O my spiritual loved ones! At a time when an ocean of trials
and tribulations was surging up and flinging its waves to the heavens, when
multitudes were assailing us and the tyrannical were inflicting upon us
crushing wrongs—at such a time a band of individuals, intent on defaming us,
allied themselves with our unkind brother, brought out a treatise that was
filled with slanderous charges, and levelled accusations and calumnies against
us.In this way they alarmed and confused the government authorities, and it is obvious what the condition of this captive then became, in this dilapidated fortress, and what terrible harm and mischief was done, far worse than words can tell. In spite of everything, this homeless prisoner remained inwardly tranquil and secure, trusting in the peerless Lord, yearning for whatever afflictions might have to be encountered in the pathway of God’s love. For bolts of hate are, in our sight, but a gift of pearls from Him, and mortal poison but a healing draught.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Selections from the
Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
