“The Cause of God is like a rose-garden.”

The Cause of God is like a rose-garden. As long as man is far from it, he cannot survey its artistic beauty, he cannot see how many kinds of flowers are planted therein, he cannot inhale the sweet fragrances of the roses. But when he approaches the garden, he experiences new feelings; he hearkens to the melody of the birds, the delicate perfume is wafted toward him by the gentle breeze; he beholds the variegated flowers; his soul is rejoiced by the charming scene and his spirit is refreshed. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha recorded by Ahmad Sohrab, ‘Abdu'l-Baha in Britain, 1913’)

Rich people and their possessions

On the morning of the third day, a Canon of the Anglican Church met him at breakfast. The conversation turned on the reluctance of the rich to part with their possessions, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, quoting the saying of Jesus, “How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.” He remarked that only when the true seeker finds that attachments to the material are keeping him from his spiritual heritage, will he gladly enter the way of renunciation. Then will the rich man joyfully share his worldly possessions with the needy. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá contrasted the unpretentious hospitality before him with the costly banquets of the wealthy, who too often sit at their feasts forgetting the hungry multitudes. 

(Notes of conversations; ‘Abdu’l-Baha in London’)

Application of justice by National and Local Spiritual Assemblies

The National and Local Spiritual Assemblies and all Baha'i institutions should deal with justice in all affairs. Justice is the basis of humanity's existence. Justice is the pillar of the community of human beings. If affairs are not handled with justice, there will be chaos. Those who deviate from God's laws should be punished and even if needed their voting rights should be taken. In these instances National and Local Assemblies should not hesitate at all. Particularly, when those who have deviated are well-known in the community. If ordinary people realize that the Assemblies treat all people the same it will make them hopeful and aware. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (Notes of conversation, quoted by Ali-Akbar Furutan during his pilgrimage in 1941; published in ‘Hand of the Cause of God Furutan’, by Iran Furutan Muhajir)