‘Abdu’l-Bahá: authority, example, and the meaning of service

When the ocean of My presence hath ebbed and the Book of My Revelation is ended, turn your faces toward Him Whom God hath purposed, Who hath branched from this Ancient Root.

… O people of the world! When the Mystic Dove will have winged its flight from its Sanctuary of Praise and sought its far-off goal, its hidden habitation, refer ye whatsoever ye understand not in the Book to Him Who hath branched from this mighty Stock.

The Will of the divine Testator is this: It is incumbent upon the Aghsan, the Afnan and My Kindred to turn, one and all, their faces towards the Most Mighty Branch. Consider that which We have revealed in Our Most Holy Book: 'When the ocean of My presence hath ebbed and the Book of My Revelation is ended, turn your faces toward Him Whom God hath purposed, Who hath branched from this Ancient Root.' The object of this sacred verse is none other except the Most Mighty Branch [Abdu'l-Baha].

As for me: My name is 'Abdu'l-Baha, my being is 'Abdu'l-Baha, my attributes are 'Abdu'l-Baha, my reality is 'Abdu'l-Baha, my praise is 'Abdu'l-Baha, for servitude to the Blessed Beauty is my glorious crown and service to all humanity is my perpetual religion. … He has not and will never have any name, title, mention or praise except 'Abdu'l-Baha. This is my longing, this is my supreme height, this is my ultimate purpose, this is my eternal life, and this is my everlasting glory.

… Herein is reality! Herein is guidance! Herein is service! Herein is the exaltation of the world of humanity!

If 'Abdu'l-Baha does not act according to the Law of God, how can He guide anyone to obey the religion of God?

But that which is essential to the acknowledgment of this word (i.e., Abdul Baha) is attraction to the love of God, service to the Cause of God, diffusing the Word of God, severance from all else save God, affinity, union, oneness, humility, meekness, nothingness and servitude to the beloved of God. If one does not become characterized with these attributes, he has not acknowledged the title (or station) of Abdul-Baha.

As to what thou asked concerning me: Verily, I say unto thee, that I am indeed an humble, submissive and imploring servant of God; a servant of His Beloved; a messenger of the exaltation of His Word; a spreader of His Fragrances; an extoller of the banner of love and harmony; a promoter of the greatest peace among all nations and tribes; a kindler of the fire of the love of God in the hearts of the people; a runner to the place of martyrdom in the Cause of God; a yearner for every calamity in the love of God; a longer for suspension upon the cross for the love of the beloved; a herald of the Kingdom of God among the sects of all horizons. This is my station and condition; this is my blazing crown; this is my glorious throne; because my servitude to the Holy Threshold is my brilliant light, my shining star and my drawn sword; and beside this I have no other name.

Another commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another even as I love you. … Never forget this; look at one another with the eyes of perfection; look at Me, follow Me, be as I am; take no thought for yourselves or your lives, whether ye eat or whether we sleep, whether we are comfortable, whether we are well or ill, whether ye are with friends or foes, whether ye receive praise or blame; for all of these things we must care not at all.

Whoso turneth towards Him hath turned towards God, and whoso turneth away from Him hath turned away from My Beauty, hath repudiated My Proof, and transgressed against Me. He is the Trust of God amongst you, His charge within you, His manifestation unto you and His appearance among His favoured servants.

Therein He hath explicitly enjoined that after His passing all must turn to the Centre of the Covenant, and that for anything not understood in the Book, He is the authorised Interpreter and whatsoever He uttereth is right. On Him alone hath this authority been conferred. The Book of the Covenant is the last Tablet revealed by the Supreme Pen before His ascension, and all previous Tablets are subordinate to the Book of the Covenant, which is the last emanation of His Will, whereas all other Tablets were revealed prior to this One, and He hath named it the "Book of the Covenant".

In all His heavenly Tablets---especially in the Tablet of the Branch, the entire substance of which referreth to the servitude of 'Abdu'l-Baha, that is, the Servant of Baha---the Supreme Pen hath revealed all that is needed. And since 'Abdu'l-Baha is the Interpreter of His Word, he sayeth that this Tablet of the Branch, that is, 'Abdu'l-Baha, referreth to the servitude of 'Abdu'l-Baha, and naught else.

In brief, among the characteristics of this Dispensation which were not present in previous Dispensations, one is this: Baha'u'llah hath left no room for discord.

Likewise, in the Kitab-i-'Ahd, the specifically appointed authority unto whom all must turn when differences arise is the Centre of the Covenant, the Interpreter of the verses of the Divine Luminary of the worlds. Notwithstanding this, a centre and interpreter is being sought elsewhere, even though it hath been made incumbent upon all, and particularly upon the Aghsan, the Afnan, and the kindred, to turn to the Centre of the Covenant.

For His Most Holy Book is the sole reference, and the Book of the Covenant, traced by the Most Exalted Pen, is the crushing proof against every obdurate one, and the Command set forth in these two cannot be opposed by any of the writings and tablets.

There is a verse revealed in the Kitab-i-Aqdas exhorting all to turn, after His Ascension, to "Him Who hath branched from this Ancient Root". In the Kitab-i-'Ahd, He testifieth in unmistakable terms that the object of this verse is none other than the Centre of the Covenant. And in a specific Tablet, the authenticity of which is admitted by everyone, He, in unequivocal language, identifieth the Centre of Sedition by name, declaring that should he pass out from under the shadow of the Cause in the slightest degree, he would be cut off from the Holy Tree.

Now, either one must say that the Blessed Beauty hath made a mistake, or He must be obeyed. 'Abdu'l‑Baha hath no command for the people to obey save the diffusion of the fragrances of God, the exaltation of His Word, the promulgation of the oneness of the world of humanity, the establishment of universal peace, and other of the commands of God. These are divine commands and have nothing to do with 'Abdu'l‑Baha. Whoever wisheth may accept them, and anyone who rejecteth them may do as he pleaseth.

First He took a covenant and testament from the Branches and Twigs and relatives in explicitly clear terms that admit of no interpretation, saying that after My ascension you must turn to the Branch that has branched from the Ancient Root, and in clear terms He states that what is meant by this Branch branched from the Ancient Root is such-and-such person.

The proof of this is that in the sacred texts of both Divine Books, He does not command obedience to him nor does He command turning towards him. Rather, the word of turning towards and the command of obedience, whether in the Most Holy Book or in the Book of the Covenant, are specifically designated for the appointed Center.

The Center of the Covenant would be known, and the Interpreter of the verses of the Day-Star of the horizons would be explicitly appointed. Small and great, all would obey. Mighty and lowly, all would seek guidance.

As to the most great characteristic of the revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, a specific teaching not given by any of the Prophets of the past: It is the ordination and appointment of the Center of the Covenant. By this appointment and provision He has safeguarded and protected the religion of God against differences and schisms, making it impossible for anyone to create a new sect or faction of belief.

Were it not for the protecting power of the Covenant to guard the impregnable fort of the Cause of God, there would arise among the Baha'is, in one day, a thousand different sects as was the case in former ages. But in this Blessed Dispensation, for the sake of the preservation of the Cause of God and the avoidance of dissension amongst the people of God, the Blessed Beauty (may my soul be a sacrifice unto Him) has through the Supreme Pen written the Covenant and the Testament; He appointed a Center, the Exponent of the Book and the annuller of disputes. … The express purpose of this last Will and Testament is to set aside disputes from the world.

Inasmuch as great differences and divergences of denominational belief had arisen throughout the past, every man with a new idea attributing it to God, Baha'u'llah desired that there should not be any ground or reason for disagreement among the Baha'is. Therefore, with His own pen He wrote the Book of His Covenant, addressing His relations and all people of the world, saying, "Verily, I have appointed One Who is the Center of My Covenant. All must obey Him; all must turn to Him; He is the Expounder of My Book, and He is informed of My purpose. All must turn to Him. Whatsoever He says is correct, for, verily, He knoweth the texts of My Book. Other than He, no one doth know My Book." The purpose of this statement is that there should never be discord and divergence among the Baha'is but that they should always be unified and agreed. … It is as though a king should appoint a governor-general. Whosoever obeys him, obeys the king. Whosoever violates and disobeys him, violates the king.

Now Moses said that after Him should come Joshua. The Christ said, addressing Peter, 'Thou art the Rock, and I will build My temple upon this Rock.' Jesus spoke this to Peter by word of mouth.

The Blessed Perfection did not appoint His successor by statement of tongue, but in the 'Book of 'Ahd' ('Book of the Covenant'), He wrote it with His own Hand, commanding therein that all the branches and relations should look toward the Center of the Covenant.

Inasmuch as there was no appointed explainer of the Book of Christ, everyone made the claim to authority, saying, "This is the true pathway and others are not." To ward off such dissensions as these and prevent any person from creating a division or sect the Blessed Perfection, Baha'u'llah, appointed a central authoritative Personage, declaring Him to be the expounder of the Book. This implies that the people in general do not understand the meanings of the Book, but this appointed One does understand. Therefore, Baha'u'llah said, "He is the explainer of My Book and the Center of My Testament."

The Center of the Covenant arose with such servitude as the eye of existence had never witnessed, supplicating, humbling himself, imploring, standing in devotion before God, the Lord of the worlds. He cast his face upon the dust of lowliness and brokenness, rubbing his forehead in the dust of supplication and entreaty, saying: "O Lord! Make firm my steps upon the path of servitude at Thy exalted Threshold. Verily, Thou art the Most High!"

… But in this mighty Dispensation and this glorious Cycle, praise be to God, the Center of the Covenant is visible and known, and the pivot of the Testament is clear and manifest to all.

It is 'Abdu'l-Baha's highest aspiration, therefore, to be a true and faithful servant at the Threshold of the Blessed Beauty. Whosoever truly loveth me, whosoever is firm in the Covenant, must regard me as the servant of the Threshold of the Blessed Perfection. Nevertheless, it is unto the Centre of the Covenant that everyone must turn, for he is the Interpreter of the Book, and all the people of Baha are under his shadow.

As for the station of this servant, it is that of pure, absolute, true, steadfast, evident servitude, without interpretation, explanation, allusion or elaboration - meaning a slave with a ring in his ear and a servant with a burden on his shoulder, the dust of the Threshold and its watchman and doorkeeper. Whatever description and praise exists in all divine tablets and scriptures regarding this servant, through pure bounty, means solely this word: 'Abdu'l-Baha. … I am the interpreter of His verses - this is my statement, and beyond truth there is naught but vain imaginings.

The second obligation is to establish the oneness of the invisible Beauty of Abha and the perfect divine Manifestation of the Primal Point and the pure, absolute, essential, inner, true, explicit servitude of 'Abdu'l-Baha without any trace of mention other than that. This is my ultimate goal, the highest ascent of my aspirations, my paradise of refuge, the light of my countenance, the desire of my heart, the healing of my breast, the coolness of my eyes, the quenching of my thirst, the soothing of my burning, and the cure of my illness. Whoever believes otherwise has indeed opposed 'Abdu'l-Baha.

O thou who art turned to God and detached unto God! The station of the previous Manifestations was that of the Greater Prophethood, and the station of the Primal Point was that of witnessed Divinity, and the station of the Most Holy Ancient Beauty was that of the Essential Oneness of Existential Identity, while the rank of this servant is that of pure, absolute, genuine, true servitude which admits of no interpretation or explanation.

For the sincere belief of 'Abdu'l-Baha is this: that the Primal Point, His Holiness the Exalted One - may my spirit be sacrificed for Him - is the Manifestation of Supreme Lordship and the Herald of the Beauty of Abha and the Sun of Truth and the Essence of Singleness and the Revelation of Divinity, the Most Great Luminary of the higher world, the Beauty of Abha, and 'Abdu'l-Baha is the weak, mortal servant of those two peerless Stars. This is the essence of my reality, the substance of my being, and the very nature of my identity.

'Abdu'l-Baha is the Center of God's Covenant, but Baha'u'llah is the Sun of Truth, the Divine Educator of the human world and the true Divine Teacher. 'Abdu'l-Baha is the Promoter of the teachings of Baha'u'llah.

I am 'Abdu'l-Baha, and no more. Whosoever praiseth me otherwise than this, with him I am not well pleased. I am the servant of the Threshold of the Blessed Beauty, and I hope that in this servitude I may be accepted.

Although I say always that I am 'Abdu'l-Baha, a servant of God, still people refer to me as a messenger and a prophet. It would be better if they would not attribute such titles to me.

I am nothing but the Servant of God. Some in America are looking for a 'third Christ' or personage. This is only imagination. Some call me Christ. This also is imagination.

I have noticed in the papers that Abdul Baha is spoken of as a prophet. Does he claim divine inspiration?

Abdul Baha. The papers make that statement, but I do not claim to be a prophet.

To a gentleman who was questioning him, he remarked "The beginnings of all great religions were pure; but priests, taking possession of the minds of the people, filled them with dogmas and superstitions, so that religion became gradually corrupt. I come to teach no new religion. 'My only desire is, through the blessing of God, to show the road to the Great Light." Touching the gentleman gently on his shoulder, as a loving father might touch a son, he went on to say, "I am no Prophet, only a man like yourself."

I am 'Abdu'l-Baha without any interpretation or implied meaning. This is my supreme desire! This is my greatest aspiration. After the Blessed Perfection for the period of one thousand years no one shall put forward any claim. I am 'Abdu'l-Baha. The believers must be satisfied with this.

And this servitude is the most glorious gem that shines at the center of creation and through it I glory in the kingdom of existence. In any case, the servant is servant and the Lord is Lord.

However, you must make this Salsabil water flow in praise of the Glorious Lord, the Ancient Beauty, the Most Great Name - may my spirit be sacrificed for His loved ones - and occupy yourself with His glorification and attributes, for 'Abdu'l-Baha is a drop while the Most Great Name is an ocean. When you praise the ocean it encompasses the drop as well.

Although Abdu'l-Baha considers himself as a drop, yet this drop is connected with the Most Great Sea. Although he looks upon himself as an atom, yet this atom is related to the world-illuminating Sun. As is said: "The originator of all these voices is the King himself" or in other words: "It is through his assistance."

Baha'u'llah is the root, I am the Branch. The root of the tree does not bear fruit. The fruit is found upon the branches.

Q. Is it right to pray to you?

A. No! Not to me, but to the Glory of God (Baha'u'llah) whose Light I reflect.

The purpose is that the friends of God must not regard me. This Cause is a great Cause; it is the Cause of the Blessed Beauty. A thousand souls like me come and go; it is the same whether they exist or not. The importance is in the Blessed Cause.

The friends must fix their gaze upon the Supreme Horizon, not upon the weak frame of 'Abdu'l-Baha. This frame must assuredly be effaced and vanish in the path of the Glorious Lord.

O beloved of God! These days are the time for firmness and the period for steadfastness and constancy in the Cause of God. You must not look upon the personality of Abdul-Baha, for he will eventually bid ye farewell. Nay, ye must observe the Word of God. If the Word of God is in the ascendant, be ye happy, joyous and thankful, even if Abdul-Baha be under a sword or beneath fetters and chains; for importance is in the holy temple of the Cause of God, and not in the physical mould of Abdul-Baha.

In any case, do not be sorrowful or grief-stricken at your separation and remoteness from 'Abdu'l-Baha, for you are in the vicinity of a Threshold where a hundred thousand like 'Abdu'l-Baha stand guard.

O Ali! Know with absolute certainty that my name is Abdu'l-Baha, my title is Abdu'l-Baha, my attribute is Abdu'l-Baha, my designation is Abdu'l-Baha, my fame is Abdu'l-Baha, my reality is Abdu'l-Baha, my essence is Abdu'l-Baha, my inner being is Abdu'l-Baha, my secret is Abdu'l-Baha, my outward self is Abdu'l-Baha, my outer nature is Abdu'l-Baha, my inner nature is Abdu'l-Baha, my beginning is Abdu'l-Baha, my end is Abdu'l-Baha, my heart is Abdu'l-Baha, my spirit is Abdu'l-Baha, my inmost heart is Abdu'l-Baha, my body is Abdu'l-Baha, my sight is Abdu'l-Baha, my hearing is Abdu'l-Baha, my speech is Abdu'l-Baha, my thought is Abdu'l-Baha, my remembrance is Abdu'l-Baha, my memory is Abdu'l-Baha, my perception is Abdu'l-Baha, my imagination is Abdu'l-Baha, my kingdom is Abdu'l-Baha, my dominion is Abdu'l-Baha, my human nature is Abdu'l-Baha, my divine nature is Abdu'l-Baha, my highest heaven is Abdu'l-Baha, my Kaaba is Abdu'l-Baha, my dwelling is Abdu'l-Baha, my sanctuary is Abdu'l-Baha, my qiblih is Abdu'l-Baha, my sacred monument is Abdu'l-Baha, my desires are Abdu'l-Baha, my Mount of Recognition is Abdu'l-Baha, my Sacred Mosque is Abdu'l-Baha, my Farthest Mosque is Abdu'l-Baha, my ultimate goal is Abdu'l-Baha, my Lote-Tree of the Extremity is Abdu'l-Baha, my refuge is Abdu'l-Baha, my shelter is Abdu'l-Baha, my cave is Abdu'l-Baha, my fortress is Abdu'l-Baha, my wish is to be named the servant of Abdu'l-Baha, and my desire is to be known as the bondsman of the bondsman of Baha.

And I have one request to make of all the friends of God, and it is the dearest wish of my heart: that they praise me solely for my servitude to the Sacred Threshold, without interpretation, and praise 'Abdu'l-Baha only in such words and expressions as have issued from this servant's own pen, never going beyond these, and being content therewith. For verily my attribute, my quality, my station, my name, my title, my essence, my reality, my public and private self are all 'Abdu'l-Baha, and I have no station other than this.

I commune with Thee, O my God, my face bowed to the dust, awaiting the wonders of Thy favors, my forehead upon the dust in humility before Thy glory and sovereignty, supplicating Thy kingdom, entreating Thy dominion, hoping for Thy pardon and forgiveness, seeking Thy grace and benevolence. I know not by what countenance to turn to Thee, with what heart to place my trust in Thee, with what spirit to make humble supplication before Thee. None are worthy to turn to Thee save those with radiant faces, none deserve to gaze upon Thee save those with seeing eyes, none are fit to be drawn by the fragrances of Thy holiness save those souls wandering in the wilderness of Thy love. How, then, with such heedlessness and forgetfulness, could I be worthy of such a gift and awareness? By Thy glory! I am ashamed to make mention of Thee, and embarrassment overtakes me when I extol Thee. Thou hearest, O my Beloved, my crying in the depths of night, my call in my solitude and my visibility. I beseech Thee and implore Thee not to make me an object of trials or a target for the arrows of tests, for I am weak and lowly at the gate of Thy oneness, a worthless captive among Thy creatures. Thou witnesseth, O my God, that my utmost desire and greatest wish is to be effaced in Thy holy court and to be utterly obliterated beneath the rays of the Sun of Thy divine subsistence.

My God, my God! Ordain for me the station of scattered dust, and make me pure and absolute nothingness. Preserve me from the imaginings of Thy creation and the idle fancies of Thy creatures, that they may not remember me except by this effacement, nor praise me save for my extinction at Thy most exalted threshold, nor describe me except as a slave among slaves, nor attribute to me any quality, virtue, station or perfection save that of being 'Abdu'l-Baha. O Lord! I am innocent of all mention and praise save poverty and loss in this arena, and weakness and forgetfulness in the realm of possibility. Lord! Aid Thy servants to remember me as I wish, and not to exceed what hath flowed from my pen in these words, for this is my paradise of refuge, my farthest mosque, my lote-tree of the utmost boundary, my highest aim, and the ultimate end of my desire. 'Abdu'l-Baha.

O Lord, O Lord! I am immersed in the depths of forgetfulness, drowning in the seas of nothingness, cast upon the dust of abasement and humiliation. I call upon Thee in this moment: have mercy upon me through Thy grace, preserve me beneath the wing of Thy protection, guard me with the eye of Thy care, and envelope me with the glances of Thy merciful eye. Forgive my sins, conceal my faults, and remove my difficulties. Verily Thou art the Generous, Thou art the Merciful, and Thou art the Mighty, the Powerful.

O friends of God! This servant, in a state of utter effacement, extinction, evanescence and poverty, most earnestly entreateth the friends to treat that which hath been revealed from the Pen of this Prisoner in such wise as to deem it binding and authoritative, and consider it an article of faith. They should utter no word save "Abdu'l-Baha", offer no praise except for Him, seek no station or rank, and voice no eulogy but this: should anyone inquire about this servant's station, let the answer be "Abdu'l-Baha"; should anyone ask about the meaning of "Branch", let the answer be "Abdu'l-Baha"; should anyone seek the meaning of the Surih of the Branch, let the answer be "Abdu'l-Baha"; should anyone ask about the significance of the derivative branch, let the answer be "Abdu'l-Baha". In brief, let all be content with the word "Abdu'l-Baha". Let them not utter any other word, not even the word "Branch", in their writings and speech. Let them not go beyond this word, nor engage in any discussion or discourse about it. Should anyone utter any other word, it would pierce this servant with arrows and cause him grief, for the ultimate desire and utmost hope of 'Abdu'l-Baha is to be a faithful servant at the Sacred Threshold. This bounty sufficeth this servant in all the worlds.

Glory be to God! In some instances questions are asked about the nature of turning to him, whereas such mention is unnecessary, for this servant hath never directed anyone to turn to him, that there should be discussion about its nature. 'Abdu'l-Baha calleth all to the Most Exalted Word and biddeth them to servitude at the Sacred Threshold, encouraging and urging them to teach the Cause of God, to diffuse the divine fragrances, and to exalt the Word of God. This is among the decisive commandments of the Lord of existence and hath no connection with this servant.

Likewise, I beseech all the friends of God to conduct themselves according to the counsels and exhortations of the Blessed Beauty, that they may kindle a lamp in the world of being, burn away the veils of the world's peoples, be set ablaze with the fire of the love of God, hasten to teach God's Cause, and arise to quicken souls. Let them become manifestations of bounty to their enemies and heavenly sustenance to their foes. Let them treat the oppressors with absolute fidelity, become trusted ones to the treacherous, teach truthfulness to the deceitful, transform demons into angels, become healing balm to the bloodthirsty, become centers of hope for the hopeless, and bestow abundant portions upon the deprived. This is my counsel, my remembrance, my entreaty, and my hope. Blessed is he whom God hath enabled to achieve these bounties, made these aspirations easy for him, and protected him from calamities. Upon you be glory, upon you be praise, and upon you be greetings from the Beauty of the All-Glorious God, O loved ones of God.

If the disagreement is about the station of this servant, I swear by the Sacred Threshold - and it is truly a mighty oath if you but knew it - that I have never had and do not have any station except absolute, pure, complete servitude, free from every conception. This has been my disposition since I nursed from the breast of God's mercy, and this has been my nature since the tenderness of my youth and my upbringing in the cradle of God's favors.

But my name should be confined to Abdul-Baha in all writings. This is the collective name which will gather all the people, and it is the strong fortress and protection of the Cause of God. The beloved ones must limit themselves to his. However, ye may mention me as the Light of Love of God, the Flame of the Guidance of God and the Banner of Peace and Harmony.

But I did not write this of Myself. Nay, the confirmation of Baha'u'llah wrote this! Of Myself I did not write it.

Therefore the beloved of God must refer to Me only as 'Abdu'l-Baha. This is My glorious crown! This is My eternal sovereignty! This is My everlasting life! Whosoever questions Me concerning My Name, My answer is: 'Abdu'l-Baha!

This Servant so far has not called Himself the Greatest Branch, but Abduil-Baha. At most, on a rare occasion, even more exceptional than rare, has the Son of Baha been revealed by His pen. This also has been due to profound mysteries, otherwise, I consider Myself as the Servant of His servants, and My position, words and deeds attest to this matter.

The station of this servant is servitude to the Holy Threshold (Baha'u'llah) and I glory and honor in this. Abdul-Baha is the standard of the divine love, the sign of the gift of God, the servant of the assemblage of the merciful ones, the light of the meeting of the spiritual ones. He is the orb of peace and reconciliation and the light of love in the world of humanity. He is the herald of the Kingdom of the Merciful One and the promulgator of the religion of rectitude and security. This is the station of this servant!

As for this servant, his station is that of a servant of 'Abdu'l-Baha and an atom of dust at the threshold of the Most Glorious Beauty. In the presence of His loved ones I am effaced and non-existent, and at the threshold of His servants I am non-existent dust.

This is my greatest glory and honor, and my ultimate hope and the extremity of my desire, and the essence of my aspiration and the reality of my purpose and aim.

And as for my station, it is servitude to the Most Glorious Beauty. I would not exchange this servitude for any station.

Know ye that my very being is 'Abdu'l-Baha, my essence is 'Abdu'l-Baha, my reality is 'Abdu'l-Baha, my loftiest station is 'Abdu'l-Baha, and my ultimate goal is 'Abdu'l-Baha. I have no station save servitude to Baha, no rank except submission and service to the loved ones of God. Nothing has flowed from my pen except that I am 'Abdu'l-Baha, the Son of Baha, and the bondsman of Baha.

O thou who addressed me by the name of Abdul-Baha in your letter. O how excellent is this shining phenomenon and well-expressed and eloquent title endorsed on the back of your letter? How sweet is its meaning and how pleasant is the savor of its content to my taste. It is like a sea of pure honey and a well-spring of the streams of heaven. It is a source of everlasting life in the highest paradise.

O handmaid who hast turned unto God! I received your message dated the third of the year one thousand nine hundred and three, and perused its wonderful contents that demonstrate your turning towards the Kingdom of Heaven and the attachment of your heart to the Holy Spiritis vivifying breath in these times. O handmaid of the Lord, My title is 'Abduil-Baha, address Me with this title of glorious meaning.

They must hold fast to whatever this servant sayeth or writeth. This servant is detached and fleeing from all names, attributes and titles, and the name, title, essence, reality, attribute and sign of Abdul-Baha meaneth pure, absolute, true servitude that accepteth neither interpretation, nor explanation, nor alteration.

The tongue of the friends of God must be the interpreter of this servant's tongue, and their pen the interpreter of this servant's pen.

My name, Abdul-Baha, means the servant of God; my heart is the Servant of Baha, and my spirit is the Servant of Baha, and rejoices only in this name.

They should not consider what words of praise and attributes of favor are mentioned about this servant in the divine Tablets, but rather promote this servant's utterance, which is this: that all divine verses revealed in the Tablets and Scriptures of the All-Merciful regarding this servant - that is, 'Abdu'l-Baha - I understand only this meaning and desire no other interpretation, and all must obey. Any mention of praise, commendation, eulogy, odes, description or tribute from people that is outside this servant's explanation and interpretation is not acceptable.

At least they should learn from 'Abdu'l-Baha pure servitude without interpretation. Until now not a word has issued from His mouth indicating existence, let alone other stations.

'Abdu'l-Baha is the servant of the servants of Baha. Whoever says otherwise belongs to the people of error and passion.

As to my station, it is that of the servant of Baha; 'Abdu'l‑Baha, the visible expression of servitude to the Threshold of the Abha Beauty.

By the life of God, I am free from every title except the title of 'Abdu'l-Baha, and I am distant from every name except this noble name. For servitude at His Exalted Threshold is the light of my countenance, the brightness of my sight, the joy of my heart and the delight of my being, and I would not exchange His servitude for anything in existence.

Otherwise, I swear by the Ancient Beauty - may my spirit be sacrificed for the dust of His loved ones' feet - no praise or tribute is sweet to my taste and is contrary to this servant's religious beliefs. Indeed, it makes me sorrowful.

Behold that Abdul-Baha has written a Tablet specially for the purpose, that should anyone ask about his station, it is Abdul-Baha, and no more, that all men may be in unity with each other. There should be no variation. He is always thinking of unity, that all should be one. This is for the sake that there should be harmony among the believers.

He made it clearer to us by saying: master is one ray, one attribute of God, Lord is another, Christ is another; other terms of endearment are but rays. Under the name 'Abdu'l-Baha, all perfections are found. To call Him by any other name we take away from Him rather than exalt Him.

It is strange that in such brilliance and heat of the Sun of Truth, such darkness appears that a foolish person falls into such delusions and fancies. 'Abdu'l-Baha closed all doors, left no opening through which anyone could draw a breath. He arose with such selflessness, evanescence and servitude at the Sacred Threshold that it has no equal or likeness. He is even shy to mention himself as a Branch. His name is 'Abdu'l-Baha and his initials are 'Ayn 'Ayn.

Regarding the station of this servant: My station is Abdul-Baha, my name is Abdul-Baha, my qualification is Abdul-Baha, my praise is Abdul-Baha, my title is Abdul-Baha. All the friends of God must declare this word, in order that all of them become united and harmonized upon it. No difference must arise.

The purpose was not what you thought, rather the intent was that whatever station this servant describes or even desires for himself, you should endorse it - meaning you should mention that same station for this servant in letters and statements. And the station of this servant is 'Abdu'l-Baha.

As for my station and rank, my desire is that it be confined to the word 'Abdu'l-Baha, and I know no station greater than this for myself. This is why I am not pleased by any praise that the friends of God offer me except the word 'Abdu'l-Baha. You too, for my pleasure, confine yourself to this word.

Know thou with absolute certainty that 'Abdu'l-Baha is not pleased with any disagreement among the friends regarding any word whatsoever. Therefore, He has no name, title, attribute or description except 'Abdu'l-Baha, and this servitude is the greatest hope and ultimate goal.

I am the lowly, humble servant of the Blessed Beauty and the weak, submissive slave of the Most Great Name. If He accepts me as His servant, I am His true servant, and if He does not, I am His fugitive servant. This is my religion, my path and my faith.

And it is certain thou shalt be confirmed, but the condition is that thou shouldst not allow any word regarding 'Abdu'l-Baha except pure servitude.

This servant's name is 'Abdu'l-Baha, and his title and descriptions and attributes are those of 'Abdu'l-Baha, and nothing else is ever permissible.

My name should be confined to "Abdul-Baha" in all writings. This is the collective name which will gather all the people and it is the strong fortress and protection of the Cause of God.

… Because Abdul-Baha is the banner of the love of God, the lamp of the knowledge of God, the herald of the kingdom of God, the commander of the hosts of peace and reconciliation, and the orb of union and harmony among all the nations of the world.

It was like unto a sea of pure honey, or a fountain from the salsabel of the heavenly water or the Spring of Eternal Life flowing out of the Supreme Paradise.

… I declare by thyself that I have become enthralled with thy love, obligated to thee for thy affection and the prisoner of the Majesty of this title ('Abdu'l-Baha).

While praise be to God, 'Abdu'l-Baha is far from both mentions and both stations, holding fast only to servitude at the Sacred Threshold and nothing else.

That Court is my refuge and shelter, and that Threshold is my infinite zenith. Besides that, I have had and have no station. This utterance is my joy and gladness, and my glory and success. Let no one interpret it, or explain it, or comment upon it. This is my religion, this is my faith, this is my path.

For servitude to the divine friends is nobility, and service to the true friends is freedom - nay rather, it is sovereignty in the celestial realm.

The first servant of the friends of God is 'Abdu'l-Baha, and this is an endless crown of sovereignty.

And with these sweet words it is declared that this servant's servitude at the Sacred Threshold is true servitude in all the meanings of servitude at the threshold of the Lord of all beings - all are His servants and all act according to His command....

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This evanescent servant constantly yearns to be addressed as 'O Abdul-Baha' and nothing else. How excellent are these words:

"I am deaf when called by my name, But when addressed as 'O His servant,' I hear."...

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I have one request of you, which you should convey everywhere: that my name, title, reality, identity and essential nature is 'Abdu'l-Baha. Let them utter no word but this. In all letters written to me, address them "O 'Abdu'l-Baha" and then after this word write your purpose and intention.

I am the servant of Baha'u'llah and nothing more; Abdu'l-Baha is the sum of all perfections. They must not attempt to surpass that name, "'Abduil-Baha". All must say to others that he claims for himself to be 'Abduil-Baha and the believers must call him by his name as he wishes. This is the only name he has appointed for himself.

O thou who proclaimeth the Covenant! By the explicit text of the Most Holy Book and the clear verses of the Book of the Covenant, this servant and all faithful, assured, steadfast and firm believers in God's Covenant must not transgress beyond the clear statement of this servant and the evident interpretation of this humble one. Whoever transgresses has followed his own opinion.

… None may interpret otherwise, and this is the manifest truth.

O thou who proclaimeth with evident proof the interpreted words! This servant stands apart from all praise, attributes, names, qualities, virtues, characteristics, commendations and bounties.

According to the clear text of the Book of Akdas and the explicit contents of the Book of the Covenant, 'Abdu'l-Baha is the Interpreter of all the Word and Books of the Blessed Perfection, and not only of the Book of Akdas.

In the Book of the Covenant He explicitly stated that he ['Abdu'l-Baha] is the interpreter of the Book, and whatever question you do not understand from the Book, ask him. Whatever he says is correct. … Rather He stated that whatever proceeds from his tongue and pen is correct.

If there is any difference between them let them turn to the verses of the perspicuous Books of Revelation. If there is any doubt occasioned in understanding the meaning of the Book let them turn to the Interpreter of those texts so that not even the slightest difference may occur in their beliefs, their views, their thoughts, their words, and attitudes, so that all may return to primal unity which is none other than the primal will of God.

The Interpreter is present and visible, the Center of the Covenant explicitly appointed and manifest, yet completely ignored, and to prevent differences, they call for reference to verses alone. The door of independent judgment is opened and the seat of jurisprudence spread wide, while by explicit divine text, the meaning of verses, determination of clear ones, and interpretation of ambiguous ones are referred to him.

According to the clear text of the Kitab-i-Aqdas and other Tablets the Center of the Covenant is the Remover of all the difficulties for He is the Interpreter of the Book. Not one soul has the right to say and word on his own recount or explain anything or elucidate the text of the Book, whether in public or private.

According to the clear text of the Kitab-el-Akdas and other tablets, the Center of the Covenant is the remover of all difficulties, for he is the interpreter of the Book. Not one soul has the right to say one word of his own account, or to explain anything or to elucidate the text of the Book.

Leave the fabricators and the deceivers, and hearken to the word of truth and manifest sincerity set forth in the Book of God by the Center of the Covenant, the Interpreter of the Book, who is versed in its meaning, and who is firmly grounded in knowledge, through a clear text that accepteth neither interpretation nor explanation.

Dr. Esslemont: "Are not 'Abdu'l-Baha's Words the same as those of Baha'u'llah?"

'Abdu'l-Baha: "Yes. Baha'u'llah in his explicit texts says: 'He ('Abdu'l-Baha) is the Expounder.' I have no opinion of my own. Whatever is His Blessed Will I carry out."

Choose for yourself what you wish - if you wish, hold fast to the Book and reject the Interpreter, opposing him with hints, allusions and explicit statements; or if you wish, hold fast to the Book through the explanations of the appointed Interpreter mentioned in the Preserved Tablet and the Decisive Word.

'Abdu'l-Baha: "It is mentioned in the Tablets of the Blessed Beauty. It is recorded in the Book of the Covenant and in the explicit texts of the Kitab-i-Aqdas. Clearly He says, and in the Kitab-i-Aqdas He writes, that 'after Me turn your faces to the Branch who is branched from this Pre-existent Root. Ask from Him the meanings of the Writings and Tablets. He is the Expounder of the Book.'

… He has closed all the doors of interpretation to whosoever says he understands this to be so or that to he so. 'Whatever He 'Abdu'l-Baha says is right.' He has left no room for interpretation.

If a soul shall utter a word without the sanction of the Covenant, he is not firm. Baha'u'llah appointed a Covenant to ward off dissensions: so that no one can have his own opinion--so that the Center can be referred to.

The Blessed Beauty entered into this Covenant for obedience; that is, that no one should utter a word from his own self or cause any conflict. If it were not so, everyone would open a way for himself and expound the Words of God in his own manner. One would say, for instance, 'As I have the power of the Holy Spirit, I have a greater capacity for understanding.' Others, even these old ladies, would at once retort, 'We, too, have the power of the Holy Spirit.'

The power of the Holy Spirit is limited to the Blessed Beauty and the interpretation thereof to none but me.

Now listen unto what I say for it is the foundation of success and the basis of righteousness among the people of the world, that you may be obedient unto Abdul-Baha in all he wishes and says, Verily this is possessing strong faith.

Therefore, know that I have sacrificed my soul, spirit, life, mention, honor, attributes, my comfort and my name in the path of God and I have chosen no dignity or possession save the obedience of Baha' and no name or title save "Abdul-Baha" (servant of Baha').

I appoint you, Lua, the Herald of the Covenant. And I am the Covenant, appointed by Baha'u'llah. And no one can refute His Word. This is the Testament of Baha'u'llah. You will find it in the Holy Book of Aqdas. Go forth and proclaim, "This is the Covenant of God in your midst."

That which has come forth from the Center of the Covenant you must take fast hold of. That which issues from my lips and that which is written with my pen is the Reality.

While the presence of the Covenant is amongst us no other soul has any existence. All others save the Centre of the Covenant are equal.

That which issues from the pen of the Centre of the Covenant all must obey so that the fortress of the Cause of GOD may be protected.

The point to which all eyes should turn is One. All eyes must turn their attention to the Center of the Covenant while the presence of the Covenant is among us. No other soul should have any existence. All others save the Center of the Covenant are equal. (Signed--Abdul-Baha Abbas.)

Know thou that the entire Cause hath reverted to this manifest stronghold and appointed reference. None hath any place in the Cause of God except after permission from this existing station.

Therefore, in every important matter that concerns all, the friends of God must seek permission and request authorization, and whatever issues from the Pen of the Covenant they must carry out.

… For the exaltation of the Word of God and the diffusion of the divine fragrances, 'Abdu'l-Baha has emigrated from the Holy Threshold which is his very spirit and soul, and become separated from kissing that Threshold which is the desire of his heart and soul, solely that he might succeed in rendering some service and servitude. And he has no thought or arrangement except for exalting the Word of God.

Tell those two persons that since there is an explicit prohibition, we cannot disobey. It would have been good if you had first gone to Akka and obtained permission from there. Then when you came you would have received the utmost consideration. Now you too must obey. If you are true believers, act according to this prohibition.

Every meeting (in the Cause) whose formation is permitted and sanctioned by Abdul-Baha is accepted and favored by God, otherwise, it produces no result and bears no fruit, nay rather, it gives rise to the distraction of minds. I have no difference with anybody. I am busy in servitude to the Threshold of Baha'Ullah. Everybody who agrees with me, I feel attached to.

In all Thy Tablets and Scriptures Thou didst praise and cherish those who held fast to Thy Covenant, while condemning and reproving the wavering and the Covenant-breakers. Then by Thy Supreme Pen Thou didst write the Book of the Covenant and inscribe the Tablet of the Testament, so that no room would remain for doubt or misgiving, and the Cause and Center of God's Cause would be as clear as the sun, and no one could create a breach or cast into Thy blessed Cause - which is the greatest means of unifying the world and removing differences between nations - the odor of discord and dissension, destroying this mighty edifice and turning this Most Glorious Paradise into a thorny wilderness.

For thirty years He made mention of the Covenant and Testament, and the words of the Covenant and faith flowed from His blessed Pen and pure Mouth, until the sacred and preserved Tablet known as the Book of the Covenant appeared like an unfurled scroll, an inscribed book, and a preserved tablet.

… This is not a narrative that its narrator could be denied, nor is it in the handwriting of a scribe that could give rise to doubts and result in lack of confidence. Rather, it is by the pen of the Most High.

Now a few capricious souls have appeared and begun to engage in secret whisperings, and as soon as they feel sure of their target, they even openly voice their intentions. One of them saith: "The Blessed Beauty hath made us independent of aught else, and hath left no need unmet." The secret intent of such a statement is that there is no need for an appointed Centre. Another exclaimeth: "Infallibility belonged to the Blessed Beauty alone; no other person is infallible." His inner motive is to assert that the "the one whom God hath purposed" is liable to error. … The whole purpose of these words is to violate the Covenant and Testament. This is that same clamour which the Beloved of the worlds hath foretold in all His Tablets.

O loved ones of God! From the jewels of the verses of the Lord of Clear Signs flow springs of meanings, and from the essence of the Word of the Divine Unity streams the salsabil of guidance. But only those firm in knowledge can unveil these evidences, and only the true Well-Digger can cause these springs of meaning to gush forth. Therefore, the Book was explicitly and decisively appointed as the Interpreter through clear language in the Kitab-i-Aqdas and the Book of the Covenant.

Now some inexperienced ones have imagined they can exercise independent judgment, have rejected the appointed One, and have neglected the firm foundation. Like the second Caliph they have cried out "The Book of God is sufficient for us!" so they might uproot the true religion of God from its foundation and each raise the banner of independent judgment.

Consider how destitute and baseless these poor ones are, that when they wished to overthrow the edifice of the Covenant and destroy the foundation of the Testament and change the Center of the Covenant, they could not even invent an excuse themselves but had to grasp at the hem of the second Caliph and repeat his famous words, crying out "The Book of God is sufficient for us!" Similarly they have brought up the words of Abu Hanifa and the views of the Kharijites and Mu'tazilites that no infallible soul can be found - yet every ignorant one considers his own accursed self to be infallible.

For instance, regarding this very issue, if someone suggests to one of them that perhaps they have made a mistake since they are not infallible, they become extremely disturbed and raise a great outcry. But when it comes to the appointed One who is like a firm foundation, they consider Him capable of error, sin, unbelief, associating partners with God, atheism, heresy, immorality, wickedness, tyranny and injustice. Shame upon them and woe unto them for having forgotten the remembrance of God and been negligent toward God, while thinking they do good. Soon they shall find themselves in manifest loss.

O loved ones of God! By God the True One, the purpose of the covenant-breakers in publishing fabricated papers and spreading base rumors is to cause the Center of the Covenant to be completely forgotten and to make themselves appear important in the eyes of the ignorant. Otherwise we are all believers in the oneness of God and acknowledge the inherent infallibility of the Blessed Beauty - there is no disagreement about this. And if any soul has a share of infallibility, this is through the grace and favor of the Ancient Beauty, for "the earth receives a portion from the cup of the noble ones" - meaning that the Blessed Beauty preserves and protects. Verily He is the best protector and He is the Most Merciful of the merciful ones. And the Glory be upon you.

One says the Blessed Beauty has made all independent, meaning there is no need for the Center of the Covenant. Another says infallibility is restricted to the Sacred Being, not knowing the meaning of essential and conferred infallibility, for divine infallibility is essential infallibility while the infallibility of the Prophets and chosen ones is conferred infallibility, "except him whom God protects." Yet another says "Let us refer to the Book, the Book is sufficient," meaning there is no need for an interpreter.

I do not even claim the station of Peter. I am the servant of the Blessed Beauty, but the protecting shelter of the Blessed Beauty is my refuge and I have fallen under the shadow of the Blessed Beauty's infallibility. For essential infallibility belongs exclusively to the Blessed Beauty, like the sun whose light is inherent, while 'Abdu'l-Baha is under the shadow of this infallibility and derives from its lights. Therefore, praise be to God, I am preserved and protected from the darkness of error - meaning the Blessed Beauty protects 'Abdu'l-Baha from error.

Now certain neophytes have conceived the notion of displacing this divine Star of the Covenant from the pole of the Center of the Covenant, and on the pretext of the term "Most Great Infallibility" would attribute the possibility of error to the appointed Interpreter, thereby insulting the Blessed Beauty by suggesting that He established as the Center of His Covenant one capable of error and made him the interpreter of all His Tablets and Scriptures.

They utter "the One Lord hath no partner" yet through these words they aim to confuse minds and disturb thoughts. This is indeed "a word of truth intended for falsehood," for the Ancient Beauty--may my soul be offered up for His exalted threshold--hath no partner or likeness.

One says we must refer to the tablets and writings, while violating the explicit text, his intention in saying this not being to honor the Book of God but rather his corrupt purpose being that there is no need for the appointed Interpreter. Another says that the Blessed Beauty made all independent, meaning there is no need for the Center of the Cause. Another says that infallibility was exclusively for the Blessed Beauty, meaning the Center of the Cause can err and make mistakes. Another says they have exaggerated, meaning that firm adherence is not necessary.

The appointed and designated Interpreter is forsaken while children have become commentators, knowers and interpreters of the Tablets.

… Even more strange is that this servant has never commanded anyone or required anyone to establish degrees for "turn ye" such that doubts would arise and ambiguous verses would be interpreted. I have merely guided all to diffuse the divine fragrances and prohibited discord which destroys the edifice of God.

Now one must either hold fast to the Center of the Covenant, or say (God forbid) that the Blessed Beauty erred and was not knowing and was not aware, and therefore wrongly commanded all to turn to the Center of the Covenant and appointed Him as the Interpreter of the Book - and this was a pure error and sheer ignorance. God forbid such a thought! In no previous Dispensation was there a Book of the Covenant, nor was it written by the Most Exalted Pen, nor was it in such clear terms.

O Afnan! The Divine Lote Tree is nearing its setting, and from sunrise until now this pen has been writing and its cry is raised that "the Pen hath run dry." This servant responds by saying: "By the pen and that which they write!" This letter is to His Holiness the Afnan, and there is still time for writing.

O pen! If thou art weary and powerless, the soul and conscience of 'Abdu'l-Baha is in the utmost joy and exhilaration in mentioning the Afnan of the Divine Lote Tree. If thou hast found weariness and fatigue, I am in the utmost enthusiasm and ardor. O pen! Thou art in conversation with the honored friend. O pen! Thou art writing to the branch of the Tree of Paradise - be full of attraction and eagerness, full of joy and delight, that the Afnans may become intoxicated from the cup of the Covenant and drink the wine of pre-existence from the tavern of "Am I not?", and in the feast of the Covenant may shine forth like unto a brilliant lamp and dispel the darkness of the doubts of the Covenant-breakers, and by the power of the divine Covenant and Faith - which had no likeness or parallel in any previous Dispensation - may break the backs of the Covenant-breakers and, like the morning star, shine forth from the horizon of the Covenant.

O Afnan of the Blessed Tree! Consider how the kings of the world could not resist the Cause of God and were ultimately frustrated and disappointed, despite their countless armies and tumultuous hosts - each with forces that conquered the world like waves, each with armies that shook the earth. Now a few cold-hearted ones, having forgotten the Covenant and Faith of God, have imagined they can destroy the edifice of the Covenant and uproot the foundation of the Testament. Evil is that which they have imagined and supposed! Soon thou shalt see them drowning in the depths of degradation, wallowing in the mire of humiliation, and wandering bewildered in their drunkenness.

In any case, it is hoped that that distinguished branch may resist the Covenant-breakers like an iron barrier, and like the rays of the sun of the Covenant may blind the eyes of the violators, and like a brilliant meteor may repel every attacking serpent, and like penetrating rays may cause every bat to flee. May thou be a divine light to the companions of the Covenant feast and a consuming fire to the deniers of the Covenant. May thou become a guiding star to the seekers and cause the rebellious to awaken from the slumber of error. May thou become a Salsabil spring of the Nile of bounty to the Israelites and like blood in utmost bitterness to the Egyptians.

O Afnan of the Divine Lote Tree! If the Center of the Covenant and Testament becomes hated, rejected and detested, what glory would remain for anyone else? If the Branch sprung from the Ancient Root - who is explicitly designated in the Mighty Text and clearly appointed in the Perspicuous Book and who, by the decisive command of God and the explicit text of the Testament of the All-Merciful, is to be obeyed and referred to by all - is counted as the chief of the misbelievers, while all the branches, leaves, kindred and beloved ones are commanded to turn to him and look to him, would there remain any mention, respect or existence for anyone else? No, by God! No, by God! No, by God!

Consider how thoughtless and heedless are these children to imagine that if this sapling planted by the hand of the Divine Beauty is uprooted, their branch will extend, or if this mighty edifice falls, their hut will prosper. Alas! Again alas! Again alas!

Soon you shall see them hide like bats in the corners of obscurity and scurry like ants into the hole of degradation, while the lights of the Covenant encompass the horizons of the world, the sun of the Testament shines upon all regions, the standard of the Covenant is raised high, the breeze of providence wafts, the cloud of mercy rains down, the resplendent moon of favors shines forth, the cup of bounties circulates, and the wine-bibbers of the feast of the Covenant become intoxicated and raise the cry: "Dregs to the frozen ones! Death to the veiled ones!" For the Covenant has become established at the pole of the horizons and the hosts of violation are scattered in all directions.

And glory be upon thee!

"Inform my brother that I [Abdu'l-Baha] am not `Ali, nor is he [Mirza Muhammad 'Ali] `Umar. I am much greater than `Ali and he is much lesser than `Umar."

See how Mirza Muhammad Ali has said that 'Aqa (i.e., 'Abdu'l-Baha Himself) has abolished and effaced the Cause of God!' By the life of God, see you whether I - who have caused the Cause of the Blessed Perfection to reach the East and West until numerous devoted and eloquent souls like Mr. Harris have appeared therein - have effaced the Cause, or Mirza Muhammad Ali who has done so much harm by arising against me!

He made all government officials my enemies and incited them all - that is, through subtle means he caused all to become saddened and embittered with me. For this reason he caused me to be placed under surveillance in this prison and caused the way to be blocked and made all the loved ones of God sorrowful.

They found no means to accuse this servant of the Threshold except to loose their tongues in calumny that "he claims lordship." Could there be any greater nonsense than this? No, by God! Setting aside all humanity, the very rocks, clods of earth and trees testify that 'Abdu'l-Baha desires nothing save servitude at the Threshold, and no word indicating existence ever issues from his mouth.

After a time he seized upon a pretext, alleging that this servant, God forbid, had laid claim to a station mightier than that of the Blessed Beauty. Glorified be God! What calumny is this, and what raving folly! The Ancient Beauty and the Most Great Name nurtured this servant from the breast of servitude, and reared Him in the bosom of servitude.

Should differences arise among the loved ones concerning any matter, both sides should remain silent and seek clarification from this servant, maintaining the utmost love toward each other until the answer arrives. Whatever answer is given, both sides should acknowledge it so the difference may be resolved.

As for differences in questions, the pen of the Center of the Covenant is the solver of difficulties. They must not allow questions to lead to dispute and argument. Rather they should ask immediately to receive an immediate answer. This is the truth. Contention and dispute are completely forbidden - by the explicit divine text both sides are deprived.

Today all must address me as 'Abdu'l-Baha, but no one has the right to dispute with another, for dispute leads to conflict. What I say and what flows from this pen will endure and remain firm, while all else, as you have observed, is like a mirage in the desert which the thirsty imagine to be water.

The utmost intention of this servant is that the friends should not make me a cause of discord, nor become the reason for the scattering of the Cause of God, for I have never claimed, nor do I claim, any station, nor will I ever be among the proud and haughty ones.

All must refer to what has issued from this Pen.

You observe that the purpose of the wavering ones is nothing but rebellion and revolt, for from this Pen nothing has flowed except pure servitude, and never has any claim of infallibility or lack thereof been made. These discussions are for seminary students after a thousand years - now is not the time for such words, accusations and objections.

We are all apt to make mistakes. We make mistakes every day; and to speak about the Covenant and to speak about violation, is to remind us not to make such mistakes. This is important to all of us, and we must all be mindful always of Abdul-Baha's words, that they have to be obeyed to the letter. That preserves the unity, and does away with all mistakes.

Without a directing will all would be conquered and defeated. Be sure, therefore, that if the believers are not united in the Will of God they will not be assisted. This is especially necessary because all of them are under the Tent of the Covenant in this Revelation.

I pull the sails of the ship firmly and fasten the ropes tight. I locate my destination and then by the power of My will I hold the wheel and head out. No matter how strong the storm, no matter how dangerous the threat to the safety of the ship, I do not change course. I do not become agitated or disheartened; I persevere until I reach my goal. If I were to hesitate or change direction at the sight of every danger, the Ark of the Cause of God would surely fail to reach its destination.

Esoterically the ark is that shelter given by God, which will carry His creatures over the waters of error to safety. For example: Abdul-Baha is the ark of the new covenant provided by Baha'u'llah in this day. Those who enter into this protection will avoid the flood of doubts and uncertainty which is gradually engulfing the world.

Today is the auspicious day of the Covenant and the time of the dawning and shining forth of the Sun of the Covenant, the Luminary of the horizons.

Concerning thy question about the blessed verse in the Book of the Covenant: This blessed verse of the Book of the Covenant is related to the blessed verse of the Furqan: "Then We caused to inherit the Book those We have chosen of Our servants; and among them is he who wrongs himself, and among them is he who follows a middle course, and among them is he who is foremost in good deeds."

Refer to that which hath flowed from the pen of 'Abdu'l-Baha and observe it with care. You will see that these base utterances bear not the slightest resemblance to the melodies of this Bird of mortality.

Whosoever claims that Abdul-Baha has given to him a tablet or sent a cablegram he must prove it (by showing it). Do not accept the saying of anyone on mere statement. He must bring forth the unmistakable and valid evidence, signed by my own written signature and not the signature on a cablegram which cannot be substantiated.

When in America I repeatedly said that no one must believe one word said by another regarding any commands, teachings or statements made by me unless they can produce the same in writing over my signature.

Whosoever from amongst the Persian believers arrive in America although he may be related to me, that is even if he be my son-in-law or she be my daughter, first ask him the letter giving him a new permission to come again to America. If he shows you any such letter, be most careful and attentive that it is my writing and my signature, that they may not be counterfeits. Then you cable to me and inquire about him. When the answer is received by you that it is correct then you meet him, otherwise do not associate with him.

And if any persons should come to those parts without the permission and approval of 'Abdu'l-Baha, or if they should send letters causing doubts, you must resist with the utmost steadfastness and firmness, and avoid meeting with them.

Your pen must be the interpreter of this servant's pen, and whatever flows from this pen must stream from that pen - that is, in mentioning this servant's servitude, your pen will, God willing, become a mighty sign.

However, when the refrain was compared with 'Abdu'l-Baha's beliefs, it did not match. We praise you for the eloquence, fluency and original meanings, but we lament and moan about the departure from 'Abdu'l-Baha's belief. When you compose a refrain about servitude, submissiveness, and the effacement and evanescence of 'Abdu'l-Baha, then it will bring boundless joy and be chanted with wondrous melodies in gatherings of the friends, becoming a cause of divine confirmations and success, and resolving difficult problems.

Therefore, like grateful birds, one must be content with a few seeds and compose odes and praises in this spiritual rose garden in glorification and sanctification and divine praise and attributes. However, in relation to this servant, nothing beyond the word 'Abdu'l-Baha is permissible, and whatever exceeds this is contrary to the divine foundation and opposed to the good-pleasure of this ephemeral servant. Keep this delicate matter carefully in mind in your poetry. This is my station, this is my position, this is my praise, and this is my portion.

It was eloquent and fluent, but it was not in accordance with the ways of 'Abdu'l-Baha, and its content did not conform to the beliefs of 'Abdu'l-Baha, for the true belief of this servant is that the Beauty of Abha--may my spirit be a sacrifice for His loved ones--was the Sun of Truth which, in this cycle, shone forth at its zenith, and that the Exalted Beauty--may my spirit be sacrificed for Him--was the Herald of the Most Great Name and the Supreme Lord of all peoples, and that this servant is the manifestation of pure and utter servitude to the Ancient Beauty, without any interpretation, explanation or allusion.

This is my station, and any interpretation below this is unacceptable before God and before 'Abdu'l-Baha.

Rather, it is for the Center of the Covenant to test the people of the world, and not for them to make their minds the standard of truth and weigh therewith the lights of dawn.

O thou who testeth Abdu'l-Baha! Thou possesseth no right to test a supplicating servant unto God.

But is it proper to test 'Abdu'l-Baha? No, by God! The sought after one should test the seeker, not the intended one test the intender. 'Abdu'l-Baha should test others so that purity may adorn their hearts.

Say to Mashhadi Iskandar that 'Abdu'l-Baha cannot be contained in the balance of tests, nor is He deserving of tests.

O son of him whom God loveth and whom He hath made beloved! Say unto Ziba in a seemly manner: To test 'Abdu’l-Baha is neither fair nor fitting. It is as hath been related from His Holiness the Commander of the Faithful, a tradition also mentioned in the Mathnavi and widely current upon tongues and lips: the Centre of the Covenant testeth the people of the cradle, and not the reverse. Therefore the handmaiden of God, Ziba Sultan, must seek forgiveness; and whatsoever she cherisheth within her heart, whether stranger or friend, none should know.

This is out of love for you personally, otherwise the proof of 'Abdu'l-Baha is decisive and brilliant and His evidence is clear and manifest - there is no need for such tests, especially confrontation with the Center of Violation whose importance and station in this strange matter has diminished and lessened.

O two strivers in the path of God! No one is worthy to test 'Abdu'l-Baha, for such a test would itself become the cause of that person's own downfall.

...may my spirit be a sacrifice for His loved ones. None can object to this servant; all objections are directed to the Ancient Beauty, Who appointed a soul devoid of infallibility as the Center of His Covenant.

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The friends of God and the handmaids of the All-Merciful should know that in every movement of 'Abduil-Baha, in every word He uttereth, there lieth a great wisdom. If what He doeth appeareth to be strange, this is because the wisdom is not known to the friends.

No, I do not know everything. But when I need to know something, it is pictured before Me.

O my loving friends! After the passing away of this wronged one, it is incumbent upon the Aghsan (Branches), the Afnan (Twigs) of the Sacred Lote-Tree, the Hands (pillars) of the Cause of God and the loved ones of the Abha Beauty to turn unto Shoghi Effendi--the youthful branch branched from the two hallowed and sacred Lote-Trees and the fruit grown from the union of the two offshoots of the Tree of Holiness,--as he is the sign of God, the chosen branch, the Guardian of the Cause of God, he unto whom all the Aghsan, the Afnan, the Hands of the Cause of God and His loved ones must turn. He is the expounder of the words of God and after him will succeed the first-born of his lineal descendents.

Before His ascension into eternal light the blessed Manifestation exhorted me that I also - without regard for the right of primogeniture or age - should look among my sons and grandsons for him whom God would mark for His office. My sons sank into eternity at a tender age; among my kindred and lineage only little Shoghi carries the shadow of a great calling in the depths of his eyes." Again a long pause followed, then the Master turned to me again and said: "At the moment the British Commonwealth is the greatest empire and is still in the ascendant, its language is a world language.

Some friends asked about the matter of singing and chanting in the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar: 'Abdu'l-Baha said that the recitation of the Holy Writings and prayers, whether in verse or prose, should be performed by singing and chanting. "However," he added, "I do not interfere in such matters that have not been explicitly revealed in the Text. Whatsoever the Universal House of Justice may prescribe at any time, the same shall be the accepted criterion."

[The blessed discourse delivered that day in the gathering of the friends concerned the internal dissensions that arise within religions after the ascension of the Dawning-Places of the bounties of God, and how the Blessed Beauty had closed the doors to such divisions, referring all matters to the Most Great House of Justice, that whatsoever it might decree all should obey. Even if the Baha'is were to split up into two groups, 'Abdu'l-Baha has warned, each forming a House of Justice of its own, one in opposition to the other, both would be false. Pending the formation of the House of Justice, Baha'u'llah has appointed the Centre of the Covenant, affirmed His infallibility and, with His blessed Pen, has solemnly secured His Covenant.]

He said: "Doth it not even now exist potentially? Were the House of Justice in session at this very moment, by God, beside Whom there is none other God, I would be the first to obey its command, though it were directed against Mine own self. True, it is not infallible; yet it abideth beneath the shadow of the protection and preservation of the Blessed Beauty, and its command is the command of the Blessed One. Discuss ye this matter, that it be not forgotten.

"Should the Assembly pass judgement against Me," He said (repeatedly using words of oath to stress this point), "I would submit to it, even if I knew that the judgement was inaccurate, besides being adverse. As the Centre of the Covenant of God," 'Abdu'l-Baha said, "I promulgate the laws of God, interpret His Holy Word, protect His Cause and raise the banner of divine Unity. However, I do not legislate.

In those days 'Abduil-Baha again and again would reaffirm this point, saying: I am the Expounder of the Words revealed by the Blessed Beauty. I have been expressly appointed by the All-Glorious Pen. It is incumbent upon everyone to bear allegiance to Me. All matters must be referred to the Interpreter. In the future, however, everyone must turn to the divinely ordained House of Justice.

That of the Center of the Covenant was alone and specifically mentioned as being exclusively pertaining to Abdul Baha, and nowhere is it mentioned by inference even, that such a station was transmissible; nor could Mohammed Ali transmit the title of Greater Branch to another after him.

4. When my successor "Ghusn-i-A'zam" (Most Great Branch, 'Abdu'l-Baha) has followed Me into the world of reality (the beyond), the House of Justice (Baytu'l-'Adl) shall expound the Holy Teachings and the Divine Law of the All-Highest Prophet (Baha'i Teachings and Kitab-i-Aqdas and Baha'u'llah) and shall make infallible additions according to individual, new and modern needs and the state of development of people at the time.

Therefore in this Most Great Cycle and the maturity of the world, this matter stands like an impregnable fortress, explicitly set forth in the Book of God. By this decisive text and manifest proof, all must be submissive to the commands of government and obedient and loyal to the throne of sovereignty.

Question: In the deduction of our necessary expenses, are contributions to the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, teaching and other activities of the Cause considered a part of Huquq or should they be taken separately?

Answer:  'Abdu'l-Baha replied that Huquq was separate and independent of these and came first. After that had been determined then the other affairs could be looked after. He smiled and said when Huquq is given 'Abdu'l-Baha will ascertain how much of it is for the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, how much for teaching and how much for the needy, etc.

Blessed, then blessed is the land honored by His footsteps, the eye that was solaced by His beauty, the ear that was honored by hearkening to His call, the heart that tasted the sweetness of His love, the breast that was gladdened by His remembrance, the pen that moved to His praise, and the tablet that bore His traces. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to honor us with meeting Him soon. He is, verily, the Hearer, the Powerful, the Answerer.

We beseech God to cause His servants through you to enter the depths of the ocean of His oneness, and to give them to drink, through your mention, the Kawthar of life, and through your utterance, the choice wine of divine knowledge, and to aid you with the hosts of knowledge and wisdom in such wise that through you the cities of the horizons and of hearts may be opened.

[These statements were delivered with such power that everyone present was overwhelmed with awe. The following day, while we were in the presence of Baha'u'llah, Mirza Diya'u'llah [one of His sons] came in to say: 'Aqa [the Master] wishes to know if You will permit us and some of the believers to visit Junaynih.' Baha'u'llah assked him who had sent the request, and upon hearing that it was the Greater Branch, in strong and clear tones he said:]

There is only one Master -- the Most Great Branch, He around Whom all names revolve.

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And as for your mention of Ibn-i-Ismi-Asdaq, upon both of them be the Glory of God, it was presented before the Most Holy Court. He - exalted be His grandeur - says: "He turned, by My leave, toward My Prison, and entered the seat of the Throne, and attained the presence of the Countenance, and heard the call of his Lord, the Mighty, the Wise. We beseech God to assist him in serving His Cause and to grant him that which befits the days of his Lord, the Manifest, the Speaking, the All-Informed.

O servant in attendance! God created thee and provided for thee and nurtured thee and made thee a servant to His Own Self, that thou mayest give thanks unto thy Lord, the All-Bountiful. He hath lavished His favors upon thee as a grace from His presence, for He is the All-Bounteous, the Forgiving, the Merciful.

Know thou moreover that God hath preferred the two Branches above all My brothers and their sons, and above thee and above those who have believed in Him and in His manifest Book. Hold fast to the hem of faithfulness with the hands of submission and contentment.

The Day Star of glad-tidings has dawned, inasmuch as the branches have been joined with the Blessed Tree, and in the mention of the Tree and its branches are signs for those who possess understanding.

[On another day, speaking of a related matter, He said that]

the eloquence of the Most Great Branch and His power, influence and ascendancy are not yet known or apparent--later it will become clear how, single and alone, He will raise the standard of the Most Great Name at the world's axis with what power, penetration and mercifulness, and how He will gather all who are on earth beneath the pavilion of peace and tranquility.

On another day, speaking of something related, He said that the eloquence of the Most Great Branch and His power, influence and dominion are not yet known or apparent. Later it will become clear with what power, penetration and divine grace He will raise the banner of the Most Great Name at the world's center, and how He will gather all who dwell on earth beneath the pavilion of peace and tranquility.

The Master is Our shield and the shield of everyone else. All live at ease, all know utmost comfort and tranquility. Associating with men such as these is very, very difficult. It is the Master who stands up to everything and supplies the means for the well-being and peace of all the friends. May God preserve Him from the evil of the envious and inimical.

Enter into ecstasy and rapture, into attraction and wonderment, for 'Abdu'l-Baha has become a prisoner in chains of the prison of Joseph, so that in the marketplace of servitude He may illumine His face, and in the Egypt of servitude He may place the crown of tribulation on His head and hang the necklace of greatest bounty around His neck.

He let down his bucket and exclaimed: "O joyful tidings! This is the Youth of the Covenant, whom his brothers have cast into the pit of calumny and sold for a paltry price, a few counted dirhams.

And he shall present him in the Egypt of the most high, and he shall shine forth with the light of the Covenant from the dawning-places of the horizons. And he shall be delivered from the prison of the vain imaginings of the people of doubts, and God shall make him mighty after he was abased among the followers of the allegorical verses and those who neglected the clear texts.

He must be a brilliant banner to the East and a mighty sign to the West, a flame to Africa and a light to America. He must associate and mingle with strangers while avoiding harm from acquaintances. He must resist opposition and defend against corruption. Consider how a single person can bear all these trials and tribulations and fulfill these endless duties.

But 'Abdu'l-Baha does not have time to write even one word for every hundred souls, since the loved ones of God and His handmaidens surge like waves throughout all the regions of the world, each requesting a letter. And the great occupations and difficulties are like spring rains, while the assault of the Covenant-breakers is like wild beasts. Given this, how can I find time for special letters?

The master says that he has come very far to see you, and that you are very welcome. He praises God that after forty-two years of imprisonment for the faith he is able to come to you.

While he suffers from pain, he thinks of our progress! In sweet humility he admonishes us with the words of light and life. Untiringly he paves and straighten for us the path of duty and the road toward the Kingdom of Eternity; working on, preaching on, never dreaming of despair.

"My power consists of the Bestowals of the Blessed Beauty. They are all spiritual Favors given to me by Baha'u'llah. From Early morning until now I have been reading and writing and I am feeling exceedingly well.

But my confidence and trust was in him, because during the days of his life he explicitly promised me that he will assist me always. I heard this promise from his own lips. Therefore I knew that under all circumstances I will be confirmed and all the enemies will be defeated.

Whosoever has the Blessed Perfection with himself as I have is never silenced. Through his confirmation I have stirred the East and the West. Notwithstanding this, some of the weak-minded desire to stand in my path or obscure the Sun of Unity. How negligent they are!

Have you not learned of those who persecuted Him among the kings, princes, divines and nobles? How was the end of the persecutors? Counsel them and enlighten their vision and say to them: By God the True One! 'Abdu'l-Baha is supported by the Most Glorious Beauty and aided by a power before which all necks shall bow. Soon you shall see the banner of hypocrisy reversed, the edifice of discord demolished, and the standards of peace and harmony waving over the horizons.

However, 'Abdu'l-Baha, despite weakness and having no belongings or fame, entered those regions. Since he was known and renowned for servitude at the Sacred Threshold, the banner "Verily We have given thee a manifest victory" was chanted in great gatherings, and detailed accounts were published in newspapers and other publications and spread throughout the East and West of the world.

Sixth, among fifteen million Iranians has such a lofty one emerged from Iran who, in every city and clime He has set foot, has reached to heaven and wherever He has arrived, its inhabitants have kissed His hand and through seeing Him have attained their desires?

Now suppose that according to you He is not the possessor of this seat and station - what objection can there be to His other stations, for He is the pride of Iran and cause of glory for the people of the East.

Everyone, regardless of their rank and station, had no choice but to show humility and meekness in the presence of the Center of God's Covenant. Otherwise, how could the rebellious ones of Europe and America be compared with showing humility and reverence in the presence of the Master of Tajik? How could the proud ones of Western civilization be compared with showing submission to the religion of the East?

Baha'u'llah did not appoint 'Abdu'l-Baha as the Center of His Covenant because he is his son but because he is the purest and the readiest channel on the face of the earth to carry on this work.

If all the world should combine to overthrow the Covenant, it could not succeed. 'Abdu'l-Baha loves all no matter how they turn away from Him. Whether they love or hate Him, go or come, He never changes in His love for them. The Blessed Perfection has left nothing undone. What He ordained can never be set aside.

And if I were to want a station for myself, God forbid, what station is greater than being a branch branched from the Ancient Root? By God the True One, the necks of every station have been humbled and the heads of every station and rank have bowed before this mighty station.

Observe what confirmations have reached the Lamp of the Covenant from the Abha Kingdom, such that all eyes are astounded.

Each renewal of religion in an epoch of time becomes the foundation of a new religion. The new religion and prophetic teaching of our period of time has for its Forerunner His Holiness the Bab, and for its Consummator the Blessed Perfection Baha'u'llah. As the chosen and appointed Successor of the Blessed Perfection Baha'u'llah, my lowly self has the task of disseminating and strengthening the Religion founded by Him, the 'Qa'imu'z-Zaman', namely the Baha'i Teachings. The gate of Revelation has not been totally closed with the Ascension of the Divine Manifestation Baha'u'llah, and the divinely-appointed Successor, my lowly self, is now to be its channel.

Zachariah Chapter 6 verse 12: The Branch shall build the Temple of the Lord. The Temple means the religion in twelve nations and the country of holy places and the Holy Tombs. To disobey Abdul-Baha is to disobey Baha'u'llah. Their Station is equal in degree and their authority in these days with the people.

One said to Christ, 'Good Lord,' and Christ replied, 'Why callest thou me good? There is none good save one, that is God.' Can we say that Christ was a sinner? It is permissible for one in the station of his holiness Christ to say so but can anyone else say that Christ was a sinner? No!

[During a former visit to Akka, when conditions for the prisoners were most severe, Miss Rosenberg was deeply distressed and asked 'Abdu'l-Baha why he, who was so perfect, should have to endure such sufferings. He answered:]

How could they (the Manifestations) teach and guide others in the way if they themselves did not undergo every species of suffering to which other human beings are subjected?

The teaching I have received from Baha'u'llah, I give unto you. The food which His holiness Baha'u'llah has given to me, I have made you my partners in it. The value of this partnership is not know(n?) now; but in the Kingdom of God you will see that this partnership is of the Holy Spirit; that this partnership is eternal life.

Attaining these depends upon steadfastness in the religion of God and arising to serve the Cause of God. I beseech my Lord, the Glorious, the Most Glorious, that He may graciously bestow upon His poor, distressed servant who has taken refuge in the firm cord, that he may see the Afnan of the Blessed Tree as goodly trees growing up, firm of root, lofty of branch, verdant, fresh, and flourishing, watered by the clouds of the Most Great Bounty and bearing fruits such as no eye has seen nor ear heard.

O maid-servant of God! Hold fast to the Covenant which hath emanated from the Supreme Pen and which is scintillating with the light of the Orb of the Horizons. Know thou verily, Baha'u'llah is the Promised One in all the Books and Tablets, and verily, this servant, is the herald of the Kingdom of God.

We pray but God bestows healing. We do not make claims for ourselves. We are only the expounders of the Word. We are all promulgating the Cause of Baha'u'llah.

I am serving God. I am the servant of God. I give sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, the power of speech to the mute and knowledge to the ignorant. I raise the dead, I deliver those who are in darkness and guide them into the realm of Light. I make the poor rich and the weak powerful. I satisfy the hungry ones with the Bread of life and allay the thirst of the thirsty ones with the pure Water of Immortality. This is my work.

I am 'Abdu'l-Baha. I am the servant of the world of humanity.

'Abdu'l-Baha has the greatest love for you and therefore does He seek to establish the commonwealth of the Kingdom of God, the government of spiritual affairs and susceptibilities.

I beg of God that thy dear husband be guided through the light of guidance and become a sign of the gift of the Kingdom of ABHA.

...one must cast the reflection of one's countenance upon the eternal mirror of the celestial realm above, for Abdu'l-Baha seeks neither name nor fame in this world, and in this world anonymity is better and more pleasant.

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Truly I speak through the benevolence of El-Abha in spirit and in vision to the one who addresses me, and this is known to those to whom God has revealed it and removed the dark veils from their eyes.

O Handmaid of God, when you are united in a spiritual gathering and celebrate the remembrance of God by His Most Glorious Name, the Divine One, truly then 'Abdu'l-Baha is present and communes with you in spirit and asks God to grant your prayers through His eternal grace.

His diciples followed the teachings of His Holiness but not completely. But I always follow the teachings because the Blessed Beauty Says: "Ye must be a servant to all.

Therefore you must strive as much thou canst not to sadden any heart. I desire that thou mayst walk in my footsteps! Be at peace with all!

My work is universal; my time and thoughts are for the whole world on the most important problems relating to affairs that concern the spiritual welfare of nations and individuals.

(After a silence of several minutes during which the Master gazed out of the window in which the Master seemed to be receiving the vibrations from all parts of the world, a silence filled with deep spirituality, he continued)

"For this reason these places are called the Holy Land and eulogies and praises have been sung by all the seers and prophets of the past concerning these sacred grounds."

When 'Abdu'l-Baha writes tablets, he is calling the souls to a station which they are potentially able to attain.

Though moving in a sphere of His own and holding a rank radically different from that of the Author and the Forerunner of the Baha'i Revelation, He ['Abdu'l-Baha], by virtue of the station ordained for Him through the Covenant of Baha'u'llah, forms together with them [the Bab and Baha'u'llah] what may be termed the Three Central Figures of a Faith that stands unapproached in the world's spiritual history....

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That 'Abdu'l-Baha is not a Manifestation of God, that, though the successor of His Father, He does not occupy a cognate station, that no one else except the Bab and Baha'u'llah can ever lay claim to such a station before the expiration of a full thousand years -- are verities which lie embedded in the specific utterances of both the Founder of our Faith and the Interpreter of His teachings.

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...wide as is the gulf that separates 'Abdu'l-Baha from Him Who is the Source of an independent Revelation, it can never be regarded as commensurate with the greater distance that stands between Him Who is the Center of the Covenant and His ministers who are to carry on His work...

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And finally there emerges, though on a plane of its own and in a category entirely apart from the one occupied by the twin Figures that preceded Him, the vibrant, the magnetic personality of 'Abdu'l-Baha, reflecting to a degree that no man, however exalted his station, can hope to rival, the glory and power with which They who are the Manifestations of God are alone endowed.

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The third period (1892-1921) revolves around the vibrant personality of 'Abdu'l-Baha, mysterious in His essence, unique in His station, astoundingly potent in both the charm and strength of His character. GPB.xiv

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He is, and should for all time be regarded, first and foremost, as the Center and Pivot of Baha'u'llah's peerless and all-enfolding Covenant, His most exalted handiwork, the stainless Mirror of His light, the perfect Exemplar of His teachings, the unerring Interpreter of His Word, the embodiment of every Baha'i ideal, the incarnation of every Baha'i virtue, the Most Mighty Branch sprung from the Ancient Root, the Limb of the Law of God, the Being "round Whom all names revolve," the Mainspring of the Oneness of Humanity, the Ensign of the Most Great Peace, the Moon of the Central Orb of this most holy Dispensation -- styles and titles that are implicit and find their truest, their highest and fairest expression in the magic name 'Abdu'l-Baha. He is, above and beyond these appellations, the "Mystery of God" -- an expression by which Baha'u'llah Himself has chosen to designate Him, and which, while it does not by any means justify us to assign to Him the station of Prophethood, indicates how in the person of 'Abdu'l-Baha the incompatible characteristics of a human nature and superhuman knowledge and perfection have been blended and are completely harmonized.

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My station is the station of servitude -- a servitude which is complete, pure and real, firmly established, enduring, obvious, explicitly revealed and subject to no interpretation whatever... I am the Interpreter of the Word of God; such is my interpretation.

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I am, according to the explicit texts of the Kitab-i-Aqdas and the Kitab-i-'Ahd the manifest Interpreter of the Word of God... Whoso deviates from my interpretation is a victim of his own fancy.

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Many a time He [Abdu'l-Baha] would say, "I don't claim sinlessness (ma'sumiyyat; infallibility). I am the first of sinners (God forbid!) but the Ancient Beauty has bestowed upon me a station, and therefore whatever I say is what will be."

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At the foundation of this guidance lies the unique role which Baha'u'llah's Writings -- indeed the text of the Kitab-i-Aqdas itself -- confer on His eldest son, 'Abdu'l-Baha. This unique figure is at once the Exemplar of the pattern of life taught by His Father, the divinely inspired authoritative Interpreter of His Teachings and the Centre and Pivot of the Covenant which the Author of the Baha'i Revelation made with all who recognize Him.

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...this Covenant has been bequeathed to posterity in a Will and Testament which, together with the Kitab-i-Aqdas and several Tablets, in which the rank and station of 'Abdu'l-Baha are unequivocally disclosed, constitute the chief buttresses designed by the Lord of the Covenant Himself to shield and support, after His ascension, the appointed Center of His Faith and the Delineator of its future institutions.

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It should be borne in mind that the institution of the Guardianship has been anticipated by 'Abdu'l-Baha in an allusion He made in a Tablet addressed, long before His own ascension, to three of His friends in Persia. To their question as to whether there would be any person to whom all the Baha'is would be called upon to turn after His ascension He made the following reply: "As to the question ye have asked me, know verily that this is a well-guarded secret. It is even as a gem concealed within its shell. That it will be revealed is predestined. The time will come when its light will appear, when its evidences will be made manifest, and its secrets unraveled."

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In His Will and Testament 'Abdu'l-Baha conferred the mantle of Guardian of the Cause and infallible Interpreter of its teachings upon His eldest grandson, Shoghi Effendi, and confirmed the authority and guarantee of divine guidance decreed by Baha'u'llah for the Universal House of Justice on all matters "which have not outwardly been revealed in the Book". The Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice can thus be seen to be, in the words of Shoghi Effendi, the "Twin Successors" of Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha. They are the supreme institutions of the Administrative Order which was founded and anticipated in the Kitab-i-Aqdas and elaborated by 'Abdu'l-Baha in His Will.

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The creative energies released by the Law of Baha'u'llah, permeating and evolving within the mind of 'Abdu'l-Baha, have, by their very impact and close interaction, given birth to an Instrument which may be viewed as the Charter of the New World Order which is at once the glory and the promise of this most great Dispensation. The Will may thus be acclaimed as the inevitable offspring resulting from that mystic intercourse between Him Who communicated the generating influence of His divine Purpose and the One Who was its vehicle and chosen recipient.

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The Covenant of Baha'u'llah had been instituted solely through the direct operation of His Will and purpose. The Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha, on the other hand, may be regarded as the offspring resulting from that mystic intercourse between Him Who had generated the forces of a God-given Faith and the One Who had been made its sole Interpreter and was recognized as its perfect Exemplar. The creative energies unleashed by the Originator of the Law of God in this age gave birth, through their impact upon the mind of Him Who had been chosen as its unerring Expounder, to that Instrument, the vast implications of which the present generation, even after the lapse of twenty-three years, is still incapable of fully apprehending.

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...the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha can no more be divorced from Him Who supplied the original and motivating impulse than from the One Who ultimately conceived it. Baha'u'llah's inscrutable purpose, we must ever bear in mind, has been so thoroughly infused into the conduct of 'Abdu'l-Baha, and their motives have been so closely wedded together, that the mere attempt to dissociate the teachings of the former from any system which the ideal Exemplar of those same teachings has established would amount to a repudiation of one of the most sacred and basic truths of the Faith.

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He was also very glad to see that the believers are studying the Covenant of the Master. For in the Master's Will and Testament are enshrined the principles underlying the World Order, and unless the believers fully grasp the greatness, functions, and purpose of the institutions outlined in that Testament (and elaborated by the Guardian in his book "The Dispensation of Baha'u'llah") they will not be able to properly function as Baha'is individually or collectively.

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Let us too bear in mind the example which our beloved Master has clearly set before us. Wise and tactful in His approach, wakeful and attentive in His early intercourse, broad and liberal in all His public utterances, cautious and gradual in the unfolding of the essential verities of the Cause, passionate in His appeal yet sober in argument, confident in tone, unswerving in conviction, dignified in His manners -- such were the distinguishing features of our Beloved's noble presentation of the Cause of Baha'u'llah.

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The Baha'i youth must be taught how to teach the Cause of God. Their knowledge of the fundamentals of the Faith must be deepened and the standard of their education in science and literature enhanced. They must become thoroughly familiar with the language used and the example set by 'Abdu'l-Baha in His public addresses throughout the West. They must also be acquainted with those essential prerequisites of teaching as recorded in the Holy Books and Tablets.

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Young Baha'is like yourself must prepare themselves to really bring the Message to their generation, who need it so desperately and who can understand the language it speaks so well. He would advise you among other books to study the Talks of 'Abdu'l-Baha, as His method of approaching the mind of the public cannot be surpassed...

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We must look to the example of the Master and follow our "Inner Light", adapting our message as best we can to the capacity and "ripeness" of the one we are seeking to teach.... Man's spiritual digestive powers have similar laws to those that govern physical digestion. When people are spiritually hungry and thirsty they must be given wholesome and suitable spiritual food, but if we give too much at a time or too rich food for the digestive powers, it only causes nausea and rejection or malassimilation.

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Let him remember the example set by 'Abdu'l-Baha, and His constant admonition to shower such kindness upon the seeker, and exemplify to such a degree the spirit of the teachings he hopes to instill into him, that the recipient will be spontaneously impelled to identify himself with the Cause embodying such teachings.

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We must be careful not to teach in a fanatical way. We should teach as the Master taught. He was the perfect Exemplar of the Teachings. He proclaimed the universal truths, and, through love and wise demonstration of the universal verities of the Faith, attracted the hearts and the minds.

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