zeal and fervor in teaching the Cause
Editorial introduction
After a long wait, ardour can return. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá promises one friend exactly that: a fresh devotion, a spark whose fame will reach every corner of the earth. The images He reaches for are all motion and heat: a thirsty fish, a moth at the candle, a bird singing before dawn, a horse ready on the field, a torch that revives every company it enters. He Himself vows not to rest a second while life lasts in His body. Yet the same voice asks that effort be shaped by understanding and by regeneration of the heart, so that fire gives life like April wind and rain rather than scorching. The Buddha’s counsel to Sona, that a lute sounds only when its strings are neither overstrained nor slack, puts the question of balance in a musician’s terms [1]. What does enthusiasm awaken in others, how does it learn when its first methods fail, and what keeps it generous over years? Those questions lead on to courage and confidence, to the meaning of devotion and sacrifice, and to the inner preparation that makes service fruitful.
I entertain the firm hope that, through the bountiful favor of the Ever-Living, the All-Powerful, this long wait of thine will culminate in a new effulgence: that is, that thou wilt discover a fresh ardor and devotion, and wilt kindle such a spark that the fame of thy love shall reach all quarters of the globe.
Be thou like a thirsty fish seeking the sweet and flowing waters. Be thou a burning moth seeking the light-giving candle. Be thou a sugar-eating parrot seeking refined candy. Be thou an early-rising bird striking heart-burning melodies.
Be swift in the path of God and aim for a station higher than the heavens.
The swift steed is ready and the vast arena is present. The ball of fortune exists and the polo stick of grace is in hand. It is time for galloping and seizing the ball from the field.
He was truly on fire, driven by restive love. With great fervor he would pass through a country, bringing this best of all messages and reviving the hearts. He flamed like a torch in every company, he was the star of every assemblage, to all who came he held out the intoxicating cup.
Like a blazing furnace they were in constant combustion and like the birds of the garden of the All-Merciful they sang with the most wondrous melodies.
Although these matters are not worthy of mention, yet his zeal in the Cause of God is great, and the arrival of visitors and guests is numerous.
The more the mention of God and the Cause of God is made, the greater will become his spirituality, his attraction and enkindlement; otherwise he will become dry and withered.
The friends must surely appreciate the value of these days and rise to serve the Faith with all their energy. Let them create a stir about them and rise with enthusiasm to spread the grace of God, mingling milk and honey, musk and ambergris to perfume the far-flung regions of the world.
O spiritual soul! Praise God that you are present in the gathering of divine confirmation and engaged in the study of teaching, hearing divine proofs and arguments and comprehending conclusive heavenly evidences. Know the value of that gathering and receive with utmost joy and enthusiasm the truths and meanings from the teacher. Today there is no matter more important than studying and teaching clear proofs and conclusive divine evidence, for it is the source of life and path of salvation. In all regions of the world there are souls who are eagerly waiting to hear divine proofs and arguments, but due to the scarcity of teachers there is weakness in spreading the divine fragrances.
Cast aside patience and tranquility and associate with both friend and stranger with an eloquent tongue and a heart aflame.
As for what you wrote about the receptivity of souls, it is indeed so - many are thirsty but few are the cup-bearers; many are seeking but rare are the teachers, especially teachers who can associate with notables and nobles, observe wisdom, and possess eloquent speech in all matters so their words may influence and illuminate the hearts and souls of listeners. At present teachers are very few and from every direction rises the cry "Where is the teacher? Where is the teacher?" There is no solution except to establish in every city an assembly for teaching classes, so that the young plants of the Abha Paradise who are in utmost enthusiasm, joy, passion and devotion may learn the art of teaching. If this is properly implemented, in a short time in every city perfect teachers and steadfast speakers will appear. The khans have traveled to Europe - it is hoped their voice in Europe will be more powerful than Krupp's cannon, and the seeds of words issuing from their tongues will be fortress-shattering, especially in Germany.
One must arise to spread the word of God with a supernatural force and energy. I shall not rest one second as long as life lasts in this body. I will not seek comfort for one moment.
O ye two lovers of the Beauty of ABHA! Ere long the Word of God will display a wonderful influence and finally that region (America) will become the paradise of ABHA. Consequently, strive ye bravely that this aim may be accomplished in the near future. Striving means this: Ye must live and move according to the divine commands and behests, be united in loving with ecstasy and joy; do not take any rest but engage continually in the service of the Cause of God.
Write, speak, and summon the people to the direction of the Lord of the worlds with such fervor and attraction as shall set them all ablaze.
Further quotations · supplied wording and references
having obtained a clear understanding of the true character of our mission, the methods to adopt, the course to pursue, and having attained sufficiently the individual regeneration -- the essential requisite of teaching -- let us arise to teach His Cause with righteousness, conviction, understanding and vigor. Let this be the paramount and most urgent duty of every Baha'i. Let us make it the dominating passion of our life.
The friends must certainly explore new channels and have more audacity, if they are to get anywhere in adding to their numbers.
The Teaching of the Faith is dependent on the individual and his effort. When the individual arises with enthusiasm, with full dedication and consecration, and allows nothing to deter him; then results will be achieved....
For thought and discussion