Although to outward seeming the Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar is a material
structure, yet it hath a spiritual effect. It forgeth bonds of unity from
heart to heart; it is a collective centre for men's souls. Every city in
which, during the days of the Manifestation, a temple was raised up, hath
created security and constancy and peace, for such buildings were given
over to the perpetual glorification of God, and only in the remembrance of
God can the heart find rest. Gracious God! The edifice of the House of
Worship hath a powerful influence on every phase of life. Experience hath,
in the east, clearly shown this to be a fact. Even if, in some small
village, a house was designated as the Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar, it produced
a marked effect; how much greater would be the impact of one especially
raised up.