“I cannot refrain from adding a few words to renew and reaffirm my fervent
plea to you, and through you to every individual member of the American
Bahá’í Community, to exert the utmost effort in order to further the Cause
of Teaching throughout the American Continent. Every possible assistance,
whether moral, financial, or administrative, should be continuously,
generously, and systematically extended to this most urgent, this sacred
and meritorious Cause. My heart yearns to learn of any speedy and
effective action which the valiant members of that community may
determine, whether collectively or severally, to undertake. The invisible
hosts of the Abhá Kingdom are arrayed and ready to rush forth and ensure
the triumph of every stout-hearted and persevering herald of the Faith of
Bahá’u’lláh.
204: TEACHING (IN SOUTH)
“Regarding the whole manner of teaching the Faith in the South; the
Guardian feels that, although the greatest consideration should be shown
the feelings of white people in the South whom we are teaching, under no
circumstances should we discriminate in their favour, consider them more
valuable to the Cause than their Negro fellow-southerners, or single them
out to be taught the Message first. To pursue such a policy, however
necessary and even desirable it may superficially seem, would be to
compromise the true spirit of our Faith, which permits us to make no such
distinctions in offering its tenets to the world. The Negro and white
races should be offered, simultaneously, on a basis of equality, the
Message of Bahá’u’lláh. Rich or poor, known or unknown, should be
permitted to hear of this Holy Faith in this, humanity’s greatest hour of
need.
“This does not mean that we should go against the laws of the State,
pursue a radical course which will stir up trouble, and cause
misunderstanding... Even in places where the two races can meet together
in the South, he feels it would be, in certain cases, preferable to teach
them separately until they are fully confirmed and then bring them
together...”
205: TEACHING METHODS
“The same thing is true of teaching methods; no system, for teachers to
practice, exists. But obviously the more people know about the teachings
and the Cause, the better they will be to present the subject. If some
people find that prayer and placing all their trust in God, releases in
them a flood of inspiration, they should be left free to pursue this
method if it is productive of results.
“The inspiration received through meditation is of a nature that one
cannot measure or determine. God can inspire into our minds things that we
had no previous knowledge of, if He desires to do so.
“We cannot clearly distinguish between personal desire and guidance, but
if the way opens, when we have sought guidance, then we may presume God is
helping us.”
206: TEMPLE, CHANTING IN THE
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