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In the meantime, the Christian colonel, who had been looking for any reason to excuse himself from the ominous task, could not have been more jubilant. He saw this as a sure sign from God and immediately withdrew his soldiers and swore never again to engage in that task, even if his refusal led to his death. (2:16) A second regiment was ordered into action. Now two hours had passed. It was about noon. Because of the seemingly miraculous event, the Bab had a more receptive audience. He had a chance to address the people: (2:17) Had you believed in Me, O wayward generation, every one of you would have followed the example of this youth [the disciple who wanted to die with Him]...The day will come when you will have recognized Me; that day I shall have ceased to be with you.12 (2:18) Everything was now ready. The second regiment took position and was ordered to fire. This time the bullets reached their targets. The two bodies were so shattered and riddled with bullets, they blended into one mass of mangled flesh and bone, except for the face of the Bab, which miraculously remained intact. (2:19) Unto God do I commit Mine affair ...Naught shall touch Me besides that which God, My Lord, hath preordained for Me. In Him have I placed My whole trust...13 The Bab (2:20) I am well pleased to lay down My life in Thy path and ere long to return to Thy presence. Unto Thee be praise in the heavens and on the earth.14 The Bab (2:21) Glory be unto Thee, O my God. Thou art well aware that I have proclaimed Thy Word and have not failed in the mission Thou didst enjoin upon me.15 The Bab (2:22) I, verily, have not fallen short of My duty to admonish...people, and to devise means whereby they may turn towards God, their Lord, and believe in God, their Creator.16 The Bab (2:23) The One called the Desire of nations, the Savior and Redeemer of humankind, Lord of Lords and King of Kings, was made a sacrifice for the world. This is the way it has been and may always be: (2:24) You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. Acts 7:51-52 (2:25) Great spirits have always encountered opposition from mediocre minds. Albert Einstein (2:26) The sacrifices made by the Bab and Jesus present us with two dramatic examples by which God teaches us lessons of detachment and dedication. He allows the Ones He loves most to become sacrificial Lambs. The few examples of self-sacrifice by God's chosen Messengers have had and will continue to have far more influence in elevating the human spirit than countless books of commandments and counsels. (2:27) How did this seemingly incredible event happen? The only explanation offered is that some bullets hit the rope first and severed it, thus allowing the Bab and His disciple to fall to the ground. Did God intervene or was it merely a coincidence? We have the choice to come to either conclusion. (2:28) References: |