ter
events, made representation before the presence of His Majesty the King
saying, "What has hitherto been reported, related, asserted, and alleged
concerning this sect in the Royal Presence was either an exaggeration, or
else [the speakers] fabricated statements with a view to [their own]
individual designs and the attainment of personal advantages. If so be
that His Majesty the King will investigate matters in his own noble
person, it is believed that it will become clear before his presence that
this sect have no worldly object nor any concern with political matters.
The fulcrum of their motion and rest and the pivot of their cast and
conduct is restricted to spiritual things and confined to matters of
conscience; it has nothing to do with the affairs of government nor any
concern with the powers of the throne; its principles are the withdrawal
of veils, the verification of signs, the education of souls, the
reformation of characters, the purification of hearts, and illumination
with the gleams of enlightenment. That which befits the kingly dignity and
beseems the world-ordering diadem is this, that all subjects of every
class and creed should be the objects of bounty, and [should abide] in the
utmost tranquility and prosperity under the wide shadow of the King's
justice. For the divine shadow is the refuge of all the dwellers upon
earth and the asylum of all mankind; it is not limited to one party. In
particular, the true nature and real doctrine of this sect have [now]
become evident and well known: all their writings and tracts have
repeatedly and frequently fallen into [our] hands, and are to be found
preserved in the possession of the government. If they be perused, the
actual truth and inward verity will become clear and apparent. These pages
are entirely taken up with prohibitions of sedition, [recommendations of]
upright conduct amongst mankind, obedience, submission, loyalty,
conformity, and acquisition of laudable qualities, and encouragements to
become endowed with praiseworthy accomplishments and characteristics. They
have absolutely no reference to political questions, nor do they treat of
that which could cause disturbance or sedition. Under these circumstances
a just government can [find] no excuse, and possesses no pretext [for
further persecuting this sect] except [a claim to the right of]
interference in thought and conscience, which are the private possessions
of the heart and soul. And, as regards