Bahá’í Sacred Writings, Bahá’u’lláh, #175
Addressing the nations, the Ancient Beauty ordaineth that in every city in the world a house be raised in the name of justice wherein shall gather pure and steadfast souls to the number of the Most Great Name. These souls, as they come together, should regard themselves as entering into the presence of God, inasmuch as this binding command hath flowed from the Pen of Him Who is the Ancient of Days, and the glances of God are directed towards that assembly.
Once in session, it behoveth them to converse, on behalf of God’s servants, upon the affairs and interests of all. They should, for instance, accord precedence to the teaching of the Cause, inasmuch as it is a matter of supreme importance, so that all people, even as a single soul, may enter within the Tabernacle of divine Unity, and all humanity may become even as a single body. In like manner, they should consider such matters as the refinement of manners, the preservation of human dignity, the development of cities, and the polity which God hath made a bulwark for His lands and a fortress for His people.
The teaching of the Cause of God should be considered with a view to what, in the particular conditions of each time and age, is most conducive to its advancement and, similarly, other matters; whatever is then decided upon should be carried into effect. Care, however, should be taken lest aught be implemented contrary to that which hath been sent down in the divine verses in this Revelation of imperishable glory. For whatsoever the one true God—exalted be His glory!—hath prescribed unto His servants, the same is to their best advantage. He, verily, is kinder to you than ye are to yourselves; He, verily, is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.
Should these souls comply with the prescribed conditions, they shall assuredly be aided through His invisible bestowals. This, truly, is an undertaking whose benefit embraceth all. Many matters, if not attended to, will result in waste and dissipation. How many orphans there are in the world who will be left to lead fruitless lives if attention is not paid to their education and training; and a soul that yieldeth no fruit were better dead than living. Consideration likewise should be given to rich and noble people who through infirmity, age, or some other cause, have become afflicted by poverty and abasement. Upon all these and other matters connected to the world’s affairs, these souls must, wholly for the sake of God, ponder and deliberate, and take whatever action is correct.
Were men to gaze with the eye of the heart, they would know for a surety that whatsoever hath descended from the Source of Command containeth naught but pure benefit for all the peoples of the world. All must become as wings to bear one another onward. Man’s true honour lieth in wisdom, understanding and an upright character, not in amassing earthly ornaments, in vainglory and conceit. All were created out of dust, and unto dust shall they return. O people of Bahá! Man’s true adornment consisteth not in the trappings of this world, but rather in recognition of the one true God—magnified be His might!—and in sciences, crafts and upright conduct.
Ye are the pearls of the Sea of Oneness! Consider ye the pearl: Its purity and fineness are qualities inherent in itself. Were one to wrap it in the finest silks, they would but hide from view its delicacy and lustre. Its beauty is within itself. Strive, then, to acquire this beauty, and grieve not at lacking this world’s material benefits.
O ye trees of the celestial paradise! Deprive not yourselves of the vernal breezes of God’s loving-kindness, nor withhold from yourselves the sweet savours of His holy words of wisdom. Such is the measure of His gracious providence that, notwithstanding the heedlessness of all and this most great affliction in the Prison of ‘Akká, He hath yet caused to flow from the Pen of the All-Glorious that which profiteth His creatures. He, verily, is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.