I have made you wait awhile, but as I was tired, I slept. While I was
sleeping, I was conversing with you as though speaking at the top of my
voice. Then through the effect of my own voice I awoke. As I awoke, one
word was upon my lips--the word imtiyaz ("distinction"). So I will speak to
you upon that subject this morning.
When we look upon the world of existence, we realize that all material
things have a common bond; and yet, on the other hand, there are certain
points of distinction between them. For instance, all earthly objects have
common bodily ties. The minerals, vegetables and animals have elemental
bodies in common with each other. Likewise, they have place in the order
of creation. This is the common tie or point of contact between them. All
of them pass through the process of composition and decomposition; this is
a natural law to which all are subject. This law is ruling throughout
creation and constitutes a bond of connection among created things. But at
the same time there are certain distinguishing features between these
objects. For instance, between the mineral and vegetable, the vegetable
and animal, the animal and human, points of distinction exist which are
unmistakable and significant. Likewise, there are distinctions between
kinds and species of each kingdom. When we consider the mineral kingdom in
detail, we observe not only points of similarity between objects but
points of distinction as well. Some are immovable bodies, some hard and
solid; some have the power of expansion and contraction; some are liquid,
some gaseous; some have weight; others, like fire and electricity, have
not. So there are many points of distinction among these kinds of
elements.
In the vegetable kingdom also we observe distinction between the various
sorts and species of organisms. Each has its own form, color and
fragrance. In the animal kingdom the same law rules as many distinctions
in form, color and function are noticeable. It is the same in the human
kingdom. From the standpoint of color there are white, black, yellow and
red people. From the standpoint of physiognomy there is a wide difference
and distinction among races. The Asian, African and American have
different physiognomies; the men of the North and men of the South are
very different in type and features. From an economic standpoint in the
law of living there is a great deal of difference. Some are poor, others
wealthy; some are wise, others ignorant; some are patient and serene, some
impatient and excitable; some are prone to justice, others practice
injustice and oppression; some are meek, others arrogant. In brief, there
are many points of distinction among humankind.
I desire distinction for you. The Baha'is must be distinguished from
others of humanity. But this distinction must not depend upon wealth--that
they should become more affluent than other people. I do not desire for
you financial distinction. It is not an ordinary distinction I desire; not
scientific, commercial, industrial distinction. For you I desire spiritual
distinction--that is, you must become eminent and distinguished in morals.
In the love of God you must become distinguished from all else. You must
become distinguished for loving humanity, for unity and accord, for love
and justice. In brief, you must become distinguished in all the virtues of
the human world--for faithfulness and sincerity, for justice and fidelity,
for firmness and steadfastness, for philanthropic deeds and service to the
human world, for love toward every human being, for unity and accord with
all people, for removing prejudices and promoting international peace.
Finally, you must become distinguished for heavenly illumination and for
acquiring the bestowals of God. I desire this distinction for you. This
must be the point of distinction among you.
16 June 1912
Talk at Fourth Unitarian Church
Beverly Road, Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York