verse, such a breeze of severance is hidden, that were it to blow, all the temples of existence would sacrifice life and relinquish soul. Consider the ignorance and extreme ingratitude of the people who have closed their eyes to all this and run after dead bodies[1] from whose bellies proceed the lamentations of the property of the faithful. Yet what unwarranted accusations they bring against the Dawning-places of Holiness! Thus do We mention unto thee that which is wrought by the hands of those who disbelieve, and who turn away from the Meeting of God in the day of resurrection. God chastises them with the fire of their infidelity, and prepares for them a punishment in the hereafter whereby their bodies and souls are consumed. This is because they have said, " Verily, God is not powerful in anything, and His Hands are tied from bounty!" Steadfastness in the Cause is a great proof and mighty argument. The Seal of the Prophets hath said: "Two verses have made me old."[2] Both concern steadfastness in the Cause of God. It is said: " Be thou steadfast, for thus hast thou been commanded" (K. S. II).
Consider how, in His tender youth, this Sadrat of the Divine Rizwan delivered the Cause of God, and what steadfastness appeared from that Beauty of Oneness. Though all upon the earth combined to suppress Him, it produced no result. The more harm they inflicted upon that Sadrat of Blessedness, the more His
