e intend
one and seventy meanings; each one of these meanings we can explain."

These things We mention only that the people may not be dismayed because
of certain traditions and utterances, which have not yet been literally
fulfilled, that they may rather attribute their perplexity to their own
lack of understanding, and not to the non-fulfilment of the promises in
the traditions, inasmuch as the meaning intended by the Imams of the Faith
is not known by this people, as evidenced by the traditions themselves.
The people, therefore, must not allow such utterances to deprive them of
the divine bounties, but should rather seek enlightenment from them who
are the recognized Expounders thereof, so that the hidden mysteries may be
unravelled, and be made manifest unto them.

We perceive none, however, amongst the people of the earth who, sincerely
yearning for the Truth, seeketh the guidance of the divine Manifestations
concerning the abstruse matters of his Faith. All are dwellers in the land
of oblivion, and all are followers of the people of wickedness and
rebellion. God will verily do unto them that which they themselves are
doing, and will forget them even as they have ignored His Presence in His
day. Such is His decree unto those that have denied Him, and such will it
be unto them that have rejected His signs.

We conclude Our argument with His words--exalted is He--"And whoso shall
withdraw from the remembrance of the Merciful, We will chain a Satan unto
him, and he shall be his fast companion."(184) "And whoso turneth away
from My remembrance, truly his shall be a life of misery."(185)

Thus hath it been revealed aforetime, were ye to comprehend.

Revealed by the "Ba'" and the "Ha."(186)

Peace be upon him that inclineth his ear unto the melody of the Mystic
Bird calling from the Sadratu'l-Muntaha!

Glorified be our Lord, the Most High!

END

FOOTNOTES

1 Qur'an 36:30.

2 Qur'an 40:5.

3 Qur'an 11:38.

4 Qur'an 71:26.

5 Qur'an 29:2.

6 Qur'an 35:39.

7 Qur'an 11:61, 62.

8 Abraham.

9 Qur'an 40:28.

10 Qur'an 11:21.

11 Qur'an 2:87.

12 Qur'an 3:70.

13 Qur'an 3:71.

14 Qur'an 3:99.

15 Qur'an 3:7.

16 Qur'an 76:9.

17 Qur'an 5:117.

18 Qur'an 14:24.

19 The Greek word used (Thlipsis) has two meanings: pressure and
oppression.

20 Matthew 24:29-31.

21 The passage is quoted by Baha'u