“These people (the indigenous people), finding the Bahá’ís sincerely lacking in either prejudice – or that even worse attitude, condescension – might not only take interest in our Teachings, but also help us to reach their people in the proper way.

“It is a great mistake to believe that because people are illiterate or live primitive lives, that they are lacking in either intelligence or sensibility. On the contrary, they may well look on us, with the evils of our civilization, with its moral corruption, its ruinous wars, its hypocrisy and conceit, as people who merit watching with both suspicion and contempt. We should meet them as equals, well-wishers, people who admire and respect their ancient descent and who feel that they will be interested, as we are, in a living religion – and not in the dead forms of present-day churches.”

“… Teaching is of course the head cornerstone of all Bahá’í service, but successful teaching is dependent upon many factors, one of which is the development of a true Bahá’í way of living and the fulfillment of responsibilities which we have incurred.”

“… It should not be overlooked, however, that the most powerful and effective teaching medium that has been found so far is the fireside meeting, because in the fireside meeting, intimate personal questions can be answered, and the student find the spirit of the Faith more abundant there.”

“… Today, as never before, the magnet which attracts the blessings from on high, is teaching the Faith of God. The Hosts of heaven are poised between heaven and earth, just waiting, and patiently, for the Bahá’í to step forth, with pure devotion and consecration, to teach the Cause of God, so they may rush to his aid and assistance. It is the Guardian’s prayer that the friends may treble their efforts, as the time is short – alas, the workers too few. Let those who wish to achieve immortality, step forth and raise the Divine Call. They will be astonished at the spiritual victories they will gain.”

“What is needed to achieve success in the teaching field is a complete dedication on the part of the individual, consecration to the glorious task of spreading the Faith, and the living of the Bahá’í life, because that creates the magnet for the Holy Spirit, and it is the Holy Spirit which quickens the new soul. Thus the individual should be as a reed, through which the Holy Spirit may flow, to give new life to the seeking soul.

“One should search out those who are receptive to the Faith, and then concentrate on these persons in their teaching.”

“The people generally are seeking the light of Divine Guidance. The problems of the world have awakened the populace. It only remains for the Bahá’ís to raise the Call and give the Message according to the high standards enunciated by the beloved Master. The world can become alive with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, if the Bahá’ís fulfill their sacred obligation.….

“In pioneering fields, and on the home front, the friends must arise with the same spirit of dedication and consecration which animated the original pioneers. If they do, they will be astonished at the great results they will achieve….

“Setting aside all the shibboleths of present day living, leaving aside the false standards of those endeavoring to solve the world’s problems by weak platitudes, and demonstrating the new Bahá’í way of dynamic spiritual living, let them, relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, arise to spread the Water of Life … This will produce the results which the cries of humanity today require. Where are the spiritual souls who will now seize their opportunity, and achieve immortal glory in the service of the Faith!”

“As you interest different ones in the Faith, you must be very cautious, and gradually lead them into the Light of Divine Guidance, especially the practices of Bahá’í living. Thus you should not be dogmatic about any of the secondary practices of the Faith.”

“The Guardian feels that the most effective way for the Bahá’ís to teach the Faith is to make strong friends with their neighbours and associates. When the friends have confidence in the Bahá’ís and the Bahá’ís in their friends, they should give the Message and teach the Cause. Individual teaching of this type is more effective than any other type.