O ye
friends and maid-servants of the Merciful! It is easy to advance toward the
Kingdom, but it is difficult to remain firm and steadfast. Therefore endeavour
ye as much ye can to make your faith firm like unto a well-rooted tree and
produce blossoms and fruits. Neither be ye agitated on account of the blowing
winds of tests and trials. The firmer the roots of the tree the greater its
blossoms and fruits. Because the
apostles of Christ remained firm and steadfast they became assisted in the most
great services and the confirmations of the Holy Spirit descended upon them
uninterruptedly. If ye seek the illumination of the Kingdom ye must arise with
infinite resolution. Be ye not discouraged or lukewarm on account of troubles
and vicissitudes. Show ye an effort so that that region may be illumined, the
Kingdom of God may raise its tents and the breaths of the Holy Spirit may
quicken the souls.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet to the believers in
Philadelphia; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 5, June 5, 1911)
