after as ye scoff at us and ye shall surely know" (K. S. 11).
Afterward He repeatedly promised His followers the descent of victory at an appointed time, the fulfilment of which became "bada."[1] Some of His few followers turned away from Him because of this non-fulfilment. These details are recorded in most of the well-known books which have been and will be read. Finally there remained with His Holiness but forty or seventy-two souls, as stated in the books and traditions. At length He cried out saying, "O my Lord, leave not any families of the unbelievers upon the earth" (K. S. 71).
Ponder a little as to why these servants contradicted 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," causing some of those who had followed Him to turn back. Much reflection is necessary that ye may become 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-
- ↑ "Bada" literally signifies "appearing in the mind," but in this connection it means the failing of fulfilment of a prophetic announcement, due to the change of Divine purpose.
