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He likewise composed a number of works in explanation and elucidation of the verses of the Qur'an, of sermons, and of prayers in Arabic; inciting and urging men to expect the appearance of that Person; and these books He named "Inspired Pages" and "Word of Conscience." But on investigation it was discovered that He laid no claim to revelation from an angel. (5:1) Now since He was noted amongst the people for lack of instruction and education, this circumstance appeared in the sight of men supernatural. Some men inclined to Him, but the greater part manifested strong disapproval; whilst all the learned doctors and lawyers of repute who occupied chairs, altars, and pulpits were unanimously agreed on eradication and suppression, save some divines of the Shaykhi party who were anchorites and recluses, and who, agreeably to their tenets, were ever seeking for some great, incomparable, and trustworthy person, whom they accounted, according to their own terminology, as the "Fourth Support" and the central manifestation of the truths of the Perspicuous Religion. (5:2) Of this number Mulla Husayn of Bushruyih, Mirza Ahmad of Azghand, Mulla Sadiq Muqaddas (the Holy), Shaykh Abu-Turab of Ishtihard, Mulla Yusuf of Ardibil, Mulla Jalil of Urumiyyih, Mulla Mihdi of Kand, Shaykh Sa'id the Indian, Mulla 'Ali of Bastam, and the like of these came out unto Him and spread themselves through all parts of Persia. (5:3) The Bab Himself set out to perform the circumambulation of the House of God. On His return, when the news of His arrival at Bushihr reached Shiraz, there was much discussion, and a strange excitement and agitation became apparent in that city. The great majority of the doctors set themselves to repudiate Him, decreeing slaughter and destruction, and they induced Husayn Khan Ajudan-bashi, who was the governor of Fars, to inflict a beating on the Bab's missionaries, that is on Mulla Sadiq Muq'addas; then, having burnt his moustaches and beard together with those of Mirza Muhammad-'Ali of Barfurush and Mulla 'Ali-Akbar of Ardistan, they put halters on all the three and led them round the streets and bazaars.
(5:4)
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