Herein the high heavens are in no conflict with the lowly earth, nor do they seek to excel it, for this is the land of mercy, not the realm of distinction.  Albeit at every moment these souls appear in a new office, yet their condition is ever the same.  Wherefore of this realm it is written, “No work withholdeth Him from another."(125) And of another state it is said:  “Every day doth some new work employ Him."(126) This is the food whose savor changeth not, whose color altereth not.  If thou eatest thereof, thou shalt verily chant this verse:  “I turn my face to Him Who hath created the Heavens and the earth ...  I am not one of those who add gods to God."(127) “And thus did we show Abraham the Kingdom of the Heavens and of the Earth, that He might be established in knowledge."(128) Wherefore, put thy hand into thy bosom, then stretch it forth with power, and behold, thou shalt find it a light unto all the world."(129)

How crystal this cool water that the Cup-Bearer bringeth!  How bright this pure wine in the hands of the Beloved!  How delicate this draught from the Heavenly Cup!  May it do them good, whoso drink thereof, and taste of its sweetness and attain to its knowledge.

    It is not fitting that I tell thee more,
    For the stream’s bed cannot hold the sea.(130)

For the mystery of this utterance is hid within the storehouse of the Great Infallibility(131) and laid up in the treasuries of power.  It is sanctified above the jewels of explanation; it is beyond what the most subtle of tongues can tell.

Astonishment here is highly prized, and utter poverty essential.  Wherefore hath it been said, “Poverty is My pride."(132) And again:  “God hath a people beneath the dome of glory, whom He hideth in the clothing of radiant poverty."(133) These are they who see with His eyes, hear with His ears, as it is written in the well-known tradition.

Concerning this realm, there is many a tradition and many a verse, of broad or special relevancy, but two of these will suffice to serve as a light for men of mind and heart.

The first is His statement:  “O My Servant!  Obey Me and I shall make thee like unto Myself.  I say ‘Be,’ and it is, and thou shalt say ‘Be,’ and it shall be.”

And the second:  “O Son of Adam!  Seek fellowship with none until thou hast found Me, and whenever thou shalt long for Me, thou shalt find Me close to thee.”

Whatever high proofs and wondrous allusions are recounted herein, concern but a single Letter, a single Point.  “Such hath been the way of God ... and no change canst thou find in the way of God."(134)

I began this epistle some time ago, in thy remembrance, and since thy letter had not reached me then, I began with some words of reproach.  Now, thy new missive hath dispelled that feeling and causeth Me to write thee.  To speak of My love for thine Eminence is needless.  “God is a sufficient witness!"(135) For his Eminence Shaykh Muhammad—­May God the Exalted bless him!—­I shall confine Myself to the two following verses which I request be delivered to him: