Page:Book of Ighan (1915).djvu/58

46 earth may arrive at the haven of wealth, a number of ignorant ones may reach the sea of Knowledge, and the athirst for enlightenment may attain to the Salsabile of Wisdom. Otherwise this servant deems engaging in these subjects a great iniquity and accounts it a weighty transgression.

When the Manifestation of Jesus drew nigh, some of the Magi who were aware of the appearance of the star of Jesus in Heaven, followed the trace thereof until they entered the city which was the imperial residence of Herod,—for in those days the rule of those countries was under his control,—saying: "Where is he who was born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east and are come to worship him." After making enquiries, they learned that the child was born in Bethlehem of Judea. This was the sign in the outward heaven.

As to the sign in the inward heaven, that is in the Heaven of Knowledge and Significances;—this was the appearance of John the son of Zachariah, who announced the Manifestation of His Holiness (Jesus) to the people; as it is said: "Verily God announceth to thee, John, who shall acknowledge the Word which cometh from God; an honorable person and one of the righteous" (K. S. 3). By the "Word" is meant His Holiness Jesus, the announcer of whose Manifestation was John. It is also recorded in heavenly tablets: "Johanna was preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying 'repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven