[This Ode “To the Center of the Covenant" was composed by Thornton Chase a few weeks before his death. It was read in the holy presence of ‘Abdu’l-Baha]
Thou David of the Promised Kingdom of God!
Thou Princely Leader of all Humanity!
Thou Warrior against the Tribes of Infidelity!
Thou Conqueror of Darkness and Radiator of Light!
Thou Bearer of the Banner of Divine Peace and Prosperity to
the Nations!
Thou First Born in the Kingdom of Baha! Beloved of God and
Men!
Thou First Citizen of the Royal and Holy City!
Thou Branch of the LORD, Beautiful and Glorious!
Thou Greatest Branch from the Ancient Root!
Thou Fruit-bearing Branch of the Divine Tree!
Thou Host of the Divine Table!
Thou Cup-Bearer of the Divine Knowledge!
Thou Diffuser of the Holy Fragrances!
Thou Interpreter of the Revealed Word!
Thou Liver of the Baha’i Law!
Thou Heart of the World, sending the Blood of Truth through
the arteries of Humanity!
Thou Physician of Souls, raising the dead to Life by the Elixir of the Word!
