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However, the inhabitants of Persia are not the only ones who are afflicted with this ignorance and blindness. The people of the imperial Ottoman government are also in a state of the utmost ignorance and blindness. Diversity of opinions and ignorance of factions do not allow one breath of tranquility to the imperial government, in order that it may adjust internal conditions and rectify foreign relations. Yet, under all these conditions, His Imperial Majesty the Padeshah of the Ottomans is intelligently directing the affairs. The proof and testimony of this assertion is the protection afforded these exiled ones (in Acca) from the rebellious despotism of the enemies. If authority were in the people's hands or in other hands than those of the government, the conspiracies and seditions of inside and outside enemies would have scattered even the ashes of this imprisoned one to the winds. But the forbearance, intelligence, foresight, far-reaching wisdom and discernment of His Imperial Majesty the Padeshah of the Ottomans have so far protected these exiled ones, notwithstanding the attacks of the calumniators and the party of the slanderers. We are of those who pray for these two just kings and are grateful to these two equitable sovereigns. (402:1) Praise be unto God! One of the imputations of the enemies is this: That-- we seek refuge in God-- we deny the validity and truth of the Sun of Guidance, the Lamp of the Supreme Concourse, the messenger of the Almighty, His Highness Mohammed Mostafa-- upon Him be greeting and praise!-- and that-- God forbid!-- we have written books in His refutation. Woe unto those who have arisen to spread this great falsehood and calumny! However, all the friends of God who are informed of the mysteries know that his exiled and imprisoned one would readily sacrifice his life at the dust of the Prophet's feet. Furthermore, the Blessed Perfection-- may my life be a sacrifice to His beloved ones-- in the book of Ighan, hath established with invincible proofs and clear arguments the prophethood of His Highness the Messenger-- may my life be a sacrifice to Him!-- and also His Highness the Supreme (the Bab) hath invoked Him (Mohammed) in many supplications. Notwithstanding all these evidences, the unjust ones are crying out and secretly spreading the falsehood that we-- God forbid!-- are His deniers and the unfaithful friends (nakzeen) acknowledge these erroneous imputations. Praise be to God! If we deny the messengers and prophets of God, what have we to say for ourselves? Glory be unto Thee, O My God! Verily this is a great calumny!
(402:2)
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