that the
Western people possess great spiritual aspiration.

It is my fervent prayer that the star of the East will shed its brilliant
rays on the Western world, and that the people of the West may arise in
strength, earnestness, and courage, to help their brethren in the East.

LECTURE GIVEN AT A STUDIO IN PARIS

November 6th

This is in truth a Baha'i house. Every time such a house or meeting place
is founded it becomes one of the greatest aids to the general development
of the town and country to which it belongs. It encourages the growth of
learning and science and is known for its intense spirituality and for the
love it spreads among the peoples.

The foundation of such a meeting-place is always followed by the greatest
prosperity. The first Baha'i Assembly that existed in Tihran was
singularly blessed! In one year it had grown so rapidly that its members
had increased to nine times their original number. Today, in far-away
Persia, there are many such assemblies where the friends of God meet
together in the fulness of joy, love and unity. They teach the Cause of
God, educate the ignorant, and draw heart to heart in brotherly kindness.
It is they who help the poor and needy and give to them their daily bread.
They love and care for the sick and are messengers of hope and consolation
to the desolate and oppressed.

Oh, ye in Paris, strive that your assemblies may be like unto this, and
may bear even greater fruits!

Oh, friends of God! If ye will trust in the Word of God and be strong; if
ye will follow the precepts of Baha'u'llah to tend the sick, raise the
fallen, care for the poor and needy, give shelter to the destitute,
protect the oppressed, comfort the sorrowful and love the world of
humanity with all your hearts, then I say unto you that ere long this
meeting-place will see a wonderful harvest. Day by day each member will
advance and become more and more spiritual. But ye must have a firm
foundation and your aims and ambitions must be clearly understood by each
member. They shall be as follows:

1. To show compassion and goodwill to all mankind.

2. To render service to humanity.

3. To endeavour to guide and enlighten those in darkness.

4. To be kind to everyone, and show forth affection to every living soul.

5. To be humble in your attitude towards God, to be constant in prayer to
Him, so as to grow daily nearer to God.

6. To be so faithful and sincere in all your actions that ev