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Teaching
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Pages 79-80
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Teaching
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The real Bahá'í will not only believe in the teachings of
Bahá'u'lláh, but find in them the guide and inspiration of his
whole life and joyfully impart to others the knowledge that
is the wellspring of his own being. Only thus will he receive in
full measure "the power and confirmation of the Spirit." All
cannot be eloquent speakers or ready writers, but all can teach
by "living the life." Bahá'u'lláh says: --
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The people of Bahá must serve the Lord with wisdom,
teach others by their lives, and manifest the light of God
in their deeds. The effect of deed is in truth more powerful
than that of words. -- Words of Paradise
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The Bahá'í will, however, on no account force his ideas on
those who do not wish to hear them. He will attract people to
the Kingdom of God, not try to drive them into it. He will be
like the good shepherd who leads his flock, and charms the
sheep by his music, rather than like the one who, from behind,
urges them on with dog and stick.
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Bahá'u'lláh says in the Hidden Words: --
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O Son of Dust!
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The wise are they that speak not unless they obtain a
hearing, even as the cup-bearer, who proffereth not his
cup till he findeth a seeker, and the lover who crieth not
out from the depths of his heart until he gazeth upon the
beauty of his beloved. Wherefore sow the seeds of wisdom
and knowledge in the pure soil of the heart, and keep
them hidden, till the hyacinths of divine wisdom spring
from the heart and not from mire and clay.
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Again He says, in the Tablet of Ishráqát: --
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O people of Bahá! Ye are the dawning-places of the
Love and daysprings of the Favor of God. Defile not your
tongues with cursing or execrating anyone, and guard
your eyes from that which is not worthy. Show forth that
which ye possess (i.e. Truth). If it be accepted, the aim
is attained. If not, to rebuke or interfere with him who
rejects is vain. Leave him to himself, and advance towards
God, the Protector, the Self-Subsistent. Be not the cause
of sorrow, how much less of sedition and strife! It is
hoped that ye may be nurtured in the shade of the tree of
Divine Bounty and act as God has willed for you. Ye are
all leaves of one tree and drops of one sea.
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