34: O THOU WHO ART SERVING THE WORLD OF HUMANITY! ...

O thou who art serving the world of humanity! Thy letter was received and

from its contents we felt exceedingly glad. It was a decisive proof and a

brilliant evidence. It is appropriate and befitting that in this illumined

age--the age of the progress of the world of humanity--we should be

self-sacrificing and should serve the human race. Every universal cause is

divine and every particular one is temporal. The principles of the divine

Manifestations of God were, therefore, all-universal and all-inclusive.

Every imperfect soul is self-centred and thinketh only of his own good.

But as his thoughts expand a little he will begin to think of the welfare

and comfort of his family. If his ideas still more widen, his concern will

be the felicity of his fellow citizens; and if still they widen, he will

be thinking of the glory of his land and of his race. But when ideas and

views reach the utmost degree of expansion and attain the stage of

perfection, then will he be interested in the exaltation of humankind. He

will then be the well-wisher of all men and the seeker of the weal and

prosperity of all lands. This is indicative of perfection.

Thus, the divine Manifestations of God had a universal and all-inclusive

conception. They endeavoured for the sake of everyone's life and engaged

in the service of universal education. The area of their aims was not

limited--nay, rather, it was wide and all-inclusive.

Therefore, ye must also be thinking of everyone, so that mankind may be

educated, character moderated and this world may turn into a Garden of

Eden.

Love ye all religions and all races with a love that is true and sincere

and show that love through deeds and not through the tongue; for the

latter hath no importance, as the majority of men are, in speech,

well-wishers, while action is the best.

Selections from the writings of ‘Abdu'l-Bahá · 第 40 / 310 题