would be difficult for the glory of this station to be unveiled to men’s
eyes. These thick clouds are the exponents of idle fancies and vain
imaginings, who are none other but the divines of Persia. At one time We
spoke in the language of the lawgiver; at another in that of the
truth-seeker and the mystic, and yet Our supreme purpose and highest wish
hath always been to disclose the glory and sublimity of this station. God,
verily, is a sufficient witness!

Consort with all men, O people of Bahá, in a spirit of friendliness and
fellowship. If ye be aware of a certain truth, if ye possess a jewel, of
which others are deprived, share it with them in a language of utmost
kindliness and goodwill. If it be accepted, if it fulfill its purpose,
your object is attained. If anyone should refuse it, leave him unto
himself, and beseech God to guide him. Beware lest ye deal unkindly with
him. A kindly tongue is the lodestone of the hearts of men. It is the
bread of the spirit, it clotheth the words with meaning, it is the
fountain of the light of wisdom and understanding.

By "divines" in the passage cited above is meant those men who outwardly
attire themselves with the raiment of knowledge, but who inwardly are
deprived therefrom. In this connection, We quote from the Tablet addressed
to His Majesty the _Sh_áh, certain passages from the "Hidden Words" which
were revealed by the Abhá Pen under the name of the "Book of Fátimih," the
blessings of God be upon her!

"O ye that are foolish, yet have a name to be wise! Wherefore do ye wear
the guise of the shepherd, when inwardly ye have become wolves, intent
upon My flock? Ye are even as the star, which riseth ere the dawn, and
which, though it seem radiant and luminous, leadeth the wayfarers of My
city astray into the paths of perdition."