all
those who are the declared members of any one of these communities to
avoid any action that might, by arousing the suspicion or exciting the
antagonism of any one government, involve their brethren in fresh
persecutions or complicate the nature of their task. How else, might I
ask, could such a far-flung Faith, which transcends political and social
boundaries, which includes within its pale so great a variety of races and
nations, which will have to rely increasingly, as it forges ahead, on the
good-will and support of the diversified and contending governments of the
earth--how else could such a Faith succeed in preserving its unity, in
safeguarding its interests, and in ensuring the steady and peaceful
development of its institutions?

Such an attitude, however, is not dictated by considerations of selfish
expediency, but is actuated, first and foremost, by the broad principle
that the followers of Baha'u'llah will, under no circumstances, suffer
themselves to be involved, whether as individuals or in their collective
capacities, in matters that would entail the slightest departure from the
fundamental verities and ideals of their Faith. Neither the charges which
the uninformed and the malicious may be led to bring against them, nor the
allurements of honors and rewards, will ever induce them to surrender
their trust or to deviate from their path. Let their words proclaim, and
their conduct testify, that they who follow Baha'u'llah, in whatever land
they reside, are actuated by no selfish ambition, that they neither thirst
for power, nor mind any wave of unpopularity, of distrust or criticism,
which a strict adherence to their standards might provoke.

Difficult and delicate though be our task, the sustaining power of
Baha'u'llah and of His Divine guidance will assuredly assist us if we
follow steadfastly in His way, and strive to uphold the integrity of His
laws. The light of His redeeming grace, which no earthly power can
obscure, will if we persevere, illuminate our path, as we steer our course
amid the snares and pitfalls of a troubled age, and will enable us to
discharge our duties in a manner that would redound to the glory and the
honor of His blessed Name.

Our Beloved Temple

And finally, dearly-beloved brethren, let me once more direct your
attention to the pressing claims of the Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar, our beloved
Temple. Need I remind you of the imperative necessity of carrying out to a
succ