…to those
souls who are firm and steadfast, tests are the greatest favours. Consider thou that at the time of an
examination in sciences and arts, the dull and lazy pupil finds himself in
calamity. But to the intelligent and sagacious student examination in learning
produces honor and infinite happiness. Alloyed gold, subjected to the fire,
portrays its baseness, while the intensity of the flame enhances the beauty of
pure gold. Therefore, tests to the weak souls are calamity and to the veiled
ones the cause of their disgrace and humiliation. The point is this, that in
the path of Truth every difficulty is made plain and every trial is the
matchless bounty. Therefore, the believers of God and the maid-servants of the
Merciful must not relax during trial and no disaster must deter their service
in the Cause of God. ...
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet; Star of the West, vol.
2, no. 15, December 12, 1911)
