ns and Assyrians. Through Christ the
oneness of the world of humanity received its expression and proved to be
the cause of spiritual illumination for mankind. The breaths of the Holy
Spirit became effective in the hearts of people.

Now we have, likewise, come from the Orient, announcing the appearance of
Baha'u'llah, Who shone from the horizon of the East. We have observed His
life and beheld His deeds. We have been witnesses of His ordeals and
sufferings, observers of His imprisonment and exile. We are fully
acquainted with the persecutions heaped upon His blessed Personality.
Therefore, we who are His disciples have been scattered throughout the
world in order that His teachings may be widespread and be heard by every
ear. Thus may the people receive the glad tidings of the dawn of His great
dispensation, become aware of the divine evidences manifest in Him, be
informed of the wonderful episodes of His marvelous life, the greatness of
His power in withstanding the kings of the Orient, the might of His spirit
in upholding under all circumstances the standard of the oneness of the
world of mankind. Perchance you have heard or read of Him. I will give you
a brief epitome of His life in order that you may be informed of the
history of His great movement and know His teachings.

Baha'u'llah was a Persian personage descended from prominent lineage.
During His early years a Youth Whose name was 'Ali-Muhammad appeared in
Persia. He was entitled the Bab, which means door or gate. The bearer of
this title was a great Soul from Whom spiritual signs and evidences became
manifest. He withstood the tests of time and lived contrary to the custom
and usages of Persia. He revealed a new system of faith opposed to the
beliefs in His country and promulgated certain principles contrary to the
thoughts of the people. For this, that remarkable Personality was
imprisoned by the Persian government. Eventually, by order of the
government He was martyred. The account of this martyrdom, briefly stated,
is as follows: He was suspended in a square as a target and shot to death.
This revered Personage foreshadowed the advent of another Soul of Whom He
said, "When He cometh He shall reveal greater things unto you."

Thus, after the martyrdom of the Bab, Baha'u'llah appeared. The government
arose against Him. The priesthood in Persia opposed Him, subjecting Him to
severe persecution. His possessions were confiscated, His relatives and
friends wer