behold the lights of the face which have shone forth from this brilliant horizon. Say, Verily, he hath shone forth from the direction of the Orient, and his signs have appeared in the Occident. Think there upon no people, and be not likened to those who neglected the Remembrancer when he came unto them from before the mighty, the laudable. Awake by the breezes of God. Verily, they have blown in the world. Blessing to whosoever hath found their fragrance, and is of the assured. Blessed is whosoever is illumined by the Son of my Word. Blessed is whosoever adorned his head with the wreath of my love. Blessed is he who was assured in my Word and stood up among the dead for my remembrance. Blessed is he who was attracted by my melodies and tore the coverings by my power. Blessed is he who cut himself from all other than me. Soared in the ether of my love. Entered my kingdom and perceived the dominions of my might. Drank the kaothar, fountain of my favour, and the salsabil, spring of my grace. Was apprised of my command, and of whatsoever was hidden in the treasuries of my words. And shone forth from the horizon of inner significance in my commemoration and my praise. Verily, he is of mine. May my mercy, grace, favour, and glory be upon him. From Laohul Akhtas, the holy tablet. O people of the sun, we have sent unto you John the Baptist another time, the bob. Verily, he cryeth in the wilderness of the bayon, the bob's writings. O creation of beings, make clear your eyes. The day of vision and meeting hath come nigh. Prepare ye the way, O people of the gospel. The day wherein shall come the Lord of glory hath come nigh. Prepare to enter into the kingdom. Tablet to Pope. The breath of God, the word, is diffused throughout the world, because the desired one hath come in his most great glory. Lo, every stone and clawed cryeth, the promised one hath appeared, and the kingdom is to God, the powerful, the mighty, the forgiver. Beware lest sciences prevent thee from the king of what is known, or the world from him who created it and left it. Arise in the name of thy Lord the merciful, among the assembly of beings, and take the cup of life in the hand of assurance. Drink therefrom or not. Then give to drink to those of the people of different religions who advance. Verily he hath come from heaven another time, as he came from it the first time. Beware lest ye oppose him as the Pharisees opposed him without evidence or proof. On his right side floweth the river of grace, and on his left side the sweet waters of justice. Before him go the angels of paradise with the standards of signs. Beware lest names withhold you from God, the maker of the earth, and the heavens, tablet to pope. O people of the earth, advance toward him who hath advanced toward you, for verily he is the face of God among you. His evidence is in your midst, and his proof unto you, and he hath come to you with signs the word, the like of which the most learned have failed to produce. The tree of Mount Sinai, Moses, speaketh in the bosom of the world, and the Holy Spirit, Christ, cryeth among the nations. Lo, the desired one hath come with evident dominion, tablet to Napoleon III. Fear God, O people of discernment, the glorious one, cryeth continually from the horizon of the pavilion of might and greatness, and sayeth, O people of the gospel, he hath come into the kingdom who was out of it, and today we see you standing at the gate. Rend the veils by the power of your Lord, the mighty, the munificent, and then enter into my kingdom in my name. Thus doth he command you, who desireeth for you, enduring life. Verily he is powerful over all things. Blessed are those who have known the light and have hastened toward it. Behold, they are in the kingdom. They eat and drink with the elect. And we see you, O children of the kingdom, in darkness. This is not meat for you. Do ye fear to meet the light because of your deeds? Advance there unto. Verily he said, Come that I may make you my fishers. Come that I may make you fishers of men. Today we say, Come that we may make you the vivifiers of the world. Thus was the decree ordained in a tablet written by the pen of command, tablet to Pope. O people of the gospel, the door of heaven was opened, and the one who hath ascended there unto is come again, crying throughout the land and sea, and preaching to all of this manifestation, whereof the tongue of greatness hath uttered, the promise hath come, and this is the promised one. Be firm so that nothing of the concerns of this world cause thee to slip. Take the cup of straightforwardness in the name of the possessor of creation, and drink thereof with the permission of God the king of the kingdom, tablet. This victim, Bahá'u'lláh, hath made himself a target for the arrows of calamity unto the showing forth of the treasures deposited in men's souls. Traveller's narrative, 78. Verily we have not desired anything for ourselves, but only for yourselves, were ye of the just. We have submitted to the swords of the enemies for the sake of your life, and to this will bear witness every fair and rightly informed one. We have turned away from whatsoever is upon the whole earth for the purpose of bringing you to the region of the mercy of your lord, the clement, the compassionate, tablet. The ultimate criterion. If we seek to become acquainted with the truth of this matter through the accounts and stories which are in the mouths of men, the truth will be entirely concealed and hidden by reason of their manifested differences and contrariety. It is therefore best to discover the principles and objects of this people from the contents of their teachings, tracts, and epistles. There is no authority nor are there any proofs or texts superior to these, for this is the foundation of foundations and the ultimate criterion. One cannot judge of the generality by the speech or action of individuals, for diversity of states is one of the peculiarities and concomitants of the human race. Traveller's narrative, 155. End of section 19, recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater, recorded in London, England. Section 20 of The Baha'i Revelation by Thornton Chase. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater. The Baha'i Revelation by Thornton Chase, section 20. Salvation. Ye must be born again. Salvation means attainment of the high destiny which God has made possible for every man. No two persons are alike, and it is probable that no two have exactly the same destiny, but each has a special work to perform, and his own heavenly niche in the great universal divine economy, that place of service which shall be the fullness of his capacity and the joy of his soul. The opportunity is his to accomplish the purpose of his being by the help of God if he wills so to do. If he refuses to listen to his father's invitation, he cannot attain that exultation and glorious service of eternal life, and is a loser of all he might have been. The Baha'i teaching describes the process of attainment through the spirit of faith as follows. The effulgence of God called spirit, according to man's comprehension, is generally divided or classified into five grades or planes. One, the vegetable spirit. Two, the animal spirit. Three, the human spirit. Four, the spirit of faith. Five, the divine spirit of holiness. One, the vegetable spirit is the virtue augmentative, a growing of vegetative faculty, which results from the admixture of the simple elements with the cooperation of water, air, and heat. Two, the animal spirit is the virtue perceptive, resulting from the admixture and absorption of the vital elements generated in the heart, which apprehend sense impressions. Three, the human spirit consists of the rational, co-ordinative faculty, which apprehends general ideas and things intelligible and perceptible. Now, these spirits are not reckoned as spirit in the terminology of the scriptures, in as much as the laws governing them are as the laws which govern all other phenomenal beings in respect to generation and corruption, production, change, and reversion. Existences belonging to the phenomenal or material universe called the world of generation and corruption. This is clearly mentioned in the Gospels, where it says, Let the dead bury their dead, and that which is born of flesh is flesh, and that which is born of spirit is spirit. In as much as he who would bury the dead was alive with the vegetable and animal spirits and the rational human soul, yet Christ declared such to be dead and void of life, because empty of the spirit of faith, which is the kingdom of God. In brief, these three spirits, one, two, three, are subordinate to reversion, production, and corruption. But the spirit of faith, four, which is of the kingdom of God, consists of the all-comprehending grace and the perfect attainment, salvation, fruition, achievement, until the divine spirit of holiness, five. This latter phase of the effulgence of truth from the presence of the divine unity shining on luminous, light-seeking human essences is called the Holy Spirit. By this spirit is the life of the spirit of man, when it is fortified thereby, as Christ said, that which is born of spirit is spirit. He who is quickened by it is of the kingdom of God. He is then eternal, everlasting, divine, heavenly, and shall continue with the continuance of his Lord, no longer subordinate to the laws which govern the universe of matter, because the spirit of faith and the spirit of divine holiness are vitalized with the attributes of their source, God, who everlastingly was and is, and shall be. Thus it is that the one who is born of this spirit obtains everlasting life. Jesus said, Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again. Verily, verily I say unto thee, accept a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. End of section 20, recording by Nicholas James Bridgewater, recorded in London, England.