![[Previous Page]](../../images/prev.gif)
page 60
![[Next Page]](../../images/next.gif)
correspondence?" Then the Royal Command was issued that
their Reverences the learned doctors and honorable and accomplished
divines should write a reply to that epistle. But
when the most expert doctors of the capital became aware of
the contents of the letter they ordained: "That this person,
without regarding [the fact] that he is at variance with the
Perspicuous Religion, is a meddler with custom and creed,
and a troubler of kings and emperors. Therefore to eradicate,
subdue, repress, and repel [this sect] is one of the requirements
of the Well-established Path, and indeed the chief of obligations."
This answer was not approved before the [Royal] Presence, for the contents of this epistle had no obvious discordance with the Law or with reason, and did not meddle with political or administrative matters, nor interfere with or attack the Throne of Sovereignty. They ought, therefore, to have discussed the real points at issue, and to have written clearly and explicitly such an answer as would have caused the disappearance of doubts and the solution of difficulties, and would have become a fulcrum for discussion to all.
Now of this epistle sundry passages shall be set forth in
writing to conduce to a better understanding [of the matter] by
all people. At the beginning of the epistle was a striking passage
in the Arabic language [treating] of questions of faith and
assurance; the sacrifice of life in the way of the Beloved; the
state of resignation and contentment; the multiplicity of misfortunes,
calamities, hardships, and afflictions; and falling
under suspicion of seditiousness through the machinations of
foes; the establishment of His innocence in the presence of His
Majesty the King; the repudiation of seditious persons and
disavowal of the rebellious party; the conditions of sincere
belief in the verses of the