Another point is also important. The Bāb expressed a wish that his widow should not marry again. Ṣubḥ-i-Ezel, however, who was not, even in theory, a monogamist, lost no time in taking the lady for a wife. He cannot have been the Bāb's successor. LETTER OF ONE EXPECTING MARTYRDOM [Footnote: The letter is addressed to a brother.] 'He is the Compassionate [_superscription_]. O thou who art my Ḳibla! My condition, thanks to God, has no fault, and "to every difficulty succeedeth ease." You have written that this matter has no end. What matter, then, has any end? We, at least, have no discontent in this matter; nay, rather we are unable sufficiently to express our thanks for this favour. The end of this matter is to be slain in the way of God, and O! what happiness is this! The will of God will come to pass with regard to His servants, neither can human plans avert the Divine decree. What God wishes comes to pass, and there is no power and no strength, but in God. O thou who art my Ḳibla! the end of the world is death: "every soul tastes of death." If the appointed fate which God (mighty and glorious is He) hath decreed overtake me, then God is the guardian of my family, and thou art mine executor: behave in such wise as is pleasing to God, and pardon whatever has proceeded from me which may seem lacking in courtesy, or contrary to the respect due from juniors: and seek pardon for me from all those of my household, and commit me to God. God is my portion, and how good is He as a guardian!' THE BAHAI VIEW OF RELIGION The practical purpose of the Revelation of Baha-'ullah is thus described on authority: To unite all the races of the world in perfect harmony, which can only be done, in my opinion, on a religious basis. Warfare must be abolished, and international difficulties be settled by a Council of Arbitration. This may require further consideration. It is commanded that every one should practise some trade, art, or profession. Work done in a faithful spirit of service is accepted as an act of worship. Mendicity is strictly forbidden, but work must be provided for all. A brilliant anticipation! There is to be no priesthood apart from the laity. Early Christianity and Buddhism both ratify this. Teachers and investigators would, of course, always be wanted. The practice of Asceticism, living the hermit life or in secluded communities, is prohibited. Monogamy is enjoined. Baha-'ullah, no doubt, had two wives. This was 'for the hardness of men's hearts'; he desired the spread of monogamy. Education for all, boys and girls equally, is commanded as a religious duty--the childless should educate a child. The equality of men and women is asserted. A universal language as a means of international communication is to be formed. Abdul Baha is much in favour of _Esperanto_, the noble inventor of which sets all other inventors a worthy example of unselfishness.