Holding to the letter of the law is many times an indication
of a desire for leadership. One who assumes to be the enforcer of the law shows
an intellectual understanding of the Cause, but that spiritual guidance in them
is not yet established.
The alphabet of things is for children, that they may in
time use their reasoning powers. 'Following the spirit' is a guidance by and
through the heart, the prompter of the spirit. The Pharisees were extremely
orthodox, holding strictly to the law. They were the cause of the condemnation
and ultimate crucifixion of Jesus…
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Words of
'Abdu'l-Baha, recorded by Dr. Edward C. Getsinger and cited in Star of the
West, vol. 6; no.6, June 24, 1915)
