The religion of God and His divine law are the most potent
instruments and the surest of all means for the dawning of the light of unity
amongst men. The progress of the world, the development of nations, the
tranquillity of peoples, and the peace of all who dwell on earth are among the
principles and ordinances of God. 
It is incumbent upon everyone to firmly adhere to and
observe that which hath streamed forth from Our Most Exalted Pen. God, the True
One, beareth Me witness, and every atom in existence is moved to testify that
such means as lead to the elevation, the advancement, the education, the
protection and the regeneration of the peoples of the earth have been clearly
set forth by Us and are revealed in the Holy Books and Tablets by the Pen of
Glory.
Whatever hath been constructed for the worship of the one
true God, such as mosques, chapels and temples, must not be used for any
purpose other than the commemoration of His Name. This is an ordinance of God,
and he who violateth it is verily of those who have transgressed. No harm
attacheth to the builder, for he hath performed his deed for the sake of God,
and hath received and will continue to receive his just reward.
Religion bestoweth upon man the most precious of all gifts,
offereth the cup of prosperity, imparteth eternal life, and showereth
imperishable benefits upon mankind. It behoveth the chiefs and rulers of the
world, and in particular the Trustees of God’s House of Justice, to endeavour
to the utmost of their power to safeguard its position, promote its interests
and exalt its station in the eyes of the world. In like manner it is incumbent
upon them to enquire into the conditions of their subjects and to acquaint
themselves with the affairs and activities of the divers communities in their
dominions.
The purpose of religion as revealed from the heaven of God’s
holy Will is to establish unity and concord amongst the peoples of the world;
make it not the cause of dissension and strife.
O Jalíl! He Whom the world hath wronged now proclaimeth: The
light of Justice is dimmed, and the sun of Equity veiled from sight. The robber
occupieth the seat of the protector and guard, and the position of the faithful
is seized by the traitor. A year ago an oppressor ruled over this city, and at
every instant caused fresh harm. By the righteousness of the Lord! He wrought
that which cast terror into the hearts of men. But to the Pen of Glory the
tyranny of the world hath never been nor will it ever be a hindrance.
The people aforetime joined partners with God, though they
professed belief in His unity; and although they were the most ignorant amongst
men, they considered themselves the most accomplished. But, as a token of
divine retribution upon those heedless ones, their erroneous beliefs and
pursuits have, in this Day of Judgement, been made clear and evident to every
man of discernment and understanding.
The fruits that best befit the tree of human life are
trustworthiness and godliness, truthfulness and sincerity; but greater than
all, after recognition of the unity of God, praised and glorified be He, is
regard for the rights that are due to one’s parents. This teaching hath been
mentioned in all the Books of God, and reaffirmed by the Most Exalted Pen.
The Birth of the Abhá Beauty was at the hour of dawn on the
second day of the month of Muharram, [1] the first day of which marketh the
Birth of His Herald. These two days are accounted as one in the sight of God.
O Muhammad! The Ancient of Days hath turned His countenance
towards thee, making mention of thee, and exhorting the people of God to
educate their children. Should a father neglect this most weighty commandment
laid down in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas by the Pen of the Eternal King, he shall forfeit
rights of fatherhood, and be accounted guilty before God. Well is it with him
who imprinteth on his heart the admonitions of the Lord, and steadfastly
cleaveth unto them. God, in truth, enjoineth on His servants what shall assist
and profit them, and enable them to draw nigh unto Him. He is the Ordainer, the
Everlasting.
The world is in travail, and its agitation waxeth day by
day. Its face is turned towards waywardness and unbelief. Such shall be its
plight, that to disclose it now would not be meet and seemly. Its perversity
will long continue. And when the appointed hour is come, there shall suddenly
appear that which shall cause the limbs of mankind to quake. Then, and only
then, will the Divine Standard be unfurled, and the Nightingale of Paradise
warble its melody.
Say: He is not to be numbered with the people of Bahá who
followeth his mundane desires, or fixeth his heart on things of the earth. He
is My true follower who, if he come to a valley of pure gold, will pass
straight through it aloof as a cloud, and will neither turn back, nor pause.
Such a man is, assuredly, of Me. From his garment the Concourse on high can
inhale the fragrance of sanctity.... And if he met the fairest and most comely
of women, he would not feel his heart seduced by the least shadow of desire for
her beauty. Such an one, indeed, is the creation of spotless chastity. Thus
instructeth you the Pen of the Ancient of Days, as bidden by your Lord, the
Almighty, the All-Bountiful.
A just king is the shadow of God on earth. All should seek shelter under the shadow of
his justice, and rest in the shade of his favour. This is not a matter which is either specific
or limited in its scope, that it might be restricted to one or another person,
inasmuch as the shadow telleth of the One Who casteth it. God, glorified be His remembrance, hath
called Himself the Lord of the worlds, for He hath nurtured and still nurtureth
everyone. Glorified be, then, His grace
that hath preceded all created things, and His mercy that hath surpassed the
worlds.
Thus it is that whatsoever be their utterance, whether it
pertain to the realm of Divinity, Lordship, Prophethood, Messengership,
Guardianship, Apostleship or Servitude, all is true, beyond the shadow of a
doubt. Therefore, these sayings which We have quoted in support of Our argument
must be attentively considered, that the divergent utterances of the
Manifestations of the Unseen and Daysprings of Holiness may cease to agitate
the soul and perplex the mind.
One of the signs of the maturity of the world is that no one
will accept to bear the weight of kingship. Kingship will remain with none
willing to bear alone its weight. That day will be the day whereon wisdom will
be manifested among mankind. Only in order to proclaim the Cause of God and
spread abroad His Faith will anyone be willing to bear this grievous weight.
Well is it with him who, for love of God and His Cause, and for the sake of God
and for the purpose of proclaiming His Faith, will expose himself unto this
great danger, and will accept this toil and trouble.
O members of parliaments throughout the world! Select ye a
single language for the use of all on earth, and adopt ye likewise a common
script. God, verily, maketh plain for you that which shall profit you and
enable you to be independent of others. He, of a truth, is the Most Bountiful,
the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. This will be the cause of unity, could ye
but comprehend it, and the greatest instrument for promoting harmony and
civilization, would that ye might understand!
O concourse of earth and heaven! This is that first night,
[Birth of the Báb] which God hath made to be a sign of that second night,
[Birth of Baha’u’llah’] whereon was born He Whom no praise can befittingly
extol and no attribute describe. Well is it with him who reflecteth upon them
both: Verily, he will find their outer reality to correspond to their inner
essence, and will become acquainted with the divine mysteries that lie
enshrined in this Revelation, a Revelation through which the foundations of
misbelief have been shaken, the idols of superstition have been shattered, and
the banner hath been unfurled which proclaimeth, “No God is there but Him, the
Powerful, the Exalted, the Incomparable, the Protector, the Mighty, the
Inaccessible.”
Blessed art thou, O night [Birth of the Báb]! For through
thee was born the Day of God, a Day which We have ordained to be the lamp of salvation
unto the denizens of the cities of names, the chalice of victory unto the
champions of the arenas of eternity, and the dawning-place of joy and
exultation unto all creation.