Part I.—­From the Arabic

Preamble

He is the glory of glories

This is that which hath descended from the realm of glory, uttered by the tongue of power and might, and revealed unto the Prophets of old.  We have taken the inner essence thereof and clothed it in the garment of brevity, as a token of grace unto the righteous, that they may stand faithful unto the Covenant of God, may fulfill in their lives His trust, and in the realm of spirit obtain the gem of Divine virtue.

“1:  O Son of spirit!  My first counsel is this:  Possess a pure, kindly and...”

O Son of spirit!  My first counsel is this:  Possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart, that thine may be a sovereignty ancient, imperishable and everlasting.

“2:  O Son of spirit!  The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice;...”

O Son of spirit!  The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou desirest Me, and neglect it not that I may confide in thee.  By its aid thou shalt see with thine own eyes and not through the eyes of others, and shalt know of thine own knowledge and not through the knowledge of thy neighbor.  Ponder this in thy heart; how it behooveth thee to be.  Verily justice is My gift to thee and the sign of My loving-kindness.  Set it then before thine eyes.

“3:  O Son of man!  Veiled in My immemorial being and in the ancient...”

O Son of man!  Veiled in My immemorial being and in the ancient eternity of My essence, I knew My love for thee; therefore I created thee, have engraved on thee Mine image and revealed to thee My beauty.

“4:  O Son of man!  I loved thy creation, hence I created thee.  Wherefore,...”

O Son of man!  I loved thy creation, hence I created thee.  Wherefore, do thou love Me, that I may name thy name and fill thy soul with the spirit of life.

“5:  O Son of being!  Love Me, that I may love thee.  If thou lovest Me...”

O Son of being!  Love Me, that I may love thee.  If thou lovest Me not, My love can in no wise reach thee.  Know this, O servant.

“6:  O Son of being!  Thy Paradise is My love; thy heavenly home, reunion...”

O Son of being!  Thy Paradise is My love; thy heavenly home, reunion with Me.  Enter therein and tarry not.  This is that which hath been destined for thee in Our kingdom above and Our exalted dominion.

“7:  O Son of man!  If thou lovest Me, turn away from thyself; and if...”

O Son of man!  If thou lovest Me, turn away from thyself; and if thou seekest My pleasure, regard not thine own; that thou mayest die in Me and I may eternally live in thee.