my Lord, not any families of the unbelievers upon the earth” (K. S. 71). Ponder a little as to why these servants contra- dicted and shunned Him during this time and did not attain nor become honored with the robes of Affirmation by abandoning the garment of Negation; also why the Divine promises became caus- “bada,” ing some of those who had followed Him to turn back. Much reflection is necessary that ye may be- come cognizant of the mysteries of invisible things, inhale a sweet odor from the fragrance of the ideal rose-garden, and acknowledge that the tests of God have been and ever will be upon His servants. Thus light may be known and distinguished from darkness, truth from falsehood, guidance from error, happi- 1 literally signifies in the mind,” but in this “Bada” “appearing connection it means the failing of fulfilment of a prophetic announce- ment, due to the change of Divine purpose. ness from despair, and roses from thorns. It is written, men imagine that it shall be sufficient “Do for them to say believe,’ while they be not ‘We proved (or tested)” (K. S. 29)? After Noah, the beauty of Hud shone forth from the Day-spring of Creation. For seven hundred years or more, according to different statements, He summoned the people to the Rizwan of Nearness of the Lord of Glory. Like copious rain, calamities fell upon Him. The greater His zeal in summoning, the more obstinate their denial. The more strenuous His effort, the more pronounced their disdain. “And
my Lord, not any families of the unbelievers upon the earth” (K. S. 71). Ponder a little as to why these servants contra- dicted and shunned Him during this time and did not attain nor become honored with the robes of Affirmation by abandoning the garment of Negation; also why the Divine promises became “bada,” caus- ing some of those who had followed Him to turn back. Much reflection is necessary that ye may be- come cognizant of the mysteries of invisible things, inhale a sweet odor from the fragrance of the ideal rose-garden, and acknowledge that the tests of God have been and ever will be upon His servants. Thus light may be known and distinguished from darkness, truth from falsehood, guidance from error, happi- 1 “Bada” literally signifies “appearing in the mind,” but in this connection it means the failing of fulfilment of a prophetic announce- ment, due to the change of Divine purpose. ness from despair, and roses from thorns. It is written, “Do men imagine that it shall be sufficient for them to say ‘We believe,’ while they be not proved (or tested)” (K. S. 29)? After Noah, the beauty of Hud shone forth from the Day-spring of Creation. For seven hundred years or more, according to different statements, He summoned the people to the Rizwan of Nearness of the Lord of Glory. Like copious rain, calamities fell upon Him. The greater His zeal in summoning, the more obstinate their denial. The more strenuous His effort, the more pronounced their disdain. “And
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