Quotes in Defense of the Baha'i Guardianship and the Covenant

 

Quotes in Defense of the Guardianship and the Covenant

Baha’u’llah

“If ye choose to follow Me, I will make you heirs of My Kingdom;”  Baha’u’llah.  The Most Holy Tablet, Tablets of Baha’u’llah, p. 14.

“Since the believers and the loved ones (of God) are like unto branches and leaves of this Holy Tree (Baha’u’llah) therefore whatever befalls upon the original stock will also befall upon branches, twigs, and leaves.”  Baha’u’llah.  Tablet to Al’vah-i-moba’rakeh, p. 343.

“Tell him, no one in this world can claim any relationship to Me except those who, in all their deeds and in their conduct, follow My example, in such wise that all the peoples of the earth would be powerless to prevent them from doing and saying that which is meet and seemly.”  Baha’u’llah. God Passes By, p. 133.

“When the Mystic Dove will have winged its flight from its Sanctuary of Praise and sought its far-off goal, its hidden habitation, refer ye whatsoever ye understand not in the Book to Him Who hath branched from this mighty Stock.” Synopsis and Codification of the Kitab-I-Aqdas, p. 27.

O SON OF DESIRE!

How long wilt thou soar in the realms of desire?  Wings have I bestowed upon thee, that thou mayest fly to the realms of mystic holiness and not the regions of satanic fancy.  The comb, too, have I given thee that thou mayest dress My raven locks, and not lacerate My throat.

Baha’u’llah.  The Hidden Words, Persian #79.

“Go not beyond thy limitation nor claim what is not for thee.”  Baha’u’llah.  The Hidden Words, Arabic #25, p. 141, The Baha'i Revelation by Thornton Chase. (#25, Arabic, The Hidden Words in The Baha'i Revelation by Thornton Chase does not correspond to the numbering in current volumes of The Hidden Words.)

“Regard men as a flock of sheep that need a shepherd for their protection.”  Baha’u’llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, The Revelation of Baha’u’llah, Vol. 3, p. 298. (Taherzadeh, Adib)

“No one has a right to depart from the ordinances of God and His precepts, and whosoever departs therefrom is verily of the transgressors, in the Book of God, the Lord of the Great Throne…it is incumbent upon all to hold to His right Path.”  Baha’u’llah.  Star of the West, Vol. 14, No. 2, p. 55.

“Follow not, therefore, your earthly desires, and violate not the Covenant of God nor break your pledge to Him.”  Baha’u’llah.  Baha'i World Faith, p. 68.

“To transgress the limits of one’s own rank and station is, in no wise, permissible.”  Baha’u’llah.  Baha'i World Faith, p. 100.

“The Hand of Omnipotence hath established His Revelation upon an unassailable, an enduring foundation.  Storms of human strife are powerless to undermine its basis, nor will men’s fanciful theories succeed in damaging its structure.”  Baha’u’llah.  World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. 109.

“…the effulgence of the world’s great Luminary envelop the whole earth, and its inhabitants become the citizens of one and the same throne.”  Baha’u’llah.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 6, p. 152.

“Whosoever interpreteth what hath been sent down from the heaven of Revelation and altereth its evident meaning, he, verily, is of them that have perverted the Sublime Word of God, and is of the lost ones in the Lucid Book.”  Baha’u’llah.  Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 130.

“Doth it behoove you to relate yourselves to Him Who is the God of mercy and yet commit the things which the Evil One hath committed?”  Baha’u’llah.  Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 54.

“…a Revelation so bewildering and challenging as this.”  Baha’u’llah.  Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 62. [Baha’u’llah is quoting His Epistle to the elected representatives of the world.]

“The Darkness of greed and envy obscures the light of the soul.”  Baha’u’llah.  Baha’u’llah and the New Era, p. 100.

“The world is but a show, vain and empty, a mere nothing bearing the semblance of reality.  Set not your affections upon it.  Break not the bond that uniteth you with your creator.”  Baha’u’llah.  Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, p. 328.

“Know assuredly that just as thou firmly believe that the Word of God, exalted be His glory, endureth forever, thou must, likewise, believe with undoubting faith that its meaning can never be exhausted.  They who are its appointed interpreters, they whose hearts are the repositories of its secrets, are, however, the only ones who can comprehend its manifold wisdom.  Whoso, while reading the sacred scriptures, is tempted to choose therefrom whatever may suit him with which to challenge the authority of the Representative of God among men, is indeed as one dead.”  Baha’u’llah.  The Baha'i Revelation (U.K. 1955), p. 51.

“The whole human race is encompassed with great, with incalculable afflictions.  We see it languishing on its bed of sickness, sore-tried and disillusioned.  They that are intoxicated by self-conceit have interposed themselves between it and the Divine and infallible Physician…they have entangled all men, themselves included, in the mesh of their devices.  They can neither discover the cause of the disease, nor have they any knowledge of the remedy.  They have conceived the straight to be crooked, and have imagined their friend an enemy.”  Baha’u’llah.  The Baha'i Revelation (U.K.), p. 74.

“Woe, great woe, betide him that opposeth and injureth Thee.  Well is it with him that sweareth fealty to Thee; the fire of hell torment him who is Thy enemy.”  Baha’u’llah to Abdu’l-Baha.  Guidance for Today and Tomorrow, p. 43.

“Traitors shall not usurp the place of trustworthy men, or spoilers occupy the seat of guardians.”  Baha’u’llah.  Baha'i World Faith, p. 199.

“Verily, we have ordained Thee the Guardian of all creatures.”  Baha’u’llah for Abdu’l-Baha.  Star of the West, Vol. 4, No. 14, p. 239.  Vol. 8, No. 13, p. 184. Vol. 9, No. 15, p. 175.

“The Great Being saith: O well-beloved ones! The tabernacle of unity hath been raised; regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch.” Baha’u’llah.  Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, p. 218.

Abdu’l-Baha

“Give My greatest love to Mr. Remey and say: You are very dear to me. You are so dear that I think of you day and night.  You are my real son.”  Abdu’l-Baha (1981).  The Diary of Juliet Thompson, p. 71. [Los Angeles: Kalimet Press]

“The line of descendants is divided into two kinds.  One is the physical descendants and the other spiritual.  One is born of water and earth, and the other is born of soul and heart. “  Abdu’l-Baha.  Ma’idiy-i-Asmani, Vol. 5, p. 161

“Although they belong physically to that lineage, spiritually they are not members of the family like Canaan who is not reckoned to be of the race of Noah.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 5,

“The branches (aghsan) are not limited to certain individuals.”  Abdu’l-Baha. Ma-idiy-i-Asmani Vol. 2, p. 76.

“I have come here with this mission;...that all may be seen to be the parts of the same tree,--the great tree of the human family. For mankind may be likened to the branches, leaves, blossoms and fruit of that tree.” Abdu’l-Baha.  Baha'i World Faith, p. 219

“O leaf upon the Tree of Life! The Tree of Life, of which mention is made in the Bible, is Baha'u'llah, and the daughters of the Kingdom are the leaves upon that blessed Tree. Then thank thou God that thou hast become related to that Tree, and that thou are flourishing, tender and fresh.” Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, p. 57

“…the embryo possess from the first all perfections…” Abdu’l-Baha, Some Answered Questions.

“Erelong, Thy Lord shall make thee a sign of guidance among mankind.”  Abdu’l-Baha in a Tablet to Charles Mason Remey, March 2, 1915.  The Star of the West, Vol. 5, No. 19.  (Original Tablet dated May 3, 1906).

“The hosts of the world, whether material, cultural or political are from every side launching their assault, for the Cause is great, very great.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 5.

“The Divine Gardener cuts off the dry or weak branch from the good tree and grafts to it a branch from another tree.”  Abdu’l-Baha, Last Tablet to America.

“...mankind has been created from one single origin, has branched off from one family. Thus in reality all mankind represents one family. God has not created any difference. He has created all as one that thus this family might live in perfect happiness and well-being.”  Abdu’l-Baha. Foundations of World Unity, p. 38.

“He [Baha'u'llah] has declared that each individual member of the human family is a leaf or branch upon the Adamic tree; that all are sheltered beneath the protecting mercy and providence of God; that all are the children of God, fruit upon the one tree of His love. God is equally compassionate and kind to all the leaves, branches and fruit of this tree.” Abdu’l-Baha.  Promulgation of Universal Peace, 1982 edition,  p. 230.

“One of the great events which is to occur in the day of the manifestation of that incomparable Branch, is the hoisting of the Standard of God among all nations; meaning that all the nations and tribes will come under the shadow of this Divine Banner, which is no other than the Lordly Branch itself.” Abdu’l-Baha. Some Answered Questions, p. 75-76.

“Now see: these events did not take place in the Christian cycle, for the nations did not come under the One Standard which is the Divine Branch.” Abdu’l-Baha.  Some Answered Questions, p. 76.

“The contingent beings are the branches of the tree of life while the Messenger of God is the rootof that tree. The branches, leaves and fruit are dependent for their existence upon the root of the tree of life.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  Baha'i World Faith, p. 364.

“To enter the Kingdom is easy, but to remain firm and constant is difficult. The planting of trees is easy, but their cultivation and training to strengthen their roots and to make them firm is difficult. Now as thou art a firm tree, thou shalt certainly grow and send out branches, leaves, blossoms and bear fruits. These branches, leaves, blossoms and fruits are the souls who may be guided, through the providence of God, by thee.” Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha, Vol. I, p. 204.

“Any soul who violates the Covenant and Testament the least degree, immediately he is cut off, even in this material world he will become afflicted with remorse and regret.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  Star of the West, Vol. 4, No. 5, p.88.   Vol. 6., No. 12, p. 94.

“The worst enemies of the Cause are in the Cause.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  Star of the West, Vol. 6, No. 6, p. 43.

“The objective aims of this Cause are the oneness of the world of humanity; universal peace; universal love; international co-operation, reciprocity; the promotion of the principle of human consanguinity of the Kingdom of God, first in the hearts of men and then upon the earth.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  Star of the West, Vol. 8, No. 8. p. 95.

“Carnal desires are the cause of difference as it is the case with the violators.  These do not doubt the validity of the Covenant, but selfish motives have drugged them to this condition.  It is not that they ignore what they do – they are perfectly aware and still they exhibit opposition.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  July 24, 1919.  Star of the West, Vol. 10, No. 13, p. 246.

“The tests of every dispensation are in direct proportion with the greatness of the Cause and as heretofore such a manifest Covenant, written by the Supreme Pen, has not been entered upon, the tests are proportionately severe.  These trials cause the feeble souls to waver while those who are firm are not affected.  These agitations of the violators are no more than the foam of the ocean, which is one of its inseparable features, but the ocean of the Covenant has surged and surged until it has thrown out the dead bodies – the souls that are deprived of the spirit of God and are lost in passion and self and are seeking leadership.  In fine, this froth of the ocean shall not endure and shall soon disappear and vanish, while on the other hand the ocean of the Covenant shall eternally surge and roar.” Abdu’l-Baha. Star of the West, Vol. 10, No. 14, p. 265.

“The violators are trampling upon their own dignity, are uprooting their own foundation and are proud in that they are upheld by flatterers who exert a great effort to shake the faith of feeble souls. But this action of theirs is of no consequence; it is a mirage and not water, the foam and not the sea, the mist and not the cloud, illusion and not reality.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  Star of the West, Vol. 10, No. 14, p. 266.

“Never be depressed.  The more ye are stirred by violation, the more deepen ye in firmness and steadfastness, and be assured that the divine hosts shall conquer for they are assured of the victory of the Abha Kingdom.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  Star of the West, Vol. 10, No. 14, p. 266.

“…the flattery and specious arguments of the violators who are outwardly with the greatest care exhibiting firmness but inwardly are engaged in stirring souls…through subtle means deceive the souls, for outwardly they assert their firmness and steadfastness in the Covenant but when they come across responsive ears they secretly sow the seeds of suspicion.”  Abdu’l-Baha Star of the West, Vol. 10, No. 14, p. 266.

“How many souls have sown in the Cause of God the seeds of sedition and intrigue but eventually their efforts were doomed to disappointment and failure and Truth hoisted its banner.  This breaking of the Covenant is likewise doomed to failure.  Like unto a mirage, soon it shall vanish and disappear.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  The Star of the West, Vol. 10, No. 14, p. 267.

“The magnet of the confirmations of the divine Kingdom is firmness in the Covenant and the Testament and all else save that is useless talk for by what can Baha'i unity be preserved?  Can it be preserved through the absurd and useless words of some people?  God forbid.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  Star of the West, Vol. 10, No. 14, p. 268.

“The Kitab-el-Ahd is not an oral communication; it is the mark of the Supreme Pen.  It has been revealed in order to preserve Baha'i unity, so that the souls may not every day set up for themselves an idol and establish a new center of authority and seditious men may not agitate.

“Glory be unto God!  Notwithstanding this some thoughtless and ambitious persons desire to turn away through their language and flattery the souls from the straight path and cause them to wander aimlessly in the wilderness of superstitions.  They have their liberty.  Whosoever desires may accept it, and he who refuses, “Verily, God is independent of all the world.”  Abdu’l-Baha, July 18, 1919.  Star of the West, Vol. 10, No. 14, p. 268.

“If by the diffusion of the offensive odor of violation, health is converted into sickness, of what use is existence?  Death and life are alike in that respect.”  Abdu’l-Baha, July 20, 1919.  Star of the West, Vol. 10, No. 14, p. 268.

“That which is most important is firmness in the Covenant and the Testament and otherwise Baha'i unity will not be preserved.  If Baha'i unity could be preserved through something else, undoubtedly the Blessed Beauty would have commanded it.”  Abdu’l-Baha, July 22, 1919. Star of the West, Vol. 10, No. 14, p. 268.

“Today the stirring power in the body of the world is the Covenant, and if this Covenant is made ineffective, what power will be able to stir it?”  Abdu’l-Baha, July 22, 1919.  Star of the West, Vol. 10, No. 14, p. 269.

“Loses the station of Branchhood” re: Muhammad Ali, the half brother of Abdu’l-Baha.  AND “These persons like unto Judas Iscariot, have for personal interests and financial motives, deviated from the Covenant.  They followed the people of craft and stained their hands with the blood of Christ.”  Abdu’l-Baha, July 22, 1919.  Star of the West, Vol. 10, No. 14, p. 269.    

“A hundred times it has been foretold that the violators are lying in ambush and by a certain means desire to cause dissension among the friends so that this dissension may end in violation of the Covenant.  Notwithstanding this warning, how is it that the friends have neglected this explicit declaration?”  Abdu’l-Baha, July 18, 1919.  Star of the West, Vol. 10, No. 14, p. 277.

“Now some of the mischief-makers, with many kinds of tricks are seeking leadership and in order to reach this position they instill some doubts among the friends that they may cause differences, and differences may result in drawing a party to themselves.  But the friends of God must be awake and must know that the scattering of these doubts have as their motives personal intentions and the realization of leadership.”  Abdu’l-Baha, July 18, 1919.  Star of the West, Vol. 10, No. 14, p. 272. 

“A rootless tree, no matter how tall and hardy it may seem, will ultimately wither away, and the ocean foam, however formidable it may appear, shall at last vanish and disappear.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  Star of the West, Vol. 11, No. 14, p. 240.

“Souls are still unaware of the power of the Covenant.  This testament is neither a tradition or a tale.  It has been established through the pen of His Holiness Baha’u’llah with the utmost firmness and undoubtedly if all the people of the world join in endeavoring to uproot it, they will all eventually fail and be disappointed.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  Star of the West, Vol.  1, No. 18, p. 307.

“A person deprived of the spirit of the Covenant is sentenced as dead.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  Star of the West, Vol. 11, No. 19, p. 319.

“I…am heart broken and sorely-afflicted because of the unfaithful.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  The Promised Day is Come, p. 14

“God in His infinite goodness has exalted us to so much honour, and has made us masters over the material world. Shall we then become her slaves? Nay, rather let us claim our birthright, and strive to live the life of the spiritual sons of God.” Abdu'l-Baha. Paris Talks, p. 109.

“This Tree of life is the Book of the Covenant.” Abdu’l-Baha. Baha'i World Faith, p. 429.

“Study the Tablet of The Holy Mariner that ye may know the truth and consider that the Blessed Beauty hath fully foretold future events.  Let them that perceive take warning!”  Abdu’l-Baha.  Star of the West, Vol. 12, No. 14, p. 231.  Tablet revealed during Ridvan, 1921 entitled, “O ye beloved ones, Guard the Cause of God!”

“Outwardly they appear as sheep, yet inwardly are naught but ravening wolves.  Sweet in words, yet at heart a deadly poison. 

            “O ye beloved ones!  Guard the Cause of God!  Let no sweetness of tongue beguile you; nay, rather, consider the motive of every soul and ponder over the thought he cherisheth. Be ye straightway mindful and on your guard.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  Star of the West, Vol. 12, No. 14, p. 231.

“Abdu’l-Baha did not rest a moment until he had raised Thy Cause and the standard of the Kingdom of Abha waved over the world. Now some people have arisen with intrigues and evil aspirations to trample this flag…”Abdu’l-Baha.  Last Tablet to America.  Star of the West, Vol. 13, No. 1, p. 22.

“The Divine Gardener cuts off the dry or weak branch from the good tree and grafts to it (the tree) a branch from another tree.  He both separates and unites.”  “This is that which His Holiness Christ says: that from all the world they come and enter the Kingdom, and the children of the Kingdom shall be cast out. (Matt 8:11,12).”  Abdu’l-Baha.  Last Tablet to America.  Star of the West, Vol. 12, No. 4, p, 75.

“Now is not the time – it is utterly impossible to establish the House of Justice…it is impracticable and not to be thought of; that is for a time when the Cause is proclaimed and the Commands have become effective.  Therefore now is not the time for the House of Justice, which must be established by general election.  Its mention is not permissible and its realization impossible.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  Baha'i World Faith, p. 411.

“This tree of life is the book of the Covenant.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  Baha'i World Faith, p. 429.  The Last Tablet to America.

“America will assuredly evolve into a center from which waves of spiritual power will emanate, and the throne of the Kingdom of God.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. 78.

“The embryo possesses from the first all perfections, such as the spirit, the mind, the sight, in one word, all the powers - - but they are not visible and become so only by degrees…” Abdu’l-Baha.   Baha'i World Faith, p. 313.

“For this Divine Covenant is an institution of the Lord.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  Star of the West, Vol. 8, p, 223.

“Everything (in the world) is subject to corruption; but the Covenant of thy Lord shall continue to pervade all regions.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  Star of the West, Vol. 4, p. 170.

“The Lord, the All Glorified, hath beneath the shade of the Tree of Anisa (Tree of Life), made a new Covenant and established a great Testament…Hath such a Covenant been established in any previous Dispensation, age, period or century?  Hath such a Testament, set down by the Pen of the Most high, ever been witnessed?  No by God.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  God Passes By, p. 238.

“Beware!  Beware!  Lest any one should speak from the authority of his own thoughts or create a new thing out of himself…His Holiness Baha’u’llah shuns such souls.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 451.

“To insure unity and agreement He has entered into a Covenant with all the people of the world including the Interpreter and Explainer of His teachings so that no one may interpret or explain the religion of God according to his own view or opinion and thus create a sect founded upon his individual understanding of divine words.  The Book of the Covenant or Testament of Baha’u’llah is the means of preventing such a possibility.  Be ye informed and cognizant of this…” Abdu’l-Baha.  The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 451.

“I am according to the explicit texts of the Kitab-i-Aqdas and the Kitab-i-Ahd the manifest interpreter of the Word of God…whoso deviates from my interpretation is a victim of his own fancy.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  The World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. 138.

“As to the most great characteristic of the revelation of Baha’u’llah – a specific teaching not given by any of the Prophets of the past it is the ordination and appointment of the Center of the Covenant.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 451. [The first definition of ‘ordination’ is ‘appointment’.  This cannot be the intended definition in this case because Abdu’l-Baha would have been redundant.  Ordination, in this case, means ‘to establish by law’.  Baha’u’llah made His appointment of Abdu’l-Baha as Center of the Covenant Law.]

“Today the most important affair is firmness in the Covenant because firmness in the Covenant wards off differences.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  Star of the West, Vol. 3, No. 14, p. 227.

“Today no soul has any station or enjoys any title except the soul who is firm in the Covenant and steadfast in the Testament who entirely forgets himself and is released from the world.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  Star of the West, Vol. 8, p. 218.

“I…am heart broken and sorely-afflicted because of the unfaithful.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  The Promised Day is Come, p.14.

“It is easy to accept a truth; but it is difficult to be steadfast in it; for the tests are many and heavy.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  Star of the West, Vol. 2, No. 9, p. 6.

“It is impossible to organize the House of Justice in these days; it will be formed after the establishment of the Cause of God.”  Abdu’l-Baha. Star of the West, Vol. 1, No. 10, p. 6.

“The hosts of the world, whether material, cultural or political are from every side launching their assault, for the Cause is great, very great.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 5.

“The assistance and confirmations of God which shall attend you in the future will be so great and magnificent that when compared with those already experienced will make them seem very little.”  Abdu’l-Baha to Charles Mason Remey.  Star of the West, Vol. 1, No. 8, p. 5.

“The elected members must…be contented with the income derived from their personal property.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  Universal Principles of the Baha'i Movement, p. 53.

“The hosts of the world, whether material, cultural or political are from every side launching their assault, for the Cause is great, very great.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 5.

“The people of darkness imagine that they can oppose (this Revelation); yet, ere long they they shall find themselves in loss and consternation.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  Tablets of Abdu’l-Baha, Vol. 1, p. 221.

“The Collective Center of the Kingdom, embodying the Institutes and Divine Teachings, is the eternal collective center.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 7, p. 194.

“If two souls quarrel and contend about a question of the Divine questions, differing and disputing, both are wrong, …must continue their discussion no longer, but ask the reality of the question from the Interpreter.  This is the irrefutable command!”  Abdu’l-Baha.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 7, p. 199.

“America will assuredly evolve into a center from which waves of spiritual power will emanate, and the throne of the kingdom of God will, in the plenitude of its majesty and glory, be firmly established.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  Tablets of the Divine Plan #11 – to the Baha’is of the Central States.

“We use the word “man” in English as applicable to both (male and female).”  Abdu’l-Baha.  Star of the West, Vol. 3, No. 3, p. 9 of supplement.

“Although they belong physically to that lineage, spiritually they are not members of the family like Canaan who is not reckoned to be of the race of Noah.”  Abdu’l-Baha.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 5, p. 162.

"Convey the wonderful Abha greetings to the believers. Chicago, in comparison with the cities of America, was in advance and numerically contained more Bahá'is, but when the stench (vile odour) of the nakazeen was spread in that city, there was a stagnation. The Cause in other cities of America is progressing day unto day, but Chicago is stationary. Therefore, strive that the sweet fragrance of the Testament and Covenant may become diffused, the nostrils of the spiritual ones become perfumed, the banner of "Ya-Bahá'u'l-Abhá" be unfurled and the tent of the Oneness of the world of humanity be pitched. Then ye shall observe that Chicago has become the Paradise of Abhá. These few nakazeen cannot accomplish anything worth while. The utmost is this, that they will be the means of the dropping of the believers of God in that city. A person deprived of the spirit of the Covenant is sentenced as dead. The dead surely disintegrate. Therefore, breathe the spirit of the Covenant and the Testament as much as ye can in the hearts, so that the souls may progress day unto day and obtain a new exhilaration. Upon thee be Bahá-el-Abhá! (Signed) 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbás.  Star of the West Vol. IV, No.10.

23^rd May, 1919. Tablet from 'Abdu'l-Bahá to Corinne True. "We have cabled Mr. Remey to postpone his tour for his presence, in these days, in America is necessary. In reality he has been and is engaged in the utmost power in service and I love him infinitely and verily he merits this love of 'Abdu'l-Bahá".

24^th December, 1919. From a Tablet to Mason Remey from 'Abdu'l-Bahá. "Thy letters have been received.............Verily thou art firm in the Covenant, art self-sacrificing, art the son of the Kingdom and dost deserve the confirmations of His Holiness Bahá'u'lláh. Consequently, 'Abdu'l-Bahá is highly pleased with thee and begs for thee from His Holiness Bahá'u'lláh limitless bounties. As a result of this glad-tiding fly on the wings of joy and raise thou the melody: Happy am I, blessed am I!"

20^th August, 1920. American Baha'i News. Vol. 11, No. 9 page 139. Tablet from 'Abdu'l-Bahá to Corinne True. . . . "Praise be unto God, that the model of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar made by Mr. Bourgeois was approved by his honour, and selected by the Convention. His honour , Mr. Remey is, verily, of perfect sincerity. He is like unto transparent water, filtered, lucid and without any impurity. He worked earnestly for several years, but he did not have any personal motive. He has not attachment to anything except to the Cause of God. This is the spirit of the firm and this is the characteristic of the sincere".

12^th December, 1920. Tablet from 'Abdu'l-Bahá to Charles Mason Remey. "O thou herald of the Covenant!" "Thy letters have been received and an answer has been written. Verily thou art firm in the Covenant, art self-sacrificing, art the son of the Kingdom and dost deserve the confirmations of His Holiness Bahá'u'lláh." Consequently, 'Abdu'l-Bahá is highly pleased with thee and begs for thee from His Holiness Bahá'u'lláh limitless bounties". .

28^th April, 1921. American Bahá'i News, Vol. 12, No. 3. page 58. Extract from a letter to Charles Mason Remey from 'Abdu'l-Bahá. ". . . His honour Mr. Remey, that luminous person and heavenly man, is occupied in service in Germany and Holland. He does not rest for a moment and does not breathe but to raise the call to the Kingdom of God".

T0 the maid-servant of God, Miss Mary Lesch, Chicago, Illinois-Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH EI-Abha!

He Is God!

O thou maid-servant of God!

            Thy letter was received and its contents indicated firmness in the Covenant.  Therefore, the hope is entertained that thou wilt be assisted under all conditions, for today that which is most important is firmness in the Covenant and the Testament and otherwise Bahai unity will not be preserved. If Bahai unity could be preserved through something else, undoubtedly the Blessed Beauty would have commanded it.

            In accordance with the Kitab-el-Akdas, which is the supreme authority and the Kitab-el-Ahd which is the last book of the Blessed Beauty written by His supreme pen, all are addressed in a clear and explicit manner.


First he addresses the Aghsans, then the Afnans and the relatives and finally the rest of the friends and bids them to turn their faces toward the Center of the Covenant. And the verses which have been revealed in the Kitab-el-Akdas ordering all to turn after His Ascension to "Him who is branched from the Pre- Existent Root" are explicitly recorded in the Kitab-el-Ah'd as having for their object the Center of the Covenant. And in another special Tablet the authenticity of which is admitted by everyone, it is recorded that if the center of violation whose proper name he mentions, deviates the least from the shadow of the Cause, he at once loses the station of Branchhood. How could it be more explicit!  Now it must be either said that the Blessed Beauty has done wrong and has led the people to error for he ordered them to obey a person who ought not to have been obeyed, or on the other hand it must be said that the least deviation from the Covenant and the Testament entails deprivation from the bounties of the Luminary of the world.  One of the two alternatives must be true and there is no third one to it. 

            In fine, Bahai unity cannot be preserved save through the Covenant of God. Today the stirring power in the body of the world is the Covenant, and if this Covenant is made ineffective, what power will be able to stir it ~ The statement which was made orally by His Holiness Christ to Peter-that "thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church"-this declaration preserved for a thousand years Christian unity. After the lapse of a thousand years, due to political questions, dissensions happened. Now, if this Word of Christ has preserved the unity of Christendom for a thousand years, consider what will be done by the Kitab-el-Ahd which has been revealed by the Supreme Pen. But superficial, restless souls, who at first were firm in the Covenant and have written epistles with reference to their firmness and detachment from violators and have considered them as outcasts from the Threshold of the Almighty- and these epistles are still extant-these persons like unto Judas Iscariot, have for personal interests and financial motives, deviated from the Covenant. They followed the people of craft and stained their hands with the blood of Christ. Be admonished, 0 ye who possess intelligence!

If at all thou art firm and steadfast in the Covenant, strengthen and fortify thy relationships with the Convention, and from whomsoever thou inhalest the odor of violation, avoid his company and keep aloof, that thou mayest remain safe and protected under the protection of the Covenant, and, like unto a candle, be ignited with the light of steadfastness.

            I am kind to all people and do not attack anyone.  I pray on behalf of all that all may gather under His divine protection.  This Covenant and Testament have been entered into by the Blessed Beauty and I have not taken any such part.  Let them answer Him and I have no objection.  My duty is to be kind to everyone; vengeance is reserved for the Blessed Beauty and not for myself. As I am kind to everyone, I mention only the good characteristics of a person and if a word is written, the intention is the setting forth of truth and the preservation of the relig- ion of God, so that Baha’i unity may be preserved. If any persons desire to up-set this unity, they are free and let them present their answers to the Blessed Beauty in the Abha Kingdom, should He address them as follows:

            "0 ye, my friends! Have I, through My Supreme Pen and the explicit verses of the Kitab-el-Akdas commanded obedience or disobedience? Have I not ordered the center of violation to obey and to turn his face (towards Him)? Why have ye turned away from My manifest and irrefutable Center'? I have given the command to turn your faces toward Him, how have ye turned away? Why have ye upset Bahai unity?"

What will they answer?

The friends must be very attentive and then whatever they deem advisable, they may perform.  I have nothing to impose.  In America, no doubt whatever call is proclaimed, ambitious and thoughtless souls will be found to support it for a time. Even at Green Acre it has been remarked that one of the inhabitants of Malta was summoning men to excessive hunger [fasting] and used to receive pay for it. Notwithstanding this, some souls gathered around him and from hunger they seemed dead yet would pay to that man...”  Abdu’l-Baha Abbas.  Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Acca, Palestine, July 22, 1919.  Star of the West, Vol. 10, No. 14, pp. 268-270.

To the maid-servant of God, Norma Wilson, Chicago, Illinois-Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!

He Is God!

o thou daughter of the Kingdom!


Thy letter was received. It was like the melody of the divine nightingale, the twittering of which gladdens the hearts. This is because its contents indicated faith, assurance and firmness in the Covenant and the Testament. Today the stirring power of the world of existence is the power of the Covenant which like unto arteries pulsates in the body of the contingent world and protects Bahai unity.

The Bahais are ordered to establish the oneness of mankind; if they cannot unite around one point how will they be able to bring about the unity of mankind?

The purpose of the Blessed Beauty in entering into this Covenant and Testament was to gather all the existent beings around one point so that the thoughtless souls, who in every cycle and generation have been the cause of dissension, may not undermine the Movement.  He has, therefore, commanded that whatever emanates from the Center of the Covenant is right and is under His protection and favor, while everything else is error.

Praise be to God, thou art firm in the Covenant and the Testament.

Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha! (Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.

(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Haifa. Palestine; July 18th, 1919)

Star of the West, Vol. 10, No. 14, p. 272)

Abdu’l-Baha’s Last Tablet to America [where Abdu’l-Baha warns the Baha’is to avoid violators of the Covenant.  He explains how a new branch is grafted onto the tree, which fulfills prophecy.]

To all the friends of God in America – the Glory of God rest upon them

He is God!

O ye friends of God!

‘Abdu’l-Baha is day and night thinking of you and mentioning you, for the friends of God are dear to Him. Every morning at dawn I supplicate the Kingdom of God and ask that you may be filled with the breath of the Holy Spirit, so that you may become brilliant candles, shine with the light of guidance and dispel the darkness of error. Rest assured that the confirmations of the Abha Kingdom will continuously reach you.

Through the power of the divine springtime, the downpour of the celestial clouds and the heat of the Sun of Reality, the tree of life is just beginning to grow. Before long, it will produce buds, bring forth leaves and fruits, and cast its shade over the East and the West. This Tree of Life is the Book of the Covenant.

In America, in these days, severe winds have surrounded the Lamp of the Covenant, hoping that this brilliant Light may be extinguished, and this Tree of Life may be uprooted. Certain weak, capricious, malicious and ignorant souls have been shaken by the earthquake of hatred, of animosity, have striven to efface the Divine Covenant and Testament, and render the clear water muddy so that in it they might fish. They have arisen against the Center of the Covenant like the people of Bayan who attacked the Blessed Beauty and every moment uttered a calumny. Every day they seek a pretext and secretly arouse doubts, so that the Covenant of Baha’u’llah may be completely annihilated in America.

O friends of God! Be awake, be awake; be vigilant, be vigilant! His Holiness, the Bab, made a Covenant for Baha’u’llah with all the people of the Bayan, so that on the day of appearance of “Him Whom God shall manifest” — and of the radiation of the Light of Baha’u’llah, they might believe and be assured, arise in service and promulgate the Word of God. Later the people of the Bayan, like Mirza Yahya and many others, arose against the Blessed Beauty, invented every sort of calumny, aroused doubt in the minds of the people, and from the Books of His Holiness the Bab — that were full of references to “Him Whom God shall manifest” — tried to prove Baha’u’llah false. Every day they wrote and spread a pamphlet opposing Baha’u’llah, caused trouble and perplexity among the people; they inflicted the greatest injury and cruelty, yet counted themselves firm in the Covenant of His Holiness, the Bab. However, when the light of the Covenant of His Holiness, the Bab, lighted the universe, then all the faithful and sincere souls were freed from the darkness of the violation of the people of the Bayan and shone like brilliant candles.

Baha’u’llah, in all the Tablets and Epistles, forbade the true and firm friends from associating and meeting the violators of the Covenant of His Holiness, the Bab, saying that no one should go near them because their breath is like the poison of the snake that kills instantly.

In the Hidden Words, He says: “Esteem the friendship of the just, but withhold both mind and hand from the company of the wicked.”

Addressing one of the friends, He says: “It is clear to your honor that before long Satan, in the garb of man, will reach that land and will try to mislead the friends of the Divine Beauty through temptations which arouse the desires of self, and will cause them to follow the footsteps of Satan away from the right and glorious path, and prevent them from attaining the Blessed Shore of the King of Oneness. This is a hidden information of which we have informed the chosen ones lest they may be deprived of their praiseworthy station by associating with the embodiments of hatred. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all the friends of God to shun any person in whom they perceive the emanation of hatred for the Glorious Beauty of Abha, though he may quote all the Heavenly Utterances and cling to all the Books.” He continues — Glorious be His Name! — “Protect yourselves with utmost vigilance, lest you be entrapped in the snare of deception and fraud.” This is the advice of the Pen of Destiny.

In another address, He says: “Therefore, to avoid these people will be the nearest path by which to attain the divine good pleasure; because their breath is infectious, like unto poison.”

In another Tablet, He says: “O Kazim, close thine eye to the people of the world; drink the water of knowledge from the heavenly cup bearers, and listen not to the nonsensical utterances of the manifestations of Satan, because the manifestations of Satan are occupying today the observation posts of the glorious path of God, and preventing the people by every means of deception and ruse. Before long you will witness the turning away of the people of Bayan from the Manifestation of the Merciful.”

In another Tablet, He says: “Endeavor to your utmost to protect yourselves, because Satan appears in different robes and appeals to everyone according to each person’s own way, until he becomes like unto him — then he will leave him alone.”

In another Tablet, He says: “Shun any man in whom you perceive enmity for this Servant, though he may appear in the garb of piety of the former and later people, or may arise to the worship of the two worlds.”

In another Tablet, He says: “O Mahdi! Be informed by these utterances and shun the manifestations of the people of hell, the rising place of Nimrods, the rising place of Pharees, the fountain of Taghut, and the soothsayers.”

Again He says: “Say, O my friend and my pure ones! Listen to the Voice of this Beloved Prisoner in this Great Prison. If you detect in any man the least perceptible breath of violation, shun him and keep away from him.” Then He says: “Verily, they are manifestations of Satan.”

In another Tablet, He says: “And turn your faces to the Great Countenance for before long the foul odors of the wicked persons will pass over these regions. God willing, you may remain protected during these days.”

In the 18th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, 6th to 9th verses, His Holiness Christ says: “But whosoever shall offend one of these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offenses, for it must needs be that offenses come, but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh. Wherefore if thy hand or thy feet offend thee, cut them off and cast them from thee; it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out and cast it from thee.”

And in the 21st chapter and 38th verse of the Gospel of Matthew, He says: “But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, this is the heir, come let us kill him and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him and cast him out of the vineyard and slew him.”

Also in the 22nd chapter and the 14th verse of the Gospel of Matthew, He says “But many are called and few are chosen.”

In the Holy Writings of His Holiness, Baha’u’llah, in a thousand places at least, the violators of the Covenant are execrated and condemned. Some of the heavenly passages will be mentioned.

In short, all the friends in America know that the founders of this sedition — namely, the violators of the Covenant — are people whose aims are known to all the friends. Yet, O glorious God, they are deceived by them!

Praise be to God, you know with perfect clearness that His Holiness Christ, was extremely kind and loving, yet there were people like Judas Iscariot who — by their own deeds — separated themselves from Christ. Therefore, what fault of Christ’s could that be? Now the Nakazene say that ‘Abdu’l-Baha is despotic, drives some people out and excommunicates like the Pope. This is not so at all! Any person who has left (the Cause), did so because of his own actions, intrigues and evil plots. If this objection be raised against ‘Abdu’l-Baha, they must also object to the Blessed Beauty who, with distinct and conclusive command, forbids the friends from companionship and familiarity with the violators of the people of Bayan.

Supplication! O Lord of the Covenant! O luminous Star of the world! The persecuted ‘Abdu’l-Baha has fallen into the hands of persons who appear as sheep and in reality are ferocious wolves; they exercise every sort of oppression, endeavor to destroy the foundation of the Covenant, — and claim to be Baha’ís. They strike at the root of the Tree of the Covenant — and count themselves persecuted — just as did the people of Bayan who broke the Covenant of His Holiness, the Bab, and from six directions shot arrows of reproach and calumny at Thy Blessed Body. Notwithstanding this great oppression, they call themselves oppressed. Now this Servant of Thy Threshold has also fallen into the hands of oppressors. Every hour they contrive new intrigues and fraud, and bring forth new calumny.

Ya-Baha’u’l-Abha! Protect the Stronghold of Thy Cause from these thieves, and safeguard the lamps of the Kingdom from these malevolent winds!

Ya-Baha’u’l-Abha! ‘Abdu’l-Baha did not rest a moment until He had raised Thy Cause and the Standard of the Kingdom of Abha waved over the world. Now some people have arisen with intrigues and evil aspirations to trample this flag in America, but My hope is in Thy confirmations. Leave Me not single, alone and oppressed! As Thou didst promise, verbally and in writing, that Thou wouldst protect this deer of the pasture of Thy love from the attacks of the hounds of hatred and animosity, and that Thou wouldst safeguard this persecuted sheep from the claws and teeth of the ferocious wolves, — now do I await the appearance of Thy bounties and the realization of Thy definite promise. Thou art the true Protector, and Thou art the Lord of the Covenant! Therefore, protect this Lamp which Thou hast lighted, from the severe winds.

Ya-Baha’u’l-Abha! I have forsaken the world and its people, am heartbroken because of the unfaithful, and am weary. In the cage of this world I flutter like a frightened bird and long for the flight to Thy Kingdom.

Ya-Baha’u’l-Abha! Make me to drink the cup of sacrifice, and free Me! Relieve Me from these difficulties, hardships, afflictions and troubles! Thou art the assister, the helper, the protector and the supporter!

Now some of the writings, prayers and verses of the Blessed Beauty will be mentioned in which association with the violators is forbidden. In the Iranian Commune, He says:

“Protect this Servant from the doubts of the persons who have turned away from Thee and are deprived of the sea of Thy knowledge. O God! O God! Protect this Servant through Thy bounty and generosity from the evil of Thine enemies who have broken Thy Covenant and Testament.”

In another place He says: “O My God and the Aim of My Life! Protect this weak one with Thy Mighty hand from the voice of the Naegh.”

Also He says: “Ye have taken one whom I hate to be thy beloved, and My enemy to be thy friend.”

Also He says: “The company of the wicked ones increaseth sorrow, and the association with the pious ones removeth rust from the heart. The one who desires to associate with God, let him associate with His friends; the one who wishes to hear the Words of God, let him hear the words of His chosen ones.”

Also He says: “Do not associate with the wicked, because the company of the wicked changeth the light of life into the fire of remorse. If thou asketh for the bounties of the Holy Spirit, associate with the pure ones, because they have quaffed the eternal chalice from the hands of the Cupbearer of eternity.”

Also He says: “The greatest of degradation is to leave the Shadow of God and enter under the shadow of Satan.”

Also He says: “O ye servants! There is nothing in this heart save the effulgences of the splendor of the morn of Meeting, and it does not speak but the absolute truth from your Lord. Therefore, do not follow self; break not God’s Covenant and violate not His Testament. Proceed with perfect steadfastness, and with heart, soul and tongue, turn unto Him, and be not of the thoughtless.”

And still He says: “You have forgotten God’s Covenant and violated His Testament.”

And again He says: “If anyone comes to you with the book of the wicked, put him behind you.”

“Among the people are those who have broken the Covenant, and among them are those who have followed what was ordained by the All-Knower, the All-Wise. My affliction is not from My imprisonment and persecution, or from what comes to Me from My rebellious servants, — but from the actions of those who attribute themselves to this persecuted One and commit among the people that which is degrading to the honor of God. Verily, they are of the seditious.”

Likewise speaking for the violators, He says: “Thou hast made the pulpits for Thy mention, the proclamation of Thy Word and the manifestation of Thy Cause, and we have ascended them to proclaim the breaking of Thy Covenant and Testament.”

Likewise, He says: “Take what has been ordained for you and follow not those who have broken God’s Covenant and Testament, for lo! they are the people of error.”

Again He says: “Those who have broken the Covenant of God, notwithstanding His Commands, and have turned away, they are the people of error before the most Opulent, the Exalted.”

And He says: “Those who have been faithful to God’s Covenant are of the highest ones in the sight of the exalted Lord. Those who have become negligent are of the people of fire in the sight of Thy Lord, the Beloved, the Independent.”

Likewise He says: “Blessed is the servant or maid-servant who believes, and woe to the polytheists who have violated the Covenant of God and His Testament, and deviated from My Right Path.”

Likewise He says: “I implore of Thee not to deprive me of what Thou possessest or what Thou hast ordained for Thy chosen ones who have not broken Thy Covenant and Testament. Say! Die with your hatred! Verily, He is come by Whom the pillars of the world have been shaken and because of Whom the feet have stumbled — save those who have not broken the Covenant, but have followed what God revealed in His Book.”

Likewise He says: “The Supreme Concourse will pray for the one who is adorned with the garment of faithfulness between heaven and earth; but he who breaks the Covenant is cursed by heaven and earth.”

Likewise He says: “Take hold of what has been revealed unto you, with a power superior to that of the hands of the unbelievers who have violated the Covenant of God and His Testament, and have turned from the Face.”

Also He says: “O Yahya! Verily the Book has come! Take it with a power from Us and do not follow those who have broken the Covenant of God and His Testament, and have denied what has been revealed from the Powerful, the All-Knower.”

Likewise He says: “I awoke this morning, O My God, under the shadow of Thy great bounty and have taken, with Thy power, the pen to mention Thee with such mention as shall be a light unto the pure, and fire unto the wicked who have violated Thy Covenant, denied Thy Verses and put aside the Kawther of life which appeared by Thy command and was revealed by the finger of Thy will.”

Here, in a Tablet to ‘Abdu’l-Baha, He says also: “O God! This is a Branch which has sprung forth from the Tree of Oneness, the Sadrat of Thy Unity. O God! Thou seest Him looking to Thee and clinging to the rope of Thy Bounties. Protect Him in the shelter of Thy Mercy! Thou knowest, O My God, that I do not desire Him save for what Thou dost desire Him, and I do not choose Him save for what Thou dost choose Him. Assist Him with the Hosts of Thy earth and Thy heaven. Assist, O God, those who assist Him, and choose those who choose Him. Confirm those who draw nigh unto Him, and debase those who deny Him and do not want Him. O God, Thou seest that at this moment of Revelation My Pen shakes and My Being trembles. I ask Thee, By My impatience in Thy Love and My willingness to proclaim Thy Cause, to ordain for Him and His friends, what Thou hast ordained for Thy Messengers and the faithful ones of Thy Revelation. Verily, Thou art the powerful and the omnipotent! By God, O people, My eye weeps, and the eye of Ali weeps in the Supreme Concourse; My heart throbs, and the heart of Muhammad throbs in the Courts of Abha; My heart and the hearts of the Prophets lament with the people of knowledge, if you are those who are possessed of sight. My sorrow is not for Myself, but for the One Who comes after Me in the Shadow of the Cause with a clear, undeniable reign; because these will not acknowledge His Manifestation and will deny His evidences and verses, will dispute His power, will antagonize Him and will be traitors to His Cause — as they did to His Person in those days — and ye were witnesses.”

Again in a Tablet to ‘Abdu’l-Baha, He says: “O Greatest Branch! Verily, Thy illness caused Me sorrow, but God will cure Thee, and He is the most generous and best helper. Glory be upon Thee and upon those who serve Thee and encircle Thee! Woe and torment be upon him who opposes and torments Thee! Blessed is he who befriends Thee, and hell be for him who opposes Thee!”

Likewise He says: “Is it possible that after the dawning of the sun of Thy Testament from the horizon of Thy greatest Tablet, that any feet shall slip away from the right Path? We said, O My Supreme Pen, it behoves Thee to do as Thou hast been bidden by God, the exalted and the great. Do not ask about that which melts Thy heart and those of the denizens of Paradise who encompass Thy wonderful Cause. Thou shouldst not know what We have hidden from Thee. Thy Lord is the veiler and the knower. Turn Thy most luminous Face to the greatest aspect and say: O My Merciful God! Decorate the Heaven of Bayan with the stars of steadfastness, trust and truth. Verily, Thou art the Powerful over what Thou willest. There is no God save Thee, the wise and the generous.”

In short, from these Holy Utterances and those of His Holiness Christ, it becomes clear, evident and proved, that man should associate with people who are firm in the Covenant and Testament, and befriend the pure ones; because bad associates bring about infection of bad qualities. It is like leprosy; it is impossible for a man to associate and befriend a leper and not be infected. This command is for the sake of protection and to safeguard.

Consider this text of the New Testament: the brothers of His Holiness Christ, came to Him and they said: “These are your brothers.” He answered that His brothers were those who believed in God, and refused to associate with His own brothers.

Likewise Qurratu’l-‘Ayn, who is celebrated in all the world, when she believed in God and was attracted to the Divine Breaths, she forsook her two eldest sons, although they were her two oldest children, because they did not become believers, and thereafter did not meet them. She said: “All the friends of God are my children, but these two are not. I will have nothing to do with them.”

Consider! The Divine Gardener cuts off the dry or weak branch from the good tree and grafts to it, a branch from another tree. He both separates and unites. This is that which His Holiness Christ says: that from all the world they come and enter the Kingdom, and the children of the Kingdom shall be cast out. Noah’s grandson, Canaan, was detested in the sight of Noah and others were accepted. The brothers of the Blessed Beauty detached themselves from Him, and the Blessed Beauty never met them. He said: “This is an eternal separation between you and Me.” All this was not because the Blessed Beauty was despotic; but because these persons, through their own actions and words deprived themselves from the bounties and bestowals of the Blessed Beauty. His Holiness Christ did not exercise despotism in the case of Judas Iscariot and His own brothers, — but they separated themselves.

In short, the point is this: ‘Abdu’l-Baha is extremely kind, but when the disease is leprosy, what am I to do? Just as in bodily diseases we must prevent intermingling and infection and put into effect sanitary laws — because the infectious physical diseases uproot the foundation of humanity; likewise one must protect and safeguard the blessed souls from the breaths and fatal spiritual diseases; otherwise violation, like the plague, will become a contagion and all will perish. In the early days, after the Ascension of the Blessed Beauty, the center of violation was alone; little by little the infection spread; and this was due to companionship and association.  Abdu’l-Baha.  Baha'i World Faith, pp. 429-438.

Shoghi Effendi

“Divorced from the institution of the Guardianship, the World Order of Baha’u’llah would be mutilated and permanently deprived of that hereditary principle which, as Abdu’l-Baha has written, has been invariably upheld by the Law of God…”  Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. 148.

“It should be stated at the outset, in clear and unambiguous language, that these twin institutions of the Administrative Order of Baha’u’llah should be regarded as divine in origin, essential in their functions and complimentary in their aim and purpose.  Their common, their fundamental object is to insure the continuity of the divinely-appointed authority which flows from the Source of our Faith, to safeguard the unity of its followers and to maintain the integrity and flexibility of its teachings. Acting in conjunction with each other these activities promote its interests, execute its laws and defend its subsidiary institutions…”  “They…are permanent.ly united in their aims.”  Shoghi Effendi.  The World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. 148.

“Coagulated drops of Baha’u’llah’s All Sacred Blood and Ringlets of His most Blessed Locks presented as my most precious possession to Abdu’l-Baha’s ‘dear son’ Mr. Charles Mason Remey as a token of my Baha'i affection and brotherly love.  Shoghi” 

“Of all the remnants of Baha’u’llah’s All Sacred Person, the most hallowed, the most precious, confidently delivered into the hands of my brother and co-worker in the Cause of God, Mr. Remey.”  Shoghi Effendi, March, 1922.  Charles Mason Remey.  A Pilgrimage.

“The believers must have loyal and steadfast adherence to every clause of our Beloved’s sacred will.”  Shoghi Effendi.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 6, p. 187.

"He feels that if ... ponders more deeply about the fundamentals of Divine Revelation, she will also come to understand the Guardianship. Once the mind and heart have grasped the fact that God guides men through a Mouthpiece, a human being, a Prophet, infallible and unerring, it is only a logical projection of this acceptance to also accept the station of `Abdu'l-Baha and the Guardians. The Guardians are the evidence of the maturity of mankind in the sense that at long last men have progressed to the point of having one world, and of needing one world management for human affairs. In the spiritual realm they have also reached the point where God could leave, in human hands (i.e. the Guardians) guided directly by the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh, as the Master states in His Will, the affairs of His Faith for this Dispensation. This is what is meant by `this is the day which will not be followed by night.' In this Dispensation, divine guidance flows on to us in this world after the Prophet's ascension, through first the Master, and then the Guardians. If a person can accept Bahá'u'lláh's function, it should not present any difficulty to them to also accept what He has ordained in a Divinely guided individual in matters pertaining to the Faith." 

(Shoghi Effendi, Baha'i News, June 1950, p. 8)

“Proclaim National Assemblies of East and West weighty epoch-making decision of formation of International Baha'i Council, forerunner of supreme administrative institution destined to emerge in fullness of time within precincts beneath shadow of World Spiritual Center of Faith…most significant milestone in evolution of Administrative Order…first embryonic International Institution, marking its development into officially recognized Baha'i court, it’s transformation into duly elected  body its efflorescence into Universal House of Justice…Hail with thankful, joyous heart at long last the constitution of International Council which history will acclaim as the greatest event shedding luster upon second epoch of Formative Age of Baha'i Dispensation potentially unsurpassed by any enterprise undertaken since inception of Administrative Order of Faith…ranking second only to glorious immortal events associated with ministries of Three Central Figures of Faith in course of First Age of most glorious Dispensation of the five thousand century Baha'i cycle.”  Shoghi Effendi, January 9, 1951 [Cablegram].

“Spiritual and Administrative World Center

Announce to friends of East and West the following: furnishing Mazra'ih, completion of restoration of historic house of Bahá'u'lláh in Acre,[i.e. `Akká] scene of prolonged afflictions sustained by Founder of Faith, as well as supreme crisis suffered by `Abdu'l-Bahá at hands of Covenantbreakers. Greatly enhanced international endowments in Holy Land in twin cities of Acre and Haifa, now include twin Holy Shrines situated on plain of Acre and slope of Mount Carmel; twin Mansions of Bahjí and Mazra'ih, twin historic Houses inhabited by Bahá'u'lláh and `Abdu'l-Bahá; twin International Archives adjoining the Báb's Sepulcher and the resting-place of the Greatest Holy Leaf; twin Pilgrim Houses, constructed for Oriental and Occidental pilgrims; twin Gardens of Ridván and Firdaws, associated with the memory of the Author of the Bahá'í Dispensation.

Greatly welcome assistance of the newly-formed International Council, particularly its President, Mason Remey, and its Vice-President, Amelia Collins, through contact with authorities designed to spread the fame, consolidate the foundations and widen the scope of influence emanating from the twin spiritual, administrative World Centers permanently fixed in the Holy Land constituting the midmost heart of the entire planet.

--Shoghi

[Cablegram, March 2, 1951]” Shoghi Effendi.  Messages to the Baha'i World, pp. 8-9.  [In this cablegram Shoghi Effendi appoints Charles Mason Remey as the Second Guardian.  Charles Mason Remey is named President of the International Baha'i Council which Shoghi Effendi states is to evolve into the Universal House of Justice.  In this cablegram, Shoghi Effendi lists nine sets of ‘twins’.  The only ‘twin’ which Shoghi Effendi does not overtly refer to as such are the Twin Institutions of the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice represented by Charles Mason Remey and Amelia Collins.  These Twin Institutions are the twin pillars of the Baha'i Administrative Order which is the Kingdom of God on earth.  The Guardian is the President and Head of the Universal House of Justice which is comprised of representatives of the body of believers.  Incidentally, while appointing Charles Mason Remey to succeed him as Guardian, Shoghi Effendi is also demonstrating that women are to sit on the Universal House of Justice by appointing Amelia Collins to the International Baha'i Council.]

“Institution of the Guardianship, head cornerstone of the Administrative order of the Cause of Baha’u’llah ennobled through its organic connection with the Twin Founders of the Baha'i Faith.”  Shoghi Effendi, March 30, 1937.  Shoghi Effendi Messages to America 1932-1946.  NSA of US/Canada, 1947, p. 8.

“Fierce and manifold will be the assaults with which governments, races, classes and religions, jealous of its rising prestige and fearful of its consolidating strength, will seek to silence its voice and sap its foundations.”  Shoghi Effendi.  Messages to America 1932-1946, p. 49.

Shoghi Effendi’s Messages to America 1947-1957 is now a book called Citadel of Faith.  It omits the cablegram regarding the formation of the International Baha'i Council and the appointment of the Hands.

“Those world-shaking, world-embracing, world-directing administrative institutions, ordained by Abdu’l-Baha, and which are to function in consonance with the principles that govern the twin institutions of the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice.  Then, and then only, will this momentous prophecy which illuminates the concluding passages of the Tablet of Carmel be fulfilled: “Erelong will God sail His Ark upon thee [Carmel], and will manifest the people of Baha who have been mentioned in the Book of Names.””  Shoghi Effendi.  Guidance for Today and Tomorrow, p. 71.

“In the verses of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, the implications of which clearly anticipate the institution of the Guardian.”  Shoghi Effendi.  Guidance for Today and Tomorrow, p. 83.

“He who symbolizes the hereditary principle in this Dispensation…” (re: the Guardian).  Shoghi Effendi.  Guidance for Today and Tomorrow, p. 93.

“The Will and Testament of Abdu’l-Baha, that Charter of Baha’u’llah’s New World Order.”  Shoghi Effendi.  Guidance for Today and Tomorrow, p. 249.

“Arise to herald with one voice the coming of the Kingdom.”  Shoghi Effendi.  Baha'i Administration, p. 35.

“With the spirit of whole-hearted and sustained fellowship kindled in our souls, can we hope to deliver effectively the Message of Baha’u’llah, and execute faithfully the various provisions of our Beloved’s Will and Testament.”  Shoghi Effendi. Baha'i Administration, p. 36.

“The undisputed reign of Baha’u’llah on this earth.”  Shoghi Effendi, Baha'i Administration, p. 140.

“Surely, we stand too near the colossal edifice His hand has reared to be able, at the present stage of the evolution of His Revelation, to claim to be able even to conceive the full measure of its promised glory.”  Shoghi Effendi quoted by Martha Root.  Tahirih the Pure, p. 118.

“According to the provisions of His Will, I, as His eldest grandson, have been appointed as First Guardian of the Baha'i Faith and Head of the Universal House of Justice which must, in conjunction with me, coordinate and direct the affairs of the various Baha'i communities in East and West in accordance with the principles enunciated by Baha’u’llah.”  Shoghi Effendi quoted by Martha Root.  Tahirih the Pure, p. 140.

“They [Baha’u’llah and Abdu’l-Baha] have also, in unequivocal and emphatic language appointed those twin institutions of the House of Justice and of the Guardianship as the chosen successors, destined to apply the principles, promulgate the laws, protect the institutions, adapt loyally and intelligently the Faith to the requirements of progressive society, and consummate the incorruptible inheritance which the Founders of the Faith have bequeathed to the world.”  Shoghi Effendi.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 3, p.266.

“Both in the administrative provisions of the Baha'i Dispensation, and in the matter of succession, as embodied in the twin institutions of the House of Justice and of the Guardianship, the followers of Baha’u’llah can summon to their aid such irrefutable evidences of Divine Guidance that none can resist, that none can belittle or ignore.”  Shoghi Effendi.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 3, p. 268.

“This priceless gem of Divine Revelation, now still in its embryonic state, shall evolve within the shell of His law, and shall forge ahead, undivided and unimpaired, till it embraces the whole of mankind.”  Shoghi Effendi.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 3, p. 269.

“(1921-1944) is motivated by the forces radiating from the Will and Testament of Abdu’l-Baha that Charter of Baha’u’llah’s New World Order.”  Shoghi Effendi. God Passes By, p. xv.

“To Him Isaiah, the greatest of the Jewish prophets, had alluded as the 'Glory of the Lord', the 'Everlasting Father',...the 'Rod come forth from the stem of Jesse' and the 'Branch grown out of His roots', Who 'shall be established upon the throne of David'.” Shoghi Effendi. God Passes By, p. 94.

“To Him Haggai had referred as the 'Desire of all nations', and Zachariah as the 'Branch' Who 'shall grow up out of His place', and 'shall build the Temple of the Lord'.”  Shoghi Effendi.  God Passes By, p.95.

“The establishment of a constitutional form of government, in which the ideals of republicanism and the majesty of kingship, characterized by Him as “one of the signs of God,” are combined, he recommends as a meritorious achievement;”  Shoghi Effendi.  God Passes By, p. 219.

“The Covenant designed to safeguard the unity and integrity of its world-embracing system had been irrevocably bequeathed to posterity.”  Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p. 223.

“The authority which the Guardian of the Administrative Order is called upon to exercise, and the right of the interpretation of the Holy Writ solely conferred upon him;”  Shoghi Effendi.  God Passes By, p. 326.

“The Document establishing that order, the Charter of a future world civilization…establishes the institution of the Guardianship as a hereditary office.”  Shoghi Effendi.  God Passes By, p. 328.

“Huququ’llah (Right of God), already instituted in the Kitab-i-Aqdas.”  Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p. 328.

“According to provision of His Will, I, as His eldest grandson, have been appointed as First Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith and Head of the Universal House of Justice which must, in conjunction with me coördinate and direct the affairs of the various Bahá’í communities in East and West in accordance with the principles enunciated by Bahá’u’lláh.”  Shoghi Effendi.  World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. xiii.

Aqdas and Will and Testament “are inseparable parts of one complete unit.”  Shoghi Effendi.  World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. 4.

“To dissociate the administrative principles of the Cause from the purely spiritual and humanitarian teachings would be tantamount to a mutilation of the body of the Cause, a separation that can only result in the disintegration of its component parts, and the extinction of the Faith itself.”  Shoghi Effendi.  World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. 5.

“They have also, in unequivocal and emphatic language, appointed those twin institutions of the House of Justice and of the Guardianship as their chosen successors.”  Shoghi Effendi.  World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. 19-20.

“This priceless gem of Divine Revelation, now still in its embryonic state.”  Shoghi Effendi.  World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. 23.

“Divinely-appointed Administration, the foundation of which the Will of a departed Master had unmistakenly established.”  Shoghi Effendi, World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. 80.

“The Administrative order far from being established.” Shoghi Effendi. World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. 94.

The Will and Testament “Charter of the New World Order.”  And “The Administrative Order…new-born child.” Shoghi Effendi.  World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. 144.

“Present and future Guardians.”  Shoghi Effendi.  World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. 151.

Administration = infant World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. 154.

Administration = infancy World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. 156.

[I note this point because Shoghi Effendi is stating that, in the 1930s, the Administrative Order is in its infancy.  In 1951, when he created the International Baha'i Council, he stated that the Universal House of Justice was in ‘embryo’.  One is then compelled to ask, if the Administration was in it’s infancy in the 1930s, and one of the ‘Twin Pillars’ of the Administration, the Universal House of Justice, is an ‘embryo’ in 1951, how can it suddenly become ‘full grown’ in 1963, sans the Twin Pillar of the Guardianship and without the International Baha'i Council going through the stages laid out for it by Shoghi Effendi?  The actions of the Hands in eliminating the Guardianship and forcing the illegitimate election of the bogus Universal House of Justice are not only illegal, but illogical, if you study the text.  THAT is the problem.  Nobody studies the text.  They did not study it when the violation occurred and they do not study it now.  This is why we find ourselves in this serious violation of the Covenant, which was prophesied to occur.]

“Numerous and powerful have been the forces that have schemed, both from within and from without, in lands both far and near, to quench its light and abolish its holy name.”  Shoghi Effendi.  World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. 195.

[Regarding Baha’is] “For their citizenship, it must be remembered, is in the Kingdom of Baha’u’llah.”  Shoghi Effendi.  The World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. 198.  [Where is the King…the Guardian?]

The National Spiritual Assembly of USA distributes Shoghi Effendi’s letter The Dispensation of Baha’u’llah and suggests its use for teaching.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 5, p. 69.

“In the matter of succession, as embodied in the twin institutions of the House of Justice and of the Guardianship.”  Shoghi Effendi.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 5, p. 248.

“The Guardians, who are its chosen ministers.”  Shoghi Effendi.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 5, p. 501.

“Will and Testament should thus be regarded as the perpetual, the indissoluble link which the mind of Him Who is the Mystery of God has conceived in order to insure the continuity of the three ages that constitute the component parts of the Baha'i Dispensation.”  Shoghi Effendi.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 5, p. 497.

“Twin pillars…bind together these two fundamental organs of the Will of Abdu’l-Baha.”  Shoghi Effendi.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 5, p. 499.

“Present and future Guardians.”  Shoghi Effendi.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 5, p. 502.

“He who symbolizes the hereditary principle…ceases…to be the figurehead invariably associated with the prevailing systems of constitutional monarchies.”  Shoghi Effendi.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 5, p. 503 & The World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. 153.

“The Divine Revelation, now in its embryonic state.”  Shoghi Effendi, March 21, 1930.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 6, p. 17.

“Malicious attacks of enemies from both within and without.”  Shoghi Effendi.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 6, p. 80.

“The believers must have loyal and steadfast adherence to every clause of our Beloved’s sacred will.”  Shoghi Effendi.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 6, p. 187.

[Members of the National Spiritual Assembly must] “Banish every vestige of secrecy, of undo reticence, of dictatorial aloofness.”  Shoghi Effendi.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 6, p. 187.  [If this is the standard for the National Assemblies, how much more must it apply to the Universal House of Justice and the people who have been appointed Hands of the Cause?]

“Appointed those twin institutions of the House of Justice and of the Guardianship as their chosen successors.”  Shoghi Effendi.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 6, p. 218.

“The matter of succession as embodied in the twin institutions of the House of Justice and of the Guardianship.”  Shoghi Effendi.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 6, p. 218.

“Nor is this Order identified with the name of Baha’u’llah to be confused with any system of purely aristocratic government in view of the fact that it upholds, on the one hand, the hereditary principle and entrusts the Guardian of the Faith with the obligation of interpreting its teachings, and provides, on the other, for the free and direct election from among the mass of the faithful of the body that constitutes its highest legislative organ.”  Shoghi Effendi.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 6, p. 239.

Baha’u’llah and Abdu’l-Baha warned of attacks from “the unwisdom of the friends.”  Shoghi Effendi. The World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. 10.

“The promised Kingdom into which the seed of His institutions must ripen remains uninaugurated.”  Shoghi Effendi.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 6, p. 245.

“Formation of first International Baha'i Council…this first embryonic international, institution marking it’s development into officially recognized Baha'i court, it’s transformation into duly elected body, it’s efflorescence into Universal House of Justice, and it’s final fruition…the constitution of the International Council which history will acclaim as the greatest event shedding luster upon second epoch of Formative Age of Baha'i Dispensation potentially unsurpassed since inception of Administrative Order of Faith on morrow of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s Ascension.”  Shoghi Effendi, cablegram, January 9, 1957.

“Proclaim (to) National Assemblies (of) East (and) West weighty epoch making decision (of) formation (of) first International Bahá'í Council, forerunner (of) supreme administrative institution destined (to) emerge (in) fulness (of) time within precincts beneath shadow (of) World Spiritual Center (of) Faith already established (in) twin cities (of) 'Akka (and) Haifa. Fulfillment (of) prophecies uttered (by) Founder (of) Faith (and) Center (of) His Covenant culminating (in) establishment (of) Jewish State, signalizing birth after lapse (of) two thousand years (of an) independent nation (in the) Holy Land, (the) swift unfoldment (of) historic undertaking associated (with) construction (of) superstructure (of the) Bab's Sepulcher (on) Mount Carmel, (the) present adequate maturity (of) nine vigorously functioning national administrative institutions throughout Bahá'í World, combine (to) induce me (to) arrive (at) this historic decision marking most significant milestone (in) evolution (of) Administrative Order (of the) Faith (of) Bahá'u'lláh (in) course (of) last thirty years. Nascent Institution now created (is) invested (with) threefold function: first, (to) forge link (with) authorities (of) newly emerged State; second, (to) assist me (to) discharge responsibilities involved (in) erection (of) mighty super-structure (of the) Bab's Holy Shrine; third, (to) conduct negotiations related (to) matters (of) personal status (with) civil authorities. To these will be added further functions (in) course of evolution (of) this first embryonic International Institution, marking its development into officially recognized Bahá'i Court, its transformation into duly elected body, it efflorescence into Universal House (of) Justice, (and) its final fruition through erection (of) manifold auxiliary institutions constituting (the) World Administrative Center destined (to) arise (and) function (and) remain permanently established (in) close neighborhood (of) Twin Holy Shrines. Hail (with) thankful, joyous hearts (at) long last (the) constitution (of) International Council which history will acclaim (as the) greatest event shedding luster (upon) second epoch (of) Formative Age (of) Bahá'í Dispensation potentially unsurpassed (by) any enterprise undertaken since inception (of) Administrative Order (of) Faith (on) morrow (of) 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Ascension, ranking second only (to) glorious immortal events associated (with) Ministries (of) Three Central Figures (of) Faith (in) course (of) First Age (of) most glorious century Bahá'í Cycle. Advise publicize announcement through Public Relations Committee.” Shoghi. Haifa, Israel, January 9^th, 1951.  The Baha'i World, Vol. XII, page 378.

2^nd March, 1951. The Guardian, Shoghi Effendi appointed the following members of the International Bahá'í Council and designated the position each would hold.

Rúhíyyih Khánum as liaison between himself and the council

Charles Mason Remey, President.

Mrs. Amelia Collins, Vice President

Ugo Giachery, Member-at-Large,

Leroy Ioas, Secretary-General

Jessie Revell, Treasurer.

Ethel Revell, Western Assistant Secretary.

Lotfullah Hakim, Eastern Assistant Secretary.

The Bahá'i World, Vol. XII, page 379.

25^th April, 1951. Extract from a Cablegram of Shoghi Effendi:

Preliminary steps taken (in) preparation (of) final design (for the) Mashríqu'l-Adhkár (on) Mount Carmel by President (of the) International Bahá'í Council, specifically appointed (by) 'Abdu'l-Bahá (to be) its architect.

Process (of the) unfoldment (of the) ever advancing Administrative Order accelerated (by the) formation (of the) International Bahá'í Council designed (to) assist (in the) erection (of the) superstructure (of the) Báb's Sepulchre, cement ties uniting (the) budding World Administrative Center with (the) recently established state, (and) pave (the) way (for the) formation (of the) Bahá'í Court, essential prelude (to the) institution (of the) Universal House (of) Justice.

24^th December, 1951. Extract from a long Cablegram of Shoghi Effendi:

". . . Second, creation (of) International Bahá'í Council in precincts Holy Shrine forerunner International House (of) Justice, supreme legislative organ (of) nascent, divinely conceived, world-encircling Bahá'í Administrative Order. . . .

“Hour now ripe (to) take long inevitable deferred step, (in) conformity (with) provisions (of) 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Testament (in) conjunction with six above mentioned steps through appointment (of) first contingent of Hands (of the) Cause (of) God, twelve in number, equally allocated Holy Land, Asiatic, American, European continents. Initial step now taken regarding (as) preparatory full development institution provided 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Will, paralleled (by) preliminary measure formation International Bahá'í Council destined (to) culminate (in) emergence (of) Universal House (of) Justice. . . "  The Bahá'i World, Vol. XII, page 375.

“Evidences of increasing hostility without, persistent machinations within, foreshadowing dire contests destined to range the Army of Light against the forces of darkness, both secular and religious, predicted in unequivocal language by Abdu’l-Baha,…investigation of the nefarious activities of internal enemies and the  adoption of wise, effective measures to counteract their treacherous schemes…arrest the spread of their evil influence.”  Shoghi Effendi cablegram, June 4, 1957.  Messages to the Baha'i World 1950-1957, p. 123.

“The statement in the Will of Abdu’l-Baha does not imply that the Hands of the Cause of God have been given the authority to overrule the Guardian.  Abdu’l-Baha could not have provided for a conflict of authority in the Faith.  This is obvious in view of His own words, which you will find on page 13 (p. 11 of 1944 U.S. edition) of the Will and Testament of Abdu’l-Baha.  ‘The mighty stronghold shall remain impregnable and safe through obedience to him who is the guardian of the Cause of God to show their obedience, submissiveness and subordination unto the guardian of the Cause of God, to turn unto him and be lowly before him.  He that opposeth him hath opposed the True One.”  Shoghi Effendi through his secretary.  June 6, 1954 published in Baha'i News, February 1955.  [Written in response to the question whether or not the Hands have the right to reject the Guardian’s appointed successor.]

“If anyone misinterprets one part of the Will he misinterprets all the Will.”  Shoghi Effendi via his secretary, 1930.  Rabbani, The Priceless Pearl, p. 76.

“They [Baha’u’llah and Abdu’l-Baha] have also, in unequivocal and emphatic language, appointed those twin institutions of the House of Justice and the Guardianship as their chosen successors…”  Shoghi Effendi.  Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi, p. 17

“The elected…Their function is not to dictate, but to consult, and consult not only among themselves, but as much as possible with the Friends whom they represent…They should never be led to suppose that they are the central ornaments of the body of the Cause…superior to others…approach their task with extreme humility…avoid the spirit of exclusiveness, the atmosphere of secrecy.”  Shoghi Effendi.  Principles of Baha'i Administration, p. 43. (2^nd Edition, 1963.  NSA British Isles.)

“A supreme Tribunal whose judgement will have a binding effect even in such cases where the parties concerned did not voluntarily agree to submit their case.”  Shoghi Effendi. Call to the Nations, p. 27.

“Public access to the heart of the Qiblih of the Baha'i World is now made possible through traversing the sacred precincts leading successively to the Holy Court and the outer and inner sanctuaries of the Blessed Threshold of the Holy of Holies.  Recent events prelude the acquisition and development of over thiry acres of property surrounding Baha’u’llah’s resting place and paving the way for the erection in the course of future decades of a befitting Mausoleum destined to enshrine the Dust of the Founder of God’s Most Holy Faith.”  Shoghi Effendi, cablegram, June 11, 1952.  [The usurpers of the Baha'i Faith in Haifa restrict access to Baha’u’llah’s shrine. Shoghi Effendi clearly intended for it to be open to the public.  This is another example of Shoghi Effendi’s plans being ignored by the violators.]

“Nothing less than persistent and strenuous warfare against our own instincts and natural inclinations, and heroic self-sacrifice in subordinating our own likings to the imperative requirements of the Cause of God, can insure our individed loyalty to so sacred a principle – a principle that will for all times safeguard our beloved Cause from the allurements and trivialities of the world without, and the pitfalls of the self within.”  Shoghi Effendi.  Guidance for Today and Tomorrow, p. 239.

“The administration of the Cause is to be conceived as an instrument and not a substitute for the Faith of Baha’u’llah.”  Shoghi Effendi.  Guidance for Today and Tomorrow, p. 111.

“How often we seem to forget the clear and repeated warnings of our beloved Master, who, in particular during the concluding years of His mission on earth, laid stress on the “severe mental tests” that would inevitably sweep over His loved ones of the West – tests that would purge, purify and prepare them for their noble mission in life.”  Shoghi Effendi.  Baha'i Administration, p. 50.

‘Duties of Elected Representatives’: “They must, at all times, avoid the spirit of exclusiveness, the atmosphere of secrecy, free themselves from a domineering attitude, and banish all forms of prejudice and passion from their deliberations.”  Shoghi Effendi.  Baha'i Administration, p. 64. 

“Baha’u’llah and Abdu’l-Baha warned of attacks from “the unwisdom of the friends.”  Shoghi Effendi.  The World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. 10.

“Machinations of an implacable and vigilent enemy.”  Shoghi Effendi.  World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. 100.

“It is surely for those to whose hands so priceless a heritage has been committed to prayerfully watch lest the tool should supersede the Faith itself, lest undue concern for the minute details arising from the administration of the cause obscure the vision of its promoters, lest partiality, ambition, and worldliness tend in the course of time to becloud the radiance, stain the purity, and impair the effectiveness of the Faith of Baha’u’llah.”  Shoghi Effendi, February 27, 1922.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 5, p. 254.

“First Guardian of the Baha'i Faith and Head of the Universal House of Justice.”  Shoghi Effendi.  World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. xiii.

“If anyone misinterprets one part of the Will he misinterprets all the Will.”  Shoghi Effendi.  The Priceless Pearl, p. 76.  [Regarding the Will and Testament of Abdu’l-Baha.  Shoghi Effendi via his secretary.]

“How often we seem to forget the clear and repeated warnings of our beloved Master, who, in particular during the concluding years of His mission on earth, laid stress on the “severe mental tests” that would inevitably sweep over His loved ones of the west – tests that would purge, purify and prepare them for their noble mission in life.”  Shoghi Effendi.  Baha'i Administration, p. 50.

“The Guardianship is the Head cornerstone of the Administrative order of Baha’u’llah.”  Shoghi Effendi.  Messages to America, p. 8.

"Deep as are family ties, we must always remember that the spiritual ties are deeper; they are everlasting and survive death, whereas physical ties, unless supported by spiritual bonds, are confined to this life. . ." Shoghi Effendi.  March 1943,  Bahá'í News, Page 2.

“Item 9. Establishment of a Bahá'í Court in the Holy Land, is a preliminary to the emergence of the Universal House of Justice.” The Bahá'í World, 1950 – 1954, p. 256.  [The Ten Year Plan conceived by Shoghi Effendi and culminating at Ridvan 1963 did not provide for the establishment of the Universal House of Justice.]

Charles Mason Remey, Second Guardian of the Baha'i Faith

“…a living Guardian upon the throne of the Faith.”  Charles Mason Remey.  Daily Observations, Vol. 3, p. 13.

“…bringing his kingdom to us.” (Regarding Baha’u’llah).  “…as Nobles in service of their king – he, the Guardian Head of the Faith, being their earthly religious sovereign.”  Charles Mason Remey.  Daily Observations, Vol. 3, p. 14.

“The Institution of the Guardianship is the symbol or sign in this world of the sovereignty of God in His eternal kingdom that encompasses all things material and spiritual throughout the universe of all creation.” Charles Mason Remey.  Daily Observations, Vol. 3, p. 26.

“They [the Hands] are like the pagans of old – they are creating an idol that is an idealistic organization of their own and are now following it and they don’t want to be disturbed in this, their own way of life.”  Charles Mason Remey, Daily Observations, Vol. 3, p. 46.

“…the ideal of the kingship of the Guardian of the Faith…” Charles Mason Remey.  Daily Observations, Vol. 1, p. 12.

“25 May 1959 A Kingdom consists of a King, his Nobles, and his subjects – the nobles standing with the King under his orders, protecting his rule over his Kingdom.”  Charles Mason Remey, Daily Observations, Vol. 4, p. 51.

“One could not imagine a kingdom without a tangible King at its head or could there be a Kingdom of God upon earth without a sovereign Guardian at its head.” Charles Mason Remey.  Daily Observations, Vol. 1, p. 28.

“…Faith as we all know is the Kingdom of God upon earth with the Guardian as the divine potentate of that Kingdom.”  Charles Mason Remey.  Daily Observations, Vol. 2, p. 49.

“When a reigning monarch dies, his nobles don’t wreck the systematic running and change their form of government from a monarchy with all of its built-up and firm prestige and substitute an entirely different form of rule completely destroying all their former government or do they back down and forsake the principles of their former ruler by abandoning all of his principles and turning their responsibilities over to the prolitariat, the people of the Kingdom, telling them to abandon their (the nobles) responsibilities such as the Hands have announced to the Baha'i world that is their intention of doing by electing a House of Justice in 1963. 

“No they do no such thing!  They take ahold of things and make every effort to find the heir to the vacant throne in order that their monarchial government continue on without change in its structure or its functions.”  Charles Mason Remey.  Daily Observations, Vol. 2, p. 58.

“They are actually believing that love is the foundation of peace and harmony amongst us while we should know that law and order and justice applied is the only possible source of a lasting peace upone the earth.”  Charles Mason Remey.  Daily Observations, Vol. 2, p. 68.

“Kingship that is the keynote and the foundation of the Kingdom of God upon earth.”  Charles Mason Remey.  Daily Observations Vol. 1, p. 31.

“The King of the Kingdom of God upon earth, the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith, rules in his own right…”  Charles Mason Remey.  Daily Observations, Vol. 1, p. 57.

“The commanders last order is always to be obeyed first…The last order coming from the Guardianship is to be obeyed first and is to take precedence over all former orders.”  Charles Mason Remey.  Hands of the Faith, p. 37.

“The prophets of the past foresaw this latter-day religious need, and they also foresaw the coming of two great teachers and prophets who would minister to the whole world, and fulfill the covenant of God in establishing the universal religion or The Kingdom upon Earth.”  Charles Mason Remey (1913).  The Covenant, p. 13.

“At the first Bahj’i Conclave, [November 25, 1957] the Hands of the Faith took over the management of the affairs of the Bahá’i Faith.  This was followed by their repudiation of the Administration Guardianship of the Bahá’i Faith, this violation of the Guardianship that is the heart of the Administration of the Bahá’i Faith, is condemned by the second Guardian of the Faith and all who follow this violation of the Bahá’i Faith are pronounced by him to be violators of the Faith for thus by this action have they severed themselves from the Bahá’i Religious Faith.”  Charles Mason Remey (2018).  Baha’u’llah and the New Era with Added Chapter XVI, p. 214.

August 1952. Charles Mason Remey writes: "On more than one occasion, the Guardian has pointed out to the members of the Council that the Charter upon which the Spiritual and Administrative activities of the Faith in Israel rest is the Tablet of Carmel, revealed by Bahá'u'lláh on Mt. Carmel. The "City of God" mentioned in this Tablet, is the Shrine of the Bab, and the "Ark" means the Laws of God, and refers to the Universal House of Justice, the embryo of which, is the present International Bahá'í Council, which through successive stages will develop into the Universal House of Justice to be established and function on this Holy Mountain. Its membership now consists of: Amatu'l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum, Liason between the Guardian and the Council, Charles Mason Remey, President, Amelia Collins, Vice President, Ugo Giachery, Member at Large, Leroy Ioas, Secretary-General, Jessie Revell, Treasurer, Ethel Revell, Western Assistant Secretary."  Bahá'i News, August, 1952. (Further details in The Bahá'i World, Vol.12 page 388)

*********************************************************************************

Star of the West, Vol. IV, No.10, Eizzat (September 8^th 1913).

THE POWER OF "THE COVENANT OF GOD"

ALONE REGENERATES MANKIND

RECOGNITION OF "THE CENTRE OF THE COVENANT"

THE IMPORTANT MATTER BEFORE THE WORLD TODAY.

During my travels of the past few months I have found that while the problems of each assembly assume their own special character, there is but one vital universal question. This is that of firmness in The Center of the Covenant. ('Abdu'l-Bahá). Until this matter is solved no problems are solved; and when this matter is solved (when we are firm in The Covenant), all of our problems are solved.

When the members of an assembly are each and all firm in The Center of the Covenant, they are then organically united, and the life of The Covenant is manifest in their midst - Thus the will and the desire of God may be accomplished. In no other way can it be done. We all must be firm in The Center of the Covenant, in the love of 'Abdu'l-Bahá!

Through each of the Divine Revelators of the past, God made the promise to man that during these latter days of the world He would establish His Divine Rule upon earth - that He would fulfill His Covenant, and establish His Kingdom triumphant among men.

In the coming of The Bab who was the First Point, Bahá'u'lláh who was "The Pre-existent Root", and 'Abdu'l-Bahá "The Most Great Branch", "Branched from the Pre-existent Root" - in this triple coming is realized the fulfillment of all of the Divine Promises of the past and the establishment of the Covenant of God.

As the life in the branch of the tree is the same as that in the root, so the Divine Spirit manifest in 'Abdu'l-Bahá - The Branch - is the same as that manifest in Bahá'u'lláh - The Root - 'Abdu'l-Bahá has sacrificed all in The Path of Bahá'u'lláh, and now the Power of Bahá'u'lláh is manifesting to the world through 'Abdu'l-Bahá. He is the Center of the Covenant therefore all must turn wholly and without reserve unto him, for 'Abdu'l-Bahá is The Chosen One, the unique channel through which the Power of God is being conveyed to each individual Bahá'í, as a member of God's Kingdom upon earth. (Extracts from a letter to an American Assembly By Charles Mason Remey.) 1913.

8^th September, 1913. Star of the West Vol. IV, No.10. Extract from a letter written by Charles Mason Remey: "There are those individuals referred to as the nakazeen who, after embracing God's Truth and associating themselves with His Cause, have denied The Center of The Covenant ('Abdu'l-Bahá) and dropped away from the Power of The Cause. They are as dead - as spiritual corpses - and from them goes forth to the believers a poisonous infection from which the believers must be protected lest they also become infected and in like manner fall ill and die to the realities of God's Kingdom."

March 1922. Diary notes from Mason Remey upon his visit to Haifa. ....."One evening during the visit, Shoghi Effendi brought with him to the Pilgrim House the original text of the blessed Testament of The Master. We stood about the table as he reverently laid the package thereon, carefully unfolding the envelope from a silk handkerchief in which it was wrapped. As he took the three Tablets from the cover we saw that each was in the handwriting of the Master - written as Shoghi Effendi called our attention to witness - without hesitation or correction and signed by the Master in several places. We stood with bated breath in the presence of this document of documents in which is contained the wondrous plan for the spiritual organization of the Cause of God and our guidance for a thousand or thousands of years." Charles Mason Remey.  A Pilgrimage.

Jacques Soghomonian, Fourth Guardian of the Baha'i Faith

“An error multiplied does not become fact.”

Bahiyyih Khanum, The Greatest Holy Leaf

“A clear Covenant…explicit and lucid Text…a specifically named Centre…Guardian of the Cause and the interpreter of the Book.”  Bahiyyih Khanum, p. 160-161.

“He has clearly shown us the highway of guidance and explicitly designated the Centre toward whom all the people of Baha must turn…will ensure prosperity and progress, and salvation and bliss, for evermore.”  Bahiyyih Khanum, p. 180.

“…the Guardian of the Cause of God, the interpreter of the Book of God, so that the highway of divine guidance has been clearly marked out and lighted up for all the ages to come.”  Bahiyyih Khanum, p. 194.

“…the Expounder of the Holy Writings, the Guardian of the Cause of God, the Chosen Branch, Shoghi Effendi, has been clearly appointed in conformity with explicit, conclusive and unmistakable terms.  The Religion of God, the laws and ordinances of God, the blessed teachings, the obligations that are binding on everyone – all stand clear and manifest even as the sun in its meridian glory. There is no hidden mystery, no secret that remains concealed.”  Bahiyyih Khanum, p. 217.

“He was the target of every calumny, of every false accusation, from enemies both without and within.”  Bahiyyih Khanum, p. 153, (Regarding Abdu’l-Baha).

“The Centre of the Faith, designating the Guardian of the Cause and the interpreter of the Holy Book, His Eminence Shoghi Effendi, appointing him, the Chosen Branch, as the one toward whom all must turn.  Thus He closed for all time the doors of contention and strife, and in the best of ways and in a most perfect method He pointed out the path that leads aright.”  Bahiyyih Khanum, p. 154. 

“…the Will and Testament of Abdu’l-Baha,…the designated Centre, the named and specified Guardian of the Cause of God, the interpreter of the Book of God, the protector of His Faith, the keeper of His Law, Shoghi Effendi.” Bahiyyih Khanum, p. 159.

“Crowning all of His gifts with His Will and Testament, in which He clearly made known the obligations devolving upon every stratum of the believers, in language most consummate, comprehensive and sound, setting down with His own pen the name of Shoghi Effendi, as Guardian of the Cause and interpreter of the Holy Writ.  The first of His bounties was the light He shed, the last of His gifts was that He unraveled the secrets by lifting the veil.”  Bahiyyih Khanum, p.147.

“Solidly fixing and establishing the foundations of the Covenant, and has clearly appointed the centre, to whom all the people of Baha must direct themselves, the Chosen Branch, the Guardian of the Cause of God.”  Bahiyyih Khanum, p. 122.

“He Who is the Dayspring of the Covenant has appointed in writing a specific centre, and designated the Guardian of the Cause, Shoghi Effendi, as the one toward whom must turn all those who follow Baha’u’llah – His purpose being that the Faith of God and His Cause should remain secure and safe.”  Bahiyyih Khanum, p. 123.

“The errors and falsehoods of the violators can never withstand the overwhelming power of the Covenant.”  Bahiyyih Khanum, p. 132.

“The Will and Testament of Abdu’l-Baha…is the decisive decree, the way that leads aright, the highest hope of all who stand firm in the Covenant.”  Bahiyyih Khanum, p. 143.

“IN WILL SHOGHI EFFENDI APPOINTED GUARDIAN OF CAUSE AND HEAD OF HOUSE OF JUSTICE.”  Bahiyyih Khanum, cablegram (1982).  Bahiyyih Khanum. Haifa World Center, p. 114.

“He has not left us without a leader, but that Shoghi Effendi is appointed to guide the administration of the Cause.”  Bahiyyih Khanum, p. 116.

Ruhiyyih Khanum Rabbini

3^rd May, to 6^th May, 1953 the All America Inter Continental Teaching Conference was held in Chicago and Wilmette, Illinois. The Guardian’s message was given by Rúhíyyih Khánum. She said: "The International Bahá'í Council, comprising eight members, [a ninth member being appointed May 4, 1955] is charged with assisting in the manifold activities attendant upon the rise of the World Administrative Center of the Faith, which must pave the way for the formation of a Bahá'í International Court and the eventual emergence of the Universal House of Justice, the Supreme Legislative Body of the future Bahá'í Commonwealth, has been established, enlarged, and the functions of its members defined." The Bahá'i World Vol. XII, p. 143 - 149

“The mighty institution of Guardianship in which mankind has found a sure refuge in this new age.”  Ruhiyyih Khanum.  25 years Guardianship, p. 25.

“The institution of Guardianship…has, as it was destined to do, effectively prevented any division or schism in Baha'i ranks.”  Ruhiyyih Khanum.  25 years Guardianship, p. 19.

“The principle of successorship, endowed with the right of Divine interpretation, is the very hub of the Cause into which its Doctrine and Laws fit like the spoke of a wheel – tear out the hub and you have to throw away the whole thing.”  Ruhiyyih Khanum.  25 years Guardianship, p. 23.

“Words were very precise instruments to him [Shoghi Effendi].”  Ruhiyyih Khanum Rabbani.  The Priceless Pearl, p. 198.

“Baha’u’llah’s king, the Guardian.”  Ruhiyyih Khanum Rabbani.  The Priceless Pearl, p. 104.

“A King of Kings ruling the world giving protection alike to kings, aristocracies and people.”  Ruhiyyih Khanum Rabbani.  The Priceless Pearl, p. 78.  [Regarding a believers reaction to the reading of the Will and Testament for the first time…Most likely quoting Charles Mason Remey “A Pilgrimage”.]

“So simple yet with a kingly mien – as only a great king can be simple.”  A pilgrim regarding Shoghi Effendi.  A Priceless Pearl, p. 80.

Regarding Shoghi Effendi: “He belonged to that same sovereign caste.”  Ruhiyyih Khanum Rabbani.  The Priceless Pearl, p. 94.

“The Baha’is don’t deserve a Guardian.” Ruhiyyih Khanum Rabbani.  The Priceless Pearl, p. 163.

“The establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth.”  Ruhiyyih Khanum Rabbani.  The Priceless Pearl, p. 227.

“Can we not discern, in these last messages, a black cloud the size of a man’s hand on the horizon?”   Ruhiyyih Khanum Rabbani.  The Priceless Pearl, p. 258.

"We [the Hands of the Cause] were faced with problems of inconceivable magnitude. HOW TO ASSUME THE REINS OF AUTHORITY, WITH NO DOCUMENT TO SUPPORT US, other than general theological statements".  Rúhíyyih Khánum.  The Ministry of the Custodians.

Various Baha’is

“The First Guardian of the Baha'i Faith.”  Guidance for Today and Tomorrow, title page.

“The membership of the House of Justice will change, but the institution is created by Baha’u’llah.  The Guardian, by virtue of his permanent membership, gives to it that continuity of vision and disinterestedness which is so strong a feature of a monarchy.”  David Hoffman (1955).  A Commentary on the Will and Testament of Abdu’l-Baha, p. 25.

“Procedure and principle of action once authorized by the Guardian is not subject to alteration by any Baha'i body or individual believer to whom the procedure directly applies.”  Policy adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada and approved by Shoghi Effendi.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 6, p. 195. 

“Every word of the passages contained in it is significant. There are no loose phrases, no vague evasions of crucial issues. The style is one which renders it possible to state basic truths in parentheses and to list in one sentence the chief events of a lifetime. Such writing needs, and is worthy of, study, for the implications of its phrases are almost as important as the explicit statements made.
     “The Guardian's writings are both eternal and particularly suited to the moment. Eternal, because they expound fundamental principles which for ever guide mankind; suited to the moment because the principles are expounded with reference to the present state of the world and of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh. They are not passing essays to be read once and laid aside; they are life-lines of the future, a source of guidance to unborn generations.”  Guidance for Today and Tomorrow, p. ix.  (1953, London: Baha'i Publishing Trust.) [This passage refers to the eloquent and weighty writing of Shoghi Effendi.]

“Shoghi Effendi is the Guardian, not the Revealer of the Baha'i Message sent by God to lead mankind to its high destiny.  He is the channel of God’s mercy fulfilling Baha’u’llah’s promise “This is the day which shall not be followed by night.”  Guidance for Today and Tomorrow. 1953 Baha'i Publishing Trust London.  Preface, p. x. 

“The House of Justice, whether National or Universal, has only legislative power, and not executive power…The House of Justice cannot fulfill two functions at the same time – legislative and executive.”  Star of the West, Vol. 7, No. 15, p. 139.

“By the appointment of a Guardian of the Baha'i Cause, Abdu’l-Baha created an executive head and center possessing unquestioned consecration and capacity for the tremendous task of inspiring the worldwide Baha'i community to develop along the path of human service marked out for it in the Religion of Baha’u’llah.”  Introduction, Baha'i Administration, p. viii.

“The State of Guardianship is the supermost thing upon Earth, for the Guardians are not only God’s lieutenants upon earth, and sits upon God’s throne…”  Gupta, Baha'i from India. Charles Mason Remey.  The Question of the Guardianship, p. 20.

[Tahirih to Abdu’l-Baha as a three or four year old child] “Shall I leave thee, Protector of the Cause, and go to see one of the followers of the Cause?”  Martha Root (1981).  Tahirih the Pure. Kalimat Press, Los Angeles, p. 81.

“He appointed in His Will and Testament His eldest grandson, Shoghi Effendi, as first Guardian of the Cause, and left directions for the election of an International Council (Baytu’l-Ahd’l, i.e. House of Justice) based on the universal suffrage of the believers, which should in conjunction with him guide the development of the Movement and co-ordinate the activities of its followers in accordance with the principles laid down by Baha’u’llah.” The Baha'i World, Vol. 2, p. 6.

“The Cause could only be declared a failure if personal ambition, pride, narrowness and impurity should so prevail as to build a world-wide organization able to pervert the original purpose.”  Horace Holley.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 2, p. 75, and Vol. 3, p. 82.  (Horace Holley was appointed Hand of the Cause at the same time as Charles Mason Remey.  He also maintained his position as the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S.A. and wrote the Chicago Manifesto, “The New Baha'i Era” two months after the passing of Shoghi Effendi.  Holley died in the Holy Land in 1960 where he had been summoned to serve as “Custodian Hand” after the departure, from that region, of Charles Mason Remey.)

Declaration of Trust By the NSA of the Baha’is of US and Canada Article II: “The principles of Baha'i affiliation and administration created and established by Baha’u’llah, defined and explained by Abdu’l-Baha, and amplified and applied by Shoghi Effendi and his duly constituted successor and successors under the provision of the Will and Testament of Abdu’l-Baha.”  The Baha'i World, Vol. 2, p. 91.

“The Universal House of Justice…It is at once a supreme court, a highest legislature, and with the Guardian, the highest executive of the Cause.”  Horace Holley.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 3, p. 61.

Regarding the Baha'i voting list: people must have “loyal and steadfast adherence to every clause of our Beloved’s sacred will.”  The Baha'i World, Vol. 3, p. 86.

Isaiah 54 is about Navaab – wife of Baha’u’llah and mother of Abdu’l-Baha “whose seed shall inherit the Gentiles.” Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p. 348.

“The divine foundation which has been laid for Universal Peace in the Baha'i institutions of the Guardianship and the House of Justice.” The Baha'i World, Vol. 5, p. 66.

“A goal once established by the Guardian cannot be abandoned, cannot be replaced with any other objective, but remains the end of collective effort until completely attained.”  The Baha'i World, Vol. 5, p. 67.  [What happened to the International Baha'i Council, the establishment of which was declared to be one of the most important events in the history of the Faith by Shoghi Effendi?]

The National Spiritual Assembly of USA distributes Shoghi Effendi’s letter The Dispensation of Baha’u’llah and suggests its use for teaching.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 5, p. 69.

“Nothing of such stupendous significance has heretofore issued from the pen of the Guardian of the Faith as his magnificent letter recently received and circulated to every member of the Faith under the title of “The Dispensation of Baha’u’llah.”  To indicate even in a superficial way the dramatic effect of his historic document upon the believers is entirely beyond our reach.  In clarifying the mysterious and impenetrable magnitude of the station of His Holiness, the Bab, of the Divine Founder of the Faith, Baha’u’llah, and the Center of the Covenant, Abdu’l-Baha, of the Guardianship and that perfect and unique world order embodied in their plan of Administration, Shoghi Effendi has left nothing unsaid, no conceivable room for misapprehension, misinterpretation or misapplication…By its power the hearts of the friends are strengthened and united, and hand in hand they are arising to support the Guardian and render victorious the mighty founding of the Kingdom on earth.  To every applicant for enrollment in the Baha'i Cause a copy of this document will be presented [that he may become aware of the magnitude of the step…] this glorious handiwork of the first Guardian of the Cause of God…”  The Baha'i World, Vol. 5, p. 90.

“The divine Will and Testament.”  Horace Holley.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 5, p. 93.

“The transitional stage through which the administrative order has been passing, and in which it still remains.”  Horace Holley.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 5, p. 95.

“The succession, from the Manifestation to the Center of the Covenant to the Guardian, was plainly indicated.”  The Baha'i World, Vol. 5, p. 101.

“Obedience to the authority of the Guardian was definitely enjoined upon all Baha’is by Abdu’l-Baha…” Horace Holley, The Baha'i World, Vol. 5, p. 191.

“By the appointment of a Guardian of the Baha'i Cause, Abdu’l-Baha created an executive head and center possessing unquestioned consecration and capacity for the tremendous task of inspiring the world-wide Baha'i community.”  Horace Holley.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 5, p. 202.

“Shoghi Effendi and his duly constituted successor and successors…” – from the  Declaration of Trust for Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States and Canada. The Baha'i World, Vol. 5, p. 212.

The Local Spiritual Assembly, New York, Bylaws – Article III: “The authority and right to appeal from the decision of the National Assembly to the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith for review and final decision..”  The Baha'i World, Vol. 5, p.232.

The Local Spiritual Assembly, New York, Bylaws – Article IV: “Loyal and steadfast adherence to every clause of Abdu’l-Baha’s sacred Will and Testament;”  The Baha'i World, Vol. 5, p. 233.

“The Guardian is our captain sure/And we follow at His Command.”  Song “Herald of the Dawn.”  The Baha'i World, Vol. 5, p. 387.

“His ambition to become an efficient teacher of the Cause and a servant of whom his beloved Guardian would be proud was very great.  This devotion to the Great Head of the Baha'i Administration was very touching.  He wanted to obey not only to the letter, but to the spirit, and studied earnestly every letter from the Great Guardian, and every word of the Administration in order that he might become absolutely efficient in this important matter, and such an obedient servant that he would be above reproach.  His longing was that all believers should be firmly centered in the One chosen for us by our Heavenly Beloved Abdu’l-Baha to guard and guide us after His ascension.”  In Memoriam of George Adam Benke, The Baha'i World, Vol. 5, p. 493.

“Its line of ancestry is as long as it is authentic and illustrious.”  G. Townsend.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 5, p. 508.

“In the World Order of Baha’u’llah, Shoghi Effendi writes:  “Divorced from the institution of the Guardianship the World Order of Baha’u’llah would be mutilated and permanently deprived of that hereditary principle which as Abdu’l-Baha has written, has been invariably upheld by the Law of God.” (p. 148)  “Moreover”, he writes, “he who symbolizes the hereditary principle in this Dispensation has been made the interpreter of the words of its Author…” (p. 153)

“Consider!  What does it mean to symbolize?  It is well known that the symbol is not the literal thing.  The symbol represents, stands for, something.  When we speak of a thing as being symbolized, it means that one thing stands for, represents, another thing, but it is not that thing represented.

            “The hereditary principle is continuous succession.  Therefore, when the guardian is spoken of as “symbolizing the hereditary principle”, it means that the continuity of the guardianship represents, stands for, the principle that things – in this case authority – are handed down in orderly continuous succession from generation to generation.  It represents hereditary succession.

            “Now this does not mean that the guardianship does not and cannot descend according to the strict law of hereditary succession, but it does mean that adherence to the strict law of hereditary succession along physical lines is not absolutely essential.”   Charles Gaines Covenant Trilogy included in Proclamation of Charles Mason Remey to the Government of Israel.

“Like many of the early Western believers, Esslemont was captivated by and completely devoted to his Master, Abdu'l-Bahá. After corresponding with him, Esslemont received an invitation to come to Haifa in 1919, where he spent over two months as his guest. During this period, the two discussed the manuscript of Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era and "several valuable suggestions" were made.  In the 1923 edition, Esslemont included a number of statements by Abdu'l-Bahá which he had personally heard and recorded. In spite of the value which these firsthand accounts contribute to our understanding of Abdu'l-Bahá and the perceptions of early believers, some of them have been removed from later editions without any notation. For example, on page 123, Abdu'l-Bahá advocated, in detail, a constitutional form of monarchy over a republican form of government as practiced in the United States. This was included in Esslemont's chapter titled "True Civilization," to illustrate the type of government which Bahá'u'lláh counseled nations to adopt until the next Manifestation of God appears. In later editions Esslemont's words have been replaced with nearly three pages of new material speaking merely of the fact that there will be different types of governments during the "Lesser Peace" and the "Most Great Peace." Although Abdu'l-Bahá was quite specific, these later accretions are vague and give no clear illustration of what type of rule Bahá'u'lláh would have nations adopt. “  Vance Salisbury. A Critical Examination of 20th-Century Baha'i Literature, 1997 https://bahai-library.com/salisbury_critical_examination_literature

“Perhaps the most important change in Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era was made on page 212 of the 1923 edition. Recorded as a Bahá'í prophecy concerning the "Coming of the Kingdom of God," Esslemont cited Abdu'l-Bahá's interpretation of the last two verses of the Book of Daniel from the Bible. He stated that the 1335 days spoken of by Daniel represented 1335 solar years from Muhammad's flight to Medina in 622 A.D., which would equal 1957 A.D…. the record of Abdu'l-Bahá's prophecy was left intact by the American National Spiritual Assembly and Shoghi Effendi. It was not changed until after 1957.” Vance Salisbury.  A Critical Examination of 20th-Century Baha'i Literature, 1997

“Upon an examination of revisions in recent Bahá'í literature, it seems that the institution of the Guardian of the Cause of God has been the subject of the most widespread bowdlerization of texts. The office of the Guardian was first established by Abdu'l-Bahá in his Will and Testament. Shoghi Effendi, his eldest grandson, was named as the first in a succession of hereditary Guardians. The Guardian is the authoritative interpreter of the holy writings and the permanent head of the Universal House of Justice, the supreme administrative body which was referred to by Bahá'u'lláh in his Kitab-i-Aqdas. Through the Guardianship, the Cause of God is believed to be safeguarded from schism, because he is to be under the protection and infallible guidance of Bahá'u'lláh and the Bab.” Vance Salisbury.  A Critical Examination of 20th-Century Baha'i Literature, 1997

“Further, in another quotation which originally appeared on the same page, but was also removed from later editions, Abdu'l-Bahá plainly stated, "' This is the Century of the Sun of Truth. This is the Century of the establishment of the Kingdom of God upon the earth.'" Vance Salisbury. A Critical Examination of 20th-Century Baha'i Literature, 1997.

“John Ferraby's All Things Made New is second only to Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era in the number of textual changes. The original edition, first published in 1957, was dedicated "To Shoghi Effendi: The First Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith."… Ferraby originally stated that, "Abdu'l-Bahá, in his turn, arranged that the Cause would still have a visible Centre after His passing, by providing for a succession of Guardians of the Cause of God to follow him." He then included over two hundred words from Abdu'l-Bahá's Will to explain the importance of the perpetual Guardianship and how successors are to be chosen.  This entire section has been rewritten in later editions, stating that Abdu'l-Bahá's Will only provided for "the possibility of a succession of Guardians..." And, the portions of Abdu'l-Bahá's Will have been replaced with the statement," Although there could have been a series of Guardians, there is nowhere in the writings any promise or guarantee that the line of Guardians would not be broken but would endure forever."  But, there were others who were also convinced that the institution of the Guardianship would continue. George Townshend, another Hand of the Cause, wrote that, "When it is written that 'the government shall be upon his shoulder' the reference can be to the Guardian only and the continuing 'forever' of his sovereignty can only be referred to the lineage of succeeding Guardians." In later editions, Townshend's interpretation of this passage from the Biblical book of Isaiah which he said could only apply to the Guardian has been changed to refer to "the devolution by Bahá'u'lláh of supreme authority upon his divinely guided institutions..."   Shoghi Effendi's wife Ruhiyyih Rabbani was convinced that her husband was the first in a line of Guardians. In a book which is no longer in print, she argued that: "The principle of successorship, endowed with the right of Divine interpretation, is the very hub of the Cause into which its Doctrines and Laws fit like the spokes of a wheel - tear out the hub and you have to throw the whole thing away."                                                                                                “Finally, it is important to consider Shoghi Effendi's understanding of the nature of the Guardianship. He was probably more familiar with his grandfather's Will than anyone and he is believed to have been endowed with divine inspiration to make authoritative interpretations of the Writings. (76) The original edition of The Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi included numerous references to the institution of the Guardianship and its inspired origin, its perpetual nature, and its absolute centrality to the Covenant.                                                                                                      “…there has been a tendency on the part of Bahá'í individuals and institutions to distort or suppress historical data. And, unless Bahá'ís are granted more freedom in expressing their views and more pressure is placed upon the Bahá'í Administration through the research, concern and efforts of those outside the Faith, there is no reason to believe that this ongoing revision and rewriting will cease in the near future .”  Vance Salisbury. A Critical Examination of 20th-Century Baha'i Literature, 1997.

Horace Holley states that the National Spiritual Assemblies in Turkistan and Caucasus must be established for the Universal House of Justice to function.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 6, p. 23-24.

“We have a Guardian – one who holds the world together in this day – one who is preparing humanity for a new civilization.”  Madame de Burmuihl.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 6, p. 49.

“The Baha’is have the supreme privilege of receiving guidance and inspiration from one central point.”  Horace Holley.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 6, p. 80.

“The international fund is at the disposal of the Guardian.”  The Baha'i World, Vol. 6, p. 83.

The National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada rules that teachers must demonstrate, “Complete loyalty to the Administrative Order as outlined in the Guardian’s general letters including the World Order communications.”  The Baha'i World, Vol. 6, p. 87.

Local Assemblies are to be responsible for providing new believers with copies referring to “the new compilation of excerpts from the Will and Testament of Abdu’l-Baha.”  The Baha'i World, Vol. 6, p. 87.

The National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada declares, “The Baha'i Commonwealth maintained by the central institutions of the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice.”  “The National Institutions are dependent upon the Guardian and the Universal House of Justice.” The Baha'i World, Vol. 6, p. 111.

Local Spiritual Assemblies are to have a recording secretary and maintain minutes of meetings.   The Baha'i World, Vol. 6, p. 191-192.  [Certainly if Local Assemblies are to have recording secretaries, the Universal House of Justice must have one as well.  Any Baha'i meeting which is held in official service to the Administration ought to have a recording secretary.]

“Shoghi Effendi and his duly constituted successor and successors.”  Memorandum of the National Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 6, p. 285. (page 256 of the same volume has the identical statement made by the NSA of the USA and Canada).

Shoghi Effendi is registered as the President of the Baha'i National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of United States and Canada, Palestine Branch.  “Lawful successor” (to Shoghi Effendi) is mentioned three times in the Articles of Association of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, Palestine Branch.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 6, p. 345.

“The present Articles can be altered by Shoghi Effendi Rabbani or whoever may lawfully succeed him as the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith.”  Documents of Incorporation National Spiritual Assembly of USA & Canada, Palestine Branch.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 6, p. 358.

“Shoghi Effendi, the first Guardian.”  Marion Holley.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 6, p. 429.

(Regarding previous Revelations) “The organic weakness lay in the absence of a divinely invested Guardian.”   “All Baha’is turn to the Guardian and accept his interpretation.” Helen Bishop.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 6, p. 633.

“Constitutional government, combining “the ideals of republicanism and the majesty of kingship…” Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. v.

“Shoghi Effendi…is to appoint the next Guardian.”  Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. vii (1962, NSA USA).

“Parliament of Man or court of last appeals…will be representatives of all the nations…members ratified by the government and the king or ruler.”  Star of the West, Vol. 4, No. 1, p. 6.  [This plan of Abdu’l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi has been ignored by the violators in Haifa.]

“The House of Justice organized from amongst the members of the Houses of Justice of the whole world.”  Star of the West, Vol. 4, No. 15, p. 255.  [This is another instance of disregarding Abdu’l-Baha’s plan.]

“His guidance of a community outwardly separated in more than forty countries has exerted an ethical and socail influence equivalent to that of a true world sovereignty…”  Horace Holley.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 7, p. 15.

“Its unifying influence proceeds…from the recognition of a common center in the Guardianship;”  The Baha'i World, Vol. 7, p. 88.

“The entire loyalty of a heart…turned completely toward his Guardian and the Guardian of the world.”  Louis Gregory in memory of Alfred Lunt.  The Baha'i World, Vol. 7, p. 533.

“Know ye that one of the subjects upon which all nations have agreed, is the fact that there has ever been in the world the appearance of a truth and a falsehood, the rise of a guide and a misleader, the true claim and the false one, the call of the Lord and that of a satan.”  Mirza Abu’l Fadl.  The Baha'i Proofs, p. 157.

"It is very important that the Baha'is accurately record their experiences with the Master and events in the Cause's progress for these things form data for future histories of the Cause." Bahá'i News of February 1950, p. 4.  [No notes were taken at the meetings of the Hands after the passing of Shoghi Effendi.]

Excerpts from the Report of the Baha'i Committee of Investigation 1917-1918

[Consisting Mainly of Quotes from Baha’u’llah and Abdu’l-Baha]

Report of the Committee of Investigation appointed by visiting Bahais at the Centenary Celebration of Baha’o’llah in Chicago, November 12, 1917, to make an examination, and to report to the friends of America their findings relative to the alleged center of violation of the Covenant of Abha in Chicago.

[To summarize, the “Kirchner Affair” prompted the Baha’is from outside of Chicago to form a committee to investigate the accusation of violation within the Chicago community.  Mrs. Kirchner received approval from Abdu’l-Baha to open a Baha'i Reading Room in Chicago.  This devolved into a group which gave interpretations which were Masonic in nature and contrary to the teachings of Baha’u’llah and Abdu’l-Baha.  The Reading Room group formed its own Spiritual Assembly which sent its own delegates to the national Baha'i convention resulting in two sets of delegates from Chicago at the convention.  It was decided that Baha’is from outside of Chicago investigate the situation.  They concluded that Mrs. Kirchner and the rest of the people associated with the Reading Room were in violation and that the original Chicago Spiritual Assembly established by Abdu’l-Baha were firm in the Covenant.  (The Reading Room group accused Zia Bagdadi and Corinne True of Covenant Breaking and that the Spiritual Assembly was corrupt and void).  The “Kirchner Affair” was handled by the investigation committee because communication with Abdu’l-Baha was impossible during World War I.  The Friends used the Writings to guide their investigation and consultation of the affair to make a final decision which was presented to 48 Baha’is from Chicago and several other communities around the United States.  The vote of the 48 gathered friends agreed that the Reading Room group was in violation of the Covenant and should be avoided.  The erroneous teachings originating in the Reading Room were spreading to other communities around the country.  For the preservation of the Covenant the friends formed a committee, investigated the violation, and made a decision based on the Writings.  The Second Guardian, Charles Mason Remey, refers to this Investigation as “The Kirchner Affair” in some of his 11 books placed in the Geneva Library of the United Nations.  He compared the violation of the Hands in 1957 to this affair.  The two main violation points made in the Kirchner Affair were the creation of division among the Friends and the distribution of interpretations contrary to those of the appointed Interpreter. Nakazeem means one who violates the Covenant.] 

COMMITTEE

Charles Mason Remey, of Washington, D.C., Chairman.

H. Emogene Hoagg, of San Francisco, Calif.

Geo. O. Latimer, of Portland, Oregon.

Louis G. Gregory, of Washington, D.C.

“The believers of God in America are informed of the Holy Words of Abdul Baha when in Chicago. He made the following statement, and repeated it three times to Mr. Windust: "There are wolves in your midst."”

In a Tablet to Mr. Roy Wilhelm, referring especially to violators, Abdul Baha says: "The divine sheep must be constantly guarded against devouring wolves."

"As soon as they, (the Bahais), see the least trace of violation of the Covenant, they must hold aloof from the violators."

"He (Baha’o’llah) appointed the one who should be looked upon as authority by all. He has shown the Interpreter of the Book, and has closed the door of outside interpretation."

"The purpose of the Blessed One is to create not any difference; notwithstanding all this there are certain souls here (Chicago) and a few in Acca who have violated this command."

"Firmness in the Covenant means obedience, so that no one may say ‘This is my opinion’ nay, rather he must obey that which proceeds from the pen and tongue of the Covenant."

"One of the enemies to the Cause is he who endeavors to interpret the Words of Baha’o’llah and thereby colors the meaning according to his own capacity and collects around him a following, forming a different sect, promoting his own station, and makes division in the Cause."

"My purpose is to convey to you that it is your duty to guard the religion of God, so that no one shall be able to assail it, either outwardly or inwardly. If you see injurious teachings coming from an individual, no matter who that individual may be, even though he may be my own son, know ye, verily, I am quit of him."

"Were it not for the protecting power of the Covenant to guard the impregnable fort of the Cause of God, there would arise among the Bahais, in one day, a thousand different sects as was the case in former ages."

"According to the clear texts of the Kitab-el-Akdas and other Tablets, the Center of the Covenant is the remover of all difficulties, for He is the interpreter of the Book. Not one soul has the right to say one word on his own account, or explain anything or to elucidate the Texts of the Book, whether in public or private."

"He, (Baha’o’llah), entered into a Covenant with all the people of the world, indicating the Person, or the Interpreter of His Teachings, so that no man should be able to say that he explains a certain teaching in this way, and thus create a sect revolving around his individual understanding of a part of the Teachings."

"Whenever any soul explains any matter he must have authority from the Verses of God, and the Words of the Supreme, either from the Book of Akdas or other divine Tablets. If he is asked for the proof of his statement, he must show the text of the Book, -- that is his evidence."

"Briefly, every statement and word which is not based upon the divine Text is not Truth, and no one must listen to it."

"Such souls are nothing but pure harm to the Cause of God, and it is well that they go out, for the abominable deeds of such souls are like unto an axe at the root of the Cause."

"In brief, be a vigilant guard for the impregnable fort of God, and protect it against the intrusion of the ignorant."

"Aside from all these considerations, some of the Nakazeen have come secretly among you, and are expressing their firmness in the Covenant, and with all kinds of intrigues and strategems are creating disorder and calamities, so that ye may be deprived of the light of the Divine Testament and subjected to the darkness of violation.

Is it worthy of you to be engaged with differences amongst you, and thereby enable the Nakazeen to spread a noose and chase such firm believers as you are?"

"Yes, we ought to have the utmost friendship for all the nations of the world, but it is not possible to associate with and be companions of hypocrites, because it will bring danger upon the Cause of God. Hypocrites make a hole in the Cause, and will totally uproot the foundation of the Cause of God. Should we mix with and show the utmost love and kindness to such a person, or should we protect the people from such men?"

July 21, 1913. [From Abdu’l-Baha To Zia Bagdadi]

"Verily, I read thy first letter. Be on your guard against that deceitful man, and do not elect him to the Spiritual Committee, because he fills the breasts with Satanic breaths.

O thou, my beloved: Trust in God. The example of the Nakazeen is just as God said: 'As to the foam it shall dry up, but that which benefits the people it shall remain in the earth.' Falsehood has attracting power, but the truth is the most powerful."

[From Baha’u’llah] To Mohammed Mustapha Bagdadi:

"O, Mohammed, rise in the service of the Cause of God. Be thou a flame (flame of hell) to the enemies of my beauty (Abha), and a white light (light of Paradise) to the Manifestations of My Name, the Exalted, the Supreme.

Hold thou fast to One Branch of this Tree, so that thou mayst not fall in the day of tests. Be thou mindful under all conditions. Thus we have ordained for thee a station that is exalted by God."

So, when the time for re-election of the House of Spirituality came, in the summer of 1917, the new members, all old and tried, staunch and true, believers, awakened to their responsibility, united as one being to herald the Center of the Covenant, and stomp out this "cancerous growth" that Abdul Baha said had existed in Chicago for so long a time.

The history of violation shows that many souls who have received Tablets and have had wonderful stations have afterwards fallen and become violators. It also shows that those who have once violated may violate again, and that even firm souls are in danger in the days of tests.

If the fact that one has been favored with a Tablet at some time, taken alone, makes a clear record, some of the worst violators can claim perfection. Mirza Assad'Ullah, Dr. Fareed, and Sprague, each and all received Tablets which are recorded. Sprague once received a Tablet commencing" "O, thou who art firm in the Covenant!" There can be no doubt of his firmness and sincerity at the time this Holy Word was revealed, but where is he today? Where are his associates? Where is Judas Iscariot, once chief among the disciples? Where are the souls who acknowledged the Bab, but veiled by their pride did not see the Sun of Truth, Baha'o'llah?

Where are those who acknowledged Baha'o'llah, but today veiled by negligence and conceit are blind to the Glorious Orb of the Covenant of God, Abdul Baha? Those who see the Center of the Covenant are the people of light. Those who obey his voice and will are alive by the breaths of the Merciful.

We know this message that Baha'o'llah has brought to the world is for the unification of mankind: it is pure love, the "reality of love", eternal light.

The people of the Reading Room have summed up their own spirit by referring to themselves as the "dissenters", those who refuse to follow or belong to the group that recognizes the House of Spirituality as a body established by the center of the Covenant, and entrusted by him with the affairs of the Chicago Assembly; those who refuse to cease the dissemination of false teachings and human interpretation under the very cloak of the Cause of God.

It is exactly by such subtle means that the first breaches were made in the oneness and integrity of the Cause of Jesus Christ, and that the foundation of sectarianism was laid in the dawn and inception of Christianity.

Abdul Baha, in a very wonderful talk in Green acre, said, that very slight differences in the lifetime of the Manifestation becomes great scisms thereafter.

THE VIOLATION IN CHICAGO

There is no subject upon which the Center of the Covenant has given more explicit and detailed instructions than upon the Nakazeen (violators), and upon the treatment of these people by the people of the Cause of Firmness.

From these instructions given in many public interviews, Tablets, and cablegrams, Abdul Baha has established a standard of action for the Bahais to adhere to as soon as they detect a tract of violation in their midst, and it is clearly evident that he expects the friends to abide by his commands, and judge according to the explicit and evident standard of the Holy Words.

Chicago has for many years been tainted by the Nakazeen spirit. The Nakazeen movement emanating from Ibrahim Kheiralla, Dr. Nutt, and Mr. Thompson, with the various ramifications, for years has caused the disintegration of our beloved Cause in those regions.

The leader [Harmon] of the present movement of violation was for some time associated with Nutt and with Thompson, so those who know this history can trace the subtle spiritual disease of violation, as it connects these various phases of disintegration.

Portions of a Tablet by Abdul Baha, star of the West, Vol. 4, page 174:

"Convey the wonderful Abha greetings to the believers. Chicago, in comparison with the cities of America, was in advance and numerically contained more Bahais, but when the vile odor of the Nakazeen was spread in that city there was stagnation. The Cause in other cities of America is progressing day unto day, but Chicago is stationary. Therefore, strive that the sweet fragrance of the Testament and the Covenant may be diffused, the nostrils of the spiritual ones become perfumed, the banner of Ya Baha el Abha be unfurled, and the tent of the oneness of the world of humanity be pitched, then ye shall observe that Chicago has become the Paradise of Abha.

These few Nakazeen cannot accomplish anything worth while. The utmost is this, that they will be the means of the drooping of the believers of God in that city.

A person deprived of the spirit of the Covenant is sentenced as dead. The dead surely disintegrate. Therefore, breathe not but the spirit of the Covenant and the Testament as much as you can in the hearts, so that the soul may progress day unto day, and obtain a new exhilaration."

We have read some of the Holy Words concerning specific phases of violation, so that no doubt can remain in our minds as to the signs of this disease. It is understood, too, from these utterances that the believers themselves are expected and commanded to "guard the Cause", to be firm so that no "Nakaz may spread a noose and chase such firm souls as you are"; and there are found many other references regarding the duty of the firm believers to judge according to the Holy Word and conform their actions thereto.

"Awaken the believers of God to really keep aloof from wavering Nakazeen souls."

"My purpose is to convey to you that it is your duty to guard the religion of God so that no one shall be able to assail it either outwardly or inwardly."

"Let them (the Bahais) be awake! Let them be mindful! As soon as they see a trace of violation of the Covenant, they must hold aloof from the violators."

"Glance over the temple of man, its members, and its parts. Among them there are eye and ear, nose and mouth, hands and fingers. Notwithstanding these differences between these organs, all of them are useful in there proper spheres, but if one of them is out of order, there is need of a remedy, and if the medicine does not heal, then the amputation of that member becomes necessary."

"In an army containing 1,000 well men and one consumptive the one thousand well men could never cure the one sick man of consumption, but the one sick man could contaminate the whole army of 1,000 well men, and make every one of them sick."

From the Words of Baha'o'llah:

"Verily, shun those who are shaken in the Covenant. Verily God is the confirmer of the firm ones."

EXTRACT FROM INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN BY ABDUL BAHA TO HELEN

S. GOODALL, HARRIET WISE, AND ELLA G. COOPER, NEW YORK, JULY, 1912.

"I feel a zephyr blowing from the supreme kingdom toward America. It will continue to blow. I hope it brings the utmost strength in the Covenant. No matter how severe the storms, you must be firm. The Covenant is most important - nothing is as important - because it is the magnet of confirmations. Baha'o'llah mentions it in many of his writings...... In one he says: "O, God, confirm him who is firm in the Covenant."

Firmness in the Covenant is not mere words. If a soul shall utter a word without the sanctions of the Covenant, he is not firm.

Baha'o'llah appointed a Covenant in order to ward off discussions, so that no one should give his own opinion, but that the Center should be referred to.

This is the reality of the question. Whatever the Center of the Covenant says is correct. No one should utter a word of himself. Baha'o'llah has even called down the vengence of God upon any one who violates the Center of the Covenant.

Beware, beware, lest ye be shaken! Remain firm and steadfast even though the people of heaven try to shake you. The command is explicit!

Extract from Tablet, April 19, 1914.

"To the Friends of God, and the Maid-servants of the Merciful, United states of America:

O ye friends of GOD and the Maid-servants of the Merciful!

When the Sun of Reality shone forth from the horizon of Sanctity, It flooded the world with the rays of the oneness of TRUTH, so that mankind, as regards doctrines and articles of belief, might converge toward ONE COMMON CENTER; differences, contention and discord might be entirely effaced from the world of humanity, and the UNIQUE LIGHT which hath BRANCHED from the SUN of REALITY might illumine ALL the HEARTS.

For the realization of this complete unity and perfect good fellowship, the Blessed One suffered all manner of hardships, trials, and afflictions, to such an extent that the eyes are weeping and the hearts are burning now and forevermore.

Praise be to GOD that the believers of God in all countries of the Orient are holding fast to the oneness of opinion, the oneness of thought, and the oneness of reality.”

We have but one Interpreter, but one Center of the Covenant. He calls us to obedience and submission, a complete surrender of our wills to the Will of God.

Arising to this obedience, it follows that there remains no room for dissension among those who are firm in the Testament and Covenant, and are looking to the Manifest Center, Abdul Baha.

"The Orb of the Covenant"

HE IS GOD!

O thou whom my heart addresses!

Know thou verily, the Covenant is an Orb which shines and gleams forth unto the universe.

Verily Its Light will dispel darkness, Its Sea will cast out the thick froth of suspicions upon the shore of perdition.

Verily, naught in the world can ever resist the Power of the Kingdom. Should all mankind assemble, could they prevent the sun from its light, the winds from their blowing, the clouds from their showers, the mountains from their firmness, or the stars from their beaming? No! By the Lord, the Clement! Everything (in the world) is subject to corruption; but the Covenant of thy Lord shall continue to pervade all regions.

Address thou the waverers and say:

Have ye forgotten that which transpired in the time of Christ?

Are ye not informed of the events which took place in His Blessed Day?

Did not the Pharisees rise against Him?

Did they not give verdict to the shedding of His Blood, to the murder of His friends, and to oppressing of His chosen ones?

Have ye heard concerning the heretics, the violators of His Covenant, (who appeared) after Him?

Are ye not informed of those kings, princes, learned and prominent men who persecuted Him?

Did ye not see what had been the end of the persecutors?

And do thou advise them and illumine their inmost part, and say unto them:

By GOD, the True One! Verily, ABDUL BAHA is assisted by the Beauty of EL ABHA who helps Him with a Power whereunto all the heads are made humble.

You shall surely find the banner of hypocrisy reversed, the foundations of discord demolished, and the Standards of Peace and Harmony waving throughout all regions!

O my friend! Verily, Baha hath commanded me to be forthbearing and patient, to conceal (their doings), to forgive and pardon. Otherwise, I would have rent their covering, disclosed their sins, divulged their deeds, depicted their character, and unveiled their manners. Verily, thou art already informed of some of their deeds and it is sufficient for you.

Consequently, turn thy face unto the Covenant, thy heart beating with the love of God, they soul attracted to the fragrances of God, thy tongue speaking of the appearance of the Kingdom of God, thine insight rending the veils asunder and disclosing the realities of things, and with a power which can move the heart of all the world.

This is a confirmation from the Lord of the Effulgence, while all else save this shall never profit thee! This is that by reason of which thy face shall gleam, thy heart shall be dilated with joy, thy soul become pure, thy back strengthened, thy spirit rejoiced, and thine identity quickened.

Leave the people of suspicion behind thy back and adhere to the manifest signs!

By God, the True One! Verily the people are drunken and asleep, confused and heedless, and this will drag them to the lowest of the low. This is no other than manifest loss.

Upon thee be greeting and praise!

(Signed) ABDUL BAHA ABBAS.

In the endeavor to comply with the commands in the Hidden Words:

"Hear no evil and see no evil" "Think not the faults of others to be great that thine own may not seem great," we have given attention only to one phase of the all-encompassing Abha Teachings. We have not realized that while there must be naught but love in the heart, we cannot associate with "disease" without being infected to some extent, and to prevent this infection we must "withdraw both mind and hand."

Hidden Words, page 24.

"O, Friend. In the garden of the heart plant only flowers of love, and withdraw not from clinging to the nightingale of love and yearning.

"Esteem the friendship of the just and withdraw both mind and hand from the company of the wicked."

Hidden Words, page 48.

"Beware! O Son of Dust! Walk not with the wicked and confederate not with him, for the companionship of the wicked changeth the light of Life into the fire of remorse."

Our attention is called by ABDUL BAHA to a great distinction between the "personal enemy" the "enemy to the Cause" and merely one who opposes the Cause.

Of the personal enemy ABDUL BAHA says:

"If a person does some injury to me, myself, not to the Cause of GOD, even if he cuts off one of my limbs I will forgive him at once, and will show him the utmost kindness. In such case I call my enemy my friend; but if a person brings danger upon the Cause of GOD I do not count him as a friend; and if he brings weakness to the Cause of GOD, of course I will not given him authority."

Extract from Tablet to M. Lotfullah, received Aug. 1, 1914.

"A man may receive his own enemy into his house and show him the utmost respect and consideration, but it is not allowable to receive a thief into his house, nor a traitor into his home, not a wolf into the flock. This would be injustice. Although the heart of the wolf is displeased at this, yet the sheep of GOD must be protected. Show ye the utmost kindness toward enemies, that is, ignorant enemies, but not toward traitorous and treacherous enemies.

Extract from a Tablet to Mrs. Woodward

"Every flock of the sheep of GOD which is protected under the shadow of the Divine Shepherd will not be scattered, but when the sheep are dispersed from the flock they will necessarily be caught and torn by the wolf.

Therefore it is incumbent upon you to flock together! It is incumbent upon you to be untied! It is incumbent upon you to expose yourselves to the fragrances of God at every time and moment!

Verily, I am with you when you turn unto God and are attracted to the fragrances of God, and I pray for confirmation, union, harmony and love in your behalf.

(Signed) Abdul Baha Abbas.

Of those who are opposers from outside the Cause, those not yet awakened, unbelievers, ABDUL BAHA has clearly stated that we are to pay no attention to them. They are harmless.

The following is an extract from Star of the West, Vol. 3, p. 8:

"If at any time an unimportant and ignorant soul arises in opposition, do not heed him nor consider his objection of any importance. We have had in the past opposers who have been among the world's celebrities. We had had enemies like Nasser-ed-Din and Abdul Hamid, two powerful kings, but all these people through the power of the Kingdom of Abha have vanished and disappeared from the face of the earth, and today the banner of the Covenant is unfurled and waving over all the races. One of the enemies to the Cause is he who endeavors to interpret the Words of BAHA'O'LLAH and thereby colors the meaning according to his capacity, and collects around him a following, forming a different sect, promoting his own station, and making a division in the Cause."

In a Tablet to Miss Alma Knobloch, Stuttgart, dated April 2, 1910, ABDUL BAHA says:

"All that is contrary to the Teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH is wrong, and you must never accept it. What has taken place is a test. The friends of GOD must be firm and steadfast in the midst of tests. If an angel should manifestly come down from heaven and if a word contrary to the Teaching of Baha'o'llah would proceed from his lips, it would be wrong and you should not heed it."

He says in a Tablet to Mr. Roy Wilhelm, dated October 14, 1914, that we must associate with the righteous:

 "With regard to the violator, (Nakaz), thou hast treated him most appropriately. It is necessary for the believing souls to associate with the righteous that they may inhale Holy Breaths. when He, (BAHA'O'LLAH), says: "Associate with all religions with joy and fragrance," by this is meant the humankind, not the wicked. It is becoming that lambs should associate with wolves or to give the thief access to the house with joy and fragrance? If you refer to the Hidden Words you will find that this is clearly prohibited in many different places. It is possible to seek association and to familiarize oneself with a scorpion? Read over the Bible, for this question is clearly explained in many different places.

To recapitulate: Awaken the believers of GOD to really keep aloof from wavering Nakazeen souls."

Also in a Tablet to Mr. Wilhelm, dated Aug. 12, 1914, ABDUL BAHA says:

"Though hast had the intention of going out into the woods and the country for change of weather. When thou dost return, organize assemblies, give the Gospel of the bounties of the HOLY SPIRIT to different souls, and create in them the hope to receive Heavenly Outpourings.

In brief, be a vigilant guard for the impregnable fort of GOD, and protect it against the intrusion of the ignorant. Judas Iscariot must not be forgotten. The divine sheep must constantly be guarded against devouring wolves. The light of the Cause of God must be protected from contrary winds by means of a shield. The oppressed fowl must be shielded against the birds of prey. The blooming roses should be saved from the outstretched hands of injustice, and the lambs of God must be fortified against the fierceness of ravenous animals.

Were is not for the protecting power of the Covenant to guard the impregnable fort of the Cause of GOD, there would arise among the Bahais, in a day, a thousand different sects, as was the case in former ages, but in this Blessed Dispensation, for the sake of the permanency of the Cause of GOD, and the avoidance of dissension amongst the people of GOD, the Blessed Perfection (May my soul be a sacrifice to HIM) has through the Supreme Pen written the Covenant and Testament. He appointed a Center, the Exponent of the Book, and the Annuller of disputes. Whatever is written or said by Him is conformable to the Truth and under the protection of the Blessed Beauty. He is infallible.

The express purpose of the Last Will and Testament is to set aside disputes from the world. Praise be to God that the believers in America are steadfast, but the firmer they are the better, that no one may be able to intrude and introduce disputes, for disputes destroy the foundation of God's Institution."

When the fact is made clear that we "must protect the Cause" we naturally search the Words to know what constitutes "violation" and what is our duty in the matter. We have found that violation of the Covenant is not only denial of Abdul Baha as the center of the Covenant but that there are many phases of violation.

Denial of the Center of the Covenant is a clear and easy matter to handle. This is open violation, but the subtle working of the enemies is harder to locate and more insidious in its effects. This latter kind of a violator does not openly declare himself as opposed to ABDUL BAHA. On the contrary, he proclaims his belief in the Center of the Covenant, his unfailing allegiance to the Cause, while in an underhanded way he goes about to destroy the love of the friends for each other, and to undermine and bring division in the Cause of God in every way possible.

One of the most dangerous ways of these enemies is the insinuating of other teachings into the Bahai Teachings, disseminating false teachings, and interpreting the Words of Baha'o'llah, which power is vested in the Center of the Covenant alone.

Extract of Tablet to Mrs. Brittingham:

"Whenever any soul explains any matter, he must have authority from the Verses of God, and the Words of the Supreme, either from the Book of Akdas or other divine Tablets. If he is asked for the proof of his statements, he must show the text of the Book. That is his evidence. Briefly, every statement and word which is not based upon the divine Texts is not truth. No one must listen to it. No one must interfere with it. This is the irrefutable Command. Expatiete in detail upon this subject in every meeting."

Excerpt from an Address to the Assembly San Francisco, during 1912:

                                                HE IS GOD!

"For this Divine Covenant is an Institution of the Lord. The Blessed Perfection in all the Tablets, Books, Epistles, and supplications has begged confirmation for, and praised and commended those who are firm in this Covenant and Testament, and has asked the wrath of God and woe and desolation unto the violators, for firmness in this Covenant will preserve the unity of the Religion of God, and the foundation of the religion of God will not be shaken. according to the clear texts of the Kitab-el-Akdas and other Tablets, the Center of the Covenant is the remover of all difficulties, for He is the Interpreter of the Book. Not one soul has the right to say one word on his own account, or to explain anything or elucidate the Texts of the Book, whether in public or private."

Extracts from an address by ABDUL BAHA, from the Star of the West, Vol. 14, No. 15, p. 255, New York City, Dec. 2, 1912:

 "As to the Most Great Characteristic - and it is a specific teaching of the Revelation of Baha'o'llah, and not given by any of the prophets of the past - it is the teaching concerning the Center of the Covenant. By giving the teaching concerning the Center of the Covenant He made provision against all kinds of differences, so that no man would be able to create new sect.

To guard against that state of things, he entered into a Covenant with all the people of the world, indicating the Person, or the Interpreter of His Teachings, so that no man would be able to say that he explains a certain teaching in this way, and thus create a sect revolving around his individual understanding of a part of the teachings.

Thus "The Rock of the Covenant and the Testament" of Baha'o'llah is the means of preventing such a possibility, for whoever shall say a word from his own self shall be degraded. Be ye cognizant of this! Beware lest anyone shall secretly say anything to you against this!

There are some people of self-will and self-desire who do not communicate their selfish intentions to you in a clear language. They secretly and by insinuation do this. They praise a certain individual, saying such an individual is so and so, is wise, is learned, is perfect, he was glorified in the presence of Baha'o'llah - or in an insidious way they make this statement - or they may take you one by one into a dark corner of a room and convey to you these things by certain innuendoes.

Be ye aware! For His Holiness Christ has said that no one hides the lamp under a bushel! The purpose is that some people shall come before you in order to secure something in their own favor. Be ye greatly on your guard, so that no one may infringe upon the Oneness of Baha'o'llah's Cause. Praise be to God! Baha'o'llah left nothing unsaid! He explained everything. He left no room for anything further to be said.

Yet there are some souls, some persons, who, for the sake of personal profit and interest, will attempt to sow seeds of sedition. Whoever may say a thing, whoever praises an individual, ask him to give you a written proof, concerning the praise he offers of that individual. Let him show you a trace from the Pen of the Center of the Covenant substantiating his praise of that certain individual; otherwise, say to him that you are not allowed to give heed to the words of everyone. Say, "You may love a person to-day and praise him, to-morrow another, and the next day still another. We cannot afford to listen to this or that individual. where is your authority from the pen of the Center of the Covenant? "

My purpose is to convey to you that it is your duty to guard the religion of God, so that no one shall be able to assail it, either outwardly or inwardly. If you see injurious teachings coming from an individual, no matter who that individual may be, even though he may be my own son, know ye, verily, I am quit of him.

If you see anyone speaking against the Covenant, even though he be my own son, know ye that I am averse to him. If a person speaks falsehoods, know ye that I am quit of him. He who covets things worldly and seeks after his own desire to accumulate the riches of this world, and is looking at the hand of the people to give him something, know ye that I am quit of such an one, but, when ye see a person living up to the teachings of Baha'o'llah, living up to the teachings in the Hidden Words, know ye that verily I proclaim that he is of me - know ye that he belongs to Baha'o'llah. If you see anyone whose deeds and conduct are contrary to, and not in conformity with the requirements in the Hidden Words, let that be the criterion, your standard by which to judge that person. If you find anyone opposed to the Spirit of these Teachings, know ye that I am quite of him no matter who he may be. This is the Truth!"

Of hypocrites we are specially warned in a Tablet from Abdul Baha to M. Lotfullah, dated Aug. 1, 1914, as follows:

"Convey on my behalf to all the Bahais the utmost greetings of ABHA.  A certain person has made an objection against me, saying: "Why is Tamadon Mulk banished, while we ought to love all the nations of the world?" But that one has not even considered that the Blessed One, Himself, His Holiness Baha'o'llah, banished certain persons, and in the Blessed Words He warns us from association with hypocrites. Yes, we ought to have the utmost friendship for all the nations of the world, but it is not possible to associate with and be companions of hypocrites, because it will bring danger upon the Cause of God. Hypocrites make a hole in the Cause, and will totally uproot the foundation of the Cause of God. Friendship with hypocrites is as if a man were to nourish a serpent in his bosom (lit, shirt) or as if he gave place to a scorpion within his sleeve. All the disciples of Christ shunned Judas Iscariot. Likewise peruse the Epistles of Paul; how much he has prohibited association with hypocrites. Also consider: After His Holiness Moses (Upon Him be Peace) had taught the people the hypocrites of Israel worshipped a calf.

Now, if a like event happen shall we associate with extreme love with these people and follow them? What a mistaken idea! What iniquity was wrought by the hypocrite Jeroboam in the time of Rehoboam amongst the children of Israel! What a cause of corruption and bloodshed he became, and at last he made most of the tribes of Israel worship Baal. Should we mix with and show the utmost love and kindness to such a person, or should we protect the people from such men? Indeed we ought to show the utmost love and kindness to all the nations; that is, those who are ignorant, but not to the hypocrites. A hypocrite becomes the cause of great disturbance amongst the friends. We have no dispute with anyone.

In short, Tamadan Mulk brought discord amongst the disciples to such an extent that it almost caused the violent uprooting of the foundation of God’s Cause. Many times he (Tamadan Mulk) repented, after the repentance he wrought fresh discord. At last a telegram was sent about him:

"Tamadon Mulk is a waverer. Association with him is not permitted." If this had not been done the foundation of the Cause would have been totally destroyed in Teheran!

This servant has no aim save (to promote) the goodness of all the people of the world of humanity, but if a serpent like Tamadon Mulk attacks the Cause I am obliged to awaken the Bahais, and if I do not do so, I am responsible to both to God and to the people."

Extract from a Tablet to Charles Mason Remey

"Nevertheless, the creatures have different degrees in existence, in so far as creation goes, for capacities are different, but all of them are good and pure, (in their essence) then afterwards they are polluted and defiled. Although there are different states of creation, yet all of them are beneficial. Glance over the temple of man, its members, and its parts. Among them there are eye and ear, nose and mouth, hands and fingers. Notwithstanding these differences between these organs, all of them are useful in there proper spheres, but if one of them is out of order, there is need of a remedy, and if the medicine does not heal, then the amputation of that member becomes necessary."

ABDUL BAHA enjoins us to be awake and mindful, and also to act - says:

"Let them (the Bahais) be awake! Let them be mindful! As soon as they see a trace of violation of the Covenant they must hold aloof from the violators."

"Such souls are nothing but pure harm to the Cause of God, and it is very well that they go out, for the abominable deeds of such souls are like unto an axe at the root of the Cause."

"Firmness in the Covenant means obedience, so that no one may say, 'this is my opinion' nay, rather, he must obey that which proceeds from the pen and tongue of the Covenant."

Extract from a Tablet to the American Friends from ABDUL BAHA, translated April 28, 1911:

"O ye friends and maid-servants of the Merciful! If ye are yearning for my meeting, and if in reality ye are seeking my visit, ye must close the doors of difference and open the gate of affection, love, and friendship. Ye must pulsate as one heart, and throb as one spirit. You must be like the waves, though they are innumerable they constitute the all-encircling sea.

O ye friends and maid-servants of the Merciful! Praise be to God ye are the fish of one ocean, the birds of one rose-garden, the trees of one orchard, and the flowers of one paradise. Then why this difference? Why this lack of harmony? Wherefore, this condition?

Verily, verily, I say unto you, were it not for this difference amongst you, the inhabitants of America in all those regions would have, by now, been attracted to the Kingdom of GOD and would have constituted themselves your helpers and assisters. It is meet that you sacrifice this most glorious bounty for worthless imaginations?

No, by GOD! Should you reflect for one moment, you would become able to destroy instantly the foundation of this difference by absolutely refraining from backbiting and fault-finding amongst yourselves.

Adorn with infinite love and concord the assemblage of beatitude, bring about the meeting of happiness, establish the banquet of oneness of the realm of humanity, loosen your tongue in praising each other, and then anticipate the presence of ABDUL BAHA in your midst.

Aside from all these considerations some of the Nakazeen have come secretly among you, and are expressing their firmness in the Covenant and with all kinds of intrigues and strategies are creating disorder and calamities, so that ye might be deprived of the Light of the Divine Testament and subjected to the darkness of violation.

Is it worthy of you to be engaged with differences amongst you, and thereby enabling the Nakazeen to spread a noose and chase out such firm believers as you are?

I beg God to confirm you in harmony, union, and concord, that you may become the cause of the oneness of the kingdom of humanity. Live and act in accord with the Divine Teachings, be abstracted from all the attachments of the human world, characterized with merciful characteristics. Release yourselves from the nether world, become heavenly souls, spiritual beings, and the angels of Paradise." Report of the Baha'i Committee of Investigation 1917-1918. (Spelling left as in original found on the world wide web: https://www.h-net.org/~bahai/docs/vol5/RCI/RCI.html)

Bible Verses

“Thou hast said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant:  I will establish your descendants for ever, and build your throne for all generations.”  Psalms 89:3&4.

“I will not violate my covenant, or alter the word that went forth from my lips.  Once for all I have sworn by my holiness; I will not lie to David.  His line shall endure for ever, his throne as long as the sun before me.  Like the moon it shall be established for ever; it shall stand firm while the skies endure.”  Psalms 89:34-37.

“Cursed be the man who does not heed the words of this Covenant.”  Jeremiah 11:3.

“David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne…if you can break my covenant with the day and my covenant with the night, so that day and night will not come at their appointed time, then also my covenant with David my servant may be broken, so that he shall not have a son to reign on his throne.”  Jeremiah 33:17-21. 

[Baha’u’llah states that He rules from the throne of David on page 89 of His Proclamation.  The Hands announced to the Baha'i world that God ‘changed His mind’ and declared the Guardianship ‘bada’; it no longer exists.  The above covenant recorded in the book of Jeremiah demonstrates that the concept of ‘bada’ is a violation of the Divine Covenant.  ‘The Guardian’ is the title Abdu’l-Baha gives to the person occupying the throne reestablished in the world by Baha’u’llah in fulfillment of scores of prophecies for the Kingdom of God on Earth.]

“Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure for ever before me; your throne shall be established for ever.”  2 Samuel 7:16 

[God’s Covenant with David and his descendants proclaims that David’s throne will endure forever.  Baha’u’llah is a descendant of the exiled kings of Israel who were the sons of David. “The Lord will bring you, and your king whom you set over you, to a nation that neither you nor your fathers have known.” Deuteronomy 28:36.]

“And I will make him the first-born, the highest of the kings of the earth.  My steadfast love I will keep for him for ever, and my covenant will stand firm for him.

I will establish his line for ever and his throne as the days of the heavens.”  Psalms 89:27-29 [God’s Covenant with David.]

“I will not violate my covenant, or alter the word that went forth from my lips.  Once for all I have sworn by my holiness; I will not lie to David.  His line shall endure for ever, his throne as long as the sun before me.  Like the moon it shall be established for ever; it shall stand firm while the skies endure.”  Psalms 89:34-37.

“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.”  Revelations 11:15.

“There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,” Isaiah 11:1&2.

“…these verses [referring to Isaiah 11:1] apply word for word to Baha’u’llah…”  ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (1957).  Some Answered Questions. Wilmette, Illinois: Baha’i Publishing Trust, p. 24. [Jesse was the father of David]

“The scepter shall not depart from Judah nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet until the coming of Shiloh.”  Genesis 49:10.

[David was of the tribe of Judah.  Here we are being told that there would be a hereditary heir occupying the throne of David until the coming of the Second Christ.  At that point, the throne would no longer continue as a hereditary succession.  Smith’s Bible Dictionary states, “The meaning of the word (Shiloh) is Peaceable or pacific, and the allusion is…to the expected Messiah, who in Is. ix. 6 is expressly called the Prince of Peace. [MESSIAH].” (Smith’s Bible Dictionary, p. 639.)]

“But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in their place to share the richness of the olive tree, do not boast over the branches.  If you do boast, remember it is not you that support the root but the root that supports you.”  Romans 11:17.  [Paul writing to the gentiles.  The olive tree refers to God’s everlasting Covenant.  The dove returned to Noah with an olive branch after the flood as a  sign of the Covenant and olive oil is used to anoint the Davidic kings.  Messiah/Christ, means ‘anointed one’; two anointed sons of David were prophesied to come – Zech. 4.]

“Zion shall be redeemed by Justice, and those in her who repent, by righteousness.  But rebels and sinners shall be destroyed together, and those who forsake the Lord shall be consumed.”  Isaiah 1:27-28.  [Baha’u’llah definitely associates His Revelation with Zion, the seat of David, as the Heir to the ancient throne re-established in the world through His Plan of Peace based on Justice, as prophesied in the Kingdom of God on earth which is His New World Order.]

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branchof mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already made clean by the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If a man does not abide in me, he is cast forth as a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned.”  John 15:2-6.

“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called. 'The Lord is our righteousness'.” Jeremiah 23:5-6.

“Thus says the Lord of Hosts:....behold, I will bring my servant the Branch.” Zechariah 3:6-8.

“Thus says the Lord of Hosts, 'Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: he shall grow up in his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord. It is he who shall build the temple of the Lord, and bear royal honor, and shall sit and rule upon his throne.'”  Zechariah 6:12-13.

Changes noted by Salisbury to Baha'i Literature, 1997: A Critical Examination of 20^th Century Baha'i Literature.

Baha’u’llah and the New Era by Esslemont, 1923, p. 118 & 1980, p. 130 editions: “Bahá'u'lláh provided that Abdu'l-Bahá would be the sole interpreter of his writings and after him the International House of Justice, but this has been changed to "the authorized interpreter." The institution of the Guardianship was added in the 1937 edition (pg. 160) and it was clearly stated that there would be "successive Guardians." However, this section was changed again in the 1970 revision and refers only to Shoghi Effendi as the Guardian, with no mention of succession.”

Baha’u’llah and the New Era by Esslemont, 1923, pages 123-124 & 1980, pages 135-137 editions:  “Esslemont was present when Abdu'l-Bahá specifically advocated a form of constitutional monarchy under the heading "True Civilization." This quotation has been dropped and replaced with two pages of general material which merely says that there will be different types of government under the Lesser Peace and the Most Great Peace.”

Baha’u’llah and the New Era by Esslemont, 1923, pages 211-212 & 1980 pages 249-250 editions: “Abdu'l-Bahá was quoted, asserting that the Kingdom of God would be established in this century along with world peace and a universal language, specifically by 1957. This section has been replaced with material by Abdu'l-Bahá which speaks generally of the effect of the Bahá'í Faith on the world. It has been made to appear as if Esslemont was referring to the progress of the movement at the one hundredth anniversary of Bahá'u'lláh's declaration, or 1963. It is important to note that this change was not made in the major revision in 1937, but in the 1970 revision, after the events predicted did not take place.”

All Things Made New by Ferraby, 1957, page 5 & 1987 page 7 editions: “Ferraby dedicated his book to "The First Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith." In the later edition, Ferraby's dedication is to "The Guardian." This is the first of many changes concerning the perpetuity and indispensable nature of the Guardianship.”

All Things Made New by Ferraby, 1957, pages 27-28 & 1987 pages 27-28 editions: “Ferraby originally stated that the Guardianship was to be perpetual, but this section has been reworked, explaining that another Guardian could not be appointed since none were qualified. All references to the duties of the Guardian were in the present tense, but have been changed to the past tense, indicating that the Guardianship has ceased.”

All Things Made New by Ferraby, 1957, pages 246-247 & 1987 pages 252-253 editions: “In the original edition, Ferraby quoted the Will of Abdu'l-Bahá and demonstrated that the Cause would continue to have a visible Centre through the institution of successive Guardians. He referred to this as "a Covenant so mighty that mankind has never seen its like." However, this section has been completely rewritten, stating that the Will only provided for the "possibility" for a succession of Guardians and that the writings nowhere "promise or guarantee" that the institution would continue. The Universal House of Justice is now presented as the "visible centre."”

All Things Made New by Ferraby, 1957, pages 250-255 & 1987 pages 256-261 editions:  “The Will of Abdu'l-Bahá and the Covenant were discussed. References to the Guardian have been replaced or amended with "the Universal House of Justice."”

All Things Made New by Ferraby, 1957, pages 256-262 & 1987 pages 262-272 editions: “This section has undergone major revision with the addition of hundreds of words. References to the Guardianship have been changed to the past tense or have been replaced with "the Universal House of Justice."”

All Things Made New by Ferraby, 1957, pages 272-274 & 1987 pages 288-290 editions: “Ferraby extolled the virtues of the Bahá'í Administrative Order and cited evidences of its superiority over concepts of authority in Christianity and Islam. Because of the unexpected death of Shoghi Effendi, this information was modified to a great extent, with the notion of the hereditary Guardianship being played down.”

Christ and Baha’u’llah by Townsend, 1957, page 79 & 1985 page 79 editions: “Townshend originally referred to Shoghi Effendi as the "first and present Guardian," but this phrase has been dropped.”

Christ and Baha’u’llah by Townsend, 1957, pages 98-99 & 1985 pages 98-99 editions: “Townshend discussed the Will and Testament of Abdu'l-Bahá and the provision for a succession of Guardians. The succession principle has been dropped and Shoghi Effendi is no longer spoken of as "the first Guardian."”

Christ and Baha’u’llah by Townsend, 1957, pages 100-101, & 1985, pages 100-101 editions:  “This section dealt with "the lineage of succeeding Guardians," but it has been changed so it appears that Townshend is writing about "divinely guided institutions" in general.”

Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi, 1942, pages 3-5, & 1975, page vii editions: “The original edition began with nearly three pages of excerpts from Abdu'l-Bahá's Will and Testament, in which he commanded his followers to "turn unto Shoghi Effendi...." This has been reduced in the 1975 edition to two paragraphs with statements concerning hereditary succession of the Guardianship and the role of the Guardian as the Head of the Universal House of Justice replaced with ellipses.”

Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi, 1942, page 10, & 1975, page 4 editions: “Two paragraphs have been removed, one of which deals mainly with outdated statistics concerning the growth of the Faith. The other is an assertion by Shoghi Effendi that he was "appointed as First Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith and Head of the Universal House of Justice...."”

Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi, 1942, pages 27-28, & 1975 page 19 editions: “A paragraph has been removed which described the Administrative Order as "the framework of the Will [of Abdu'l-Bahá] itself, the inviolable stronghold...."

Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi, 1942, pages 43-45, & 1975 page 32 editions: “Two full pages have been removed, which formed an apologetic for the functions, the centrality, and the absolutely essential position of the Guardianship in Bahá'u'lláh's World Order.” - Salisbury, 1997.  A Critical Examination of 20^th Century Baha'i Literature.