[ p. 85 ]
“Association (intercourse) is always conducive to union and harmony; and union and harmony are the cause of the order of the world and the life of nations.
Forbearance and Benevolence . . . are as two lights for the darkness of the world; and as two teachers to lead nations to knowledge.
Good character is, verily, the best mantle for men on the part of God.
Gaze towards Justice and Equity under all circumstances.
Trustworthiness . . . is the door of tranquillity to all the world; the best garment for your temples and the most splendid crown for your heads.
Make not light of any matter, but speak in Truthfulness and Sincerity.
[ p. 86 ]
Refuse not to discharge the due reward of any one; respect possessors of talent; stain not tongues with slander.
Knowledge is one of the greatest benefits of God. To acquire knowledge is incumbent on all.
O people of God! Be not occupied with yourselves. Be intent on the betterment of the world and the training of nations.
Glory is not his who loves his native land; but glory is his who loves his kind.
Courtesy is the lord of all the virtues.
The deniers and contradictors hold to four words:
First: Destroying men’s lives.
Second: Burning the Books.
Third: Shunning other nations.
Fourth: Exterminating other communities.
Now, by the Grace and Authority of the Word of God, these four great barriers have been demolished . . . and God hath changed brutal manners into spiritual qualities.
Certain laws and principles are necessary and indispensable for Persia; but it is suitable that these should be accomplished in accord with the wish of the Shah, the eminent doctors, and the great State authorities.
[ p. 87 ]
The fear of God is the real guardian and the ideal protector. Flee from that which is redolent of corruption (or sedition).
Those souls (mystic Sufis) have affirmed, concerning the stages of Divine Unity, that which is the greatest cause of idleness and superstition. They have, indeed, removed the distinction and have imagined themselves to be God. The True One is sanctified above all; (but) His Signs are manifest in all things. The Signs are from Him—not He Himself.
Consider the rays of the sun; its lights have encompassed the world, but these splendours are from it, and from its manifestations; they are through itself, but are not itself.
Schools must first train the children in the principles of Religion, so that the Promise and the Threat recorded in the Books of God may prevent them from the things forbidden and adorn them with the mantle of the Commandments; but this in such a measure that it may not injure the children by resulting in ignorant fanaticism and bigotry.
The trustees (members) of the House of Justice must consult upon the ordinances as they are outwardly revealed in the Book, and then enforce of these whatever prove agreeable to them.
[ p. 88 ]
Moderation is desirable in every affair.
Consider the civilisation of the people of the Occident—how it has occasioned commotion and agitation. . . . There has appeared an infernal instrument, and atrocity is displayed in the destruction of life. It is impossible to reform these violent evils, except the peoples of the world become united in affairs, or in one Religion.
Praise be to God. A wonderful thing is perceived; the lightning (electricity) and similar forces are subdued by a conductor and act by his command. Exalted is the Mighty One who hath made manifest that which He desired, through His absolute Invincible Command.
Each one of the revealed Commands is a strong fortress for the (protection of the) world.
A solitary life and severe discipline do not meet God’s approval. The possessors of perception and knowledge should look to the means which are conducive to joy and fragrance.
Deprive not yourselves of that which is created for you.
Charity is beloved and acceptable before God, and is accounted the chief among all good deeds.
The Reflective Faculty (or the Mind) is the depository of crafts, arts and sciences. Exert [ p. 89 ] yourselves, so that the gems of knowledge and wisdom may proceed from this ideal mine, and conduce to the tranquillity and union of the different nations of the world.
Under all circumstances, whether in adversity or comfort, in glory or affliction . . . show forth love and affection, compassion and union.
All the former and later Books of God are adorned with His commemoration and speak His praise. Through Him the standard of knowledge is planted in the world, and the Banner of Unity is hoisted among nations.
Knowledge is like unto wings for the being (of man) and is as a ladder for ascending. . . . The possessors of sciences and arts have a great right among the people of the world. Whereunto testifies the Mother of Divine Utterance in the Day of Return. Joy unto those that hear.
Knowledge is the means of honour, prosperity, joy, gladness, happiness and exultation.
He (The Bab) says in description of ‘He-whom-God-shall-manifest’;—‘Verily, He is the One who shall utter in all grades, “Verily, I am God. There is no God but Me, the Lord of all things, and all besides Me is created by Me! O ye My [ p. 90 ] creatures! Ye are to worship Me!”’ Likewise, in another place, speaking of ‘He-whom-God-shall-manifest,’ he says, ‘Verily, I (The Bab) am the first one of those who worship Him.’
Now, man must reflect upon the ‘Worshipper’ (The Bab); and the ‘Worshipped One’ (Baha‘u‘llah); perchance the people of the earth may attain to a drop of the Sea of Knowledge, and comprehend the Station of this Manifestation. Verily, He hath appeared, and hath spoken in Truth. Blessed is he who confesses and acknowledges, and woe unto every remote denier.”
Revealed by Baha‘u‘llah, at Akka.
Translated by Ali Kuli Khan.
“As to the meaning of the Cause of Baha‘u‘llah: know that whatever there is which has to do with the Universal Good, is divine—and whatever is divine is, certainly, for the universal good. If it is true, it is for all; if not, it is for no one. Therefore a Divine Cause of Universal Good cannot be limited either to the East or to the West; for the radiance of the Sun of Truth illumines both the East and the West, and it makes its heat felt in the South as in the North; there is no difference between one pole and the other.”