d nobles have objected that this
wronged One is neither a member of the ecclesiastical order nor a
descendant of the Prophet. Say: O ye that claim to be just! Reflect a
little while, and ye shall recognize how infinitely exalted is His present
state above the station ye claim He should possess. The Will of the
Almighty hath decreed that out of a house wholly devoid of all that the
divines, the doctors, the sages, and scholars commonly possess His Cause
should proceed and be made manifest.

The Breathings of the Divine Spirit awoke Him, and bade Him arise and
proclaim His Revelation. No sooner was He roused from His slumber than He
lifted up His voice and summoned the whole of mankind unto God, the Lord
of all worlds. We have been moved to reveal these words in consideration
of the weakness and frailty of men; otherwise, the Cause We have
proclaimed is such as no pen can ever describe, nor any mind conceive its
greatness. To this beareth witness He with Whom is the Mother Book.

XLV: THE ANCIENT BEAUTY HATH CONSENTED TO BE...

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!

XLVI: I SORROW NOT FOR THE BURDEN OF MY IMPRISONMENT....

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 cla