What “oppression” is greater than that which hath been recounted?  What “oppression” is more grievous than that a soul seeking the truth, and wishing to attain unto the knowledge of God, should know not where to go for it and from whom to seek it?  For opinions have sorely differed, and the ways unto the attainment of God have multiplied.  This “oppression” is the essential feature of every Revelation.  Unless it cometh to pass, the Sun of Truth will not be made manifest.  For the break of the morn of divine guidance must needs follow the darkness of the night of error.  For this reason, in all chronicles and traditions reference hath been made unto these things, namely that iniquity shall cover the surface of the earth and darkness shall envelop mankind.  As the traditions referred to are well known, and as the purpose of this servant is to be brief, He will refrain from quoting the text of these traditions.

Were this “oppression” (which literally meaneth pressure) to be interpreted that the earth is to become contracted, or were men’s idle fancy to conceive similar calamities to befall mankind, it is clear and manifest that no such happenings can ever come to pass.  They will assuredly protest that this pre-requisite of divine revelation hath not been made manifest.  Such hath been and still is their contention.  Whereas, by “oppression” is meant the want of capacity to acquire spiritual knowledge and apprehend the Word of God.  By it is meant that when the Day-star of Truth hath set, and the mirrors that reflect His light have departed, mankind will become afflicted with “oppression” and hardship, knowing not whither to turn for guidance.  Thus We instruct thee in the interpretation of the traditions, and reveal unto thee the mysteries of divine wisdom, that haply thou mayest comprehend the meaning thereof, and be of them that have quaffed the cup of divine knowledge and understanding.

And now, concerning His words—­“The sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give light, and the stars shall fall from heaven.”  By the terms “sun” and “moon,” mentioned in the writings of the Prophets of God, is not meant solely the sun and moon of the visible universe.  Nay rather, manifold are the meanings they have intended for these terms.  In every instance they have attached to them a particular significance.  Thus, by the “sun” in one sense is meant those Suns of Truth Who rise from the dayspring of ancient glory, and fill the world with a liberal effusion of grace from on high.  These Suns of Truth are the universal Manifestations of God in the worlds of His attributes and names.  Even as the visible sun that assisteth, as decreed by God, the true One, the Adored, in the development of all earthly things, such as the trees, the fruits, and colours thereof, the minerals of the earth, and all that may be witnessed in the world of creation, so do the divine Luminaries, by their loving care and educative influence, cause the trees of divine unity, the fruits of His oneness,