After a long wait, ardour can return. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá promises one friend exactly that: a fresh devotion, a spark whose fame will reach every corner of the earth. The images He reaches for are all motion and heat: a thirsty fish, a moth at the candle, a bird singing before dawn, a horse ready on the field, a torch that revives every company it enters. He Himself vows not to rest a second while life lasts in His body. Yet the same voice asks that effort be shaped by understanding and by regeneration of the heart, so that fire gives life like April wind and rain rather than scorching. The Buddha’s counsel to Sona, that a lute sounds only when its strings are neither overstrained nor slack, puts the question of balance in a musician’s terms [1]. What does enthusiasm awaken in others, how does it learn when its first methods fail, and what keeps it generous over years? Those questions lead on to courage and confidence, to the meaning of devotion and sacrifice, and to the inner preparation that makes service fruitful.
I entertain the firm hope that, through the bountiful favor of the Ever-Living, the All-Powerful, this long wait of thine will culminate in a new effulgence: that is, that thou wilt discover a fresh ardor and devotion, and wilt kindle such a spark that the fame of thy love shall reach all quarters of the globe.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Aug-01, to Aqa Ali Asghar Rashti -- AB08565)
02
Be thou like a thirsty fish seeking the sweet and flowing waters. Be thou a burning moth seeking the light-giving candle. Be thou a sugar-eating parrot seeking refined candy. Be thou an early-rising bird striking heart-burning melodies.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1894 ca., to Aqa Muhammad Husayn son of Pir-i Rawhani -- AB04833)
03
Be swift in the path of God and aim for a station higher than the heavens.
The swift steed is ready and the vast arena is present. The ball of fortune exists and the polo stick of grace is in hand. It is time for galloping and seizing the ball from the field.
He was truly on fire, driven by restive love. With great fervor he would pass through a country, bringing this best of all messages and reviving the hearts. He flamed like a torch in every company, he was the star of every assemblage, to all who came he held out the intoxicating cup.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tadhkiratu'l-Vafa (Memorials of the Faithful), 1916-Mar-25 -- AB00002)
05
Like a blazing furnace they were in constant combustion and like the birds of the garden of the All-Merciful they sang with the most wondrous melodies.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Aug-13, to Tarazullah Samandari -- AB00323)
06
Although these matters are not worthy of mention, yet his zeal in the Cause of God is great, and the arrival of visitors and guests is numerous.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306 ? [1888-1889], to Siyyid Mihdi Dahaji et al -- BH03039)
07
The more the mention of God and the Cause of God is made, the greater will become his spirituality, his attraction and enkindlement; otherwise he will become dry and withered.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Mirza Fazlollah Khan, spoken on 1915-Feb-10 -- ABU2185)
08
The friends must surely appreciate the value of these days and rise to serve the Faith with all their energy. Let them create a stir about them and rise with enthusiasm to spread the grace of God, mingling milk and honey, musk and ambergris to perfume the far-flung regions of the world.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903 ca., to Muhammad Husayn -- AB09857)
09
Cast aside patience and tranquility and associate with both friend and stranger with an eloquent tongue and a heart aflame.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903 ca., to Siyyid Abidin father of Siyyid Ibrahim -- AB03347)
10
One must arise to spread the word of God with a supernatural force and energy. I shall not rest one second as long as life lasts in this body. I will not seek comfort for one moment.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on final evening of Western trip on board the Himalaya on 1913-Jun-16 -- ABU0944)
11
O ye two lovers of the Beauty of ABHA! Ere long the Word of God will display a wonderful influence and finally that region (America) will become the paradise of ABHA. Consequently, strive ye bravely that this aim may be accomplished in the near future. Striving means this: Ye must live and move according to the divine commands and behests, be united in loving with ecstasy and joy; do not take any rest but engage continually in the service of the Cause of God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1906-Jul-19, to Goodfellow, Jenny et al -- AB04003)
12
Write, speak, and summon the people to the direction of the Lord of the worlds with such fervor and attraction as shall set them all ablaze.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1293? [1875-1876], to Muhammad-Ali -- BH01231)
13
In your love for God and your attachment to 'Abdu'l-Baha, accept ye every tribulation, every sorrow. Endure the aggressor's taunts, put up with the enemy's reproaches. Follow in the footsteps of 'Abdu'l-Baha, and in the pathway of the Abha Beauty, long at every moment to give up your lives. Shine out like the daystar, be unresting as the sea; even as the clouds of heaven, shed ye life upon field and hill, and like unto April winds, blow freshness through those human trees, and bring them to their blossoming.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1905-Jan-03, to Baha'is of the United States et al -- AB00027)
Further quotations · supplied wording and references
14
having obtained a clear understanding of the true character of our mission, the methods to adopt, the course to pursue, and having attained sufficiently the individual regeneration -- the essential requisite of teaching -- let us arise to teach His Cause with righteousness, conviction, understanding and vigor. Let this be the paramount and most urgent duty of every Baha'i. Let us make it the dominating passion of our life.
BA.069, Ruhi6.2.9 (24 Nov. 1924)
Supplied quotation · catalogue passage not verified
Sentence boundary needs source review; the supplied wording is retained.
15
The friends must certainly explore new channels and have more audacity, if they are to get anywhere in adding to their numbers.
COC#1999 (6 Oct. 1956 on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)
Supplied quotation · catalogue passage not verified
16
The Teaching of the Faith is dependent on the individual and his effort. When the individual arises with enthusiasm, with full dedication and consecration, and allows nothing to deter him; then results will be achieved....
COC#2004 (17 Dec. 1956 on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)
Supplied quotation · catalogue passage not verified
Sentence boundary needs source review; the supplied wording is retained.