Many were beheaded, hanged, blown from the mouths of cannon, burnt or chopped to pieces.

Despite all attempts at repression, however, the movement progressed.

Nay, through this very oppression the assurance of the believers increased, for thereby many of the prophecies concerning the coming of the Mihdi were literally fulfilled.

Thus in a tradition recorded by Jabir, which the _Sh_i'ihs regard as authentic, we read:-- In him shall be the perfection of Moses, the preciousness of Jesus, and the patience of Job; his saints shall be abased in his time, and their heads shall be exchanged as presents, even as the heads of the Turk and the Deylamite are exchanged as presents; they shall be slain and burned, and shall be afraid, fearful and dismayed; the earth shall be dyed with their blood, and lamentation shall prevail amongst their women; these are my saints indeed .-- New History of the Bab, translated by Prof.E.G.

Browne, p.