therefore a divine cause of universal good cannot be
limited to either the East or the West, for the radiance of the
Sun of Truth illumines both the East and the West, and it makes
its heat felt in the South and in the North--there is no difference
between one Pole and another. At the time of the Manifestation of
Christ, the Romans and Greeks thought His Cause was especially for
the Jews. They thought they had a perfect civilization and nothing
to learn from Christ's teachings, and by this false supposition
many were deprived of His Grace. Likewise know that the principles
of Christianity and the Commandments of Baha'u'llah are identical
and their paths are the same. Every day there is progress; there
was a time when this divine institution (of progressive
revelation) was in embryo, then newborn, then a child, then an
intellectual youth; but today it is resplendent with beauty and
shining with the greatest brilliancy.

Happy is he who penetrates the mystery and takes his place in the
world of the illumined ones.

The Last Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha

With the passing of its beloved leader, 'Abdu'l-Baha, the Baha'i Faith
entered on a new phase of its history. This new phase represents a higher
state in the existence of the same spiritual organism, a more mature and
consequently a more responsible expression of the faith felt by its
members. 'Abdu'l-Baha had devoted His superhuman energy and unique
capacity to the task of spreading His love for Baha'u'llah throughout the
East and West. He had lighted the candle of faith in countless souls. He
had trained and guided them in the attributes of the personal spiritual
life. In view of the momentous importance of the Last Will and Testament
of 'Abdu'l-Baha, the gravity of the issues it raises and the profound
wisdom underlying its provisions, we give a few extracts which vividly
portray the spirit and leading principles which animated and guided
'Abdu'l-Baha and are transmitted as a rich heritage to His faithful
followers:--

O ye beloved of the Lord! In this sacred Dispensation, conflict
and contention are in no wise permitted. Every aggressor deprives
himself of God's grace. It is incumbent upon everyone to show the
utmost love, rectitude of conduct, straight forwardness and
sincere kindliness unto all the peoples and kindreds of the world,
be they friends or strang