O ye beloved of the Lord! It is incumbent upon the Guardian
of the Cause of God to appoint in his own life-time him that shall become his
successor, that differences may not arise after his passing. He that is
appointed must manifest in himself detachment from all worldly things, must be
the essence of purity, must show in himself the fear of God, knowledge, wisdom
and learning. Thus, should the first-born of the Guardian of the Cause of God
not manifest in himself the truth of the words:—”The child is the secret
essence of its sire,” that is, should he not inherit of the spiritual within
him (the Guardian of the Cause of God) and his glorious lineage not be matched
with a goodly character, then must he, (the Guardian of the Cause of God)
choose another branch to succeed him.
The Hands of the Cause of God must elect from their own
number nine persons that shall at all times be occupied in the important
services in the work of the Guardian of the Cause of God. The election of these
nine must be carried either unanimously or by majority from the company of the
Hands of the Cause of God and these, whether unanimously or by a majority vote,
must give their assent to the choice of the one whom the Guardian of the Cause
of God hath chosen as his successor. This assent must be given in such wise as
the assenting and dissenting voices may not be distinguished (i.e., secret
ballot).
O friends! The Hands of the Cause of God must be nominated
and appointed by the Guardian of the Cause of God. All must be under his shadow
and obey his command. Should any, within or without the company of the Hands of
the Cause of God disobey and seek division, the wrath of God and His vengeance
will be upon him, for he will have caused a breach in the true Faith of God. (‘Abdu’l-Baha,
‘The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
