. Through the doctor's kindness the patient
recovers; his life is saved. Yet the patient may cry out that the doctor
is unkind, not good, because he refuses to answer his pleading.

God is merciful. In His mercy He answers the prayers of all His servants
when according to His supreme wisdom it is necessary.

6 August 1912
Talk at Home of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur J. Parsons
Dublin, New Hampshire

Notes by Howard MacNutt

Today we are enjoying temperate weather. As there are many strangers
present, we will answer questions.

Question: Are not all Christians Baha'is? Is there any difference?

Answer: When Christians act according to the teachings of Christ, they are
called Baha'is. For the foundations of Christianity and the religion of
Baha'u'llah are one. The foundations of all the divine Prophets and Holy
Books are one. The difference among them is one of terminology only. Each
springtime is identical with the former springtime. The distinction
between them is only one of the calendar--1911, 1912 and so on. The
difference between a Christian and a Baha'i, therefore, is this: There was
a former springtime, and there is a springtime now. No other difference
exists because the foundations are the same. Whoever acts completely in
accordance with the teachings of Christ is a Baha'i. The purpose is the
essential meaning of Christian, not the mere word. The purpose is the sun
itself and not the dawning points. For though the sun is one sun, its
dawning points are many. We must not adore the dawning points but worship
the sun. We must adore the reality of religion and not blindly cling to
the appellation Christianity. The Sun of Reality must be worshiped and
followed. We must seek the fragrance of the rose from whatever bush it is
blooming--whether oriental or western. Be seekers of light, no matter from
which lantern it shines forth. Be not lovers of the lantern. At one time
the light has shone from a lantern in the East, now in the West. If it
comes from North, South, from whatever direction it proceeds, follow the
light. Let me illustrate further. A certain person bestowed a coin upon
five beggars. They resolved to spend it for food. The Englishman said,
"Buy grapes." The Turk wanted uzum, the Arab anab, the Greek stafi'li, the
Persian angur. Not understanding each other's language, they quarreled and
fought. A stranger came along. He was familiar with all five languages. He
said, "Give me the coin; I will buy what