eds, from the political affairs and disputes of the Nations and
of Governments. We should keep ourselves away from such thoughts. We
should have no political connection with any of the parties and should
join no faction of these different and warring sects.

"Absolute impartiality in the matter of political parties should be shown
by words and by deeds, and the love of the whole humanity, whether a
Government or a nation, which is the basic teaching of Baha'u'llah, should
also be shown by words and by deeds...

"According to the exhortations of the Supreme Pen and the confirmatory
explanations of the Covenant of God Baha'is are in no way allowed to enter
into political affairs under any pretense of excuse; since such an action
brings about disastrous results and ends in hurting the Cause of God and
its intimate friends."

153: POLITICS (SHUN POLITICS LIKE THE PLAGUE)

"The cardinal principle which we must follow ... is obedience to the
government prevailing in any land in which we reside....

"We see therefore that we must do two things--Shun politics like the
plague, and be obedient to the Government in power in the place where we
reside... We must obey in all cases except where a spiritual principle is
involved, such as denying our Faith. For these spiritual principles we
must be willing to die. What we Baha'is must face is the fact that society
is disintegrating so rapidly that moral issues which were clear a half
century ago are now hopelessly confused and what is more, thoroughly mixed
up with battling political interests. That is why the Baha'is must turn
all their forces into the channel of building up the Baha'i Cause and its
Administration. They can neither change nor help the world in any other
way at present. If they become involved in the issues the Governments of
the world are struggling over, they will be lost. But if they build up the
Baha'i pattern they can offer it as a remedy when all else has failed."

154: PRAYER (FIVE STEPS OF)

"Regarding the five steps of prayer outlined by the Guardian, and recorded
by Mrs. Moffett in her booklet, the 'Call to Prayer', these, he wishes me
to explain, are merely personal suggestions and need not, therefore, be
adopted strictly and universally by the believers."

155: PRAYER BEADS

"In the matter of the use and distribution of prayer beads, in this and
other matters of secondary importance he does not wish that any hard and
fa