Knowledge Must Result In Action
A representative from a well known society made reference to its meetings
for the purpose of a search into the reality of truth, and 'Abdu'l-Baha
said I know of your work. I think a great deal of it. I know your desire
is to serve mankind, and to draw together Humanity under the banner of
Oneness; but its members must beware less it become only a discussion.
Look about you. How many committees have been formed, and living for a
little while, have died! Committees and Societies can not create or give
life.
People get together and talk, but it is God's Word alone that is powerful
in its results. Consider for a moment: you would not trade together if you
had no income from it and derived no benefit! Look at the followers of
Christ. Their power was due to their ardour and their deeds. Every effort
must have its result, else it is not a true effort. You must become the
means of lighting the world of humanity. This is the infallible proof and
sign. Every progress depends on two things, knowledge and practice. First
acquire knowledge, and, when conviction is reached, put it into practice.
Once a learned man journeyed to see me to receive my blessing, saying he
knew and comprehended the Baha'i teachings. When I told him that he could
receive the blessings of the Holy Spirit at any time when he put himself
in a receptive attitude to accept them, he said he was always in a
receptive attitude.
'What would you do,' I asked 'if I were to suddenly turn and strike you?'
He instantly flared with indignation and strode angrily about the room.
After a little I went over and took his arm, saying, 'But you must return
good for evil. Whether I honoured you or despised you, you should follow
the teachings; now you merely read them. Remember the words of Jesus who
said, 'The first shall be last, and the last first.' The man turned, shook
my hand and departed, and I have since heard of many kind acts he has
done.
When 'Abdu'l-Baha was addressed by the name of prophet, he answered, My
name is 'Abdu'l-Baha, the Servant of God [literally, the Slave of
Glory.](1)
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