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creative and transforming potency of the Faith we profess. Nothing but the
abundance of our actions, nothing but the purity of our lives and the
integrity of our characters, can in the last resort establish our claim
that the Baha'i spirit is in this day the sole agency that can translate a
long-cherished ideal into an enduring achievement.

Paramount Duty of Every Baha'i

With this vision clearly set before us, and fortified by the knowledge of
the gracious aid of Baha'u'llah and the repeated assurances of
'Abdu'l-Baha, let us first strive to live the life and then arise with one
heart, one mind, one voice, to reinforce our numbers and achieve our end.
Let us recall, and seek on this sad occasion the comfort of, the last
wishes of our departed yet ever-watchful Master:--

"It behooveth them not to rest for a moment, neither to seek repose. They
must disperse themselves in every land, pass by every clime, and travel
throughout all regions. Bestirred, without rest, and steadfast to the end,
they must raise in every land the triumphal cry 'Ya Baha'u'l-Abha!' (O
Thou the Glory of Glories).... The disciples of Christ forgot themselves
and all earthly things, forsook all their cares and belongings, purged
themselves of self and passion, and with absolute detachment scattered far
and wide and engaged in calling the peoples of the world to the divine
guidance; till at last they made the world another world, illumined the
surface of the earth, and even to their last hour proved self-sacrificing
in the pathway of that beloved One of God. Finally in various lands they
suffered glorious martyrdom. Let them that are men of action follow in
their footsteps!"

Having grasped the significance of these words, having obtained a clear
understanding of the true character of our mission, the methods to adopt,
the course to pursue, and having attained sufficiently the individual
regeneration--the essential requisite of teaching--let us arise to teach His
Cause with righteousness, conviction, understanding and vigor. Let this be
the paramount and most urgent duty of every Baha'i. Let us make it the
dominating passion of our life. Let us scatter to the uttermost corners of
the earth; sacrifice our personal interests, comforts, tastes and
pleasures; mingle with the divers kindreds and peoples of the world;
familiarize ourselves with their manners, traditions, thoughts and
customs; arouse, stimulate and maintain universal interest