A New World Order/Bahá’u’lláh and His Mission
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BAHA'U'LLAH AND HIS MISSION
Some Utterances of 'Abdu'l-Baha Concerning Baha'u'llah
Now consider:
One prisoner, single and solitary, with no assistant, neither protector, moreover a foreigner, a stranger, imprisoned in the fortress of 'Akka, writing such epistles to kings! Writing such an epistle to the Sultan of Turkey, whilst He was a prisoner in 'Akka!
Baha'u'llah hoisted His banner within the walls of that prison.
Refer to all history. It has no parallel! No such event has ever taken place before. That a stranger, alone and a prisoner, has succeeded in advancing His Cause, and been enabled to spread broadcast His Teachings, so that, eventually, He was powerful enough to conquer the very king who banished Him.
His Cause continued to spread.
The Blessed Perfection was for twenty-five years in that prison. During all this time He was subjected to the persecutions of the people. He underwent the sorrow of atrocities and banishments of the people of Persia.
You may learn how they pillaged His property in Persia.
How they chained Him in prison.
How they banished Him from Persia to Baghdad.
How a second time He was banished from Baghdad to Constantinople.
A third banishment was from Constantinople to . . . (Adrianople).
A fourth time He was banished, from . . . [Adrianople] to the Most Great Prison.
During all His lifetime He had no moment's rest! He did not pass one night in restful sleep for His body!
He bore all these ordeals and catastrophes and difficulties in order that, in the world of humanity, a selflessness might become apparent.
In order that the Most Great Peace might become a reality in the world of humanity.
In order that waiting souls might become manifest as the very angels in Heaven.
In order that Heavenly miracles might become perfected among men.
In order that the faith of humanity might become adequate.
In order that .. . the Mind of humanity might develop to its fullest capacity. .. .»
Baha'u'llah bore all these ordeals and catastrophes for this:
That our hearts might be illumined.
That our spirits might become glad.
That our imperfections might be replaced by virtues.
That our ignorance might be transformed into knowledge.
In order that we might acquire the fruits of humanity and obtain Heavenly graces.
Although we are now on earth, let us walk .. . in the Kingdom. Although we are needy, let us plead for Heavenly treasure.
[Page 5]
For these bounties to us has the Blessed Perfection borne so
great difficulties.
Trust all to God. The Light of God is resplendent. The Blessed Epistles are spreading.
You will shortly see that the Heavenly Teachings have begun, that the Oneness of the World of Humanity is becoming a glorious Reality!
The Blessed Teachings are being spread in the East and in the West.
The Banner of the Most Great Peace has been unfurled, and the great Community of the Kingdom of God is at hand.
"Abdu'1-Baha,
The Chosen Highway, pp. 258-60 (Emphasis added)
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[Page 6]
The Ancient Beauty hath consented to be bound with chains
that mankind may be released from its bondage,
and hath accepted to be made a prisoner within this most mighty Stronghold
that the whole world may attain unto true liberty.
He hath drained to its dregs the cup of sorrow,
that all the peoples of the earth may attain unto abiding joy, and be filled with gladness.
This is the mercy of your Lord,
the Compassionate, the Most Merciful.
We have accepted to be abased,
0 believers in the Unity of God,
that ye may be exalted,
and have suffered manifold afflictions,
that ye might prosper and flourish.
He Who hath come to build anew the whole world,
behold,
how they that have joined partners with God
have forced him to dwell within
the most desolate of cities!
Bah4'u'114h, Gleanings from the Writings
of Baha'u'llah, pp. 99-100
[Page 7]
Say:
We have accepted to be tried by ills and troubles,
that ye may sanctify yourselves from all earthly defilements.
Why, then, refuse ye to ponder Our purpose in your hearts?
By the righteousness of God! Whoso will reflect upon the tribulations We have suffered, his soul will assuredly
melt away with sorrow.
Thy Lord Himself
beareth witness to the truth of My words.
We have sustained the weight of all calamities to sanctify you from all earthly corruption, and ye are yet indifferent.
Baha'u'11ah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 307
[Page 8]
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[Page 9]
BAHA'U'LLAH AND HIS MISSION:
What does Baha'u'llah's suffering mean to you as an individual? How will Baha'u'llah's chains release mankind from its bondage? How will His cup of sorrow cause us joy and gladness?
Why did He choose to appear in a land where He would be so persecuted, rather than in a more tolerant country?
Why did He submit to such cruel injustice?
Are we yet indifferent?