A Traveler's Narrative
page 29
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about solely by the arbitrary decision and command of Mírzá
Taqí Khán, who imagined that by the enactment of a crushing
punishment this sect would be dispersed and disappear in such
wise that all sign and knowledge of them would be cut off.
Ere long had passed the contrary of his imagination appeared,
and it became certain that [the Bábís] were increasing. The
flame rose higher and the contagion became swifter: the affair
waxed grave and the report thereof reached other climes. At
first it was confined to Persia: later it spread to the rest of the
world. Quaking and affliction resulted in constancy and stability,
and grievous pains and punishment caused acceptance
and attraction. The very events produced an impression; impression
led to investigation; and investigation resulted in
increase. Through the ill-considered policy of the Minister this
edifice became fortified and strengthened, and these foundations
firm and solid. Previously the matter used to be regarded
as commonplace: subsequently it acquired a grave importance
in men's eyes. Many persons from all parts of the world set out
for Persia, and began to seek with their whole hearts. For it
hath been proved by experience in the world that in the case
of such matters of conscience laceration causeth healing;
censure produceth increased diligence; prohibition induceth
eagerness; and intimidation createth avidity. The root is hidden
in the very heart, while the branch is apparent and
evident. When one branch is cut off other branches grow.
Thus it is observed that when such matters occur in other
countries they become extinct spontaneously through lack of
attention and exiguity of interest. For up to the present moment
of movements pertaining to religion many have appeared
in the countries of Europe, but, noninterference and
absence of bigotry having deprived them of importance, in a
little while they became effaced and dispelled.
After this event there was wrought by a certain Bábí a great
error and a grave presumption and crime, which has blackened
the page of the history of this sect and given it an ill name
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