Question—Those who assume the direction of Baha’i affairs are often criticized. If a man has a superior intellect, should he come down to the station of those who are less capable?
Abdu’l-Baha: Capacity and privilege in this Cause are intrinsic. Whosoever has a greater power of speech, whosoever has a greater power of attraction, whosoever has a greater sincerity, will advance, no matter what happens. In other movements, positions are like public offices; but in this Cause the people advance because of their innate qualities, — because their works echo in the hearts of men.
In Persia there are many Baha’is who are the center of all the friends. When the friends of God find that a soul has arisen to serve the Cause in sincerity, they accept him with heart and soul. They do not doubt him; they believe in what he says and consider that to believe in what he says is to believe in and to obey God. It is true that all souls are not equal. Some souls are in high stations of exaltation,—in the vanguard of the army; some are in the second rank. This is an innate Cause. The friends of God must have utmost consideration for those souls who are sincere and endeavoring to serve in the Cause.
For example, when we see a man doing public service, we must have consideration for him; if he gives a good address, we must praise him; if he makes wise suggestions, and if good intentions appear from him, we must have for him the greatest consideration.
I will relate to you a story, the conclusion of which you
will understand: After the appearance of the Báb, the first to believe in Him
was called "Bábu'l-Báb" [Gate of the Gate] He was almost worshipped.
When His Highness the Báb was taken away, all hearts turned to Bábu’l-Báb.
While His Highness Bábu’l-Báb was traveling with three hundred and sixty
staunch believers, His Highness Qudus, who was another great teacher, was as
his disciple,—like his servant. While Bábu’l-Báb sat, Qudus always stood before
him. But one day there came a great change. Qudus was found sitting and
Bábu’l-Báb standing before him. All were astonished. Then His Highness
Bábu’l-Báb, addressing the people, said: "I did not before know the
station of Qudus. Tonight I realize that I am less than the dust of his
feet." Later he sacrificed his life in the path of Qudus.
The believers in this city must have the utmost consideration for each other. None must try to precede the other. Those souls who are distinguished among the friends must receive due consideration.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha to a group of Baha’is at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur P. Dodge, New York City, April 16, 1912; Star of the West, vol. 3, no. 10, September 8, 1912)