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FROM THE WRITINGS OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ *
(3)
 
“The teaching work should under all conditions be actively pursued by the believers because divine confirmations are dependent on it. Should a Bahá’í refrain from being fully, vigorously and wholeheartedly involved in the teaching work he will undoubtedly be deprived of the blessings of the Abhá Kingdom. Even so, this activity should be tempered with wisdom – not that wisdom which requireth one to be silent and forgetful of such an obligation, but rather that which requireth one to display divine tolerance, love, kindness, patience, a goodly character, and holy deeds. In brief, encourage the friends individually to teach the Cause of God and draw attention to this meaning of wisdom mentioned in the writings, which is itself the essence of teaching the Faith – but all this to be done with the greatest tolerance, so that the heavenly assistance and divine confirmation may aid the friends.”
 

 
“The friends of God should weave bonds of fellowship with others and show absolute love and affection towards them. These links have a deep influence on people and they will listen. When the friends sense receptivity to the Word of God, they should deliver the Message with wisdom. They must first try and remove any apprehensions in the people they teach. In fact, every one of the believers should choose one person every year and try to establish ties of friendship with him, so that all his fear would disappear. Only then, and gradually, must he teach that person. This is the best method.”
 

 
“Follow thou the way of thy Lord, and say not that which the ears cannot bear to hear, for such speech is like luscious food given to small children. However palatable, rare and rich the food may be, it cannot be assimilated by the digestive organs of a suckling child. Therefore unto every one who hath a right, let his settled measure be given.
 
“ ‘Not everything that a man knoweth can be disclosed, nor can everything that he can disclose be regarded as timely, nor can every timely utterance be considered as suited to the capacity of those who hear it.’ Such is the consummate wisdom to be observed in thy pursuits. Be not oblivious thereof, if thou wishest to be a man of action under all conditions. First diagnose the disease and identify the malady, then prescribe the remedy, for such is the perfect method of the skilful physician.”
 

 
“Do not argue with anyone, and be wary of disputation. Speak out the truth. If your hearer accepteth, the aim is achieved. If he is obdurate, you should leave him to himself, and place your trust in God. Such is the quality of those who are firm in the Covenant.”
 

 
“In this day every believer must concentrate his thoughts on teaching the Faith. … O loved ones of God! Each one of the friends must teach at least one soul each year. This is everlasting glory. This is eternal grace.”
 

 
 
* All passages are extracts from previously untranslated Tablets unless source of publication is given
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Front page · Copyright · Letter from the Universal House of Justice
From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh · From the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá · 2 · 3 
From the Writings of Shoghi Effendi and Letters written on his behalf · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10