Spiritual prerequisites of teaching the Cause

The first condition of a religious teacher is to believe in God; the second to turn his face toward God; the third to be severed from aught else save God.

… Teaching the cause of God is not only through the tongue; it is through deeds, a good disposition, happiness of nature, kindness, sympathy, good fellowship, trustworthiness, holiness, virtue, purity of ideals and lastly, speech.

The aim is this: The intention of the teacher must be pure, his heart independent, his spirit attracted, his thought at peace, his resolution firm, his magnanimity exalted and in the love of God a shining torch. Should he become as such, his sanctified breath will even affect the rock; otherwise there will be no result whatsoever. As long as a soul is not perfected, how can he efface the defects of others? Unless he is detached from aught else save God, how can he teach severance to others?

Whosoever among you desireth to deliver the Cause of his Lord, it behooveth him first to deliver it unto himself, then unto the people, that his words may attract the hearts of the hearers. Without this, his words will never influence the hearts of the seekers.

God hath prescribed unto everyone the duty of teaching His Cause. Whoever ariseth to discharge this duty, must needs, ere he proclaimeth His Message, adorn himself with the ornament of an upright and praiseworthy character, so that his words may attract the hearts of such as are receptive to his call.

… Whoso ariseth wholly for the sake of his Lord to teach His Cause, the Holy Spirit shall strengthen him and inspire him with that which will illumine the heart of the world, how much more the hearts of those who seek Him.

As to the fundamentals of teaching the Faith: know thou that delivering the Message can be accomplished only through goodly deeds and spiritual attributes, an utterance that is crystal clear and the happiness reflected from the face of that one who is expounding the Teachings. It is essential that the deeds of the teacher should attest the truth of his words.

If the Tablets of the Blessed Beauty like the Hidden Words, Ishraqat, Tajalliyat, Bisharat, Kalimat and Tarazat are recited, and if one acts according to even a single counsel from the divine counsels, one will reach the highest degree of perfection, become a center of divine inspirations, and a source of human perfections. The lights of the Kingdom will shine from their face and character.

Wherefore ‘Abdu’l-Bahá counselleth the friends—nay, rather, fervently imploreth them—so vigilantly to guard the sanctity of the Cause of God and preserve their own dignity as individuals that all nations shall come to know and honour them for their trustworthiness and integrity.

For it is possible that an eloquent preacher, like the bearer of Joseph's shirt, may himself be unaware and deprived of its sweet fragrance while the elder of Canaan is delighted, saying "Indeed I sense the fragrance of Joseph, if you would not think me senile."

First, one must become thirsty, then the salubrious water may be offered. No matter how delicious the water is, one who is not thirsty will not enjoy it. Therefore, make ye an effort, so that the people may become thirsty; then enable them to quaff from this divine Chalice.

Happiness lies in knowledge, and knowledge in the fear of God, and the fear of God in detachment and aversion from worldly ornaments. And detachment brings divine love, and love seeks the recitation of verses and communes with God, and the attraction of verses refines character - that is, truthfulness in the path of God and fairness with people and mastery over self and association with the righteous and avoidance of the ignorant and respect for the great ones and kindness to the lesser ones and giving counsel to friends and forbearance with enemies and generosity to the poor and love for all people and guidance of those who have gone astray.

This is the most great happiness and the supreme gift and the imperishable bounty. Blessed are they that know.

From now on you must strive to beautify the moral aspect of your lives, advise each other with the utmost consideration, watch daily your words and deeds;- thus from the very beginning you may characterize yourself with divine ideals.

I declare by him beside whom there is nought else, if we live in accord with one of the teachings we will become radiant like unto this lamp. If we confess verbally that Baha'u'llah's principles are the cause of eternal salvation and the means of nearness unto the throne of God and yet do not live according to their instructions we are not Bahais.

The first requirement of teaching is goodly conduct, deeds and sweetness of speech. My hope is that you will succeed in all three. Thus, first one must sanctify oneself from desire and passion, become entirely detached from the world of nature, become embodied light and personified spirit, and engage in teaching.

Know that the magnet of confirmation is the promotion of the divine teachings. Whoever arises to diffuse the divine fragrances will be encompassed by heavenly confirmations in such wise as to be amazed. But this is conditional upon deeds matching words.

Every soul must first teach himself; he must be severed, attracted, enkindled; he must be living the life - then his words will have effect.

The promotion of that which hath been sent down in the Book of Baha from the Most Exalted Pen hath been and is through deeds and character. These hosts are observed to be mightier and more valiant than the armies of the world.

Convey My greetings to the friends and say: The hosts of God today are goodly deeds and praiseworthy character. Hold ye fast unto them.

In previous cycles and past centuries, teaching was done through words, but in this time it is through deeds. The loved ones of God must teach through good deeds, praiseworthy character, and commendable qualities.

Teaching in an unlimited sense consists of the following and is very good, very great: the teacher himself (or herself) becomes the standing proof of Baha'u'llah -- that he (or she) may become a miracle of Baha'u'llah with such power and such knowledge and desire, such actions and such words and character, and such heavenly powers, that you may live amongst the people, that you may be a proof, undeniable proof, of Baha'u'llah.

You must become the means of lighting the world of humanity. This is the infallible proof and sign. Every progress depends on two things, knowledge and practice.

Say: In this Day, none shall be accounted as belonging to God and the Manifestation of His Self unless he becomes a standard of guidance among His servants, such that through his deeds the seekers may find guidance, the radiance of the All-Merciful may be witnessed in his countenance, and the remembrance of God, the Most High, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise, may be heard from his heart and tongue.

In this year most of the verses have flowed from the Supreme Pen - that is, the Truth, exalted be His glory, Himself wrote them. The mention of detachment, trustworthiness, faithfulness, truthfulness and other sublime attributes is evident and manifest in most of the Tablets. And since certain unpleasing matters occurred in this land, therefore the Supreme Pen, with regard to the education of the servants, has repeatedly revealed mention of those deeds, qualities and attributes that are the cause of the exaltation of sanctified souls, the upliftment of God's Cause, the assurance of the people of the world, and the preservation of all.

The teachers must summon the servants to the most exalted horizon with perfect sanctity and detachment. They must speak for God and act for the sake of God alone.

Know ye the value of these days and act according to that which ye have been commanded in the Book of God. By My life! It shall profit you in all the worlds of your Lord, the Almighty, the All-Powerful.

God willing, gaze ye with utmost joy and fragrance toward the horizon of the All-Merciful. I swear by the Sun of the heaven of utterance that whosoever hath turned toward it hath found himself free and sanctified from the world's defilements.

Say: O people of God! The Helper and Succourer and the hosts of God are, in the Scriptures and Tablets, manifest and evident as the sun. These hosts have ever been and shall remain goodly deeds and praiseworthy character. Whosoever today rendereth assistance through the hosts of righteous deeds and character, and ariseth to serve for God and in the path of God, assuredly shall his traces become manifest and evident in all regions.

We counsel thee and those who have believed to be characterized by trustworthiness, righteousness, truthfulness and purity. Blessed is the servant who acteth in accordance with what hath been ordained in the Book of God, the Lord of all lords.

Say: O people! Fear God and follow His precepts (sunan Allah) with both your inner and outer being and been not of the negligent, lest negligence debar you from each Court of divine nearness.

One night in the realm of vision, We addressed one of the claimants to love who dwelleth outside this land with this blessed verse: "Thou wast created to aid My Cause, yet thou didst aid Mine enemies through deeds more powerful than the hosts of kings and rulers." Other verses were also revealed to him, and We have mentioned this verse in certain Tablets. Ask thou of God to raise up souls who will arise to aid the Cause of the Wronged One with perfect sanctity, detachment and severance - an arising that no laxity can overtake nor sitting down follow.

The first commandment is to believe in God and to act in accordance with that which He hath revealed in His Book. We counsel Our loved ones to perform goodly deeds and to manifest praiseworthy conduct.

May we not speak before hearing and not command before being commanded, that we may be counted among those servants of whom He says: "They speak not before He speaks and act by His command."

Say: O friends! Today pure words and sincere deeds are beloved, for aught else shall not ascend to the heaven of acceptance and hath been and shall ever be rejected.

Whosoever hath recognized God must, through the breath of the All-Merciful which is in truth the most great trumpet and the cause of life in the world, quicken dead souls and guide them to the shores of the ocean of knowledge.

Be thou of such character that the sincere ones may find from thee the fragrances of the All-Merciful.

We have, both formerly and recently, commanded the friends of God to that which beseemeth His Day. Blessed is the soul that hath held fast unto that which God hath willed and clung to the hem of piety. Time and again hath this word flowed from the Most Exalted Pen: "Assist your Lord through deeds and goodly character."

Turn your gaze away from that which is fleeting and transitory, whether little or much, and fix your eyes upon the ocean that hath neither beginning nor end. Say: O friends! Be not, like children, occupied with diverse colors nor take delight therein. Rather, with firm resolve, steadfast hearts, penetrating vision and the light of certitude, appear amongst men with the utmost trustworthiness and goodly character.

At all times, I implore Almighty God to make you the means of illuminating the minds of those children, of bringing their hearts to life and sanctifying their souls.

A whole-hearted surrender of our will to the Will of God, a degree of self-sacrifice as manifested in the lives of the saints and the martyrs, a spiritual enthusiasm and attraction capable to disregard all the world's hardships and persecutions, a complete self-surrender to the influx of the Holy Spirit and a holy dedication of one's entire forces to the service of humanity will establish the Kingdom of God in the hearts of all men.

We counsel all to manifest praiseworthy characteristics, goodly deeds, and befitting actions. Today it behooveth everyone to hold fast unto that which will exalt the Cause of God and to cleave thereunto.

However, one who heareth and acteth is as rare as red sulfur - existing in name but in truth non-existent and lost.

Now the friends of God must fully carry out spiritual conduct according to the divine teachings. They must become verses of sanctification and pure banners of light, become the essence of spirit, become detached from body and physicality, and withdraw from everything except the essence of the love of God.

An ignorant man hath no power to teach a seeker (of knowledge) and a poor man hath no power to succor a needy one. Consequently, be thou assured that, verily, man needs to wish for eternal life and then confer the same upon another.

Each of the friends of God must manifest such sanctity that he would purify and sanctify the world, become pure and holy as the light, and should, like unto pure water, wash away every stain.

Thou must live in such a manner that wherever thou goest thou mayst attract from the Kingdom of Abha the divine Confirmations of the Blessed Perfection.

Like unto the nightingale thou must sing, like unto the bird thou must soar, like unto the tree thou must bear fruit, like unto the breeze thou must waft over mountains and deserts and similar unto the artist thou must paint.

The most important thing is for people to become holy and sanctified through the Breath of God. But there is no importance in My going to America.

Ye should conduct yourself in such wise as to cause the hearts and souls to be attracted and enkindled. Hearken unto the counsel of the Wronged One: verily it will protect thee, deliver thee, and exalt thy station both outwardly and inwardly.

Once these blessed words were heard from the Blessed Tongue, saying: "Behold the Cause as a temple whose spirit is detachment and whose wings are the fear of God. Blessed is he who adorneth himself with the fear of God and detacheth himself from all else."

The Cause of God is sanctified above carnal desires and deeds that are not pleasing. All must arise to serve the Cause of God with complete sanctity and detachment, that all people may become aware through the character, deeds, actions and words of these devoted souls, and, awakening from the slumber of heedlessness, may turn toward the sanctuary of oneness.

O people of Faran! Unceasingly hath your mention been recorded by the Pen of the Most Merciful and your names inscribed. Ye should aid the Cause of God through the hosts of remembrance and utterance, and through deeds and conduct befitting the Day of God. Blessed is the soul that moveth for the love of God and occupieth itself with the guidance of His servants. Today, all rising and sitting, movement and rest, should be manifested for the sake of God.

These pure intentions and these sacred purposes are evidence of nobility of nature, loftiness of purpose, and servitude at the threshold of the One.

Now in that city bereft (of spiritual bounties), one must act with wisdom and awaken the heedless through Baha'i deeds, for deeds have more influence than words.

Today, that which draws one near to the threshold of grandeur is detachment from the world of self and passion, purity of heart, sincerity of intention, and faithfulness.

Divine Will has ordained the promotion of these matters. Surely whoever arises to spread these teachings will be confirmed. However, a spiritual power is needed to promote these issues - without such a conquering force, proper promotion is not possible.

A physical relation to him alone is not sufficient. How many a child whose father was pure as a priceless pearl became deprived and fruitless in his life?.

He who has no trustworthiness has no faith. Man must be trustworthy - all souls must trust in his dealings, trust in his honesty, trust in his fairness, trust that he will not oppress. If man has no trustworthiness, he has no religion.

When a person delivers an address he must first of all address himself and see whether the recital of those experiences will stir his heart or not. In this manner one's talk will influence the heart and the soul.

They stated that the provisions for teachers are of two kinds, both of which are necessary: First, reliance upon God, and second, they should be given a portion of what is collected from the Huququ'llah.

As regards the teachers, they must completely divest themselves from the old garments and be invested with a new garment. … They must be baptized with the water of life, the fire of the love of God and the breaths of the Holy Spirit; be satisfied with little food, but take a large portion from the heavenly table. They must disengage themselves from temptation and covetousness, and be filled with the spirit.

God will, no doubt, inspire whosoever detacheth himself from all else but Him, and will cause the pure waters of wisdom and utterance to gush out and flow copiously from his heart.

The teacher must perform all his deeds for God's sake, turn toward Him, fix his gaze upon Him, return unto Him, speak by His leave, be adorned with His attributes, and act according to His laws.

Say: Today is the day for service and rising up, not for sitting down and dreaming idle dreams. Tear asunder, then, the veils and dispel the obscuring mists from your midst that the peoples of the world may be informed of the Hidden Secret, discover the one Beloved, and attain His presence.

At this point, these words were revealed from the Tongue of Grandeur, addressing the wayfarers: "If thoughts of life do linger in thy heart, approach not here; But if thy soul thou wouldst surrender, bring it and more. This is the way, if union with Baha thou seekest true; If not equipped for this path, burden us not, withdraw."

O thou who gazest upon the Countenance! The servant of the Cause today is one who, should he pass by cities of gold and silver, would not open his eyes, and his heart would remain pure and sanctified from all that he beholds - that is, from the ornaments and bounties of the world. I swear by the Sun of Truth that his soul is effective and his word is attractive.

Now is the time when, in thankfulness for this bounty and favor, thou shouldst adorn thy tongue with proof and argument, and arise to serve at the Sacred Threshold of the Lord of Lords. Take no rest by day nor repose by night, and exert thy utmost effort in diffusing the divine fragrances, that thou mayest attain eternal grace and everlasting success.

The intention of this blessed word is not mere outward turning, but rather detachment from all that hath been seen and heard, and thereafter to observe and hearken with the eye and ear of truth and fairness.

Consequently, one must close his eyes wholly to these thoughts, long for eternal life, the sublimity of the world of humanity, the celestial developments, the Holy Spirit, the promotion of the Word of God, the guidance of the inhabitants of the globe, the promulgation of universal peace and the proclamation of the oneness of the world of humanity! This is the work!

Say "O people, the mirrors of your hearts ye must purify, and your vision ye must rectify, ere you lose your way on this long and holy road."

O Ali! Detach thyself from all who are in the heavens and on earth, then proceed with the spirit of God and His good-pleasure to the city, and inform its people of what thou hast witnessed and known of the harm that hath befallen the Ancient Beauty from the idolaters.

When thou hast sanctified thyself from allusions and purified thyself from intimations, the breezes of the All-Merciful will draw thee to the right hand of Paradise. Then loose thy tongue in remembrance amidst the heavens and earth and convey thy Lord's Cause, for God hath prescribed unto every soul the duty to deliver His Cause.

O thou who art attracted to God! May God assist thee! I beseech the Ever-Living, the Self-Subsisting to confirm thee in diffusing the spirit of life throughout all things, to expand thy breast through the hidden mystery and concealed symbol in the Torah, Gospel and Psalms, that thou mayest arise to give the greatest glad tidings in those regions and parts, and appear with penetrating power in the realities of things, and that thy face may shine among the beloved, and thy tongue may flow like a torrent in the great gatherings, and the Holy Spirit may confirm thee in the great assemblies - when thou purifies thy face for God and cleansest thy heart for God and sacrificest for thy Lord thy spirit, thy being, thy soul and thy heart until there remaineth no thought, no remembrance, no sound, no whisper save "O Thou Glory of the Most Glorious!"

Leave the souls, abandon affairs, detach thyself for God and be filled with the spirit of life, guide to salvation, and perfume the nostrils with holy fragrances wafting from the Most Glorious Kingdom. By the life of Baha! Whosoever is filled with the love of Baha and forgets all things - the Holy Spirit breathes into his mouth and the spirit of life into his heart, the lights of verses shine from his face, words scatter like strings of pearls from his mouth, and he heals ills and sickness by the touch of his hand. And upon thee be glory!

Convey my greetings to thy beloved son Albert. I beseech God to make him a lamp diffusing brilliant lights in the gatherings of the loved ones of God. And convey greetings and affection to that daughter of the Kingdom, firm in the Covenant, speaking forth the effulgence of the lights of her Loving Lord - thy respected wife Greenleaf. I supplicate God to illumine her face with the lights of confirmation in those parts. Likewise convey my love to beloved Leslie Greenleaf, whom I love with all my heart, for I hope this tender, fresh, verdant and flourishing branch will grow through an outpouring flow from the Kingdom of God.

Wherefore do all ye can to disengage your inner selves, that ye may at every moment reflect new splendours from the Sun of Truth.

For instance, a person who arises to diffuse the divine fragrance in the path of the Blessed Beauty must be completely detached. He must be attracted, sanctified, righteous, itinerant and consecrated. Otherwise, the desired results will not be wholly achieved. In fact, great efforts may be lost through the slightest negligence.

O handmaiden of God! Hearing is a divine trust. Purify and sanctify it from the words and allusions of them that are on earth, that thou mayest hear the Word of God which hath dawned from the Dayspring of the mouth of the Divine Unity, and attain unto the purpose of the worlds.

If thou desirest to soar in this atmosphere wherein the wings of the birds of the divine cloud-realm have never stirred, sanctify thyself from all else save God, thy Lord, that thou mayest be enabled to fly in this Paradise and become acquainted with the mysteries of what was and what shall be, before his gaze returneth unto the handiwork of thy Lord.

In truth, if you seek ancient glory, be firm in the Covenant; if you seek eternal wealth, be firm in the Covenant; if you seek everlasting comfort, be firm in the Covenant and make amends for what was lost.

Be ye entirely spiritual, purely brilliant, cut your dependence from any other mention, thought or purpose, and confine your mentions, thoughts and occupations to spreading the fragrances of God, and devote your attention to this great work.

O thou who gazest toward God! In the path of the spiritual Friend and true Beloved, sacrifice soul, spirit and peace of mind, so that thou mayest become the manifestation of divine grace from all directions.

My hope is that you will achieve complete attention until no thought or remembrance remains except Baha'u'llah. At that time you will make great progress and the confirmations of the divine Kingdom will reach you. You will gain seeing eyes and hearts filled with the love of God, and your breath will influence hearts and your tongue will become the interpreter of divine books.

We must win the good-pleasure of the Lord of mankind through humility and evanescence.

I am sending thee to teach and spread the message. God willing thou shalt be confirmed and assisted. Go out with the utmost of courage and heroism. Do not heed the oppositions of the negligent ones.

The heart is the mirror of Truth - keep it sanctified from the dust of the vain imaginings of the people. The eye is for beholding the Most Great Scene - keep it pure from the ophthalmia of idle fancies.

Whosoever attaineth unto this honor must have his head adorned with the crown of detachment, his temple embellished with the robe of godliness, and his heart illumined with the light of divine knowledge.

O thou general in the army of salvation and a leader of the hosts of life everlasting! If thou wouldst direct the armies of the Kingdom then seek first the Realm of divinity and if thou wouldst command the hosts of heaven lay down thine own head first in sacrifice at the feet of the Mystic Beloved.

O dear friend! Man can only draw near to the embodied luminosity of heaven and the personified mercifulness of the All-Glorious through nobility of nature, purity of essence, sanctity of soul and conscience, and the power of certitude.

Among the servants hath been revealed from the Most Exalted Pen concerning the conditions of teachers that which, should any soul cleave unto it, will deliver the peoples of the world from ignorance and unawareness and lead them to the realm of knowledge and wisdom.

By the Sun of utterance which hath dawned from the horizon of the Mother Book, the teachers and servants of the Cause who are accounted in the Crimson Book as the chosen ones of God's Cause must needs adorn their heads with the crown of piety and their temples with the robe of detachment. Such is God's decree, both in the past and future.

This matter of teachers requires the greatest condition; that is, they should never stain themselves with the world, they should not look for the least pecuniary reward from any soul; nay, rather they should bear the utmost poverty and with the perfect wealth of nature, through the bounty of God, may they associate with the people. They should seek no reward nor recompense. Freely have thy received, freely should they give.

Then I submitted "Powerlessness and poverty." They said: "This is an acceptable gift, for it cannot be found at this Threshold."

The purpose is that any soul who is in the utmost poverty, powerlessness and weakness is acceptable.

Therefore thou shouldst also trust in God and despite the absence of material means engage in this most profitable trade for thy wealth lies in the Bounty of the Blessed Beauty and in His grace.

He is the Glorious, the All-Glorious, the Most Glorious

Praise be to God, the All-Possessing, the King of incomparable glory, a praise which is immeasurably above the understanding of all created things, and is exalted beyond the grasp of the minds of men. None else besides Him hath ever been able to sing adequately His praise, nor will any man succeed at any time in describing the full measure of His glory. Who is it that can claim to have attained the heights of His exalted Essence, and what mind can measure the depths of His unfathomable mystery? From each and every revelation emanating from the Source of His glory, holy and never-ending evidences of unimaginable splendor have appeared, and out of every manifestation of His invincible power oceans of eternal light have outpoured. How immensely exalted are the wondrous testimonies of His almighty sovereignty, a glimmer of which, if it but touched them, would utterly consume all that are in the heavens and in the earth! How indescribably lofty are the tokens of His consummate power, a single sign of which, however inconsiderable, must transcend the comprehension of whatsoever hath, from the beginning that hath no beginning, been brought into being, or will be created in the future till the end that hath no end. All the Embodiments of His Names wander in the wilderness of search, athirst and eager to discover His Essence, and all the Manifestations of His Attributes implore Him, from the Sinai of Holiness, to unravel His mystery.

A drop of the billowing ocean of His endless mercy hath adorned all creation with the ornament of existence, and a breath wafted from His peerless Paradise hath invested all beings with the robe of His sanctity and glory. A sprinkling from the unfathomed deep of His sovereign and all-pervasive Will hath, out of utter nothingness, called into being a creation which is infinite in its range and deathless in its duration. The wonders of His bounty can never cease, and the stream of His merciful grace can never be arrested. The process of His creation hath had no beginning, and can have no end.

In every age and cycle He hath, through the splendorous light shed by the Manifestations of His wondrous Essence, recreated all things, so that whatsoever reflecteth in the heavens and on the earth the signs of His glory may not be deprived of the outpourings of His mercy, nor despair of the showers of His favors. How all-encompassing are the wonders of His boundless grace! Behold how they have pervaded the whole of creation. Such is their virtue that not a single atom in the entire universe can be found which doth not declare the evidences of His might, which doth not glorify His holy Name, or is not expressive of the effulgent light of His unity. So perfect and comprehensive is His creation that no mind nor heart, however keen or pure, can ever grasp the nature of the most insignificant of His creatures; much less fathom the mystery of Him Who is the Day Star of Truth, Who is the invisible and unknowable Essence.

The conceptions of the devoutest of mystics, the attainments of the most accomplished amongst men, the highest praise which human tongue or pen can render are all the product of man’s finite mind and are conditioned by its limitations. Ten thousand Prophets, each a Moses, are thunderstruck upon the Sinai of their search at His forbidding voice, "Thou shalt never behold Me!"; whilst a myriad Messengers, each as great as Jesus, stand dismayed upon their heavenly thrones by the interdiction, "Mine Essence thou shalt never apprehend!"

From time immemorial He hath been veiled in the ineffable sanctity of His exalted Self, and will everlastingly continue to be wrapt in the impenetrable mystery of His unknowable Essence. Every attempt to attain to an understanding of His inaccessible Reality hath ended in complete bewilderment, and every effort to approach His exalted Self and envisage His Essence hath resulted in hopelessness and failure.

How bewildering to me, insignificant as I am, is the attempt to fathom the sacred depths of Thy knowledge! How futile my efforts to visualize the magnitude of the power inherent in Thine handiwork - the revelation of Thy creative power! How can mine eye, which hath no faculty to perceive itself, claim to have discerned Thine Essence, and how can mine heart, already powerless to apprehend the significance of its own potentialities, pretend to have comprehended Thy nature? How can I claim to have known Thee, when the entire creation is bewildered by Thy mystery, and how can I confess not to have known Thee, when, lo, the whole universe proclaimeth Thy Presence and testifieth to Thy truth? The portals of Thy grace have throughout eternity been open, and the means of access unto Thy Presence made available, unto all created things, and the revelations of Thy matchless Beauty have at all times been imprinted upon the realities of all beings, visible and invisible. Yet, notwithstanding this most gracious favor, this perfect and consummate bestowal, I am moved to testify that Thy court of holiness and glory is immeasurably exalted above the knowledge of all else besides Thee, and the mystery of Thy Presence is inscrutable to every mind except Thine own. No one except Thyself can unravel the secret of Thy nature, and naught else but Thy transcendental Essence can grasp the reality of Thy unsearchable being. How vast the number of those heavenly and all-glorious beings who, in the wilderness of their separation from Thee, have wandered all the days of their lives, and failed in the end of find Thee! How great the multitude of the sanctified and immortal souls who were lost and bewildered while seeking in the desert of search to behold Thy face! Myriad are Thine ardent lovers whom the consuming flame of remoteness from Thee hath caused to sink and perish, and numberless are the faithful souls who have willingly laid down their lives in the hope of gazing on the light of Thy countenance. The sighs and moans of these longing hearts that pant after Thee can never reach Thy holy court, neither can the lamentations of the wayfarers that thirst to appear before Thy face attain Thy seat of glory.

And since the portals of knowledge and attainment unto that Ancient Being were barred and forbidden, through sheer bounty and grace, in every age and epoch, He caused the Sun of His loving-kindness to shine forth from the dayspring of generosity and mercy upon all things, and chose from amongst His creatures that Beauty of the Glory of His Oneness, investing Him with the robe of distinction and setting Him apart for the purpose of His Mission, that He might guide all existence by the crystal waters of the inexhaustible river and the incomparable stream of holiness, so that all the atoms of creation might be purified and sanctified from the defilements of heedlessness and passion, and attain unto the sovereignty of the glory of reunion with Him, which is the station of everlasting holiness. He is the Primal Mirror, the Ancient Light, the Hidden Manifestation, the Perfect Word - the complete revelation and concealment of the King of Oneness. He has commanded all creation to obey Him, which is identical with obedience to God. The waves of the seas of Names surge forth at His bidding, and the manifestations of divine attributes shine forth at His command. The knowledge of all beings and the attributes of all things possible, from the beginning that has no beginning to the end that has no end, return unto this station. None can transcend or rise beyond this exalted station - the station of recognition and attainment unto that Sun of Oneness and Daystar of Truth - for it is clearly impossible to reach the Unknowable Essence. Thus do the waves of that hidden Ocean surge in this divine Manifestation, and the rays of that invisible Sun shine forth from the horizon of this holy and eternal Dawn without any intimation. He has established these Dawning-Places that have risen from the Morn of Oneness with such clear proof that none besides these holy Manifestations could produce the like thereof, leaving no room for rejection or objection. For divine proof and heavenly evidence would not be complete for human beings without clear proof and manifest evidence. However, the specific nature of that proof - whether revealed verses, apparent signs, or otherwise - has been and always will be dependent on the will of that King of Divine Will alone, and not contingent upon any other.

O ye who seek the holy and eternal atmosphere of divine nearness! With complete determination and perfect striving, beseech the King of Bounty and Sovereign of existence that He may not, through the surging waves of His grace and favor, deprive the thirsty ones of His endless Salsabil and matchless Tasnim. For all infinite stations of knowledge and the ultimate fruit of human existence is to reach this lofty and most exalted station and this glorious and most resplendent rank. Strive then to free yourselves from negation and its manifestations which today encompass the world, that ye may attain unto the root of the exalted and blessed Tree of Affirmation - for this is complete salvation and its essence, the reality of triumph and its beginning and end. Furthermore, that Sun of Unity and Sovereign of Reality must be recognized through the dawning rays of light that shine forth from that Essence of Oneness. For that Primal Being is self-subsistent and self-known, and His proof shines forth from His very Self. The proof of the sun is the light of the sun itself, which shines forth, rises, and illumines from the sun itself. Likewise, all servants are commanded to recognize that Sun of Oneness by His own Self. In this station, neither the rejection and turning away of the servants, nor their acceptance and drawing near, constitutes proof or evidence for anyone.

O thou who believest in God! In every Revelation, fix thy gaze upon the Revelation itself and upon the manifest expressions that proceed from it, lest thou stray from the divine path. Consider man, for instance: if thou knowest him by his own self, thou wilt recognize him in whatsoever garment he may appear. But if thou lookest only to his garment and raiment, then each time his garment is renewed thou wilt remain veiled from recognizing him and be debarred therefrom. Therefore, lift thy gaze above earthly limitations, worldly conditions, and the manifestations of names, and fix it upon the essence of Revelation itself, lest at the time of its appearance thou remain veiled from the Tree itself, and all thy deeds and actions become null and void, and thou turn from affirmation to denial while remaining unaware of it. God forbid! O people of the Bayan! Be watchful that ye may recognize the Revelation by itself and by what appeareth from it, not by aught else, for naught else will avail you, even if it be all who are in the heavens and on earth. This is the best counsel I give unto you, if ye be of them that accept it. Therefore, purify the eyes of both the seen and the unseen from turning toward aught save God, that ye may attain unto His Beauty in every Revelation and be blessed with His presence, which is identical with the presence of God. This is a truth which no utterance hath preceded and which no falsehood shall follow. It hath ever shone, and will continue to shine, like a resplendent lamp in the niche of words. How well is it with the soul that is illumined by the lights of this holy and eternal radiance! Well is it with them that comprehend.

Accordingly, today at table we will refer to explanations of traditional arguments drawn from the sacred scriptures, for all that we have spoken of thus far have been rational arguments.

Since this is the station of searching after truth and seeking the knowledge of the real—that station wherein the sore athirst longs for the water of life and the struggling fish reaches the sea, wherein the ailing soul seeks the true physician and partakes of divine healing, wherein the lost caravan finds the path of truth and the aimless and wandering ship attains the shore of salvation—the seeker must therefore be endowed with certain attributes. First, he must be fair-minded and detached from all save God. His heart must be entirely directed towards the Supreme Horizon and freed from the bondage of vain and selfish desires, for these are obstacles on the path. Furthermore, he must endure every tribulation, embody the utmost purity and sanctity, and renounce the love or hatred of all the peoples of the world, lest his love for one thing hinder him from investigating another, or his hatred for something prevent him from discerning its truth. This is the station of search, and the seeker must be endowed with these qualities and attributes—that is, until he attains this station it will be impossible for him to gain the knowledge of the Sun of Truth.

Let us return to our theme. All the peoples of the world are awaiting two Manifestations, Who must be contemporaneous. This is what they all have been promised. In the Torah the Jews are promised the Lord of Hosts and the Messiah. In the Gospel, the return of Christ and Elijah is foretold. In the religion of Muhammad there is the promise of the Mahdi and the Messiah. The same holds true of the Zoroastrians and others, but to belabour this matter would prolong our discourse. Our meaning is that all have been promised the advent of two successive Manifestations. It has been prophesied that, through these twin Manifestations, the earth will become another earth; all existence will be renewed; the contingent world will be clothed with the robe of a new life; justice and righteousness will encompass the globe; hatred and enmity will disappear; whatever is the cause of division among peoples, races and nations will be obliterated; and that which ensures unity, harmony and concord will be promoted. The heedless will arise from their slumber; the blind will see; the deaf will hear; the dumb will speak; the sick will be healed; the dead will be quickened; and war will give way to peace. Enmity will be transmuted into love; the root causes of contention and strife will be eliminated; mankind will attain true felicity; this world will mirror forth the heavenly Kingdom; and the earth below will become the throne of the realm above. All nations will become one nation; all religions will become one religion; all mankind will become one family and one kindred; all the regions of the earth will become as one; racial, national, personal, linguistic, and political prejudices will be effaced and extinguished; and all will attain everlasting life under the shadow of the Lord of Hosts.

Now, one must prove the advent of these twin Manifestations by reference to the sacred scriptures and by inference from the sayings of the Prophets. For our intention now is to provide arguments drawn from the sacred scriptures, since rational arguments establishing the truth of these two Manifestations were presented at table a few days ago.

Rest you assured that the breathings of the Holy Spirit will loosen your tongue. Speak, therefore; speak out with great courage at every meeting. When you are about to begin your address, turn first to Bahá’u’lláh and ask for the confirmations of the Holy Spirit, then open your lips and say whatever is suggested to your heart; this, however, with the utmost courage, dignity and conviction.

O dear friend! In these days I am determined to journey to the western lands, that perchance in servitude at the threshold of the One God I may draw a breath, and by the power of the arm of divine confirmation I may break a cage and achieve some measure of flight.

This blessed verse means therefore that good deeds alone, without the recognition of God, cannot lead to eternal redemption, to everlasting success and salvation, and to admittance into the Kingdom of God.

Therefore do thou not behold thine own capability and ability; nay, during the hour that thou art teaching the Cause of God, turn thy face towards the Kingdom of Abha, beg for divine confirmations and with the utmost confidence and power open thy tongue and speak out boldly all that with which thy heart is inspired.

Open ye the eloquent tongues and day and night consult with each other regarding the promotion of the Cause of God, so that in the end you may crown your heads with this diadem and carrying in your hands the swords of light, ye may conquer the kingdoms of the hearts'.

We counsel thee to show forth the Greater Steadfastness in this Cause whereby the foundations of existence were shaken, save for those who held fast to the hem of the protection of their Lord, the All-Informed.

Be not like the heedless Shi'ih party who would first lament from the pulpit the oppression of the Letters of the Furqan, and then at the end would curse the Chief of those Letters and decree His death.

If thou wouldst in truth observe with the eye of fairness that which We have mentioned, and hearken with the ear of justice, thou wouldst utter "I have returned unto Thee, O Lord of the worlds," detached from all peoples.

Pure hearts, illumined eyes and sanctified souls must at all times gaze toward the horizon of the Cause, not toward the deeds and words of pretenders and liars.

Share in gatherings those utterances which thou didst hear from the Primal Point in His presence, that perchance they may recognize the station which most of the servants have failed to perceive.

Now behold how these united statements, which outwardly appear different and contradictory, can be comprehended by these weak servants and let them drink from the crystal waters of inner meanings that flow from the streams of divine utterances. There is no doubt that none shall attain save those possessed of pure hearts, illumined breasts, penetrating vision, sanctified souls, attentive ears and assured hearts - except such souls as are touched by the breezes of divine favor.

The purpose is this: many souls, in the very midst of nearness, are deprived of attainment, while many souls who are outwardly remote attain to the waters of reunion. This is from the bounty of thy Lord, the Giver, the Mighty, the Generous. Blessed is the soul that hath attained both, detached from all save His good-pleasure and annihilated in the good-pleasure of his Lord.

Were the servants to perceive the sweetness of the divine call and recognize the greatness of the Source of the Word, all would turn unveiled toward the Lord of Lords.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon all today to conquer the strongholds of heedless souls through proof, evidence, mention and utterance, and to bestow fresh eternal life upon moldering bones through His remembrance.

This pertains to the outward realm; in the inward realm, whosoever hath acted according to the divine commandments and held fast to the Most Holy Book which hath been sent down from the holy Kingdom, is reckoned before God as one of the people of the divine presence.

In gratitude for these bounties and bestowals, then, it behoveth us to forget all things in our yearning for the love of the Blessed Beauty and, with all our power and strength, centre our thoughts and words on teaching the Cause of God and diffusing the divine fragrances.

The parable of these three principles is like the Sacred Precinct, the Mosque, and the Ka'bah. Whoever enters the Sacred Precinct is safe from creation; whoever enters the Mosque, their limbs are protected from being used in disobedience; whoever enters the Ka'bah, their heart is protected from being occupied with other than God.

You must teach the loved ones of God and announce that whatever this servant writes about himself is the truth, and it is the duty of all to follow it without interpretation or explanation.

The foundation of steadfastness and firmness lies in this: love and detachment from the promptings of self, pure intention in the divine Cause, severance from all else that exists, and persistence in prostration.

The time hath come when, as a thank-offering for this bestowal, ye should grow in faith and constancy as day followeth day, and should draw ever nearer to the Lord, your God, becoming magnetized to such a degree, and so aflame, that your holy melodies in praise of the Beloved will reach upward to the Company on high; and that each one of you, even as a nightingale in this rose garden of God, will glorify the Lord of Hosts, and become the teacher of all who dwell on earth.

O seeker after truth! Purge and sanctify thine eye from the veils of the vain imaginings of the various sects, that thou mayest behold with the eye of certainty the manifest Light, and attain unto the station of true certitude, and hearken with the ear of inner consciousness to the melody of the Concourse on High, "Holy and Sanctified is the Lord of the angels and the Spirit!"

Abdul-Baha: "Anyone whom I send to a place in confirmed; anyone. One of them is Miss Alma Knobloch. God has confirmed her. In the beginning she was teaching in Stuttgart. Now she is in Leipzig."

The Bahai must first be informed of the Principles and teaching of Baha'u'llah, then go forth and spread the Message. It is like unto a soldier, who must arm himself with the buckler and armor, and then he enters the battlefield to fight against the foe. But if he goes to fight without arming himself, he will be defeated.

Today the outward ear and eye do not suffice, for most souls are accounted as deaf and dumb before God, though outwardly possessing both. Strive that you may receive your portion of God's infinite bounties.

O beloved! Be thou a physician to hearts and souls that they might receive their portion of the abundant grace on the Day of Manifestation, and that eyes might be illumined by witnessing the lights shining from the horizon of mysteries.

Arise thou at present in Paris with the power of the Kingdom, with a divine confirmation, with a genuine zeal and ardour and with a flame of the love of God.

First, before speaking, turn your faces toward Baha'u'llah, beg for the Confirmations of the Holy Spirit and then open your tongues and speak out whatever is dictated to your hearts. Speak with the utmost serenity, conviction and dignity.

The confirmations of the Holy Spirit are all-encompassing and the grace and gift of the Most Glorious Beauty are complete. Divine inspiration arrives and undoubted outpourings unveil their countenance.

I have spoken at length on this but I repeat that the teacher himself must be detached and devoted so that his breath may affect others.

In every sort of business, both spiritual and material, the success thereof depends upon the capacity of those attending to it. That is, unless one has the capacity he can not obtain the Favors of God.

To a friend who just entered the room the Beloved said:- "God has created in thee a great capability. Thou must expend this capability in the Cause of the Kingdom. If thou consecrate it to any other cause except the promotion of the virtues of the world of humanity, its results will be finite. If thou devote it to the spread of the Teachings of God and self-sacrifice in the path of God thou shalt become like a bright candle.

Do not look upon thyself and thine own capacity. When man is abstracted from the conditions of this earthly world and be released from the fetters of the world of nature and be quickened through the Breaths of the Holy Spirit he shall become very much confirmed, the divine powers shall encircle him; to such an extent that he shall remain himself astonished.

Therefore, turn thy attention unto God! Look upon the infinite Bounties of God. Do not look upon thine own incapability.

O thou maid-servant of God! Whenever thou art intending to deliver a speech, turn thy face toward the kingdom of ABHA and, with a heart detached, begin to talk. The breaths of the Holy Spirit will assist thee.

As much as you can, engage in guiding souls and strive to acquire divine sciences and arts.

O Ustad! Divine confirmation is thy companion and heavenly assistance thy strong support. Yet capacity is needed. Pure soil is required for the rain of mercy to bring forth flowers and sweet herbs, and a pure gem is needed to receive the bounty of the sun of the heavens.

O thou beloved maidservant of God! Whenever innumerable people enter the meeting and ask difficult questions turn thy face to the Kingdom of Abha, ask assistance, open thy mouth and speak with perfect courage and strength. The Holy Spirit shall confirm thee.

Because those early teachers possessed the "heavenly power". With that power they were enabled to carry the gospel into distant lands.

Now in this day the Baha'is are teaching the people with the same divine Power. They are baptized with the power of the Holy Spirit, have forgotten ego and are soaring toward the Kingdom of sanctity.

In the Spiritual Station you will never be without the Knowledge necessary to answer a question. With Spiritual food the capacity to know increases with the will to serve.

O thou who art turned toward the Most Exalted Horizon! For every path a guide is needed, and on every road a companion is required. If thou desirest to attain the gardens of the Most Glorious Kingdom, take as thy guide the sweet and life-giving fragrance of the flowers of inner meanings.

Through teaching the hidden forces of the hearts and the minds are unfolded. Teaching is like unto a candle which is lighted in the soul of man; it is the Fire of the Love of God. When this condition of enkindlement is obtained, man becomes entirely unconscious and his words will penetrate through the rock.

"To teach by words requires the skill of a wise physician. He does not offer help to those who do not want treatment. Do not press help on those who do not need your help. The work of teaching is not for all."

Among these is that you should interact with all people with the utmost love and kindness and truthfulness and trustworthiness.

The Bahai teacher of the Chinese people must first be imbued with their spirit, know their sacred literature, study their national customs and speak to them from their own standpoint, and their own terminologies. He must entertain no thought of his own, but ever think of their spiritual welfare.

O friend! As hearing ears are scarce to find, the pen hath for some time remained silent in its quarters. In truth, matters have come to such a pass that silence hath taken precedence over utterance and hath come to be regarded as preferable. Say: O people! These words are being uttered in due measure, that the newly born may thrive and the tender shoot flourish. Milk should be given in suitable proportion, that the children of the world may attain to the station of maturity and abide in the court of oneness.

O lion-hearted one! We beseech God that thou mayest become a champion in this arena, arise with heavenly power and say: "O high priests! Ears have been given you that they may hearken unto the mystery of Him Who is the Self-Dependent, and eyes that they may behold Him. Wherefore flee ye? The Incomparable Friend is manifest. He speaketh that wherein lieth salvation.

Consequently, strive as far as ye are able to send to those parts fluent speakers, who are detached from aught else save God, attracted with the fragrances of God, and sanctified and purified from all desires and temptations. Their sustenance and food must consist of the teachings of God. First they must themselves live in accordance with those principles, then guide the people.

When delivering the glad tidings, speak out and say: the Promised One of all the world's peoples hath now been made manifest. For each and every people, and every religion, await a Promised One, and Baha'u'llah is that One Who is awaited by all; and therefore the Cause of Baha'u'llah will bring about the oneness of mankind, and the tabernacle of unity will be upraised on the heights of the world, and the banners of the universality of all humankind will be unfurled on the peaks of the earth. When thou dost loose thy tongue to deliver this great good news, this will become the means of teaching the people.

And know this: whoever follows that pure spirit and engages in teaching and education will receive confirmations repeatedly and successively until he himself becomes amazed.

I beseech God that in a short time you will nurture the newly arrived ones of the Abha Paradise in truths and meanings, and tear away veils of idle fancies until each one opens an eloquent tongue and teaches others.

Souls must be raised up who are living books, who will present proofs and evidences, who will summon people to the divine law, and who must be characterized by such qualities as to become a magnet for spirits and an attractor of hearts through the grace of illumination.

In 'Akka, Mirza Muhammad-'Ali would hear me speak and would repeat my words exactly on other occasions but he did not understand that a thousand wisdoms and ingredients other than speech are necessary.

Convey the greetings of this Wronged One unto all the beloved friends in that region and call to their minds Our wondrous and exalted remembrances, that haply they may forsake the things current amongst them, may set their hearts on that which pertaineth unto God and remain purged from unseemly deeds and pursuits.

Ye are spiritual physicians and true sages. Men are afflicted with the maladies of ignorance and unwisdom. The ailment of each one must needs be determined, and then treatment administered with the healing remedy of the Most Great Name according to his capacity and measure.

And this must be done in a special way, meaning that if it is expressed directly without interpretation or allusion, it will cause anger in the hearts of the foolish and provoke increased opposition from the oppressors. Therefore, in accordance with "speak to him with gentle speech", gentleness and wisdom are necessary.

Say: O ye who are turned toward the horizon of guidance! Ye are the spiritual physicians and true healers. Ye must consider the requirements of the times, the days and the souls.

This news brought great joy, and it is fitting that each true believer who is characterized by knowledge and exposition should train others who will become the cause of guiding people and gain proficiency in establishing proof and evidence.

Send the report of that teaching gathering every three months so that it may be disseminated and become the cause of encouragement to others.

O students of Truth and pupils in the divine school! According to what is known, you are engaged in learning truths and mysteries in the gathering of meanings before the Teacher of Love, and are accustomed to burning away the veils of idle fancies.

In this Most Great Revelation most of the loved ones have been commanded to teach the Cause of the Lord of Names, that is, teaching has become obligatory upon all, so that perchance all the friends of the All-Merciful may attain to that exalted and most glorious station expressed in the words "Whoso quickeneth a soul is as though he had quickened all mankind."

However, all must observe wisdom in the matter of teaching. Without it, it is neither permissible nor allowed.

[What is the most effective way of presenting the Cause? Those addressed on the subject meet with so many tests. If one thing does not prove a test, another does.]

"The most important thing is deeds. Good deeds are accepted by all nations and religions. As to presenting the teachings by word, the teacher must be as a skillful physician to the patient. Adapt the treatment to the spiritual needs of the patient and do not prescribe for those who refuse treatment."

O possessor of knowledge, speak! O thou that hast sight, say not "unseen," and bear not witness to that which thou hast not attained.

Your intention is good, although until now the means for education have not been available. There is strong hope that by whatever means possible, the means for education will be provided. One who thirsts for knowledge - his education is not limited by boundaries.

Though the peoples of the world have lost all hope for this dawning light, those who are true spiritual educators will first arouse and stir their capacities before offering any bounty.

Regarding the passage from the Hidden Words, the intention is that if a person is not thirsty, no matter how sweet and pleasant the water may be, it will yield him no benefit. Therefore, first thirst must be created, then the sweet and pleasant water given to drink.

However, according to divine command, all must hold fast to the cord of wisdom. Therefore, if outwardly the friends of God were to openly engage in teaching, this would surely cause uproar and clamor among the heedless divines, and likewise cause disturbance in the hearts of certain friends who are mentioned before God. Before the martyrdom of Badi', these matters were in effect, and afterward the decree of wisdom was revealed with utmost clarity from the heaven of God's command. Blessed are they who raise its standards and preserve its reins.

And again, the divine injunction is this: that all the loved ones should utter no word that would cause fear among them that dwell upon the earth, or from which opposition to kings and the like might be scented. All must act with wisdom and utterance, and with perfect rectitude and soundness---wholly severed from corruption---so that in the lands they may be known, renowned, and mentioned, in the name of the Lord of creation, for righteousness and good order. Most especially should those who have returned from the presence of the Beloved conduct themselves, with outward and inward courtesy, and with the wisdom sent down, among mankind.

His blessed and exalted Word: "Indeed utterance is a substance that seeketh penetration and moderation. As regards penetration, it dependeth upon pure and unencumbered hearts; as regards moderation, it should be combined with wisdom as prescribed in the Tablets and Scriptures."

Know ye with certitude that those souls who are this day adorned with the ornament of love and are mentioned by the name of God, exalted be His glory, if they arise to serve the Cause - that is, if they engage in teaching the divine Cause with the utmost wisdom, speaking for God's sake and making mention of Him for His sake - they will assuredly transform the world of brass into a world of gold.

O My Name! Be steadfast in the Cause, then remind the people of that which the Spirit hath inspired thee. If thou findest one receptive, turn to him; if thou findest one who turneth away, turn from him. Fear not, but put thy trust in God, thy Lord.

O Ahmad! A prayer hath been revealed which, shouldst thou recite it, would kindle within thee such a fire as no power in all the world could extinguish. Yet wisdom forbiddeth its disclosure.

Today those who claim relationship with the Truth must be set ablaze with the fire of the Divine Word and speak such utterances among people as would attract their hearts and souls, so that all may turn to the horizon of certitude through the light of utterance and the fire of the love of the All-Merciful. They must not speak words that extinguish souls and disturb hearts.

He said, "I am not convinced, I am not satisfied."

I answered, "If water were offered to a thirsty one, he would drink and be satisfied. He would take the glass. But you are not thirsty. Were you thirsty, then you too would be satisfied.

O Rida! Teaching hath several conditions. Thus hath spoken the tongue of the Truthful, the Trustworthy. Whosoever desireth to teach, if he be bound for a destination, must sanctify and purify his outward being from all things of the world and his inward being from their remembrance. Thus must he be who would teach the Cause of his Lord, the Protector, the Almighty, the Powerful, the Omnipotent. His provision must be the fear of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise, and his armor must be his detachment from all else save Him and his trust in Him.

Until the divine friends drink from this spiritual cup, they will not be able to give others to drink. They must first drink themselves, then give others to drink.

If thou findest one athirst, be as water unto him, and if thou findest one hungry for the knowledge of God, nourish him with what We have sent down from the heaven of oneness - the eternal feast - that he may know and thank his Lord, the Mighty, the Powerful, the Wise.

Although that person is in a state of complete physical decline and inevitably has little enthusiasm and capacity for dialogue and conversation, yet the divine breath has another power and the merciful attraction another influence.

"The real teacher is the one who can teach the hearts, can open the spiritual eyes, ears and understanding, through the power of the Word.

Arise to serve the Cause with wisdom from Us lest sedition be stirred up and harm return to the root of the Tree.

It is incumbent upon the people of Bahá to strive, with the utmost patience and forbearance, to guide the peoples of the world to the Most Great Horizon.

When asked how this attachment is to be made, how the love of God is to be obtained since there are many people in the world who admit the existence of a Deity but without any emotion, Abdul-Baha said:

"Knowledge is love. Study, listen to exhortations, think, try to understand the wisdom and greatness of God...The soil must be fertilized before the seed be sown."

The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.

They speak for God, turn to God, and return unto God. The veils of the world have not obscured them, nor have the clouds of the nations held them back from what God hath willed. They are the dawning-places of the reformation of the world and the manifestations of the wisdom of the Lord of Eternity. When they observe fertile soil, they deposit the seed of wisdom; when they find ears to hear, they speak.

As commanded, I should convey to Your Honor not to forget the counsels given in person. You must conduct yourself with the utmost kindness and compassion, and call the people with wisdom, lest anyone act unwisely and cause disturbance among the weak ones. This matter is most essential. In the previous year, many acted unwisely and caused an uproar among the ungodly. By the life of God, had the friends acted according to what God ordained, you would surely have witnessed the earth transformed.

You must absolutely, most assuredly send knowledgeable, wise, detached and attracted souls to those regions in succession, for that field hath attained infinite capacity.

If the members arise completely detached unto God, attracted to the holy fragrances, sincere to Him in His religion, opposing the self and passion, and maintain compliance with the Spiritual Assembly of Tehran, it is certain they will be successful.

I hope that night and day you will strive with heart and soul, closing your eyes to all else, so that with a free heart and gladdened spirit you may pursue divine knowledge and heavenly mysteries, may become informed of divine proofs and aware of clear evidences, may open your tongue to guide souls, may lead multitudes to the shore of the sea of grace, and may illumine eyes with the light of guidance.

My point is to ensure you do not become well-known [as a Baha'i]. Teach by deeds only. Praise be unto God that your intentions are sanctified and that you desire naught save service to the Cause of the Almighty. This will indeed attract divine confirmations.

There is no harm in meeting with them, for they are sanctified - the colors and fragrances of the world have no effect or influence upon them. As the renowned mystic said, those triumphant, pure and tranquil souls are dry from the sea and cold from fire. They are kindled by a fire before which all the fires of the world are in truth cold and ineffective, and they have drunk of a water compared to which the waters of earth appear as a mirage.

At first, he should not confirm any claimant until the truth becomes manifest from behind the veils. Blessed is he who turneth unto it to serve God, to manifest His Cause, to exalt His Word, and to proclaim that which hath been sent down in His perspicuous Book.

Any matter which today causeth the people to shun, or which giveth rise to clamor among the multitude, or causes agitation of hearts and perturbation of souls - to engage in such is not permissible. All must abide in the calmness of God and His dignity, serene and assured.

Be vigilant regarding the Cause at all times and be mindful of wisdom in all matters. This is a firm command sent down from the Kingdom of the Ancient King. It is the supreme cause and the means of elevation.

Make wisdom a lamp unto thyself and walk thereby in the darkness of the earth - then wilt thou be of those who are secure.

In future, of course, certain people like Barakat'ullah will come to you claiming faith; do not believe them nor trust them, unless after critical examination, search and investigation, and a long period of waiting, they shall appear to be faithful and truthful in word, confident in heart, attracted in spirit, pure in intention, patient in hardship, enduring the most severe tests; then associate with them.

Forward ye, as soon as ye can, a few copies of every Tablet and epistle which is translated into the English and the books which are written by the believers, in this language, to the merciful assembly of Bombay and to his honor ... in Rangoon.

The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.

In any case, insofar as thou art able, with the utmost forbearance, wisdom, submissiveness and humility before God, teach the Most Great Name to all peoples and tribes and inculcate the Most Holy Name, that thou mayest breathe the spirit of life into the body of the world and bring a dewdrop to the farmland of the hearts of the peoples.

My longing exceeds yours, but wisdom requires that you exercise patience and forbearance and postpone your presence to another time.

O thou who speakest in praise of God!

The tongue must needs have remembrance and the minds must needs have thought.

The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.

Therefore, he was dispatched to be with you on the steamer and receive his portion and share of the divine teachings, so that by the time he arrives in India he may be fully prepared and enabled to teach.

But if he has not the capacity and one speaks to him always of spiritual things, it is of no effect.

One must speak with moderation and act with wisdom, that the heedless may be adorned with the robe of understanding and the sleeping ones may be graced with the ornament of wakefulness.

What is now required is wisdom, for people are immersed in the sea of heedlessness. If they gain even slight awareness, they will arise in opposition.

Thus have We inspired thee that thou mayest burn away the veils of idle fancy and be of those whom no hinderer can hinder and no servants who have opposed God in every age can veil, who have denied the signs of God. The Spirit be upon thee and upon those in thy household, both female and male. And if thou findest a pure heart, cast upon it what We have cast upon thee; otherwise, conceal it with the utmost concealment. This is My counsel unto thee and unto every patient and grateful soul.

Follow in his footsteps and strive day and night to memorize the divine proofs and the verses and evidences that demonstrate the manifestation of the Hidden Mystery, so that thy speech may become eloquent and the confirmations of the Spirit may reach thee.

O friends of 'Abdu'l-Baha! The exaltation of man lies in his comprehension of universal meanings, and power lies in bearing the Most Great Trust, and the incisive sword is the brilliant proof and clear evidence that issues from the mouth of the Word of God.

O Ahmad! Praised be the Lord of all desires that thou hast entered beneath His extended shade and attained unto the gathering of witness, and hast been nourished by the fruits of the Tree of existence. Thou didst intend pilgrimage and didst traverse the way. Wisdom required thy return, yet thy intention for pilgrimage was accepted. Give thanks unto God. The ray of the sun consisteth of the union of light and heat, that is to say, two realities exist.

Be kind and considerate to all the religions and sects and show your genuine sympathy and respect toward all.

Whoever is enabled to teach today must be adorned with wisdom and blessed with patience, tranquility, submission and contentment, so that gradually the fragrance of recognition and acceptance may be diffused among the people.

When ye find good soil and become acquainted with it and what lies therein, deposit therein the treasure of the knowledge of God, the Most High, the Most Great. Believe not everyone who cometh unto you claiming to love you and your Lord, neither trust ye everyone who professeth faithfulness and sincerity.

He hath done well to desire thus. We have permitted him to turn towards the All-Highest Horizon with joy and radiance, but in all circumstances they must observe wisdom in such manner that it does not cause any disturbance. Verily, He is the Announcer, the Informer, the Answerer, the All-Willing.

If ye will trust in the Word of God and be strong; if ye will follow the precepts of Baha'u'llah to tend the sick, raise the fallen, care for the poor and needy, give shelter to the destitute, protect the oppressed, comfort the sorrowful and love the world of humanity with all your hearts, then I say unto you that erelong this meeting-place will see a wonderful harvest.

We should associate with all peoples and religions of the world with perfect love and oneness, for the Blessed Beauty says: "O people of Baha! You have been and are the dawning-places of love and the daysprings of divine grace and bounty.

It is of course a great sin to reject these Teachings, and it is our duty to persuade and teach people to embrace this Truth; But if they should reject it, we must bear it with patience, and we are to remain toward them exactly what we were before.

The fundamental purpose of religion as brought down from the heaven of divine Revelation is harmony and union among all people. O physician! Now consider how this pure and gem-like reality hath been clouded by the dust of vain imaginings and how, through the tyranny of the ignorant, things have come to such a pass that religion hath become the cause of hatred amongst God's servants.

The teacher, when teaching, must be himself fully enkindled, so that his utterance, like unto a flame of fire, may exert influence and consume the veil of self and passion. He must also be utterly humble and lowly so that others may be edified, and be totally self-effaced and evanescent so that he may teach with the melody of the Concourse on highâ€"otherwise his teaching will have no effect.

In these days, in one of the Tablets, this exalted word hath flowed from the Most Exalted Pen -- glorified be His utterance: "At all times, hold fast to that which will cause the exaltation of the Word of God. Goodly deeds and a praiseworthy character are the hosts of God in this supreme Revelation, and likewise are blessed and goodly words. These hosts attract hearts and unlock the gates of cities. This weapon is sharper than the weapons of the world."

Be thou a summoner to love, and be thou kind to all the human race. Love thou the children of men and share in their sorrows.

"In every land wherein they enter, let them be as the Water of Life for the thirsty, and a shining lamp unto those souls who, in the darkness of conjecture, have drunk from the spring of vain imaginings. We enjoin upon all goodly character: Kindle hearts with the fire of My love; then remind them of My beauteous remembrance.

The people need educators. Souls who are steadfast, firm, content and pleasing must at all times be occupied with teaching the Cause of God with perfect wisdom.

O thou maid-servant of God! The penetration of the word of man dependeth upon the heat of the fire of the love of God. The more the splendors of the love of God become manifest in the heart, the greater will be the penetration of the Word.

O thou servant of the sacred Threshold! It is possible, nay most easy, to please God, for if only one is pure in heart, His good-pleasure is attained; but to please the people is of the utmost difficulty. God Himself did not succeed in pleasing the people---how can thou and I hope to do it? Still, we should strive as far as possible, for "that which cannot be achieved in its entirety should not be discarded in its entirety".1

It is my hope that, through the infinite bounties of the Almighty Lord, thou mayest achieve both.

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This station is achieved through detachment and attraction, through effacement and evanescence, through love and kindness, and through peace and harmony towards all humanity.

May they associate with all people with utmost kindliness and teach the holy human virtues. May they consider themselves servants of humanity and regard themselves as self-sacrificing for both stranger and friend.

Consider every poor one a prince and know every weak one to be mighty strong. For though they may outwardly be without means, yet at the Holy Threshold they are servants, near ones: the poorer they are, the nearer they are, and the weaker they are, the stronger they become.

At the close of his talk, Abdul-Baha made a practical demonstration of his tactful love for the poor. In generous conformity with Baha'u'llah's teachings that "our words should not exceed our deeds," he left twenty golden sovereigns and many handfuls of silver with Colonel Spencer of the Army, so that the poor might enjoy a similar dinner New Year's night.

What is needed today is the sanctification of hearts and breasts from rancor and hatred. Blessed is the one who reclines upon the couch of ease while his breast is illumined with the light of love for all the peoples of the world.

And today it is incumbent upon all the loved ones of God not to be remiss for a moment in teaching the Cause of the Manifestation, and at all times to summon the people to the fountain of divine unity through goodly exhortations and gentle words. For if anyone today becomes the cause of guiding another soul, the reward of a martyr in the path of God shall be recorded in his book of deeds by the Pen of the Command.

In truth, if in these days one fails to gain his portion and remains deprived of the outpourings of the All-Bountiful, what else can bring him contentment and joy? It would be most regrettable should these precious times pass while one remains heedless. God willing, all the friends should arise with utmost endeavor to serve with full detachment, purity, fairness and consultation. First they must seek to remedy whatever they observe that causes division, and then engage in service with joy, fragrance and wisdom.

This time requireth a different effort and a different steadfastness. God willing, thou shalt be adorned with the new robe of divine favor and illumined by the lights of the Throne.

You must give up all differences among you -- differences of opinion -- and all work for the same aim. You must be qualified with divine attributes, so that the Word of God may assist you, so that the bounties of God may descend upon you. And know that without the help of the Holy Spirit you will not be able to do this.

They must become partners and sharers in sacrificing body and soul, and in that clime become of one color and one harmony in spiritual attraction and resurrection of spirit and consciousness.

A hundred thousand praises and thanksgivings be unto the Desire of all the worlds, for that He causeth His friends to rejoice through the fragrance of one another's love, and transmuteth sorrow and care into joy and gladness. One word, if it proceed from a heart pure and stainless, traineth the world of humanity and draweth it unto the Shore of the Friend. Unto Him be praise and gratitude in all conditions.

When the teacher delivers an address, first of all his own words must have a supreme and powerful effect over himself, so that every one in turn may be affected. His utterance must be like unto the flame of fire, burning away the veils of dogmas, passion and desire.

As to thy question concerning the husband and wife, the tie between them and the children given to them by God: Know thou, verily, the husband is one who hath sincerely turned unto God, is awakened by the call of the Beauty of El-Baha and chanteth the verses of Oneness in the great assemblies; the wife is a being who wisheth to be overflowing with and seeketh after the attributes of God and His names; and the tie between them is none other than the Word of God.

At first this servant gives sincere advice stating the truth, but when it has no effect I remain silent. Consider whether until now anyone whom I guided to something was harmed by it. No, by God! What better proof than this? Therefore whatever is said for the sake of God, the friends should accept with heart and soul, so that day by day they may succeed in drawing closer to the court of the All-Glorious.

Call your relatives to the shore of the sea of holiness with utmost love and kindness. Associate with them in perfect fellowship and gently remind them that the Bab (may my spirit be sacrificed for Him) has explicitly stated: "Beware, beware lest thou be veiled by the Vahid of the Bayan or by what was revealed in the Bayan."

O thou Divine youth! Thou hast ever been present in my mind, and at all times am I occupied with thy remembrance. The days of our meeting have not been forgotten. Thy countenance and character are ever before my gaze. From the Kingdom of Signs I entreat for thee Divine confirmations, that day by day thou mayest become happier and sweeter, and mayest delight thy palate with the sweetness of the love of God, becoming a cause of the constancy and steadfastness of the precious friends, so that the tree of life may bear a fruit, and the prayers of 'Abdu'l‑Baha may produce an effect.

Children should be trained through love. But if parents show them the utmost love without requiring of them good behavior, and thus make them feel that in any case the parents will treat them with love, such a feeling will lead the child to rebellion and disobedience.

As for you, pray meanwhile in behalf of the people--so that the forces of Peace may gain ascendance over the powers of war.

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

However, the teachers must possess those qualities which have been set forth in the Arabic treatise on conduct revealed by the Pen of God in Iraq. The purpose is that these souls should walk for God, in God, and towards God.

This simile is very beautiful but when a gardener invites a man to his garden first he will arrange all the flowers with the utmost elegance, beauty and art, then he will invite his guest.

For instance, when the studying of art is with the intention of obeying the command (of God) this study will certainly be done easily and great progress will soon be made therein; and when others discover this fragrance of spirituality in the action itself, this same will cause their awakening.

Today each one of the loved ones of God should be occupied with some pursuit whereby, in the course of their trade, they might be able to convey a word of truth to some soul and deposit a seed of divine love in the hearts of men.

Therefore, if it is possible, send to those parts teachers who are severed from all else save God, sanctified and pure. If these teachers be in the utmost state of attraction, in a short time great results will be forthcoming.

I am sending thee to India to accomplish certain definite results. Thou must enter that country with a never-failing spirituality, a radiant faith, an eternal enthusiasm, an inextinguishable fire, a solid conviction, in order that thou mayest achieve those services for which I am sending thee.

Then deliver the Cause of thy Lord to the extent thou art able, tarry not, and be not of the patient ones. And if thou findest thyself in such station that were the whole earth to be filled with impenetrable mirrors, divine rubies, eternal crystals and more besides, and were they all to pause in this Cause for less than a moment, thou wouldst detach thyself from them and regard them as though not one of them had ever been mentioned.

I hope that, with a divine strength and a god-like personality, with a heavenly guidance, with a divine attraction and with a spiritual zeal, thou wilt educate the people.

We need an army to attain victory in the spiritual world; mere plans are not sufficient; ideas and principles are helpless without a divine power to put them into effect.

Aside from all this, there is need of the stimulus of the joy of glad tidings in human hearts. Certain spiritual attraction is requisite in order that hearts may willingly take the step forward in the divine Cause. We must become attracted to God. The breaths of the Holy Spirit must take effect. Unless this is so, it is impossible for the teachings of God to accomplish in us.

Now place your trust in God and return to the regions of Iran, and engage in some occupation and become familiar with some work.

Both by example of deeds and words we must encourage the weak-hearted and comfort the sorrow-laden.

Expend your every breath of life in this great Cause and dedicate all your days to the service of Baha, so that in the end, safe from loss and deprivation, ye will inherit the heaped-up treasures of the realms above.

Do not remain withered, do not become dejected. Rest not for a moment, pause not for an instant. Be ever soaring, and always in humility and supplication.

It behooveth you to manifest from your faces gladness and joy that every soul may find in you submission and contentment.

Furthermore, convey greetings on behalf of this evanescent one to the friends and say: Today requireth a man of steel and a heart and vision that are illumined, lest he stumble in the Cause of God and be deprived of recognition and witnessing. Stand firm in the Cause through the All-Conquering, All-Powerful Name - a standing that all the world shall be powerless to prevent.

O true servant of God! Gird up thy loins, set firm thy steps, exert a mighty effort, and enter the plane of sacrifice. Be swift in the path of God and seek an abode loftier than the heavens. The fleet-footed charger is at the ready, the vast arena is beckoning, the ball of good fortune is in play, and the mallet of divine confirmation is at hand. It is time to spur on thy steed and carry away the prize from the field of play. "I do as bidden and bring the message." Make haste, make haste, for time is short and the minstrel’s melody is nearing its end.

In these years of tempest, revolution and turmoil, you remained protected and secure, engaging in service to the Covenant, as did other steadfast friends. Therefore, be assured that the confirmations of the Abha Kingdom will arrive successively, and you are under the protection of His Holiness the One.

Journey, O people, with your hearts and not your feet, for We have entered the prison by reason of that which the hands of the oppressors have wrought.

… Say: those who have forsaken their selves and journeyed towards God and entered paradise - the abode where the Beauty of the All-Merciful was seated upon the Throne of His Name, the Most Mighty, the Great - and were honored by attaining the presence of the All-Glorious, and the glance of God, the King, the Powerful, the Almighty, the All-Knowing turned towards them; they have, verily, attained unto all good.

This exile is more beloved than a hundred thousand homelands, for it hath come to pass in the path of God.

You too, after these blows and difficulties and hardships and trials in teaching the tribes, will arise with perfect strength, courage and sincerity and, confirmed by 'Abdu'l-Baha's supplications, will surely become successful and assisted.

O thou whose face is illumined with the light of the love of God! Be thou active and agile in the path of God, and wing thy flight to the celestial heights. Take on the ways of the righteous ones and become a servant at the Threshold.

Now return to India and occupy thyself with diffusing the divine fragrances among the diverse peoples. Divine confirmations shall surely encompass thee and infinite heavenly bounties shall unveil their countenance. In all affairs thou shalt witness the signs of the grace of the All-Forgiving Lord.

Service at the Sacred Threshold is the magnet of divine confirmations.

Teaching should make one full of joy and happiness. It will attract one, it will bring spiritual susceptibilities, it gives extreme happiness and joyfulness. One's own self becomes enriched thereby. Teaching the cause is the most important work in which anyone can engage, for in any other work there will not be such results as in this.

Under all conditions, occupy thyself with the refinement of souls. Verily He teacheth you, preserveth you, and aideth you through the hosts of wisdom and utterance, from God, the Mighty, the Bestower.

The essence of the matter is that whenever a holy soul is found, with no impediments, who can travel to other regions with the utmost joy and fragrance, you must not delay, whoever it may be. But the condition is that they must travel with complete detachment, utter supplication, and the highest spirituality.

It proved that thou art not reposing in heart, not still in body and not silent in tongue; nay, rather, that thou art ever occupied, day and night, in serving at the Threshold of the Beauty of ABHA; that thou art employed in teaching the Instructions and the Precepts of GOD, awakening the sleeping ones, rousing the negligent, satisfying the thirsty with pure water, and guiding those who have gone astray to the pathway of salvation. These actions are those which are in reality worthy of a beloved maid-servant of the Blessed Perfection.

Today the call of the Kingdom is the magnetic power which draweth to itself the world of mankind, for capacity in men is great. Divine teachings constitute the spirit of this age, nay rather the sun of this age. Every soul must endeavour that the veils that cover men's eyes may be torn asunder and that instantly the sun may be seen and that heart and sight may be illumined thereby.

Consider what service she rendered to the Kingdom of Christ! This is why she shines like a star in the eternal horizon.

Verily I say unto thee that if thou be steadfast in this Cause, and arise with all thy power to promote the Word of God in those regions, and exert thine utmost effort to breathe the spirit of life into the hearts of the righteous, thou wilt find thyself assisted by the angels of heaven and the hosts of the Concourse on high.

If his honor Shukuhi would travel to those areas in glory, that is with utmost sanctity and holiness in the garment of spiritual knowledge, it is hoped that results would be achieved.

Correspond regularly with them and, if it be possible, send teachers to those parts, who may likewise go to the association and spread the divine teachings. Only such souls should be sent, however, as are detached from the world, attracted by the fragrances of holiness, and distinguished by the utmost purity and sanctity.

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

Therefore give glad-tidings and joyful news to all Israel that they shall become manifestations of the bounty of the Glorious Lord.

Reflect that the harvests of existence are scattered to the wind by the tempests of nonexistence, and no farmer will yield a result or derive a benefit unless he first hath sowed the seeds of truth in the field of guidance.

Man must be lofty in endeavor. He must seek to become heavenly and spiritual, to find the pathway to the threshold of God and become acceptable in the sight of God. This is eternal glory -- to be near to God. This is eternal sovereignty -- to be imbued with the virtues of the human world. This is boundless blessing -- to be entirely sanctified and holy above every stain and dross.

For the teachers of the Cause of the Lord of the worlds, conditions have been revealed from the Supreme Pen in the Clear Tablet. God willing, thou shouldst, with thine eyes fixed upon it, turn to certain directions, that perchance those extinguished may be ignited by the fire of remembrance, and those frozen may be melted by the flowing waters of utterance.

Today every soul is commanded to invite the people of the contingent world to the Truth through wisdom and utterance, and to arise with supreme steadfastness in the Cause of the Lord of Names - an arising that no sitting down shall overtake and no cawing of the ungodly shall disturb.

From this it became clear and evident how much effect travel has, but on condition that the travelers be in the utmost detachment and attraction, just as Christ said that when you leave a city, shake its dust from your shoes. Likewise they must move with the utmost wisdom, not staying in any town more than a few days, and travel with wisdom.

The one in pursuit of anything must undergo difficulties and hardships until the object in view is attained and the great success is obtained. This is the case of things pertaining to the world. How much higher is that which concerns the Supreme Concourse!

When the friends do not endeavor to spread the message, they fail to remember God befittingly, and will not witness the tokens of assistance and confirmation from the Abha Kingdom nor comprehend the divine mysteries.

When a person travels for the sake of Commerce he will think only of the extrusion of his trade no matter what weather he encounters, but if his trade is not prosperous and thriving should he live in the most delightful climate he will not feel happy.

My sole aim in the education of these boys amounted to this: I hoped that after their graduation these boys will arise with the utmost severance, attraction and enkindlement in teaching the Cause of God and diffusing the Fragrances of God but none of them fulfilled my desire or answered my Call. Now I hope you will arise in the accomplishment of this greatest of all services.

Do ye not seek composure, look ye not after rest and tranquility. Gird ye up the loin of endeavor and work for the progress of the Cause. If you sleep, sleep with the idea that the Mysteries of the Kingdom of Baha'u'llah may be revealed unto you; if you awake in the morning, awake with the thought that you may inspire a pure breath in the Cause of the Blessed Beauty; if you walk, walk with the object that you may advance a few steps in the highway of the King of Kings; if you write a letter or a book, write with the motive of creating a purer state and a more spiritual consciousness in the hearts of the readers; if you deliver a speech let your words be so sincere and your manner so convincing as to attract the listeners to the Kingdom of God and if you undertake some work, think always of the glory and honor of the Holy Cause, first and last. Let the exaltation of the Cause of God be your supreme concern.

Like unto the lamps give light to all those who come in touch with you. Similar unto the sea be ye full of motion. Like unto the stars shine and gleam and similar unto the trees of the Orchard produce luscious fruits. Dedicate your lives to the service of the Beloved of Truth and sacrifice all your ambitions in the Path of the Merciful.

Every morning sing a new song and every evening think a new thought. Every day shed a new light over the dark minds of humanity and every hour cast a new joy in the minds of men. Let the pillars of the earth shake with the thunder of your voice and send a new reverberation through the columns of mankind. Summon the children of men to be enrolled in the Army of the Almighty and infuse a new life in the old and decrepit institutions.

The gates of heaven are open and the angels of inspiration are descending. Unlock the doors of your hearts,- so that they may enter and dwell therein. The ocean of spiritual Bestowals is heaving, dive ye in its depth,- so that ye may gather the flawless pearls of new ideals. Like unto the flowers of the garden be ye full of fragrance, and spread the perfume of Truth far and wide.

Teach the Cause through your lives and actions. Nothing will benefit you save this. Be ye wanderers and travelers in the road of the Blessed Perfection. Do not stay for a long time in any place. Illumine the dark corners of the world like unto the flame of a burning torch. You must so live and conduct yourselves that from every breath that you inhale great changes may be effected and when respired much benefits be accrued to others.

In short, O ye friends of God, O ye lovers of Baha'u'llah! Show ye an effort, demonstrate ye an exertion, enter ye upon the arena of sacrifice, think ye of the Cause of your Lord, offer your lives and identities at the Altar of Love; do ye not let the heavenly results of the martyrdom of the Bab, and thousands of the friends, the banishment of Baha'u'llah from country to country and infinite hardships and sufferings go to naught. Concentrate all your thoughts and ideals around the unique subject of the promotion of the Baha'i Teachings in every part of the world. Let no obstacle discourage you. The cohorts of the Supreme Kingdom are assisting you, the Seraphim of the Paradise of Abha are helping you, the Angels of the Abode of Peace are with you and the cherubim of the world of light have encircled you.

Lord! These are servants that have remained fast and firm in Thy Covenant and Thy Testament, that have held fast unto the Cord of constancy in Thy Cause and clung unto the hem of the Robe of Thy Grandeur.

'Abdu'l-Baha's supreme joy is in observing that a number of leaves from among the handmaidens of the Blessed Beauty have been educated, that they are the essence of detachment, and are well-informed of the mysteries of the world of being; that they raise such a call in their glorification and praise of the Greatest Name as to cause the inmates of the Fanes of the Kingdom to become attracted and overjoyed, and that they recite prayers in prose and poetry, and melodiously chant the divine verses.

O Lord! Make them signs of Thy mercy among all creatures and lamps of Thy guidance in that furthest shore, holding fast to Thy firm handle, drawn to the holy fragrances from Thy most glorious Kingdom.

Thou knowest, O my God and my Lord, that I complain not for myself, nor grieve for my own being, nor sorrow for my body, for on the day when Thou didst make Thyself known to me and made me drink the wine of Thy beauty, I sacrificed my spirit for Thy spirit, my being for Thy being, and my body for Thy body.

O Shoghi! I have no time to talk; leave me be! Thou didst say "Write", and I have written. What else should I do? Now is not the time for thee to read and write; it is the time to jump about and to chant "O my God!" Memorize the prayers of the Blessed Beauty and chant them for me, that I may hear them; there is no time for anything else.

O Lord! This is a servant who has turned toward Thy Most Glorious Kingdom, spoken in praise, turned away from desire, hastened to the shore of the sea of guidance, and drunk the cup of faithfulness.

May your eyes be opened to see the signs of the Kingdom of God, and may your ears be unstopped so that you may hear with a perfect understanding the Heavenly Proclamation sounding in your midst.

May your souls receive help and comfort, and, being so strengthened, may they be enabled to live in accordance with the teachings of Baha'u'llah.

I have believed in Thee and in Thy mighty signs, and have arisen, through Thy power, among Thy servants to assist Thy Cause and exalt Thy Word.

Enable him to intone the verses of divine unity in the assemblies of the detached and to chant with sanctified melody in the rose-gardens of Thy singleness.

But you, when you awake, must at once think of God and begin the day with an earnest desire to attain to the will of God and His good pleasure.

If thou desirest to know God's Cause in these days, purify thyself from all things, then arise from thy place, turn thy face toward God and say: "O my Lord! I am he who hath turned his face unto Thy face, the Everlasting, the Ever-Abiding, the Sanctified, the Luminous, and who hath detached himself from all things and entered beneath the shadow of Thy Most Great Mercy which hath encompassed the worlds.

At midnight, or at the early dawn, arise and commune and pray for help to the beauty of the Most Glorious One.

Thou art a servant of the divine threshold and art fully aware of the mystery of spiritual truth. Strive with all thy power in prayers and communions at the hour of dawn to increase thine alertness day by day, to strip away the misgivings that veil the people of doubt and lead them towards the Most Great Guide with the potent knowledge of God so that like unto a candle thou mayest illuminate every meeting with the light of recognition.

For this is impossible without the remembrance of God at all times and in all conditions.

It is this recollection and remembrance which brings reassurance to one's soul; it is this trust and reliance which dilate the breast.

One thing and only one thing will unfailingly and alone secure the undoubted triumph of this sacred Cause, namely, the extent to which our own inner life and private character mirror forth in their manifold aspects the splendor of those eternal principles proclaimed by Baha'u'llah.

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It is primarily through the potency of noble deeds and character, rather than by the power of exposition and proofs, that the friends of God should demonstrate to the world that what has been promised by God is bound to happen, that it is already taking place and that the divine glad-tidings are clear, evident and complete. … However, if the friends become embodiments of virtue and good character, words and arguments will be superfluous. Their very deeds will well serve as eloquent testimony, and their noble conduct will ensure the preservation, integrity and glory of the Cause of God.

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Indeed if the friends could seek, and exert themselves, to become 100 per cent Baha'is they would see how greatly their influence over others would be increased, and how rapidly the Cause would spread. The world is seeking not a compromise but the embodiment of a high and shining ideal. The more the friends live up to our teachings in every aspect of their lives, in their homes, in business, in their social relationships, the greater will be the attraction they exercise over the hearts of others.

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Teaching the Cause of God is possible under all circumstances, even through trade and commerce and through right conduct, as it is said that goodly deeds and a praiseworthy character are in themselves the teachers of the Cause. Therefore, any individual, in whatever profession he may be engaged, if he conducts himself in a praiseworthy manner and exemplifies human perfections, will himself become the sign of the propagation of the Word of God and will hoist the banner of the glory of the Cause.

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The thing which is most conspicuously lacking in modern life is a high standard of conduct and good character; the young Baha'is must demonstrate both, if they hope to seriously win over to the Faith members of their own generation, so sorely disillusioned and so contaminated by the laxity war gives rise to.

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The eyes of the people of the world are beginning to be focused on us; and, as humanity's plight goes from bad to worse, we will be watched ever more intently by non-Baha'is, to see whether we do uphold our own institutions whole-heartedly; whether we are the people of the new creation or not; whether we live up to our beliefs, principles and laws in deed as well as word. We cannot be too careful. We cannot be too exemplary.

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Indeed when we see the increasing darkness in the world today we can fully realize that unless the Message of Baha'u'llah reaches into the hearts of men and transforms them, there can be no peace and spiritual progress in the future. His constant hope is that the believers will conduct themselves, individually and in their Baha'i Community life, in such a manner as to attract the attention of others to the Cause. The world is not only starving for lofty principles and ideals, it is, above all, starving for a shining example which the Baha'is can and must provide.

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The believers, as we all know, should endeavour to set such an example in their personal lives and conduct that others will feel impelled to embrace a Faith which reforms human character. However, unfortunately, not everyone achieves easily and rapidly the victory over self. What every believer, new or old, should realize is that the Cause has the spiritual power to re-create us if we make the effort to let that power influence us, and the greatest help in this respect is prayer. We must supplicate Baha'u'llah to assist us to overcome the failings in our own characters, and also exert our own will-power in mastering ourselves.

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the friends of God should weave bonds of fellowship with others and show absolute love and affection towards them. This type of association will influence most souls and they will listen. When they sense receptivity to the Word of God, they should deliver the Message with wisdom.

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Today those who quaff the choice wine of inner meanings must at all times fix their gaze upon the horizon of the All-Merciful, and with the utmost steadfastness and wisdom bestow the Kawthar of utterance upon the people of possibility.

Catalogue reference: BH06035 · passage alignment is approximate; supplied wording retained.

"O thou seeker of the kingdom of God! If thou wishest thy speech and utterance to take effect in the hardened hearts, be thou severed from all attachment to this world and turn unto the Kingdom of God. Enkindle the fire of the love of God in the heart with such intensity that thou mayest become a flame of fire and a luminous lamp of guidance. At that time thy speech will take effect within the hearts, through the confirmation of the Holy Spirit."

Catalogue reference: AB03757 · passage alignment is approximate; supplied wording retained.

Rest assured that the breathings of the Holy Spirit will loosen your tongue. Speak, therefore; speak out with great courage at every meeting. When you are about to begin your address, turn first to Baha'u'llah and ask for the confirmations of the Holy Spirit, then open your lips and say whatever is suggested to your heart; this, however, with the utmost courage, dignity and conviction.

Catalogue reference: AB09344 · passage alignment is approximate; supplied wording retained.

Thou shalt surely behold wondrous traces and shalt discover the signs of thy Mighty Lord. O maid-servant of God! The meaning which thou hast apprehended from my former statement is the real fact. It is the meaning of (my) statement; God hath strengthened thee therein and shall surely confirm thee in still greater than this.

Catalogue reference: AB01860 · passage alignment is approximate; supplied wording retained.

Dedication to the heavenly task, complete consecration to the noble mission, and living the life, are the qualities needed for success in the teaching field. These virtues attract the confirmations of the Holy Spirit, and thus the individual becomes the reed through which that Holy Spirit may confirm the seeking souls. (30 Dec. 1953 on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)

Supplied quotation · catalogue passage not verified