Chain and Cross VIII: The Fulfillment

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones." (Proverbs 3:5-8)

When we are investigating the reality around us, we must do so with prayer that the Holy Spirit will guide our way. We have been created by God with perception and discernment and every other faculty required for us to find and know. The holy texts of all religion affirm our will and our ability to choose and when God created us to know of Him, He, in justice to us, gave us all the means to do that.

He also made us imperfect. We each have struggles with ourselves in pride, ignorance, ego, self honesty, uncertainties, ambitions, struggles with faith and more. No ordinary soul has the final word whether he or she be a priest, sage, guru, scholar, ruler or any figure who, because of their station, stands out in life. For this reason, it is vital that we do not casually accept whatever a figure in authority or high stature may say only because of who they are. It is one thing to allow ourselves to be advised by the wisdom of those from whom we seek counsel, it is a vitally different thing to allow them to dictate our belief. We must have faith in God's creation of discernment and use it in His ways. Even these words are subject to that principle.

St. John, in his first epistle, explained; "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." ( I John 4:1-3) Now, often this quote is given in an apocalyptic context, and it is, indeed, meaningful there. However, when we consider how ego, for example, can move a person to speak beyond their own knowledge or understanding, we can just as easily see why John's advice applies even at the level of the individual. It is so easy to say something from the self rather than from the spirit, and it can be treacherous to tell the difference. We, in fact even fool ourselves and never recognize the error save by a grace from God.

"For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (St.Paul, I Corinthians 1:22-25) By God's grace through the pen of St. Paul we are reminded of the inadequacy of our own criteria in knowing God or God manifest in Jesus Christ, Himself. St. Paul is not decrying signs and wisdom, but he is clear in pointing out they are not perfect means to understanding.

This message speaks to us today as much as it did when Paul set it down. In this is guidance in not falling into the ways of the Pharisees who had reasoned out all the signs of the coming of the Messiah, something we see even today from some in the body of the church who are very influential. There is also guidance in not falling into the ways of the worldly in presuming what is wise and what is foolishness, something we see in the pundits and many people of science.

"For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.'" (St. Paul, I Corinthians 1:17-19) Here, where Paul says "It is written..." Paul draws upon Isaiah; "Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid." (Isaiah 29:13-14)

So goes the counsel from holy words in the day of the appearance of Jesus Christ.

Given the ageless wisdom of the Bible, we know how it must apply to the human condition and nature today as much as it did two millenia ago. Herein is illustrated how the anticipated sign of a trumpet's blast can be missed completely or the wisdom that doesn't suit us can be lightly dismissed as an oddity. Just as our predecessors have missed the promised one of their age, so can we.

Jesus tells of the coming of the Son of man through St. Matthew, "And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." (Matthew 24:31) Here is something to reflect upon. The reader may be reminded of the oft-pondered lesson: If there is no one in the forest to hear it, does a tree crashing to the ground make a sound?

St. Paul wrote two epistles to the faithful of Thesselonica. In the first one he advised them, as faithful brethern, how even they could miss the much longed for return of the Savior in spite of shouting and trumpet blasts. He praises the Thesselonians of his day that they are a wakeful people. but, the point is not lost that one can indeed sleep through a trumpet blast like a soldier sleeping through reveille.

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

"Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

"But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

"But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

"But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

"Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do." (St. Paul, I Thessalonians 4:13-5:11)

It is a lesson of God's compassion to us all that even if we are blessed, secure in the truth that God accepts the faithful whether, as Paul says, "we wake or sleep", it is possible to miss the return of Christ, just as so many missed Him in the days of two millenia ago.

The drama and spectacle of clouds and trumpets and descent of the Lord is an inviting thing to imagine. It can be satisfying and vindicating to imagine such a formidable event that would put the presumptuous and the doubters and the naysayers in their place. But such satisfaction can distract us from the cautions that come with it. Who wants to be cautioned when a final climactic event seems imminent? Who has that kind of patience? What restraint can we possibly exercise when we have waited two thousand years for triumph? Has not the world endured enough and can we not allow ourselves the fulfillment of our fondest imaginations?

But Jesus cautions us. He does it repeatedly. And, in the heat of the yearning, His caution is often not considered with the same intense focus as the imagery of the final day. His central theme in this caution? It is that we must watch. His lessons to watch carry the implication that without watching, we could miss it.

"Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

"Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 24:46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing." ( Matthew 24:42-45)

"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

"They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

"While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

"And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

"Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." (Matthew 25:1-13)

"Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is." (Mark 13:33)

"For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

"And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch." (Mark 13:34-37)

"Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

"And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

"And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not." (Luke 12:35-40)

"And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." (Luke 21:34-36)

"And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

"Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

"Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."(Revelation 3:1-6)

"Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." (Revelation 16:15)

A watchman does not perform his duties by first imagining what will occur on his watch, then disregarding anything that does not fulfill his imagination. This is what occurred in the time of Christ. The Jews of that day were awaiting a king of military capacity that would come out of the east and throw off the Roman yoke that burdened them. In watching for that, they missed the carpenter from Nazareth ("Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? (John 1:46)) who was noticed, not by Rome, but only in passing by the local Roman authorities. Subsequently, the Roman yoke was thrown off to be replaced by a Roman sword that ultimately dispersed the Jews and destroyed the temple.

We, in our current time, are prone to the same mistake. Having imaginings of what the return of Jesus Christ will be like, we too are susceptible to missing it because we can so easily disregard anything that does not fit what we imagine the holy writings tell us. So, when the Promised One emerges out of Persia in the middle of the nineteenth century He is disregarded. Such is our nature. So wretched and dark and corrupt is that part of the world, can there any good thing come out of Persia?

It is a reflection of our time that discussions of prophecy are fraught with contention and diverging if not conflicting interpretations, but Jesus gave us a helpful parable about the fulfillment of signs He described. "Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors." (Matthew 24:32-33)

There have been many imagined seasons of fulfillment over the last two thousand years. But from the 1830s down to today, there has been greater attention to fulfillment of prophecy amongst Christian clerics and theologians and scholars than ever before. Indeed, the same is true of many religions besides Christianity ranging from Judaism and Islam to many first nations traditions such as in American Indian cultures. If we acknowledge that knowledge comes from God, it cannot be dismissed that the growth of knowledge in the world just from a material standpoint fills the world as the waters cover the sea. Knowledge gained in any decade of the twentieth century exceeds the total sum of knowledge gained from the prior ten thousand years. The fig tree of the parable is flourishing.

So, what is the wise thing to do at this time? St. John the Apostle set forth the answer in an epistle. "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." (I John 4:1-3). And, proceed, mindful that there is One who fulfills, but many who are antichrist; "Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time."(I John 2:18).

St. John the Divine quotes Jesus in Revelation, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." (Revelation 2:17)

St. Matthew records Jesus' conditions of discipleship which includes the promise, "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works." (Matthew 16:27)

These statements find a connection here in Jesus' words to the angel of the church of Philadelphia: "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." (Revelation 3:10-13)

At this point, it is insightful to include a note from Baptist Pastor Gary L. Matthews who wrote about the Baha'i Faith. He tells us, "Jesus promised His waiting followers that 'The Son of man is coming in the Glory of the Father'. How would He have pronounced this latter expression -- the 'Glory of the Father'? Since the Gospels were first written down in Greek, the Greek pronunciation give no clue: Jesus did not speak Greek. He spoke Aramaic.

"Some Bible scholars note that the most likely Aramaic phrasing for this expression is 'baha elah' -- 'baha' meaning brightness or glory, 'elah' meaning 'God the Father': the Glory of God the Father. (For confirmation, I have consulted the Dictionnaire des Racines Semitique by David Cohen)" (Gary L. Matthews, Becoming America's Religion, Stonehaven Press, p. 33)

Here, we have, in the words of Jesus, the name of Baha'u'llah from one semitic language (Aramaic) to another (Arabic). What does "Baha'u'llah" mean? It means "The Glory of God"

Today, Baha'is throughout the world can often be found wearing a ring, with a stone, and upon the stone is a stylized design of Arabic letters spelling the name, "Baha", that is, "Glory".

The Bearer of the name "Baha" was received as Jesus Christ was received. When God manifests Himself unto man, the response of man is to resort to their all too human understanding. Too many had already decided what Christ's return would be like. Too many had relied upon their own preconceptions. Too many rejected Him and the spirit of the Pharisees returned with the appearance of the Promised One. Baha'u'llah's suffering endured for a lifetime but torture, imprisonment, humiliation, exile, impoverishment, conspiracy and more did nothing to prevent Baha'u'llah from seetng forth, even in His own writing, the revelation God had promised mankind for ages.

"I was but a man like others, asleep upon My couch, when lo, the breezes of the All-Glorious were wafted over Me, and taught Me the knowledge of all that hath been. This thing is not from Me, but from One Who is Almighty and All-Knowing. And He bade Me lift up My voice between earth and heaven, and for this there befell Me what hath caused the tears of every man of understanding to flow. The learning current amongst men I studied not; their schools I entered not. Ask of the city wherein I dwelt, that thou mayest be well assured that I am not of them who speak falsely. This is but a leaf which the winds of the will of thy Lord, the Almighty, the All-Praised, have stirred. Can it be still when the tempestuous winds are blowing? Nay, by Him Who is the Lord of all Names and Attributes! They move it as they list. The evanescent is as nothing before Him Who is the Ever-Abiding. His all-compelling summons hath reached Me, and caused Me to speak His praise amidst all people. I was indeed as one dead when His behest was uttered. The hand of the will of thy Lord, the Compassionate, the Merciful, transformed Me. Can anyone speak forth of his own accord that for which all men, both high and low, will protest against him? Nay, by Him Who taught the Pen the eternal mysteries, save him whom the grace of the Almighty, the All-Powerful, hath strengthened." (Baha'u'llah, The Summons of the Lord of Hosts, pp. 98-99)

"This thing is not from Me, but from God. Unto this testify the dwellers of His Dominion and of His Kingdom, and the inhabitants of the cities of His unfading glory. By Him Who is the Truth! I fear no tribulation in His path, nor any affliction in My love for Him and in the way of His good pleasure. Verily God hath made adversity as a morning dew upon His green pasture, and a wick for His lamp which lighteth earth and heaven." (Baha'u'llah, The Summons of the Lord of Hosts, p. 129)

"The Ancient Beauty hath consented to be bound with chains that mankind may be released from its bondage, and hath accepted to be made a prisoner within this most mighty Stronghold that the whole world may attain unto true liberty. He hath drained to its dregs the cup of sorrow, that all the peoples of the earth may attain unto abiding joy, and be filled with gladness. This is of the mercy of your Lord, the Compassionate, the Most Merciful. We have accepted to be abased, O believers in the Unity of God, that ye may be exalted, and have suffered manifold afflictions, that ye might prosper and flourish. He Who hath come to build anew the whole world, behold, how they that have joined partners with God have forced Him to dwell within the most desolate of cities!" (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 99)

"I sorrow not for the burden of My imprisonment. Neither do I grieve over My abasement, or the tribulation I suffer at the hands of Mine enemies. By My life! They are My glory, a glory wherewith God hath adorned His own Self. Would that ye know it!

"The shame I was made to bear hath uncovered the glory with which the whole of creation had been invested, and through the cruelties I have endured, the Day Star of Justice hath manifested itself, and shed its splendor upon men.

"My sorrows are for those who have involved themselves in their corrupt passions, and claim to be associated with the Faith of God, the Gracious, the All-Praised.

"It behoveth the people of Baha to die to the world and all that is therein, to be so detached from all earthly things that the inmates of Paradise may inhale from their garment the sweet smelling savor of sanctity, that all the peoples of the earth may recognize in their faces the brightness of the All-Merciful, and that through them may be spread abroad the signs and tokens of God, the Almighty, the All-Wise. They that have tarnished the fair name of the Cause of God, by following the things of the flesh -- these are in palpable error!" (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, pp. 99-101)

Above are the words from Baha'u'llah, "The Ancient Beauty hath consented to be bound with chains..." These chains are emblematic of Baha'u'llah's suffering that included not only chains and imprisonment, but exile, confiscation of all His worldly possessions, exile, abasement, torture, isolation, forced travel in extreme weather with little provision or clothing, conspiracy, poisoning, and more; and all this continuously for over forty years.

The chains, alone, tell something of the story.

"O Shaykh! That which hath touched this Wronged One is beyond compare or equal. We have borne it all with the utmost willingness and resignation, so that the souls of men may be edified, and the Word of God be exalted. While confined in the prison of the Land of Mim (Mazindaran) We were one day delivered into the hands of the divines. Thou canst well imagine what befell Us. Shouldst thou at some time happen to visit the dungeon of His Majesty the Shah, ask the director and chief jailer to show thee those two chains, one of which is known as Qara-Guhar, and the other as Salasil. I swear by the Daystar of Justice that for four months this Wronged One was tormented and chained by one or the other of them. 'My grief exceedeth all the woes to which Jacob gave vent, and all the afflictions of Job are but a part of My sorrows!'" (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 76) [Qara-Guhar, heavier than Salasil, weighed about 17 'man' (51 kilos).]

The eminent Baha'i figure, Shoghi Effendi wrote of this, "Delivered into the hands of His enemies, this much-feared, bitterly arraigned and illustrious Exponent of a perpetually hounded Faith was now made to taste of the cup which He Who had been its recognized Leader had drained to the dregs. From Niyavaran He was conducted 'on foot and in chains, with bared head and bare feet,' exposed to the fierce rays of the midsummer sun, to the Siyah-Chal of Tihran. On the way He several times was stripped of His outer garments, was overwhelmed with ridicule, and pelted with stones. As to the subterranean dungeon into which He was thrown, and which originally had served as a reservoir of water for one of the public baths of the capital, let His own words, recorded in His Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, bear testimony to the ordeal which He endured in that pestilential hole. 'We were consigned for four months to a place foul beyond comparison.... Upon Our arrival We were first conducted along a pitch-black corridor, from whence We descended three steep flights of stairs to the place of confinement assigned to Us. The dungeon was wrapped in thick darkness, and Our fellow-prisoners numbered nearly one hundred and fifty souls: thieves, assassins and highwaymen. Though crowded, it had no other outlet than the passage by which We entered. No pen can depict that place, nor any tongue describe its loathsome smell. Most of those men had neither clothes nor bedding to lie on. God alone knoweth what befell Us in that most foul-smelling and gloomy place!' Bahá'u'lláh's feet were placed in stocks, and around His neck were fastened the Qara-Guhar chains of such galling weight that their mark remained imprinted upon His body all the days of His life. "A heavy chain," 'Abdu'l-Bahá Himself has testified, 'was placed about His neck by which He was chained to five other Bábís; these fetters were locked together by strong, very heavy, bolts and screws. His clothes were torn to pieces, also His headdress. In this terrible condition He was kept for four months.' For three days and three nights, He was denied all manner of food and drink. Sleep was impossible to Him. The place was chill and damp, filthy, fever-stricken, infested with vermin, and filled with a noisome stench. Animated by a relentless hatred His enemies went even so far as to intercept and poison His food, in the hope of obtaining the favor of the mother of their sovereign, His most implacable foe -- an attempt which, though it impaired His health for years to come, failed to achieve its purpose. 'Abdu'l-Bahá,' Dr. J. E. Esslemont records in his book, 'tells how, one day, He was allowed to enter the prison yard to see His beloved Father, where He came out for His daily exercise. Bahá'u'lláh was terribly altered, so ill He could hardly walk, His hair and beard unkempt, His neck galled and swollen from the pressure of a heavy steel collar, His body bent by the weight of His chains.' (Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, pp. 71-72)

Chains are an image that symbolize suffering and imprisonment and martyrdom. They were endured literally and figuratively not only by Baha'u'llah but by a very great number of martyrs of the Faith of Baha'u'llah who suffered, often with miraculous words and gestures of happiness and satisfaction in giving their lives for the Cause raised up by the Promised one of all religions.

Sometimes, ones who are challenging the claims of the Baha'i Revelation will ask, "Did this Baha'u'llah suffer for us? Did He endure scourging and the crown of thorns? Did he die on the cross? Did he rise again after three days?" It is heart rending that somehow, this is a measure of legitimacy of a Messenger of God, as if wanting to test Him by expecting Him to do what He had already done once before. It is a cruel demand, and a criteria that begs the question, "What is on the heart of these questioners?" So many others looking for the return of the Christ envision a joy, an elation at the fulfillment of the promise of return. They often describe a tumult of recognition and humility and contrition at His appearance and the Promised One, Himself a heroic figure that no one would dare affront on the day of judgment. It is a deeply tragic and solemn and profound irony that he has been received in this age just as he was received two thousand years ago.

"One night, in a dream, these exalted words were heard on every side: 'Verily, We shall render Thee victorious by Thyself and by Thy Pen. Grieve Thou not for that which hath befallen Thee, neither be Thou afraid, for Thou art in safety. Erelong will God raise up the treasures of the earth -- men who will aid Thee through Thyself and through Thy Name, wherewith God hath revived the hearts of such as have recognized Him.' (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 21)

"While engulfed in tribulations I heard a most wondrous, a most sweet voice, calling above My head. Turning My face, I beheld a Maiden -- the embodiment of the remembrance of the name of My Lord -- suspended in the air before Me. So rejoiced was she in her very soul that her countenance shone with the ornament of the good pleasure of God, and her cheeks glowed with the brightness of the All-Merciful. Betwixt earth and heaven she was raising a call which captivated the hearts and minds of men. She was imparting to both My inward and outer being tidings which rejoiced My soul, and the souls of God's honoured servants.

"Pointing with her finger unto My head, she addressed all who are in heaven and all who are on earth, saying: By God! This is the Best-Beloved of the worlds, and yet ye comprehend not. This is the Beauty of God amongst you, and the power of His sovereignty within you, could ye but understand. This is the Mystery of God and His Treasure, the Cause of God and His glory unto all who are in the kingdoms of Revelation and of creation, if ye be of them that perceive. This is He Whose Presence is the ardent desire of the denizens of the Realm of eternity, and of them that dwell within the Tabernacle of glory, and yet from His Beauty do ye turn aside." (Baha'u'llah, The Summons of the Lord of Hosts, p. 5)