96 



GhazzaWs Alchemy of Happiness. 



these associations there may be no overt sin, yet they do 

 not consider that such thoughts are but satanic suggestions 

 and sensual importunities. They are not capable of dis- 

 tinguishing actions and circumstances, or right and wrong. 

 Beloved, to this class belong those of whom God declares 

 in his holy word," We have covered their hearts with more 

 than one envelop, that they may not understand the Koran 

 and we have put deafness upon their ears. Even if thou 

 shouldst call them to the right way, they would never fol- 

 low it." 1 It is better to talk with a sword, than to talk 

 with this class of people, for they are not open to con- 

 viction. ... 



Chapter III.— On Knowledge op the World. 



Know, that this world is one stage of our life for eter- 

 nity. For those who are journeying in the right way, it is 

 the road of religion. It is a market opened in the wilder- 

 ness, where those who are travelling on their way to God, 

 may collect and prepare provisions for their journey, and 

 depart thence to God, without sorrow or despondency. 



Know, that the state previous to death is called the 

 world, because mortality is close at hand. The state after 

 death is called the future, because its rest is permanent. 

 The purpose and design of the world, is to afford an op- 

 portunity to make provision for the future, to acquire know- 

 ledge, and to worship God. Man as at first created, was 

 destitute of works, and void of perfection : but he was made 



1 S. 18 : 55, 56. 



