How great the number of people who deck themselves with
robes of silk all their lives, while clad in the garb of fire, inasmuch as they
have divested themselves of the raiment of divine guidance and righteousness;
and how numerous are those who wear clothes made of cotton or coarse wool
throughout their lives, and yet by reason of their being endowed with the
vesture of divine guidance and righteousness, are truly attired with the
raiment of Paradise and take delight in the good-pleasure of God. Indeed it would
be better in the sight of God were ye to combine the two, adorning yourselves
with the raiment of divine guidance and righteousness and wearing exquisite
silk, if ye can afford to do so. If not, at least act ye not unrighteously, but
rather observe piety and virtue...
- The Báb (‘Selections from the Writings of
the Báb’)
