Serving humanity: from compassion to collective progress

All men have been called into being for the betterment of the world. It behoveth every soul to arise and serve his brethren for the sake of God.

Be a refuge and shelter to every oppressed one, a helper and protector to every conquered one. Be a skilled physician to every sick one and an effective remedy to every wounded one. Be a sure shelter to every fearful one and a cause of comfort and tranquility to every distressed one. Make every sorrowful one joyous and every weeping one laugh. Be refreshing water to every thirsty one and heavenly food to every hungry one. Be a cause of glory to every lowly one and a cause of wealth to every poor one.

The remedy the world needeth in its present-day afflictions can never be the same as that which a subsequent age may require. Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and centre your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements.

… Gaze ye therein and be apprised thereof; perchance ye may be aided thereby to recognize the Friend and may be not the cause of His displeasure. In this Day the choicest fruit of the tree of knowledge is that which serveth the welfare of humanity and safeguardeth its interests.

And the honor and distinction of the individual consist in this, that he among all the world's multitudes should become a source of social good. Is any larger bounty conceivable than this, that an individual, looking within himself, should find that by the confirming grace of God he has become the cause of peace and well-being, of happiness and advantage to his fellow men?

… The primary purpose, the basic objective, in laying down powerful laws and setting up great principles and institutions dealing with every aspect of civilization, is human happiness; and human happiness consists only in drawing closer to the Threshold of Almighty God, and in securing the peace and well-being of every individual member, high and low alike, of the human race; and the supreme agencies for accomplishing these two objectives are the excellent qualities with which humanity has been endowed.

Without action nothing in the material world can be accomplished, neither can words unaided advance a man in the spiritual Kingdom. It is not through lip-service only that the elect of God have attained to holiness, but by patient lives of active service they have brought light into the world.

In the world of creation, good intentions are of two kinds. One kind is particular and aimed at specific people; this is limited and its scope is extremely narrow. The other kind is directed towards all created things; it is all-pervading and extensive in range.

This is worship: to serve mankind and to minister to the needs of the people. Service is prayer. A physician ministering to the sick, gently, tenderly, free from prejudice and believing in the solidarity of the human race, he is giving praise'.

It is incumbent upon every man of insight and understanding to strive to translate that which hath been written into reality and action.

… That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race. The Great Being saith: Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth. In another passage He hath proclaimed: It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.

This world is being ruined by others, I desire that the believers of God be the builders of the diamond edifice of humanity. The havoc wrought by the heartless destroyers must not dampen their zeal nor stop them from construction. The building spirit of the Baha'is must be as great and as irrefragable as the destroying determination of their antagonists.

You will be servants of God, who are dwelling near to Him, His divine helpers in the service, ministering to all Humanity. All Humanity! Every human being! never forget this!

Let them at all times concern themselves with doing a kindly thing for one of their fellows, offering to someone love, consideration, thoughtful help. Let them see no one as their enemy, or as wishing them ill, but think of all humankind as their friends; regarding the alien as an intimate, the stranger as a companion, staying free of prejudice, drawing no lines.

Whether obedient or disobedient, one must consider all people as God's servants, and whether human or inhuman, must regard all as God's creation and must treat all accordingly. O friends of God! Serve humanity with utmost joy and radiance, and show forth love to all mankind. Look not upon any limitations and be not restricted by any bonds, for limitations and restrictions become dark veils preventing the manifestation of human perfections, while freedom causes the appearance of divine bounties.

My hope is that when each of you returns to your homeland or dwelling place, you will be a sign among the divine signs, a gift among heavenly gifts, that you will be the cause of the fellowship of hearts and the cause of unity and connection of souls, that you will serve human oneness, be servants to all humanity and lovers of all on earth, that you will know no stranger or acquaintance, count none as friend or foe, and conduct yourselves with utmost love and kindness toward all.

I hope that God will assist you to serve all humanity without distinction between sects and religions, but rather to treat all according to the teachings of Baha'u'llah which are the spirit of this glorious age.

Now is the time that you live in accordance with the teachings of Baha'u'llah; that is, become a lover of the world of humanity, count all mankind as your relatives and kin, and be kind to all the children of men.

May you always strive, day and night, to gladden the heart of the sorrowful, to offer healing to the sick, to assist the poor, and to uplift the downtrodden.

Be as a son to the elderly, a father to the youth, and a brother to your peers. The purpose is that you should seek with heart and soul the comfort and well-being of all people, and pursue the joy and happiness of humanity.

Forget self and work for the whole race. Remember always that one is working for the world, not for a town or even for a country; because, as all are brethren, so every country is, as it were, one's own.

His word, exalted be His glory, is: "Glory is not his who loveth his country, but glory is his who loveth the world." Behold now how His all-embracing mercy hath encompassed all. And in another instance He saith, exalted be His glory: "Blessed is he who ariseth for the service of all mankind."

"Ponder this wondrous and comely word which in several places hath flowed from the Pen of the Most High: Not he is praiseworthy who loveth his country, but he who loveth the world. Man hath not been created for strife and corruption and contention and dispute. By My life! he hath been created for a mighty purpose. Were these stations to be set down in detail, Tablets would not suffice.

Look not unto your own selves, neither confine your affairs to that which profiteth you alone. Rather, look upon the servants of the All-Merciful throughout creation and turn unto that which benefiteth the peoples of all the worlds.

Occupy not the days of your lives with the betterment of your own affairs; arise, rather, for the betterment of the world.

Concern yourselves with the things that benefit mankind, and not with your corrupt and selfish desires.

This Wronged One beareth witness that servants have been brought from nothingness into being for the betterment, fellowship and unity of mankind.

All have been created for the betterment of the world. By the life of God! The attributes of the beasts of prey befit not man. The station of man is and shall ever be mercy, love, compassion and forbearance towards all the peoples of the world.

God hath created you for the betterment of the world.

Man is great; his aspiration too must be great in reforming the world and bringing comfort to nations.

Think of nothing day and night save the welfare of humanity, and desire naught but the betterment of the world of man. Arise to serve all humanity and to love all people.

Seek the well-being of all horizons and strive for the comfort of all who dwell on earth. Be the cause of gladness to the world of humanity and the means of prosperity for the servants of God.

Be kind and gentle with all the people of the world and serve and assist everyone with the utmost love.

Become a friend and loving companion to all humanity and a guide for the spiritually-minded among the materially-minded.

If thou desirest to be confirmed in the service of the Kingdom of God, live in accord with the Teachings of Baha'u'llah and that is; - real love for the world of humanity and the utmost of kindness for the believers of God. This real love like unto the magnetic power attracts the divine Confirmations.

Therefore, give thanks to the Lord that you have no purpose save service to the unity of the human world, love for mankind, peace and tranquility and comfort for creation, harmony between hearts, connection between souls, kindness to all, and goodwill to all on earth, and seek no other desire.

One must serve all humanity and spread essential unity. One must become the mercy of the Lord and the bounty of the All-Glorious.

It is your duty to be exceedingly kind to every human being, and to wish him well; to work for the upliftment of society; to blow the breath of life into the dead; to act in accordance with the instructions of Baha'u'llah and walk His path -- until ye change the world of man into the world of God.

They desire service to the world of humanity. Therefore they are free from every bond.

Assist the world of humanity as much as possible. Be the source of consolation to every sad one, assist every weak one, be helpful to every indigent one, care for every sick one, be the cause of glorification to every lowly one, and shelter those who are overshadowed by fear.

If they are poor, help them with money; if they are sad, comfort them; they are distraught, quiet them; till all the world shall see that you have in truth the universal love.

They must trust in the Lord, and concentrate their thoughts day and night on helping the fallen, making fresh and verdant the withered one, bringing the dead to life, healing the sick, nursing the ill, becoming a refuge and shelter for the homeless, placing a salve on wounds, becoming a remedy for the afflicted, becoming a kind father to an orphan, becoming a helper and assistant to a captive, becoming a helper and responder to a poor one, bestowing melody on the melody-less, clothing the naked, giving drink to the thirsty.

Console the helpless and give shelter to the homeless. Enlighten the dejected and comfort those who have seen sorrow. Be the solace of every heart and the helper of every weak and incapable one. Be kind to humankind and show utmost grace and beneficence to every living being.

Be the cause of freedom for captives and the source of joy and happiness for the poor. Become divine healing for the sick and spiritual medicine for the ailing. Be a salve for every wound and a remedy for every pain. Be a bright candle and spread light in the gathering of humanity.

Give sustenance to the destitute and sight to the blind. Become a refuge and shelter for the helpless and confidants to the deprived. Show kindness to both friend and stranger alike, and honor all humanity. Serve the human world and shower love upon all mankind. These are the attributes of the Baha'is and the characteristics of the spiritual ones.

To cheer up and sympathise with those who are in sorrow and carry laughter and the sunbeams of happiness in the hearts of all the children of humanity. To the sick he must become a nurse. For the oppressed, he must be a shelter. To the extent of his ability he must assist and take care of the poor ones in the community. He must give a share and a portion to those who are deprived. He must be a balm of healing to every wounded one and a breath of spirit to every dead one.

Let us be ready to give our lives, our fortunes, positions, achievements, in order that a new state of existence may be diffused throughout the earth. There are fellow-beings who are weaker than we are, let us strengthen them; there are those who are more ignorant, we must teach them; some are as children, help them to develop; many are asleep, awaken them; others are ill, heal them; never despise them. Be kinder to them than to the stronger ones. One must always be kinder to the weak and ill and to the children. Never seek to humiliate your brother.

Never talk about God to a man with an empty stomach. Feed him first.

You have taken up a good occupation which deserves praise, for helping the poor and orphans is service to the Kingdom of God and no righteous deed has been or is greater than this.

Happy are you who are engaged in serving the poor. My greatest happiness is this, that I may be counted among the poor.

I supplicate God that thou mayest become a kind parent to orphaned children, quickening them with the fragrances of the Holy Spirit, so that they will attain the age of maturity as true servants of the world of humanity and as bright candles in the assemblage of mankind.

This revered lady, Mrs. Rowan, is indeed doing the world of humanity a great and useful service, for she assists those who are blind and shows them the tenderest kindness. Because she is giving them an opportunity to be trained manually, and is educating them intellectually, she is in reality endowing them with real sight, -- that is, insight. What greater attainment than this could be desired?

Therefore, O wise physician, if you seek complete proficiency and comprehensive wisdom, combine both forms of healing and soar with these two wings - that is, be a physician of bodies and a healer of hearts and a doctor of souls. Be an effective remedy for the sick body of the world and a beneficial medicine for humanity's weak constitution. Become the supreme antidote to the poison of ignorance and heedlessness, and the honored remedy for the venom of veiling and ill conduct.

What I wish to say is that those who have attained the Kingdom of God will themselves become doctors. All the people of the world are patients, are ill. They are in great need of doctors, so that through the help of the doctors they may be cured of their spiritual diseases.

Therefore, O weak bodily one, be an antidote for the world and a sweet healing remedy for the pain of the suffering. Be a wise physician for the hospital of the ignorant, and be a sugar-eating parrot in the sugar-garden of praise and prayer.

Praise be to God, thy goal is to promote the well-being of humankind and to help the souls to overcome their faults. This good intention will produce laudable results.

The point is that helping mankind is among the greatest ordinances and most glorious commandments, especially toward the friends of God who, in both the physical and spiritual worlds, are members and parts of one another.

Be thou kind to all mankind. Try thy utmost to alleviate their burdens.

Deal with every one in such a manner as to make them joyful!

I hope that you will be under the protection of God, will succeed in rendering service to humanity and will always be a source of happiness to every heart.

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.

If you desire to love God, love thy fellow-men. In them you can see the image and likeness of God. If you are eager to serve God, serve mankind.

May you love all and serve all, because serving mankind is serving God. Everyone should be kind. Everyone should strive for unity and endeavor to serve mankind.

You are a servant of God, not a servant of this world. A servant of God is he who gives some benefit to the world of man.

In my mind the only way we can serve Him is to serve mankind and try to alleviate the sorrows and sufferings of the people."

A. B. "Christ served God and his apostles served God. Their service was to humanity, which was a reflection of their service to God."

The foundation of that spirit is the love of God; and its method, the love and service of mankind.

Perfection is impossible without humility;

Humility unattainable without the love of God;

The love of man is essential to the love of God;

The love of God is inaccessible without the love of humanity;

The love of humanity is a glittering generality without social service;

Social service is a mere catch-word without sacrifice and severance.

There is no such thing as self-development. Growth only comes by working for others.

All humanity must obtain a livelihood by the sweat of the brow and bodily exertion, at the same time seeking to lift the burden of others, striving to be a source of comfort to souls and to facilitate their means of living. This in itself is devotion to God.

Everyone should have some trade, or art or profession, be he rich or poor, and with this he must serve humanity.

However, the way of the Prophets and their teachings is that humans must be healthy and occupied in order to be able to serve humanity.

Or he may look after his health with the good intention of serving humanity and of living long enough to discharge one's duty towards mankind.

The latter is most commendable.

Second, through deeds, i.e. living in accord with the good pleasure of the Lord; adorning our being with his heavenly attributes and trying to alleviate the suffering and misery of mankind.

Beseech thou God that thou mayest adopt a religion that is heart-appealing and sweet, which is the essence of the manifest Faith. And that is this: that thou mayest become a mercy from the Lord and a gift from the Creator, and through word and deed bestow life upon the world of humanity.

Through their deeds and lives they must demonstrate to the inhabitants of the world what mutual helpfulness and assistance means.

One's sitting and rising, speech and conversation, social intercourse and communication should be based upon a firm foundation and be conducive to the glory of the world of humanity.

The basis of God's perfect laws is love for humanity and help for human needs. If all people followed this Revelation, the masses would be immeasurably uplifted and the Cause of God glorified.

Whosoever serves the world of humanity in this or any other way he is serving His Holiness Baha'u'llah. Your heavenly reward is with him.

And among the greatest pillars of servitude is service to all peoples and nations. Therefore must the servants of that Threshold sacrifice themselves for all humanity and strive with heart and soul to render service to the world of man, especially to those souls who have been nurtured in the embrace of the love of God and have drunk from the breast of the knowledge of God.

Your duty is to serve the world of humanity through every channel, through every means. This is my hope for you.

His aim is service to the world of humanity and the diffusion of the fragrances of God and the teachings of Baha'u'llah.

In any case, humanity's duty is service to the human world and servitude at the divine threshold. It is detachment and remembrance. It is a state of severance.

O my heavenly daughter! The letter thou hadst written on 10 September 1920 was received. Convey my greetings to the revered Suzanne Ferriere. It is my hope that the material services of that honoured soul to the world of humanity will be joined with spiritual service to the Kingdom of God.

The Baha'i teachings reveal the means of both material and spiritual progress."

If one entering the Kingdom of God possesses learning and science it is well, but the essential thing, or the thing of greatest importance, is to enter into the Kingdom of God, and to be characterized by the Divine attributes, and to have the intention of doing good to the world, and to be perfectly kind to each member of the human family, and serve in promoting Universal Peace.

The Confirmation of the Blessed Beauty is their net, Unity and Concord is their bait; attraction and enkindlement is their trap, service and self-sacrifice is their reliance. They cast their net into this great, turbulent sea and day by day are delivering new fishes. What delightful service is this to the world of humanity! What fruitful exertion is this in the Universe of God! What nob[le] striving is this in the path of the Kingdom! What heavenly privilege is this in the promulgation of Truth! What divine splendor in the illumination of the souls of mankind.

Forget your own selves, and turn your eyes towards your neighbor. Bend your energies to whatever may foster the education of men.

Be ye in that land vanguards of the perfections of humankind; carry forward the various branches of knowledge, be active and progressive in the field of inventions and the arts.

In this century of light precede all others in sympathy, in philanthropic actions, in physical and intellectual culture and in association with the rest of mankind.

Do not let the pool of your thoughts become stagnant. Open the shutters of your mind and air its secret chambers.

The well-known Persian students of the past were unable to bring about any advancements in their native land, but God grant that you all, on the other hand, will be able to render some service to Persia - that you will study such disciplines as will redound to the rehabilitation of that country, such that you will, upon your return there, become the very means of its revival, and the instrument through which the Cause of God is spread; that you will resolve to rectify the character of all humankind, and promote holiness and sanctity; that your efforts to make progress and bring prosperity will be granted divine confirmations and crowned with heavenly success; and that you will achieve outstanding proficiency in agriculture, industry, and commerce.

O my friends and companions! The call is the call of servitude, and the manifestation is the manifestation of thralldom to the Sacred Threshold. We are utter nothingness and absolute non-existence. Let each of us strive in the obligations of servitude and exert mighty efforts in the requirements of bondage, and let us make the garment of servitude adorn the shoulder of thralldom. Thus may we become the manifestation of the confirmations of the Most Great Unity. The attributes of Lordship and the titles of Divinity are reserved for the Sacred Being. The utmost praise and glorification for us is effacement and nothingness, weakness and lowliness at the Threshold of Grandeur. This is the supreme gift, this is the greatest mercy, this is the heaven of refuge, this is the most exalted paradise, this is the sovereignty of earth and heaven, this is transcendent glory, this is the sublime station, this is the great bounty, this is the manifest triumph. Blessed are they who attain! May they who arise be satisfied! May they who seek be nourished!

His Holiness the Martyr, son of the Martyr, upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God, mentioned those friends in his writings and offered the highest praise, that the beloved in that region are like a mighty edifice and an impregnable fortress, firm in the Covenant and attracted to the Dawning-Place. And thus it is befitting, for the Ancient Beauty, the Manifest Dawn, and the Sun of the Great Kingdom (may my spirit be sacrificed for His loved ones) had a special kindness for the people of the land of Khurasan, and would always mention the beloved of Khurasan with the utmost joy and smiling countenance. And the effects of this bounty are that all are firm and steadfast in the Divine Covenant. The oppressive and ignorant people of the Violation gained no influence in those regions, and the people of doubts were left without hope.

Now, in thanksgiving for this confirmation and success, protection and bounty of the Glorious Lord, the beloved of God must strive with perfect wisdom to strengthen the foundations of the Cause of God, establish and promote the Law of God, diffuse the fragrances of God, exalt the Word of God, advance souls in all degrees of existence, educate children, teach beneficial arts to youth, progress in the stages of civilization, multiply national industries, promote commerce, improve agriculture, spread knowledge, educate women, honor the leaves, care for the handmaidens of the Merciful, create love and unity among the friends, serve the government, show loyalty to the throne of sovereignty, wish well for all, and wholeheartedly obey the zealous king.

His Imperial Majesty (may God assist him in reviving the country) has, in truth, from early youth and the beginning of his prosperity, exercised the utmost protection and maintained the greatest defense of this community, until he ascended the throne of sovereignty, and during his time adorning the seat of government, praise be to God, he has kept justice in view. Therefore, the friends must serve and sacrifice themselves in all ranks with perfect determination and sincerity.

O friends of Truth! Listen to these counsels with heart and soul. If you witness oppression and cruelty from some officials, this is due to the compulsion of the clergy and the insistence of the foolish. They transgress of their own accord, but the eternal government has never been and is not pleased with this, and provides protection to the extent possible. Therefore, be not grieved by occurring events, and with complete truthfulness and uprightness, obey and serve the government and those in authority, and think of the progress and civilization of all and the elevation of the country, until you become like unto brilliant lamps in the civilized world.

Observe how other countries have advanced in modern progress. The Ancient Beauty has guided you through all counsels and covenants to that which causes life and progress in stations. You must be the party of progress so that you may become the army of life and the hosts of salvation. Likewise, divine confirmations have prepared for you the means of progress from every direction. Soon your brothers from Europe and America will come to Iran and will establish novel industries, build works of civilization, various factories, promote commerce, multiply agriculture, and spread knowledge. As soon as security and safety reach perfection through the government's efforts, they will come and make the territory of Iran the envy of the world and the object of admiration for other regions. Then the government will be infinitely pleased, and this servant's intentions in well-wishing for the government and sincerity toward the throne of sovereignty will become manifest.

O divine friends! This transient world deserves no attachment and has not had nor will have worthiness of connection. Nothing in this world should be considered important except the manifestation of human virtues, characteristics, and praiseworthy qualities, which are the greatest divine trust, and that divine radiance is expressed through the appearance of these counsels and exhortations. And upon you be glory.

Hand which has labored in the Cause of education are ever blessed. I am pleased with your hands. I love such hands very much, because they have worked for the children. May thou become a great educator and guide to humanity!

God is the Father of all. Mankind are His children. This globe is one home. Nations are the members of one family. The mothers in their homes, the teachers in the schools, the Professors in the colleges, the Presidents in the Universities, must instruct these ideals to the young from the cradle up to the age of manhood.

Make them successful in their studies; - so that when they reach the age of maturity they may arise in the service of the world of humanity.

My highest wish and desire is that ye who are my children may be educated according to the teachings of Baha'u'llah and may receive a Baha'i training; that ye may each become a lighted candle in the world of humanity, may be devoted to the service of all mankind, may give up your rest and comfort, so that ye may become the cause of the tranquillity of the world of creation.

O faithful leaf under the protection of a pure soul who day and night has as his purpose the enlightenment of the world and the nurturing and education of the children of Adam, whose intention is as bright as the sun, whose service at the Sacred Threshold is clear and evident:

You too must assist and aid him.

The beloved ones of God must be educators of humanity, inviting all mankind to attraction and enkindlement.

Always occupy yourself with holy fragrances and guide people to that which leads to the exaltation and elevation of humankind and is among the most special virtues and characteristics of the faithful, so that you may become an educator of souls and a guide to every imperfect wanderer.

Therefore, ye must also be thinking of everyone, so that mankind may be educated, character moderated and this world may turn into a Garden of Eden.

He must become the center of divine inspirations and the pivot of the heaven of the bounties of human virtues. That is, he must become the source of good and the dispeller of harm, and show forth power and strength and high resolve and courage in the education and advancement and illumination and exaltation of the world of humanity.

That is, they should be adorned with all perfections that are the ornament of human reality, be a great bounty for the people of the world, and show love and kindness to humankind to the extent possible.

Day and night their thoughts should be confined to guiding humanity and educating souls, and they should cling to the hem of grandeur so they may be confirmed in this mighty gift and be accepted at the threshold of the Beauty of Grandeur.

God has created you for admonition, exhortation, the readjustment of morality, the illumination and the spiritualization of the world of humanity. This is your duty.

Therefore let us strive, so that we may spread divine Civilization, so that we may unfurl the Ensign of Knowledge so that we may illumine the minds, so that we may enlighten the intellects.

It seems that the very convolutions and cells of their brains direct their powers in those channels of arts, industries and inventions which alleviate the sufferings of mankind and bring about better conditions.

Now that God has granted humans such power and capacity to violate the natural world, it would be a pity to use this power except for good purposes. … This power should be devoted to reviving souls, spent for the general good, and employed for peace and reconciliation. It should be confined to developing the world, comforting souls, and fostering love and affection among humanity.

Strive and make an effort so that this human world may achieve mighty progress in all degrees, even at the center of the earth, may show forth wondrous signs, and may become, in all aspects of perfection, the manifestation of the glorious signs of the All-Glorious.

The intention should be the advancement of the world and the establishment of human civilization.

Regarding the canal, this deed is most acceptable and beloved, and the friends of the Merciful must strive with heart and soul in the development and prosperity of the world so that they may become the manifestation of divine mercy in all degrees, and this movement will become the cause of bounty and blessing.

Through justice commerce thrives, industries are developed, morals are refined, honesty is established, international comity fostered and education popularized.

Still, we pray and hope that this dust may settle and that Iran may experience comfort and composure, that its heaven may be illumined, that a divine civilization may be founded there; that Persians may so advance as to shine throughout the world, become exemplars to all nations, lay the foundation of human perfections, progress both materially and morally; that Iran may become a centre of arts and sciences, of industry and innovation; that it may serve the realm of moral virtues and foster universal peace; that it may enact laws and establish institutions that would be emulated throughout the world.

Rather, all discussions should be about general and specific interests, improving conditions, perfecting character, education of children, and protection of all in every respect.

In the world many banquets, assemblages and meetings have been organized, but those gatherings have been commercial, political, educational or social in their purpose and motive. Meetings are held for the promotion of financial plans or promulgation of the arts and sciences. Others have sought to establish agricultural industries or consummate territorial agreements. Innumerable assemblages have been held for consultation upon subjects of learning and education. All such meetings have for their object the advancement of civilization.

Man must become the means of the wellbeing and prosperity of the commonwealth of humanity.

Man must become the spring of the signs of guidance. Man must strive and make an effort in the advancement of the ideals of justice, Universal civilization and the betterment of the conditions of the public.

O ye beloved of God! Know ye, verily, that the happiness of mankind lieth in the unity and the harmony of the human race, and that spiritual and material developments are conditioned upon love and amity among all men.

… Similarly, consider how the cause of the welfare, happiness, joy and comfort of humankind are amity and union, whereas dissension and discord are most conducive to hardship, humiliation, agitation and failure.

The divine religions must be the cause of oneness among men, and the means of unity and love; they must promulgate universal peace, free man from every prejudice, bestow joy and gladness, exercise kindness to all men and do away with every difference and distinction. Just as Baha'u'llah addressing the world of humanity saith: 'O people! Ye are the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch.'

We hope that the friends of God and handmaidens of the Merciful will, in accordance with heavenly teachings, serve the unity of the human world, consider religion as the foundation of love and fellowship among humanity, and strive to reconcile religion and science. May they become a treasure of wealth for every poor one, a refuge and shelter for every seeker of protection, a spirit and delight for the destitute, and divine assistance for the helpless.

The Baha'is must be the servants of universal Peace, the workers for the Cause of the Oneness of the world of humanity, the spreaders of heavenly Love amongst the children of men, the promulgators of the principles of the progress of mankind, the dispellers of the clouds of religious, national, patriotic and political prejudices and the upholders of the inviolable rights of equality between men and women. They must correspond religious ideals with the deductions of science and reason and discard all such theories which cannot stand the test of intellect and empirical knowledge.

I hope that we shall all be confirmed to serve the world of humanity, because no service is greater today than promoting the oneness of mankind and international peace, so that people may be freed from the bonds of ancient prejudices and harmful imitations, cleansed of religious, national, racial, political and patriotic prejudices.

What befits the servants of the Blessed Beauty is to serve all humanity and strive to spread universal peace, to raise the banner of harmony and lay the foundation of friendship, to lift up the call of truth-worship and become the cause of fellowship and unity among all peoples.

It is my hope that all of us may arise with the greatest power to serve this most important cause (Universal Peace) and become the means of the welfare of the world of humanity.

Let all the peace workers gather together their scattered forces and combine their material and moral resources. They must look forward and not backward, up and not down. They are the real benefactors of humanity, the burning torches of bright hope.

Work ye for the Cause of Peace. Stand ye by the Lord of Peace. Draw up in line your panoplied regiments of Peace! Unfurl at the head of your indomitable phalanxes, the Flag of Peace! Fill the world with the cry of Peace! Let your watchword be the sweet anthem of Peace. Be ye the laborers in the construction of the Palace of Peace. Think of Peace, work for Peace and consecrate your lives to the cause of Peace.

A. B. "You are indeed a servant to humanity. A servant to humanity is a servant to God. Your mission is a high, holy and sanctified one; there could be no greater, no holier mission than that of bringing peace to this warring world.

I have brought the message of Baha'u'llah to this country in order to teach people to investigate truth, to render service to humanity, to endeavor to bring about international peace, to exert every effort to guide humanity, to show kindness to all creatures and to raise the Call of the Kingdom.

They expected us to be servants and propagators of their old dogmas and customs, not knowing that we are obliged to serve humanity and spread universal love and harmony.

To do battle, as stated in the sacred verse, doth not, in this greatest of all dispensations, mean to go forth with sword and spear, with lance and piercing arrow -- but rather weaponed with pure intent, with righteous motives, with counsels helpful and effective, with godly attributes, with deeds pleasing to the Almighty, with the qualities of heaven. It signifieth education for all mankind, guidance for all men, the spreading far and wide of the sweet savours of the spirit, the promulgation of God's proofs, the setting forth of arguments conclusive and divine, the doing of charitable deeds.

They are awake and vigilant, they shun the obscurity of the world of nature, their highest wish centereth on the eradication from among men of the struggle for existence, the shining forth of the spirituality and the love of the realm on high, the exercise of utmost kindness among peoples, the realization of an intimate and close connection between religions and the practice of the ideal of self-sacrifice. Then will the world of humanity be transformed into the Kingdom of God.

… At least engage ye in a deed of profit to the world of humanity that ye may partially compensate for that loss.

May they arise to fulfill the divine teachings and contemplate peace and reconciliation with all the peoples of the world. May each become a kind servant to the human world and a loving friend to all humanity.

Rather, they should strive for the refinement and education of people, the guidance of nations, kindness and love between peoples, the connection of the human world, human unity, and universal comfort and tranquility.

Does Abdu'l-Baha wish the believers to take part in charitable or political affairs, or should they interest themselves in spiritual things only? Answer: Any movement that is for the benefit of mankind should be joined by the Baha'is. If they are not asked to help, they should offer their services, especially in all kinds of charitable work.

In any case, the Baha'is should not interfere in political matters, but rather engage in educating the nation's children, promote sciences and knowledge, strive to improve morals, raise the banner of the oneness of humanity, lift up the call of human equality, remove the foundation of war and strife, and adorn the edifice of peace and reconciliation.

Today the world of humanity is in need of the improvement of character, education through the divine breaths, and the establishment of the foundation of love, truthfulness, peace, reconciliation, reality, uprightness and fellowship among all members of humankind. We must serve this vital cause. Other matters have no importance. Interference in governmental affairs and discourse about them has no significance, for the important matter is that which we promote: the illumination and comfort and tranquility of all creation. Is it permissible that we should falter in this and occupy ourselves with other matters? No, by God!

It is repeated that in the Most Holy Book, by explicit text, we absolutely have no interference in any affairs except giving counsel and guidance, directing people to seek the good pleasure of the Lord, educating humanity in the intellectual and spiritual perfections of the human world, and pure obedience to the government.

They must be truthful and kind to all the peoples of the world, deal with all humanity with pure intent, absolute benevolence and heartfelt love, be sincere and well-wishing toward all the governments of the world, and, in accordance with Baha'u'llah's testament, never interfere in political matters - indeed, not even discuss them.

This preservation, protection, security and comfort was due to the blessing of the sacred teachings, whereby the friends of God in no region interfered in political affairs, but rather spent their time in supplication and prayer, turning to the glorious Kingdom, striving for the good of all, serving humanity, experiencing spiritual attractions and divine inspirations.

If they accept office, their motive is to render service to the whole of humanity, not to seek their own self-interest; and their object is to vindicate the cause of truth, not to give themselves over to self-indulgence and base ingratitude.

If the object is to promote the public good, then the president must be a well-wisher of all and not a self-seeking person. If the object, however, is to promote personal interests, then such a position will be injurious to humanity and not beneficial to the public.

Convey my utmost kindness to your brother and tell him that in whatever government department he becomes employed, he should not rest day or night but rather serve the government and nation, demonstrate the utmost truthfulness, honesty, trustworthiness, purity and nobility, be content with his salary however small it may be, and be free and sanctified from all defilement - so that it may become evident that the Baha'is are heavenly angels who have no desire except service to humanity, especially to their homeland.

I hope that through God's bounty thou wilt become ever more near to the divine threshold and successful in serving the Cause of God. … On behalf of this servant convey perfect love and yearning greetings to his honor the late Qamarof and say that we are always engaged in prayer for you, that God may confirm and assist you to be successful in great matters in service to that just king, to render outstanding services, and to leave an eternal trace in the world of humanity.

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.

The point is that the Baha'is are servants of the human world and captivated by justice and wisdom, well-wishers of the world's leaders, enchanted by radiant countenance and attracted to the character of well-wishers.

Man has been and continues to be among the greatest signs of God, and has come from the realm of non-existence into the court of existence for the knowledge and betterment of the world. Should the leaders of government and nation manifest spiritual virtues, goodly deeds, and kindly words, the lights of justice will encompass all the earth, and all will dwell in perfect tranquility within the pavilion of security and peace. The foundation of the security and welfare of nations rests upon two pillars: reward and punishment. Every sovereign must implement these two principles; indeed it is essential.

Say: O people of God! Put away corruption and tyranny, and take hold of justice and equity. By My life! Ye were created for the reformation of the world and the education of its peoples.

Blessed is he who hath cast tyranny behind him, holding fast to My manifest justice, and blessed is he who hath cast oppression behind him, holding fast to fairness - he is of those brought nigh. And joy be to him who hath shattered the idols of corruption and shortened matters to the reformation of the world and what lieth therein - he is of those who have aided God's Cause, the Mighty, the All-Praised.

When His Honor Amin hastened to this region, he mentioned the company of the Parsee friends, that these souls have engaged in this company with trustworthiness, religiosity, and sincerity and with the utmost zeal, and their purpose is to serve the world of humanity and to attain blessings.

With all the wealth of the world at their feet they are yet mindful of God and humanity, they spend their acquired riches for the dispelling of the darkness of ignorance and employ their treasures for the alleviation of the misery of the children of God.

Great souls must and shall arise to reconstruct the affairs of the world in the New Spirit of Understanding. The world war has taught the need for personal, social, national and international readjustments and if the world is to become safe for humanity, we must change our old standards of living.

One must devote one's precious time to matters that will yield a result. One must render a service to the world of humanity and be the means through which the various peoples make progress and become united, rather than the cause of disordered affairs and the promoter of the interests of others.

Our duty is to promote the manifest light - that is, we should pursue whatever leads to human perfections and virtues and the comfort and tranquility of the world of existence, not thoughts and mentions that bear no fruit whatsoever in the East, especially since we have no connection to them.

These teachings of the Ancient Beauty, which are the foundation of the progress of the world's peoples and the ladder of ascent for nations and peoples, must be implemented.

In one of the Tablets these words have been revealed: O people of God! Do not busy yourselves in your own concerns; let your thoughts be fixed upon that which will rehabilitate the fortunes of mankind and sanctify the hearts and souls of men. This can best be achieved through pure and holy deeds, through a virtuous life and a goodly behaviour. Valiant acts will ensure the triumph of this Cause, and a saintly character will reinforce its power.

He Who is the Eternal Truth hath, from the Day Spring of Glory, directed His eyes towards the people of Baha, and is addressing them in these words: Address yourselves to the promotion of the well-being and tranquillity of the children of men. Bend your minds and wills to the education of the peoples and kindreds of the earth, that haply the dissensions that divide it may, through the power of the Most Great Name, be blotted out from its face, and all mankind become the upholders of one Order, and the inhabitants of one City.

Your aim is to render a service to the world of reality. Pure intention is the magnet of heavenly assistance and the means of attracting Great Power.

Work for the sake of God and for the improvement of humanity without any expectation of praise and reward.

Thus will people offer service to one another with all their hearts for the sake of God and in order to fulfill the duties of devotion to Him and service to humanity and not for the purpose of acquiring praise and fame.

But in this Cause there is no relationship sane the relationship of service and self-sacrifice. The Will of God exalts one through Pure Mercy and not because the recipient has been worthy. I consider myself weaker than a mosquito but the confirmations of the Blessed Perfection<s> are descending uninterruptedly but some heedless souls forgetting this point consider they are somebody and filled with deceit and ego became dictatorial and overbearing. Such people deprive themselves not only of the Bounties of God but little by little the friends lose their confidence and trust in them....

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I pray that ye may be confirmed in service to the world of humanity and that ye will be humble servants to all mankind.

Every single assured and firm believer will consider himself the servant of all the friends of God, nay rather the servant of the world of humanity. The Honor of man depends upon this. The Everlasting Glory of mankind lies in this!

Man is he who forgets his own interests for the sake of others. His own comfort he forfeits for the well-being of all. Nay, rather, his own life must he be willing to forfeit for the life of mankind.

They must have good intentions and consider themselves the servants of the world of humanity. They must endure hardship and seek comfort for others. If they succeed in attaining such an attitude, they will be confirmed, and divine assistance will surround them.

The believers must be servants to the world of humanity. They must be kind to one another, nay sacrifice themselves for others.

They must sacrifice their own comfort for the comfort of their friends and spend their own bounty on others. Indeed, they must conduct themselves thus in the world of creation - tasting poison while giving honey to others, bearing hardship so others may find ease, being content with poverty while seeking wealth for humanity, laying down their own lives that they may bestow eternal life.

Sacrifice thyself for the well-being of the people and be thou a kind comforter to all the inhabitants of the world.

May they associate with all people with utmost kindliness and teach the holy human virtues. May they consider themselves servants of humanity and regard themselves as self-sacrificing for both stranger and friend. May they become a light of guidance for the wayward and an appearance of bounty for the deprived.

All of you must strive in this world-service, and in this path be ever ready to sacrifice your possessions, your wealth, even your lives, so that we may establish the fact that we are the lovers of the world of humanity, and it may become manifest that we have attained to the station of self-sacrifice.

The ultimate aim and desire of their existence is to sacrifice all attributes for the sake of the life of the world and the revival of the peoples and tribes of the nations.

Perhaps souls will be raised up who will become pure goodness in the human world and cause comfort and ease for the world. They must completely forget themselves, sacrifice their lives at every moment, and seek eternal glory in the heavenly world.

O maid-servant of God! It is incumbent upon thee, since thou hast attained the knowledge of God and His love, to sacrifice thy spirit and all thy conditions for the life of the world, bearing every difficulty for the comfort of the souls, sinking to the depth of the sea of ordeals for the sake of the love of faithfulness and burning with the fire of torture and regret like unto a lamp while the light is shining from thee unto the surroundings.

Therefore, we who are the servants of His Threshold must exert our utmost power, devote our lives, offer them as a ransom if necessary, and give our time and all we have to this cause, until this light be spread all over the world and this brilliant star shines from the dawning place of humanity.

Thou art spending thy days in service, and art yielding thy life for the sake of the deliverance of mankind.

He sacrificed his life and served the world of humanity. He showed kindness to all the friends and rendered worthy service.

O thou respected one!

Your letter dated February 2nd, 1919, has been received and thy service to the world of humanity, during these days of terrible war, acceptable at the kingdom of God. Verily, thou hast magnificently engaged in service; hast given up thy rest and comfort in America and hast hastened to Europe so that thou mayest be of service to the world of humanity.

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I hope that you will ever strive for the good of all humanity and render outstanding service to mankind, that you will endure every hardship and difficulty in this path, and that you will succeed in manifesting such character and conduct and speech that you may become a luminous lamp in the assemblage of humanity.

No matter what lack of courtesy or what severe persecution or stern expressions of hate and unfathomable enmity you receive, you must have no excuse like the following: "So and so has spoken unkindly about me," "So and so has not done me justice,"--nay, rather you must have no excuse but live according to the Divine Teachings, whether humanity prove agreeable or disagreeable, whether humanity prove hateful or loving, whether it receives you or casts you out, so that perchance you may be assisted in hoisting the standard of peace and pitching the Tabernacle of Oneness and solidarity of the world of humanity--so that this temporal life may ultimate in the Life Everlasting, and this darkness of ignorance which has pervaded the whole world may be converted into the illumination of guidance.

'Abdu'l-Baha will, with utmost supplication, seek confirmation and assistance for you from the Kingdom of Abha, that with all your powers ye may arise to serve the Word of God, to chant the verses of God, to render service to the world of humanity, to respect even your enemies, to count those who hate you among your friends, to serve your opponents - let alone your loved ones - and to show kindness to bloodthirsty foes - let alone your well-wishers.

Strangers from Berlin and England become intimate friends while acquaintances act as strangers, even though it has become evident and clear to all Iranians, near and far, Turk and Tajik, leaving no room for doubt or uncertainty, that these oppressed ones, despite the utmost oppression and enmity of others, sacrifice their lives for the welfare of Iran and Iranians. Before the sword and dagger of the oppressors, they are a balm for every wound and the greatest antidote for every ailment. Though they drink the cup of poison, they offer the goblet of honey; they accept the sting and give angelic counsel in return. They close their eyes to personal comfort and peace of mind, striving for the happiness of all.

If a person is thirsty for the water of the Knowledge of God, his happiness is unfailing. If a soul is interested in humanitarian deeds, his joy is perennial.

The real enjoyment of the world of humanity consists in the fact that every individual may think of the wellbeing of others and sacrifice his own rest for the rest of his fellowman. Then and not until then will he be really happy.

We must serve the world of humanity in a befitting manner. We must be self-sacrificing. We must clothe ourselves with the robe of joy and happiness. We must not be pessimists and misanthropes. We must pray to God that He may assist us in the accomplishment of real services in His heavenly Vineyard.

He forgets himself and lives in the flow of the love of the True One; he embraces all mankind with an ineffable tenderness, striving day and night to serve his fellowman. … He will enlist himself in the army of human progress, to realize the limitless advancement of the human race.

Direct all your thoughts to the progress of all, strive for the betterment of the condition of all souls and the refinement of character, and become endowed with divine attributes.

Rather, they must strive day and night so that morals may be transformed and thoughts reformed, vices may vanish and virtues appear, the foundation of hatred and enmity may be destroyed, unity and harmony may raise their pavilion, and the oneness of mankind may adorn itself in utmost glory and beauty.

The Daystar of Truth that shineth in its meridian splendor beareth Us witness! They who are the people of God have no ambition except to revive the world, to ennoble its life, and regenerate its peoples. Truthfulness and goodwill have, at all times, marked their relations with all men. Their outward conduct is but a reflection of their inward life, and their inward life a mirror of their outward conduct. No veil hideth or obscureth the verities on which their Faith is established. Before the eyes of all men these verities have been laid bare, and can be unmistakably recognized.

The helper and sustainer hath been and is goodly deeds and praiseworthy character. Therefore must the people of God hold fast unto that which hath been mentioned and engage, according to their capacity, in reforming the world and refining the souls of nations.

Blessed is he who has risen, detached from vain imaginings and arisen to serve humanity - he is indeed of the people of this glorious horizon.

Blessed is the soul whom the clamor of the world hath not prevented from the Dayspring of light and the Dawning-place of revelation, who hath rent asunder the veils of idle fancies and hath arisen with complete steadfastness to reform the world.

Today is the day of service, obedience, righteousness, and forbearance. Strive ye to drink from the ocean of awareness and attain unto that which shall cause the tranquility of the world and the salvation of the nations.

We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations

yet people treat us as they would treat corrupters deserving of imprisonment and banishment...

that all nations should become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men should be strengthened; that diversity of religion should cease, and differences of race be annulled

what fault can be found in these things?...

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He accepted all persecutions and hardships; and chose us for the illumination of the world of humanity, for the moral and religious education of the races, for the spiritual awakening of the people.

This Wronged One appeared in days when naught remained of justice save a name and of equity save a trace. We summoned all to praiseworthy character and goodly deeds. Every fair-minded one beareth witness that this Wronged One hath had and hath no purpose except the reformation of the world and the edification of the souls of nations.

In the eyes of men of insight and the beholders of the Most Sublime Vision, whatsoever are the effective means for safeguarding and promoting the happiness and welfare of the children of men have already been revealed by the Pen of Glory.

… That which is conducive to the regeneration of the world and the salvation of the peoples and kindreds of the earth hath been sent down from the heaven of the utterance of Him Who is the Desire of the world. Give ye a hearing ear to the counsels of the Pen of Glory. Better is this for you than all that is on the earth.

That which flows from the Divine Pen aims at the preservation of the world and the attainment of the Most Great Station.

Wherefore, relate thou the Teachings of the Abha Beauty to the urgent needs of this present day, and thou wilt see that they provide an instant remedy for the ailing body of the world. Indeed, they are the elixir that bringeth eternal health.

It is as thou didst write - that land will find no rest save through the teachings of the Lord, the All-Bountiful, and there can be no deliverance from this perilous and grievous state. Glory be to God! The wise ones of other lands acknowledge that today the cause of the success and prosperity of the human world are the teachings of the Blessed Beauty, and except through this supreme remedy, there can be no health and well-being from this deadly poison that has affected the liver of the world.

O My loved ones! Ye are the world's spiritual physicians. It is incumbent upon you, through the power and might of God, to heal by the sovereign remedy of the Most Great Name the soul-sickness of the kindreds of the earth and clarify the vision of all mankind....

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The purpose of faith is the purification of souls and the result of recognition is the refinement of hearts. The foundation of God's Cause rests upon love and the unity of the human world, and it is the means for removing moral corruptions and material harms. Through the power of faith, humans can be saved from these harms and promote love and affection between hearts, spread the signs of unity and oneness, disseminate universal brotherhood, and become servants of humankind.

Baha'u'llah revealed heavenly teachings that will reform the phenomenal world, the world of spirits and hearts, the world of thought and capacity, the world of religion and philosophy. Verily the revelation of Baha'u'llah will reform all that pertains to man.

Ninthly: He must be the Establisher of Universal Civilization; the Unifier of religions, the standard-bearer of universal Peace and the embodiment of all the highest and noblest virtues of the world of humanity.

The King of Eternity hath come for the betterment of the world.

He hath appeared for the reformation of the world - to this beareth witness the Most Great Name Who hath seated Himself upon the throne with manifest sovereignty.

Say: By God! He hath come for the reformation of the world and the purification of all peoples through this water which hath flowed from His Most Exalted Pen in this mighty, impregnable station.

Now reflect upon the trees of existence: if they receive the education of the true Educator, they will turn to the reformation of the world.

That which hath been made manifest in this Most Great Revelation is a mighty cause for the reformation of the world and the refinement of the souls of all peoples.

This Wronged One hath at all times summoned the people unto truth and hath had no purpose except the reformation of God's servants and the edification of the world.

Before all faces, without any screen or veil, He spoke that which would reform the world and refine the nations.

I swear by the Sun of Truth that Baha has had and has no purpose except to purify the world from matters that have been the cause of harm, distress and despair.

The Wronged One desireth naught save the salvation of the world and the exaltation of the nations.

Most are unaware of the intention of this Wronged One and His loved ones, for were they to become cognizant they would testify that there hath been no purpose save the betterment, elevation and advancement of the servants.

We have desired naught but the salvation of nations and the betterment of the world, yet the people turned away from Us and committed that which caused the pillars of the Primal Word to be dispersed.

Until now, whatsoever hath been revealed from the Most Exalted Pen for the reformation of the world and the removal of corruption hath not been accepted, as evidenced by one who dwelt for some time before the Divine Throne and heard with his own ears the counsels and exhortations of the Wronged One of the world, yet after being dismissed from the Most Holy Court [...] and spoke contrary to the divine command.

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Praise be to God, that faction hath abandoned corruption and contention, and hath laid hold on that which conduceth to the reformation of the world and the education of the souls of nations.

This Wronged One turned to the reformation of the world by God's command, and was a mighty fortress for nation and state and a manifest power, and had and hath no purpose save the glory of the latter and the exaltation of the former. All bear witness that this Wronged One had no intention save to extinguish the fire of hatred, and this extinguishing is praiseworthy when accomplished through the divine Kawthar of counsel and the Salsabil of heavenly wisdom.

He has had and has no purpose except the reformation of the world and all that is therein, that perchance the world-consuming sun of ignorant fanaticism may be extinguished and the East and West of the world may become connected and united in all respects.

Perchance the friends of God may become the cause of humanity's salvation and the means of extinguishing the fire of hatred that has ever been and continues to be ablaze in the hearts of the world's peoples.

The people of God have appeared specifically for the reformation of the world and the education of its peoples. By the command of God, exalted be His glory, they have arisen to serve all, their hearts sanctified and purified from rancor, hatred, doubts, idle fancies, selfish desires and vain imaginings.

O divine servant! The Beauty of the Most Glorious has guided and directed the world to righteousness and prosperity, so that the root of corruption may be severed and universal tranquility may be attained.

O Amin! Beseech God that He may aid His servants, that it may become clear and evident to all that the people of Baha have desired and will continue to desire naught save the betterment of the world.

We beseech God to assist him in that which will cause the eradication of corruption and establishment of the reformation of the world.

Say: O people of God! Hold fast unto wisdom and cleave unto the betterment of the world and the refinement of the souls of nations.

Arise with wisdom to serve the Cause of your Lord Who hath come for the betterment of the world and the unity of nations.

You too, God willing, after arriving and attaining His presence and meeting Him, shall become occupied with that which will lead to the reformation of the world and the refinement of the nations.

Peace and light and radiance be upon thee and upon thy father who arose to serve humanity in the early days, and upon all who are steadfast and upright.

Well is it with that soul who in this Most Great Day hath attained unto the good-pleasure of God and from whom hath appeared that which would cause the reformation of the world.

This Wronged One hath ever been and is occupied, night and day, with the reformation of the world and the reconciliation of hearts.

Man must render a worthy service to the world of humanity. He must render a worthier service to God. He must plant a tree which may produce fruits. He must lay a foundation which may remain unshakable throughout all the coming ages.

One must live in accord with the Exhortations and Advices of the Blessed Perfection, and behave with such deeds and actions as to become conducive to the illumination of the world, and the manifestation of mercifulness among nations.

… As long as life is in this body one must exert himself and put forth an effort, so that he may lay a foundation and build a structure that will stand through the onward rolling of centuries and cycles, and whose pillars neither the hands of posterity nor the future generations will be able to destroy.

I swear by the grace of the Greatest Name that if souls would arise as they should, in a brief time the face of the earth would become the supreme paradise and this dusty heap would become the Abha Paradise.

Therefore you must become so enkindled that you will banish all lethargy from the world of existence. Make the world a different world and cause humanity to receive bounties from the Most Great and Glorious One.

The world of humanity is filled with darkness; you are its radiant candles. It is very poor; you must be the treasury of the Kingdom. It is exceedingly debased; you must be the cause of its exaltation. It is bereft of divine graces; you must give it impetus and spiritual quickening.

If ye will follow earnestly the teachings of Baha'u'llah, ye shall indeed become the light of the world, the soul for the body of the world, the comfort and help for humanity, and the source of salvation for the whole universe.

Perchance such ways and words from you will make this darksome world turn bright at last; will make this dusty earth turn heavenly, this devilish prison place become a royal palace of the Lord -- so that war and strife will pass and be no more, and love and trust will pitch their tents on the summits of the world.

Amidst the concourse of these diverse peoples of the world, the desire of the party of God is such that they may render some service unto the world of humanity, and that these tumults and disorders they may, through the power of proof, the confirmations of God, and unbounded endeavour, yea, God willing, wholly dispel. For the present, the intention of this wronged community is naught but good, and its resolve is steadfast. What the divine confirmations will accomplish, and what the merciful assistances will bring to pass, remain to be seen.

The truth of this statement was not so well known while they were here; but after they return home, this will become manifest, and you will hear what they will achieve. Now you should pray for them and supplicate confirmation and assistance for them that they may be able to promote the Word of God and be favored with the privilege of serving the world of humanity, that they may help to establish universal peace and lay the foundation of the oneness of the world of humanity.

Be assured that confirmations will reach thee and thou wilt become assisted in accomplishing a great service to the world of humanity.

Truly this esteemed lady's purpose is service to the world of humanity, and certainly divine confirmations will reach her.

Jinab-i-Amin offers utmost praise for your outstanding services, that praise be to God, you are succeeding with perfect strength in servitude to the Threshold of the Divine Unity and are benevolent toward all humanity from every direction.

My aim is to render a service to the Reality and make an effort and exertion in the world of humanity. Praise be to God your intention is humanistic and your object is to serve mankind along the path of prosperity and progress. You have consecrated your life to this Glorious object.

In this world, the one who carries off the ball from the field is the one who renders service to the world of reality. Praise be to God, you have been enabled to achieve this.

Become luminous candles in the assemblage of the world and stars in the firmament of nations and peoples. Become fountains of knowledge and learning, and the wise ones of the world of grace and insight.

Be as sight unto the temple of man and as the tongue unto humanity. Thus hast thou been commanded from before the All-Merciful in a noble Tablet.

You too must raise a wondrous melody in the assemblage of humanity, that you may become the chief musician among the birds of the garden of holiness, and in the rose-bush of divine unity sing spiritual songs in various modes.

They strive day and night to render service to the divine world and become the cause of illumination to the world of humanity.

Be a well-wisher of humanity and a servant of mankind. Thus will the power of the Kingdom sustain thee and the gates of revelation be opened unto thee.

O thou worshipper of Truth!

Thy letter was received and thy pure intentions became manifest, showing that thou hast no other aim than serving the Kingdom of God and having compassion for the world of humanity.

And in return for this bestowal, adopt the way of the chosen ones, seek the bounty of the Abha Kingdom, become the cause of comfort to the world of creation and adorn it.

This is conditional upon conducting yourselves among humanity according to the divine teachings, becoming well-wishers of kings and subjects alike, causing the life of the human world, and becoming centers of spiritual inspirations.

They must become the cause of the adornment of the world and comfort of humanity.

… The spirit of the love of God will train souls who will be the mercy of the Lord and the grace and gift of the Creator, becoming manifestations of divine favor and the cause of comfort.

This is conducive to the rejuvenation of the world of man, the progress of the ideals of mankind, the disclosure of the mystic virtues of the inhabitants of the earth, and the advancement and exaltation of the infinite degrees of existence; even the world in its physical aspect shall become ameliorated and perfected.

They must exert themselves to bring about the Oneness of the world of humanity. They must put forth the utmost effort to conciliate the hearts. They must be the means of the happiness and progress of the world.

Therefore you must strive day unto day that the sun of Love may dawn from your hearts; day unto day the attractions of your consciousness may develop; day unto day you may become more loving to humanity, day unto day establish more rapid means of communication between the children of men.

Tell the friends that whenever I receive news that they are in harmony so that their hearts are overflowing with love for one another, that they are a comfort to one another, and that they have devoted their time to serving mankind without any exception, then my health improves more and more.

In your behalf I solicit and entreat to the Abha Kingdom and beg for the hearts a new life and for the spirits a heavenly glad tiding; that each one of you may become a resplendent sign, a banner in the Abha Kingdom, the cause of love and of amity among all men and serviceable to the world of Humanity; so that the Divine Bounty may be showered and unbounded joy may be realized.

Rest assured thy name is registered in the Book of God, and it is hoped that thou mayest enter the Paradise of the Kingdom and find stability; to reach that which is the cause of the progress of the world of humanity in the world and in the Kingdom, and with perceiving eye, attentive ear, eloquent tongue and radiant face may serve in the Vineyard of God and spread the Divine Glad Tidings.

O Thou Pure God!

Gaze providently at the beloved ones and the dear maid-servants in Chicago. Confer upon them Thy bounty and grace. Teach them the law of the Kingdom, burn away the veil of material superstition and light the candle of Thy love in their hearts!

O God! The clay (or being) of these servants is kneaded with water of fidelity and the nature of these maid-servants is adorned with love! They believe and are assured. They are firm and steadfast; they are kneeling and worshipping; they are uttering (the Words) and are informed. Render them confirmed and victorious with the hosts of strength. Aid and gladden them through the angels of the Kingdom of ABHA! At every moment reveal a new power to them and with every breath confer a great bounty. Thus with a heavenly power, divine strength, merciful fragrance, supreme light, and conscious attraction, may they arise to serve Thee, to perfume the East and the West with the fragrances of holiness, establish the universal peace, promulgate integrity and honesty, to adore the truth, become a means of life to the people of the world, a cause of comfort and rest to them; to help the spiritual meeting, to serve the gathering of the Lord, to send well-informed souls (teachers) to other regions and climes, to be self-sacrificing with life and heart, to build the Mashrak-el-Azcar, to raise the anthem of sanctity to the Supreme Kingdom, to live in perfect love with one another; nay, rather, to be the cause of rest to the whole world, to adorn the realm of creation, to destroy the edifice of jealousy and envy and to establish the law of love and unity, to be truthful servants of mankind and conscientious well-wishers of the human race!

O God! Thou art the Able, the Powerful! Thou are the Confirmer and the Helper in all conditions and circumstances!

Supplication:

O thou almighty God! Make the spiritual assembly of Philadelphia the manifestor of invisible confirmations, and the dawning-place of the lights of the Merciful so that its members arise to serve the world of man and be benevolent to the children of humanity, and adore existence and become the cause of Eternal Life.

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My hope is that you will all be enabled to serve the world of humanity unitedly.

Confirm us in the service of the world of humanity. Make us the cause of good-fellowship between the hearts!

Strive day and night that some good deed may proceed from you, and pray and beseech night and day that ye may be enabled to serve the world of humanity. This is the greatest gift.

If a person desires to work for the progress of the world of humanity he must turn his face to the Kingdom of Abha.

All the friends of God must strive for the reformation of the world. If outward means are cut off, they must hold fast to spiritual means through humility and supplication.

We beseech God to ever aid His loved ones to that which will lead to the reformation of the world and the tranquility of the nations.

I ask God that His name be exalted through the unity, accord and sincerity of those noble souls. May their intention be the reformation of the world and the tranquility of all peoples.

I beseech God to make the world one region and one homeland, as has been revealed in the Tablets from the heaven of His Will, and to grant His servants the ability to occupy themselves with the betterment of the world and the refinement of their own souls, so that the light of knowledge may encompass all possibility.

Thou knowest, O My God, that I desire naught in Thy Dominion save to better the condition of the world and improve the charater of peoples of different nations, that haply the fire of hatred may be quenched with the waters of Thy providence, and the glorious light of unity may shine forth by Thy nurturing grace and wisdom.

We are broken-winged birds, bestow upon us new wings so that we become the cause of peace and tranquillity for the world of creation, the well-wishers of every soul, that we may serve the world of humanity, and strive in the common interest, obey all just leaders and labour with trustworthiness for the welfare of governments, for Thou hast made obedience, trustworthiness, truthfulness and submission towards governments a binding obligation.

Enable us to serve the world of humanity so that we may serve all Thy servants, love all Thy creation, and be kind to all humanity.

...O my God, my God! Aid Thy servants to manifest such virtues as Thou hast ordained for Thy loved ones, and to walk in such paths as Thou hast chosen for Thy trusted ones, that they may treat all humanity with utmost truthfulness and love, both in private and in public, becoming a refuge for the fearful, a haven for those who cry for help, physicians to the sick, supporters of the lowly among men, sweet crystal water for the thirsty, a heavenly feast for the hungry, sincere in their faith toward Thee, merciful toward all mankind, loving even toward enemies, and tender even toward those filled with rancor and hatred. Verily, Thou art the Generous, Thou art the Great, Thou art the All-Merciful, the Ever-Compassionate. Abbas Abbas.

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That is, let us treat all people with divine attributes, and let us guide all humanity to the path of salvation and prosperity. Let us associate with all peoples with the utmost truthfulness, trustworthiness, love and faithfulness. Let us be a remedy for every ill and a healing balm for every wound of heart and soul. Let us be kind to all humanity.

The oneness of mankind, which is at once the operating principle and ultimate goal of His Revelation, implies the achievement of a dynamic coherence between the spiritual and practical requirements of life on earth. The indispensability of this coherence is unmistakably illustrated in His ordination of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, the spiritual centre of every Baha'i community round which must flourish dependencies dedicated to the social, humanitarian, educational and scientific advancement of mankind.

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As the Movement extends the bounds of its influence and its opportunities for fuller recognition multiply, the twofold character of the obligations imposed on its National elected representatives should, I feel, be increasingly emphasized. Whilst chiefly engaged in the pursuit of their major task, consisting chiefly in the formation and the consolidation of Baha'i administrative institutions, they should endeavor to participate, within recognized limits, in the work of institutions which though unaware of the claim of the Baha'i Cause are prompted by a sincere desire to promote the spirit that animates the Faith.

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In philanthropic enterprises and acts of charity, in promotion of the general welfare and furtherance of the public good including that of every group without any exceptions whatever, let the beloved of God attract the favorable attention of all, and lead all the rest. Let them, freely and without charge, open the doors of their schools and their higher institutions for the study of sciences and the liberal arts, to non-Baha'i children and youth who are poor and in need. . . .

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The present condition of the world--its economic instability, social dissensions, political dissatisfaction and international distrust--should awaken the youth from their slumber and make them inquire what the future is going to bring. It is surely they who will suffer most if some calamity sweep over the world. They should therefore open their eyes to the existing conditions, study the evil forces that are at play and then with a concerted effort arise and bring about the necessary reforms--reforms that shall contain within their scope the spiritual as well as social and political phases of human life.

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The growing maturity of a world-wide religious community which all these processes indicate is further evidenced in the reaching out, by a number of national communities, to the social and economic life of their countries, exemplified by the founding of tutorial schools, the inception of radio stations, the pursuit of rural development programmes and the operation of medical and agricultural schemes. To these early beginnings must be added the undoubted skills acquired, as a result of the Iranian crisis, in dealing with international organizations, national governments and the mass media -- the very elements of society with which it must increasingly collaborate toward the realization of peace on earth.

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Baha'i communities in many lands have attained a size and complexity that both require and make possible the implementation of a range of activities for their social and economic development which will not only be of immense value for the consolidation of these communities and the development of their Baha'i life, but will also benefit the wider communities within which they are embedded and will demonstrate the beneficial effects of the Baha'i Message to the critical gaze of the world.

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The amelioration of the conditions of the world requires the reconstruction of human society and efforts to improve the material well-being of humanity. The Baha'i approach to this task is evolutionary and multifaceted, involving not only the spiritual transformation of individuals but the establishment of an administrative system based on the application of justice, a system which is at once the "nucleus" and the "pattern" of the future World Order, together with the implementation of programmes of social and economic development that derive their impetus from the grass roots of the community. Such an integrated approach will inevitably create a new world, a world where human dignity is restored and the burden of inequity is lifted from the shoulders of humanity.

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Social and economic development is an important area of activity in and of itself. Its justification should not be sought in its ability to produce enrollments; it complements teaching and also contributes to it.

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...while social action may involve the provision of goods and services in some form, its primary concern must be to build capacity within a given population to participate in creating a better world. Social change is not a project that one group of people carries out for the benefit of another. The scope and complexity of social action must be commensurate with the human resources available in a village or neighbourhood to carry it forward. Efforts best begin, then, on a modest scale and grow organically as capacity within the population develops.

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Central to the capacity of a Baha'i community to lead a process of transformation is the ability of its members and institutions to apply the Revelation of Baha'u'llah to various aspects of life and thereby establish consistent patterns of change. In fact, learning to apply the Teachings to achieve progress could be taken as the very definition of Baha'i social and economic development. Such learning has to occur locally, regionally, nationally and internationally and become the axis around which our development efforts are organized at all levels.

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The Teachings of our Faith are the mightiest and most powerful instrument created for the advancement of human society. We are now called upon to participate, as and when circumstances permit, collectively, in promoting social and economic aspects of human development and thereby placing the World Baha'i community in the forefront of the progressive movements of the World.

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There are divine deadlines to be met. Our work is intended not only to increase the size and consolidate the foundations of our community, but more particularly to exert a positive influence on the affairs of the entire human race.

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Secondly, we must always bear in mind that there are so few Baha'is in the world, relative to the world's population, and so many people in need, that even if all of us gave all we had, it would not alleviate more than an infinitesimal amount of suffering. This does not mean we must not help the needy, we should; but our contributions to the Faith are the surest way of lifting once and for all time the burden of hunger and misery from mankind, for it is only through the System of Baha'u'llah--Divine in origin--that the world can be gotten on its feet, and want, fear, hunger, war, etc., be eliminated.

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As long as there will be life on earth, there will also be suffering, in various forms and degrees. But suffering, although an inescapable reality, can nevertheless be utilized as a means for the attainment of happiness. This is the interpretation given to it by all the Prophets and saints, who, in the midst of severe tests and trials, felt happy and joyous and experienced what is best and holiest in life. Suffering is both a reminder and a guide. … God's wisdom is, indeed, inscrutable to us all, and it is no use pushing too far trying to discover that which shall always remain a mystery to our mind.

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