As to you, O ye other handmaids who are enamoured of the
heavenly fragrances, arrange ye holy gatherings, and found ye Spiritual
Assemblies, for these are the basis for spreading the sweet savours of God,
exalting His Word, uplifting the lamp of His grace, promulgating His religion
and promoting His Teachings, and what bounty is there greater than this? These
Spiritual Assemblies are aided by the Spirit of God. Their defender is
‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Over them He spreadeth His wings. What bounty is there greater
than this? These Spiritual Assemblies are shining lamps and heavenly gardens,
from which the fragrances of holiness are diffused over all regions, and the
lights of knowledge are shed abroad over all created things. From them the
spirit of life streameth in every direction. They, indeed, are the potent
sources of the progress of man, at all times and under all conditions. What
bounty is there greater than this?
(‘Abdu’l-Baha,
‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha)
