necessary." The
spiritual Covenant, however, clearly makes sectarianism within the Baha'i
community quite impossible.

No Professional Priesthood

One other feature of the Baha'i organization must be specially mentioned,
and that is the absence of a professional priesthood. Voluntary
contributions toward the expenses of teachers are permitted and many
devote their whole time to work for the Cause, but all Baha'is are
expected to share in the work of teaching, et cetera, according to their
opportunity and ability, and there is no special class distinguished from
their fellow believers by the exclusive exercise of priestly functions and
prerogatives.

In former ages priesthoods were necessary, because people were illiterate
and uneducated and were dependent on priests for their religious
instruction, for the conduct of religious rites and ceremonies, for the
administration of justice, et cetera. Now, however, times have changed.
Education is fast becoming universal, and if the commands of Baha'u'llah
are carried out, every boy and girl in the world will receive a sound
education. Each individual will then be able to study the Scriptures for
himself, to draw the Water of Life for himself, direct from the
Fountainhead. Elaborate rites and ceremonies, requiring the services of a
special profession or caste, have no place in the Baha'i system; and the
administration of justice is entrusted to the authorities instituted for
that purpose.

For a child a teacher is necessary, but the aim of the true teacher is to
fit his pupil to do without a teacher; to see things with his own eyes,
hear with his own ears, and understand with his own mind. Just so, in the
childhood of the race, the priest is necessary, but his real work is to
enable men to do without him: to see things divine with their own eyes,
hear them with their own ears and understand them with their own minds.
Now the priest's work is all but accomplished, and the aim of the Baha'i
teaching is to complete that work, to make men independent of all save
God, so that they can turn directly to Him, that is, to His Manifestation.
When all turn to one Center, then there can be no cross-purposes or
confusion and the nearer all draw to the Center, the nearer they will draw
to each other.

CHAPTER 9: TRUE CIVILIZATION

O people of God! Be not occupied with yourselves. Be intent on the
betterment of the world and the training of nations.--BAHA'U'LLAH.