of obedience to the commandments, and hold fast to the cord of shunning
all forbidden things, that he may be nourished from the cup of the Law and
informed of the mysteries of Truth.(72)

If any of the utterances of this Servant may not be comprehended, or may
lead to perturbation, the same must be inquired of again, that no doubt
may linger, and the meaning be clear as the Face of the Beloved One
shining from the “Glorious Station.”(73)

These journeys have no visible ending in the world of time, but the
severed wayfarer—if invisible confirmation descend upon him and the
Guardian of the Cause assist him—may cross these seven stages in seven
steps, nay rather in seven breaths, nay rather in a single breath, if God
will and desire it. And this is of “His grace on such of His servants as
He pleaseth.”(74)

They who soar in the heaven of singleness and reach to the sea of the
Absolute, reckon this city—which is the station of life in God—as the
furthermost state of mystic knowers, and the farthest homeland of the
lovers. But to this evanescent One of the mystic ocean, this station is
the first gate of the heart’s citadel, that is, man’s first entrance to
the city of the heart; and the heart is endowed with four stages, which
would be recounted should a kindred soul be found.

When the pen set to picturing this station,
It broke in pieces and the page was torn.(75)

Salám!(76)

O My friend! Many a hound pursueth this gazelle of the desert of oneness;