As to the question: “Whither shall we turn in our prayers?” There is an
appointed center toward which one must direct himself in prayer, but at
present this center is not unfolded because of wisdom. In its time this
shall be announced. At present, in those regions, you should direct
yourself, as formerly, to the East. The appointed and certain center will
be announced in its time.
You also ask: “To whom shall we turn?” Turn to the Ancient Beauty. If it
be the will of God, the blessed likeness (of the Manifestation) will be
sent in its proper time, so that, in the world of the heart, thou mayest
direct thyself to that holy likeness and thus be saved from imagination
and phantasy. However, in the Temple (Mashrak-el-Azcar) the blessed
picture must never be placed (or hung) on the wall. This you should know.
As to the subject of babes and infants and weak ones who are afflicted by
the hands of oppressors: This contains great wisdom and this subject is of
paramount importance. In brief, for those souls there is a recompense in
another world and many details are connected with this matter. For those
souls that suffering is the greatest mercy of God. Verily that mercy of
the Lord is far better and preferable to all the comfort of this world and
the growth and development of this place of mortality. If it be the will
of God, when thou shalt be present this will be explained in detail by
word of mouth.
“O thou who art firm in the Covenant!...”
O thou who art firm in the Covenant!
Your letter *** arrived at this time and was read with great care. Its
contents proved a source of gladness, for it indicated firmness.
Today firmness is of the greatest favors of the merciful Lord. How many a
soul who traveled in one pathway and after a time wanting firmness (or
constancy) went back; yea, followed the way again until he reached the
same point (as before) and arrived at the first destination. Thus did he
waste his life and endeavored to set the minds (of the people) uneasy and
doubtful. The opportunity and portion of these souls became an evident
loss.
Thank thou God that thou art firm and constant and art abiding at the
threshold of servitude. I ask God to increase daily thy faith and
certainty, trust and firmness. Give thou the glad-tidings in a manner
which shall set afire souls that are in lethargy, give life to them that
are dead and sight to the blind.
Give greeting and praise from Abdul-Baha to all the friends of God,
particularly to the maid-servant of God, the firm and steadfast Mrs.
........ . Tell her to “feel at rest; thou art ever in mind, with me and
present in the gathering. God willing, I shall ask thee to come.”
“O thou friend of old and O thou incomparable companion!...”
O thou friend of old and O thou incomparable companion!
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