10. “This is the Book of Generosity which hath been revealed by the King of…”
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This is the Book of Generosity which hath been revealed by the King of
Eternity. Whoso adorneth himself with this virtue hath distinguished
himself and will be blessed by the All-Merciful from His exalted Kingdom
of Glory. However, despite his high rank and prominent position, were
he to pass beyond the limits, he would be regarded as among the prodigal
by the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Cling ye unto moderation. This is
the commandment that He Who is the All-Possessing, the Most High hath
enjoined upon you in His Generous Book. O ye that are the exponents of
generosity and the manifestations thereof! Be generous unto them whom
ye find in manifest poverty. O ye that are possessed of riches! Take
heed lest outward appearance deter you from benevolent deeds in the path
of God, the Lord of all mankind.
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Say: I swear by God! No one is despised in the sight of the Almighty
for being poor. Rather is he exalted, if he is found to be of them who
are patient. Blessed are the poor that are steadfast in patience, and
woe betide the rich that hold back Ḥuqúqu’lláh and fail
to observe that which is enjoined upon them in His Preserved Tablet.
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Say: Pride not yourselves on earthly riches ye possess. Reflect upon
your end and upon the recompense for your works that hath been ordained
in the Book of God, the Exalted, the Mighty. Blessed is the rich man
whom earthly possessions have been powerless to hinder from turning unto
God, the Lord of all names. Verily he is accounted among the most
distinguished of men before God, the Gracious, the All-Knowing.
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Say: The appointed Day is come. This is the Springtime of benevolent
deeds, were ye of them that comprehend. Strive ye with all your might,
O people, that ye may bring forth that which will truly profit you in
the worlds of your Lord, the All-Glorious, the All-Praised.
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Say: Hold ye fast unto praiseworthy characteristics and goodly deeds and
be not of them that tarry. It behoveth everyone to cleave tenaciously
unto that which is conducive to the exaltation of the Cause of God, your
Lord, the Mighty, the Powerful.
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Say: Behold ye not the world, its changes and chances, and its varying
colours? Wherefore are ye satisfied with it and with all the things
therein? Open your eyes and be of them that are endued with insight.
The day is fast approaching when all these things will have vanished as
fast as the lightning, nay even faster. Unto this beareth witness the
Lord of the Kingdom in this wondrous Tablet.
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Wert thou to be enraptured by the uplifting ecstasy of the verses of
God, thou wouldst yield thanks unto thy Lord and say: “Praise be unto
Thee, O Desire of the hearts of them that hasten to meet Thee!” Rejoice
then with exceeding gladness, inasmuch as the Pen of Glory hath turned
unto thee and hath revealed in thy honour that which the tongues of
creation and the tongues of transcendence are powerless to describe.
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