A Traveler's Narrative
page 39
circulated in all quarters and directions, to wit that a stranger,
a Persian, had appeared in the district of Sulaymáníyyih
(which hath been, from of old, the place whence the most
expert doctors of the Sunnites have arisen), and that the people
of that country had loosed their tongues in praise of Him.
From the rumor thus heard it was known that that Person was
none other than Bahá'u'lláh. Several persons, therefore, hastened
thither, and began to entreat and implore, and the
urgent entreaty of all brought about His return.
Now although this sect had not been affected with quaking
or consternation at these grievous events, such as the slaughter
of their Chief and the rest, but did rather increase and multiply;
still, since the Báb was but beginning to lay the foundations
when He was slain, therefore was this community ignorant
concerning its proper conduct, action, behavior, and
duty, their sole guiding principle being love for the Báb. This
ignorance was the reason that in some parts disturbances
occurred; for, experiencing violent molestation, they unclosed
their hands in self-defense. But after His return
Bahá'u'lláh made such strenuous efforts in educating, teaching,
training, regulating, and reconstructing this community
that in a short while all these troubles and mischiefs were
quenched, and the utmost tranquility and repose reigned in
men's hearts; so that, according to what hath been heard, it
became clear and obvious even to statesmen that the fundamental
intentions and ideas of this sect were things spiritual,
and such as are connected with pure hearts; that their true and
essential principles were to reform the morals and beautify the
conduct of the human race, and that with things material they
had absolutely no concern.
When these principles, then, were established in the hearts
of this sect they so acted in all lands that they became celebrated
amongst statesmen for gentleness of spirit, steadfastness
of heart, right intent, good deeds, and excellence of conduct.
For this people are most well-disposed towards obedience and
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