Page 16 - Prayers and Extracts from the Baha'i Writings

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How often the beloved Master was heard to say. Should each one of the friends take
upon himself to carry out, in all its integrity and implications, only one of the
teachings of the Faith, 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 Abha

Paradise. Consider what marvellous changes would be effected 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.

From a letter dated 12 January 1923 written by Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá'ís of Persia -

translated from the Persian

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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 fix 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 off the desired goal lies--a goal which is none other than
exemplifying heavenly morals and virtues.

From a letter dated 30 October 1924 written by Shoghi Effendi to the Local Spiritual
Assembly of Teheran

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