pients of God's eternal law.

Although We did not intend to make mention of the traditions of a bygone
age, yet, because of Our love for thee, We will cite a few which are
applicable to Our argument. We do not feel their necessity, however,
inasmuch as the things We have already mentioned suffice the world and all
that is therein. In fact, all the Scriptures and the mysteries thereof are
condensed into this brief account. So much so, that were a person to
ponder it a while in his heart, he would discover from all that hath been
said the mysteries of the Words of God, and would apprehend the meaning of
whatever hath been manifested by that ideal King. As the people differ in
their understanding and station, We will accordingly make mention of a few
traditions, that these may impart constancy to the wavering soul, and
tranquillity to the troubled mind. Thereby, will the testimony of God unto
the people, both high and low, be complete and perfect.

Among them is the tradition, "And when the Standard of Truth is made
manifest, the people of both the East and the West curse it." The wine of
renunciation must needs be quaffed, the lofty heights of detachment must
needs be attained, and the meditation referred to in the words "One hour's
reflection is preferable to seventy years of pious worship" must needs be
observed, so that the secret of the wretched behaviour of the people might
be discovered, those people who, despite the love and yearning for truth
which they profess, curse the followers of Truth when once He hath been
made manifest. To this truth the above-mentioned tradition beareth
witness. It is evident that the reason for such behaviour is none other
than the annulment of those rules, customs, habits, and ceremonials to
which they have been subjected. Otherwise, were the Beauty of the Merciful
to comply with those same rules and customs, which are current amongst the
people, and were He to sanction their observances, such conflict and
mischief would in no wise be made manifest in the world. This exalted
tradition is attested and substantiated by these words which He hath
revealed: "The day when the Summoner shall summon to a stern
business."(180)

The divine call of the celestial Herald from beyond the Veil of Glory,
summoning mankind to renounce utterly all the things to which they cleave,
is repugnant to their desire; and this is the cause of the bitter trials
and violent commotions which have occurred. Consider