But there are certain matters, the participation in which is not worthy of women. For example, at the time when the community is taking up vigorous defensive measures against the attack of foes, the women are exempt from military engagements. It may so happen that at a given time warlike and savage tribes may furiously attack the body politic with the intention of carrying on a wholesale slaughter of its members; under such a circumstance defence is necessary, but it is the duty of men to organize and execute such defensive measures and not the women—because their hearts are tender and they cannot endure the sight of the horror of carnage, even if it is for the sake of defence. From such and similar undertakings the women are exempt. As regards the constitution of the House of Justice, Bahá’u’lláh addresses the men. He says: ‘O ye men of the House of Justice!’ But when its members are to be elected, the right which belongs to women, so far as their voting and their voice is concerned, is indisputable. When the women attain to the ultimate degree of progress, then, according to the exigency of the time and place and their great capacity, they shall obtain extraordinary privileges. Be ye confident on these accounts. His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh has greatly strengthened the cause of women, and the rights and privileges of women is one of the greatest principles of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Rest ye assured! Ere long the days shall come when the men addressing the women, shall say: ‘Blessed are ye! Blessed are ye! Verily ye are worthy of every gift. Verily ye deserve to adorn your heads with the crown of everlasting glory, because in sciences and arts, in virtues and perfections ye shall become equal to man, and as regards tenderness of heart and the abundance of mercy and sympathy ye are superior’. FOOTNOTES 1 St. John xiv, II. 2 St Matthew xxiv, 30. St Matthew xvi, 27. 3 St John iii, 13 4 St John xviii, 11. 5 Manifestations of God. 6 Exodus iii, 2. 7 A certain man who was present when Badí was told he should carry the Epistle to the _Sh_áh saw him transfigured; he became radiant. 8 St John iii, 5. 9 St Matthew iii, 11. 10 i.e.—All good actions bring their own reward. 11 A small orange-tree on the table nearby. 12 i.e.—Divine Manifestation. 13 ‘Give me neither poverty nor riches.’—Prov. xxx., 8. 14 Matthew xviii, 18.