Service to others and to the Cause of God

Again, is there any deed in the world that would be nobler than service to the common good? Is there any greater blessing conceivable for a man, than that he should become the cause of the education, the development, the prosperity and honor of his fellow-creatures? No, by the Lord God! The highest righteousness of all is for blessed souls to take hold of the hands of the helpless and deliver them out of their ignorance and abasement and poverty, and with pure motives, and only for the sake of God, to arise and energetically devote themselves to the service of the masses, forgetting their own worldly advantage and working only to serve the general good.

O ye servants of the Merciful One! Arise to serve the Cause of God, in such wise that the cares and sorrows caused by them that have disbelieved in the Dayspring of the Signs of God may not afflict you.

… Arise ye, under all conditions, to render service to the Cause, for God will assuredly assist you through the power of His sovereignty which overshadoweth the worlds.

And still again in another connection: "This is the day to make mention of God, to celebrate His praise, and to serve Him; deprive not yourselves thereof.

Likewise, true beneficence is that thou shouldst be a sign of thy Lord's great mercy, healing every sick one, quenching every thirst, refuge of every lowly one, shelter of every noble one, asylum of every distressed one, and recourse of every impoverished one. This is the righteous deed, the abundant bounty, and the appreciated effort.

Thus, the divine Manifestations of God had a universal and all-inclusive conception. They endeavoured for the sake of everyone's life and engaged in the service of universal education. The area of their aims was not limited -- nay, rather, it was wide and all-inclusive.

God hath blessed the human reality with two stations: one is the state of being which seeks to acquire perfections, the other is that which craves to share these perfections with others. In other words, seek not only to acquire these bounties from the Kingdom but proffer them freely to the children of men.

True bounty belongs to him who draweth forth his hand from out the sleeve of the love of God so as to bestow upon the world and all its peoples the favours borne of the holy and sanctified perfections of the Lord.

O Khadijih and O Fatimih! All in the world, whether male or female, have been created for the recognition of God, the remembrance of God, and service to His Cause.

Whosoever ariseth further, shall obtain a greater share; and the valiant hero who urgeth ahead and hit the polo ball of service, will carry off the prize, and it maketh no difference whether man or woman, whether male or female.

O thou that dost serve at the divine Threshold! This service of thine is higher than the sovereignty of all the world. This servitude thou dost offer is better than sovereignty over all the world. For earthly power is as vapour in deserted wildernesses, nay worse: it is as deadly venom. But the service thou dost render gives thee lasting sway; it is the rule of high heaven.

O thou who seekest to serve God! Learn the secret of servitude from 'Abdu'l-Baha, who day and night is engaged in serving the servants of Baha. For servitude unto the one true God can in no wise be attained save through service at the court of His servants.

And service consists of purity of intention, abundance of effort, and self-sacrifice in diffusing the divine fragrances and educating the saplings of the divine garden.

Service to the Cause of God consists of detachment and sanctification, abstraction and unity, and the manifestation of merciful attributes among humanity. The fruit and effect of this service is ancient glory for humanity in all divine worlds.

I have come to this country in the advanced years of my life, undergoing difficulties of health and climate because of excessive love for the friends of God. It is my wish that they may be assisted to become servants of the heavenly Kingdom, captives in the service of the will of God. This captivity is freedom; this sacrifice is glorification; this labor is reward; this need is bestowal. For service in love for mankind is unity with God.

Therefore, order your lives in accordance with the first principle of the divine teaching, which is love. Service to humanity is service to God. Let the love and light of the Kingdom radiate through you until all who look upon you shall be illumined by its reflection.

The Cause of God is like unto a college. The believers are like unto the students. The college is founded for the sake of the acquirement of sciences, arts and literature. If the sciences are not therein and the scholars are not educated, the object of the college is not achieved. The students must show the results of their study in their deportments and deeds, otherwise they have wasted their lives.

Of what use is it that we know for a fact there are ten thousand people cold and hungry if we do not feed and warm them?

Enrich the poor, raise the fallen, comfort the sorrowful, bring healing to the sick, reassure the fearful, rescue the oppressed, bring hope to the hopeless, shelter the destitute!

This is the work of a true Baha'i, and this is what is expected of him.

Briefly, all effort and exertion put forth by man from the fullness of his heart is worship, if it is prompted by the highest motives and the will to do service to humanity. This is worship: to serve mankind and to minister to the needs of the people. Service is prayer.

You had asked about service - act according to the divine teachings and always keep the heavenly counsels before your eyes. This is service to the Cause of God.

And service to the Cause means to acquire divine characteristics and to hold fast to the Most Firm Handle of the Absolute Truth. This means manifesting praiseworthy qualities and being adorned with holy attributes, being enkindled with the fire of God and being attracted to the perfuming breaths of God, so that in whatever city you may be, you become renowned for all virtuous qualities.

Today is the day of deeds and not of words, and their deeds are a truthful witness and faithful testimony to their love, detachment and service.

The chosen ones of this Revelation - God's blessings and glory be upon them - must each be a teacher to the world, that perchance the heedless may, through their deeds and actions, find their way to God and attain His recognition.

Repeatedly hath this exalted word descended from the Most Exalted Pen: The hosts that can render victorious the Truth are goodly deeds and praiseworthy character, and the leader and commander of these hosts is the fear of God. By My life! Few indeed are the ears worthy of hearing this call.

"O 'Ali! Since God - exalted be His glory and magnified be His grandeur - hath sanctified the promotion of His Cause from conflict, contention, the drawing of swords and the like, therefore must we hold fast to the cord of goodly deeds and spiritual qualities.

Say: O servants of the All-Merciful! Ye have been created for the advancement, prosperity, and exaltation of those who dwell on earth. Occupy yourselves with that which befitteth the station of man.

Say: O loved ones of God! Your glory hath not been, nor shall ever be, in slaying souls, but rather in quickening souls that are dead. Strive ye that through the incomparable, flowing waters of the Fountainhead of the Everlasting Lord ye may quicken and give life to dead souls. This is the station of them that love God.

Although the victory of kings involves the bloodshed of subjects, yet the victory of the people of Baha consists in treading the path of guidance, serving the chosen ones, servitude at the threshold of the All-Glorious, carrying out important tasks, and possessing good intentions and benevolence toward all.

The victory of God is the guidance of the people, servitude at the Threshold of the Almighty and wholehearted devotion to the advancement of the cause of the oneness of the human world.

O lion of the field of sacrifice! The excellence of beasts of prey lies in their ferocity, sharp claws and fearlessness. But the lions of the jungle of divine knowledge are distinguished by their freedom from attachments, their generosity, their servitude and their oneness.

But thou shouldst become a champion in the divine kingdom and a hero of the Lordly Realm so that through the strength of thine arm and the power of thy limbs thou mayest conquer the people of enmity and cause spiritual sovereignty to become penetrative.

To attain to true glory and honour, man should exercise justice and equity, forbear to act in an oppressive manner, render service to his government, and work for the good of his fellow-citizens.

Say: My army is My reliance on God; My people, the force of My confidence in Him. My love is My standard, and My companion the remembrance of God, the Sovereign Lord of all, the Most Powerful, the All-Glorious, the Unconditioned.

Arise, O wayfarer in the path of the Love of God, and aid thou His Cause.

As long as the ocean surgeth, the sun shineth, and the heaven remaineth lofty and adorned, they must arise with the utmost endeavor to serve. Among the forms of service is wisdom itself, which they must impart to the friends of God, that all may be educated and become the cause of the exaltation of His Cause, rather than the clamor of the heedless and the aggressive.

That which is incumbent today, after recognition, is service to the Cause through wisdom and utterance, and through deeds and character, for goodly deeds and praiseworthy character are the hosts of God, and are mightier than the hosts and armies of earth.

Make your deeds for God, and your call in His Name, and your orientation toward His horizon, holding fast to the cord of patience.

O army of God! Whensoever ye behold a person whose entire attention is directed toward the Cause of God; whose only aim is this, to make the Word of God to take effect; who, day and night, with pure intent, is rendering service to the Cause; from whose behaviour not the slightest trace of egotism or private motives is discerned -- who, rather, wandereth distracted in the wilderness of the love of God, and drinketh only from the cup of the knowledge of God, and is utterly engrossed in spreading the sweet savours of God, and is enamoured of the holy verses of the Kingdom of God -- know ye for a certainty that this individual will be supported and reinforced by heaven; that like unto the morning star, he will forever gleam brightly out of the skies of eternal grace.

You must love and be kind to everybody, care for the poor, protect the weak, heal the sick, teach and educate the ignorant.

In this day service at the sacred Threshold of the Blessed Beauty and steadfastness in the Cause of His love is the real sacrifice of the self. God willing thou shalt attain this service through all its grades and conditions.

Today all who have turned to God must occupy themselves with serving one another. Praise be to God that you have been assisted in this, and though you have truly borne hardships in this matter, the recompense thereof is treasured and preserved with God. Every deed performed for God's sake will assuredly receive its compensation both in this world and the next.

Blessed is the soul that hath arisen to serve and is engaged in such deeds and character as befit the Day of God. This Wronged One seeketh helpers, and helpers are deeds from which the fragrance of God can be inhaled.

In any case, you must succeed in rendering such service as befits this title, otherwise you too, like me, will have a name without reality in the realm of possibility.

How well it was said: "How can I raise my head in shame before the Friend, when no worthy service has come from my hand?"

Day and night I gird up the loins of service and seek to bear fruit from the tree of existence. A frame that does not bend in service to the friends is but a prop of wood, and a stature that does not bow under the burden of companions' trials is like the hollow trunk of a fallen palm.

I am always thinking how to carry the loads of others and not to put my own loads on the shoulders of others. The Blessed Perfection has taught me this. We must prove this through deed and not by mere word.

O maid-servant of God! If thou seekest eternal glory, let thyself be humble and meek in the presence of the beloved of God; make thyself the servant of all, and serve all alike. The service of the friends belongs to God, not to them.

Strive to become a source of harmony, spirituality and joyfulness to the hearts of the friends and the maid-servants of the Merciful.

O Ali Akbar! Whosoever is the servant of the believers is the leader of the friends, and whosoever is the thrall of the Beloved ones is the sovereign of both worlds. The service of the friends is service to the True One, and Thralldom of the Holy Court is dominion over East and West. Blessed is everyone who serves the friends of God.

O thou who art serving at the Pilgrim House of the Lord! Thou art a servant, but in reality thou art ministered unto; a steward, but, in truth, master of all. The Spirit [Jesus] hath said: "...If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all and servant of all...and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant."

To serve the beloved of God is truly the principal rôle of this grief-stricken Servant.

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At the supper table, May 7th.--"His Holiness Jesus says, 'He amongst you who desires to become first must be the last, and he who desires to be a master, must become a servant.' … But I always follow the teachings because the Blessed Beauty Says: "Ye must be a servant to all. Ye must serve with heart and soul in utmost humility and submission.'

These noble people who serve you love you with heart and soul and serve you without any fear, hope or expectation of reward.

Every Bahai must be a loyal servant of the world of humanity. Bahais must clothe themselves with the robe of service, sit around the table of service, eat the food of service, drink the elixir of service, talk the problems of service, hold communication with the King of service, walk in the path of service, crown their heads with the diadem of service, and quaff the salubrious water from the fountain of service.

They have to serve the worshipers of God, for He (praise to Him!) is not in need of our service, our submissiveness or prayers, our kindness or assistance, etc., but those who are in need of such things are the worshipers of God, and by this they will please God the Almighty.

But he who entertains the desire to live for leadership will in the end be deprived. He will never succeed to serve the Cause of God.

If we are not going to be conducive to the glory of the Cause, we must not at least be the means of its debasement. If we are not willing to serve at His Holy Threshold we may not at least through our actions contribute towards its disgrace. If we cannot become the means of union we may not create causes of difference and disruption.

John-like natures let themselves be freed by the Lord God from their self-dominated will, for service to the supporting, sustaining, comforting love which never seeks its own, which seeks for neither honour nor domination; a love that is always ready to sacrifice, which does not demand but gives, which does not exalt itself or put itself above others, but which sacrifices itself even to the lowliest of beings, which helps to carry the burdens of the fellow-disciples, shares their battles and seeks to dry their tears.

Rather, you should be so assured that if even a thoroughly truthful person were to relate such an account, you would reply that your purpose is to serve the Cause of God, not to praise or criticize individuals.

O true friend of 'Abdu'l-Baha! Through your efforts, service, goodly conduct, steadfastness and wise policy, you have proven and demonstrated that you are a true friend of 'Abdu'l-Baha and are a partner and sharer in servitude at the Sacred Threshold, and with utmost firmness and establishment you seek position and rank solely to serve at the Divine Threshold, and you pursue honor and leadership only for the purpose of arising in servitude and protecting and safeguarding the people.

Summon ye the people unto God and invite all souls to follow the ways of the Concourse on High. Be ye loving fathers unto the orphans, a refuge and shelter to the helpless. Be ye a treasury of wealth unto the poor, and a remedy and healing to the sick. Be ye the protector of every oppressed one and a shelter to every outcast.

Be ye loving fathers to the orphan, and a refuge to the helpless, and a treasury for the poor, and a cure for the ailing. Be ye the helpers of every victim of oppression, the patrons of the disadvantaged. Think ye at all times of rendering some service to every member of the human race.

Direct your whole effort toward the happiness of those who are despondent, bestow food upon the hungry, clothe the needy, and glorify the humble. Be a helper to every helpless one, and manifest kindness to your fellow creatures in order that ye may attain the good pleasure of God.

Serve all creation without exception, and strive as much as you can to make souls happy and work for the comfort, joy and gladness of all. Be compassionate to every helpless one, nurse every sick one, be a kind father to every orphan, be remedy and cure for every suffering one, be refuge and shelter for every fearful one, and be problem-solver and well-wisher for every desperate one.

You must help the poor. Help the orphans. You must nurse the sick people. You must treat all alike, whether believers or enemies of the Cause; Bahais or non-Bahais. In helping, give to all alike, or in making any great sacrifice, it must be the same, whether to a Bahai or not--make no difference. Try to educate some children.

Blessed is he who is a father to every orphan, a treasure to every poor one, a companion to every stranger, compassionate to every prisoner, and a refuge to all who are fearful of the oppression of the people.

Say: Consider ye the oppressed, the distressed, the hungry, the naked, the weak and the poor. Thus doth your Lord, the All-Merciful, command you, as a grace from Him unto His servants, did ye but know.

Be a treasure to the poor, an admonisher to the rich, an answerer of the cry of the needy, a preserver of the sanctity of thy pledge.

… Be a home for the stranger, a balm to the suffering, a tower of strength for the fugitive.

Be eyes to the blind, and a guiding light unto the feet of the erring.

O friends of the Truth! Let your endeavors be directed towards serving the loved ones of God. To care for the weak is essential and to assist the poor is among those things most necessary before the All-Forgiving, and shall ever be so.

They must comfort the ill-natured, and treat their oppressors with loving-kindness. They must be as refreshing water to the thirsty, and to the sick, a swift remedy, a healing balm to those in pain and a solace to every burdened heart. They must be a guiding light to those who have gone astray, a sure leader for the lost. They must be seeing eyes to the blind, hearing ears to the deaf, and to the dead eternal life, and to the despondent joy forever.

It is incumbent upon all to sacrifice self in serving the survivors of those true friends, martyrs in the path of God. Because those birds of the meadows of truth soared to the kingdom of Eternal Might and hastened from this darksome world to the World of Light, but their survivors witnessed looting and plundering, and lost home and security, and are captive in the aggressive hands of the oppressors. These displaced wandering survivors must be cared for with heart and soul and must be served.

These two groups were both servants of the human world and great benefits came from both classes. … This is the essence of divine bestowal, this is grace and mercy that He has enabled you to serve both friend and stranger and made you the manifestation of countless favors.

For instance, in our intercourse with others, when you come in constant with another human being, make it's point to discover the condition and needs of that person. He may be in difficulty, suffering for lack of assistance; it should be your privilege to become helpful to him.

He laughed and, still laughing, said: "Assuredly, give to the poor. If you give them only words, when they put their hands into their pockets after you have gone, they will find themselves none the richer for you!"

Deliver my message to Mrs. Lehman and tell her that service to the friends is service to the Kingdom of God and care for the poor is among the divine teachings.

Be thou compassionate to every sorrowful one, a dispeller of afflictions to every grieving one, a refuge to every fearful one, heavenly sustenance to every destitute one, refreshing water to every thirsty one, a healing medicine to every sick one, a soothing balm to every wounded one, a consolation to every dejected heart, a blessing to every wretched soul, a treasure to every seeker, and a succour to every lost one---so that thou mayest become a banner of guidance and the essence of piety amidst the maidservants of thy Lord, the Most High.

Let those friends, in return for this blessed journey, assist to the extent possible the poor and weak from among all the peoples of the world, that it may be acceptable in every way.

Regarding the pilgrims who pass through those regions, it was previously written that one should meet with these souls, insofar as possible, with warmth and attraction, with love and fellowship, with glad tidings and joy. … "We feed you for the sake of God alone. We desire from you neither reward nor thanks."...

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Be thou a light to every darkness, a dispeller of every sadness, a healer for every sick person, a quencher for every thirst, a shelter for every refugee, a refuge for every captive.

Those souls who served the poor during the war years and were in the Red Cross - their services are highly acceptable in the divine Kingdom and the cause of their eternal life.

Blessed are they who in these days are occupied in service. One deed performed in God's path during these days is dearer and more excellent than the deeds of centuries and ages past.

I wish to come up to the pilgrim house and cook a pot of bulgur pilaf for the friends. The Blessed Beauty has appointed me as a servant of the beloved ones, therefore I must occasionally arise to fulfill this duty.

You have truly engaged in service with all your powers and are striving in all directions. You host every arrival and accompany every departure with utmost respect. You constantly spread the feast of hospitality, arrange gatherings of love, prepare celebrations of joy for the friends, and set an abundant table.

O Diya! It is incumbent upon thee, throughout the journey, to be a close, a constant and cheerful companion to my honoured and distinguished sister.

Unceasingly, with the utmost vigour and devotion, exert thyself, by day and night, to gladden her blessed heart; for all her days she was denied a moment of tranquillity.

And further ... man and woman should truly be friends and should be in sympathy with each other. Their understanding should have a basis in reality and not be based upon passion and desire. In the latter case, they might live together for a few years, but afterwards, differences may arise... Each should seek to comfort and assist the other...

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O thou servant of God! To look after the sick is one of the greatest duties. Every soul who becomes sick, the other friends should certainly offer the life (of service) in the utmost kindness.

With utmost supplication and imploration, I beseeched the threshold of the Ancient Beauty - may my spirit be a sacrifice for His loved ones - that He may grant thee complete confirmation in the treatment of illnesses and ailments, and that thou mayest become fully skilled in the art of medicine, so that thou mayest spend thy life in healing both stranger and kin, and dedicate thy precious time to curing the diseases of both rich and poor.

Give great importance to the matter of the poor - be a refuge and shelter to every poor one, and a protector and helper to every sick one. Be self-sacrificing in the path of the destitute and become a secure cave of shelter for the needy, so that you may witness the aid and favors of Baha'u'llah from the Most Glorious Horizon and attain the greatest gift.

"During the days of the Blessed Perfection when I got up in the morning the first thing I did was to inquire about the health of all the believers, one by one, and then I called on those who were sick to know how they are. If their indisposition was slight, I treated them myself, otherwise I sent for the Doctor.

Announce salutation to Mrs... and say: "A thousand times, Well done!--that thou art working in the vineyard of the Kingdom and hast arisen to faithfulness and art engaged in the service of His Highness, the Almighty! Thou art helping the helpless ones and art comforting those who are insane."

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I became very pleased and satisfied with him that he serves the wounded soldiers in the hospital with perfect sincerity of intention and effort, and in London he is truly a faithful and steadfast servant to the wounded soldier. O a thousand praises upon him for being a true Baha'i and therefore engaging in this work - truly he is serving God.

During the Greek-Turkish war the condition of the Turkish soldiers was frightful. … The soldiers showed no gratitude for what they were receiving but on the contrary complained bitterly against their benefactors. Just so we cry out to God, 'have mercy upon us,' when God is the only Giver of Bounty to us.

In fact, a number of the soldiers, that is, those who were ordered to guard us, were very sick and I began treating them at once.

All the Christians left their homes and fled, entrusting the protection of their households to us. They made a request, and through the government we appointed thirty people to patrol the Christian quarter at night and protect it.

Today, at the Threshold of His Holiness Baha'u'llah, there is nobody more favored than thee, because thou art busy in the service of the orphans and in the education of the destitute, helpless children. Thou hast no desire but to please God.

Verily, verily, this service is directly rendered to His Holiness Baha'u'llah Himself, because these children are His dear children.

The Sisters of Mercy, although nuns, serve the people with the most unselfish spirit. They teach the children, nurse the sick, make the poor self-supporting and do many other useful services.

O faithful friend! The utmost steadfastness and firmness that you showed in protecting and safeguarding the relatives of His Holiness the Martyr, and your efforts during his absence to prevent, as far as possible, oppression and hostility against those oppressed ones, have caused nearness to the Court of Divine Unity.

Strive as much as thou canst to protect and safeguard the dependents of thy deceased brother, for this will draw thee nigh unto the divine court and bring thee close to His threshold.

In Yazd, the Spiritual Assembly is charged with comforting, inquiring after and serving the kindred of the martyrs. Until now, whatever was necessary has been sent from various quarters. Now too, quickly inform us of whatever is needed so we may attend to it.

It behooveth all to attend, according to their means, to his affairs. This is among the conditions of faith and certitude, of love and unity.

O you who are firm in the Covenant! The effort you made in paying the debt of Bashir-i-Ilahi was a distinguished service, accepted and evident at the Divine Threshold.

O Jinab-i-Aqa 'Abbas-'Ali, the intention you have is very appropriate - there is no better work than for a person to become the cause of comfort, ease and livelihood for the friends of God, and "excellent is the reward of the sincere ones."

The friends of God must assist one another in such matters that arise and consider themselves partners in both hardship and ease. Verily He commandeth His servants to righteousness and piety, even as He hath commanded them before in various tablets. Blessed is he who heareth and acteth! Woe unto every heedless and remote one!

O faithful servant of the All-Merciful! Thou didst protect a believer and show kindness to an illustrious soul, delivering him from the hands of oppressive adversaries.

And remember in the Book the time when the servant of God came to him in days of hardship and sought his protection, and he protected him. By God, this good deed was better than the worship of those who worshipped their Lord for months and years.

If what was mentioned is acted upon, that is, if your honor arises to assist the oppressed, God, exalted be His glory, will surely, with the ocean of generosity and heaven of bounty, grant a complete reward.

And Ibn-i-Abhar, upon him be the most luminous glory of God, has the utmost joy in your honor and day and night continuously opens his tongue in praise that during the days of imprisonment you showed the utmost assistance, consideration and support.

It is fitting and proper for those firm in the Covenant and Testament that in times of captivity and imprisonment they strive to serve those imprisoned in the path of God.

Blessed are they who strive to the extent possible to improve your outward affairs and who secretly spend what God hath given them with the utmost humility and submissiveness, that thereby your worldly affairs may be set right.

All your strenuous efforts in service to the Cause of God, arranging gatherings of fellowship, and striving to free those imprisoned in God's path - all these are remembered and known to God and to this servant, and you are rewarded from His wondrous grace.

You were kinder than a father and truer than a brother! Verily, the service that thou rendered for his sake is a service that thou hast rendered for the Abha Kingdom and is an act of servitude that thou hast manifested for the Sacred Threshold.

Most nights until midnight, I would search the villages with one of them for hay and barley to feed the animals. After midnight, just when they wanted to get a little rest, the caravan would set out again. Their days and nights passed in this manner - they had not a moment's peace.

On my way, there was a deep stream with strong current. As I was passing by I heard the cry of a man for help and when I looked around I saw a camel in the stream trying to save himself and the owner was standing by helpless. … They brought the cords and with it tied the feet, the tail, the neck of the camel but they could not save it.

So long as ye have life, offer up your lives in sacrifice; and so long as ye possess ability, promote learning, crafts, agriculture, and commerce. Recite this blessed verse: "Say: I ask of you no recompense for it; my recompense is only with God, the Lord of all worlds."

We can all serve in the Cause of God no matter what our occupation is. No occupation can prevent the soul coming to God. Peter was a fisherman, yet he accomplished most wonderful things; but the heart must be turned always towards God, no matter what the work is; this is the important things: and then the power of God will work in us.

Thou shouldst continue thy profession and at the same time try to serve the Kingdom of God.

It is better to do both kinds of work unless one is not in need materially, and then one may serve entirely.

Likewise, We have enjoined upon all to engage in some occupation. Blessed is he who beareth burdens but causeth none to bear his own. Let him engage in craft and profession - a single coin earned thereby is, in the sight of God, more beloved than the treasure that is gathered unrightfully and made ready.

However, if someone is employed in service to the government for the protection of His Cause or for serving the loved ones of God, there is and has been no objection.

If he exerteth effort, it is prompted by naught but the hope of service, and if he undertaketh any business, it is inspired solely by the thought of worship. Therefore, be thou his helper and companion, though thou shouldst lose thereby thy bed and carpet! And in his absence thou art appointed in his stead, to take his place and to devote thyself to service, for thou art trusted of the trusted one of 'Abdu'l-Baha.

You strived personally in service to the blessed Cause and girded up the lobes of endeavor and worked personally in building and constructing the school. I swear by the Ancient Beauty that I long for such service, and certainly if I were present I would personally serve among you and work and haul earth, and I would consider this a cause of illumination of my countenance in the Abha Kingdom.

Agriculture is a noble science and, should thy son become proficient in this field, he will become a means of providing for the comfort of untold numbers of people.

Indeed, the person mentioned was peerless in the science of cultivating palm trees and their offspring, as evidenced by clear and manifest proof, namely that his service was rendered in such a station that every knowledgeable scholar and wise sage would testify to it, both outwardly and inwardly. Glory be to God! As his deeds were for the sake of God, they illumined the world of deeds at this station.

The old man answered, "The last generation planted trees that bore fruit for my benefit; so it is now my duty to plant for the benefit of the next generation."

Furthermore, the trouble of your eminence's attention in seeing the sugar and tasting its flavor, and attention to other troubles, and sending of trusts which are considered among the great services, and other various attentions which cannot be limited by the pen - all are mentioned and their rewards are beseeched and hoped for from God, exalted be His station.

We bear witness that thou hast fulfilled thy covenant and turned toward the shore of a mighty Name, and hast wrought with thine own hands for God that which is better for thee than all the ornaments of earthly dominion.

Among the greatest of all services that can possibly be rendered by man to Almighty God is the education and training of children, young plants of the Abha Paradise, so that these children, fostered by grace in the way of salvation, growing like pearls of divine bounty in the shell of education, will one day bejewel the crown of abiding glory.

It is, however, very difficult to undertake this service, even harder to succeed in it.

The perfection of man lies in educating, to the extent possible, the children of the poor and others, treating them like one's own children and making absolutely no distinction between them.

Help them to learn the ways of servitude to the Threshold of the Exalted One, and impart to them the lesson of relationship to the Illumined Court. In brief, in the school of the wondrous Faith become a learned teacher to the handmaidens of God enabling them to educate their children; to keep them safe, and to train them according to the instructions given in previous letters.

In any case, this service that you render - teaching the tender young plants in the garden of the love of God with utmost effort in science and culture, instructing them in spiritual qualities, and teaching them proofs and evidences - is so they may become fresh and graceful saplings of matchless beauty and sweetness in the Abha Paradise, and be educated in such wise as befits association with the Holy Threshold, increasing day by day in sincerity and pure-heartedness, faith and certitude, trustworthiness and piety, steadfastness and truthfulness, humility and submissiveness.

O ye kind friends! Today in the world of existence the Most honorable profession is the promotion of education. Thank ye God that in Hamadan in the school founded by the Baha'is ye have become teachers and Professors.

Every blessed soul who assists the Baha'i schools, or who opens hand and heart to their progress and strives for their organization, will receive praise from the Concourse on High and become a recipient of the effusions of the Abha Kingdom.

Every child must be trained in the things of the spirit, so that he may embody all the virtues and become a source of glory to the Cause of God.

It is my ardent wish that thou mayest nurture the hopes of thy mother and thy father, grow cypress-tall in the garden of their earnest desires, become the sweet and tender fruit of the tree of their aspirations, engage in service to the Word of God, and bring honour and glory to His Cause.

Be thou nurtured in the meadows of the grace of God and become verdant and fresh in the garden of true knowledge, that thou mayest grow as a peerless plant in the orchard of divine unity, as a flower in the garden of His tender mercy and be a bright candle shedding light upon the gathering of the friends, a radiant lamp aglow at the reunions of the beloved ones of God.

Therefore you should join us in hauling earth and stones at that blessed place - come as soon as possible by whatever means and attain this supreme honor, which is better for you than worshipping both worlds.

Dr. Moody and other Americans have forsaken their comfort and migrated from their familiar homeland to render service to all people in Iran.

The friends must devote themselves to the development of Iran, that is, they must strive in agriculture, industry, commerce, education and sciences.

With unsurpassed humility and fervour, and in a spirit of perfect reverence and devotion, ye have hastened unto the Habitation of Holiness, and in those sacred precincts embosoming the inestimable Gift - the Centre around which circle in adoration the Concourse on high; the Luminous Sepulchre; the Hallowed Spot - ye have with your own hands planted fragrant blossoms.

I beseech God that ye may be so highly distinguished in sciences that your fame will be noised throughout all regions and your fair name be on the lips of all enlightened people; that ye may become the means of the exaltation of the Cause of God and the exponents of the manifold blessings of the Abha Beauty.

The Apostles labored and gained the means of their livelihood and supported themselves so that they might not be a charge to those who believed in Christ. They were the patterns of sanctity and holiness.

Mirza Mahmoud Foroughi has a marvelous memory. He has memorized ever so many Tablets! Every faculty of the faculties of man which is used in the path of the Blessed Perfection is like the oil which burns in this lamp - illumining this room;- whether it is the faculty of memory or the power of speech or the art of music and song or the gift of writing or the talent of painting or the endowment of poetry etc, it will produce infinite results.

I helped him to unload his donkey and then quietly we sat under the inviting shade of a tree. Then he began to play with such depth of feeling and beauty that my whole heart went to him. I drank deeply the sweet cadences and harmonies of his flute to such an extent that I was entranced thereby.

When he finished playing I assisted him again to load his donkey, gave him a present and the address of our house and asked him to call on me next day.

Convey my utmost longing to Mr. Franklin. I hope he will be assisted and confirmed in this invention and render a service to the human world.

Abdul-Baha replied:

"You can offer services in English, and in America you can offer a better service in English. One of the most appropriate Utterances of Baha'u'llah while He was in the City of Adrianople is this : 'If your word concerns GOD it is good be it spoken in Hebrew or Syriac. If you seek GOD it is good whether you come to Him in one place or another.' Therefore, his honor, Mr. --- will do well when he does a thing for GOD be it in English or Persian.

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He must look upon his position as a sacred trust not be bought by the plutocrats and so called captains of industry. He must divest himself from any prejudice and his aims must be altruistic and advantageous to the whole community.

He must believe consciously that he is the real servant of the public and not their overbearing lord. He must serve all, irrespective of any personal predilection or inclination.

You had written that throughout the period of communications being cut off, you were engaged in service, publishing and distributing books, and that the Star of the West was also being published and regularly distributed. Indeed you endured much hardship and showed no shortcoming or laxity. Truly the respected maidservant of God Mrs. Mary Lesch administered with perfect faithfulness, trustworthiness, goodwill and effort.

Convey utmost longing from Abdul-Baha to Mr. Abbas Ali Kashmiri, Mr. Agha Sayed Ismail Shirazi, Dr. Sayed Mazhar Ali, Mr. Noor Muhammad Butt Kashmiri, Haji Sayed Mehdi Shirazi, Mr. Sayed [Ali], Mr. Abbas Ali Chapra, Mr. Agha Muhammad Ibrahim Shirazi, Mr. Mehd Yusuf Sahib, Mr. Abbas Ali Kashmiri, upon them be the Glory of God the Most Glorious, and say: Give thanks to God that you were enabled to serve the Cause of God and assisted with the printing of treatises and collectively engaged in service.

Now blessed souls are successful in serving the postal service - they must give thanks, for they are the means for spreading the divine fragrances.

His most important service in the Cause was to carry the Tablets of Baha'u'llah to the believers of Persia and bring back to Him their petitions. Thus he travelled back and forth between Persia and Acca, being for years the sole channel of correspondence between the Blessed Perfection and the friends.

He is God! Today the foundation of all affairs has been and is service to God's Cause, and it is best for His loved ones in every land to engage in outward affairs, for they can thus convey a word of truth to people or render some service to the friends.

Being thus reduced to utter destitution they went out cheerfully to work and in their turn spent all they made for the maintenance of the poorer Bahai families. Love, yea, love must be demonstrated through deeds. Love has never been a passive verb, a figure of speech; it has always been an active verb, an ideal reality. The sign of true faith is the service of the believers of God and service must always manifest itself in loving deeds and actions...

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He enjoyed the distinction of serving as gardener for many years, and he was at all times loyal, true, and strong in faith. He was humble in the presence of every one of the believers; in all that time he never hurt nor offended any one.

We are now engaged in raising this sacred edifice on Mount Carmel. God willing, we will also summon thee to join us and take part in carrying the stones and mortar of this hallowed and blessed Shrine, that thou mayest partake of the limitless effusions of His grace and attain this most mighty honour.

Exert your energy to accomplish what ye have undertaken, so that this glorious Temple may be built, that the beloved of God may assemble therein, that they may be constant in their supplication, their glorification and praise, and that they may pray and offer glory unto God for guiding them to His Kingdom.

This trustworthiness, religious devotion, firmness and steadfastness that he has shown and continues to show in the affairs of Arbab Jamshid is in truth service to the Cause and evidence of sincerity and servitude at the Holy Threshold.

Likewise, consider thou the manner in which Haji Mirza Muhammad-Taqi Afnan, that sanctified spirit and confirmed soul, arose to serve this great Cause. Forsaking a life of ease and comfort in Yazd, he hastened to 'Ishqabad to labour for the Cause of God. How self-sacrificing he was in the rearing of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar! He dedicated his life wholly to this task, until he succeeded in establishing the first Mashriqu'l-Adhkar in that land.

Whatever you do, let the people know you are doing it for good, not only to earn you own living. By doing thus you will be able to serve every city to which you go.

How we miss you in carrying soil on the blessed shoulders!

Do not grieve - for a while I carry it by proxy on behalf of Sheikh al-Rais, Afnan, Fadil, Gholamreza Khan, yourself, the Master Builder and other loved ones. This proxy service is pure bounty and sheer blessing from the Divine Unity, which has enabled 'Abdu'l-Baha to arise in this station to serve as proxy for pure souls.

Should I fall short, you shall complete the task; should I falter, you shall press forward. When two weak frames are made to stand firm in a single purpose, they acquire the strength of one mighty frame. Perhaps through divine assistance and grace we shall accomplish something in servitude.

A tree is of no service to any one on the summit of a mountain, but should stand in a place where it will give shade and where its fruits can be gathered.

O thou Jonah swimming in the ocean of amity and fellowship!

To serve the Cause of God in this day is to build the bonds of love amongst the friends of God.

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Thou hast been a good means for the harmony of the beloved and this service of thine is accepted in the Kingdom of Abha.

Thou hast a sincere intention in service to the divine Kingdom and art assisting thy dear sister that she may engage in service to the Cause of God in Germany. This service is a great bounty in thy behalf.

I hope that thou and thy dear husband may continue to serve in all spirit and fragrance and that in this world ye may remain two radiant candles and from the eternal horizon ye may glisten like unto two shining stars.

O ye co-workers who are supported by armies from the realm of the All-Glorious! Blessed are ye, for ye have come together in the sheltering shade of the Word of God, and have found a refuge in the cave of His Covenant; ye have brought peace to your hearts by making your home in the Abha Paradise, and are lulled by the gentle winds that blow from their source in His loving-kindness; ye have arisen to serve the Cause of God and to spread His religion far and wide, to promote His Word and to raise high the banners of holiness throughout all those regions.

The discussions must be confined wholly to spiritual matters that relate to the training of souls, the instruction of children, the relief of the poor, the help of the feeble throughout all classes worldwide, kindliness to all peoples, the diffusion of the fragrances of God and the exaltation of His Word.

At all times we beseech the Court of the Self-Sufficient with humility and supplication that the consultative assembly may become the manifestation of divine assistance, protection and bounty, that it may be successful in serving the Cause of God, and that they may be loving caregivers to all the friends and think about the comfort, ease, joy and gladness of other friends.

It was written to Aqa Shaykh 'Ali-Akbar that purely for teaching and diffusing the divine fragrances, he should travel to Gilan, Mazandaran, Tehran, Kashan, Isfahan, Shiraz and the ports of Fars. And arrangements were made for his travel to such a degree that if possible, the Spiritual Assembly should also provide some assistance to him in this regard, and if it is not possible, then so be it. The purpose is that the Spiritual Assembly should serve the friends with the utmost spirit and joy.

They should certainly always write about the services they are able to render and inform me, so that it may cause spiritual joy and conscious gladness.

Indeed, you rendered many services at this year's Convention and endured hardships beyond your capacity. You traveled before and after the Convention and served through other means as well. You have not a moment's rest. You and your respected wife have dedicated your lives to service to the Kingdom, and it is certain that you will be assisted and confirmed.

The purpose is the diffusion of divine fragrances and the education of souls and guiding all to that which is the ultimate goal of spiritual ones. For the education of souls is counted among the greatest rewards at the threshold of the Forgiving Lord.

Today, in far-away Persia, there are many such assemblies where the friends of God meet together in the fullness of joy, love and unity. They teach the Cause of God, educate the ignorant, and draw heart to heart in brotherly kindness. It is they who help the poor and needy and give to them their daily bread. They love and care for the sick and are messengers of hope and consolation to the desolate and oppressed.

Such undertakings as are beneficial to the poor, the weak and the helpless should be pursued in order that, on that day, through the unity of all and through great meetings, results may be obtained, the glory and blessings of that day may be declared and manifest.

… The friends of God should be confirmed in service and servitude.

O ye flock of the Lord of glory! Blessed are they who have observed the fast during its appointed month, who have gathered together in perfect unity and harmony, have freed themselves from the insinuations of doubt and stood firm in the Covenant, have been graciously enabled to promote the Cause of God, and have arisen with utter self-abnegation for love of Baha'u'llah.

The friends of God assembled together with rejoicing and conveyed the stones themselves, upon their backs, while attracted by the love of God and for the Glory of God.

Although this Mashriqu'l-Adhkar is being built upon earth, in reality it is an institution of the Concourse on high, and therefore it can be said to reach the highest heavens. Render ye thanks unto God that ye have arisen to offer such a momentous service, inasmuch as in this age and century the establishment of Mashriqu'l-Adhkars is of the utmost importance. These edifices will bestow firmness and constancy upon the friends. They are places of supplication and invocation to the Threshold of His grandeur and are the greatest means of diffusing the sweet savours of the Lord.

Think of one another, assist in each other's affairs, share in each other's sorrows. Leave none of the nation's people in need.

Let each one of you become the servant of the other; let each sacrifice for the good of other. Do not withhold your lives or your possessions from each other.

Try with all your hearts to be willing channels for God’s Bounty. For I say unto you that He has chosen you to be His messengers of love throughout the world, to be His bearers of spiritual gifts to man, to be the means of spreading unity and concord on the earth.

Baha'u'llah passed forty years of His life in prison and exile in order that He might upraise the banner of the oneness of the world of men. For this He bore all these ordeals and difficulties.

Consecrate and devote yourselves to the betterment and service of all the human race. Let no barrier of ill feeling or personal prejudice exist between these souls, for when your motives are universal and your intentions heavenly in character, when your aspirations are centered in the Kingdom, there is no doubt whatever that you will become the recipients of the bounty and good pleasure of God.

The best of undertakings is to gather together every Sunday to expound upon the pure and goodly life and universal brotherhood which reveal the philosophy of universal religion.

They are serving the Cause of God, not for name, fame and winning glory. Not simply because their sense of duty is strong, but a duty which is permeated with pleasure and joy.

During these five years when all nations were drowning in loss and calamity, the free souls, without any lassitude or negligence, have been striving and struggling in that which leads to the life of all and the comfort and tranquility of everyone.

Today there is no greater glory for man than that of service in the cause of the Most Great Peace.

In the Kingdom of God no service is greater, and in the estimation of the Prophets, including Jesus Christ, there is no deed so estimable.

If it is accomplished in this way, it will be most praiseworthy because then it will be for the sake of God and in the pathway of His service.

O spiritual friends! Today all the people of Iran must strive with the utmost effort and zeal for the good of the government and nation, and with complete truthfulness, honesty and goodwill engage in whatever leads to the prosperity, comfort, wealth and glory of the government and country.

O friends! In such a time, consider the royal favors and sovereign justice as a bounty. Rest not for a moment and seek not an instant's repose. Strive day and night that ye may become the source of such service as will cause the glory of the everlasting government and the comfort and blessing of the poor and the subjects.

While politics is important in its own right, as are other activities such as trade, industry and agriculture, yet in comparison with the Cause of God, all these matters are playthings of children. Therefore, the beloved of God should busy themselves with the education and nurturing of the human souls so that they may all gather beneath the shadow of the Word of God and assemble under the tabernacle of universal peace and divine love.

In brief, I found myself exceedingly happy and satisfied with thee for thou hast arisen to serve the Cause of God. My hope is that thou wilt be assisted to perform outstanding services and become a means of exalting the Word of God.

Become the instrument of the Most Great Peace for all people and promote reconciliation between East and West. As much as you can, bestow the spirit of life and desire comfort and tranquility for the peace of the entire world.

A hundred thousand blessings upon the soul that hath today arisen to serve the Cause, for service hath degrees and ranks.

Now you must, with the utmost joy and fragrance and infinite gladness, engage in encouraging and nurturing the friends, and like a candle burn and be content, so that gathering may always remain gathered, not scattered, not dejected, not withered, but rather moment by moment become fresh and verdant, attaining boundless delicacy, grace and sweetness.

He nurtured the priests and exalted the peasants; he was a refuge to the helpless and a loving, compassionate friend to the distressed.

Each one must be the servant of the others, thoughtful of their comfort and welfare. In the path of God one must forget himself entirely. He must not consider his own pleasure but seek the pleasure of others. He must not desire glory nor gifts of bounty for himself but seek these gifts and blessings for his brothers and sisters.

The friends of God must be peacemakers and in matters of common good, promote the general well-being. They must consider Baha’is and nonbelievers as one and the same. We have been created for the betterment of all people and nothing else!

Say: O friends! Arise with a mighty resolve and powerful determination to serve the Cause, and stand firm. Perchance tyranny, corruption, strife and contention may be eliminated from the world.

O ye lovers of God! Make firm your steps; fulfill your pledge to one another; go forth in harmony to scatter abroad the sweet savors of God's love, and to establish His Teachings, until ye breathe a soul into the dead body of this world, and bring true healing in the physical and spiritual realms to everyone who aileth.

The greatest service is the firmness of the chosen ones, the unity and oneness of the faithful, the agreement of hearts, the connection of souls, unity of word, and the teaching of the Cause of God.

And this company stand aloof from selfish imaginings, and, in service to the general good, are ready to lay down their lives. They are the very element of life unto the body of Iran, and in righteous aims they are manifest signs, exerting strenuous endeavor for the reformation of morals, and in the path of the divine good-pleasure they withhold neither heart nor soul. For forty years, despite all afflictions, trials and sorrows, they have labored to reform morals and moderate conduct.

It is incumbent upon every one of us to encourage each other, to exert our utmost endeavour to diffuse His divine fragrances and engage in exalting His Word.

In the Glorious Gospel it is said: "Freely ye have received, freely give." Now you too must arise to spread the divine teachings in Japan through heavenly power, divine bounty, spiritual morals, godly deeds and heavenly glad-tidings.

It is true that every one of God's servants, and in particular those who are on fire with the Faith, have been allotted this task of servitude to Almighty God; still, the duty imposed upon us is greater than that which hath been laid upon the rest. To Him do we look for grace and favour and strength.

We must gird ourselves for service, kindle love's flame, and burn away in its heat. We must loose our tongues till we set the wide world's heart afire, and with bright rays of guidance blot out the armies of the night, and then, for His sake, on the field of sacrifice, fling down our lives.

It is my hope that the breaths of the Holy Spirit will so be breathed into your hearts that your tongues will disclose the mysteries, and set forth and expound the inner meanings of the Holy Books; that the friends will become physicians, and will, through the potent medicine of the heavenly Teachings, heal the long-standing diseases that afflict the body of this world; that they will make the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the dead to come alive; that they will awaken those who are sound asleep.

Join yourselves to those who work for the poor, the weak and the unfortunate; this is greatly to be commended.

For we, the followers of the Blessed Beauty, should all be engaged in the service of the Cause of God, and become sources of guidance to humanity.

In this great Cycle and wondrous Dispensation some women have been raised up who were the emblems of unity and ensigns of oneness, for the revelation of divine bestowals is received by men and women in equal measure. "Verily the most honoured in the sight of God is the most virtuous amongst you"5 is applicable to both men and women, to servants and handmaidens. All are under the shadow of the Word of God and all derive their strength from the bounties of the Lord. Therefore, do not consider thyself to be insignificant by doubting what a handmaiden living behind the veil can do...

With a firm heart, a steadfast step and an eloquent tongue arise to spread the Word of God and say: "O God, although I am sitting concealed behind the screen of chastity and am restricted by the veil and exigencies of modesty, my cherished hope is to raise the banner of service and to become a maidservant at Thy Holy Threshold; to ride on a charger and penetrate the army of the ignorant, defeat the mighty regiments and subvert the foundations of error and violation. Thou art the Helper of the weak, Thou art the Sustainer of the poor, Thou art the Succourer of the handmaidens. Verily, Thou art the Almighty and All-Powerful."

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The purpose is this: Praise be to God, the Afnan, the branches of the Blessed Tree, are steadfast in the Cause and constant in the remembrance of the Ancient Beauty. They have no purpose save the spreading of the divine fragrances, and no desire except the exaltation of God's Word, for the obligation upon the branches of the Sacred Tree is different.

I prayed in behalf of all the family that they may be confirmed with the most great guidance and sacrifice their abilities, talents and possessions in the Path of God.

In reality every day which man passes in the mention of God, the diffusion of the fragrances of God and calling the people to the Kingdom of God, that day is his feast. Praise be to God that you are occupied in the service of the Kingdom of God and are engaged in the promulgation of the religion of God by day and by night. Therefore all your days are feast days. There is no doubt that the assistance and the bestowal of God shall descend upon you.

Seek ye to educate souls and encourage those who attain such virtues. Spread the divine fragrances and to exemplify your beliefs with your conduct and your behaviour as well as your words.

Work! Work with all your strength, spread the Cause of the Kingdom among men; teach the self-sufficient to turn humbly towards God, the sinful to sin no more, and await with glad expectation the coming of the Kingdom.

O friends! We must do something for the edification of His Cause. We must exert to water this Divine Tree. We must bid farewell to all ideas save the focal idea of Service. We must learn and grow and expand and develop.

O ye servants of the Sacred Threshold! The triumphant hosts of the Celestial Concourse, arrayed and marshalled in the Realms above, stand ready and expectant to assist and assure victory to that valiant horseman who with confidence spurs on his charger into the arena of service. Well is it with that fearless warrior, who armed with the power of true Knowledge, hastens unto the field, disperses the armies of ignorance, and scatters the hosts of error, who holds aloft the Standard of Divine Guidance, and sounds the Clarion of Victory.

That true friend is in truth exerting the utmost industry and diligence that he may render a service to the Sacred Threshold. My hope is that, through the gracious favours of the True One, he may prosper in all his affairs.

O thou faithful stalwart! In truth, in the pathway of the Most Great Name, His Holiness the Glory of the heavens and of the earth, thou hast evinced---as thou dost still---the utmost degree of self-sacrificial devotion.

These are the hands of God's Cause amongst His servants and the dawning-places of the suns of knowledge in His lands. The might of the heedless hindereth them not, nor doth the clamor of the aggressive turn them aside from their purpose. Their concern hath been and is the betterment of the world and the salvation of nations.

Remain firm and steadfast in all things and conditions in the Cause of God, the Resplendent, the Impregnable, and carry out the services to the Cause to whatever extent possible through hand, tongue, heart, soul and spirit.

I am well-pleased and satisfied with all of you, for you have rendered service and labored strenuously. Morning and evening you came and showed forth faithfulness. You endured every oppression and bore every ordeal.

O Lord! Graciously assist me and this servant of Thine to attain unto this supreme bounty, that we may be pleased with everyone and they may be pleased with us. I beseech God to grant that we both may be confirmed in service to His holy Threshold.

Florence Khanum asked: "If one is situated with a family or a number of people who are in need of help and assistance, and one should have tried his best to assist them with, however, no cooperation or encouragement on their --until one feels utterly impotent to render them any further assistance --should he still remain with them and endeavor to offer them help, or should he leave them and go after his own business?"

'Abdu'l-Baha answered: "Man is responsible to the degree of his power and capacity."

You must not feel unhappy, because you are not rich. Strive in order to assist the world spiritually.

Consider how many souls have assisted the community with millions yet its result has not been widespread, but those souls who have arisen to guide the people spiritually, their results are unlimited.

This sincere intention that you have is itself service, and assuredly you will be assisted to servitude before the Blessed Beauty, and whatsoever is your ultimate hope and desire - I will beseech God that it may be facilitated, so that you may become an intermediary stringing together the pearls among the friends, and shine forth with the light of God's favor.

This service has been for the sake of God, as it is specially designated for the recreation of the friends and the chosen ones.

Thy services have been and are before Our gaze. If one hath drawn a single breath in the path of the Friend, it shall not be lost.

O thou sincere and self-sacrificing servant!

The greater thine effort in the field of service, the larger the draught thou shalt drink of His life-giving grace. The more thou strivest to serve the friends, the higher wilt thou soar thyself in the realms of the spirit.

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Your services at present are similar to the sowing of seeds by the farmer in the field. It is impossible for germination to occur immediately. Therefore, the farmer must be very patient and not become disheartened. He should continue with his work, knowing that the day will come when the harvest appears.

What is hoped for is the exertion of loyal effort in completing this lengthy case. When this is accomplished, it will leave an influence that shall endure throughout ages, centuries and epochs.

O you who strive in service to the Divine Cause! All your troubles, hardships, difficulties, obstacles and tribulations are evident and clear, and in all these matters I am your partner and share your burden.

Be not saddened by prevention. Arise to assist the Cause to the extent of thy capacity.

The loved ones of God, who have appeared solely for the reformation of the world, have been reckoned among the corrupt.

This servant hath desired for all the friends of Truth what He hath desired for Himself. And the reason that wisdom and protection of the Cause have been and are enjoined is that those who make mention may remain on earth to occupy themselves with the remembrance of the Lord of all worlds.

O loved ones of the All-Merciful! While time remaineth, strive to make up for what hath passed. Verily He is with you and will aid you in that which befitteth this blessed and wondrous Day.

Thy services and efforts are known and remembered before God. May God willing, thou shalt attain unto His endless bounties. The reward of no one hath been, nor ever shall be, lost before God.

Observe how 'Abdu'l-Baha in such a storm has completely forgotten himself and arisen to protect and preserve the friends. He has sent most of the friends to other regions, and at such a time and in such a state and such danger, how difficult and hard such work is.

Among other things, he can engage in service, establish bonds of fellowship with everyone, and with the utmost spirituality make strangers into friends.

O My Afnan! Know thou with clear certainty that thy existence and continuance in service to the Cause is better than what thou hast chosen for thyself and desired from thy Lord.

Seek health so that you may succeed in rendering service.

The results of health are good for mankind, they are very great, if spent in what is proper and fitting - otherwise these cattle in the wilderness are in perfect health.

If they sleep they must sleep with the idea of being refreshed;- so that when they arise next morning they may serve the Cause with greater efficiency and strength. If they eat they must eat with the object of building up new life-force, in order that they may move and walk in the Celestial Highway.

Truly you strive with heart and soul to render service at the Sacred Threshold. You have no personal motives and seek nothing except God's good pleasure.

Consider thy composure, for composure of thought will become the cause of one's confirmation in the service. If thou hast not composure of mind in Chicago, undoubtedly thou wouldst be more confirmed in service in New York; but, if thy mind is at peace in Chicago, it is better to stay there for perchance difficulties may arise in New York and then thou wouldst not have composure of mind.

Thou must first think of thy tranquility.

Yet 'Abdu'l-Baha does this - while all the people on the ship are peacefully asleep in their beds, embraced by comfort, this sick one, captured by love for the friends, has been occupied with writing from sunrise until now, that perhaps it may bring solace to hearts and joy to souls.

The letter signed by most of the friends in India has been received. Abdu'l-Baha is greatly longing to make a trip to India, provided health and time permit….It is my hope that extraordinary souls in that country from among the people of that country will arise in service.

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There is no monasticism in this Cause, but a person who wishes to devote his time exclusively to teaching the Cause of God and serving the human race can still distance himself from the things of this world. It would certainly be preferable for him to spend his time in service to the Kingdom of God, but not to practise monasticism. The intention should be to consecrate one's life to serving the Cause of God, but if he should ever wish to marry, he is free to do so.

Now, what dost thou desire? Why art thou sorrowful? Be thou ever happy. Now I will tell thee the essence of service: Share your time with God. Spend half of the day in search of livelihood, guaranteeing your material life and dignified appearance, and dedicate the other half in the acquisition of moral virtues and service at the threshold of God. That is all.

Man must live in the utmost sanctity and purity and he must ever think to assist others and not beg assistance from them.

Regarding Ahmad Maqsud, the intention was that perhaps he could provide some assistance to his father, since due to having many dependents he is in utmost distress, and to the extent possible consideration should be shown to him in this matter. If something could be arranged that would bring happiness to his father, it would be most appreciated.

Your respected father hath exerted his utmost efforts and hath served the Faith of God all this time. Now your turn hath come to be the cause of his happiness and comfort so that he may pass a few days in rest and peace beneath the shadow of the peerless Lord.

Thou hast complained of being deprived of the company of the friends but when thou art engaged in serving thy mother and other relatives, this too is obedience to the command of God. This too will cause thee to attain the good pleasure of God.

Thy wish is to serve thy father, who is dear to thee, and also to serve the Kingdom of God, and thou art perplexed as to which of the two thou shouldst do. Assuredly engage in service to thy father, and as well, whenever thou findest time, diffuse the divine fragrances.

I hope that from the Court of the One you will be enabled to serve your parents with utmost strength. Those two helpless ones have truly faced severe hardships. May you become the cause of arranging means for their comfort, and likewise be assisted in educating your brothers that they may receive divine training and learn heavenly manners.

Should anyone give you a choice between the opportunity to render a service to Me and a service to them, choose ye to serve them, and let such service be a path leading you to Me.

Blessed are they who keep in mind the service and care of the friends of God, even as some have attained to this station and have shown love to the emigrants and friends according to their means. God willing, may all attain to this exalted station. The reward of no deed shall be lost. Verily, He is aware of what His loved ones do.

It beseemeth no one to seek departure from this world in the days of the manifestation of the Lord of Eternity. Rather must all, at all times, be turned toward the horizon of the All-Merciful and beseech God that some service to this most wondrous and impregnable Cause might be manifested from him, even if it be but the mention of one of His words. This, verily, is a great bounty, a great good, and a great matter.

To attain the honour of pilgrimage is the cherished desire of His lovers, and to circle round His Shrine the highest hope of those who yearn after Him. Yet, service to His Threshold rendered in your land is also among the supreme aspirations of those who are nigh unto Him.

At this time, thy presence in those regions is much needed. Thou art occupied with service, manifesting complete servitude and devoted to the promotion of the Word of God. Such service is the same as attaining to the Sacred Threshold of the Lord.

However, wisdom must still be observed, and you must engage in service in that region, for service to the Sacred Threshold - meaning the diffusion of divine fragrances - is itself pilgrimage, and devotion makes the heart and soul circumambulate the gathering-place of the Concourse on High.

O Aqa Mirza Husayn! The friends in Sisan are yearning with the utmost longing to behold your face. … If it presents no difficulty for you, this would be a service to the Cause. You have already endured much trouble and hardship until you tamed them all. Your presence there is the cause of maintaining harmony.

Whenever you find time and travel to different areas, and inspire each of the loved ones of God with a breath of joy, it is very acceptable and beloved at the divine threshold.

All have been created for attainment unto His presence; however, today service to the Cause takes precedence. Whoso is assisted today to aid the Cause, verily he hath attained unto all good from God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

Thou wert engaged for some time in rendering outstanding services in that most glorious spot and wert responsible for essential tasks. Thy services were praiseworthy and thine efforts pleasing. Return, now, to that land, and resume thy former services. It is hoped that, through the bounties of the All-Glorious Lord, thou wilt achieve even greater success than before, wilt cheer all the friends through distinguished services, and wilt, at all times, arise as an obedient servant to render service to the loved ones of God, for service to the loved ones of God is service to God.

I have been informed that you are leaving today, and thus, I have come to bid you farewell. In every regard, you have had a wonderful summer, surrounded by the vivifying air of the Shrine of the Bab and its spacious rooms, orchards, flowers and greenery. One must always try to bring comfort and well-being to others; otherwise, bringing comfort to oneself alone is easy and can be readily achieved.

Today whosoever is engaged in the service of the Cause of God he is like a gardener who is planting a tree. Ere long that tree shall grow and develop, giving cool shade to all parts and producing most luscious fruits. Therefore thank thou God that thou art confirmed in the service. Exert thou day and night so that thou mayest add to thy services.

Yet man must be the cause of prosperity, not destruction. God created man upon this sphere that he might be the cause of its development. Man must strive for prosperity. The more he labors for the flourishing of this world, the more acceptable is he in God's sight - though it holds no real importance, for it shall not endure.

I am well pleased with you all...Ye have rendered many services, and been very assiduous in your labors. Ye have come here every morning and every evening. May God assist you to remain united. May He aid you to exalt the Cause of the Lord of being.

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Blessed is he who hath heard of My grief and hath arisen to aid Me among My people. Blessed is he who hath laid down his life in My path and hath borne manifold hardships for the sake of My name. Blessed the man who, assured of My Word, hath arisen from among the dead to celebrate My praise.

In these days, the Holy Ones of the Realm of Glory, dwelling in the all-highest Paradise, yearn to return unto this world, and be of some service to the Cause of Baha'u'llah and prove their servitude to the Threshold of Abha Beauty.

O Lord! Aid me in all conditions to serve Thee amidst Thy creatures. I testify that service unto Thee is naught but the exaltation of Thy remembrance and such deeds as manifest the sanctity of Thy Cause among the peoples of the world.

He engaged in the service of Thy Cause with utmost dedication, transcribing Thy verses morning and evening until his eyes grew dim and his fingers trembled, his bones weakened and he reached extreme old age.

Yet he never faltered, O my God, for an instant in Thy service, nor did he waver, O my Beloved, for a moment in his servitude to Thee.

O Lord! She believed in You and Your verses, was attracted by Your fragrances, recited Your verses and words, gave glad tidings of the dawning of the Sun of Your divine Oneness, called out Your name in Your kingdom, left her homeland, distanced herself from family and friends, bore every hardship and suffering, and found sweet the bitterness of separation - all out of love for teaching children and passion for educating girls in the farthest lands.

By day and by night he attended to the flowers and the trees and supplied them with water, even as supplying water to the Sacred Mosque. And he knew not tiredness or weariness nor toil and weakness; nay with fervor, lowliness, and ardent supplication, he devoted himself to Thy Luminous Garden.

His other brother who wast named Ibrahim arose to serve Thee at even and at morn, weakened not in his servitude to Thee in the daytime and in the night season.

She never wavered in serving Thy loved ones and comforting Thy servants. She spent her wealth upon the weak and the poor, seeking Thy good pleasure. … She was a treasure to every poor one, a shelter to every captive, a refuge to every stranger.

O Lord and my Hope! Assist Thy servants Hassan and Hussein for the noble endeavors they showed in shrouding that truthful servant, washing his purified body, and burying him with resolute determination that repelled the oppression of the oppressors and prevented the heedless.

Then ordain for her that which is best for her, and grant her the privilege of serving the Dayspring of Thy Cause in the worlds which Thou hast ordained.

Do thou, on my behalf, lay thy head on the sacred Threshold, and perfume brow and hair in the dust of that Door, and ask that I may be confirmed in my work; that I may, in return for His endless bounties, win, if He will, a drop out of the ocean of servitude.

Thou knowest, O my God, that they desired not corruption in the land nor the shedding of blood. They desired only to illuminate the world with the lights of trustworthiness, chastity, truthfulness and fidelity.

O Thou kind Lord! Thanks be unto Thee that we have been rendered successful in offering this service, and have been confirmed in this bestowal. Although we are destitute, yet we are striving towards laying the foundation of this great temple.

We are as tiny ants and Thou art the King of the Realm of Glory. Bestow Thy grace and confer Thy bounty upon us, that we may kindle a flame and shed its splendour abroad, that we may show forth strength and render some service. Grant that we may bring illumination to this darksome earth and spirituality to this fleeting world of dust.

He is engaged in serving Thy Cause amongst the peoples of the world, and in magnifying Thy name before the ministers and rulers. He is occupied in diffusing Thy sweet savours in gatherings held in remembrance of Thee, and hath hoisted Thy banner amidst the masses.

O my God, make me steadfast in Thy Covenant and cause me to be firm in Thy love, and deliver me from every severe test. My Lord, my Lord! Make me a sacrifice for Thy handmaidens and a martyr in Thy path, humble and submissive before Thy creatures, loving toward all Thy servants, and a servant of universal peace, reconciliation, love and security.

He is a poor and lowly servant of Thine, enthralled and imploring Thee, captive in Thy hand, praying fervently to Thee, trusting in Thee, in tears before Thy face, calling to Thee and beseeching Thee, saying:

O Lord, my God! Give me Thy grace to serve Thy loved ones, strenghten me in my servitude to Thee, illumine my brow with the light of adoration in Thy court of holiness, and of prayer to Thy kingdom of grandeur.

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Deliver me from darkness, make me a brilliant light; free me from unhappiness, make me a flower of the rose-garden; suffer me to become a servant of Thy threshold and confer upon me the disposition and nature of the righteous; make me a cause of bounty to the human world and crown my head with the diadem of eternal life.

Heroes are they, O my Lord, lead them to the field of battle. Guides are they, make them to speak out with arguments and proofs. Ministering servants are they, cause them to pass round the cup that brimmeth with the wine of certitude.

Assist me, then, through Thy strengthening grace, so to serve Thy Cause amidst Thy servants that I may show forth what will cause me to be remembered as long as Thine own kingdom endureth and Thy dominion will last.

Empower us, then, O my God, to spread abroad Thy signs among Thy creatures, and to guard Thy Faith in Thy realm.

Assist them then by Thy grace to consecrate themselves to Thy service, that through them whatsoever Thou desirest for Thy realm may be realized, and with their exertions the ensigns of Thy victory be unfurled in Thy lands.

… Exalt them then as to become the hands of Thy Cause, that through them Thy wondrous signs may be spread far and wide throughout Thine earth and the emblems of Thy sanctity be manifested amidst Thy people.

O my God! O my God! Unite the hearts of Thy servants, and reveal to them Thy great purpose. May they follow Thy commandments and abide in Thy law. Help them, O God, in their endeavor, and grant them strength to serve Thee. O God! Leave them not to themselves, but guide their steps by the light of Thy knowledge, and cheer their hearts by Thy love. Verily, Thou art their Helper and their Lord.

I beseech Thee, O my God, by Thy hair which moveth across Thy face, even as Thy most exalted pen moveth across the pages of Thy Tablets, shedding the musk of hidden meanings over the kingdom of Thy creation, so to raise me up to serve Thy Cause that I shall not fall back, nor be hindered by the suggestions of them who have caviled at Thy signs and turned away from Thy face.

Make my heart overflow with love for Thy creatures and grant that I may become the sign of Thy mercy, the token of Thy grace, the promoter of concord amongst Thy loved ones, devoted unto Thee, uttering Thy commemoration and forgetful of self but ever mindful of what is Thine.

"Make me the minaret of Thy love in Thy region, the lamp of Thy knowledge among Thy creatures and the banner of Thy gift in Thy Kingdom."

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Baha'u'llah has stated quite clearly in His Writings the essential requisites for our spiritual growth, and these are stressed again and again by 'Abdu'l-Baha in His talks and Tablets. One can summarize them briefly in this way: 1) The recital each day of one of the Obligatory Prayers with pure-hearted devotion. 2) The regular reading of the Sacred Scriptures, specifically at least each morning and evening, with reverence, attention and thought. 3) Prayerful meditation on the teachings, so that we may understand them more deeply, fulfil them more faithfully, and convey them more accurately to others. 4) Striving every day to bring our behaviour more into accordance with the high standards that are set forth in the teachings. 5) Teaching the Cause of God. 6) Selfless service in the work of the Cause and in the carrying on of our trade or profession. These points ... represent the path towards the attainment of true spirituality that has been laid down by the Manifestation of God for this age.

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There is nothing that brings success in the Faith like service. Service is the magnet which draws the divine confirmations. Thus, when a person is active, they are blessed by the Holy Spirit. When they are inactive, the Holy Spirit cannot find a repository in their being, and thus they are deprived of its healing and quickening rays.

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...An individual must center his whole heart and mind on service to the Cause, in accordance with the high standards set by Baha'u'llah. When this is done, the hosts of the Supreme Concourse will come to the assistance of the individual, and every difficulty and trial will gradually be overcome.

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Naturally there will be periods of distress and difficulty, and even severe tests; but if that person turns firmly toward the divine Manifestation, studies carefully His spiritual teachings and receives the blessings of the Holy Spirit, he will find that in reality these tests and difficulties have been the gifts of God to enable him to grow and develop. Thus you might look upon your own difficulties in the path of service. They are the means of your spirit growing and developing.

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The attitude of the individual as a servant, an attitude pre-eminently exemplified in the life and person of 'Abdu'l-Baha, is a dynamic that permeates the activities of the Faith; it acquires collective, transformative force in the normal functioning of a community. In this regard, the institutions of the Faith stand as channels for the promotion of this salient characteristic. It is in this framework that the concepts of rulership and leadership, authority and power are properly understood and actualized.

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