115 Know, moreover, that when We undertook to reveal these words and committed some of them to writing, it was Our intention to elucidate for thine eminence, in the sweet accents of the blessed and the well-favoured of God, all that We had previously mentioned of the words of the Prophets and the sayings of the Messengers.  Time, however, was lacking, and the traveller who came from thy presence was in great haste and eager to return.  Thus have We cut short Our discourse and contented Ourself with this much, without completing the description of these stages in a seemly and befitting manner.  Indeed, We have omitted the description of major cities and mighty journeys.  Such was the haste of the courier that We even forsook the mention of the two exalted journeys of Resignation and Contentment.

116 Yet, should thine eminence reflect upon these brief statements, thou wouldst assuredly acquire every knowledge, attain unto the Object of all learning, and exclaim:  “Sufficient are these words unto all creation both visible and invisible!”

117 Even so, should the fire of love burn within thy soul, thou wouldst ask:  “Is there yet any more?” (67) And We say:  “Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds!”

Notes

   1.  Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By (Wilmette:  Baha’i Publishing Trust,
      1974), p. 110.

   2.  Baha’u’llah, The Kitab-i-Iqan (Wilmette:  Baha’i Publishing Trust,
      1994), p. 26.

   3. cf.  Qur’an 67:3.

   4. cf.  Qur’an 24:35.

   5.  Matt. 24:19.

   6. cf.  Matt. 24:29-31.

   7.  Mark 13:19.

   8. cf.  Luke 21:25-28.

   9.  John 15:26-27.

  10.  John 14:26.

  11.  John 16:5-6.

  12.  John 16:7.

  13.  John 16:13.

  14.  The Imams of Shi’ih Islam.

  15.  Jesus.

  16. cf.  Matt. 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33.

  17.  The Antichrist, who it was believed would appear at the advent of
      the Promised One, to contend with and be ultimately defeated by Him.

  18.  Another figure who it was believed would raise the banner of
      rebellion between Mecca and Damascus at the appearance of the
      Promised One.

  19.  Qur’an 16:43.

  20.  A magician in the court of Pharaoh during the time of Moses.

  21.  Qur’an 83:6; 2:89.

  22.  The Imams of Shi’ih Islam.

  23.  Qur’an 29:2.

  24.  Qur’an 2:156.

  25.  Qur’an 29:69.

  26.  Qur’an 2:282.

  27.  From a Hadi_th_.

  28. ibid.

  29.  Qur’an 30:30.

  30.  Qur’an 48:23.

  31.  Qur’an 67:3.

  32.  Qur’an 17:110.

  33.  Qur’an 57:3.

  34.  The twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, the son of Hasan al-’Askari.