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He is the One, the True, the King, the One to Whom all resort for aid.

Praise be to God for that which He hath decreed; exalted is He above whatsoever they associate with Him. In this matter wherein I speak, I am constrained by a state of jealous concern, yet patience is the better course, that the condition of affairs may become manifest. To Him belong praise and thanksgiving, for the Manifestation of all things is known unto Him. Verily, the Truth—glorified be He—hath purposes and ordinances; a command may issue in one form and yet lead to another end. How many a person hath set out with an intent, yet the outcome hath borne witness otherwise. Prostration before Him is not confined to sustenance or outward provision, but pertaineth also to the human soul and the ordering of its affairs. Both the outward and the inward are under His governance; He unfoldeth them as He willeth. Words that are more knowing than their speakers, and utterances that surpass the intent of those who voice them—such things do not endure among this company, save as God permitteth. That which is crooked returneth upon itself; that which is sound abideth.

As for the sorrow of the soul, it need not be nourished. Should affliction befall thee—whether it be named hardship or loss—let no harm enter thy being. If hospitality be offered and there be naught save a crust of bread, let it suffice without distress; for if we offer what little we possess as a gift, we shall in the end gain the greater good. Many a time hath one endured harm, only that he might be preserved from a greater loss.

Praise be to God! His earth is vast, and His mercy complete. To attach oneself to certain souls is forbidden; rather is severance the secret of true detachment. This hath been spoken: that the outward may appear joined, yet inwardly remain free. Whithersoever one goeth, if attachment be clung to, one shall be drawn back again—there is no other path. But if a soul, even at the end of its course, should inwardly turn away and return to its own place, the way of detachment remaineth open. Such a one hath truly detached himself, though he stand where he stood before.

Consider the days that were marked by piety, migration, and contentment. The world’s arrangements were few, yet obstacles intervened. Old reckonings remained, and after one’s departure how much expense fell upon the prudent—and woe unto that same person! Whatever was given for the road and its provisions, and whatever was entrusted or remitted, all passed away in like manner. This is well known: to associate oneself with certain persons leadeth in the end to such an outcome.

One day I visited him in his poverty; another night I was invited to his dwelling. He possessed a measure of pride, such that whenever my name was mentioned he sought a particular course, and whenever I came he displayed a certain manner. These are matters I myself find difficult to bear. Yet there is no escape from heavenly decree; the command is fixed and bestowed upon each according to what is fitting. The remainder of affairs they know best; and whatever is decreed shall assuredly be done.

Unless deeds be wrought with pure hands, toil and ascetic striving avail not. At times one speaketh plainly, yet is not heeded; perhaps within that poor hut there is a lamp lit, and by that light the truth shall in time be made manifest. Those debts which were incurred by that noble person, after all the causes have run their course, shall be shown to be as God willeth, that the truth may proceed as He ordaineth.

The chosen ones and the elect of the Messenger have written that, in certainty, matters unfold thus. “Such hath been the way of God among all worlds.” Other affairs remain deferred; forms are taken up and migrations occur, yet they profit little. This I say from bitter experience: conditions have not changed from former days, save that in these times many—of the well-known and others—have passed away, that God may bring to pass whatsoever He willeth.

The condition admits of no reply, nor is there a place for disputation. God willing, those present shall remain steadfast and attain to the station of proclamation. I have spoken briefly, according to the measure of inquiry. Matters have gathered, group upon group, yet the heart desireth only that tranquillity be preserved. All is from one Source.

And God is the Beloved of the God-fearing. And one final reflection remains: God is with the patient. [n.b. typed text is corrupted]