Each of the twelve companions of Mullá ‘Alí, in his turn and
by his own unaided efforts, sought and found his Beloved. Some in sleep, others
in waking, a few whilst in prayer, and still others in their moments of
contemplation, experienced the light of this Divine Revelation and were led to
recognise the power of its glory. After the manner of Mullá ‘Alí, these, and a
few others, accompanied by Mullá Husayn, attained the presence of the Báb and
were declared “Letters of the Living.” Seventeen Letters were gradually
enrolled in the preserved Tablet of God, and were appointed as the chosen
Apostles of the Báb, the ministers of His Faith, and the diffusers of His
light.
(Chapter 3, ‘The Dawn-Breakers’)
