at perpetrate tyranny in the
world have usurped the rights of the peoples and kindreds of the earth and
are sedulously pursuing their selfish inclinations. The tyrant(23) of the
land of Ya (Yazd), committed that which hath caused the Concourse on High
to shed tears of blood.

O thou who hast quaffed from the wine of Mine utterance and hast fixed thy
gaze upon the horizon of My Revelation! How strange that the people of
Persia, who were unrivalled in sciences and arts, should have sunk to the
lowest level of degradation among the kindreds of the earth. O people! In
this blessed, this glorious Day, deprive not yourselves of the liberal
effusions of bounty which the Lord of abounding grace hath vouchsafed unto
you. In this Day showers of wisdom and utterance are pouring down from the
clouds of divine mercy. Well is it with them who judge His Cause with
fairness, and woe betide the unjust.

Every man of insight will, in this day, readily admit that the counsels
which the Pen of this Wronged One hath revealed constitute the supreme
animating power for the advancement of the world and the exaltation of its
peoples. Arise, O people, and, by the power of God's might, resolve to
gain the victory over your own selves, that haply the whole earth may be
freed and sanctified from its servitude to the gods of its idle
fancies--gods that have inflicted such loss upon, and are responsible for
the misery of their wretched worshippers. These idols form the obstacle
that impedeth man in his efforts to advance in the path of perfection. We
cherish the hope that the Hand of divine power may lend its assistance to
mankind and deliver it from its state of grievous abasement.

In one of the Tablets these words have been revealed: O people of God! Do
not busy yourselves in your own concerns; let your thoughts be fixed upon
that which will rehabilitate the fortunes of mankind and sanctify the
hearts and souls of men. This can best be achieved through pure and holy
deeds, through a virtuous life and a goodly behaviour. Valiant acts will
ensure the triumph of this Cause, and a saintly character will reinforce
its power. Cleave unto righteousness, O people of Baha! This, verily, is
the commandment which this Wronged One hath given unto you, and the first
choice of His unrestrained Will for every one of you.

O friends! It behoveth you to refresh and revive your souls through the
gracious favours which in this Divine, this soul-stirring Springtime