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The Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life... Christ (Matt. 20:28) (1:12) I have sacrificed myself wholly for Thee; I have accepted curses for Thy sake, and have yearned for naught but martyrdom in the path of Thy love. Sufficient witness unto me is God, the Exalted, the Protector, the Ancient of Days.3 The Bab (1:13) I heard a Voice calling in my inmost being: 'Do thou sacrifice the thing which Thou lovest most in the path of God...'4 The Bab (1:14) For assuredly whatsoever God hath decreed for Me shall come to pass and naught else save that which God hath ordained for us shall ever touch us. Woe betide him from whose hands floweth evil, and blessed the man from whose hands floweth good.5 The Bab (1:15) Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come! Christ (Matt. 18:7) (1:16) The Bab was martyred in July of 1850, a few months short of His 31st birthday. His martyrdom is one of the best documented and most incredible events in religious history. It was observed by an estimated audience of 10,000 and recorded by writers of various religious persuasions, and even by the official historian of the state that ordered the execution. (1:17) First, a few words regarding the reasons behind the martyrdom. Why did Christ and the Bab offer their lives? An essential feature of the design of creation is that every worthy achievement must be preceded or accompanied by a sacrifice. Whether it is raising well-behaved children, getting a degree, staying healthy, losing weight, or eliminating racism, sexism, and poverty, some degree of sacrifice is required. (1:18) To grow and multiply, to bear flowers and fruits, the seed must sacrifice itself: (1:19) Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Christ (John 12:24) (1:20) What is by far the greatest achievement? It is educating humanity, elevating the human spirit to everlasting hope and happiness; it is leading the soul from the kingdom of earth to the Kingdom of Heaven. Can such a glorious purpose be achieved without sacrifice? (1:21) Human beings are best inspired by models who show their devotion and sincerity through examples. The first ones to offer perfect examples of devotion, nobility, and self-sacrifice are God's chosen Messengers. If they, with all their perfections and powers, submitted themselves to the law of sacrifice, are we not inspired to do the same? (1:22) I have set you an example: you are to do as I have done for you. Christ (John 13:15) (1:23) I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. Christ (John 10:11)
(1:24)
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