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Predictably and tragically, none of the rulers of His day was found to investigate His claim. Their earthly power had made them proud (159:7) What is the punishment for failing to respond to the summons of God, for neglecting the counsels of His Holy One? What is the punishment for depriving your subjects of His life-giving message? What is the punishment for allowing God's messenger to suffer without your lifting a hand in assistance? (159:8) Soon shall the blasts of His chastisement beat upon you, and the dust of hell enshroud you. Those men who, having amassed the vanities and ornaments of the earth, have turned away disdainfully from God - these have lost both this world and the world to come. Ere long, will God, with the Hand of Power, strip them of their possessions, and divest them of the robe of His bounty. To this they themselves shall soon witness. Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 209 (159:9) Baha'u'llah warned, and then confidently predicted, the downfall of those who turned a deaf ear to His words. His predictions were bold, public, and published by His followers. In some cases, they seemed so radical and absurd that His opponents confidently held them out to the world as incontrovertible evidence of the falsity of His claims to divine inspiration. They then optimistically awaited the downfall of His influence in consequence of His incorrect judgment being exposed. His perfect prescience, however, time after time, frustrated their designs and enhanced His prestige. To this day, in fact, history continues to align itself ever more closely with every prediction, every warning, every forecast, which He, the Lord of History, spoke
(159:10)
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