Page:Book of Ighan (1915).djvu/67

Rh Likewise it is said "The day (whereon) the heaven shall produce a visible smoke which shall cover mankind; this will be a tormenting punishment" (K. S. 44). The Lord of Might hath made all these conditions which are contrary to impure souls and opposed to the desire of people, as a test and standard by which He tries His servants and distinguishes the righteous from the wicked, the believer from the denier; as already stated. In this verse He hath interpreted the supersedure, abolition and removal of customary ceremonies and the destruction of established standards to mean the "smoke." Is there any smoke greater than this which hath enshrouded the people and is such a torment to them that do what they will they are not able to remove it but suffer a new punishment every moment, from the fire of self? When they hear that this wonderful and Divine Cause and this irrefutable and eternal Command hath appeared throughout the earth and is advancing every day, a new fire is enkindled in their hearts; and whenever they witness the power, devotion and firmness of the followers who are day by day becoming more stanch and steadfast through the Providence of God, a new trouble arises in their souls.

Praise be to God, that in these days the dominion of God hath so prevailed that they dare not speak, and if they meet with one of the followers of God who freely and voluntarily sacrifices a hundred thousand lives in the path of the Beloved, they profess