ove ourselves: nay, we deem
you liars.'" They caviled at those holy Manifestations, and protested
saying: "None hath followed you except the abject amongst us, those who
are worthy of no attention." Their aim was to show that no one amongst the
learned, the wealthy, and the renowned believed in them. By this and
similar proofs they sought to demonstrate the falsity of Him that speaketh
naught but the truth.

In this most resplendent Dispensation, however, this most mighty
Sovereignty, a number of illumined divines, of men of consummate learning,
of doctors of mature wisdom, have attained unto His Court, drunk the cup
of His divine Presence, and been invested with the honor of His most
excellent favor. They have renounced, for the sake of the Beloved, the
world and all that is therein....

All these were guided by the light of the Sun of Divine Revelation,
confessed and acknowledged His truth. Such was their faith, that most of
them renounced their substance and kindred, and cleaved to the good
pleasure of the All-Glorious. They laid down their lives for their
Well-Beloved, and surrendered their all in His path. Their breasts were
made targets for the darts of the enemy, and their heads adorned the
spears of the infidel. No land remained which did not drink the blood of
these embodiments of detachment, and no sword that did not bruise their
necks. Their deeds, alone, testify to the truth of their words. Doth not
the testimony of these holy souls, who have so gloriously risen to offer
up their lives for their Beloved that the whole world marveled at the
manner of their sacrifice, suffice the people of this day? Is it not
sufficient witness against the faithlessness of those who for a trifle
betrayed their faith, who bartered away immortality for that which
perisheth, who gave up the Kaw_th_ar of the Divine Presence for salty
springs, and whose one aim in life is to usurp the property of others?
Even as thou dost witness how all of them have busied themselves with the
vanities of the world, and have strayed far from Him Who is the Lord, the
Most High.

Be fair: Is the testimony of those acceptable and worthy of attention
whose deeds agree with their words, whose outward behavior conforms with
their inner life? The mind is bewildered at their deeds, and the soul
marveleth at their fortitude and bodily endurance. Or is the testimony of
these faithless souls who breathe naught but the breath of selfish desire,
and who lie