A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »
“O ye illumined friends and the maid-servants of the Merciful!…” |
O ye
1
illumined friends and the maid-servants of the Merciful!
|
When the darkness of ignorance and heedlessness
concerning the realm of eternity and bereavement (or
deprivation) from the True One had encircled the
universe, then the resplendent Luminary dawned and
the brilliant Light illumined the horizon of the East.
Hence, the Sun of Realty shone forth, scattering the
sparkling lights of the Kingdom to the East and to the
West. Those who had seeing eyes found the Most
Great Glad-Tidings, began to cry the call, “O blessed
are we! O blessed are we!”—and have beheld the
reality of things in themselves, have discovered the
mysteries of the Kingdom, were released from superstition
and doubts, perceived the lights of Truth and
became so intoxicated with the cup of the love of
God, that, wholly forgetting themselves and the world
while dancing, they ran with utmost joy and ecstasy to
the city of Martyrdom, sacrificing their minds and
their lives upon the altar of Love.
|
However, they have hastened bat-like in the darkness
below the ground, and according to their own
503
thoughts they have found a little comfort and tranquility.
Nevertheless, it is yet the early dawn and
the strength of the heat and the rays of the Sun of
Truth have not yet made their torrid and complete
impression. When it reacheth the zenith, the heat will
interpenetrate with such great intensity that it will move
and spur to the greatest velocity even the insects below
the earth. Alhtough they are not able to behold
the light, yet the penetration of the heat will move and
agitate all of them.
|
Consequently, O ye friends of God, be ye thankful
that in the Day of the Effulgence ye have turned your
faces to the Orb of the regions and beheld the Lights!
Ye have received a portion from the rays of Truth and
are endowed with a share from the Everlasting Outpouring.
Therefore, ye must not rest one minute, but
thank Him for this bestowal.
|
Be ye not seated and silent! Diffuse the glad-tidings
of the Kingdom far and wide to the ears, promulgate
the Word of God, and put into practice the advices
and covenants of God; that is, arise ye with such
qualities and attributes that ye may continually bestow
life to the body of the world, and nurse the infants of
the universe up to the station of maturity and perfection.
Enkindle with all your might in every meeting
the light of the love of God, gladden and cheer every
heart with the utmost loving-kindness, show forth your
love to the strangers just as you show forth to your
relations. If a soul is seeking to quarrel, ask ye for
reconciliation; if he blame ye, praise [him]; if he give
you a deadly poison, bestow ye an all-healing antidote;
if he createth death, administer ye eternal life; if he
504
becometh a thorn, change ye into roses and hyacinths.
Perchance, though such deeds and words, this darkened
world will become illuminated, this terrestrial universe
will become transformed into a heavenly realm,
and this satanic prison become a divine court; warfare
and bloodshed be annihilated, and love and faithfulness
hoist the tent of unity upon the apex of the world.
|
1. | To the Fair Hope (Ala.) assembly. [ Back To Reference] |