To the children of martyred fathers ‘Abdu’l-Bahá writes that they have not been left behind: condolences come from the Concourse on High, whose dwellers rejoice at a soul’s ascension even as they ask solace for those who grieve below. That is the first face of the heavenly company in the Bahá’í writings, consolation, and it is quickly joined by others. The Supreme Concourse, where Moses, Jesus, Elijah and the martyrs are said to dwell, prays for the faithful morning and evening, hears sighs no one else can hear, is drawn like a magnet to a gathering of two races, and is enraptured by music and collective praise. It is also a witness that laments wrongdoing, which turns the promise of companionship into a question of conduct: can one paint on the page of the world the ideal pictures of that celestial assembly? The epistle to the Hebrews pictures a kindred gathering of angels and perfected spirits, centered for Christians on Jesus and the new covenant [1]. The journey leads on toward the angels, the Kingdom of God, and the grace and confirmations that reach the visible world from the unseen.
Although your distinguished fathers surrendered their souls in the field of glorious martyrdom, hastened away from the abyss of this sordid world of dust unto the lofty heights of the Abha Kingdom, and raised the banner of the most great bounty among the Concourse on high, ye have not been left behind, forsaken and lonely.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Children of the martyrs -- AB07902)
The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.
02
However, for the passing of that glorious soul, condolences come from the Concourse on High, for the dwellers of the celestial realms rejoice at his ascension in the holy court, and they beseech solace for the grief-stricken of this world from the threshold of divine unity. His virtues are recorded and detailed in the Preserved Tablet and the unfurled scroll.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Feb-28, to Director of Chihrih-Nama Journal -- AB01635)
03
The call of the Concourse on High is raised, and the angel of the Abha Kingdom is the companion of every deprived one.
Hereupon another friend referred to the communing of Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration with Moses and Elijah; and 'Abdu'l-Baha said: "The faithful are ever sustained by the presence of the Supreme Concourse. In the Supreme Concourse are Jesus, and Moses, and Elijah, and Baha'u'llah, and other supreme Souls: there, also, are the martyrs."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken in Sep. 1911 in London -- ABU0975)
05
Be raised up with the virtues of the Supreme Concourse and with the virtues of the denizens of the Most Glorious Kingdom.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or <, to Baha'is of Muhammadabad -- AB04497)
06
O thou servant of God! Hold thou firmly to the hem of the garment of righteousness and piety and to the utmost of thy ability seek thy illumination from the Concourse on High, from the Lamp of Guidance.
The stars shining in the firmament of the all-Merciful are characterised by this blessing of divine guidance.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903 ca., to Muhammad Taqi Khan -- AB08554)
07
We implore Thee in the daytime and in the night season saying: O Lord! Make firm our steps in Thy Faith, guard us within the stronghold of Thy protection, nourish us from Thy heavenly table, enable us to become signs of divine guidance and lamps aglow with upright conduct and aid us through the potency of the angels of Thy kingdom, O Thou Who art the Lord of glory and majesty!
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Jun ca., to Grandchildren of Mr Brush et al -- AB09137)
08
When a gathering of these two races is brought about, that assemblage will become the magnet of the Concourse on high, and the confirmation of the Blessed Beauty will surround it.
O thou who art turning unto God! Thy letter was an inheritance of joy and happiness unto me, for its significance was a supplication and an entreaty unto God to make thee a pure servant, exempt from all material desires, sanctified and severed from all save God, that thou mayest be characterized with the attributes of the heavenly angels, cleansed from all desires and earthly wishes, with thy heart severed from all save the knowledge of the divine teachings.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909 or <, to Edna True -- AB08998)
11
Become one of the hosts of God and of the celestial angels.
O ye two bright stars in the horizon of the love of God!
The hosts of the Abha Kingdom at times appear in human form in the realm of contingency and render assistance to the Covenant and Testament, and at times they manifest as spirit and enter into pure mouths and speak forth, and at times they appear in the form of lights and illumine the horizons.
The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.
13
Another interesting question which was touched upon was the belief in the guardian angels or as the Master said the "Divine Powers." Without the protection of these divine powers humanity cannot exist for one moment. They ward off all dangers and guard man from threatening evils.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Dr. Coles and Archdeacon Dowling, spoken on 1914-Jan-01 -- ABU3412)
14
When they attain to these characteristics, the Hosts of the Supreme Concourse will assist them, and the confirmations of the Kingdom of Abha will surround them.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to family and friends, spoken on 1920-Nov-25 -- ABU1276)
15
Therefore beseech God that through the divine means and spiritual powers, He may cause a movement in the consciousness of the human beings, and that thou mayest become like unto a timepiece for the movement of the stars of the Concourse on High and the celestial bodies of the All Glorious Kingdom and, even as a victorious spirit, become the means through which the body of this contingent world is moved and stirred.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1895-Aug or <, to Abu'l-Qasim Saatsaz Shirazi -- AB05271)
16
O Mansur! The hosts of the Concourse on High are arrayed in ranks, and the armies of the Most Glorious Kingdom stand like thousands of battalions, awaiting a champion of the field, a Rustam the hero, a lion of God, and a pure soul who will arrange the battle lines - that is, who will arise to diffuse the fragrances of God and promote the Covenant of God - so that those hosts with their banners may come to victory and those armies may surge forth like a tempestuous sea.
O Sartip! Enter into the ranks and divisions of the Concourse on High and adorn the battle lines of the spiritual ones.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1902 ca., to Rida Khan Sartip -- AB06227)
18
Verily the concourse of the Supreme Host are engaged in combat and struggle, and the armies of the Most Glorious Kingdom are launching an attack and waging battle.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1898-Mar-02, to Mulla Muhammad Rida Zavarihi -- AB12663)
19
The Supreme Concourse is descending. Today the hosts of the Supreme Concourse have assembled like unto armies made ready and they are waiting to see who will enter into the battle-field.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Krug home in New York, 1912-Jul-10 -- ABU2074)
20
"The Bahai Grand Army consists of the invisible angels of the Supreme Concourse.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken in Apr. 1913 in Stuttgart -- ABU1806)
21
But in reality, invisible hosts of the Supreme Concourse are our aid, and whenever they see us attacked or threatened, They immediately rush forth to our assistance.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the friends spoken in Dec. 1907 -- ABU1851)
22
The hosts of the Supreme Concourse are your helpers and the company of the near angels your protectors.
Aid them with hosts from the Concourse on High and armies of the near-stationed angels.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1921-May-17, to Spiritual Assembly of Shiraz, Committees -- AB07176)
25
The soul-stirring call "We behold you from Our Most Glorious Horizon and We shall aid whoever arises to assist Our Cause with hosts from the Supreme Concourse and a company of favored angels" reaches the ears of awareness.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Mirza Ibrahim (Qazvin) Davafurush -- AB05838)
26
These have been from the promised confirmations of the Kingdom of God and the assistance of the invisible sovereignty of the Abha Beauty, which He has promised clearly in the verse, 'Verily, We behold you from Our realm of Glory, and shall aid whosoever will arise for the triumph of Our Cause with the hosts of the Concourse on high and a company of Our favored angels.'
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the Master's entourage, spoken on 1912-Dec-05 -- ABU2726)
27
The ocean of the Most Great Mercy is surging and the hosts of the Concourse on High are advancing wave upon wave.
By God the True One! The Concourse on High takes pride today in a soul who arises to remember God and praise Him, to exalt the Word of God and His proof, to manifest the power of God and His sovereignty, and to diffuse His holy fragrances which, when they waft, perfume the horizons and return spirits to the bodies of the dead.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1892-Nov-29, to Mulla Abdu'llah Fadil Zarqani (Rafi) -- AB03553)
29
In these days, the Holy Ones of the Realm of Glory, dwelling in the all-highest Paradise, yearn to return unto this world, and be of some service to the Cause of Baha'u'llah and prove their servitude to the Threshold of Abha Beauty.
O Lord! Make this food heavenly and make those assembled here of the hosts of Thy Supreme Concourse so that they may become life-giving and the cause of the enlightenment of the world of man, that they may arise to, guide all the peoples of the world.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the Baha'is, spoken at Parsons home on 1912-Nov-09 -- ABU3118)
31
Make all intoxicated with the wine of alast and give them free rein in the arena of the love of God, so that the homeland of the Greatest Name - may my spirit be sacrificed for His loved ones - may become an example of the Supreme Concourse and manifest the light of the Abha Kingdom.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903 ca., to Siyyid Baqir nephew of Siyyid Muhammad Rida (Barfurush) -- AB05857)
32
The greatest endeavour must therefore be exerted that this mighty edifice may be erected solidly and firmly, with refinement and grace. This is a great service to the Sacred Threshold, the renown of which shall gladden, through all eternity, the hearts of the Concourse on high in the Kingdom of holiness.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Ustad Ali Akbar Banna Yazdi -- AB11982)
33
The Mashriqu'l-Adhkar is the dawning-place of lights and the gathering place of the righteous. Whenever a company of noble souls assemble in a heavenly gathering there and offer supplications, intone divine verses, and chant prayers with wondrous melodies, the inmates of the Concourse on high hearken and call out, crying, "Happy are we; let all the world rejoice!" for, praise be unto God, souls from among the angels of the Kingdom of Glory have arisen in the nether world to commune with their Lord and intone the verses of Divine Unity in a gathering of holiness.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903-Apr-05, to Spiritual Assembly of Bushruyih et al -- AB12080)
34
O servant of Baha! Music is regarded as a praiseworthy science at the Threshold of the Almighty, so that thou mayest chant verses at large gatherings and congregations in a most wondrous melody and raise such hymns of praise at the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar to enrapture the Concourse on High.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Mirza Abdu'llah Muallim -- AB06829)
35
O bird of the meadow! Begin with a melody to sing a love-song that will cause the dwellers of the Supreme Concourse to be stirred into motion.
… In gatherings and meetings, play and sing with the melody of Barbad and the psalms of David, that the angels of the Supreme Concourse may experience joy and delight and obtain spiritual happiness.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Ali-Akbar Rawhani Muhibulsultan -- AB11980)
36
But you must sing a melody as to move and stir the hearts of the Supreme Concourse and its effects may be eternal.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to a singer, spoken at Baltimore Hotel on 1913-May-26 -- ABU2622)
37
Engage these souls in such melodies as to bring the Concourse on High into ecstasy and rapture.
O God! Make this servant melodious, attuned with the airs of the Suprem Concourse, and confer upon him a thrilling and resounding voice, like the nightingale of hidden meanings in the Divine Rose Garden.
By the True One! The ears of the Concourse on High hearken to thy melodies in glorification and praise, as thou extollest thy Lord, the Most Glorious.
Therefore, ascend to the Kingdom and warble like the dove of holiness in the gardens of the realm of might, glorifying the Lord of grandeur and the divine realm, the Most Glorious Luminary, and proclaiming my servitude to that exalted Threshold before which the Concourse on High bow down their radiant faces.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1897-Dec-05, to Mirza Ali Ashraf Lahijani Andalib -- AB09648)
40
Know ye verily that the denizens of the Realm on High, the dwellers in the habitations of Glory, laud and glorify the company of the faithful on earth, who raise their voice with one accord and sing the praise of the Lord and magnify His holy Name.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1897-Apr-12, to Baha'is of Khurasan -- AB05943)
41
The birds of the rose garden and meadow raise a new strain at every moment, and with every breath a life-giving melody from the birds of the garden reaches the ears of every mindful one - the song of glorification and sanctification, and the melody of unity and praise that reaches the Abha Kingdom and brings the Supreme Concourse to delight and rapture, joy and ecstasy.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Afrukhtih, Yunis et al -- AB03008)
42
It is the song of the nightingales that reacheth to heaven's zenith, and the melody of the birds that awakeneth the slumberers.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Jul-15, to Husayn Aqa et al -- AB00953)
43
I will pray in thy behalf that thy truth - seeing eye may become opened and behold the Mysteries of the Kingdom of God which has illumined the East and the West, and listen to the Melody of the Supreme Concourse which has stirred into joyousness the hearts and the spirits ...
What tablet could be more preserved than that Preserved Tablet, what scroll more widely proclaimed than that Book? The denizens of the Abha Kingdom and the Supreme Concourse will chant and sing those tablets forever.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1902 ca., to Arbab wife of Abdu'l-Husayn Ardistani -- AB06284)
48
Even as moths shall the birds of the gardens of divine unity circle in adoration round this light and through the reality of God's essential unity shall thy meetings be made to flourish.
Beseech thou God that He kindle within thee the torch of His mercy and enable thee to shine brightly in the company of the Concourse.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1895-Aug or <, to Mirza Muhammad Baqir Khan Shirazi -- AB07459)
49
Day by day it increases and shines forth, its manifestation grows greater and its radiance more intense, until it reaches such a degree that it illuminates the blessed concourse on high and appears resplendent in the delightful paradise of the Most Glorious Kingdom.
In any case, as long as love for that kind countenance exists in the heart, successive messages from the Supreme Concourse continue to arrive. Every moment a new messenger arrives and divine tidings appear.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-Jan-09, to Ali Khan Kirmani -- AB05557)
51
O thou who art rejoiced by the Appearance of the Kingdom of God! Blessed art thou for that thine eyes were brightened by the light of guidance, thine ears heard the calling of God from the Supreme Concourse, thine heart was gladdened by the love of God and attracted unto the Beauty of God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1902 ca., to Mrs Bartlett -- AB09634)
52
O messenger of the love of God! Gabriel in the court of the Glorious Lord is a favored angel and an honored servant, for he is the supreme intermediary for the descent of the revelation of the Glorious Lord, and he illumines the hearts of the righteous with the lights of divine bounty.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or <, to Jabrail Bayk -- AB09909)
53
O Thou Gabriel, the Trusted One, the Beloved! Where is thy glad-tidings, and where thy intimation? Where is thy quenching of the fire of the Friend (Abraham), and where thy guidance to the mighty Cause? Where is thy heavenly revelation, and where thy divine inspiration? Where is thy great might in ages past, and where thy supreme power in centuries gone by? Where is thy strength, and where thy drawing nigh unto the Divine Lote-Tree?
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1897-Nov-24, to Jabril Bayk -- AB09068)
54
Such a soul would banish the Evil One and all his machinations from the sanctuary of the heart and would enable the ears of men to be attuned to the melodies of Gabriel.
The subscribers to this newspaper are frail humanity but the subscribers to that newspaper are the angels of the supreme Concourse.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Oct-24 in Ramleh -- ABU2626)
56
At one time God asked all His angels of blessings and threats to gather in His audience chamber. He inquired about the work of each till He reached Azrael.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some Druze friends, spoken on 1914-Nov-03 -- ABU0782)
57
He smiled and said:- 'These cities are not on earth; they are in heaven'. I became, then very happy and exclaimed: 'you are a heavenly personage!
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken en route on 1913-May-06 -- ABU1546)
58
The Fire of Moses hath flamed forth! Glad tidings! Glad-tidings! The pillar of fire hath become manifest. Glad tidings! Glad tidings! The Clouds of Mercy are pouring! Glad tidings! Glad-tidings the Effulgence of the Supreme Concourse hath become visible!
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to a woman from Holland, spoken 97 Cadogan Gardens on 1913-Jan-19 -- ABU2356)
59
The Concourse on High uttereth praise for every soul steadfast and firm in God's Covenant, and giveth thanks for every diffuser of the fragrances of God, glorifying their Lord morning and evening, and praising Him for having raised up from among His servants such men whom neither the affairs of creation, nor doubts, nor uncertain matters can distract from the manifest Light, the Straight Path, and the Ancient Horizon.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1896-Nov-04, to Mahmud Furughi -- AB01647)
60
O thou who art turned unto the Most Glorious Kingdom! By God, the True One! Verily the tribes of the Supreme Concourse offer prayers for those who are firm in the Covenant of God, and they aid those servants whom no blame from any blamer can deter from remaining steadfast in the Testament of God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1897-Nov-23, to Haji Iman Zanjani et al -- AB09017)
61
O thou who art firm in the Covenant and Testament by a power from the highest horizon! By God the True One, verily the people of the Most Glorious Kingdom pray for thee in the heaven of eternity, and the dwellers of the pavilions of the Realm of Might speak in praise of thy firmness in the Covenant of God, thy steadfastness in His Cause, thy striving for the diffusion of His light, the rising of His sun, the manifestation of His signs, the penetration of His Word, and the spreading of His traces.
O ye who are holding fast unto the Covenant and Testament! This day, from the realms of the All-Glorious, from the Kingdom of Holiness where hosannas of glorification and praise rise up, the Company on high direct their gaze upon you.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or <, to Baha'is of the world -- AB04432)
63
O thou who art holding fast to the Sure Handle! All the Concourse on high from the Abha Kingdom are watching, and from the Realm of Names they are gazing upon the lower realms.
Today the Concourse on High is delighted by the glad tidings of the steadfastness and firmness of the friends.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Dec-18, to Abu'l Hasan Ansaf -- AB08658)
65
By God the True One, verily the holy angels give you glad tidings from the Supreme Concourse, saying: "Well done, well done, O handmaiden of God, in that you have been faithful to the Covenant, believed in God, and been attracted by the fragrances of God!"
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or <, to Mrs Herron -- AB09619)
66
O thou who art attracted to the light of the Covenant! Know that the angels of heaven pray for thee, for thou hast turned toward the Kingdom of God, and the Concourse on High give thee glad tidings of the greatest gift, and 'Abdu'l-Baha congratulates thee on this supreme guidance.
By Your life, the Concourse on High calls out to you: "Blessed are you, then blessed again, for this supreme guidance and this gift whose lights shine forth upon all regions!"
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Aqa Mirza Muhammad Natiq -- AB06460)
68
By God the One alone Beloved! Verily, the call "Well done!" and again, "Well done" hath been raised by the Concourse on High and the cry "Great is your blessedness, doubly great your happiness!" is heard loud and clear from within the realities of all created things.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903 ca., to Usku'i, Rahim et al -- AB07394)
69
By the righteousness of the Lord! The angels of holiness intercede for thee in the Abha of Kingdom, and the Concourse on high cry out most loudly unto thee saying: "Well done, well done!
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Haji Mirza Haydar Ali Isfahani -- AB04985)
70
By thy life, the Concourse on High praise thee and cry out thy name for attaining such a great blessing.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1897-Jun-01, to Mirza Ahmad Shirazi -- AB03054)
71
O spiritual friends! The denizens of the Supreme Concourse and dwellers of the Most Glorious Kingdom loosed their tongues in thanksgiving for the favors at the dawn of the Covenant and bowed their heads in prostration at the Sacred Threshold, saying: "O Kind Lord! Praise and glory be unto Thee for having designated the Specific Center and made the Center of the Covenant renowned throughout all regions.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Muallim, Mulla Muhammad Ali et al -- AB02796)
72
O ye who are firm in the Covenant!
The Incomparable Lord shed the light of His Covenant upon all horizons and made such a binding agreement that it brought the Concourse on High into a state of joy and rapture. All arose in thanksgiving to the Ancient Beauty, praising: "Glory be to God that He hath made His Cause firm and established His Covenant as the mightiest foundation!"
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Baha'is of Vasquniqan et al -- AB06160)
The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.
73
Thus did the faces of the people of the Most Glorious Kingdom beam with joy and the hearts of the Concourse on High were gladdened. They loosened their tongues in prayer and spoke in praise of their Lord, the Lord of the highest heavens, saying: "Glory be to our Most Glorious Lord Who took the Covenant in the primal world of atoms and blessed be His name in the next creation."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1898-Nov-17, to Baha'is of Tihran -- AB02854)
74
O you who circle the gathering place of the Supreme Concourse, raise your hands in supplication to the threshold of God and pray:
O Peerless One, praise and glorification are befitting and worthy of You, for You nurtured a handful of dust and through the spring rain of Your grace, like precious pearls in the embrace of the shell of mercy, You raised them to maturity and bestowed hearing and sight, guided them to the great highway of guidance, gave them shelter beneath the Lote Tree of the Furthermost Boundary, made them firm and steadfast in the Covenant of God, and blessed them with circling the gathering place of the Supreme Concourse. All these bounties You freely bestowed without any worthiness.
O Kind Lord, now protect us from the arrows of insinuations and preserve us from the hosts of doubts. Shield us from the whirlwind of tests and guard us from the tempest of trials, for verily the reality of existence without Your aid and grace becomes a vanished shadow, and the mighty spirit without Your profound favor becomes but diseased dust. Show mercy, grant bounty, preserve us. Verily You are the Protector, the Generous One.
O Lord! This is Thy handmaiden who hath believed in Thee and in Thy signs, who hath been assured of Thy proof and Thy Covenant, who hath accepted Thy words, who hath circled round the Spot round which circle the Concourse on High, and who hath turned toward the Kingdom of Abha.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Gul-Surkh Khanum Imami Azami (Faizih) -- AB05498)
76
Therefore, if thou seekest the supernal world and desirest the Kingdom of wealth, set thine eyes upon the horizon of Abha and attach thyself to the Concourse on high that thou mayest possess never-ending honor and witness boundless glory and exaltation.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or <, to Aqa Bala Karimuf -- AB04360)
77
The Abha Kingdom hath been majestically arrayed, and the Concourse on high have rejoiced with exceeding gladness, blessed are those who attain.
The sounds of glorification and magnification have been raised from the Supreme Concourse - glory be to my Most Glorious Lord! - and those near to God are in great joy.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or <, to Muhammad Taqi Arif -- AB04190)
79
By God, the inmates of Paradise and the concourse of those who have drawn nigh are blessed by their countenances.
Verily, they are among the Concourse on High, and their faces shall shine in the Most Exalted Kingdom.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1896 ca., to Ibrahim Effendi Khayrullah -- AB06509)
81
When he reacheth that lofty station and this exalted homeland, it behooveth him to be trustworthy with the treasuries of God's knowledge and reliable with the pearls of His wisdom's mysteries. He must be a guardian of these divine teachings deposited in the vessels of illumined hearts by God, the Creator of all beings.
Make this the basis of thy barter and present this merchandise in the market place of the jewellers of the Concourse on High.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903 ca., to Aqa Muhammad Tajir -- AB10478)
83
Know thou then that God hath forgiven thee all that hath proceeded from thee and hath remitted thy misdeeds and numbered thee among the devout ones, inasmuch as thou didst enter the land round which circle the Concourse on high.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Wife of Muhammad Ali -- BH06623)
84
Blessed are they that have made pilgrimage to the Spot circled round by the Concourse on High!"
My hope is that you and Jinab-i-Bayda will succeed in circumambulating the gathering place of the Supreme Concourse.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912-Mar-14, to Shaykh Muhammad Baqir -- AB07345)
86
O seeker of pilgrimage to the sanctuary of the Supreme Concourse! Glad tidings unto thee, then glad tidings!
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1894 ca., to Shaykh Ghulam-Ali -- AB12829)
87
O thou who art mentioned by My Most Exalted Pen! Render thanks unto God for having enabled thee to attain unto this supreme grace and for having drawn thee nigh unto this station round which circle the Concourse on High and His honored servants.
The glory be upon thee and upon those women who have heard and turned with their hearts toward a station round which circle the Concourse on High and the dwellers of this glorious station.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1298-06-18 [1881-May-18], to Mardiyyih wife of Mir Muhammad Bayk -- BH08719)
89
Praise be to God Who hath raised His House to such a station that the Concourse on High and the denizens of the Kingdom of Names have circumambulated it, and hath made it the point of adoration for the world and the sanctuary round which the peoples circle.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1299-02-22 [1882-Jan-13], to Aqa Muhammad Ali -- BH01748)
90
This is a station round which circle the Concourse on High and which the near-stationed angels visit.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1298-09 [1881-Jul], to Shaban-Ali -- BH09147)
91
Know thou with certitude that through this Tablet We have desired to make mention of one of Our Afnans who hath circumambulated the Spot round which circle the Concourse on High, and hath attained unto that which was inscribed by the Pen of Destiny upon the Crimson Scroll from God, the Lord of all men.
Verily, the glory be upon you, O people of Glory, from this Glory which hath been the point of adoration of the Concourse on High.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1291-03 [1874-Apr], to Diyaiyyih sister of martyr -- BH07459)
93
The Book speaks with the tongue of revelation at this Most Great Scene - this station round which circle the Concourse on High and the dwellers of the cities of eternity and the inhabitants of the Most Exalted Kingdom, that men might read and be thankful.
All spirits gathered to behold the Beauty from this noble vantage. Not a single soul or spirit or manifestation remained behind the veil of the Divine Essence or the coverings of the Almighty Dominion - all descended from their stations to witness this glorious Beauty. The Youth walked forth and with Him walked the spirits of the near ones and the angels of all worlds, until He stood before the Steed.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Haji Abbas et al -- BH02100)
95
Lo, the Sea proclaimeth, saying: "O Ocean! Blessed art thou, for upon thee hath sailed the Ark of God, the Lord of the Most Great Throne," and the dwellers of the Concourse on High were so transported by the rapture of that Call that they arose from their most exalted seats and turned toward the Kaaba of God, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
O Khalil! The Glorious One has come and the Son has gone to the place of sacrifice and did not return, and gave up His spirit and all He had in the path of God, the Lord of Lords. By God's life, He turned with a face by which earth and heaven were illumined, as the Creator of Names bears witness to this in this mighty station. By God's life, the Concourse on High circled round Him and every trustworthy Messenger sought blessing from His dust.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1298-12 [1881-Oct], to Khalil -- BH10453)
97
O Taraz! The Wronged One makes mention of thee from the precincts of the Prison with verses that have enraptured the hearts of the Concourse on High and the exalted Paradise.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306-02-12 [1888-Oct-18], to Tarazullah Samandari -- BH11338)
98
In this day the Concourse on High and the dwellers of the Most Exalted Paradise are all engaged in praise and thanksgiving to God, inasmuch as the lights of His Revelation have encompassed all things.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1305-10-24 [1888-Jul-4], to Ali Akbar Khi Alif -- BH04803)
99
Glory be unto those who have cast behind them vain imaginings, turning their faces toward the horizon whence hath shone the Sun of Certitude through this Name, whereby the Concourse on High rejoiced and every rejected satan lamented.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1299-07-12 [1882-May-30], to Ahmad son of Shin Jim -- BH04675)
100
O Muhammad! The Day of praise and thanksgiving has come, wherein the Concourse on High rejoices, yet most of the people are as dead.
This is a Day wherein the Concourse on High circle round the Throne of God, the Lord of all beings and the Master of the Hereafter and of the former times, yet most of the people are in manifest error.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1304-03-11 [1886-Dec-8], to Mulla Muhammad Mahdi -- BH05123)
102
Had the people known, they would not have cast the Command of God behind their backs, nor would they have hesitated in this Cause, unto which have turned the Concourse on High and the dwellers of Paradise and those whom none knoweth save God, the Lord of all worlds.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1291-09 [1874-Oct], to Mulla Ali Bi Zi -- BH09459)
103
At this moment all who are in the heavens and on earth prostrated themselves before God, and the Holy Spirit breathed into the temples of the Concourse on High, and the Dove warbled in the midmost heart of eternity, and all necks bowed down before His command, while the proud were in the fire of hell and grievous peril, and verily He was witness over all things.
In this Day the Concourse on high beholdeth you in your evil doings and shunneth your company, and yet ye perceive it not. They ask of one another: "What words do these fools utter, and in what valley are they wont to graze? Do they deny that whereunto their very souls testify, and shut their eyes to that which they plainly behold?"
(Bahá’u’lláh, Suriy-i-Haykal (Surih of the Temple) -- BH00007)
106
From those who have turned away, the Concourse on High and they who circle round the Throne at eventide and at dawn do wholly dissociate themselves.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1298-12-22 [1881-Nov-15], to Muhammad Baqir Ahmaduf (son of Haji Ahmad Milani) -- BH08232)
107
They have perpetrated in this Revelation that which hath caused the Concourse on High to lament and the denizens of Paradise to cry out from their glorious station.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1300-03-15 [1883-Jan-24], to Mulla Husayn -- BH07644)
108
And thereby shall the breezes of the Spirit be cut off from the direction of the horizons, and the pillars of the concourse of the exalted ones shall be shaken.
I swear by the Ancient Beauty (may my life be offered up for His loved ones) that the angels of the celestial concourse desire to taste a single drop of this ocean of calamity, and they glorify the friends of God with sanctified tongues, proclaiming: "Oh, would that we were with you at the scene of tribulation endured for the sake of your all-glorious Beloved, that we, too, might attain a priceless victory!"
The Concourse on High uttereth this most exalted word: "Would that we had been with them and attained that which none among the servants hath attained!"
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Ustad Ali Akbar Banna Yazdi -- BH11726)
111
These are the souls whose existence the denizens of the Supreme Concourse take pride in and whose presence they eagerly anticipate.
By God! When his spirit ascended, the Concourse on High welcomed him and found from him the fragrance of the garment of thy Most Glorious Lord, and they ascended with him to the Supreme Companion.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1291-05-18 [1874-Jul-3], to Aqa Siyyid Ibrahim brother of martyr -- BH04966)
113
By God! When he turned, the Concourse on High welcomed him, then those whom none knoweth save God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
O thou who hast turned thy face toward Him by Whose light the earth and heavens were illumined!
Your brother, Aqa Muhammad-Rida, at all times circles the Supreme Concourse and in the gatherings of divine intimacy is occupied with your mention and is familiar with the attractions of the holy fragrances.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1895 ca., to Muhammad Ali Kashani -- AB07109)
115
It is called the Heavenly body, and this is what is meant by Christ, when He says, that after leaving this body man enters the Kingdom; It is beyond the human Kingdom. This is what is meant by Baha'0'Llah when He says: 'The Supreme Concourse welcomes you'.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Myron Phelps spoken around Jan. 1909 at the home of Mirza Asadu'llah -- ABU0681)
116
Its stillness is ascension to the Supreme Concourse and its rest is nearness to the precincts of the Most Great Mercy.
Blessed is the lowly one who hath shown humility in My days,
and the servant who advanceth to serve My loved ones who, through utterance, aid the Cause of their Lord, the Merciful, in the cities and lands. They are My loved ones in My earth and My servants among My creatures. The Concourse on High pray for them at morn and eventide.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1300-03-15 [1883-Jan-24], to Muhammad Baqir -- BH06929)
The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.
118
Upon them pray the Concourse on High and those who circle round the Throne, by the command of One Who is the Ordainer, the All-Wise.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1299-03-04 [1882-Jan-24], to Aqa Siyyid Jafar -- BH07197)
119
The denizens of the Supreme Paradise make mention of him, and upon him do the angels and the Spirit shower their prayers, from the presence of the Mighty, the All-Bestowing.
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290?, to Aqa Muhammad Rida -- BH08320)
120
His honor Aqa Muhammad-Javad Farhad is mentioned in the sanctified Kingdom of the Desired One by the tongue of the Supreme Concourse.
O 'Abdu'l-Husayn! Your name is blessed and beloved, and is mentioned in the Concourse on High.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1297-11-12 [1880-Oct-16], to Abdul Husayn -- BH09792)
122
O Husayn! This is a Tablet which remembereth thee from before the Wronged One, and by which the Concourse on High remembereth thee through the everlasting Book of God, the Lord of all beings.