derstanding of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah and to
contribute to the advancement of the Faith.

(19 October 1993 to an individual believer) [14]

1.4 Appreciation of Scholarship

From the Writings of Baha'u'llah

15: "Respect ye the divines and learned amongst you, they whose conduct
accords..."

Respect ye the divines and learned amongst you, they whose conduct accords
with their professions, who transgress not the bounds which God hath
fixed, whose judgments are in conformity with His behests as revealed in
His Book. Know ye that they are the lamps of guidance unto them that are
in the heavens and on the earth. They who disregard and neglect the
divines and learned that live amongst them--these have truly changed the
favour with which God hath favoured them.

("Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah" (Wilmette: Baha'i Publishing
Trust, 1983), section LXVI) [15]

16: "O people of God! Righteous men of learning who dedicate themselves
to..."

O people of God! Righteous men of learning who dedicate themselves to the
guidance of others and are freed and well guarded from the promptings of a
base and covetous nature are, in the sight of Him Who is the Desire of the
world, stars of the heaven of true knowledge. It is essential to treat
them with deference. They are indeed fountains of soft-flowing water,
stars that shine resplendent, fruits of the blessed Tree, exponents of
celestial power, and oceans of heavenly wisdom. Happy is he that followeth
them. Verily such a soul is numbered in the Book of God, the Lord of the
mighty Throne, among those with whom it shall be well.

("Tablets of Baha'u'llah Revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas", pp. 96-97)
[16]

17: "Beware, O My loved ones, lest ye despise the merits of My learned
servants..."

Beware, O My loved ones, lest ye despise the merits of My learned servants
whom God hath graciously chosen to be the exponents of His Name "the
Fashioner" amidst mankind. Exert your utmost endeavour that ye may develop
such crafts and undertakings that everyone, whether young or old, may
benefit therefrom. We are quit of those ignorant ones who fondly imagine
that Wisdom is to give vent to one's idle imaginings and to repudiate God,
the Lord of all men; even as We hear some of the heedless voicing such
assertions today.

("Tablets of Baha'u'llah Revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas", pp. 150-151)
[17]

From the Writings and Utterances of 'Abdu'l-Baha