part of those who have searched with such earnestness
and longing. Their attack hath been more
fierce than tongue or pen can describe. Not one
single Manifestation of Holiness hath appeared
but He was afflicted by the denials, the repudiation,
and the vehement opposition of the people
around Him. Thus it hath been revealed: "O the
misery of men! No Messenger cometh unto them
but they laugh Him to scorn." (1) Again He saith:
"Each nation hath plotted darkly against their
Messenger to lay violent hold on Him, and
disputed with vain words to invalidate the
truth." (2)
In like manner, those words that have streamed
forth from the source of power and descended
from the heaven of glory are innumerable and
beyond the ordinary comprehension of man. To
them that are possessed of true understanding and
insight the Súrah of Hud surely sufficeth. Ponder
a while those holy words in your heart, and, with
utter detachment, strive to grasp their meaning.
Examine the wondrous behaviour of the Prophets,
and recall the defamations and denials uttered by