O ye the faithful loved ones of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá! It is
incumbent upon you to take the greatest care of Shoghi Effendi, the twig that
hath branched from and the fruit given forth by the two hallowed and Divine
Lote-Trees, that no dust of despondency and sorrow may stain his radiant
nature, that day by day he may wax greater in happiness, in joy and
spirituality, and may grow to become even as a fruitful tree.
For he is, after ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Guardian of the Cause of
God, the Afnán, the Hands (pillars) of the Cause and the beloved of the Lord
must obey him and turn unto him. He that obeyeth him not, hath not obeyed God;
he that turneth away from him, hath turned away from God and he that denieth
him, hath denied the True One. Beware lest anyone falsely interpret these
words, and like unto them that have broken the Covenant after the Day of
Ascension (of Bahá’u’lláh) advance a pretext, raise the standard of revolt, wax
stubborn and open wide the door of false interpretation. To none is given the
right to put forth his own opinion or express his particular conviction. All
must seek guidance and turn unto the Center of the Cause and the House of
Justice. And he that turneth unto whatsoever else is indeed in grievous error.
The Glory of Glories rest upon you!
(‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘The Will
and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
