were to be found revealed and manifest in that
Ridván of resplendent glory. That Book constitutes
an abiding testimony to its people after
&Muhammad, inasmuch as its decrees are indisputable,
and its promise unfailing. All have been
enjoined to follow the precepts of that Book until
"the year sixty" (1) --the year of the advent of
God's wondrous Manifestation. That Book is the
Book which unfailingly leadeth the seeker unto
the Ridván of the divine Presence, and causeth
him that hath forsaken his country and is treading
the seeker's path to enter the Tabernacle of everlasting
reunion. Its guidance can never err, its testimony
no other testimony can excel. All other
traditions, all other books and records, are bereft
of such distinction, inasmuch as both the traditions
and they that have spoken them are confirmed and
proven solely by the text of that Book. Moreover,
the traditions themselves grievously differ, and
their obscurities are manifold.
Muhammad, Himself, as the end of His mission
drew nigh, spoke these words: "Verily, I leave
amongst you My twin weighty testimonies: The
Book of God and My Family." Although many