hfully recorded without alteration by the instrumentality of his
private secretary, in order that it might be sent to Tihran, and that
whatever the royal edict and decree should ordain might be carried out.

The doctors, however, considering this arrangement as a weakening of the
Law, did not agree, but held a conclave and wrote, "If there be doubt in
the matter there is need of assembly and discussion, but as this person's
disagreement with the most luminous Law is clearer than the sun therefore
the best possible thing is to put in practice the sentence of the Law."

The Mu'tamid then desired to hold the assembled conference in his own
presence so that the actual truth might be disclosed and hearts be at
peace, but these learned doctors and honorable scholars, unwilling to
bring the Perspicuous Law into contempt, did not approve discussion and
controversy with a young merchant, with the exception of that most erudite
sage Aqa Muhammad-Mihdi, and that eminent Platonist Mirza Hasan of Nur. So
the conference terminated in questionings on certain points relating to
the science of fundamental dogma, and the elucidation and analysis of the
doctrines of Mulla Sadra. So, as no conclusion was arrived at by the
governor from this conference, the severe sentence and harsh decision of
the learned doctors was not carried out; but, anxious to abate the great
anxiety quickly and prevent a public tumult effectually, he gave currency
to a report that a decree had been issued ordering the Bab to be sent to
Tihran in order that some decisive settlement might be arrived at, or that
some courageous divine might be able to confute [Him].

He accordingly sent Him forth from Isfahan with a company of his own
mounted bodyguard; but when they reached Mur_ch_ih-_Kh_ar he gave secret
orders for His return to Isfahan, where he afforded Him a refuge and
asylum in his own roofed private quarters; and not a soul save the
confidential and trusty dependents of the Mu'tamid knew aught of the Bab.

A period of four months passed in this fashion, and the Mu'tamid passed
away to the mercy of God. Gurgin _Kh_an, the Mu'tamid's nephew, was aware
of the Bab's being in the private apartments, and represented the matter
to the Prime Minister. Haji Mirza Aqasi, that celebrated minister, issued
a decisive command and gave instructions that they should send the Bab
secretly in disguise under the escort of Nusayri horsemen to the capital.

When He reached Kinar-G