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with devotion, detachment, constancy and perseverance and exemplify it in all his deeds and

pursuits of life, the world would become another world and the face of the earth would mirror

forth the splendours of the Abhá Paradise. Consider what marvellous changes would be

e ected if the beloved of the Merciful conducted themselves, both in their individual and

collective capacities, in accordance with the counsels and exhortations which have streamed

from the Pen of Glory.

Shoghi E endi, Letter dated 12 January 1923, To the Bahá'ís of Persia - translated from the
Persian (Living the Life, p1)

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The chosen ones of God . . . should not look at the depraved condition of the society in which

they live, nor at the evidences of moral degradation and frivolous conduct which the people

around them display. They should not content themselves merely with relative distinction and

excellence. Rather they should x their gaze upon nobler heights by setting the counsels and

exhortations of the Pen of Glory as their supreme goal. Then it will be readily realized how

numerous are the stages that still remain to be traversed and how far o the desired goal lies--a

goal which is none other than exemplifying heavenly morals and virtues.

Shoghi E endi, Letter dated 30 October 1924 , To the Local Spiritual Assembly of Teheran
[Tehran] (Living the Life, p1)

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“Every person must have an occupation, a trade or a craft, explains the Master, “so that he may

carry other people's burdens, and not himself be a burden to others.” The poor are urged by

Bahá'u'lláh to “exert themselves and strive to earn the means of livelihood”, while they who are

possessed of riches “must have the utmost regard for the poor”. “Wealth”, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has

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