ity into sensuality. Then after three days and a half, which
by the terminology of the Holy Books is twelve hundred and sixty years,
these divine teachings, heavenly virtues, perfections and spiritual
bounties were again renewed by the appearance of the Bab and the devotion
of Jinab-i-Quddus.(53)

The holy breezes were diffused, the light of truth shone forth, the season
of the life-giving spring came, and the morn of guidance dawned. These two
lifeless bodies again became living, and these two great ones--one the
Founder and the other the promoter--arose and were like two candlesticks,
for they illumined the world with the light of truth.

"And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up
hither. And they ascended up to heaven,"(54) meaning that from the
invisible heaven they heard the voice of God, saying: You have performed
all that was proper and fitting in delivering the teachings and glad
tidings; you have given My message to the people and raised the call of
God, and have accomplished your duty. Now, like Christ, you must sacrifice
your life for the Well-Beloved, and be martyrs. And that Sun of Reality,
and that Moon of Guidance,(55) both, like Christ, set on the horizon of
the greatest martyrdom and ascended to the Kingdom of God.

"And their enemies beheld them,"(56) meaning that many of their enemies,
after witnessing their martyrdom, realized the sublimity of their station
and the exaltation of their virtue, and testified to their greatness and
perfection.

"And the same hour there was a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the
city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand."(57)

This earthquake occurred in _Sh_iraz after the martyrdom of the Bab. The
city was in a turmoil, and many people were destroyed. Great agitation
also took place through diseases, cholera, dearth, scarcity, famine and
afflictions, the like of which had never been known.

"And the remnant was affrighted and gave glory to the God of heaven."(58)

When the earthquake took place in Fars, all the remnant lamented and cried
day and night, and were occupied in glorifying and praying to God. They
were so troubled and affrighted that they had no sleep nor rest at night.

"The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly."(59)
The first woe is the appearance of the Prophet, Muhammad, the son of
'Abdu'llah--peace be upon Him! The second woe is that of the Bab--to Him be
glory and pr