Recognizing a divine Educator: evidence and transformation

Proofs are of four kinds: first, through sense perception; second, through the reasoning faculty; third, from traditional or scriptural authority; fourth, through the medium of inspiration.

… Consequently, it has become evident that the four criteria or standards of judgment by which the human mind reaches its conclusions are faulty and inaccurate. All of them are liable to mistake and error in conclusions. But a statement presented to the mind accompanied by proofs which the senses can perceive to be correct, which the faculty of reason can accept, which is in accord with traditional authority and sanctioned by the promptings of the heart, can be adjudged and relied upon as perfectly correct, for it has been proved and tested by all the standards of judgment and found to be complete.

The essential requirement for whoso advanceth a claim is to support his assertions with clear proofs and testimonies. Beyond this, the rejection of the people, whether learned or ignorant, hath never been, nor shall it ever be, of any consequence.

The proof of the validity of a Manifestation of God is the penetration and potency of His Word, the cultivation of heavenly attributes in the hearts and lives of His followers and the bestowal of divine education upon the world of humanity. This is absolute proof. The world is a school in which there must be Teachers of the Word of God. The evidence of the ability of these Teachers is efficient education of the graduating classes.

The sure proof that they are the Manifestations of God is in the education and progress of the people.

This is the nature of every impotent, wicked, deficient one, for human valor lies in the power of proof, not spears and arrows. If ferocity and predation were proof of truth, wolves would be (God forbid) the leaders of the righteous and guides to truth.

They have not even observed this much, that the principles of the Divine religions can hardly be evaluated by the acts of those who only claim to follow them. For every excellent thing, peerless though it may be, can still be diverted to the wrong ends. A lighted lamp in the hands of an ignorant child or of the blind will not dispel the surrounding darkness nor light up the house -- it will set both the bearer and the house on fire.

Man explains things in two ways. One explanation originates from his personal feelings, thoughts and understanding. This cannot stand as proof or criterion for all and does not satisfy the hearts. The other is a statement supported by proofs. It produces significant results and promulgates momentous matters which are necessary to the world of man. It is like the explanations and proofs of the Baha'is, who invite all to the oneness of humanity and to universal peace. This explanation has proofs and is effective.

In the case of one claiming to be a Manifestation of God, one must consider whether this education and this gift proceed from him. If it be so, there is no doubt but that he is a true teacher. This is the test of his genuineness; he must be an educator of men.

A teacher should first of all be a virtuous and learned man; and if from his school or college trained and perfected disciples come forth, this is the proof that he is a Master, a true and divine teacher.

The greatest sign that a man is a Prophet is his ability to unite hearts - for no one can do this except he be on the part of God.

One sanctified Soul revives the world of humanity, transforms the face of the globe, develops the minds, quickens the souls, inaugurates a new life, establishes new foundations, orders the world, gathers the nations and religions under the shadow of one banner, delivers man from the realm of baseness and deficiency, and exhorts and encourages him to develop his innate and acquired perfections. Certainly nothing short of a divine power could accomplish this feat!

The Power of the Manifestations of God is beyond question inasmuch as human development invariably follows their Teachings. This development is unmistakably toward a higher existence. Every Manifestation teaches the Existence of God. As their Power is evident their Knowledge must likewise be true.

Among the proofs are the teachings of the Blessed Perfection, Such teachings as have not been given since the beginning of the world and these teachings refer to all mankind and the highest degree of advice is at hand. Advices in the utmost of eloquence and rhetoric, morals in the highest degree of perfection, politics in the highest degree of perfection, laws in the utmost of firmness, public management in the utmost of regulation. Whatever the world of humanity is in need of is to be found here.

The philosophers claim that they also call the people to that which is praiseworthy and exhort them to shun evil. From what Source have they learned this fact? If we investigate carefully, we will understand that they have borrowed this very idea of good and evil from the prophets.

And if proof is intended, proof must be universal, not particular, else matters would degenerate into children's games and the gathering of mysteries would become a magician's arena. For if every soul had a whim, then the Guide of nations would have to become, among all peoples, the plaything of every mindless and uncomprehending one. And surely you would not consent to this.

You have made the acquisition of wealth your criterion for the truth of God's Cause. … For you sought help and intercession from the pure Imams (peace be upon them) and did not achieve your goal, therefore this cannot be the measure of the truth of God's Cause. If this were the criterion and it were fulfilled, no denier would remain in the world - East and West would all believe in a single day.

And now, concerning the proofs sought by the uninformed masses: these consist of miracles and marvels. To state the matter briefly, there are many accounts of such marvellous feats associated with Baha'u'llah that are current amongst the people and could fill numerous volumes, were one to compile them. But since these do not constitute a conclusive proof for the contending denier, we will not relate miracles associated with Baha'u'llah. For the contenders may also relate such accounts from the idols of their fancy and base them on their own books and chronicles. We therefore present rational proofs, so that there shall remain no room for denial for any soul.

If there were fairness, in this Most Great Manifestation the very appearance itself in all its aspects is miraculous. Even outsiders testify to manifest miracles outwardly. The people of Iraq in Baghdad were astonished. But we do not proclaim such matters since they are based on hearsay and do not constitute proof for others. However, all fair-minded ones testify that Baha'u'llah demonstrated miracles in all aspects, conditions and effects.

The Message is the real miracle. The phenomenal miracles are unimportant, and prove nothing to anybody but the witnesses thereof, and even they will very often explain them away!

As the miracles and the extraordinary signs of the Manifestation will not be proof for the centuries to come after this, we have not mentioned them. The miracles are only proof for those who are present, not for those who are to come, for the idolaters have also recorded miracles, on the part of their gods, in their books.

I do not attempt to prove the validity of Moses by pointing to his turning the rod into a serpent; instead I give evident proofs.

However, concerning that which hath been sent down from the heaven of bounty and the clouds of mercy in the Bayan, no universal proof or conclusive evidence hath been ordained save the revelation of verses. This hath ever been and shall ever remain God's proof unto the peoples of the earth.

Verily spiritual exercises and eating little are no proof in My case, for I neither tire Myself nor reduce My food due to My physical weakness. Rather, the proof is that I have no proof. … As for supernatural occurrences, I possess nothing for Myself, and there is no greater sign for Me than My words, for the light of the Eternal Morn hath shone upon Mine outward being like unto Mine inner mysteries.

God the All-Knowing is witness that I am not capable of any miracle, nor is there any need, for such proof has been brought that all verses before it fade into nothingness: a proof pure of that innate nature which speaketh without premeditation and writeth without pause.

How, then, can one claim that one's powers of perception encompass the divine realms, or rely on that deficient perception as the standard by which to prove [the existence of such realms]?

The greatest proof of a Manifestation is the Manifestation Himself. We do not have to prove the existence of the sun. The sun is independent of proof. He who has sight can see the sun and prove it for himself. It is not necessary to seek for other proof.

… Another great proof of a Manifestation is His power to develop souls. Miracles are but secondary proofs. Our first and important duty is to ascertain if the real Physician has come to heal the Spiritual sickness of the world, to learn if the Commander of the hosts of righteousness has appeared, to prove the appearance of a true Manifestation of God.

Consider how Christ, alone and single-handed, with no helper or protector, with no legions or armies, and with the utmost meekness, raised aloft the banner of God before all the peoples of the world; how He withstood them; and how at last He subdued them all, even though outwardly He was crucified. Now, this is an absolute miracle which can in no wise be denied. Indeed, the truth of Christ stands in no need of further proof.

O thou who hast striven in the path of God and hast been guided to the light of guidance! Know thou that the Sun of Truth is a proof unto itself by itself. Its evidence is its light and radiance, and its testimony is its warmth and effulgence. It needeth no proof to demonstrate its existence. Rather, it is the blind who need proofs and indications to be guided from effect to cause. Such is the state of those who are veiled from beholding the manifest Beauty.

You observe that one appeared two thousand years ago, and His effects still persist; another was three thousand years ago, and His influences are still evident. Though physically absent, they exist in the realm of the Kingdom; hence their effects are manifest and their lights radiant. For that which is non-existent has no effect--it is certain that effects result from existence. What influence can come from non-existence? These manifest effects that remain from perfect beings prove their existence.

Say: The first and foremost testimony establishing His truth is His own Self. Next to this testimony is His Revelation. For whoso faileth to recognize either the one or the other He hath established the words He hath revealed as proof of His reality and truth. This is, verily, an evidence of His tender mercy unto men. He hath endowed every soul with the capacity to recognize the signs of God.

Whereupon, the Tongue of God bid me to write:

Hast thou not heard that My proof is Mine own Being, and My testimony is My Self, and My evidence is My Revelation, and that which floweth from My pen is a path to My knowledge, unattainable to all save those who have severed themselves from all things and passed straight through the world and all that is therein, aloof as a cloud? My proof hath ever been the revelation of My power which pervadeth all that are in the heavens and all that are on the earth.

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Say: His proof is His Own Self, and His existence His authority - none knows this save those who have turned with sanctified countenance to their Lord's face and are among those who perceive their Lord's words with insight. Beware lest you hesitate in your Lord's Cause. Look then with sanctified vision upon the proofs of the Prophets and Messengers, that the matter may become easy for you, that you may shatter the idols of vain imaginings through your Lord's authority, the Mighty, the All-Knowing, and be among those who recline upon the cushions of glory.

Through Him I have caused all creation to testify that there is none other God except Him, the Incomparable, the All-Informed, the All-Wise." He Who is everlastingly hidden from the eyes of men can never be known except through His Manifestation, and His Manifestation can adduce no greater proof of the truth of His Mission than the proof of His own Person.

Say: My proof is My Self, and My evidence that which hath appeared from Me and that which hath been sent down from My dominion - this is another sign, and verily it is the proof.

Say: By God! My proof is My manifestation and My standing forth amidst the concourse of Mine enemies in days when the feet of the mystics have slipped. And whoso is unable to recognize Me by My manifestation, then by My Self, then by My beauty, let him look upon My traces.

By God, wert thou to ponder within thyself, thou wouldst find My deeds sufficient witness to that which issueth from My mouth and floweth from My pen, requiring no further testimony from these people or from all the worlds.

O Muhammad! Every deed hath its trace and every existence its fragrance. Therefore inhale from all that hath appeared from this Youth and flowed from His pen.

Had humanity possessed true vision, the outward acts of the Truth amidst His enemies would have sufficed them all, and they would have beheld the Standard of Truth encompassing all.

The Divine Manifestation is clear and evident to such a degree that were all who dwell on earth to contemplate, without prejudice, His traces and characteristics and conditions, or were they to observe them, they would be convinced that He is the Sovereign of existence in the realms of the seen and unseen.

Verses 14-16: The Master said that the disciples of Jesus did not at first, believe in Him, because of signs and prophecies. They did not even remember or understand them until after His death. They believed in Jesus because of Himself - because of His character, and the light that came from Him, and also because of the light of their own inspiration within themselves.

A Manifestation of God is first proved by the characteristics of the divine essence shining from Him, as the existence of the sun is proved by the light and heat thereof. Because to prove the existence of God we must first know Him by His qualities. If you hear one is a king, who has neither subjects nor territory, how can it be proved that he is a king? He must have the preparation and other necessaries before he can rightly be called a king.

The Sun is known by its light the ideal King is known by His Beauty.

These signs are the best proofs. The pathway of God is not known by such people as the Pharisees.

Consider the shadow of the sun - while it is a proof of it, the Sun's beauty is not discovered by its shadow.

However the Blessed Perfection is independent of all scriptural Proofs. The proof of the sun is its own existence. It is not necessary to prove the existence of the sun through the light of the moon, the stars, the growth of plants, animals and men. The evidence of the sun is its own rays and nothing else. Hence the proof of the Manifestation of Baha'u'llah is His own character, deeds, works and words. His evidence is clear, his light is shining and his Argument is irrefutable. All other proofs although valid in their own spheres are secondary.

Asked 'What is truth?', 'Ali replied, 'When the True One is made manifest, His signs and verses are His evidence, His presence is His proof.'

It needs no herald; it is its own proof. They see the light and they rise.

By the life of God! Verily the ocean surgeth by itself and the sun shineth by its own light. He hath no need of aught else to prove His Cause, and every matter dependeth upon His confirmation and acceptance.

Indeed, today should any soul seek to know or comprehend the sublime Truth without His exalted Self, it would be as if one who is blind from birth were to seek guidance along the path, and this shall never be possible. His proof is His verses, and His authority His evidences.

Verily I am the Proof of God and His Light.

My blessed seal is My proof, My Self My evidence, My Cause My testimony, and My resplendent beauty.

Say: He needeth not, in establishing His Cause, the books of the past nor what appeared in former ages.

Say: He needeth not, for the proof of His Cause, any mention from among all mentions, nor any tablet from among all tablets. He Who possesseth the Hidden Book doth testify to this.

In such circumstances, man must at all times fix his gaze upon the fundamental proof of God and that whereby all proofs have been established, lest he be veiled from the Source of Revelation and all his deeds and actions be rendered null and void while he remaineth unaware.

Say: O leaders of religion! Weigh not the Book of God with such standards and sciences as are current amongst you, for the Book itself is the unerring Balance established amongst men. In this most perfect Balance whatsoever the peoples and kindreds of the earth possess must be weighed, while the measure of its weight should be tested according to its own standard, did ye but know it.

These utterances themselves proclaim the true nature of the Faith of God. He it is Who witnesseth unto all things. To demonstrate the truth of His Revelation He hath not been, nor is He, dependent upon any one.

If thou wilt grasp the implication of this verse, thou wilt recognize the truth that no manifestation greater than the Prophets of God hath ever been revealed, and no testimony mightier than the testimony of their revealed verses hath ever appeared upon the earth.

… The proof of the sun is the light thereof, which shineth and envelopeth all things. The evidence of the shower is the bounty thereof, which reneweth and investeth the world with the mantle of life.

… And yet, is not the object of every Revelation to effect a transformation in the whole character of mankind, a transformation that shall manifest itself, both outwardly and inwardly, that shall affect both its inner life and external conditions? For if the character of mankind be not changed, the futility of God's universal Manifestation would be apparent.

And by the very same proof which aforetimes the prophethood of Muhammad, blessings of God rest upon Him, was vindicated, Their return to the world is also proven in the sight of God and those who are endued with knowledge. That supreme proof is naught but the revelation of the verses, which is beyond the power of all dwellers on earth to produce the like thereof.

… Moreover, the proof of revealed verses doth, alone and of itself, conclusively demonstrate the utter impotence of all created things on earth, for this is a proof which hath proceeded from God and shall endure until the Day of Resurrection.

Yet they say: "The Proof of God was not made complete for us in the Bayan through signs." How then do ye, by that same Proof, seek to convince him who would enter your Faith? And ye have not beheld Muhammad, the Messenger of God, nor have ye witnessed in all your lives any proof other than that Proof. How, then, do ye believe therein and are assured?

Be fair - what difference is there between the time when thou first knew thyself and became adherent to thy religion through the proof of the Qur'an, and when thou looked upon the Bayan yet did not believe?

… Even as thou didst behold a verse from the Bayan, by the same proof through which thou didst become faithful to the religion of the Qur'an, it is incumbent upon thee to believe in those verses.

… Consider now the Revelation of the Bayan: had the people of the Qur'an applied to themselves the same arguments they use against those who differ from their faith, not a single soul would have remained veiled, and all would have attained salvation on the Day of Resurrection.

Were humans and jinn to gather together to produce the like of this Book in truth, they would never be able, even if they had all the people of earth and their like besides as helpers. By thy True Lord! They shall never be able to produce the like of even a portion of its letters, nor of its interpretations from some of the mystery, even as much as the film of a date-stone.

Say: O concourse! Bring forth a book like unto this Tablet, with guidance from God and glad-tidings to Our servants who have preceded you. Say: Ye shall never bring it forth; therefore believe, if ye be truthful in your adherence to God's religion aforetime.

Say: Second, God adduced no proof in the Qur'an for the Cause of Muhammad, the Apostle of God, save your inability to produce the verses of God, would ye but reflect. And were there with God a greater proof than this, He would surely have adduced it, and all else is as shadows before the sun - can ye not see? Ye all unanimously declare that the Qur'an is the greatest sign of Muhammad, the Apostle of God, if ye be of them that are certain. How is it that ye fail to deduce proof therefrom and enter not thereby into the religion of God?

And further: There is no doubt that we and you seek after truth, yet we have found no path thereto save through those signs of God which render impotent all the learned. This is what establisheth our religion from aforetime, and according to what hath been established between us and you, if discourse be not equitable with what God hath revealed in the Book, then whoso desireth to take a path unto God shall not act upon it.

And after Muhammad, the Messenger of God, was taken, there was no proof with you except the Furqan (Qur'an). Therefore, look within it - did God ever argue without a verse?

And verily, O my God, through the workings of Thy wisdom, Thou hast made my proof in Thy religion like unto the proof of the verses of Muhammad, the Apostle of God, may God's blessings be upon Him and His family, lest anyone should doubt my truth, and should all who are on earth desire to believe, they would have no proof before Thee.

Consider that the nineteen letters were in everyone's possession, yet none could speak verses like Mine. Indeed, I have made all My verses a proof for all who dwell on earth. Have you heard, from the first wondrous day of Adam - peace be upon him - until now, of anyone writing a single page that would serve as proof for all in the heavens and earth?

By My life, the Cause of God in respect to Me is more wondrous than the Cause of Muhammad, the Messenger of God, before Me, would ye but reflect upon it. Say: He was raised among the Arabs, then after forty years God revealed verses unto Him and made Him His Messenger to all the worlds. Say: I was raised among the Persians, and God revealed unto Me, after twenty-five years of My life had passed, verses which all are powerless to produce.

Consider within yourself: if you can speak everything you wish without reflection, and write whatever you desire without pause of the pen, and transform a single verse into well-constructed words reaching seventy in number, then you speak the truth in your claim. Otherwise, seek forgiveness from your Lord and return to His judgment.

Verily I declare, none besides Me in this day, whether in the East or in the West, can claim to be the Gate that leads men to the knowledge of God. My proof is none other than that proof whereby the truth of the Prophet Muhammad was established. Ask Me whatsoever you please; now, at this very moment, I pledge Myself to reveal such verses as can demonstrate the truth of My mission.

The seven proofs laid down by the Blessed Perfection of His truth are especially addressed to Mussulmen. The Koran is indisputable proof of Mahomet. If one is in doubt of this, he has only to produce a chapter of it. If this is so, then do not the writing of the Blessed Perfection prove His truth?

His Holiness the Exalted One [the Bab] - may My spirit be a sacrifice unto Him - stated that one word or one verse of "Him Whom God shall make manifest" is sufficient proof unto the whole of the earth. Now consider how immense are the verses, commentaries, homilies, scientific treatises and prayers that have streamed forth from [Baha'u'llah's] blessed lips. Is there any room left for denying?

If thou makest proof to be the mention of visions, as thou hast done in thy book, then by the glory of thy Lord, I have written more than thou in well-known books.

And if thou makest proof to be eloquence in the mentioned sermon, then by thy Lord, I have composed sermons that none hath mentioned before and none today can match, as until now there have flowed from my pen some thirty pages of prayers, sermons, holy allusions, glorified signs, paradisiacal stations, and prescribed verses.

The mightiest, the most convincing evidence of the truth of the Mission of the Prophet of God is admittedly His own Word. He Himself testifies to this truth: "Is it not enough for them that We have sent down to Thee the Book?" The power to produce such evidence has been given to Me by God. Within the space of two days and two nights, I declare Myself able to reveal verses of such number as will equal the whole of the Qur'an.

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From the Pen of Holiness hath flowed the declaration that, in this Day, these verses -- sent down from the clouds of majesty -- are the conclusive proof unto the East and unto the West of the world, and that no testimony above them hath ever been, nor ever shall be, vouchsafed. Even as the Crown Prince summoned that Essence of Eternality to his court and demanded proof, that Ancient Beauty declared that the verses were the testimony. Yet in the end they accepted it not, and all pronounced sentence of death upon that Quintessence of pre-existence, save a few who became assured through the divine verses and turned from the west of unbelief and error to the east of faith and recognition.

In service to the opposers, this servant offers two words: Let some be appointed as representatives by others and come to this land, but on condition that they possess their own eyes and ears, as they are commanded in this Revelation, and witness that which equals all previous books and accept it. And if they desire, another equivalent can be newly revealed, provided all acknowledge that these verses did not exist before and have descended from the heaven of divine nature.

Say: We have not entered schools, yet We have sent down from the heaven of knowledge and wisdom that before which all the learning of the earth hath bowed down, as every discerning one doth testify.

O thou who gazest upon the Kingdom of God! In the days when the Ancient Beauty and the Most Great Name illumined the horizon of Iraq with the lights of His dawning, all the leaders of the peoples - whether scholars, men of learning, princes or nobles - would present themselves in His holy court and verbally pose their most difficult and complex questions. These would be answered immediately from His pure lips with the most wondrous utterance and perfect exposition. … For instance, a Jewish scholar would ask a most difficult question from the Torah and would immediately receive an answer. A Christian scholar would pose a complex question from the Gospel and would be convinced by His very utterance. A learned exponent of the Qur'an would present himself and earnestly seek clarification of whatever most difficult questions he had in mind, and like parched earth receiving the descent of pure water, would attain satisfaction. Similarly would come the mystic, the philosopher, the mathematician, the physician, the engineer, the man of letters, and the poet - even scholars of geography.

Our conclusion is confirmed by the wisdom of the Koran. In it Mahomet even treats some mathematical questions which in his time had not been correctly solved by civilised nations. He who had been a simple, unlearned man contradicted the mathematicians of his time. But after the researches of a thousand years it transpires that what he said was right, and that what the ancient men of learning had declared was wrong.

If they look to knowledge, its sun is manifest and evident from the horizons of divine Tablets in such wise that none hath any way to deny or object. And if they look to verses, these have encompassed East and West.

Say: If ye desire verses, they have indeed filled the horizons, and if ye seek clear proofs, read ye what hath been sent down from My Pen when the Wronged One was in Zawra (Baghdad) and in this mighty, exalted Station.

Know ye that this Tablet shall itself be God's proof against you and His evidence unto all creation.

Until this Manifestation, verses alone have been proof for all, for We had sent down this decree in all previous Books.

Although in this Manifestation all signs of power, manifest proofs, wondrous verses, glorious manifestations and divine attributes have appeared - and all this as a grace from Us to all created things - yet henceforth the matter resteth in God's hands, that He may designate what shall be proof for future Manifestations.

He has established these Dawning-Places that have risen from the Morn of Oneness with such clear proof that none besides these holy Manifestations could produce the like thereof, leaving no room for rejection or objection. For divine proof and heavenly evidence would not be complete for human beings without clear proof and manifest evidence. However, the specific nature of that proof - whether revealed verses, apparent signs, or otherwise - has been and always will be dependent on the will of that King of Divine Will alone, and not contingent upon any other.

We see, therefore that the proofs applicable to one Prophet are equally applicable to another.

By the same proof by which they believe and are certain of the Primal Point, we believe and are certain of the very Manifestation with something even greater.

… And if you do not look to the Bayan and deny God's proof which all the Prophets and Messengers brought, and do not accept God's verses which have ever been and shall ever be the conclusive proof as the criterion, then bring what you have if you be truthful. You must bring forth that criterion and proof by which you prove your truth today. By God! You will never be able to do so.

Say: Do ye deny Him for Whose meeting the Primal Point longed in His first manifestation, Who moved by His name and spoke in praise of His Own impregnable, exalted Self? Say: O people! If there should come unto you today anyone from among the Jews and Christians with a Tablet of God and His signs, and call out to you, "O people! By what proof did ye believe in the Primal Point, and by what evidence do ye deny Him in His latter manifestation?" - what would ye say, O heedless ones?

O Muhammad! Reflect a while upon the proofs of the Prophets and consider the ways of the Messengers. If thou wert asked by what proof thou didst believe in the former one, and by what proof thou didst turn away from the latter one, what wouldst thou say?

Say: If ye deny this Cause, what is your proof for believing in My previous Manifestation, Who was named 'Ali before Nabil? Beware lest ye deprive yourselves of Him by Whose command the verses were sent down in every age and through Whom God's power was manifested and His mercy encompassed the worlds.

Say: If ye deny this proof, then by what proof do ye reject the Faith of the Furqan? If ye say they denied God and His verses after they were sent down in truth, ye too have denied their like and their Revealer. What, then, is the difference between you, O company of the deluded?

Say: If ye deny these verses, then by what proof have ye believed in all the Prophets and Messengers? Bring it forth if ye be truthful!

Say: If ye deny these verses, by what proof did ye establish your faith in Muhammad, the Apostle of God, aforetime, if ye be of the just? Is one who standeth upon clear proof from God like unto one who hath turned away and disbelieved?

Say: O people! Be fair before God - if ye deny this Cause which hath dawned from the Supreme Horizon, by what proof can ye establish that which ye possess? Be fair, and be not of the wrongdoers.

If ye deny Him Who hath come unto you, by what proof can ye establish that which ye claim? Bring it forth, and be not of the unjust.

Say: If ye deny these verses, by what proof did ye believe in God's Messengers of old?

Say: O concourse of servants! Be fair before God - if ye deny God's proof and testimony in this Revelation, by what evidence can your own faith be established? Bring it forth, and be not of them that deny. This is a Day wherein the proof calleth aloud and the evidence crieth out.

Say: O people, if ye be fair in this Cause - should ye deny the Manifestation of God, His sovereignty, His proof and His evidence - by what proof do ye uphold that which ye possess?

Verily He hath come with the standards of verses and the hosts of meanings. If ye deny Him, by what proof can ye establish what ye possess?

Say: O company of the heedless ones! By what book did you believe in your Lord, the All-Merciful, and by what proof did you turn to Him? Bring it forth, if you have knowledge! Nay, by My very Self, the Truth! You have been impotent, as have all who dwell in the heavens and earth, to bring forth that which the Hidden and Treasured Name hath brought.

O people of the earth! Hearken unto My call and then judge fairly in this irrevocable, this wise Cause. If ye deny Me, despite what the hand of My power hath manifested, and what the tongue of My knowledge hath proclaimed, and what the heaven of My will hath revealed, then by what proof can your faith in God, the Lord of the mighty Throne, be established?

Say: O people of the earth, come forth and then judge fairly concerning the Cause of God, the Lord of the worlds. If you deny this Most Great Revelation, by what proof do you uphold that which you follow? Produce it, if you be truthful.

The signs have encompassed the world and the evidences are more manifest than the sun - it is not known by what proof they believed in the Point of the Bayan and to what testimony they cling.

O people! This is indeed 'Ali in truth, who hath appeared with such evidence as hath rendered powerless all who are in the heavens and on the earth. He reciteth unto you at every moment from verses of which a single letter surpasseth all things, were ye of them that know. If ye deny them, by what proof do ye uphold your belief in God? Produce it, if ye be truthful!

O people! The proof hath come from your Lord, the All-Merciful. In what utterance, then, did ye believe at the Dayspring of utterance?

Say: By God, O people! All that ye have heard regarding him who warred against God hath appeared from Our presence, as every discerning one whom veils and coverings have not withheld doth testify. Place yourselves, O people, in the presence of God. If ye deny that which hath appeared and shone forth from the horizon of His Cause, by what proof do ye uphold that which ye possess?

Look ye at the proofs of the Prophets of old - have ye heard of an Appearance greater than this Appearance which hath appeared with the truth?

Say: O people, judge ye fairly the Cause of this Youth, then ponder the proofs of previous Prophets and Messengers. Is any able to speak forth of his own accord that which all peoples would oppose? Nay, by my Lord, the All-Merciful, save him whom the Spirit confirmeth from the presence of the Mighty, the All-Knowing.

Say: O people, have mercy upon yourselves and oppose not Him Who hath come to you with the proof of the Spirit, the testimony of Muhammad and the evidences of the Messengers.

He hath stood between heaven and earth with mighty sovereignty, and there hath appeared from Him the proof of 'Ali, then the evidence of Muhammad, then the testimony of the Spirit, then that which was brought by Him Who conversed with God. Beyond all this, He hath appeared with such sovereignty as no eye in all creation hath witnessed the like thereof, nor the eyes of the angels near unto God.

By God! There hath appeared the proof of 'Ali, then the evidence of Muhammad, then the testimony of the Spirit, then that which the Interlocutor brought from the Sinai of God through this Announcement which was inscribed by the Pen of God in the mystery of the line, concealed from the gaze of the hypocrites.

Say: Fear ye God, and reject not Him Who hath come to you with the proofs of the Prophets and with that whereof the eye of creation hath seen no likeness.

Say: He has come with what exists in the world of God's Books and His proofs, if you be fair and not among the oppressors. He has appeared in truth in such wise that none denies it save every aggressive sinner.

Whoso denieth Him hath denied the Messengers of God in the past, disputed His signs, and disbelieved in His proof.

After establishing this premise, there is no doubt that if someone today makes a claim that does not cause the denial of any fundamental religious principle, and presents sufficient proof, it is incumbent upon all to accept his decree.

Behold what a power it was that enabled an emigrant to establish such a family, to found such a nation, and to promulgate such teachings. Now, can anyone claim that all this was purely fortuitous? We must be fair: Was this Man an Educator or not?

Now, how could a man who was a stammerer, who had been brought up in the house of Pharaoh, who was known among men as a murderer, and who out of fear had long been a fugitive and a shepherd, establish in the world so mighty a Cause that the wisest philosophers of the earth would be incapable of producing a thousandth part thereof? This is clearly an extraordinary feat.

… No: Were He not assisted by a divine power, He would never have been able to carry out such a mighty task. These are arguments that none can deny.

The manifestation of such marvellous signs and mighty undertakings, the influence exerted upon the thoughts and minds of the people, the laying of the foundations of progress, and the establishment of the prerequisites of success and prosperity by a young merchant constitute the greatest proof that He was a universal Educator---a fact that no fair-minded person would ever hesitate to acknowledge.

The Greater Peter, known as Simon the Pure, was outwardly a dyer, and Noah the Pure was outwardly a carpenter. When they received divine confirmation, one saved a people from the Most Great Flood and the other illumined a world with the lights of guidance.

Now, since that Luminary of truth has set, all stand in need of proofs, and so we have been occupied with providing rational proofs. Let us mention another, and this undeniable proof should alone suffice any fair-minded soul: It is that this illustrious Being advanced His Cause from within the Most Great Prison, whence His light shone forth, His fame encircled the globe, and the word of His glory reached both East and West. To this day such a thing has never come to pass, if the matter be examined with fairness.

Say: The Cause of God is more manifest than to need proof or evidence, for in all times and ages there hath appeared that which transcendeth human capacity. Therefore, the excuse of those who hesitate is unacceptable before God. Were people to adorn themselves with fairness, all would acknowledge that the divine testimony and proof of the All-Glorious, the Self-Subsisting, hath appeared in its essence.

Among His signs is His being manifest, being seen by all, standing as His own proof, and His presence among witnesses in every region, among peoples who fell upon Him even as wolves, and compassed Him about from every side.

Among His signs is His withstanding powerful nations and all-conquering states, and a host of enemies thirsting for His blood, intent at every moment upon His ruin, wheresoever He might be.

… Another of His signs is the marvel of His discourse, the eloquence of His utterance, the rapidity with which His Writings were revealed, His words of wisdom, His verses, His epistles, His communes, His unfolding of the Qur'an, both the abstruse verses thereof and the clear.

Were these to be discussed in detail it would conduce to prolixity, and our object is the statement of history, not of arguments for believing or rejecting; but of some of the replies the gist is this: that they held the Proof as supreme, and the evidence as outweighing traditions, considering the former as the root and the latter as the branch, and saying, "If the branch agree not with the root it serves not as an argument and is unworthy of reliance; for the reported consequence has no right to oppose itself to the established principle, and cannot argue against it."

Whenever the Holy Manifestations of God appear in this world they establish their validity with certain proofs. One of their proofs is the prophecies given by former Manifestations. The second is the wonderful traces which emanate from their personality. The third proof is their own deeds. The fourth proof is their teachings.

When the prophets of God appear upon this earth, their validity is established by means of certain proofs. One of the proofs is through the fulfillment of former prophecies, the second proofs are their creative words and phrases which salute the hearts of humanity, the third are their deeds and the fourth are their teachings.

It is this, that the Cause of the Blessed Beauty in every way is clearly proved. The proof is not of one kind only, but of all kinds. One is at a loss to know which proof to begin with.

As to the matter of proof, it hath appeared with the brilliance of the sun at high noon and become renowned throughout all regions. Indeed, I am at a loss to determine which of the manifest proofs, clear evidences, and conclusive arguments that have appeared in this mighty Dispensation and noble age I should mention to thee. Shall I speak of the purified Scriptures and perfected Books which have rendered all the eloquent ones and learned ones on earth powerless, or shall I tell thee of the evident might of Truth, His resplendent power and His triumphant glory which have encompassed all horizons?

In former dispensations, the proof of the Manifestation of God was perfect, but now it is more than perfect. The most wonderful event in this Revelation, was the protection of the Blessed Perfection while under the claws of the Shah of Persia and the Sultan of Turkey. His safeguard was like unto the safeguard of a blessed nightingale surrounded by a thousand eagles or an innocent lamp encircled by a hundred thousand wolves, or a small ark encompassed by furious and raging waves.

Conversely, one of the miracles of the Word of God and manifest signs of those who claim to be from God is that despite the oppression of enemies and killing, torture and tribulation, their Cause grows more influential day by day. Abasement becomes the cause of glory, captivity and imprisonment takes on the decree of freedom and deliverance.

Abdul Baha: Amongst the proofs of the Blessed Beauty was the fact that two blood-thirsty monarchs opposed his cause. All the people of Persia resisted it. All the Ulama resisted his cause and he became victorious over all and these were defeated. He was single and alone, without help or assistance and four times he was exiled. Each exile became the means of strengthening his cause.

Were you to take the courage of all the people in the world and put it into one heart, still that one who might possess it could not withstand what they withstood. Even their enemies acknowledge that it was a wonderful thing.

Among the proofs was the fact that blessed souls who believed and sacrificed their lives were from among the most prominent and distinguished people of the nation, both clergy and others. And so forth. All conversations were presentations of proof and evidence.

By the Sun of the horizon of sanctity! If thou wouldst reflect upon the circumstances of the Sacrifice mentioned in thy letter concerning the people of Za, this same would constitute the greatest proof for thee and all peoples.

If thou wouldst reflect upon the deeds of the Prophets, thou wouldst bear witness with absolute certitude that there are worlds besides this world. The philosophers of the earth, as revealed in the Tablet of Wisdom by the Supreme Pen, have mostly acknowledged and accepted what was revealed in the divine Books. … Now if such souls had considered divine worlds to be limited to this earthly life, they would never have surrendered themselves to their enemies nor endured unprecedented trials and tribulations.

The Manifestations of God have ever appeared with conclusive proofs and clear and evident testimonies, and yet in every Dispensation there hath been visited upon these sacred Temples that which the pen is powerless to recount.

The king pondered, then asked: "After making this claim and enduring hardships, did he waver in his cause and claim?" He said: "No, he became more steadfast." Then he asked: "Is he now advancing or declining?" He said: "More people gather around him and follow him." He thought, then asked: "Are his believers from the nobles, aristocrats, learned and accomplished ones, or from the poor, destitute and base people?" He said: "Not at all - reasonable, knowledgeable people, accomplished scholars and the wealthy are not with him." Again he asked: "Do those who join him become respected, wealthy and comfortable?" He said: "No, they all become more abased and are forced to flee their homelands." He pondered, and asked one final time: "Tell me, after his believers become abased and humbled because of their faith in him, do they waver in their belief and faith in him, or become more steadfast?"

One day the Blessed Beauty declared: "We sent a message to the divines in the Holy Shrines saying that if they wished to understand Our Cause, We stood ready to manifest whatever they desired; and if their purpose was to create disturbance, then by God, the Guardian, the Self-Subsisting, I would send but two men who would chase them all to the gates of Karbila." He said: "We told them to have all the divines unite and request a single verse, stipulating in writing that if what they requested was manifested within an appointed time, they would cease their persecution and oppression, and if it did not appear, they could pronounce Our Cause false. But not a single one came forward."

In this wonderful cycle such extraordinary signs and miracles appeared from the Blessed Perfection the like of which were not witnessed in former dispensations.

Both friends and strangers, known and unknown, as well as the philosophers, writers and thinkers of other foreign and far off nations testified in the most eloquent and exalted language to the elevation and grandeur of the Blessed Perfection; even the opponents and antagonists unloosed the tongues of eulogy and laudation.

If thou seekest proof, praise be to God that the horizons are illumined by the lamp of divine evidence. All the conditions of the Blessed Beauty were miracles.

O servant of the one true God! In cycles gone by, although the signs of God's power and the truth of His Cause were clear and manifest, yet to outward seeming the divine tests were severe, and the ignorant found grounds for hesitation; for the Sun of Truth shone from behind subtle clouds, inasmuch as the advent of the Promised One was, according to the explicit and decisive terms of the Holy Text, subject to certain conditions. And as the common people, interpreting those Texts according to their literal meanings, found them contrary to their own understanding, they remained veiled and deprived.

Now consider those heedless souls who demanded that He cause a spring to gush forth in the land of Batha, or manifest for them a house of gold, or ascend to heaven before their eyes and bring a book they could read, or produce a garden with date palms and grapes, or come with God, exalted be His glory, and a company of angels.

The warnings of the Blessed Beauty to the kings of the earth are utterly clear, without interpretation, and need no explanation. The Tablets to the Kings are sufficient and complete proof of the divine supernatural power. Study the Tablets to the Kings, consider carefully the severe addresses and observe the mighty warnings.

As to the Manifestation (Baha'u'llah) all the religious books in the world bear witness to Him. The Magis have resisted the Mohammedans for nearly 1,400 years, refusing to accept Mohammedanism, and suffered great persecutions. They accept and believe in the manifestation (Baha'u'llah) because of the prophecies of their books. The Jews would not accept Christ, but, because they see their Bible prophecies literally fulfilled, they are becoming believers in great numbers.

Now as to the coming of the great Master. His appearance [one or two words have been scratched off the page] is dependent upon the realization of certain conditions. Investigate the reality and in whomsoever these conditions are fulfilled, know ye of a certainty that he is the Great Master.

Raise both hands in thanksgiving to the threshold of the One God, offer praise and glory, and render laudation and gratitude that you have been confirmed and assisted with such a bounty - that you have extracted from ancient books decisive proofs, clear evidences and manifest arguments establishing the truth of the Great Announcement.

Every proof and prophecy, every manner of evidence, whether based on reason or on the text of the scriptures and traditions, are to be regarded as centered in the persons of Baha'u'llah and the Bab. In them is to be found their complete fulfillment.

Say: Yea, by My life! This is He Who was promised in the Scriptures and Tablets. If this be Baha's crime, what sayest thou of Him Who declared "Verily I am God from time immemorial"?

The Sacred Scriptures testify that there is none other God but Me, the Almighty, the Powerful, and the Holy Books proclaim this is He Who is mentioned in the Tablets and inscribed in a preserved Book.

Nay more: whatsoever hath come to pass upon the earth, and whatsoever shall come to pass, hath already proceeded and flowed from the Divine Pen, in such wise that no fair-minded soul can deny it; and notwithstanding, they have arisen to turn away. What proof is greater than this? What evidence more exalted than that which hath been mentioned?

This Day is the Day whereof all Prophets and Messengers have, from the Lord of the worlds, given glad-tidings unto all peoples. Even as the proof of the Interlocutor of the Mount was manifested through His staff, so hath the proof of this Wronged One shone forth through the Pen. With but a single rod did He smite the swords of the world, and with but a single Pen hath this Revelation [conquered] all peoples.

Thus did the All-Merciful come with great sovereignty and sent His angels to all regions to give the people glad tidings of this wondrous Day. In their hands were Tablets that surpass all the books of the ancients, wherein was revealed that which came upon the Prophets and Messengers.

As to what thou hast written concerning the manifestation of the Cause and the completion of the proof, know thou that the proof hath been completed, the heavenly table hath descended, the earth hath been cleft asunder, the heaven hath been split, the mountains have been scattered, the trees have been uprooted, the seas have been frozen, the path hath been laid, the balance hath been set up, the trumpet hath been blown, the door hath been knocked, the hosts have been arrayed, the inevitable hour hath come to pass, the tribes have been shaken, the bugle hath sounded, and the voice of the trumpet hath been raised, when this most exalted Word was sent down from the Most Exalted Pen: My glory and grandeur bear witness that this is not the day for questions.

Consider how important is the restoration of the sacred and blessed House, such that this servant pledged that if the people of Fars would restore it, the prevailing afflictions would be entirely removed, and wrote that they should make this matter the criterion of truth and falsehood.

And furthermore, when I heard that some people had presented certain words before His Exalted Presence which necessitate that I should mention them in this book, I began by recording these statements lest anyone should think of me other than what is true. And after his knowledge of what I have herein recorded in this book, let his judgment be manifest before God and before those possessed of knowledge among His creation.

If thou seekest the outward path concerning the Bearer of this radiant Pillar, it hath been established by the consensus of this community that none can be its Bearer save from the lineage of God's Messenger, as Kazim and Ahmad before him explicitly stated. He must be free from physical defects that would repel hearts, possessed of strength, modesty, dignity and reverence, endowed with beautiful names and sublime attributes, showing signs of knowledge and piety, and manifesting tokens of supreme justice - all of which the people of discernment recognize through the light of their hearts.

Behold then the verse wherein God hath mentioned: "In what revelation, after God and His signs, will they then believe?" [Q77:50]. For that is in the element of air through Muhammad and His words, then in the element of water through the first who believed in Him and then His words, then in the element of earth through the last who shall guide unto God and seek tidings of God's pleasure.

We created thee from a beginning that hath no beginning, and We were well-pleased with thee from a beginning that hath no beginning - a paradise that no other paradise can equal, as a favor from Us, for We are the All-Bountiful. And We shall surely create thee unto an end that hath no end, and We shall be well-pleased with thee in every resurrection like unto this, as a favor from Us, for We are the All-Bountiful.

Bear thou witness unto that which God did testify before the creation of the heavens and the earth: that there is none other God but I, the [Protector], the Self-Subsisting.

His is the creation and the command. There is none other God but Him. Say: All are His worshippers. God beareth witness that there is none other God but Him. Verily, the verses are from Him, a proof unto all who dwell in the kingdom of the heavens and of the earth and all that lieth between them, and through them are ye all created.

… Say: This is a proof that hath been completed in the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and whatsoever is between them, then throughout the worlds.

He sent the Messengers as bearers of glad tidings and warners that they should worship none but Him, and placed in the hands of each one of them a token of His power before which all else is powerless, that truth might be established through His words and falsehood be nullified through His signs, leaving no argument for anyone after knowledge of His decree, and that all might submit.

In every age He hath sent forth a Messenger to draw men nigh unto Him and to remind them of the days of God - this is what hath been revealed in all the Books, did ye but know it. And with them He sent down a proof, that His evidence might be perfected unto all created things and His dominion be made manifest to all the worlds.

And unto each one He gave such proofs as rendered powerless all who are in the heavens and on earth. This was irrevocably decreed until the days culminated in the Spirit, Whom He made manifest in truth and sent unto His servants to guide them unto God, the Mighty, the Beloved.

However, since men are weak in themselves and diverse in their understanding and recognition, He manifesteth that which all in the heavens and earth are powerless to produce, that it might serve as an eloquent testimony from Him unto all the worlds. This is naught but to demonstrate His bounty unto all created things and to manifest His grace unto every one, be they poor or rich.

He hath manifested His beauty with such a proof as hath rendered all created things powerless, and through it His evidence hath been perfected, His proof completed, and His testimony hath shone forth unto all in the kingdom, whether female or male, whether young or old.

Say: O people! The servant hath come unto you with clear signs and calleth you unto God Who created you and created all things, and He desireth from you neither recompense nor thanks.

Praise be to God Who sent down the Proof to His servants, made manifest to them the Way, and caused them to know the Dawning-Place of His Cause, the Rising-Point of His verses, the Source of His laws, and the Recipient of His knowledge - He Who stood before all faces and spoke that which draweth the servants nigh unto the court of His glory and the horizon of His Cause.

Say: He hath come with the truth, with signs from His presence, that He might guide you to His resplendent horizon.

Through them God provides His near servants with the fruits of wisdom and utterance, that He may detach them from all else besides Him and draw them nigh unto the precincts of glorious might.

Say: He is verily the One with power over whatsoever He willeth, such that were He to desire to reveal in every moment proof after proof in establishment of His Cause, He would be able, and He hath ever been wise over all things.

Beholdest thou not how the blind hath perceived, and the deaf hath hearkened, and the dumb hath spoken, and the dead hath been quickened, and the testimony hath been fulfilled? Could there after this be any hesitation or doubt?

Then, at that time, the radiance of that widespread effulgence will descend upon thee successively, and that motion rendered thee by the Holy Spirit will make thee dispense with any other strong evidence that leadeth to the appearance of this Light, because the greatest and strongest proof for showing the abundance of the Spirit to the bodies is the very appearance of its power and influence in those bodies. Think deeply of this in order to know the reality of my explanation and demonstration.

Today the horizons of the hearts of the friends are illumined by the lights of the luminous Orb of Revelation and are set aflame by the ardor of Divine love. The light is shining forth, the fire is manifest, power is revealed, and might is resplendent. By the life of God! To rend the veils of names and to sunder them seemeth, in this sight, greater than the cleaving of the moon. I swear by the lights of His countenance: in this Revelation the cleaving of the sun is beheld, could ye but know it.

"We will show them Our signs in the horizons and in themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth."

O servants of God! The signs of divine power are evident in all things like the sun, but the blind ones say "Where is this manifest light and where is this proof and where is this path?" … Otherwise, if there were even a particle of sight, one would witness the greatest signs and observe all things as clear proof of the existence of the Glorious Lord.

Is there one endowed with the sense of smell who can inhale the fragrance of God from His most exalted Word? Is there one possessed of sight who can behold My luminous countenance? Is there one with hearing who can hear My most sweet call? Is there one with a heart who can detect My pervading fragrance between the heavens and the earth?

Say: The verses We have revealed are as numerous as those which, in the preceding Revelation, were sent down upon the Bab. Let him that doubteth the words which the Spirit of God hath spoken seek the court of Our presence and hear Our divinely-revealed verses, and be an eye-witness of the clear proof of Our claim.

Reflect within thyself for less than a moment - hast thou heard of a Revelation more mighty than this, or of verses greater than what hath been sent down in truth?

Say: O people! Be fair unto yourselves for less than a moment and ponder thereon, O ye possessors of thought! If ye believe not in Him Who hath come with clear signs, then to what face will ye turn today, O possessors of justice?

And when thou hast recited them unto them say: O people! If ye possess a proof greater than this, bring it forth and be not of those who tarry.

O people! Be fair and deny not this Dayspring which hath shone forth upon the horizons with the lights of God, the Sovereign, the Dawning, the Mighty, the Luminous.

Weigh what thou hast against what hath appeared from Him, that thou mayest be assured that His proof is sovereign over all proofs and His evidence shineth from the horizon of grace.

If ye possess that which can equal these fragrances sent forth by the Mighty, the Wondrous One, or a proof greater than what We have, then bring it forth and tarry not, O people, and be not of them that slumber.

Say: O people, behold ye the Balance and Testimony of God, not what ye possess. Thus have ye been commanded in the Tablet, did ye but know.

Say: Be fair, O people of the earth, concerning this Cause at whose appearance bodies and souls were made to tremble.

Yet this Wronged One standeth alone in the Cause and beseecheth God not to deprive His servants on this Day. Now the equivalent of all the Books of God, past and future, hath been revealed and is present. Reflect upon that which hath flowed from the Most Exalted Pen. In this Revelation hath appeared that which hath not appeared since the beginning of creation, yet opposition preventeth both the outward and inward eye from beholding.

Have ye seen anything greater than what hath appeared? Nay, by the Lord of destiny! But desire hath prevented you from your Lord, the Most High, the Most Glorious. By My life, ye shall not be helped!

Say: Is doubt befitting after ye behold the All-Bestower riding upon the clouds?

… By My life! Every proof hath been abashed before My proof, and every evidence hath bowed down before Mine evidence, and all things lament for My sake, could ye but hear.

And when it is said unto them: "Have ye not witnessed God's majesty and power?" they say: "We saw and we disobeyed." Nay, they are unaware.

Say: O people! If ye believed in God before, how is it that ye believe not in Him around Whom circle the angels of the highest heaven? Say: Did ye not yearn for Him in the nights and at dawn? Yet when He came unto you with clear signs, ye turned away from His beauty.

Behold what hath appeared in truth, then be fair, and be not of those who said "God is our Lord," but when He came from the horizon of might they said "This is naught but a lying impostor." The trumpet hath been sounded in truth, yet the people are in doubt and strife. Say: Look ye, look ye, for the Sun hath risen from the horizon of proof.

Yet these unjust people, despite these manifest proofs, sacred conditions, firm manifestations, clear signs, and all-encompassing evidences, are still intoxicated.

If thou hast believed in God, why hast thou turned away from Him Who hath come unto thee with that wherewith came the Prophets and Messengers? By God! He hath come with God's proofs and His evidence, but most of the people are heedless.

The proof hath appeared and the stream of paradise hath flowed, yet most of the people remain heedless.

Abandon the dawning-places of idle fancies - the Sun of proof hath risen from the horizon of the utterance of your Lord, the All-Knowing.

The proof hath appeared and the sun of evidence hath shone forth from the horizon of possibility, yet the people are in grievous error.

Whosoever attains unto Him has attained unto all good, and he who turns away is not of Me and has been heedless of Me and has denied My verses which have been sent down from the horizon of My firm, mighty and luminous Cause.

And when God knew that some people would claim the station of Lordship in the temple of servitude without deserving it, God created for its people signs that would indicate its true possessor and distinguish between truth and falsehood.

Say: Were all mankind to gather together, every one of them, to produce the like of that Book, they would not be able, nor would they have the power -- even were they the most learned upon the earth.

Today the verses have encompassed the world and the evidences have embraced all things. The ocean of utterance surgeth in the midmost heart of contingent being, and the Sun of Revelation casteth its effulgences from all horizons.

Glorified be He Who hath appeared with the truth with all the signs and hath spoken between earth and heaven with a call whereby the hearts of the Concourse on High were attracted, yet most of the people hear not.

Say: O people of the Bayan! This, verily, is the Proof that hath shone forth from the horizon of the All-Merciful with power and sovereignty.

Through Him the remembrance of God was exalted among all else, the pillars of remembrance and utterance were raised up, the sun of exposition shone forth from the horizon of the will of the All-Merciful, and the breezes of glory wafted from the right hand of certitude.

Say: O people! Verily, He is the Youth of God amongst you, Who hath come unto you with the truth, with mighty signs.

Glory be to God! Should a soul turn away from this horizon, to what horizon would he turn, and to what proof and testimony would he cling? By the life of God! The proof doth circle round, and the testimony doth prostrate itself before My countenance, yet most of the people are in evident obscurity.

Say: O people! This is in truth Husayn Who hath come to you with verses, a single letter of which all who are in the heavens and on earth cannot equal, did ye but know.

Say: Verily, He is the One Who hath appeared, and He is the One Who hath come with the truth, with a sovereignty that hath subdued all who are in the heavens and on earth.

The proof has been perfected, the favor completed, and the evidence has encompassed all in the worlds.

And now It standeth at its zenith with the sovereignty of grandeur, might and glory, having come unto you with God's proof and His testimony, then His evidence and magnificent signs. Fear ye God, and war not against Him Who hath come unto you with all the signs, through Whom God's power and proof, then His greatness and might have been made manifest.

What proof could be greater than this, and what evidence mightier than this station? Observe how this blessed word adorns the opening of the prayer.

By God! Power hath been manifested, sovereignty hath encompassed all, and the signs have filled the horizons. None denieth them save he who is deprived of truth.

He around Whom circle the proofs and evidences hath come, as testified by the Tongue of Grandeur in the Most Great Prison.

Say: O people! If ye desire verses, they have been sent down in truth, and if ye seek clear proofs, they have appeared from this visible horizon.

Say: O people, can anyone stand with Him in the arena of proof and evidence? Nay, by His Self, the All-Merciful! Thus have We sent down the verses and manifested the proofs, that thou mightest arise to aid the Cause of thy Lord with power and sovereignty.

Were one possessed of insight, he would cry out between earth and heaven saying: "O people! By what proof have ye denied this Beauty Who hath dawned from the horizon of holiness with sovereignty and power?

If ye seek God's power, by God it hath appeared in truth. If ye seek the attributes of the All-Merciful, they have emerged with justice. If ye desire God's signs, they have been sent down in truth in such wise as to fill the East and West, were ye of the fair-minded.

Say: Is there any doubt concerning Him, or concerning the verses revealed unto Him, or concerning His power which hath encompassed all worlds? Say: This is from the appearance of that which the eye of creation hath never witnessed its like, and whoso denieth it hath disbelieved in God and His Messengers, then in Him Who came unto you with mighty sovereignty.

Say: Is there any doubt about God, or about His power which hath encompassed all created things, or about His signs, one letter of which all that can be counted cannot equal?

O Thou Revealer of verses and Manifestor of clear proofs! I testify that through Thy manifestation the mysteries were revealed and the signs appeared.

Say: We have manifested the proof in such wise that none throughout all creation can deny it, except him who hath transgressed the bounds of fairness and is numbered with the idolaters. Say: The Evidence hath prostrated itself before the countenance of its Lord, and the Proof circleth round the All-Glorious, and the Noble One calleth out between earth and heaven: "The Beloved hath come with dominion over all names.

Glorified be He Who hath sent down the verses in truth and made them a proof from His presence unto all who are in the heavens and on earth.

And that 'Ali before Nabil is the Manifestation of His Self to all who are in the heavens and on earth, and He hath sent Him with a proof that confoundeth the minds of the wise and the hearts of them that are near unto God.

Say: O people, observe! By God, the gate of heaven has been opened and the Lord of Names has come with a Cause before which none can stand. To this testifies the preserved Book in His possession, which was inscribed by the Finger of Power and wherein every hidden matter is recorded.

If the proof be verses, verily they have filled the world, and if it be evidences, verily they have shone forth from the horizon of the Will of the Lord of Eternity.

Though the Cause is mighty indeed, yet its proof and testimony are seen to be clearer than the light of the sun.

Say: This is the Day wherein verses have been sent down and clear proofs have been made manifest.

Should He utter but one word, verily it would be more sublime than all that hath been uttered by the tongues from time immemorial. He seeth and witnesseth, and He, verily, is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.

The proofs have circled round My proof, and the evidences round My transcendent and mighty and impregnable Evidence.

By God! Verily the proof circleth round about Him and the evidence standeth before His face, if ye be of them that witness.

All things have testified to the Revelation of God and His sovereignty, yet the people understand not.

Say: O people! If you desire verses, they have indeed encompassed all directions, and if you desire proofs, they have verily appeared through the truth, and if you desire the choice sealed wine, by God, its seal has been broken by the finger of divine power from God, the Lord of all being.

He hath come with verses that no fair-minded person nor any just and discerning one can deny.

Verily He hath appeared with the truth with such sovereignty as no hosts of the heavens and earth can withstand.

Every proof hath bowed down before the proof of God, the Lord of all worlds, and every evidence hath submitted to the evidence of God, the Lord of the mighty throne.

We have rent asunder the veils and sent down the verses, that perchance the people may attain certitude through the meeting with their Lord.

Glorified is He Who hath come with the Truth with such a proof as hath rendered powerless all who are in the heavens and on earth, and Who hath summoned all to His manifest and extended Path.

Is there any doubt concerning Him? Nay, by His own Self, the Truth! Is there any uncertainty about Him? Nay, by His own Self, the All-Bountiful!

By God! The All-Informed hath proclaimed My Manifestation, and the All-Knowing crieth out before My luminous countenance.

Glorified is He Who hath sent down the verses and made manifest the clear evidences for people who know.

Praise be to God Who hath broken the seal of the choice Wine with the finger of power and hath caused to descend from the heaven of utterance that whereby all things have proclaimed: "The Kingdom belongeth to Him Who hath appeared with the truth with such conclusive proof as hath caused all necks to bow down."

Even this much that has been mentioned was solely to establish proof, so that they might realize at least this much - that this earth will never be devoid of a manifest proof, and what prevents its manifestation and appearance in this age and era are the evil souls of the people.

As to the proofs and arguments of the Beauty of ABHA, these are manifest like the sun.

Consider how in the days of the Prophet--peace be upon Him--it was even more severe than this. Therefore these books are of no importance. Rather, importance lieth in the proof and evidence. Since the proof is brilliant, all these books are but vain imaginings.

Amongst other things is the holding of the meetings for teaching so that blessed souls and the old ones from amongst the believers may gather together the youths of the love of God in schools of instruction and teach them all the divine proofs and irrefragable arguments, explain and elucidate the history of the Cause, and interpret also the prophecies and proofs which are recorded and are extant in the divine books and epistles regarding the manifestation of the Promised One, so that the young ones may go in perfect knowledge in all these degrees.

O ye two maidservants of God dear to Him! Today the greatest service to the Abha Kingdom is to kindle the lamp of guidance and to teach the Cause of God, and likewise to educate girls and to explain the clear verses and impart convincing proofs in establishing the manifestation of the Sun of Reality which hath shone forth upon all the earth and the heavens.

Today the teaching of the Faith is the mightiest foundation, and the acquisition of proofs and arguments is obligatory, and knowledge of conclusive evidences for the appearance of the manifest Light is necessary. The gathering thou hast arranged brought much joy and gladness to the heart of 'Abdu'l-Baha. Surely thou wilt carry forward with effort, persistence and steadfastness so that, God willing, through the divine breaths souls may be educated who will each become a shining lamp in the gathering of divine knowledge. This matter is very important and incumbent upon all.

Told of the study of the Ighan in the Wednesday night meetings in Washington, his comment was, "Very good! Very good! It is very good to memorize the logical points and the proofs of the Holy Books. Those proofs and evidences which establish the fact that Baha'u'llah is the fulfilment of the Promises of the Holy Books. These proofs ought to be collected and memorized. As soon as someone will ask you--What are your proofs?--you may cry out at the top of your voice and say: 'Here they are!'"

In any case, present as much as you can decisive proofs and clear rational and traditional evidence to prove the Divinity and Oneness of God and the truth of the Holy Manifestations of the All-Glorious.

It is my hope that from day to day your gatherings will grow and flourish, and that those who are seeking after truth will hearken therein to reasoned arguments and conclusive proofs.

In these meetings the believers and maid-servants of the Merciful must proclaim the proofs and arguments and explain the signs of the appearance of the Beauty of Abha-May my life by a sacrifice to the beloved ones!

… But the fundamental principle of the establishment of spiritual meetings is for the sake of teaching and delivering the Truth so that those souls who are present may become informed of the Divine Evidences and Proofs.

It is at such times that the friends of God avail themselves of the occasion, seize the opportunity, rush forth and win the prize. If their task is to be confined to good conduct and advice, nothing will be accomplished. They must speak out, expound the proofs, set forth clear arguments, draw irrefutable conclusions establishing the truth of the manifestation of the Sun of Reality....

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O discoverer of mysteries! Praise God that you have grasped the proofs and evidences, and have uncovered the mysteries of the decisive proof, and have established the religion of God through brilliant proofs, and have made manifest the truth of the Prophets through clear evidences.

Indeed, through the power of proof you silence the objectors until the spiritual realities and meanings become manifest and evident.

[Then the aforementioned person submitted that the people of Europe completely deny the promises of the Prophets and spiritual matters. Thereupon from the blessed tongue flowed an extensive explanation about supernatural power and decisive proofs and evidences, such that the addressee had no response except "yes, yes" and became more humble with each moment until he was dismissed with utmost reverence and submissiveness. He then sought permission to attain a second audience.]

Then with warmth and eloquence he presented to him the irrefutable proofs concerning the validity of Christ, as he did in the Synagogues of America, and how divine education is essential for the progress of any nation. The Rabbi was dumbfounded, and could not say a word to contradict the arguments of Abdul-Baha.

"Why do you think Mohamad was a prophet?" they asked. He gave them logical and satisfying reasons.

Let not the words of those who have disbelieved in God grieve thee. Glorify the praise of thy Lord and say: Praise be unto Thee, O Thou Who hast made Thyself known unto me and hast sent unto me that whereby the dead are quickened.

It is incumbent upon thee to gladden hearts and bring joy to souls and unite the word among the loved ones and show love toward all creation and manifest great kindness toward those who have walked the straight path, and to recite the verses and set forth proofs and evidences for the appearance of the Kingdom of God in this great century.

In mine hand I carry the testimony of God, your Lord and the Lord of your sires of old. Weigh it with the just Balance that ye possess, the Balance of the testimony of the Prophets and Messengers of God.... It is indeed the sign of God that hath been sent down through the power of truth, through which the validity of His Cause hath been demonstrated unto His creatures

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If we wish to discover whether any one of these great Souls or Messengers was in reality a Prophet of God, we must investigate the facts surrounding His life and history, and the first point of our investigation will be the education He bestowed upon mankind..... We do not need to seek after other proofs. We do not need to mention miracles...

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...the proofs of the validity and inspiration of a Prophet of God are the deeds of beneficent accomplishment and greatness emanating from Him. If He proves to be instrumental in the elevation and betterment of mankind, He is undoubtedly a valid and heavenly Messenger.

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Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Mat. 7:15-16 No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit.

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