# Notes Taken in 1904: vol. 1

*Exported from [Holy-Writings.com](https://www.holy-writings.com/) on 2026-06-19 — 1 clipping.*

---

> Source: Bahá'í Library Online (bahai-library.com), curated by Jonah Winters. Used by permission of the curator. Original citation: Ethel J. Rosenberg, Notes Taken in 1904: vol. 1, bahai-library.com.
> ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
> 
> Notes Taken in 1904:
> 
> vol. 1
> 
> Ethel J. Rosenberg
> 
> 1904
> 
> GM1/53/1
> 
> Notes taken in 1904, by E. J. Rosenberg, Vol. 1
> 
> Index
> 
> Abdu'l-Baha:
> 
> Trials of 5-6, 22
> 
> ACTION:
> 
> 2 Kinds of
> 
> ANALOGIES FROM Abdu'l-Baha:
> 
> Unimportance of outward appearance 3
> Progress towards God through different means 10-11
> Detachment from the World 13
> The world as a Garden 14
> The heart of man as earth 16
> Accepting the manifestations as the All-Knowing 17
> Unity of believers 18
> Ordained fated 20-21
> Tests and trials 22
> 
> ATTACHMENT:
> 
> to the world 13
> 
> BELIEVERS:
> 
> Rate of progress of 11
> should not ask for what is good for them 27
> progress depends on love for each other 6, 8
> have to have absolute faith in Baha'u'llah 17-19
> Love between the believers in Iran 6, 8
> Must establish the Divine Foundation 33
> Should pray for the dead 22
> Have power of intercession 23
> 
> BIRTH:
> 
> Second 25
> 
> BOUNTY:
> 
> of God 23-4
> 
> CALAMITIES:
> 
> Two kinds of 30
> 
> CHRIST:
> 
> references to 5, 15, 36
> as the bread from heaven 28
> had power of intercession 22-23
> story of the dead dog 7
> 
> COMMUNISM: 9
> 
> CONDITION FOR ENTRY INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD: 12
> 
> DEATH: 28
> 
> DESTINY: 20-21
> 
> DETACHMENT: 2, 13
> 
> EVIL: 15-16
> 
> EXISTENCE:
> 
> Three kinds of: 28-29
> Essence of 25
> 
> FATE:
> 
> Two kinds of 20-21
> 
> FREE WILL: 21
> 
> GOD:
> 
> Perfection of the actions of 25
> Will free pure souls from immoral surroundings 30
> Hosts of 5
> Mercy of 23-4, 30
> Love of 7, 9, 34
> 
> HIDDEN WORDS:
> 
> Explanation of 24-27
> 
> IMPERFECTIONS:
> 
> Should not look at 2-3
> 
> INTERCESSION:
> 
> Teaching of this religion only 22-23
> 
> JEWS:
> 
> And Baha'is 34-5
> And Christians 34-5
> Sufferings of: 30
> 
> KING OF MARTYRS:
> 
> LANGUAGE OF THE HEART AND SOUL:
> 
> LOVE:
> 
> References to: 6-7, 8
> Sign of 6
> In the mineral kingdom 6
> Cause of 6
> 
> MAN:
> 
> Reality of 16
> Each possesses a different type of soul 24
> Incapable of understanding the actions of the Manifestations 15
> 
> MANIFESTATIONS: 6, 8
> 
> As Divine Gardeners 14, 16
> Have different human individual souls 24
> Station of 24
> Teachings given according to the capacity of man 19
> Always aware of Station 29
> 
> MATERIAL:
> 
> Outward expression of the spiritual world 10
> Changes in 12
> Possessions 2
> Union 5, 9
> Presence 26
> 
> MERCY:
> 
> of God 23-4, 30
> 
> MOSES: 2
> 
> NASIR-I-DIN SHAH: 6
> 
> PERFECTION:
> 
> Seeing in others 6-7
> 
> POPE: 6
> 
> PRISON OF SELF:
> 
> PRISONERS: Treatment of 32
> 
> PROGRESS:
> 
> In the next world 23
> Of the soul of an unbeliever in the next world 22-23
> Through the intellect 11
> 
> PUNISHMENT: Of offenders 31
> 
> PRAISING OTHERS: 4
> 
> PRAYER:
> 
> Why say aloud 18
> Why say in groups 18
> For intercession 22
> 
> RELIGION:
> 
> Essence of 35-36
> Laws of 36
> Foundation of 6
> 
> SEEKERS AFTER TRUTH: 10
> 
> SIN: 29
> 
> SOIL OF THE HEART: 10, 16-17
> 
> SUFFERING: of two kinds 30
> 
> SPIRITUAL:
> 
> Perception 2
> Presence 26
> Unity 5, 9
> 
> TESTS: 22, 30-31
> 
> TREE OF ANYSSA: 26
> 
> TRIALS OF THE HOLY FAMILY EN ROUTE TO BAGHDAD: 21
> 
> UNITY: Of two kinds 9
> 
> VENGEANCE: 31-2
> 
> WEALTH: 9-10
> 
> "WE CREATED YE IN OUR OWN IMAGE": Explanation of 25
> 
> WORLD: state of 32-3
> 
> Page No. Subject
> 
> 37 The Kingdom of God
> 39 Instability of the Elements
> 39 The Day of Noah
> 41 Divisions of Spirit
> 43 Arabic Hidden Words
> 45 Stations of Love
> 48 Arabic Hidden Words Old edit.
> 49 Possibility of Communicating with the Dead
> 50 Spiritual Sight
> 51 Parable of sower
> 52 True Belief
> 54 Helping the poor
> 55 Existence and its kinds
> 56 Stars
> 56 Conditions of searching after the Truth
> 57 Station of Christ
> 58 Station of Christ (Word of God)
> 59 The Word of God
> 60 Man Like the Word
> 61 Inward and the Outward Duty
> 61 Meetings
> 61 Essence of Divinity
> 63 Spiritual Healing
> 64 Detachment
> 64 Baha'i Virtues
> 64 Immortality
> 65 Grace of God
> 66 Living the Life
> 67 Good Deeds
> 69 Tablet of Baha'u'llah to the Jews
> 70 Return of Christ
> 71 glad Tidings of the Lord
> 71 Spiritual Love
> 71 Return of Christ
> 73 Difference of Sexes
> 74 The Dead
> 74 Tablet of Baha'u'llah to the Jews
> 76 Teaching
> 76 Power of the Faith
> 77 What is the Baha'i Faith
> 77 Tablet to Chicago
> 78 Existence
> 78 Tablet of Visitation
> 
> Miss Rosenburg
> 74 Sinclair Rd.,
> Kensington, London.
> 
> Notes taken in 1904 by E. J. Rosenburg, Vol. 1
> 
> May 23rd Afternoon Talk
> 
> The Master said we should speak in the language of heaven -- in the
> language of the spirit -- for there is a language of the spirit and heart. It
> is as different from our language, as ours is different from that of animals,
> for they express themselves only by cries and sounds.
> 
> When we pray to God, a feeling fills our heart; this feeling is the
> language of the spirit which speaks to God. When in prayer we are detached
> from all outward things save God, then it is as if in our hearts we heard the
> voice of God. Without words, we speak, we communicate, we talk with God, and
> hear the answer. It is said that Moses in the wilderness heard the voice of
> God -- but that wilderness, that Holy land, was the land of his own heart; and
> all of us when we attain to that condition can hear the voice of God speaking
> to us in that wilderness.
> 
> We must strive to attain to that condition by being separated from all the
> things and people of the world, and seeing God only. It will take some effort
> and trouble on our part to attain to this condition; we must work for it,
> strive for it.
> 
> We can attain to it by thinking and caring less for material things and
> more for the spiritual. The further we go from the one, the nearer we are to
> the other.
> 
> Our spiritual perception our inward sight must be opened, so that we can
> see the signs and traces of God's Spirit in everything. Everything can speak
> to us of God -- everything can reflect to us the light of the Spirit.
> 
> When we look at people, we must look at them for the spirit that is in
> them; we must see them in their relation to God -- they are His creatures and
> belong to Him. We must not look at or see the faults or imperfections of
> people.
> 
> If we look at the body of a man, we may only see that the head is too big,
> or the hands too long -- we may find it full of imperfections -- but we must
> look at the spirit within him, causing him to live. We must look at him as
> belonging to God, and love him for that. The body is vivified and living
> through the spirit; it is that which we must see.
> 
> We may see a man that has but one eye -- or but three fingers -- or is
> lame -- or paralyzed; but we can see beyond these defects that he is living
> through the Spirit of God, and we can praise him and say that he is full of
> perfection, on account of that.
> 
> Look at this stone in my ring; it is an ordinary stone like other stones
> of no particular value, and is worth perhaps a Franc. Yet I love and kiss and
> respect this stone, and value it most highly. Why? Not for itself but because
> it has a sign of the name of God upon it. If a man asked me to exchange it for
> a diamond worth thousands of francs I would not do it -- why? Because of this
> sign of God upon it. If a man asked me to let him take it to smash and break
> it in pieces, and said that if I refused he would knock me down and pound me,
> I would rather that he treated me so, because it has this Name, this sign of
> God upon it.
> 
> One of Napoleon's officers when he once visited this place made a very
> rich feast and invited many of the Turkish officers. After entertaining them
> in the most splendid manner, he sent for a beautiful casket and said he would
> show them his greatest treasure; inside this casket was a silver box and inside
> that a silken case. Within this case was a package wrapped in a large piece of
> silk, which he unwound most carefully. At last he produced from these
> wrappings an ordinary common piece of wood, which he kissed and handled with
> the greatest respect. They thought him crazy, until he gave the explanation
> that in one of the battles during the war against Austria, Napoleon had used
> this piece of wood to direct the battle and give his orders. Afterwards he had
> thrown it aside and this officer had picked it up and preserved it most
> carefully as a memento of Napoleon. If men so revere and value objects which
> are associated with the name of a great man, how much more should we value
> anything which causes us to remember God, or which has on it some trace or sign
> of Him.
> 
> Therefore when we look at a man and love and praise him, the praise is for
> the signs of God upon him, and not for himself at all. This praise really
> returns to God.
> 
> So with a little child, if he repeats his A.B.C. this is but a simple
> thing to do; yet we praise him very much, and say that he has done it very
> nicely; this is to encourage him to try to study and learn more, in order to
> plant in him the desire and wish to learn more and do still better. This is
> why we praise a person.
> 
> We may look at a mirror and praise it, and say how wonderfully bright it
> is, and what a beautiful light is in it, but the mirror of itself is dark. It
> is only bright because it reflects the light; if it is dusty or not clear, it
> will not reflect much light.
> 
> The light of God is also reflected from a stone, and from the whole face
> of nature.
> 
> So with a man, if we praise him it is for the light of God which is
> reflected from him. We must always strive to have a heart clear and pure, so
> that the light may be reflected from it in fullness.
> 
> May 24th Afternoon
> 
> Our Lord said, "Look at me; be towards all the people of the world as I
> am." Christ said, "I came to gather the lost sheep of the House of Israel" and
> we see that he gathered these sheep from all over the world. He did what no
> king could do. He was not a Sultan nor a prime minister, nor a president nor a
> land-owner nor a rich man. Yet none of the kings of the earth with their
> armies could have united men as He did.
> 
> You did not live in the days of Christ, but see what I am doing. I am
> uniting all the hearts from different parts of the world. There is an assembly
> that kings can gather together -- but that is the assembly of loneliness -- my
> gathering is the union of hearts.
> 
> You must endeavor and strive to be one of the soldiers of God's army.
> Whenever in the Bible the Lord of Hosts is mentioned, this does not mean the
> general of an army of conquest like Thiropatkin (?) who is the chief general of
> the Russian army. These hosts of God are the holy angels, the company of holy
> human souls, the believers -- their sword is the sword of love, their cannon is
> prayer, their powder good actions and charity; their victory is an everlasting
> victory and their war is to teach the people. See what good weapons they have!
> 
> My sword is not the sword of death, the sword that slays, but my sword is
> the sword that gives life to the people. I conquer by giving them life, not by
> destroying them. If all the hearts of the world were gathered into one heart,
> they could not bear what My heart is bearing every day -- yet all these trials
> seem as nothing to Me. My heart is always calm. All the people in the world
> are against Me, yet I see quite plainly that I shall conquer over all. I see
> it plainly... The Pope rules over 200 million people and has 6500 priests and
> clergy under him and he possesses immense wealth. But we see he cannot conquer
> even Italy. Day by day he is losing power. There was some trouble between us
> and the Shah Nasr-i-Din -- but at last he realised that though he had thought
> he could destroy the Faith, he was unable to do so, and he expressed regret for
> all he had done.
> 
> May 30th
> 
> Until the American/Western believers love each other as the Persian
> believers do, nothing will ever be right, and they will make no progress.
> 
> The foundation of the religion of God is love -- which is the life of the
> spirit.
> 
> The sign of love is concealed in everything -- if the power of attraction
> did not exist universally, nothing could be combined.
> 
> Everything is composed of separate particles, and unless the power of
> attraction or cohesion caused them to be united, no being could exist. For
> example, this fruit, this apricot could not be what it is, unless its elements
> and particles were united by this power. In the mineral kingdom love is this
> power of attraction. Consider thus how much greater should be the love in the
> human kingdom, which is so much higher and better. All the Divine
> Manifestations came for love. Everything has a cause, and the cause of love is
> the imagination of perfection. People love everything in which they imagine
> perfection. If they imagine good qualities in a person, they will love him; if
> they imagine bad qualities or imperfections n him, they will dislike him.
> 
> For example, a human soul will think about someone -- if he is trying to
> see imperfection in him, day by day his love will grow less -- but if he
> imagines him perfect day by day his love will increase. This is the foundation
> of love.
> 
> If the believers of God see perfections in each other, their love
> continues to increase.
> 
> Someone will praise a person very much, and though you may never have seen
> him, at once you begin to love him, because you think of the good qualities in
> him; but if someone begins to depreciate him to you your love will soon change
> into dislike. If you think that a man is wise, truthful, honest, at once you
> like him, but as soon as your idea of him changes, and you fancy he is not what
> you thought him, that liking begins to change into dislike; (so the foundation
> of love is the idea of perfection).
> 
> The real believers look at each other's good qualities and perfections --
> they do not look at the self of the man, but at the relation between him and
> God.
> 
> For example, if (a cucumber) a very small gift is sent to you as a present
> from a good man, you do not consider the gift, but the one who has sent it to
> you, and this (simple) gift will then be very dear to you.
> 
> So the believers of God do not look at the believers as they are, but they
> look at the love which is in their hearts towards God; and so their love
> really returns to God.
> 
> This is why the more they love each other, the more progress they make.
> This is the love between the creatures of God, but the best love is the love of
> God. He is the Sun -- these are His rays, He is the ocean -- these are as
> drops.
> 
> Once Christ and His disciples were passing a dead dog, and all the
> disciples began to speak of it. One said how ugly he is -- another how
> terribly he is decomposed -- another how badly he smells -- each pointed out
> some imperfection and bad quality in it. Then Christ looked at it, and after
> thinking for some time, He said "How white and beautiful are his teeth". He
> was not conscious of its imperfections. He began to search and look for the
> only good thing in that dog to teach them this lesson, that they were not to
> look at the imperfections in each other. If we could now make a very great
> effort to establish this love between the believers, we should see what a good
> thing it would be, and how much more they would progress. At one time the
> believers in Persia, because of the great love which they had for each other,
> had their possessions so much in common, that historians wrote of them that
> they were Communists and Socialists. They thought this because they observed
> the way in which they shared and used each others' property, entering each
> others' houses, and helping themselves to what they were in need of. Upon one
> occasion, some people came to a believer's house to collect a debt, and were
> told that he was visiting another believer; so they followed him to this house.
> As the owner of the house was away, the debtor opened his box, and took from it
> the money he needed to pay his debt. Afterwards, when that believer returned
> home and was told what had happened, he was quite delighted, and told his wife
> that he would make a feast that night, as he was so happy that his friend had
> paid his debt.
> 
> Later, the Blessed Perfection explained that it was not right for the
> believers to take even a penny of each other's money -- but that the rich must
> always help and assist the needy and poor.
> 
> Until love is present, nothing is really interesting, for love is the
> sweetest thing in the world. Had it not been for love, the Prophets would not
> have been manifested.
> 
> July 1st Brotherhood
> 
> There are two kinds of union between men -- the material and earthly
> connection, and spiritual union and brotherhood. Material connection has
> several sources. Men are united through being of one nation or through living
> under one government. Nations are also united through the interests of trade
> and commerce and also for political reasons; but this kind of union may be very
> quickly destroyed and upset. For example, at one time England and Germany were
> very closely united on questions of policy -- but in a day this connection may
> be destroyed.
> 
> But spiritual union and brotherhood is of the heart, and comes through men
> being of one Faith. This is he everlasting union -- this is the union that
> will come. Through this union the rich and poor will be considered alike --
> they will not be differently treated. This union and brotherhood will come
> through the word and love of God -- without this, it is impossible.
> 
> The union of the communists is artificial and forced; it is not voluntary
> and it cannot stand.
> 
> If all men were equally alike rich or all equally alike poor, the world
> would not go round -- everything would be at a stand-still. It is necessary
> that differences should exist, that the organisation of the world may be
> maintained. All ranks and occupations are needed; merchants, farmers,
> labourers are necessary, that the work of the world may be carried on -- but
> when the love of God fills the hearts, the rich will be bountiful, and will
> consider the interests of the poor as their own.
> 
> It is necessary that the bounty and assistance of the rich towards the
> poor should be voluntary and from the heart -- then it is good. Once in Persia
> a drought lasted for three years, causing the greatest distress and poverty.
> At that time the "King of the Martyrs" gave the whole of his money to support
> the poor believers.
> 
> If a bird sees that it is very low or upon the earth -- it will fly up, up
> into the air. But if it sees itself to be very high, it will begin to descend.
> 
> God first prepares the soil of the heart, and sows the good seed -- then
> he sends the rain and the heavenly breeze to cause the spiritual fruit to
> spring up.
> 
> **********
> 
> "The outward is the expression of the inward, the earth is the mirror of
> the Kingdom, the material world corresponds to the Spiritual world."
> Abdu'l-Baha AQ p. 319.
> 
> July 13th The Seekers
> 
> The Master said there was a book written by the Blessed Perfection on the
> search for Truth, in which He had described and enumerated the different stages
> through which the seekers pass. The first station is that of Desire or Demand
> -- the second that of Love -- the third that of Unity, and so on until the
> final station of complete realization is attained. But at the end (of the
> book) the Blessed Perfection says that there are people who pass through all
> these different stages in one moment. With one foot on the earth of they
> step with the other into the Kingdom of .
> 
> As an illustration (let us consider the various degrees of rapid material
> motion).
> 
> Running water in one hour, may perhaps traverse a distance of ten miles.
> The air travels in one hour perhaps as much as 100 miles.
> 
> Light, in a very short time travels an immense distance. All of these
> things are moving, but what an enormous difference there is between the rates
> of motion of water, air and light! I desire that your rate of motion (or
> progress) should be very rapid.
> 
> Movement cannot be swift unless it is spiritual. Material movement is
> always slow. If you wish to reach America with your body, it will require
> perhaps one month to do so. But with the eye of your mind you can reach it in
> a moment.
> 
> There were some people who as soon as they saw Jesus Christ, at once cast
> away all that they had -- they travelled the distance from earth to heaven in a
> single moment. Their movement was very rapid! Of course I am not speaking of
> material distance. What a great distance there is between ignorance and
> knowledge -- or between the period of youth and the age of manhood or maturity.
> Other persons were very slow -- they hindered and troubled Christ -- they
> lingered until after the ascension of Christ before they believed.
> 
> Those whose movement has been through the Spirit have progressed very
> rapidly. Those who travelled and progressed through wisdom and intellect have
> been very slow. Those whose movement has been from themselves did not arrive
> at all. I hope that your movement will be spiritual (from the spirit) and so
> very rapid. If it be not of lightning speed, that it will be soaring upwards.
> 
> The Conditions Necessary
> 
> Some invisible things are realised and known through outward conditions.
> Some spiritual things are realised and understood through material conditions.
> For example -- the intense heat of fever is known by the rapidity of the pulse.
> The redness of the face, or the appearance and expression of the eye, which
> are outward conditions, indicate wrath or shame or anger, which are inward
> conditions. Vicissitudes and changes in the (contingent) world are sensible
> things. Whatever changes are temporal not eternal and the results (or effects)
> produced by the changes of the things in the world show that the world is
> transient.
> 
> To realise unknown (and invisible) things by means of things which are
> known is a power appertaining to man, but not to animals. No animal can
> comprehend the roundness of the globe or the fixity of the sun, or the movement
> of the earth.
> 
> In the world of existence everything, whether material or spiritual is
> conditioned. For example, knowledge of the sciences depends upon careful study
> in the schools. Wealth and riches depend upon trade and industry. The harvest
> depends upon the cultivation of the ground. The conquest and subjugation of
> countries depends upon the showing forth of valour and courage. Unless all
> these conditions are fulfilled, the results cannot be obtained. So also the
> path of the Truth, the entrance to the Kingdom of God can be only obtained
> upon/under certain conditions. Unless these be performed, it is impossible
> for a man to enter the Kingdom -- even if he appears to have entered it, in
> reality he has not done so. Is it possible for a man to be descending but in
> truth ascending? Man is walking on a path -- a stumbling block comes in his
> way and he falls over it -- or a chasm opens and he falls into it.
> 
> When we see that in earthly roads there are so many stumbling stones and
> dangers, how many more must there be in the path of God!
> 
> If this road were easy to traverse, everybody would pass over it. If it
> were possible to soar easily, every animal would fly upwards -- but wings are
> needed for flying!
> 
> If there be in a man's heart a desire for this world as small as an atom,
> he cannot ascend to the Kingdom of God. Therefore I am telling you there must
> be no trace or sign of the conditions of this world in you -- that is, you must
> be filled with pure holiness, so that no condition of this world may produce
> any change in your mind (or feeling). You must attain to such a condition
> (station) that the Sovereignty of the world, or utter poverty and misery would
> be alike to you. That is to say, the greatest comfort and happiness, or the
> utmost misery, distress and affliction should be the same to you. The praises
> and eulogies of all the people of the whole world should be the same for you as
> the curses of all creatures. The necessities of life should be like a garment
> on your body which you can take off and throw away, until the blessings of the
> Divine Perfection may appear or be reflected from/in you.
> 
> This world is like a tree; man is like its fruit. When the fruit is
> unripe, it clings to the tree, but when it is ripe it leaves it easily.
> 
> The Garden of the World
> 
> What is the condition of the world as we see it? Is it a beautiful
> fruitful garden, in perfect order -- or is it a thicket of weeds and tangled
> growth? We see that the world is in absolute need of a gardener, and this
> Gardener has come. The necessity is to recognise that He is the true
> Gardener. One may say, why does the gardener plough up and spoil the
> beautiful green ground? The gardener may pull up and cast away certain weeds
> or fruitless trees; though apparently they are green and fresh. Why does he do
> this? The only thing necessary is to be sure that he is the true gardener. If
> we know this, then we must have perfect confidence in his wisdom.
> 
> They, but the beautiful strong trees and plants which grow up through his
> cultivation, we can see and realise through the results of his skill and labour
> that he is indeed the gardener. The birds, the nightingales in that garden,
> cannot understand or comprehend what the gardener is doing; but afterwards they
> rejoice in the beautiful trees and flowers that have grown through his care.
> Christ looked at nothing but this garden, though in His day nothing whatever
> appeared in it -- yet with His inner sight He saw the garden full of beautiful
> and lovely flowers and trees. In the time of His greatest humiliation and
> abasement to the outward eyes, He saw Himself as the most mighty King possessed
> of thew greatest power and glory.
> 
> The first and important thing is to find out if the Gardener is in truth
> the Gardener -- if He is the gardener whatever He does is right.
> 
> This is the duty of man -- but man is not capable of judging the actions
> of the Prophets -- of weighing them in the balance of his own mind. Those who
> in the days of Christ attempted to do this -- to weigh and judge His actions by
> their won standards prevented themselves from comprehending His Reality. They
> asked why did He allow the woman to pour the precious oil upon His feet -- why
> did He eat with publicans and sinners? Whatever Christ might have done or
> permitted would have been absolutely right.
> 
> (Christ crucified or not crucified is the same Christ -- remember St.
> Paul's words. Once I knew ... but now I know nothing. Samuel XI Crucified)
> 
> It is necessary for you to ascertain whether the Blessed Perfection is the
> Gardener. If He is, His actions are beyond your comprehension. Whatever He
> did is right. Whatever you read or hear in the future or whatever you find in
> His writings must be understood by you in this way. (If all the world were
> gathered together to make me take another wife I would not -- but this does not
> prevent me from understanding that the Blessed Perfection had wisdom in acting
> otherwise. If you wish to advance, if you wish to understand, it is necessary
> to fill your heart and mind with the love of the Blessed Perfection.)
> 
> **********
> 
> From whence come the bad seeds, the bad and evil desires and qualities
> that seem to have so much life and vigour and to grow so readily in the heart
> of man? Who createst them? In truth they have no creator, for evil things
> have no essential reality. However real and active and living they may appear
> to us, all evil things, all evil qualities are nothing but the absence of good
> qualities. Where the sunlight does not fall, you see a shadow of a defined
> shape -- but it has no reality. A man may have a purse full of money and be
> rich; another may have no money at all and be in utter poverty and misery. But
> the poverty is not a reality in itself it is only the absence of wealth. It is
> the same with animal qualities -- though they appear to us so real and active.
> An animal, because he has no real love, has only passion etc. etc.
> 
> The Soil of the Heart of Man
> 
> Saints and holy men have likened the reality of man to the soil. The
> earth if left to itself will bring forth many weeds and thorns and trees that
> bear wild and bitter fruits. Any day in the woods we may find wild grapes,
> but they are so sour and small that they are uneatable. Yet people talk as if
> good and delicious fruit were a natural product of nature, while our own
> experience shows the need of a gardener and cultivator.
> 
> Plants grow up and fructify, and the seeds fall into the ground. The soil
> contains many seeds and roots both good and bad. It is necessary to plough and
> harrow the soil deeply, in order to free it from noxious weeds and roots. The
> more you trouble the soil in this way, the more you free it from these weeds
> and the more room there is for the good seeds to grow, and the more the growth
> of the good and fruitful trees and plants is strengthened. Therefore it is
> very necessary for us to take great pains and trouble, to make every effort
> and exertion to free the soil of our nature 9heart) from every weed -- from
> every bad and useless quality -- and to entirely destroy and cut away the roots
> and seeds of evil characteristics.
> 
> This is the work of the Heavenly Gardener. The Gardener thinks nothing of
> His trouble -- cares not at all for His labour, if once He sees the trees begin
> to bear fruit. This is the reason that the Saints and Prophets of God have
> always endured such distresses and afflictions.
> 
> The True Gardener
> 
> As I said before, you must be sure whether the gardener is the True
> Gardener or not -- if he is a true gardener what he does is right. We may see
> him pull up a tree and cast it aside -- or cut off a branch -- or pull some of
> the fruit and throw it away -- but if we are certain he is the gardener we
> cannot question anything he may do.
> 
> If a passenger is on (travels by) a steamer, he should ascertain whether
> the captain is competent -- if he is, whatever he does must be right.
> Sometimes he may change the course of the ship, and steer it now towards the
> East -- now to the North or West etc. If the passenger has no confidence in
> the captain he will be in constant fear and doubt and will wonder whither he is
> being carried. The important thing for him to know, is to be sure that the
> captain is a true captain.
> 
> If a man is ill, he must have ;confidence in his doctor. If he be sure
> that he is a thorough, competent doctor he must do what he orders -- whether it
> be to take a bitter medicine, to endure a burning blister, to be bled or even
> to have his arm cut off. The doctor may order something contrary to the
> patient's ideas and may give him medicine that makes him worse for the time --
> but, if he wishes to be cured he must follow his instructions -- otherwise he
> will not become well.
> 
> Should the doctor prescribe a poison for the patient he must take it, if
> he is sure that he is a true doctor -- his constitution may need this
> treatment.
> 
> The disciples questioned why the Christ allowed the precious ointment to
> be poured upon His feet, saying it would be far better to sell it for a large
> price, and give the money to he Poor. They did not understand the wisdom of
> what He did. Christ said, go into thy chamber and shut the door, and pray to
> they Father which is in Heaven".
> 
> Why did He say this? It is with the tongue that man expresses his
> feelings to another man, but with the language of the heart man prays to God.
> God is not really in the heaven of the sky, seated upon a throne -- but within
> the heart of man, every present in every place -- why then should man lift up
> his eyes and call upon God -- surely this is pure superstition!
> 
> Why should he utter the words "Oh Heavenly Father" -- why should it be
> necessary for him to repeat prayers aloud and with the tongue? One reason for
> this is that if the heart alone is speaking the mind can be more easily
> disturbed -- but repeating the words so that the tongue and heart act together,
> enables the mind to become concentrated; then the whole man is surrounded by
> the spirit of prayer, and the act is more perfect. Another reason is that by
> the outward sign of entering into his room and praying the attention of others
> is attracted and they begin to ask why does he do this? and are aroused to
> enquire about the Truth.
> 
> Many may say, I can pray to God whenever I wish, when the feelings of my
> heart are drawn to God -- when I am in the wilderness -- when I am in the city
> -- wherever I may be -- why should I go where others are gathered upon a
> special day, at a certain hour, to unite my prayers with theirs -- when I may
> not be in a frame of mind for praying. To think this is useless imagination --
> for when many are gathered together their force is greater. Separate soldiers
> fighting alone and individually have not the force of a united army. If all
> the soldiers in this spiritual war gather/assemble together, then their united
> spiritual feelings help each other, and their prayers become more acceptable.
> 
> A wise school master may send his scholars out to play, or to practice
> gymnastics for an hour, so that their minds and bodies may be refreshed and
> during the hour of the lesson they may learn it better. If the teacher proves
> that his pupils are advancing, no onlooker/one has a right to object to his
> system, or to question his wisdom and say, "why does he waste the time of the
> boys?" If a wise father plays with his children, who has the right to say that
> it is not good for them? He calls them to come to him, as the hen calls to her
> chicks; he knows that they are little and must be coaxed, coaxed along, because
> they are so young and tiny. In the time of Moses, the law was given "an eye
> for an eye, or a tooth for a tooth" -- it is very hard to see the wisdom of
> this -- but the people then were in the wilderness and needed this teaching.
> 
> Different teachings are needed for different people - if you gave the same
> teachings to all some might be retarded by them instead of helped. Christ
> taught some things to His disciples, which He commanded/told them not to tell
> the Pharisees. It is not for the soldier to question the General's orders; if
> he knows him to be the real general he must carry out and obey his orders
> exactly. If the general says a certain place must be taken and held, the
> soldiers might say -- why risk so much by leaving this secure and safe position
> for a point which is the aim and target of the enemy -- but the General knows
> that this is the important point which must be held at all costs.
> 
> The true doctor, the true teacher, the real captain must be obeyed. If
> every man possessed their wisdom and understood what was best for his health,
> could teach himself, could steer the ship -- he would be needless of their
> help/of them. As he has not this wisdom, he must first ascertain their truth,
> and then follow their directions. Until he does this he cannot advance.
> 
> **********
> 
> (If every man knew what was best for his health -- if every man could
> teach himself -- if every soldier knew how to fight by himself -- if every
> passenger could sail the ship, what need would there be for the doctor, for the
> teacher or the General? As he has not this wisdom, he .)
> 
> **********
> 
> Free Will
> 
> Destiny -- fate is of two kinds: One is ordained, the other is dependant
> upon some condition. Ordained fate is that which is unchangeable, which cannot
> be changed. Fate or destiny which is not ordained is that which is dependant
> upon something else; that which might occur or not -- which it is possible to
> change. Ordained Fate is exactly like a lamp having a certain quantity of oil
> in it, which will enable it to burn for twelve hours. It is impossible for
> this fact to be changed, because when the oil is exhausted the light will not
> burn. The time for the light to cease must of necessity come; it is not
> dependent upon any contingency. This is what we call ordained fate or destiny.
> 
> So God put a power or life-force into the human being that will enable him
> to live for 100 years, or for twenty years, or for any given age. He knows how
> much oil He put into this vessel. If he put sufficient to last for 100 years,
> it is impossible that the man should live for 101 years. It is exactly like
> the oil in the lamp -- if enough is put into it to burn for twelve hours, it is
> impossible that it should remain shining for thirteen hours.
> 
> The destiny which is dependent upon something which it is possible to
> change is like a lamp in which some oil still remains, but the light has been
> blown out by the wind; this extinction depends upon the wind -- if the wind
> does not blow it will continue to shine (give light). A man does not wish to
> sleep but in this matter his will has no authority; he does not want to awake,
> but he is obliged to do so; he does not want to be poor, or taken captive, or
> exiled -- nor does he want to grow old. He does not wish to be blind; he does
> not wish to be deaf; he does not wish that his house should be destroyed or his
> sleep wrecked -- yet these things will be.
> 
> But perhaps this man wills to give alms, or to be charitable, or to help
> some people. He may like to be worldly in spirit or he may will to occupy
> himself with the love of God, or with the love of man. All these things are
> within his will; he has authority over them. He may choose to be a friend of
> all people, or to be the enemy of all; he may choose to be just or unjust. He
> has free will to do the things under his authority. The things which are not
> controlled by his will, are his fate. If a man does not like to see, he cannot
> help seeing; he may not like to hear, but he cannot help hearing. He is
> obliged to do these things -- he is under authority; the will of man does not
> interfere in these conditions.
> 
> **********
> 
> Can the eyes prevent themselves from blinding?
> 
> (The troubles and hardships endured on the journey to Baghdad were very
> great -- frostbite from excessive cold -- 1 glass of tea each week, scarcely
> enough food to sustain life, yet the Master was never so happy as at that
> time.)
> 
> (see Talk on the soil of the heart of man.)
> 
> I did not come into the world for ease and pleasure -- the day I was born,
> the day of the Declaration of the Bab was the first day of affliction and
> trouble, and with the milk of sorrow was I reared. The more I am troubled and
> without ease, the more I am able to give ease and comfort to the people. If a
> man goes into the market very early, and works very hard from morning until
> night -- when night comes he will be very happy and at ease when he sees what
> he has gained -- but if he sleeps late in hte morning and is idle most of the
> day, at night he will be very sorrowful, for he will realise that he has gained
> nothing. If a man s on a journey to a city, and sleeps all night and late into
> the morning, instead of rising very early and continuing to travel, when he
> wakes he will be very sad -- for he sees how far he has to go before he reaches
> the city. Sorrow, difficulty and hardships may last through the night, but joy
> comes in the morning.
> 
> **********
> 
> June Praying for the Dead and Their Condition in the Hereafter
> 
> The Master said that by the mercy of God, not through His justice the
> condition of those who have died in sin and unbelief can be changed. We are
> commanded to pray that their condition may be changed. As we have the power to
> pray for these souls here, so shall we have the same power in the afterlife --
> in the Kingdom. The power of this prayer of intercession is a special
> teaching of this religion. To pray for the dead was not given as a special
> religious command (of the Divine Messenger) until the day of the Blessed
> Perfection. The grace of effective intercession is one of the perfections
> belonging to perfect and advanced souls, as well as to the Manifestations of
> God. Jesus Christ had the power of interceding for the forgiveness of His
> enemies when on earth, and He certainly has this power now.
> 
> The Master never mentions the name of a dead person with saying "may God
> forgive him" or some words to this effect. Followers of the Prophets have also
> this power of praying for the forgiveness of souls, therefore we may not think
> that any soul is condemned to a stationary and perpetual condition of suffering
> or loss, arising from the absolute ignorance of God. The power of effective
> intercession for them always exists.
> 
> **********
> 
> All the people in the other world, are they not creatures of God?
> Therefore they can progress in the other world. As they can receive light by
> supplicating here, there they can also receive light by supplicating. The rich
> in the other world can help the poor -- as the rich can help the poor ;here.
> In every world they are the creatures of God they are always dependent not
> independent -- and can never cease to be so. While they are needful of God the
> more they will supplicate -- (and the richer they become). What is their
> merchandise -- their wealth? In the other world what is help and assistance?
> It is intercession -- first undeveloped souls must gain progress through the
> supplications of the spiritual rich -- and afterwards they can progress through
> their own supplications.
> 
> **********
> 
> The Bounty and Mercy of God
> 
> If the creatures of God could realize the greatness of His Bounty and
> Mercy, they would fly upwards with joy. We see that the material bounties of
> God are apparently endless -- then how much more endless must be His spiritual
> bounties. If His earthly gifts are such, what may be His spiritual gifts? If
> His earthly signs are such, what must be His spiritual signs? If He is so
> merciful and bountiful to the people who know Him not, who are ignorant and
> heedless of Him -- what will he be to those who are supplicators and turning to
> Him -- to those who know Him?
> 
> If to those who are really trying to destroy His foundation, He is so
> merciful and bountiful, what will He be to those who are trying to build upon
> His foundation? If to those who are called He is so bountiful and merciful,
> what will He be to those who are "chosen"? He is creating such beautiful
> scenery, such lovely views for those whose inner sight and perception is blind,
> then think what views, what scenery He will create for those whose inner sight
> is opened? If He is giving such gifts and bounties to those who are dead --
> what will He give to those who are alive? To the babies -- to those children
> who don't do anything but play -- how much He gives! How much more merciful
> and bountiful He must be to those who reach maturity and work.
> 
> **********
> 
> All men have human individual souls, which differ from each other. All
> are not the same, Just so is it with the Prophets; their human individual
> souls differ -- some have more power than others. Christ was in the station of
> the Son of God. The other Prophets were in the station of Prophethood. The
> Blessed Perfection was in the station of the Father; but the Father is in the
> Son.
> 
> **********
> 
> Explanation of Arabic Hidden Words
> 
> By the Hands of Power I made and by the fingers of strength I created thee
> and put in thee the essence of my light.... My action is perfect...etc.
> 
> This refers to the second birth, which is spoken of in the Gospel. It is
> the eternal life. "With spiritual power I have given you spiritual birth and
> everlasting life. You were non-existing, and I gave you existence. You were
> dark, and are now light -- you were ignorant, and are now bright and
> enlightened. You were the essence of dust, and are now divine. "I created
> thee with the fingers of strength". If all the world desired to change your
> condition -- to bring you out of darkness into light -- they could not do it.
> "I put in thee the essence of light -- My light, which is the essence of all
> existence." Is it not said in the Bible "We will create man in Our image."
> What does this image mean? It does not mean a physical image but the Divine
> and God-like attributes. We will create (a) man who will show forth all the
> attributes of God, just like a mirror which is before the sun and which
> reflects sparks of the sun. The sun which is reflected in the mirror is the
> whole image of the sun. This is the essence of existence. Just as n the
> mirror you see the essence of the sun which is reflected in it. By the power
> of that Essence you will be entirely freed from all things except God. "My
> action is perfect" because the Creator is perfect, His action must also be
> perfect.
> 
> (These explanations of the Hidden Words given to E. R. in answer to her
> questions.)
> 
> ***********
> 
> Explanation of Persian Hidden Words
> 
> Have ye forgotten that clear bright morn when ye were all in My Presence
> in that blessed plain under the shade of the Tree of life, planted in the
> Greatest Paradise, when I spoke unto ye these blessed words, the hearing of
> which bewildered/amazed ye all? These are those words: "O friends, choose not
> your pleasure instead of Mine; never wish what I have not ordained for you and
> approach me not with dead minds stained with desire and hope. If ye purify
> your hearts, ye will recall the state of the plain of that court and then My
> explanations will be known to ye all.
> 
> *************
> 
> There are two kinds of presence; one is spiritual presence, the other
> material presence.
> 
> Material presence depends upon time -- it needs time and place; but
> spiritual presence is sanctified from place and time. The discourses and
> commands that Christ gave in His days were not only given for those alive then;
> nay rather, they were for all Christians -- for those who came afterwards as
> well as for those who lived in that time. Those who lived after the Day of
> Christ in the material world, though they were not present with Him in the
> body, spiritually they were present; for spiritual presence is sanctified from
> place and time.
> 
> Morning is the precursor/forerunner, the beginning of the journey or (?)
> of the sun. In the days of Christ His precursor was John the Baptist -- he was
> the morning, the dawn which was the precursor of the rays of the sun of Christ.
> In the time of the Blessed Perfection His precursor was the Bab. The tree of
> Anyssa is the tree of Life -- that is the Blessed Tree ... the Holy Being of
> the Blessed Perfection. He spoke these words to the Babis, the followers of
> the Bab. He says to them -- "do you forget the Bab? Spiritually you were
> gathered under that Tree -- under the shadow of the Tree of Mercy. I spoke
> those words to you through the tongue of the Bab -- you heard those words and
> became confounded. Those words were these -- "Oh friend choose not your
> pleasure instead of mine -- i.e. leave your own will and follow mine -- do not
> have any desire of your own. "Never wish that which I have not ordained for
> ye" -- do not seek an end or purpose (of your own) and what I do not wish for
> you, do not wish for your self. (That is, for example as if) He said -- I do
> not desire ignorance for you. Therefore do not desire it. I do not desire for
> you (riches) or human desires and passions, therefore do not wish for those. I
> do not wish for you that you should attach your hearts to this world -- do not
> wish for that. "Approach me not with dead minds stained with desire and hope"
> that is "do not come to me in this condition". If we go to Him with the heart
> full of hopes and desires of this world, it is useless -- we shall not succeed.
> For them the heart/soil would resemble a mirror which is covered with dust so
> that you cannot see anything in it. If you put it before the sun there would
> be no reflection in it. If you make the mirror of your heart clean, so that it
> may become very clear and polished, then you will remember and bring to your
> mind the state of the plain of that court. When the mirror of your heart is
> clean you will remember these things. The plain of that court ... means
> wideness of the field of thought. The vastness of that field is very great.
> 
> ************
> 
> Aug. 5 1904 The Prison
> 
> When one is released from the prison of self -- that is indeed a release,
> a freedom. It is very easy to be released from this material outer prison --
> but hard and difficult to be released from that prison. From this prison you
> may be released by only one word from the Sultan -- to be released from that
> prison is very difficult -- even by all the words which have been pronounced by
> the Prophets of God. From this prison you may be released by making a hole in
> the wall -- from that prison it is very hard to find a way of escape.
> Sometimes you become so weak that you are unable to do anything by which to
> break a way out. This prison weakens the body -- but that prison causes the
> death of the spirit. (The above spoken by Abdu'l-Baha when during the
> prison term He drove out with the Governor of Akka at his earnest entreaty.)
> 
> ****************
> 
> The Bread of Life
> 
> Bread is the sustenance, the cause of the life of all human beings. For
> this reason Christ said I am the Bread from heaven -- I am the heavenly life:
> everyone who shares this bread, who partakes of this bread will have
> everlasting life. For reality, Christ in spirit is always alive. He is not
> every away separated from us. The life of His disciples who shared that
> heavenly bread -- is also everlasting life. Those believers who are true
> believers have no fear of death, because they do not see any death for
> themselves -- they are alive with Everlasting Life. Look at a drop of water --
> a little air, a little wind can blow upon it, and it ;will be dry. A little
> pond, through the sun and air will soon be dried up -- the sea, how vast it is
> -- this will never dry. The light of the lamp can be quenched, but the star
> can never be extinguished.
> 
> ************
> 
> Existence is divided into three sorts. The first, that which was -- is
> and shall be. The second was not -- but is and shall be. The third is -- but
> at first was not and after shall not be. That which was and is and shall be is
> God. That which was not, and is and shall be, is man. That which is, but was
> not and shall not be, is the animal. I hope we shall be like those who really
> will be. One being is like a serpent, which is under the dust, and one being
> is like a nightingale. One being is like charcoal -- and another is like the
> diamond which is the glory of crowns. One being is like a wolf -- and one
> being is like a lamb.
> 
> ************
> 
> The way through this world is like the way through a heap of sand -- the
> next day you see the wind has taken it all away and nothing is left.
> 
> ***************
> 
> Prophets and men have a physical reality -- as this is composed from the
> elements, so it is decomposed. Both have a human reality which has a beginning
> in this life, but has no end. The Prophet has a Holy Reality which makes Him
> as a Sun -- whereas all other men are like moons. Have ;you not read "The Word
> was with God" (and the Word was God). The Manifestation is always conscious of
> His Station -- but at a certain moment He proclaims the Word to others.
> 
> ***********
> 
> A man is the same man whether asleep or awake -- but at a certain moment
> he awakes and arises.
> 
> *******************
> 
> August 8 The Mercy of God
> 
> (Sin = Suffering)
> 
> The (knowledge of) sin exists through (the knowledge of) that which is
> contrary to it. Everything is known and realized by its opposite. If there
> were no injustice, justice would not be known. If there were no bitterness,
> sweetness would be unknown. If there were no imperfection, perfection would be
> unknown... If there were no faith, infidelity would be unknown. If there were
> no hatred, love would be unknown. If there were no falsehood, truth would be
> unknown. There are two kinds of actions: 1. those which are compelled, 2.
> those which are voluntary. The actions which are compelled are pardonable, for
> voluntary actions we are responsible. For example -- a soldier who is twenty
> five, who has always been in the army, does he not know it is wrong to kill?
> Sometimes a Man who is not a tyrant would be so, if an opportunity offered for
> showing what is in his real nature -- what is nature to him.
> 
> If a person who is a pure soul and has no bad instincts, is really forced
> into immoral surroundings, and is oppressed and compelled to suffer by the
> immorality and wickedness of others -- God will open a way for her through
> which she may be released, and He will save her from that place.
> 
> ************
> 
> There are two kinds of sufferings or calamities -- 1. those which are the
> punishments of God (that come from His righteous anger) and are the natural
> rewards of the actions of a person -- the reward of his bad feeling towards
> others. Of this kind is the suffering that came upon the Jews -- their
> dispersion and miseries which were the consequence of their behavior towards
> Christ. Of this kind was the suffering undergone by Pharaoh.
> 
> 2. The other kind of suffering is for the purpose of making a human being
> conscious of his faults. Sometimes also suffering is a test, like the
> sufferings which fell upon Christ and His disciples. This suffering is the
> Mercy of God. For the true believers suffering is mercy -- why? Because, as
> the gold which is tested through fire will shine more and more until it becomes
> pure, so the sincerity of the believers who go through the fire of tests will
> be more and more manifest and through this testing they will make progress.
> But for the gold which is not pure -- i.e. for the man who is impure this
> testing is real suffering. This suffering will show that he is not pure, and
> will degrade him. that is why those who are really sincere, if they have
> suffering will thank God for it.
> 
> *************************
> 
> August 9th Prisoners and Punishment
> 
> According to Divine and natural law, no one has a right to take vengeance.
> The Law is for the protection of people; man has no right to take vengeance,
> but has only the right of defending himself. To take vengeance is as evil an
> action as the wrong which has been done. The only difference between them is
> that one bad action has been done first, and the other afterwards. If a man
> were to wound a person and someone tried to wound the offender in a like
> manner, this would be repeating the same evil again.
> 
> Transgressors cannot be left alone. If murderers were not punished, every
> day murders would take place. If thieves were not punished, every day thefts
> would be committed. Therefore a murderer is imprisoned (or punished) not for
> revenge, but in order to give an example and warning to other people. So also
> a thief is imprisoned that others may be warned. This is called
> punishment/retribution, not vengeance. Consequently no man has the right to
> take vengeance; neither has the law this right, it is only for protection and
> defence. We have no right to torture prisoners. The prison must be a place of
> education and warning, and only used as an example for other people. The
> prisoner should have everything necessary for his comfort and ease and should
> only be deprived of his freedom. His freedom is stopped that he may no longer
> commit evil actions, and that by this means he may be educated. Man must
> forgive. All the laws and regulations of the world are to preserve and protect
> the rights of mankind. Personally one must always forgive injuries, the
> government and laws and society must prevent crime.
> 
> There is a great difference between vengeance and punishment. Vengeance
> causes the heart to dilate and expand through giving back evil for evil. A boy
> commits a fault; a wise teacher will punish him for his fault. This is because
> of the love and affection he has for the boy -- this is education, not
> vengeance. But now people are taking vengeance upon transgressors. Can they
> not understand what a pleasure it is for man to do good to one who has harmed
> him. His pleasure is not in striking back at one who has struck him, for by
> doing so he will have a double suffering -- a pain in his hand from giving a
> blow, as well as the pain caused by receiving a blow But man's heart is filled
> with joy when he returns good for evil.
> 
> **************
> 
> August 10th The Present Condition of the World and Enforced Military Service
> 
> Darkness has surrounded the world -- (in it) no righteousness can be
> found/remains. There is no justice, no equity, no faithfulness, no chastity,
> no purity, no inclination to God, no wisdom, judgement or reason. This
> sickness prevails throughout all the nations; the only difference between
> them is that some have the disease more strongly than others.
> 
> Today I went to the custom house and saw the soldiers who have been newly
> recruited to be sent to far distant places. The fathers and mothers were
> weeping bitterly at the fate of their children. One old man had only one son,
> and this son his only support was taken from him. The son was weeping bitterly
> because of/at leaving his aged father and mother. It moved me deeply. I
> deeply sympathise with these poor people.
> 
> The amazing thing is that the founders (the creators) of these conditions
> are the European nations who consider themselves civilized. In olden times
> when people are considered to have been barbarous, the armies of a great king
> never exceeded 100,000 men -- and these men were not educated and trained for
> other trades and pursuits, but became soldiers voluntarily and because they had
> no other employment.
> 
> It is strange that men should consider this a civilized age, when such is
> the condition of the people. We hope the Believers will establish the Divine
> Foundation. Perhaps they will be the means of the enlightenment of the world,
> maybe they will cause justice, compassion and righteousness to reign. Morality
> is deeply corrupted; we cannot trust men. Material bodies are necessarily
> attracted and drawn downwards to a centre. This is their nature. Of necessity
> they sink down lower and lower A resisting power is needed to raise them up.
> Wings are needed to cleave the air. A power that protects against and resists
> this downward force, or a power which attracts is needed, that it may be
> overcome. If men be left to their natural conditions, without doubt passions
> and lusts will surround them and prevail over them. When they are conquered by
> passions and lusts, of course they become hardened, then faulty, cruel, liars
> and sinners. A protective warning power is necessary so that they may remember
> and become conscious, the attractive power of the love of God is needed that
> they may be released from these dangers.
> 
> ************
> 
> August 11
> 
> (Yesterday) a Jew who has lived here for many years came to see the Master
> and said that now at last he was a real believer. The Master asked him if he
> believed in Christ. He said "No" and began to give many reasons why it was
> impossible for him to do so. The Master replied "I will never accept you as a
> true believer unless you believe in Christ" -- the man thought a little, and
> went away. All the Jews who are believers in Persia were first taught to
> believe in Christ.
> 
> The Jews are very ready to accept the Blessed Perfection, but they are
> very far from believing in Christ, this is a great difficulty for them. We
> took great pains and trouble to teach the Jews in Persia to believe in Christ.
> If this duty had not been imposed upon the Jews, that they must first believe
> in Christ, many more of them would be believers. So also we first convinced
> those of the ancient Zoroastrian faith in Persia, of the truth of Abraham,
> Moses, Christ and Mohammad and of the truth of the Quran, the Bible and all the
> Holy books. It was a great trouble to make them believe in these Holy books,
> each one of which was just like a wall before them. After they believed in
> these then they were guided to the truth. If we did not tell them they must
> first accept these Prophets and these Books, they would at once all of them
> believe in this Cause.
> 
> It is very hard and difficult from them to think their forefathers and
> ancestors were wrong; but many of them accepted the Truth in spite of their
> being greatly troubled on account of their ancient belief.
> 
> Afterwards when the people asked them "are you Baha'i?" they would
> answer" We denied and rejected all the Holy Books and prophets; we denied
> Abraham, Moses, Christ and Muhammad, we did not accept the Bible, the Gospel or
> Quran. Now we believe in all of them." The Moslems would then say to them
> "Forsake all these Prophets and Baha'u'llah and return to your former
> belief." The Moslem government said "even though you believe in all the
> Prophets and their books yet if in your hearts you love Baha'u'llah we will
> kill you. If you do not wish to be killed go back to your old belief and be in
> peace. You shall be protected and not punished."
> 
> See what a difference there is between what we have now told you and the
> assertions of that Muhammedan in London. How unjust he was to speak in that
> way (i.e. of the kindness and liberality of the Muhammedan governments etc.)
> what a liar he was! The essence of religion is the love of God within the
> heart -- not the toward forms and laws which change. The essential reality of
> a flower is that it is a flower. It may be in any place or in any surroundings
> -- in a bouquet, in a glass, in a garden or in a wilderness. These details
> make no difference, the essential fact is that it is a flower. The essential
> fact about a man is that he is a living man. Whether he wear red or blue, a
> long coat or a short one is of no importance. People think that religion is
> like a man's clothes, but true religion, the religion of God is the living man
> beneath them. Religious laws and customs are like clothes; man must have
> regard to the living foundation. The living past, the root of religion is the
> love of God, truthfulness, justice, compassion, pity, humanity, enlightenment,
> turning towards God. Man must seek for these attributes, for these conditions,
> so that the light of faith in the lamp of his heart will be kindled, and the
> rays of the light of the Perfections of God from this lamp will shine through
> all his actions and through all the members of his body. Then every action and
> deed which will be manifested from his being will be shining. That light when
> it touches/shines upon the tongue will bring forth truthfulness, it will touch
> the eyes and open the insight -- it will touch the hand and bring forth
> generosity, it will touch the head and bring forth wisdom. All the members of
> his body and all his actions will show forth light.
> 
> ************************
> 
> August 11
> 
> For example let us look at Christ -- we see a man crowned with a crown of
> thorns -- followed and mocked by many men, women and children -- some turning
> their backs upon Him (and bowing) and jeering. You ask the people (standing
> by) what is the meaning of this? They answer, this man said he was the King of
> Kings! The King of the Jews!
> 
> See what doubts the believers in the day of Christ had to meet! God
> especially tests the people. Christ especially tested His disciples.
> 
> ***************
> 
> August 12-13 The Kingdom of God
> 
> Apparently the Kingdom of God is spoken of as heaven; but it is not a
> material place -- it is sanctified from every place and from all limitations.
> 
> There are two kinds of everlasting life; one is merely perpetual
> existence, but this does not mean that you will be purified and live a holy
> life.
> 
> To live with God is (the true) Eternal Life. Man exists: so also earth or
> dust exists, but there is a great difference between these two existences.
> 
> though the stone has existence, in comparison with the existence of man,
> it is non-existence.
> 
> Eternal Life means to live with God; to be with God. For example, it is
> like a flower which blossoms i the spring-time, surrounded by the refreshing
> breezes and bounties oof the season. This is a good beautiful and perfect
> existence for that flower.
> 
> Eternal life is a very holy and good life. The Kingdom of God is the
> world of the spirit -- it is sanctified from place and time and purified from
> all limitations. The spirit of man has no place, no time; if you search for it
> in the body can you find it anywhere? There is a connection between the spirit
> and the man, like the connection which exists between man and his reflection in
> the mirror. You can see him in the mirror though he is not in it.
> 
> The intellectual power -- the mind -- where is it? It has no place -- it
> is not within the brain, it has only a connection with it. So also is the
> Kingdom -- for example, love has no place -- it is sanctified from place -- it
> has only a connection with the heart. So is the Kingdom sanctified from place,
> but it has a connection with the body.
> 
> You can enter the Kingdom through the love of God, and through being
> detached from all other things, and through possessing all perfections and good
> qualities -- through holiness, purity, truthfulness, firmness, steadfastness
> and sacrifice of the life.
> 
> All men have everlasting existence, but those who believe in God, and have
> their hearts filled with His love, and are assured -- these have eternal life.
> 
> This is the good life, worthy to be praised, and it is greatly different
> from the mere everlasting existence of those who are without it (and who are
> deprived of it). Those who are deprived from the love of God still exist --
> but their existence relatively to the existence of the holy ones is
> non-existence -- just as the stone compared with man is non-existence or not
> living.
> 
> When you possess this Eternal Life, you are in the Kingdom.
> 
> **********************
> 
> The Day of Noah Referred to in the Book of Iqan
> 
> In ancient times all people worshipped the stars. They used to read man's
> destiny in the stars, and say that one man's fate was ruled by Jupiter, another
> by Mars and so forth. They firmly believed this.
> 
> When a man's destiny was ruled by the moon, because the moon goes round
> the earth once a month, they would count each month as one "year" or period of
> time, and would say that he was for instance 500 years old, meaning 500 months.
> 
> If a man's fate was ruled by the Sun, his age was counted in years; or if
> his fate was ruled by Mercury, his age was computed accordingly.
> 
> The division of time into years was begun by the Greeks. Modern
> computation was founded by one of the Caesars; then they began to county by
> solar years. The human constitution of man cannot last more than 120 years.
> 
> ******************
> 
> Instability of the Elements
> (Alchemy)
> 
> In ancient times philosophers believed that metals were composed of
> different elements. Therefore they argued it is possible to change things
> which are composed. For instance, they used to say a thing is composed of
> four elements, if you take away one and three only remain, the substance will
> be entirely changed. It is like a word composed of letters, you can take away
> one letter from a word, or add another letter, and the meaning will be entirely
> changed. Afterwards modern philosophers did not accept this theory, because
> they said that all metals are single elements and not composed. They are like
> detached single letters -- like Aliph or dal -- therefore gold can never be
> changed into copper, and copper can never become gold; it is impossible.
> 
> (Now it is considered to be not single but a composition that cannot be
> altered.)
> 
> At present a man declares that he can change silver into white gold
> (platinum) by preburying it and that at last he can make it as heavy as gold.
> 
> The chief difference between platinum and silver is in weight. Everything
> depends upon whether the essence of a thing can be changed, or not.
> 
> One thing can never of itself change into another; but by changing the
> surrounding conditions and combining it with something else it can be changed.
> 
> Bread, through mixing other particles with it can be changed into another
> kind of bread -- the chemical when it is mixed with silver, will change it --
> it will not be the same as before.
> 
> The way has not yet been discovered in Europe -- but when the method is
> discovered it will be possible to change copper into gold, or to change the
> nature of metals -- the time for this discovery is not yet.
> 
> Some substances like air or water can be decomposed and their component
> parts separated so that they will be different.
> 
> When the gases forming water are combined they will put out fire. The
> elements of metals are not true single elements -- a time will come when all
> the elements will be decomposed.
> 
> **********************
> 
> The Five Divisions of Spirit
> 
> The Spirit of the vegetable Kingdom is a power resulting from the
> combination of a few elements.
> 
> When the elements, through the union and combination of which this power
> is produced, are decomposed, this power (of growth) will vanish. This is the
> vegetable Spirit. It resembles electricity, the power of which is produced
> through bringing two substances together. When the substances producing it are
> separated, it will cease to be produced.
> 
> Animal Spirit also results through the combination and mingling together
> of various elements. After the separation of those elements that spirit will
> also vanish and disappear.
> 
> It is exactly like the light of a lamp -- If you take some oil, place a
> wick in it, and apply fire, light will be produced; but when the oil or the
> wick is consumed, the light will cease.
> 
> But the human Spirit is like the crystal magnifying glass which reflects
> and transmits the rays, the Bounty of the Sun that is the perfected body in the
> condition of the mirror, and the human spirit is like the Sun. If the crystal
> magnifying glass be broken, the Bounty of the sun is everlasting, will not
> disappear. It is only the reflection in the glass which will go. If the
> mirror upon which the Sun is shining be broken, no harm will happen to the Sun.
> 
> It is only the image in the mirror which will disappear. This spirit is
> an evident light. This spirit (of man) is the power of discovery which
> surrounds and comprehends everything. All knowledge, all the arts and sciences
> are produced through the discoveries of this power.
> 
> It is upon the earth, but it discovers the truths of heaven. From evident
> things it discovers that which is unperceived (unknown). For example, man
> existing on this side of the globe discovered the other hemisphere.
> 
> He is in the East, but he communicates with the West. His body is heavy,
> but he causes it to soar in the air without wings.
> 
> In short, this is the power which subordinates and rules over all beings
> and discovers their secrets (realities).
> 
> This is the human spirit. This human spirit has two sides; it will
> incline either towards the Divine or material.
> 
> It has the capacity of complete perfection, and the potentiality of the
> lowest abasement.
> 
> If it gains perfections, it is the highest and noblest existence; if it
> gains vices and bad qualities, it will be the meanest and most disgraded
> existence.
> 
> The force in this spirit, is the Spirit of Faith and Belief. The Spirit
> of Faith is the Bounty of God -- it is the breath/breeze of the Holy Spirit.
> This is the Spiritual Power which will be the means of Eternal Life, this is
> the power which will make the material man holy, and the one who is dark to
> give forth light. It will make the captives of human desires, purified and
> sanctified from all things.
> 
> It will make the black stone become a diamond, the silent to become
> eloquent, and the ignorant to become wise (etc. etc.).
> 
> The fifth and last degree of Spirit is the Holy Spirit. That Holy Spirit
> is the mediator between God and His people, between the Creator and His
> Creation. It is like a mirror facing the Sun. The mirror receives light from
> the Sun, and gives the light to others ;so the manifestation receives light
> from the Sun and gives it to others.
> 
> That Holy Spirit is characterised with all the Divine characteristics.
> Every time it appears it renews the world, and establishes a new cycle.
> 
> It will clothe the body of humanity with a new garment. It is like
> Spring. Whenever the season of Spring appears, it will bring the world from
> one state or condition to another. It will renew it; it will cause the bare
> empty black earth to become green, fresh and beautiful.
> 
> It will bring forth from the earth many kinds of flowers; it will revive
> and vivify all plants and trees, and establish a new age.
> 
> In the same way, whenever the Holy Spirit appears, it will renew the world
> of humanity.
> 
> See with what power Christ established a New Cycle.
> 
> Arabic Hidden Words (No. 64)
> 
> "My Eternity is my Creation, and I have created it for thee. Make it the
> garment of thy Temple."
> 
> "My unity is My handiwork, I have wrought it for thee; clothe thyself
> therewith, that thou mayest be to all eternity the revelation of My everlasting
> being."
> 
> St. John Chaps. verses 12 and 13. "To them gave he power to become the
> sons of God, even to those that believe on his name: which were born not of
> blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." The
> meaning of the words "to them gave he power to become the sons of god" -- is
> that they might become released and freed from their evil qualities, and
> characterised and clothed with Divine qualities. For instance, the qualities
> of iron are blackness, coldness, solidity. But when the fire overcomes the
> iron and surrounds it, then its blackness will be changed to redness, its
> coldness to heat, its solidity to fluidity.
> 
> The iron will have its natural characteristics entirely destroyed and
> annihilated, and it will become qualified with the characteristics of fire.
> 
> In the same way the true believers, the assured ones, will have their
> animal qualities and human desires and passions entirely destroyed.
> 
> These dark qualities, will disappear, and they will become qualified with
> the characteristics of fire.
> 
> So, Eternity and everlastingness is one of the attributes of God. When
> believers are in such a condition, that their dark qualities are destroyed and
> disappear, and they become characterised with the Divine qualities of God --
> everlastingness is one of these characteristics -- "Make it as a garment for
> yourself, so that the Light from my Dawning Point may shine forth from you for
> Eternity, and you will attain Eternal Life, and the Divine qualities will shine
> forth from you for ever." The meaning of the "Oneness" with which man is to be
> qualified, does not signify that he is to be alone and in oneness, but that he
> is to be distinguished from all others -- unequalled in his station.
> 
> It is as if the Sun were to call the moon to come before it, to receive
> its light.
> 
> Arabic Hidden Words (No. 5)
> 
> "O Son of Being! Love me, that I may love thee. If thou lovest Me not,
> My love can in no wise reach thee. Know this, O servant."
> 
> 1. Ep. St. John V19 -- "We love Him (God) because He first loved us.
> Love means a spiritual attraction. This spiritual attraction existing between
> two beings is that sympathy and love which unites and joins them so closely
> that the two become one, so that the estranged and separated condition of these
> two is removed, and they become one being, one quality, and one spirit. The
> will (or desire) from the one side is entirely removed, and there remains but
> one will.
> 
> If that love exists between the creature and the Creator, the will of the
> creature will be thoroughly annihilated, so that the separate existence of the
> servant is entirely abolished.
> 
> All conditions (?qualities) of the servant will be gathered under the will
> of the Creator, who moves them just as He pleases.
> 
> Love has five stations or degrees:
> 
> 1. That of the Truth (God) to the Truth. (i.e. from God to Himself)
> 
> 2. From man to man;
> 
> 3. From God to man;
> 
> 4. From man to God;
> 
> 5. and lastly from man to himself, which is egotism or selfishness.
> 
> 1. That which is from the Truth to the Truth; this is the love of God's
> Identity to His own Identity.
> 
> As His Perfection and His Beauty is perceptible to Himself, when He
> considers His beauty and Perfection, then He finds an attraction from His own
> Being to His own Being.
> 
> This is the source, the fountain, the origin of all love.
> 
> 2. The love from man to man. This is the love which exists between the
> saints, the chosen of God.
> 
> As each one considers the perfection, the radiation (reflection) of the
> Bounties of God in his friend. It is as though two mirrors were put facing
> each other, each one observing the rays of the Sun in the other. Therefore
> when the attraction of this love is stirred and put in motion, it reaches to
> such a degree that these friends will sacrifice their lives for one another.
> In truth this love between the saints is a ray, a reflection from the first
> degree of love -- from the love of God to Himself.
> 
> 3. The love of God to man; this consists of the grace and blessings of
> God to the world of existence. This is the Manifestation of Guidence the
> reflection of the Names and Attrributes of God. This is the grace of
> existence.
> 
> 4. The love from man to God; this is an attraction to the Beauty of God
> -- an attachment to His beauty.
> 
> In this station man reaches to such a condition that he will be separated
> from all the beings, and will be entirely turned to God.
> 
> This is the essence of Guidance pure absolute mercifulness. The man wil
> be so filled with God, that his personal feelings will be removed from him. He
> will be entirely unconscious of himself, and conscious only of the True One.
> 
> If all the creatures of the world are gathered together to afflict him,
> they cannot; and if all the people in the world try to prevent him, they will
> be unable.
> 
> If he be cut in pieces, the sweetness of that station will not be effaced
> from his perception (lit. taste.)
> 
> This is the station which causes man to progress; without this condition
> it is impossible to develop. It is impossible for a bird to fly without wings.
> The love of God is like wings, and precious for a man.
> 
> 5. The love of man for himself. This love is of two kinds; first that
> love to himself which is a realisation that he is a creation of God
> and therefore attain to the station appointed for him causes him to progress to
> higher station, and will exalt him.
> 
> From this cause he may gain virtues and make progress day by day. The
> second kind of this love is selfishness, egotism; that love of oneself which
> produces every vice, every fault. All vices are contained in this selfishness.
> It deprives a man from every kind of favour, because he is always revolving
> around himself.
> 
> When a man turns round and round himself, at last he will get giddy and
> fall down.
> 
> Now to return to our subject (question). In the New Testament it is
> written that "we love God, because He first loved us," and the Blessed
> Perfection says "Love me that I may love thee." The love of God is of two
> sorts. One is universal general love, the other is particular and individual.
> It is like god's Grace and blessings; one is Universal Grace, the other is
> Particular Grace.
> 
> That general universal love which pervades everything has been sent from
> God to the people and is first shown forth from God.
> 
> The particular, special love follows after the inclination of man to God,
> after the attraction of man to God. After man believes in God, next he
> becomes attracted to God, and he is kindled with the fire of His love and tries
> to promulgate His word; then the love of God will be directed to him.
> 
> What the Blessed Perfection intends is this special particular love, which
> is not the same as the Universal love of God.
> 
> But the Universal love on the part of God always precedes this love.
> Without that love of God to us we should not know love.
> 
> We see that another of the Hidden Words refers to the same subject. "I
> have been in the Eternity of my Identity and in my Everlasting Being. I know
> my love in thee" -- (this is the second kind of love -- the love of the servant
> to God) -- "so I created thee, and reflected upon thee my likeness, and caused
> my beauty to be manifest to thee" (or in thee I caused my Beauty to appear).
> 
> 1. The love of His own perfection which caused -- First kind of love --
> God to create, that His beauty might be made manifest and appreciated.
> 
> 2. The love between sanctified souls for the attributes of the divine
> which they see reflected in one another.
> 
> 3. God's love to man individually that is gained according to the measure
> in which a man turns to God.
> 
> 4. The man's love for God, the Creator. This is the cause of his life,
> progress and happiness.
> 
> 5. Is the love of self, which directed to the ego will deprive the man of
> all true development, but if the love of self is a realization that he is a
> creature of god and must therefore attain to the station appointed for him,
> this love will be uplifting one.
> 
> *********************************
> 
> "The worlds of God are sanctified from place and limitation. They are the
> worlds of the divine attributes and qualities, such as the world of love,
> faith, purity, knowledge, etc."
> 
> ******************
> 
> October 17th
> 
> Arabic Hidden Words Old Edition
> 
> "...Turn thy sight unto thyself, that thou mayest find Me standing within
> thee, Mighty, Powerful and Self-subsisting.
> 
> This is as when one thing will take possession of another. The commander
> (the rule), the chief thing in a person is that which takes possession of him,
> and which governs him. He is the ruler and director, and the thing possessed
> is ruled over. For example, Fire and heart, when fire and heat controls and
> takes possession of a cold body, the fire is its ruler. For example, when the
> Sun, is directed upon and takes possession of a mirror, we say that the Sun is
> in, or standing in the mirror, why? because the mirror in itself is dark, and
> the Sun which is shining makes the mirror shining too. The mirror is a cold
> body in itself, the Sun shines upon it and it gives it heat. The Sun is
> standing in the mirror -- this means that the beauty of the Sun is reflected in
> the mirror.
> 
> "Thy dependence must be on My Face and not on thy face": FAce has three
> meanings:
> 
> 1. The first meaning is the Essence, the Reality (of God).
> 
> 2. The second meaning is His good pleasure.
> 
> 3. The third meaning is the face.
> 
> In this word of the Blessed Perfection, He intends all the three meanings. 1.
> The very Essence of God: as it is said "everything perishes but His face" this
> means His Reality which is everlasting and eternal. The second meaning which
> is His pleasure -- means leave your pleasure, and take My pleasure. The third
> meaning is the Beauty of God, His Face or Appearance. "Turn to My Face". In
> some places the face signifies the disciples, the face of Christ signifies His
> disciples. The numerical value of the word according to abjad notation is 14
> -- In the cycle of Moses, Moses, Aaron and the 12 tribes = 14. In the Day of
> Christ, Mary His mother, Jesus Christ and the 12 = 14. In the time of Mohammad,
> Mohammad, Fatimeh and the 12 Imams == 14. In the time of the Bab, they were 19
> disciples counting himself. In the Day of the Blessed Perfection they were
> endless!
> 
> The Possibility of Communicating with the Dead
> 
> There are two ways or methods of communication. One by means of word, the
> other through the station or condition.
> 
> Everything in the world is in communication. Between human beings
> communication is made by word, by speech -- but there is also communication
> without word. There is the communication of station and reality.
> 
> Sometimes human beings communicate with one another from their stations.
> Reflect on the power of God who has caused even the elements to possess this
> means of communication with man.
> 
> All things existing in the world, all minerals, all the plants will (can)
> communicate with man -- though at last all the things in this world will
> perish, and will cease to exist.
> 
> The world is just like a book. You may understand many meanings from it,
> as though it had speech with you.
> 
> The holy souls in the other world who have a very good pure spirit have
> this power of communicating with human beings, but it is not in outward form or
> sound -- it has no resemblance to earthly words or conversation.
> 
> This is heavenly speech, heavenly converse in reality -- and it cannot be
> understood by words. It is addressed to the spirit of man, and is above the
> limitation of material things.
> 
> *******************
> 
> 1. There is the communication of station; that is the communication of the
> realities of things.
> 
> 2. The discoveries of the spirit of man which encompasses all things.
> 
> 3. Mere imagination.
> 
> *************
> 
> September 24th
> 
> For those who have spiritual sight every little action, however small,
> that the manifestation does, has a wonderful meaning. For example, a wise man
> and a crazy man both eat, see, walk, but though they do the same things their
> acts are very different. In the deeds of wise man you will see intelligence
> and wisdom. All the wise man does proves his reason and intelligence, and all
> the madman does proves his craziness.
> 
> Therefore, if you have true perception, in all the actions and deeds of
> the manifestation you will see the proof of perfection.
> 
> *************
> 
> September 28th
> 
> Parable of the Sower
> Christ said in the Gospel .. The words, the discourses which I give you
> are like seeds which a gardener sows -- some of the seeds fall on salty dry
> soil, which does not bring forth good flowers and trees -- some falls on stony
> ground, which produces very little result -- some falls in places where there
> are many weeds and other plants which choke it. Some falls on the good soil
> which is prepared and ready, then it will grow and one seed will produce a
> thousand.
> 
> My words are like seeds. In some hearts they have no effect, in others
> they have a very little effect in the beginning, and soon it will be forgotten.
> Some hearts and minds have many ideas, and when my teachings come together with
> all these various ideas and thoughts they will be spoilt.
> 
> But some hearts are purified from all save God -- they have no thoughts
> and ideas but of Him. In these souls my teachings will have a great effect,
> and will give them new birth.
> 
> We know that man must try to gain the capacity, the power to receive these
> teachings. The ground must have the capacity and be prepared to receive the
> seed, then as soon as the rain comes the seed will grow.
> 
> When a man has health and appetite, the food which he eats will strengthen
> him, but if he has not goo health the food which he eats will rather hurt than
> benefit him. If he has not appetite he will not find the food delicious.
> 
> August 30th
> 
> True Belief
> 
> The guidance of God is that which will always guide people to the right
> way. All human beings are earthly -- their hearts are connected with this
> earthly world.
> 
> Day and night their thoughts and occupations are earthly. They think
> about the honours of this world, or about the riches and wealth of this world,
> or about name and fame in this world.
> 
> Their days and nights are passed in this way. The guidance of God makes
> it evident and plain that when the Way of the Kingdom and the Divine Path is
> opened, that this is the road of the Kingdom. But it is not sufficient only to
> distinguish the Way of the Kingdom -- only to discover the Heavenly Way -- you
> must travel upon it until the end is reached. For instance, that a man
> discovers the way to America is not sufficient. he must travel on it that he
> may reach the country; otherwise if he remains for years discovering more about
> the way, and does not travel by it, he will never arrive.
> 
> It is not sufficient for a child to know where the school is; he must
> study in it that he may gain knowledge.
> 
> Faith is not merely to know which is the school, and to recognize the
> Teacher -- but one must acquire knowledge in this school. If one does not gain
> knowledge it is useless to know only of the school. This is what Christ said:
> "Ye shall know the tree by its fruits. If you see one who is truthful, who
> really believes and is just, who is attracted to the Kingdom, and whose will is
> annihilated in the Way of God -- if he shows forth all these qualities then you
> will know he is a tree of the Kingdom.
> 
> If you see one whose heart is attached to this world, and in whom there is
> no truthfulness or detachment, or turning to God -- one who is not occupied in
> praising and speaking of God, or in attraction to the love of God -- then you
> will know he is a tree of hell.
> 
> For true belief is not only to acknowledge the Oneness of God; by Belief
> we mean that the reality of man will be characterized by Divine
> Characteristics. If his reality is dark he will become enlightened; if he is
> heedless he will become conscious; if he is sleeping he will become awakened;
> if he is earthly, he will become heavenly if he is satanic he will become
> Divine. This is the meaning of the true belief. Therefore I say that you must
> travel in the Way of God.
> 
> Day and night you must endeavour to become better, your belief must
> increase and become firmer, your good qualities and turning to God must
> be greater, the fire of your love must flame more lightly; then day by day you
> will make progress. For to stop advancing is the means of going back.
> 
> The bird when he flies soars ever higher and higher. All the time he
> endeavours to mount higher, for as soon as he stops flying he will come down.
> 
> Every day in the morning, when arising, you should compare today with
> yesterday -- and see in what condition you are. If you see your belief is
> stronger, and your heart more occupied with God, and your love increased and
> your freedom from the world greater, then thank God and ask for the increasing
> of these qualities.
> 
> You must begin to pray and repent for all that you have done which is
> wrong and you must implore, and ask help and assistance that you may be better
> than yesterday, so that every day you may continue to make progress. Don't let
> the desires of the self find a place within you -- for it is certain that even
> when you reach the highest state of spirituality, one worldly desire can cause
> your downfall.
> 
> The spirit is like a bird - when it flies in the air it is always
> mounting, but the self is like the hunter who is thinking all the time how to
> catch the bird. As when a bird is in the air, the hunter aims at it and brings
> it down, so it is with the human desires in the soul. You will see that by
> one arrow, one shot it will be brought low.
> 
> This arrow is the connection with this world, occupation of this world,
> desires of this world, honours of this world.
> 
> In many ways the hunter will stop the spirit from ascending. That is why
> all the time you must ask and implore and entreat, "O God protect me from
> myself."
> 
> ***********************
> 
> August 30th
> 
> In the morning it is necessary to help the poor -- the prisoners -- for
> them their heart is bewildered, and they cannot think how to reach the end of
> the day, but at night when the day is over, they only want to rest.
> 
> No action is so pleasing and acceptable to God as to show compassion and
> mercy to the poor, and the prisoners are broken hearted, especially to those
> imprisoned for life, whose heart is really broken.
> 
> If a man worships day and night, and performs all acts of devotion -- if
> he is able to assist and be merciful to the poor and does not do so, all his
> acts of devotion etc. are useless. For he will be deprived from the greatest
> of all actions, which is to help the helpless. All other good deeds are like
> the blossoms and leaves of a tree, which are very excellent; but compassion
> and showing justice (to the oppressed) and mercifulness are its fruits.
> 
> The tree may have many leaves and blossoms, but this is not the same as
> bearing fruit.
> 
> As much as you have it in your power, you must be merciful to the very
> poor, making no distinction between their nationality, even though they may be
> your enemies.
> 
> October 9th (Mr. Bertrain's question)
> 
> The Sophist philosophers believe that the existence, of beings (existence)
> are mere imagination.
> 
> They say that the existences of beings (Existences) are like the
> reflections in a mirror or in water, which are only appearance.s They have not
> any reality or origin.
> 
> Their belief is really erroneous, because (though) the existence of beings
> in relation to God is non-existence, beings have existence in our world.
> 
> For example, it is like the existence of the mineral Kingdom, which in
> relation to the (living) body of man is non-existence, for man when he dies
> returns to the mineral Kingdom. (in which his body becomes non-existant).
> 
> Then it is evident that the existence of dust or earth in relation to the
> existence of man is non-existence, but the mineral Kingdom, or earth, has
> existence in its own station.
> 
> The existence of beings in relation to the existence of God, are (as it
> were) non-existant and imaginary.
> 
> They are only an appearance like the faces and reflections which show in
> the mirror -- but these reflections have an origin (source).
> 
> Their origin is the reflector; the one whose face is reflected. Then it
> is evident that though beings in relation to the existence of God have not
> existence, and are like the mirage and the images reflected in the mirror, in
> their own station they have existence.
> 
> October 10th
> 
> Some stars or heavenly bodies last a long time, and some disappear and
> vanish quickly. Scientific men believe that new stars are sometimes formed.
> 
> In this endless Universe everything has a beginning and an end. Some
> things end quickly and some last a long time, but it is sure that they will end
> at some time. It is impossible that a composed thing should not be decomposed.
> The stars have a beginning and an end, but they last for a very long period.
> It is not possible that any being cna have no end. The only thing that can
> have no end is God. As the star-globes end. Sometimes, at some time they
> begin. That is why before the appearance of the manifestation a new star
> appears. When it is near it can be seen -- but sometimes when it is very
> distant it cannot be seen; but always before the coming of a manifestation a
> new star is formed. The stars are so endless that some are so remote they
> cannot be seen.
> 
> The wisdom of this appearance is because when a manfestation appears,
> there must be a change in everything in the Universe.
> 
> What a marvellous difference will be seen in this world through the
> appearance of the manifestation, and so also everything in the Universe will be
> changed.
> 
> The Condition of Searching and Seeking after the Truth
> 
> This is the condition wherein the thirsty soul would reach the life-giving
> water, the painting fish would reach the sea, the sick person would attain the
> real physician and divine healing, the lost caravan would reach the highway and
> the ship erring in the sea of amazement ... would reach the port or haven.
> 
> Therefore the seeker must be endowed with certain qualities. First he
> must be just; then he must be detached from the world, paying no attention to
> it: his heart must be entirely inclined to the Supreme Horizon, and he must be
> delivered rom the bondage of passions, because these are obstacles. he must
> endure every trial which may perhaps fall upon him in the way. He must live in
> utmost chastity and sanctity he must banish from his heart both love and hatred
> for all the nations of the world, because perhaps his love for one side may
> prevent him from understanding the other.
> 
> This is the condition of the enquiring seeker: he must have realized this
> station. Should he not be in this condition it is impossible for him to
> seek as he ought to do.
> 
> All the nations of the world are awaiting and looking for two
> manifestations. These two which all nations are expecting and to which all are
> invited must be identical with one another.
> 
> In he Bible the Jews are called to the Lord of Hosts and Elijah. In the
> New Testament they are called to Elijah and the second coming of Christ, and
> in the law of the Mohammad they are called to the Mihdi and Messiah and so on.
> all other religions, such as the Zoroastrian say the same thing.
> 
> It is also prophesied that after the appearance of these two
> manifestations, the world will be changed into another world, and the nations
> will become new. Justice and truth will encompass the world. Hatred and Spite
> will be annihilated. whatever causes divisions among the nations and tribes
> will pass away, and whatever will bring harmony, amity and union will appear.
> 
> The neglectful will be awakened, the blind will see; the deaf will hear;
> the dumb will speak; the sick will find healing, the dead will arise.
> 
> War will be changed into peace, rancour will be transformed to affection,
> the existence of war and battle will be destroyed. Then shall be found the
> true happiness of mankind. The world will be the mirror of the Kingdom -- the
> contingent world will be the throne of Deity.
> 
> All nations will be united into one, and so will all religions. All
> Mankind will become one nation, all the different parts of the world will be
> one. The patriotic, popular and political suppositions will all be
> annihilated.
> 
> All shall attain eternal life under the shadow of the Lord of Hosts.
> 
> ****************************
> 
> 1. Colossians 15
> 
> "Who is the image of the invisible God. That is, the image of the reality
> which cannot be seen."
> 
> In the Bible it is written "We will make man in our image." Christ is the
> image of God. This image is not the outward form; it is the attributes of God.
> If the man is exactly like a clear mirror, so that the Bounty of the Sun of
> Reality will perfectly appear in it -- then the mirror is the exact likeness
> and image of the sun which is reflected in it. The Reality of Christ is a very
> clear bright and polished mirror. The Reality of Divinity is likened to the
> Sun, and this Sun is appearing in this mirror (of Christ). This mirror is the
> image of the Sun, because the Sun is shining and the mirror shines, the Sun has
> rays and the mirror has rays, the Sun has heat, and the mirror reflects heat,
> the Sun is round and the Sun in the mirror is round.
> 
> As soon as you look upon the mirror, you see the exact (image of the ) Sun
> itself; so you see in the mirror the reality of the sun. The reality of Christ
> is exactly like the reality of Divinity. This is the station of the Son.
> 
> The Sun from His purified station is not descending or putting itself
> within the mirror -- He is always for ever and ever in His exalted Heaven --
> but He is manifesting in the mirror.
> 
> His names and attributes are manifested n the mirror and are the image of
> the Sun.
> 
> The Reality of Divinity did not come from His exalted station, and did not
> place itself within the body of Christ because the Reality is sanctified from
> place and time, but it is manifested in Christ exactly as the Sun appears in
> the mirror.
> 
> ****************
> 
> Christ is the Word of God, that is He is the possessor of all the
> perfections of God. The station of other human beings is like that of letters,
> and the letter has not a perfect and complete meaning. E.g. A, B, and C are
> letters; these single letters have no perfect meaning, they have a short
> meaning, but it is not perfect or complete.
> 
> Although all beings have perfections and meanings, these meanings are
> small and c=incomplete. But the word is not like a letter; it has a perfect
> meaning which possesses all perfections; other beings have only a sign of these
> Perfections. As the word has perfect meaning, so Christ has complete
> perfection. He is the possessor of all virtues and perfections. This perfect
> individual is just like the Sun among other beings. A lamp has some light, and
> a fire has a little light, but the centre of lights is the Sun. As the Sun is
> the center and source of light(s) therefore all beings are lighted by the Sun.
> Every being receives light through the light of the Sun. Even petroleum oil,
> and the electric light only exist through the heat of the Sun. Thus the Sun is
> the origin of the light of all beings that exist in the world lighted by the
> sun. As all beings are lighted by the light of the Sun, so all beings (the
> existence of all things) are lighted by the light of Christ. So also all
> beings exist through Him, and for Him are created. How were they so created?
> Because the Word which is the Essence of Christ is in the condition of fruit,
> and all other beings are in the condition of trees. The result of existence is
> the Word of God. The fruit of creation is man. When we say man, we mean the
> most perfect man. If it were not for the fruit which the gardener expects, eh
> would never plant the trees. He would not take trouble to plant the trees if
> there were no fruits. All beings are in the condition of the trees, and the
> Word of God is the fruit. As the trees were planted for the sake of the
> fruits, so also all beings existed for the sake of the Word of God.
> 
> *****************
> 
> Man Like the Word
> 
> The world, outside the world of man is like letters -- man's world is the
> world of words; because though there are perfections in the world of existence,
> the world of man is like the gathering of all things (of all these letters)
> together. All the meaning of all the realities of beings is in man. IOn the
> mineral Kingdom, things have substance; this is in man. The perfection of the
> vegetable Kingdom is growth; this is in man. The perfection the animal
> kingdom is feeling, the five senses -- these are in man. But besides these
> perfections, there are great supernatural perfections which man possess, such
> as knowledge, truthfulness, good behaviour, pity, mercy, justice, devotion to
> God, belief, which exist in man, but are not possessed by other beings. He
> possesses all these as well as the perfections of other beings.
> 
> Existence is like a tree -- all other beings besides man are like its
> leaves and branches, but man is in the condition of the fruit. Every fruit
> possesses all the perfections of the tree, of its leaves and branches, besides
> its own perfections. So man is the possessor of all perfections.
> 
> September 23rd (talk)
> 
> We have both inward and outward duty. If any one wishes to come into this
> house and cut off the head of a person who is here, I will not allow it -- this
> an outward duty.
> 
> E.g. if some soldiers were to come here and wished to kill Ruhi, my
> duty is to tell others present not to allow it.
> 
> If the Jewish people had been followers of Christ and had believed in Him,
> and then if the Romans and other nations had come and attacked Palestine --
> killed the men, taken the women captive and pillaged all their property, would
> Christ, if the Jews had been His followers have said to them "now be submissive
> and quiet." or would He have said "defend yourselves". There is a difference
> between men and nations. Now I say to one individual man, if any one will cut
> off your hand, don't say anything. But I do not say to a nation if another
> nation will rise against you to kill you and destroy you -- fold your hands and
> be submissive. If a man comes to cut off my hand, I will be the first to ask
> forgiveness for him. But if he tries to cut off your hand I will prevent him.
> 
> *****************
> 
> Meetings are like markets -- one man goes to the market and comes back
> laden with things; another goes to the market and has no result from his
> labour. In every meeting when God is mentioned, and when spiritual and divine
> things are spoken of, one receives great profit.
> 
> ********************
> 
> June 6th
> 
> Both in the Gospels and in the Quran, the Identity, the Essence of
> Divinity is spoken of and is likened unto the light.
> 
> The world of possibility, the Universe, is likened unto darkness. Shining
> stars are luminous bodies. These are of two kinds: first those which borrow
> their light and reflect it from others, like the moon or the terrestrial globe.
> In their own identity they are dark, but they receive light from the Sun.
> 
> Second, those which are independently luminous or self-luminous bodies
> like the Sun; but the light of these is apart from their self or identity.
> 
> Then thirdly there is the light itself -- absolute light -- which has no
> body without light, and no light that can be separated from its body. Its
> identity, that is, is light itself. Material substances are dark in
> themselves, but receive illumination from the light. In the same way material
> beings or substances have no individuality or identity according to their
> nature in themselves.
> 
> Real Existence (God) gives light to all beings. Of course all earthly
> beings must receive a share of the benediction, a favour (bounty) from the Sun
> -- but only a trace or a sing of the Sun is reflected upon them.
> 
> In a pure perfect and clear mirror the Sun appears with all its identity;
> all its perfection are manifested in it so perfectly that should the Sun
> reflected in the mirror say "I am the Sun, I am the manifestation of the Sun"
> this is true and cannot be denied. The saints and holy people are like the
> mirror; in them the Sun of Reality is shining. For the Sun itself there is no
> ascent or descent, no setting or rising. The Sun has ever existed in its lofty
> station, but the mirror may be broken.
> 
> The Sun of Reality has never descended, that you may imagine any
> ascension, or that you may ask what become of Him, or where He is gone. The
> Essence of Divinity is sanctified and beyond what can come into our minds.
> 
> Descent and ascent, entrance and exit, mingling and separation are the
> conditions and properties of material things. Even in spirit these conditions
> do not exist.
> 
> The spirit has only an attachment or relation with the body -- it does not
> enter the body.
> 
> When in the scripture it is said the Spirit entered his body, or when in
> the Gospel the Holy Spirit is spoken of as descending like a dove, this is
> only an emblem, a simile, a figure.
> 
> The Essence of Divinity is beyond all these conditions because it is like
> the Sun in the loftiness of its Sanctity, but it has manifested itself in
> different mirrors with all its perfections, attributes and qualities, without
> having descended, entered or having mingled with them -- but remaining in the
> perfection of His sanctity.
> 
> This is the meaning of Christ's saying The Father is in Me -- this is the
> true explanation of the Trinity.
> 
> ***********
> 
> October (Miss W.)
> 
> Spiritual Healing
> 
> The healing that is by the power of the Holy Spirit needs no special
> concentration or contact. It is through the wish or desire, and the prayer of
> the Holy Person. The one who is sick may be in the East, and the healer in the
> West, and they may not have been acquainted with each other -- but as soon as
> that Holy Person turns his heart to God and begins to pray the sick one is
> healed. This is a gift belonging to the Holy Manifestations and those who are
> n highest station -- it is very rare.
> 
> ****************
> 
> The human being has but one heart; when it is turned to one thing it is
> turned from another. When man's whole heart is turned to God it is sure that
> he will be severed from the world.
> 
> When one is enlightened, his darkness will disappear. The higher the bird
> flies, the farther he goes from the earth.
> 
> *******************
> 
> Extract from a tablet by the Master (Mr. Jereces notes)
> 
> "If souls be found who will entirely put aside their thoughts, sacrifice
> their hearts and lives to the Beloved, become free from all blemish, and attain
> to the capacity of manifesting the Lights of the Sun of Reality, such souls
> will be lightened like heavenly candles and bestow upon all the world of
> humanity the lights of love, kindness, and heavenly blessing."
> 
> ********************
> 
> (Mr. L. notes)
> 
> "Man while in this life should endeavour to learn of the Throne of God, to
> serve the Holy Threshold, to seek Knowledge of the other world, to soar to the
> Realm beyond, to become of the Kingdom -- heavenly, spiritual, illumined -- and
> to attain a temperament like unto the rose in the garden, making fragrance to
> the world."
> 
> ****************
> 
> From Tablets of Baha'u'llah
> 
> ......
> 
> (The rest of the notes are extracts from Tablets.)
> 
> METADATA
> 
> Views536 views since posted 2026-02-23; last edit 2026-02-23 03:20 UTC;
> 
> previous at archive.org.../rosenberg_notes_taken_1904
> Language
> English
> Permission
> public domain
> Share
> 
> Shortlink: bahai-library.com/7261
> Citation: ris/7261
> 
> select Collection:
> Archives
> Articles
> Articles-unpublished
> Audio
> Bibliographies
> BIC
> Biographies
> Books
> Chronologies
> Compilations
> Compilations-NSA
> Compilations-personal
> Documents
> East-asia
> Encyclopedia
> Essays
> Etc
> Excerpts
> Fiction
> Glossaries
> Guardian
> Histories
> Introductory
> Letters
> Maps
> Music
> Newspapers
> NSA-documents
> NSA-letters
> Personal
> Pilgrims
> Poetry
> Presentations
> Resources
> Reviews
> Scripts
> Software
> Statistics
> Study
> Talks
> Theses
> Transcripts
> Translations
> UHJ-documents
> UHJ-letters
> Video
> Visual
> Writings
> 
> home
> 
> sitemap
> 
> series
> 
> chronology
> 
> search:
> author
> 
> title
> 
> date
> 
> tags
> 
> adv. search
> languages
> 
> inventory
> 
> bibliography
> 
> abbreviations
> 
> links
> 
> about
> 
> contact
> 
> RSS
> 
> new
>
> — *Notes Taken in 1904: vol. 1 (Used by permission of the curator)*