The eighth Ishraq

This passage, now written by the Pen of Glory, is accounted as part of the Most Holy Book:  The men of God’s House of Justice have been charged with the affairs of the people.  They, in truth, are the Trustees of God among His servants and the daysprings of authority in His countries.

O people of God!  That which traineth the world is Justice, for it is upheld by two pillars, reward and punishment.  These two pillars are the sources of life to the world.  Inasmuch as for each day there is a new problem and for every problem an expedient solution, such affairs should be referred to the House of Justice that the members thereof may act according to the needs and requirements of the time.  They that, for the sake of God, arise to serve His Cause, are the recipients of divine inspiration from the unseen Kingdom.  It is incumbent upon all to be obedient unto them.  All matters of State should be referred to the House of Justice, but acts of worship must be observed according to that which God hath revealed in His Book.

O people of Baha!  Ye are the dawning-places of the love of God and the daysprings of His loving-kindness.  Defile not your tongues with the cursing and reviling of any soul, and guard your eyes against that which is not seemly.  Set forth that which ye possess.  If it be favourably received, your end is attained; if not, to protest is vain.  Leave that soul to himself and turn unto the Lord, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting.  Be not the cause of grief, much less of discord and strife.  The hope is cherished that ye may obtain true education in the shelter of the tree of His tender mercies and act in accordance with that which God desireth.  Ye are all the leaves of one tree and the drops of one ocean.

The ninth Ishraq

The purpose of religion as revealed from the heaven of God’s holy Will is to establish unity and concord amongst the peoples of the world; make it not the cause of dissension and strife.  The religion of God and His divine law are the most potent instruments and the surest of all means for the dawning of the light of unity amongst men.  The progress of the world, the development of nations, the tranquillity of peoples, and the peace of all who dwell on earth are among the principles and ordinances of God.  Religion bestoweth upon man the most precious of all gifts, offereth the cup of prosperity, imparteth eternal life, and showereth imperishable benefits upon mankind.  It behoveth the chiefs and rulers of the world, and in particular the Trustees of God’s House of Justice, to endeavour to the utmost of their power to safeguard its position, promote its interests and exalt its station in the eyes of the world.  In like manner it is incumbent upon them to enquire into the conditions of their subjects and to acquaint themselves with the affairs and activities of the divers communities in their dominions.  We call upon the manifestations of the power of God—­the sovereigns and rulers on earth—­to bestir themselves and do all in their power that haply they may banish discord from this world and illumine it with the light of concord.