nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not." And this he spake not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; and not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

Meaning that he [Jesus]—peace be from him—did not endure the [apparent] killing upon himself due to the rejection of the Outward Law (Al-Shari'a al-Zahira) except so that the believers would be of one mind in affirming the Inward (Al-Batin) and rejecting belief in the Outward (Al-Zahir). Just as John the Baptist and his disciples did not fast [on the] Sabbath except so that the believers would be of one mind in establishing the Outward among the Opposites (Al-Addad); and Allah knows best.

Among the symbolic parables indicating the obligation of veiling oneself (Al-Tastur) with the Outward Law is the parable that the Almighty pointed to in the seventh chapter of the Book of Genesis regarding circumcision, by His saying: "And God said unto Abraham, 'As for thee, thou shalt keep my covenant, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.

This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it