…the loved ones of God, [must] laboriously, with the waters
of their striving, tend and nourish and foster this tree of hope. In whatsoever
land they dwell, let them with a whole heart befriend and be companions to
those who are either close to them, or far removed. Let them, with qualities
like unto those of heaven, promote the institutions and the religion of God.
Let them never lose heart, never be despondent, never feel afflicted. The more
antagonism they meet, the more let them show their own good faith; the more
torments and calamities they have to face, the more generously let them pass
round the bounteous cup. Such is the spirit which will become the life of the
world, such is the spreading light at its heart: and he who may be and do other
than this is not worthy to serve at the Holy Threshold of the Lord.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
