I have
irrevocably decreed in the preserved tablet and sealed it with My
seal of glory.

Those entrusted with the framing and administration of laws and
regulations must "hold fast to the rope of Consultation, and decide upon
and execute that which is conducive to the people's security, affluence,
welfare and tranquillity; for if matters be arranged otherwise, it will
lead to discord and tumult."--Tablet of the World.

On the other hand, the people must be law-abiding and loyal to the just
government. They must rely on educational methods and on the force of good
example, not on violence, for bringing about a better state of affairs in
the nation. Baha'u'llah says:--

In every country where any of this community reside, they must
behave toward the government of that country with faithfulness,
truthfulness, and obedience.--Glad Tidings.

O people of God! Adorn your temples with the mantle of
trustworthiness and integrity; then assist your Lord with the
hosts of good deeds and good morals. Verily We have forbidden you
sedition and strife, in My Books and Epistles, in My Writings and
Tablets; and by this We have desired only your loftiness and
exaltation.--Tablet of I_sh_raqat.

Appointment and Promotion

In making appointments, the only criterion must be fitness for the
position. Before this paramount consideration, all others, such as
seniority, social or financial status, family connection or personal
friendship, must give way. Baha'u'llah says in the Tablet of I_sh_raqat:--

The fifth I_sh_raq (Effulgence) is the knowledge by governments of
the condition of the governed, and the conferring of ranks
according to desert and merit. Regard to this matter is strictly
enjoined upon every chief and ruler, that haply traitors may not
usurp the positions of trustworthy men nor spoilers occupy the
seats of guardians.

It needs but little consideration to show that when this principle becomes
generally accepted and acted upon, the transformation in our social life
will be astounding. When each individual is given the position for which
his talents and capabilities specially fit him he will be able to put his
heart into his work and become an artist in his profession, with
incalculable benefit to himself and the rest of the world.

Economic Problems

The Baha'i teachings insist in the strongest terms on the need for reform
in