age of the
Merciful consists of the attributes of the heavenly Kingdom. If no fruits
of the Kingdom appear in the garden of his soul, man is not in the image
and likeness of God, but if those fruits are forthcoming, he becomes the
recipient of ideal bestowals and is enkindled with the fire of the love of
God. If his morals become spiritual in character, his aspirations heavenly
and his actions conformable to the will of God, man has attained the image
and likeness of his Creator; otherwise, he is the image and likeness of
Satan. Therefore, Christ hath said, "Ye shall know them by their fruits."

What are the fruits of the human world? They are the spiritual attributes
which appear in man. If man is bereft of those attributes, he is like a
fruitless tree. One whose aspiration is lofty and who has developed
self-reliance will not be content with a mere animal existence. He will
seek the divine Kingdom; he will long to be in heaven although he still
walks the earth in his material body, and though his outer visage be
physical, his face of inner reflection will become spiritual and heavenly.
Until this station is attained by man, his life will be utterly devoid of
real outcomes. The span of his existence will pass away in eating,
drinking and sleeping, without eternal fruits, heavenly traces or
illumination--without spiritual potency, everlasting life or the lofty
attainments intended for him during his pilgrimage through the human
world. You must thank God that your efforts are high and noble, that your
endeavors are worthy, that your intentions are centered upon the Kingdom
of God and that your supreme desire is the acquisition of eternal virtues.
You must act in accordance with these requirements. A man may be a Baha'i
in name only. If he is a Baha'i in reality, his deeds and actions will be
decisive proofs of it. What are the requirements? Love for mankind,
sincerity toward all, reflecting the oneness of the world of humanity,
philanthropy, becoming enkindled with the fire of the love of God,
attainment to the knowledge of God and that which is conducive to human
welfare.

This evening we were speaking of the fellowship and unity of the Persian
Baha'is. They can truly be called lovers. For example, if one of the
friends of God arrived in their city, all the friends would rejoice and
assemble together in a meeting with him. If he were ill, they would care
for him; if sad, they would comfort him. They would care for him i