January 9
In regard to thy mention of the setting in order of the
verses and epistles - this undertaking is accounted one of the greatest of
deeds by Him Who is the All-Sufficing, the Exalted. . . The greater portion of
the writings and verses have fallen into the hands of the infidels whether in
the Land of Tá or other lands. The people of God should do all that lieth
within their power to protect and preserve the Tablets. In the Land of Tá
whatever there was in the homes of the friends was taken and fell into the
hands of the heedless. We have commanded all to safeguard that which hath
proceeded from the Pen of the Most High. We ask God to aid them to act in
accordance with His wish and desire, and to draw them nigh to Him. He, verily,
is the Almighty, the Powerful. (Baha’u’llah, compilation ‘Importance of
collecting and safeguarding Baha’i Writings’, prepared by Baha’i International
Archives; published in Baha’i Studies Review, no. 11, 2003)
