The apostles, who were the disciples of Jesus Christ, were
just as other men are; they, like their fellows, were attracted by the things
of the world, and each thought only of his own advantage. They knew little of
justice, nor were the Divine perfections found in their midst. But when they
followed Christ and believed in Him, their ignorance gave place to
understanding, cruelty was changed to justice, falsehood to truth, darkness
into light. They had been worldly, they became spiritual and divine. They had
been children of darkness, they became sons of God, they became saints! Strive
therefore to follow in their steps, leaving all worldly things behind, and
striving to attain to the Spiritual Kingdom.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk,
November 1, 1911, Paris, France; ‘Paris Talks’)
