e election, in every community, of that Universal House
whose very name and title, as ordained by Baha'u'llah, symbolizes that
rectitude of conduct which is its highest mission to safeguard and
enforce.

So great and transcendental is this principle of Divine justice, a
principle that must be regarded as the crowning distinction of all Local
and National Assemblies, in their capacity as forerunners of the Universal
House of Justice, that Baha'u'llah Himself subordinates His personal
inclination and wish to the all-compelling force of its demands and
implications. "God is My witness!" He thus explains, "were it not contrary
to the Law of God, I would have kissed the hand of My would-be murderer,
and would cause him to inherit My earthly goods. I am restrained, however,
by the binding Law laid down in the Book, and am Myself bereft of all
worldly possessions." "Know thou, of a truth," He significantly affirms,
"these great oppressions that have befallen the world are preparing it for
the advent of the Most Great Justice." "Say," He again asserts, "He hath
appeared with that Justice wherewith mankind hath been adorned, and yet
the people are, for the most part, asleep." "The light of men is Justice,"
He moreover states, "Quench it not with the contrary winds of oppression
and tyranny. The purpose of justice is the appearance of unity among men."
"No radiance," He declares, "can compare with that of justice. The
organization of the world and the tranquillity of mankind depend upon it."
"O people of God!" He exclaims, "That which traineth the world is Justice,
for it is upheld by two pillars, reward and punishment. These two pillars
are the sources of life to the world." "Justice and equity," is yet
another assertion, "are two guardians for the protection of man. They have
appeared arrayed in their mighty and sacred names to maintain the world in
uprightness and protect the nations." "Bestir yourselves, O people," is
His emphatic warning, "in anticipation of the days of Divine justice, for
the promised hour is now come. Beware lest ye fail to apprehend its
import, and be accounted among the erring." "The day is approaching," He
similarly has written, "when the faithful will behold the daystar of
justice shining in its full splendor from the dayspring of glory." "The
shame I was made to bear," He significantly remarks, "hath uncovered the
glory with which the whole of creation had been invested, and through the
cruelties I hav