Cherubim: "They are a multitude of our Shi'ite followers, behind the Throne." Although by the words "behind the Throne" many meanings are intended, both outwardly and inwardly, yet in one sense it indicates that no true Shi'ite exists. For he hath said in another place, "A true believer is likened unto the philosopher's stone;" then he asked the listener, "Have you ever seen the philosopher's stone?" See how this symbolical statement, which is more eloquent than a clear explanation, indicates that a true believer doth not exist. This is the saying of Sadik. Consider how many are the unjust people who have not inhaled the fragrance of faith, yet they attribute unbelief to those through whose sayings faith is verified.
To resume; as these holy beings are sanctified and purified from human inclinations, have become endowed with the attributes of the Spiritual Ones and qualified with the characteristics of the Holy Ones, the name "angel" is applied to them. In brief, this is the meaning of these words, every particular of which hath been explained in clear evidences, sound proofs and manifest arguments.
As the people of Jesus did not attain to these meanings and these signs did not outwardly come to pass as they and their divines understood, they have not believed in the Holy Manifestations from that day until the present; therefore they have been deprived of all the sacred bounties and veiled from the won-
