and the understanding of men. These things are capable of
changing the whole atmosphere of the earth and their contamination would
prove lethal. Great God! We have observed an amazing thing. Lightning or a
force similar to it is controlled by an operator and moveth at his
command. Immeasurably exalted is the Lord of Power Who hath laid bare that
which He purposed through the potency of His weighty and invincible
command.

O people of Baha! Each one of the ordinances We have revealed is a mighty
stronghold for the preservation of the world of being. Verily, this
Wronged One desireth naught but your security and elevation.

We exhort the men of the House of Justice and command them to ensure the
protection and safeguarding of men, women and children. It is incumbent
upon them to have the utmost regard for the interests of the people at all
times and under all conditions. Blessed is the ruler who succoureth the
captive, and the rich one who careth for the poor, and the just one who
secureth from the wrong doer the rights of the downtrodden, and happy the
trustee who observeth that which the Ordainer, the Ancient of Days hath
prescribed unto him.

O Haydar-'Ali! Upon thee be My glory and My praise. My counsels and
admonitions have compassed the world. Yet, instead of imparting joy and
gladness they have caused grief, because some of those who claim to love
Me have waxed haughty and have inflicted upon Me such tribulations as
neither the followers of former religions nor the divines of Persia did
ever inflict.

We have said: 'My imprisonment doeth Me no harm, nor do the things that
have befallen Me at the hands of My enemies. That which harmeth Me is the
conduct of my loved ones who, though they bear My name, yet commit that
which maketh My heart and My pen to lament.' Such utterances as these have
again and again been revealed, yet the heedless have failed to profit
thereby, since they are captive to their own evil passions and corrupt
desires. Beseech thou the One true God that He may enable everyone to
repent and return unto Him. So long as one's nature yieldeth unto evil
passions, crime and transgression will prevail. We cherish the hope that
the hand of divine power and the outpouring of heavenly blessings may
sustain all men, may attire them with the vesture of forgiveness and
bounty and guard them against that which would harm His Cause among His
servants. He is, in truth, the Potent, the All-Powerful, and He is t