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God hath imposed a fine on every adulterer and
adulteress, to be paid to the House of Justice: nine
&mithqals of gold, to be doubled if they should repeat
the offence. Such is the penalty which He Who is the
Lord of Names hath assigned them in this world; and in
the world to come He hath ordained for them a
humiliating torment. Should anyone be afflicted by a
sin, it behoveth him to repent thereof and return unto
his Lord. He, verily, granteth forgiveness unto
whomsoever He willeth, and none may question that
which it pleaseth Him to ordain. He is, in truth, the
Ever-Forgiving, the Almighty, the All-Praised.
50
Beware lest ye be hindered by the veils of glory
from partaking of the crystal waters of this living
Fountain. Seize ye the chalice of salvation at this
dawntide in the name of Him Who causeth the day to
break, and drink your fill in praise of Him Who is the
All-Glorious, the Incomparable.
51
We have made it lawful for you to listen to music
and singing. Take heed, however, lest listening thereto
should cause you to overstep the bounds of propriety
and dignity. Let your joy be the joy born of My Most
Great Name, a Name that bringeth rapture to the
heart, and filleth with ecstasy the minds of all who have
drawn nigh unto God. We, verily, have made music
as a ladder for your souls, a means whereby they may
be lifted up unto the realm on high; make it not,
therefore, as wings to self and passion. Truly, We are
loath to see you numbered with the foolish.
52
We have decreed that a third part of all fines shall
go to the Seat of Justice, and We admonish its men to
observe pure justice, that they may expend what is thus
accumulated for such purposes as have been enjoined
upon them by Him Who is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
O ye Men of Justice! Be ye, in the realm of God,
shepherds unto His sheep and guard them from the
ravening wolves that have appeared in disguise, even as
ye would guard your own sons. Thus exhorteth you the
Counsellor, the Faithful.
Continued...
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