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En route to the maximum- security penal colony of 'Akka, Baha'u'llah- sentenced to life without appeal or parole- confidently promised that He would leave prison, pitch His tent on Mount Carmel and transform His sufferings into 'the outpourings of a supreme mercy'. Against all odds, and through circumstances so miraculous as to defy belief, He did just that. (195:3) ..the ink was scarcely dry on His sentence when Baha'u'llah assured His royal captors that He, not they, would ultimately prevail. Soon after arriving in 'Akka in 1868 He wrote to Nasiri'd- Din Shah: 'No doubt is there whatever that these tribulations will be followed by the outpouring of a supreme mercy, and these dire adversities be succeeded by an overflowing prosperity' (PDC 42) During the darkest days of His imprisonment He wrote to His friends: 'Fear not. These doors shall be opened. My tent shall be pitched on Mount Carmel, and the utmost joy shall be realized' (AB 39). (196:1) Baha'u'llah's confinement was enforced with strict severity for many years and He endured indescribable agony. Little by little, however, His shackles began to crumble. Baha'u'llah's innocence and integrity slowly were recognized by the region's entire population, once fiercely antagonistic; the benevolent spirit of His teachings gradually won the admiration of high and low alike.. (196:2) Baha'u'llah spent His remaining years in the countryside, whose beauty He had always loved, devoting His time to His writing and the education of His followers. 'The rulers of Palestine', says 'Abdul- Baha, 'envied His influence and power. Governors and Mutisarrifs, generals and local officials, would humbly request the honour of attaining His presence- a request to which He seldom acceded' (GPB 193).
(197:1)
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