# The Covenant *Exported from [Holy-Writings.com](https://www.holy-writings.com/) on 2026-06-19 — 1 clipping.* --- > Source: Bahá'í Library Online (bahai-library.com), curated by Jonah Winters. Used by permission of the curator. Original citation: The Báb, The Covenant, bahai-library.com. > ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── > > e > wenant > > Extracts from > The Writings of Baha'u'llah, > The Writings of the Bab, . > The Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha, > The Writings of Shoghi Effendi, > Letters of the Universal House of Justice, and > Letters written on its behalf. > > Compiled by > The Research Department of > The Universal House of Justice > Baha'i > Publications > ♦ > Australia > > Copyright© 1989 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the > Baha'is of Australia Inc., P.O.Box 285, Mona Vale, N.S.W., 2103 > ISBN O909991 42 1 > First printing B.E. 145 (1989) > > Lynx Print, Mudgee > THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE > 11/\HA'I WORLD CENTRE > > 25 December 1987 > > To all National Spiritual Assemblies > > Dear Baha'i Friends, > > We enclose a copy of a new compilation entitled "The Covenant" which was > prepared by the Research Department at our instruction, > > The Covenant of Baha•u'llah, the 100th anniversary of the inception of > which will be commemorated in 1992, must be the subject of sustained and con- > centrated study. Instituted by the Revealer of God's Word in this Day to > direct and canalize the forces released by His Revelation, the Covenant in > essence guarantees the continuation of divine guidance after the ascension of > the Manifestation through the presence in the world of an institution to which > all the friends must turn. > > So important for the development of the Faith at this time is the under- > standing of the Covenant in all its aspects that it has been designated as a > major theme of the Six Year Plan. It is our earnest hope that the new compila- > tion, consisting of extracts which convey essential elements of the Covenant, > will serve not only to deepen the understanding and love of the believers for > the Covenant, but also to increase their level of conviction, and their loyalty > to the Cause and its Institutions. To this end you will undoubtedly wish to > arrange for the compilation to be made available to the friends and, if trans- > lation is required, to have it translated in full into the main language or > languages used in the areas under your jurisdiction. Should it be necessary to > translate the text into vernacular languages of limited usage, you are free of > course to prepare an abridged form by selecting extracts from the compilation. > > With loving Baha'i gree-tings, > > ✓IR ~4AR)W~ //vUU > 1 VlLIA~ > ~ > cc: Th! Hands of the Cause of God > The International Teaching Centre > Counsellors > Contents > Introduction ________________ _ 1 > I. A Covenant: "...a binding agreement between > God and man..."------------- 2 > Il. " ... the Greater Covenant which every > Manifestation of God makes with His followers.." > The Pattern 3 > The advent of Baha'u'lJ.?h 4 > The Covenant of Baha'u'llah concerning > the next Manifestation 4 > m. The Lesser Covenant: " ... that Baha'u'llah > made with His followers regarding 'Abdu'I-Baha..." > Appointment 5 > Uniqueness of Baha'u'llfili's Covenant 7 > IV. The Lesser Covenant: "...that 'Abdu'l-Baha > perpetuated through the Administrative Order ..." > Twin Successors 9 > Authority 10 > The passing~ Shoghi Effendi 11 > The Univers House of Justice 12 > V. Response to the Lesser Covenant assures that > " ... the Faith can remain united and pure." 15 > VI. The power of the Covenant 16 > > Index 19 > I > > The > Covenant > Materials assembled by the Research Department > of the Universal House of Justice > > A > • > Covenant in the religious sense is a binding > agreement between God and man, whereby God > requires of man certain behaviour in return for which > He guarantees certain blessings, or whereby He > gives man certain bounties in return for which He talces from > those who accept them an undertaking to behave in a certain > way. There is, for example, the Greater Covenant which every > Manifestation of God makes with His followers, promising that > in the fulness of time a new Manifestation will be sent, and > taking from them the undertaking to accept Him when this > occurs. There is also the Lesser Covenant that a Manifestation of > God makes with His followers that they will accept His > appointed successor after Him. If they do so, the Faith can > remain united and pure. If not, the Faith becomes divided and its > force spent. It is a Covenant of this kind that Baha'u'llah made > with His followers regarding 'Abdu'l-Baha and that 'Abdu'l- > Baha perpetuated through the AdministrativeOrder... > 23 March1975,from a letterwrittenby the > UniversalHouseof Justiceto an individualbeliever > I > I. > A Covenant: " ... a binding agreement between > God and man ..." > > 1. ...The first duty prescribed by God for His servants is the > recognition of Him Who is the Day Spring of His Revelation and > the Fountain of His laws, Who representeth the Godhead in both > the Kingdom of His Cause and the world of creation. Whoso > achieveth this duty hath attained unto all good .... It behoveth > every one who reacheth this most sublime station, this summit of > transcendent glory, to observe every ordinance of Him Who is > the Desire of the world. These twin duties are inseparable. > Neither is acceptable without the other. > They whom God hath endued with insight will readily > recognize that the precepts laid down by God constit:ute the > highest means for the maintenance of order in the world and the > security of its peoples.... Hasten to drink your fill, 0 men of > understanding! They that have violated the Covenant of God by > breaking His commandments, and have turned back on their > heels, these have erred grievously in the sight of God, the All- > Possessing, the Most High. > "Gleaningsfrom the Writingsof Bahflu'llah",2nd rev. ed. > (Wilmette:Baha'{PublishingTrust, 1982), SectionCLV,pp. 330-31 > > 2. ...Follow not, therefore, your earthly desires, and violate > not the Covenant of God, nor break your pledge to Him. With > firm determination, with the whole affection of your heart, and > with the full force of your words, turn ye unto Him, and walk > not in the ways of the foolish .... Break not the bond that uniteth > you with your Creator, and be not of those that have erred and > strayed from His ways. > "Gleaningsfrom the Writingsof Bahflu'llah", Section CUii, p. 328 > > 3. Great is thy blessedness inasmuch as thou hast been > faithful to the Covenant of God and His Testament... Dedicate > thyself to the service of the Cause of thy Lord, cherish His > remembrance in thy heart and celebrate His praise in such wise > that every wayward and heedless soul may thereby be roused > from slumber. > 'Tablets of Baha'u'llahRevealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas"[rev. ed.] > (Haifa:Baha'{ World Centre, 1982),p. 262 > 4. ... ye must conduct yourselves in such a manner that ye > I > may stand out distinguished and brilliant as the sun among other > souls. Should any one of you enter a city, he should become a > centre of attraction by reason of his sincerity, his faithfulness > and love, his honesty and fidelity, his truthfulness and loving- > kindness towards all the peoples of the world, so that the people > of that city may cry out and say: "This man is unquestionably a > Baha'i, for his manners, his behaviour, his conduct, his morals, > his nature, and disposition reflect the attributes of th.e Baha'fa." > Not until ye attain this station can ye be said to have been faithful > to the Covenant and Testament of God. For He hath, through > irrefutable Texts, entered into a binding Covenant with us all, > requiring us to act in accordance with His sacred institutions and > counsels. > "Selectionsfrom the Writingsof 'Abdu'l-Baha"[rev. ed.] > (Haifa:Baha'i World Centre, 1982),p. 71 > > 11: > " ... the Greater Covenant which every Manifestation > of God makes with His followers..." > > lilillllllllllllllllllllllllllll > l 1llllllliltllllllllllllllllllli!lllllllll > 11 1 > !:1111111 > > 5. The Lord of the universe hath never raised up a prophet > nor hath He sent down a Book unless He hath established His > covenant with all men, calling for their acceptance of the next > Revelation and of the next Book; inasmuch as the outpourings of > His bounty are ceaseless and without limit. > "Selectionsfrom the Writingsof the Bab" > (Haifa:Baha'( World Centre, 1976), p. 87 > > 6. Abraham, on Him be peace, made a covenant concerning > Moses and gave the glad-tidings of His coming. Moses made a > covenant concerning the promised Christ, and announced the > good news of His advent to the world. Christ made a covenant > concerning the Paraclete and gave the tidings of His coming. The > Prophet Mub.ammadmade a covenant concerning the Bab, and > the Bab was the One promised by Mul)ammad, for Mubammad > gave the tidings of His coming. The Bab made a Covenant > concerning the Blessed Beauty, Baha'u'llah, and gave the glad- > tidings of His coming for the Blessed Beauty was the One > promised by the Bab. Baha'u'llah made a covenant concerning a > Promised One Who will become manifest after one thousand or > I > thousands of years. That Manifestation is Baha'u'llah's > Promised One, and will appear after a thousand or thousands of > years. He, moreover, with His Supreme Pen, entered into a > great Covenant and Testament with all the Baha'fs whereby they > were all commanded to follow the Centre of the Covenant after > His ascension, and depart, not even to a hair's breadth, from· > obeying Him. > 'Abdu'l-Bah/Jin "Baha'[World Faith" > (Wilmette:Baha'( Publishing Trust, 1976), p. 358 > > ':Iii::::::~:::::::::::t::::::r:::::l!!\i.m::;1.1,:p~qla.11UJ&f.!l!l!!'-li1m > 7. This is the Day, 0 my Lord, which Thou didst announce > unto all mankind as the Day whereon Thou wouldst reveal Thy > Self, and shed Thy radiance, and shine brightly over all Thy > creatures. Thou hast, moreover, entered into a covenant with > them, in Thy Books, and Thy Scriptures, and Thy Scrolls, and > Thy Tablets, concerning Him Who is the Day-Spring of Thy > Revelation, and hast appointed the Bayan to be the Herald of this > Most Great and all-glorious Manifestation, and this most > resplendent and most sublime Appearance. > "Prayers and Meditations by Bahflu'llah" > (Wilmette:Baha'f Publishing Trust, 1979), p. 275 > > iii:iiiii:iiii:lf!lll}!ll,1~1 > f:::::f~t,~:::::::::::= > 8. Verily God will raise up Him Whom God shall make > manifest, and after Him Whomsoever He Willeth, even as He > hath raised up prophets before the Point of the Bayan. He in > truth hath power over all things. > "Selectionsfrom the Writings of the Bab" > (Haifa: Baha1 World Centre, 1976), p. 144 > > 9. Whoso layeth claim to a Revelation direct from God ... ere > the expiration of a full thousand years, such a man is assuredly a > lying imposter .... Should a man appear ... ere the lapse of a full > thousand years -- each year consisting of twelve months > according to the Qur'an, and of nineteen months of ninteen days > each, according to the Bayan -- and if such a man revealed to > your eyes all the signs of God, unhesitatinglyreject him! > Baha'u'llah, cited in 'The World Order ef_Baha'u'llah - Selected Letters", > 2nd rev. ed. (Wilmette:Bah/J'fPub)ishingTrust, 1974), p. 132. > 10. ... Centuries, ... nay, countless ages, must pass away ere > I > the Day-Star of Truth shineth again in its mid-summer splendor, > or appeareth once more in the radiance of its vernal glory .... > Concerning the Manifestations that will come down in the future > "in the shadows of the clouds," ... know, verily, that in so far as > their relation to the Source of their inspiration is concerned, they > are under the shadow of the Ancient Beauty. In their relation, > however, to the age in which they appear, each and every one of > them "doeth whatsoever He willeth." > 'Abdu'l-Baha,cited in "The World Order of Baha'uWih - > SelectedLetters",p. 167 > > III. > The Lesser Covenant: " ...•that Bahfi'u'llah made > with His followers regarding 'Abdu'I-Baha ..." > l!ll!l:J1l!lllllllll:::l:lll!lllll:i1l:j1J1l!ll!llililll~llllll!lll!lll!lil!l > 1111111:l:III! > 11. ... It is incumbent upon the Agh~an, the Afnan and My > kindred to tum, one and all, their faces towards the Most Mighty > Branch. Consider that which We have revealed in Our Most > Holy Book: "When the ocean of My presence hath ebbed and the > Book of My Revelation is ended, tum your faces toward Him > Whom God hath purposed, Who hath branched from this > Ancient Root." The object of this· sacred verse is none other > except the Most Mighty Branch ('Abdu'l-Baha). Thus have We > graciously revealed unto you our potent Will, and I am verily the > Gracious, the All-Powerful. > Bahfi'u'llah,cited in 'The World Order of Bahflu'llah - SelectedLetters", > 2nd rev. ed. (Wilmette:Bah/JrPublishingTrust, 1974),p. 134. > > 12. ... In accordance with the explicittext of the Kitab-i-Aqdas > Baha'u'llah hath made the Centre of the Covenant the Interpreter > of His Word -- a Covenant so firm and mighty that from the > beginning of time until the present day no religious Dispensation > hath produced its like. > 'Abdu'l-Baha,cited in "The World Order of Baha'u'llflh- > SelectedLetters",p. 136 > > 13. Today, the most important affair is firmness in the > Covenant, because firmness in the Covenant wards off > differences .... > Baha'u'llfili covenanted, not that I am the Promised One, > but that 'Alxlu'l-Baha is the Expounder of the Book and the > I > Centre of His Covenant, and that the Promised One of > Baha'u'llah will appear after one thousand or thousands of > years. This is the Covenant which BaM.'u'llahmade. If a person > deviates, he is not acceptable at the threshold of Baha.'u'llah.In > case of differences, 'Abdu'l-Baha must be consulted. All must > revolve around his good pleasure. After 'Abdu'l-Baha, > whenever the Universal House of Justice is organized it will > ward off differences. > 'Abdu'l-Bahli, cited in "Star of the West", > vol. IV, no. 14, November 1913, p. 237 > > 14. Inasmuch as great differences and divergences of > denominational belief had arisen throughout the past, every man > with a new idea attributing it to God, Baha'u'llah desired that > there should not be any ground or reason for disagreement > among the Baha'is. Therefore, with His own pen He wrote the > Book of His Covenant, addressing His relations and all people > of the world, saying, "Verily, I have appointed One Who is the > Centre of My Covenant. All must obey Him; all must tum to > Him; He is the Expounder of My Book, and He is informed of > My purpose. All must tum to Him. Whatsoever He says is > correct, for, verily, He knoweth the texts of My Book. Other > than He, no one doth know My Book." The purpose of this > statement is that there should never be discord and divergence > among the Baha'is but that they should always be unified and > agreed .... Therefore, whosoever obeys the Centre of the > Covenant appointed by Baha'u'llah has obeyed Baha'u'llah, and > whosoever disobeys Him has disobeyed Baha'u'llah .... > Beware! Beware! lest anyone should speak from the > authority of his own thoughts or create a new thing out of > himself. Beware! Beware! According to the explicit Covenant of > Baha'u'llah you should care nothing at all for such a person. > Baha'u'llah shuns such souls. • > 'The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Baha > during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912", 2nd ed. > (Wilmette: Bahfi'( Publishing Trust, 1982), pp. 322-23. > > 15. He is, and should for all time be regarded, first and > foremost, as the Centre and Pivot of Baha.'u'llah'speerless and > all-enfolding Covenant, His most exalted handiwork, the > stainless Mirror of His light, the perfect Exemplar of His > teachings, the unerring Interpreter of His Word, the embodiment > of every Baha'i ideal, the incarnation of every Baha'i virtue, the > Most Mighty Branch sprung from the Ancient Root, the Limb of > I > the Law of God, the Being "round Whom all names revolve," > the Mainspring of the Oneness of Humanity, the Ensign of the > Most Great Peace, the Moon of the Central Orb of this most holy > Dispensation -- styles and titles that are implicit and find their > truest, their highest and fairest expression in the magic name > 'Abdu'l-Baha. He is, above and beyond these appellations, the > "Mystery of God" -- an expression by which Baha'u'llah > Himself has chosen to designate Him, and which, while it does > not by any means justify us to assign to Him the station of > Prophethood, indicates how in the person of 'Abdu'l-Baha the > incompatible characteristics of a human nature and superhuman > knowledge and perfection have been blended and are completely > harmonized. > Shoghi Effendi.from a letter of 8 February 1934, > in 'The World Order of Bahfl'u'llah - Selected Letters", p. 134 > > 16. Baha'u'llah, the Revealer of God's Word in this Day, the > Source of Authority, the Fountainhead of Justice, the Creator of > a new World Order, the Establisher of the Most Great Peace, the > Inspirer and Founder of a world civilization, the Judge, the > Lawgiver, the Unifier and Redeemer of all mankind, has > proclaimed the advent of God's Kingdom on earth, has > formulated its laws and ordinances, enunciated its principles, > and ordained its institutions. To direct and canalize the forces > released by His Revelation He instituted His Covenant, whose > power has preserved the integrity of His Faith, maintained its > unity and stimulated its world-wide expansion throughout the > successive ministries of 'Abdu'l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi. It > continues to fulfil its life-giving purpose through the agency of > the Universal House of Justice whose fundamental object, as > one of the twin successors of Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha, is > to ensure the continuity of that divinely-appointed authority > which flows from the Source of the Faith, to safeguard the unity > of its followers, and maintain the integrity and flexibilty of its > teachings. > Universal House of Justice, 'The Constitution of the Universal House > of Justice" (Haifa: Baha'( World Centre, 1972), pp. 34 > > i:i!l:::::::::::i:::jij:j:j:j:l:::::::::::::::::::!!!!!.lf.ffl.~ji1ir.!l!!!!::~:~!.!!:~ > 17. As to the most great characteristic of the revelation of > Baha'u'llah, a specific teaching not given by any of the Prophets > of the past: It is the ordination and appointment of the Centre of > I > the Covenant. By this appointment and provision He has > safeguarded and protected the religion of God against differences > and schisms, makin~ it impossible for anyone to create a new > sect or faction of belief. > 'The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Baha > during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912", pp. 455-56 > > 18. To direct and canalize these forces let loose by this Heaven- > sent process, and to insure their harmonious and continuous > operation after His ascension, an instrument divinely ordained, > invested with indisputable authority, organically linked with the > Author of the Revelation Himself, was clearly indespensable. > That instrument Baha'u'llah had exJ?resslyprovided through the > institution of the Covenant, an institution which He had firmly > established prior to His ascension. This same Covenant He hacl > anticipated m His Kitab-i-Aqdas, had alluded to it as He bade > His last farewell to the members of His family, who had been > summoned to His bed-side, in the days immediately preceding > His ascension, and had incorporated it in a special aocument > which He designated as "the Book of My Covenant," and which > He entrusted, during His last illness, to His eldest son 'Abdu'l- > B~ • > Written entirely in His own hand ... this unique and epoch- > making Document, designated by Baha'u'llah as His ''Most > Great Tablet," and alluded to by Him as the "Crimson Book" in > His "Epistle to the Son of the Wolf," can find no parallel in the > Scriptures of any previous Dispensation, not excluding that of > the Bab Himself. For nowhere m the books pertaining to any of > the world's religious sxstems, not even among the writings of > the Author of the Babi Revelation, do we find any smgle > document establishing a Covenant endowed with an authonty > comparable to the Covenant Baha'u'llah had Himself instituted. > Shoghi Effendi, "God Passes By" > (Wilmette: Baha1 Publishing Trust, 1974), pp. 237-38 > > 19. ... There is, though, a great difference between this and > ~revious Dispensations, for Baha'u'llah has written that this is > 'the Day which shall not be followed by night" ("God Passes > By", p. 245). He has given us His Covenant which provides for > a continuing centre of divine guidance in the world. The Baha'i > Faith has not lacked for ambitious men who would seize the > reins of authority and distort the Faith for their own ends, but in > every case they have broken themselves and dashed their hopes > on tlie rock of the Covenant. > 14 January 1979, from a letter written on behalf of the > Universal House of Justice to an individual believer > I > IV. > The Lesser Covenant: " ... that 'Abdu'I-Baha > perpetuated through the Administrative Order ..." > > 111111 > 1!1! > 1!1!!:l!l!l!l!l!l!l!ll!!lll!lllllllll!lllllllllllllllllllllll!lll!lll!l!lll!I! > > 20. 0 my loving friends! After the passing away of this > wronged one, it is incumbent upon the A,gh~ (Branches), the > Afnan (Twigs) of the Sacred Lote-Tree, the Hands (pillars) of > the Cause of God and the loved ones of the Abha Beauty to turn > unto Shoghi Effendi -- the youthful branch branched from the > two hallowed and sacred Lote-Trees and the fruit grown from > the union of the two offshoots of the Tree of Holiness, •__as he > is the sign of God, the chosen branch, the guardian of the Cause > of God, he unto whom all the Am~an, the Afnan, the Hands of > the Cause of God and His loved ones must turn. He is the > expounder of the words of God and after him will succeed the > first born of his lineal descendents. • > 'The Will and Testament of 'Ahdu'I-Baha" > (Wilmette: Baha'( Publishing Trust, 1968), p. 11 > > 21. And now, concerning the H<;>useof Justice which God > hath ordained as the source of all good and freed from all error, > it must be elected by universal suffrage, that is, by the believers. > Its members must be manifestations of the fear of God and day- > springs of knowledge and understanding, must be steadfast in > God's faith and the well-wishers of all mankind. > 'The Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha",p. 14 > > 22. ... Unto the Most Holy Book every one must turn and all > that is not expressly recorded therein must be referred to the > Universal House of Justice. That which this body, whether > unanimously or by majority doth carry, that is verily the Truth > and the Purpose of God Himself. > 'The Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha",p. 19 > > 23. ... They [Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha] have also., in > unequivocal and emphatic language, appointed those twin > institutions of the House of Justice and the Guardianship as their > chosen Successors, destined to apply the principles, promulgate > the laws, protect the institutions, adapt loyally and intelligently > the Faith to the requirements of progressive society, and > consummate the incorruptible inheritance which the Founders of > I > the Faith have bequeathed to the world. > Shoghi Effendi.from a letter of 21 March 1930 in > "The World Order of Bahflu'llah - Selected Letters", 2nd rev. ed. > (Wilmette: Baha'i Publishing Trust, 1974), pp. 19-20 > > 24. under the Covenant of God, Shoghi Effendi was, > during his ministry as Guardian of the Cause, the point of > authority in the Faith to which all were to turn ... The same thing > applies to the position occupied by the Universal House of > Justice in its relationship to the friends. > 9 November 1981,from a letter written on behalf of the > Universal House of Justice to an individual believer > > !l:llllllilll!lllllllllllllllllllllll:lllllllill\llillllll~llllllllllllllllllllllilillll: > 25. The sacred and youthful branch, the guardian of the Cause > of God as well as the Universal House of Justice, to be > universally elected ·and established, are both under the care and > protection of the Abha Beauty, under the shelter and unerring > guidance of His Holiness, the Exalted One (may my life be > offered up for them both). Whatsoever they decide is of God. > Whoso obeyeth him not, neither obeyeth them, hath not obeyed > God; whoso rebelleth against him and against them hath rebelled > against God; whoso opposeth him hath opposed God; whoso > contendeth with them hath contended with God; whoso disputeth > with him hath disputed with God; whoso denieth him hath > denied God; whoso disbelieveth in him hath disbelieved in God; > whoso deviateth, separateth himself and turneth aside from him > hath in truth deviated, separated himself and turned aside from > God. > 'The Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha",p. 11 > > 26. ... it is made indubitably clear and evident that the > Guardian of the Faith has been made the Interpreter of the Word > and that the Universal House of Justice has been invested with > the function of legislating on matters not expressly revealed in > the teachings. The interpretation of the Guardian, functioning > within his own sphere, is as authoritative and binding as the > enactments of the International House of Justice, whose > exclusive right and prerogative is to pronounce upon and deliver > the final judgement on such laws and ordinances as Baha'u'llah > has not expressly revealed. Neither can, nor will ever, infringe > upon the sacred and prescribed domain of the other. Neither will > I > seek to curtail the specific and undoubted authority with which > both have been divinely invested. > Shoghi Effendi.from a letter of 8 February 1934, in > 'The World Order of Baha'u'llah - Selected Letters", pp. 149 - 50 > > 27. ... In the conduct of the administrative affairs of the Faith, > in the enactment of the legislation necessary to supplement the > laws of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, the members of the Universal House > of Justice, it should be borne in mind, are not, as Baha'u'llah's > utterances clearly imply, responsible to those whom they > represent, nor are they allowed to be governed by the feelings, > the general opinion, and even the convictions of the mass of the > faithful, or of those who directly elect them. They are to follow, > in a prayerful attitude, the dictates and promptings of their > conscience. They may, indeed they must, acquaint themselves > with the conditions prevailing among the community, must > weigh dispassionately in their minds the merits of any case > presented for their consideration, but must reserve for > themselves the right of an unfettered decision. "God will verily > inspire them with whatsoever He willeth," is Baha'u'llah's > incontrovertible assurance. They, and not the body of those who > either directly or indirectly elect them, have thus been made the > recipients of the guidance which is ·at once the life-blood and > ultimate safeguard of this Revelation. > Shoghi Effendi.from a letter of 8 February 1934, in > "The World Order of Baha'u'llah - Selected Letters", p. 153 > > :111111:111:11:1:1:111::111:11::::1:1:11111:1:1::1:111111111111 > 1,1111111~11111i111:1111111111111111111::111111111:1:1111 > > 28. At the time of our beloved Shoghi Effendi's death it was > evident, from the circumstances and from the explicit > requirements of the Holy Textst, that it had been impossible for > him to appoint a successor in accordance with the provisions of > the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha. > The Universal House of Justice.from a letter of 9 March 1965, in > ''Wellspring of Guidance: Messages 1963-1968" > (Wilmette: Baha'{ Publishing Trust, 1976), p. 44 > > 29. After prayerful and careful study of the Holy Texts bearing > upon the question of the appointment of the successor to Shoghi > Effendi as Guardian of the Cause of God, and after prolonged > consultation which included consideration of the views of the > 1. Shoghi-Effendi had no children and all the surviving A&h~m > had broken the Covenant. > Hands of the Cause of God residing in the Holy Land, the > I > Universal House of Justice finds that there is no way to appoint > or to legislate to make it possible to appoint a second Guardian to > succeed Shoghi Effendi. > The UniversalHouse of Justice,from a letterof 6 October1963, in > "Wellspringof Gui.dance:Messages1963-1968",p. 11 > > !1:::1111111::11:::111:1111:1:11111:l:lil:llll:llllllllll:llllllllllllll:IIIIIIIIJllllllllllllllllil::1111:l > 30. The Covenant of Baha'u'llah is unbroken, its all- > encompassing power inviolate. The two unique features which > distinguish it from all religious covenants of the past are > unchanged and operative. The revealed Word, in its original > purity, amplified by the divinely guided interpretations of > 'Abdu'l-Bah~ and Shoghi Effendi, remains immutable, > unadulterated by any man-made creeds or dogmas, > unwarrantable inferences, or unauthorized interpretations. The > channel of Divine guidance, providing flexibility in all the affairs > of mankind, remains open through that institution which was > founded by Baha'u'llah and endowed by Him with supreme > authority and unfailing guidance, and of which the Master wrote: > "Unto this body all things must be referred." How clearly we > can see the truth of Baha'u'llah's assertion: "The Hand of > Omnipotence hath established His Revelation upon an enduring > foundation. Storms of human strife are powerless to undermine > its basis, nor will men's fanciful theories succeed in damaging > its structure." > The UniversalHouse of Justice.from a letter of October1963, > in "Wellspringof Gui.dance:Messages1963-1968",p. 13 > > 31. The Universal House of Justice, which the Guardian said > would be regarded by posterity as "the last refuge of a tottering > civilization," is now, in the absence of the Guardian, the sole > infallibly guided institution in the world to which all must turn, > and on it rests the responsibilty for ensuring the unity and > progress of the Cause of God in accordance with the revealed > Word. > The UniversalHouse of Justice.from a letter of 27 May 1966, > in "Wellspringof Gui.dance:Messages1963-1968",p. 90 > > 32. The infallibilty of the Universal House of Justice, > operating within its ordained sphere, has not been made > dependent upon the presence in its membership of the Guardian > of the Cause .... > However, quite apart from his function as a member and > I > sacred head for life of the Universal House of Justice, the > Guardian, functioning within his own sphere, had the right and > duty "to define the sphere of the legislative action" of the > Universal House of Justice. In other words, he had the authority > to state whether a matter was or was not already covered by the > Sacred Texts and therefore whether it was within the authority of > the Universal House of Justice to legislate upon it. > The question therefore arises: In the absence of the > Guardian, is the Universal House of Justice in danger of > straying outside its proper sphere and thus falling into error? > Here we must remember three things: First, Shoghi Effendi, > during the thirty-six years of his Guardianship, has already made > innumerable such definitions, supplementing those made by > 'Abdu'l-Baha and by Baha'u'llah Himself. As already > announced to the friends, a careful study of the Writings and > interpretations on any subject on which the House of Justice > proposes to legislate always precedes its act of legislation. > Second, the Universal House of Justice, itself assured of Divine > guidance, is well aware of the absence of the Guardian and will > approach all matters of legislation only when certain of its sphere > of jurisdiction, a sphere which the Guardian has confidently > described as "clearly defined." Third, we must not forget the > Guardian's written statement about these two institutions: > "Neither can, nor will ever, infringe upon the sacred and > prescribed domain of the other." > The UniversalHouse of Justice.from a letter of 27 May 1966, > in "Wellspringof Guidance:Messages1963-1968",pp. 82-84 > > 33. The Universal House of Justice; beyond its function as the > enactor of legislation, has been invested with the more general > functions of protecting and administering the Cause, solving > obscure questions and deciding upon matters that have caused > difference. > From a letterof 7 December1969, in > "Messagesfrom the UniversalHouse of Justice:1968-1973" > (Wilmette:Bah.a'(PublishingTrust, 1976),pp. 38-39 > > 34. ... Upon the Universal House of Justice, in the words of > the Guardian, "has been conferred the exclusive right of > legislating on matters not expressly revealed in the Baha'i > Writings." Its pronouncements, which are susceptible of > amendment or abrogation by the House of Justice itself, serve to > supplement and apply the Law of God. Although not invested > with the function of interpretation, the House of Justice is in a > I > position to do everything necessary to establish the World > Order of Baha'u1lah on this earth. Unity of doctrine is > maintained by the existence of the authentic texts of Scripture > and the voluminous interpretations of 'Abdu'l-Baha and Shoghi > Effendi, together with the absolute prohibition against anyone > propounding "authoritative" or "inspired" interpretations or > usurping the function of Guardian. Unity of administration is > assured by the authority of the Universal House of Justice. > The UniversalHouse of Justice.from a letterof 9 March 1965, > in "Wellspringof Guidance:Messages1963-1968",pp. 52-53 > 35. In the Baha'i Faith there are two authoritative centres > appointed to which the believers must tum, for in reality the > Interpreter of the Word is an extension of that center which is the > Word itself. The Book is the record of the utterance of > Baha'u'llah, while the divinely inspired Interpreter is the living > Mouth of that Book -- it is he and he alone who can > authoritatively state what the Book means. Thus one center is the > Book with its Interpreter, and the other is the Universal House > of Justice guided by God to decide on whatever is not explicitly > revealed in the Book. This pattern of centers and their > relationships is apparent at every stage in the unfoldment of the > Cause. In the Kitab-i-Aqdas Baha'u'llah tells the believers to > refer after His passing to the Book, and to "Him Whom God > hath purposed, Who hath branched from this Ancient Root." In > the Kitab-i-'Ahdt (the Book of Baha'u'llah's Covenant), He > makes it clear that this reference is to 'Abdu'l-Baha. In the > Aqdas Bah!'u'llah also ordains the institution of the Universal > House of Justice, and confers upon it the powers necessary for it > to discharge its ordained functions. The Master in His Will and > Testament explicitly institutes the Guardianship, which Shoghi > Effendi states was clearly anticipated in the verses of the Kitab-i- > Aqdas, reaffirms and elucidates the authority of the Universal > House of Justice, and refers the believers once again to the > Book: "Unto the Most Holy Book everyone must turn and all > that is not expressly recorded therein must be referred to the > Universal House of Justice," and at the very end of the Will He > says: "All must seek guidance and turn unto the Center of the > Cause and the House of Justice. And he that turneth unto > whatsoever else is indeed in grievous error." > From a letter of 7 December1969, in > "Messagesfrom the UniversafHouse of Justice:1968-1973"pp. 42-43 > II > V. > Response to the Lesser Covenant assures that > " ... the Faith can remain united and pure." > 36. ... the power of the Covenant will protect the Cause of > Baha'u'llah from the doubts of the people of error. It is the > fortified fortress of the Cause of God and the firm pillar of the > religion of God. Today no power can conserve the oneness of > the Baha'i world save the Covenant of God; otherwise > differences like unto a most great tempest will encompass the > Baha'i world. It is evident that the axis of the oneness of the > world of humanity is the power of the Covenant and nothing > else. ... Therefore, in the beginning the believers must make > their steps firm in the Covenant so that the confirmations of > Baha'u'llah may encircle them from all sides, the cohorts of the > Supreme Concourse may become their supporters and helpers, > and the exhortations and advices of 'Abdu'l-Baha, like unto the > pictures engraved on stone, may remain permanent and > ineffaceable in the tablets of all hearts. > 'Tablets of the Divine Plan Revealed by 'Abdu'l-Bah/ito the North American > Bah/i'is",rev. ed. (Wilmette:Bah/i'[PublishingTrust, 1977),p. 49. > The last sentenceis a newly authorizedtranslation. > > 37. Walk, therefore, with a sure step and engage with the > utmost assurance and confidence in the promulgation of the > divine fragrances, the glorification of the Word of God and > firmness in the Covenant. Rest ye assured that if a soul ariseth in > the utmost perseverance and raiseth the Call of the Kingdom and > resolutely promulgateth the Covenant, be he an insignificant ant > he shall be enabled to drive away the formidable elephant from > the arena, and if he be a feeble moth he shall cut to pieces the > plumage of the rapacious vulture. > "Selectionsfrom the Writingsof 'Abdu'l-Baha"[rev. ed] > (Haifa:Bahar World Centre,1982),p. 209 > > 38. The progress of the Cause of God gathers increasing > momentum and we may with confidence look forward to the day > when this Community, in God's good time, shall have traversed > the stages predicted for it by its Guardian, and shall have raised > -on this tormented planet the fair mansions of God's Own > Kingdom wherein humanity may find surcease from its self- > induced confusion and chaos and ruin, and the hatreds and > violence of this time shall be transmuted into an abiding sense of > I > world brotherhood and peace. All this shall be accomplished > within the Covenant of the everlasting Father, the Covenant of > Baha'u'llah. > The Universal House of Justice, > Ri > 39. The Baha'is must cling firmly to the knowledge that the > Cause is safely in God's hands, that the Covenant of Baha'u'llah > is incorruptible and that they can have complete confidence in the > ability of the Universal House of Justice to function "under the > care and protection of the Abha Beauty, under the shelter and > unerring guidance of His Holiness, the Exalted One". > 28 May 1975, from a letter written on behalf of the > Universal House of Justice to an individual believer > > VI. > The power of the Covenant > > 40. Today the pulsating power in the arteries of the body of > the world is the spirit of the Covenant -- the spirit which is the > cause of life. Whosoever is vivified with this spirit, the > freshness and beauty of life become manifest in him, he is > baptized with the Holy Spirit, he is born again, is freed from > oppression and tyranny, from heedlessness and harshness which > deaden the spirit, and attains to everlasting life. > Praise thou God that thou art finn in the Covenant and the > Testament and art turning thy face to the Luminary of the world, > His Highness Baha'u1lah. > 'Abdu'l-Bahfi,cited in "Star of the West", vol. 14, no. 7, > October 1923, p. 225 > > 41. ... It is indubitably clear ... that the pivot of the oneness of > mankind is nothing else but the power of the Covenant. > The power of the Covenant is as the heat of the sun which > quickeneth and promoteth the development of all created things > on earth. The light of the Covenant, in like manner, is the > educator of the minds, the spirits, the hearts and souls of men. > 'Abdu'l-Baha, cited in "God Passes By" > (Wilmette: Baha1 Publishing Trust, 1974), p. 238; p. 239 > I > 42. Today, the Lord of Hosts is the defender of the Covenant, > the forces of the Kingdom protect it, heavenly souls tender their > services, and heavenly angels promulgate and spread it > broadcast. H it is considered with insight, it will be seen that all > the forces of the universe, in the last analysis serve the > Covenant > "Selectionsfrom the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha", [rev. ed.] > (Haifa: Bahfi'( World Centre, 1982), p. 228 > > 43. ... No power can eliminate misunderstanding except that > of the Covenant. The power of the Covenant is all-embracing, > and resolveth all difficulties, for the Pen of Glory hath explicitly > declared that whatever misunderstanding may arise should be > referred to the Centre of the Covenant. > 'Abdu'l-Baha,from a recently translated Tablet > > 44. Were it not for the protecting power of the Covenant to > guard the impregnable fort of the Cause of God, there would > arise among the Baha'fs, in one day, a thousand different sects > as was the case in former ages. But•in this Blessed Dispensation, > for the sake of the permanency of the Cause of God and the > avoidance of dissension amongst the people of God, the Blessed > Beauty (may my soul be a sacrifice unto Him), has through the > Supreme Pen written the Covenant and the Testament ... > 'Abdu'l-Baha, cited in "Bahfl(World Faith" > (Wilmette: Bahfl'( Publishing Trust, 1976), pp. 357-58. > > 45. ... Launched through these very acts2 into the troublesome > seas of ceaseless tribulation, piloted by the mighty arm of > 'Abdu'l-Baha and manned by the bold initiative and abundant > vitality of a band of sorely-tried disciples, the Ark of > Baha'u'llah's Covenant has, ever since those days, been steadily > pursuing its course contemptuous of the storms of bitter > misfortune that have raged, and which must continue to assail it, > as it forges ahead towards the promised haven of undisturbed > security and peace. > Shoghi Effendi.from a letter o/21 April 1933, in > 'The World Order of Baha'u'llah - Selected Letters", 2nd rev. ed. > (Wilmette: Balla'{ Publishing Trust, 1974), p. 84 > > 2. Eveqts associated with the introductiooof the Faith in the West > 46. The Covenant is the "axis of the oneness of the world of > I > humanity" because it preserves the unity and integrity of the > Faith itself and protects it from being disrupted by individuals > who are convinced that only their understanding of the > Teachings is the right one -- a fate that has overcome all past > Revelation.s. The Covenant is, moreover, embedded in the > Writings of Baha'u'llah Himself. Thus, as you clearly see, to > accept Baha'u'llah is to accept His Covenant; to reject His > Covenant is to reject Him. > 3 January 1982.from a letter writtenon behalf of the > UniversalHouse of Justice to an individualbeliever > I > Index > The numbersgiven after each subjectrefer to the extract(s)in which it > appears,not tfiepage numbers. > 'Abdu'l-Baha, 23, 28, 32, 34, 36 has not lacked for ambitious men who > all must obey, tum to, 14 would seize reins of authority and distort > Baha'u'llah's most exalted handiwork, 15 Faith for own ends, 19 > Being round Whom all names revolve, 15 impregnable, 44 > Centre (Pivot) of Baha'u'llah's Covenant, integrity, 46 > 6, 12, 13, 14, 15, 35 permanency,44 > disobedience of is disobedience of progress of, 31, 38 > Baha'u'llah, 14 safely in God's Hands, 39 > embodiment of every Baha'f ideal, 15 Baha'i Teachings, 46 > Ensign of the Most Great Peace, 15 Baha'i Writings, 34 > Exemplar ofBaha'u'llah's teachings, Baha'fs, 4, 6, 14, 16, 27, 39, 44, 45 > perfect, 15 Baha'u'llah, 6, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, > Expounder of Baha'u'llah's Book, 13, 14 23,26,27,30,32,34,35,39,40,45,46 > "He knoweth the texts of My book", 14 Appearance, most resplendent, sublime, 7 > incarnation of every Baha'f virtue, 15 Author of the Revelation, 18 > interpreter of Baha'u'llah's Word, Covenant of, 38 > unerring,12,15 anticipated in Kitab-i-Aqdas, 18 > extension of the Word itself,35 Arkof,45 > Limb of the Law of God, 15 authority, indisputable, 18 > "magic name", 15 Centre of (see 'Abdu'l-Baha) > Mainspring of Oneness of Humanity, 15 directs, canalizes forces released by His > Mirror of Baha'u'llah's light, Revelation, 16, 18 > stainless, 15 divinely-ordained, 18 > misunderstandings to be referred to, 43 established prior to His ascension, 18 > Moon of the Central Orb of this most holy firm, 12 > Dispensation, 15 incorruptible, 39 > not "the Promised One", 13 indispensable, 18 > obedience to is obedience to Baha'u'llah,14 linked with Baha'u'llah, organically, 18 > "other than He, no one doth know My maintained unity of His Faith,16 > book", 14 mighty, 12 > titles:- most great characteristic of His > "Him Whom God hath purposed, Who Revelation, 17 > hath branched from this Ancient Root", no religious Dispensation hath produced > 11,35 its like, 12 > Master, the, 30 power of, inviolate, 30 > Most Mighty Branch, 15 preserved integrity of His Faith, 16 > Mystery of God, 15 stimulated world-wide_expnsion of His > whatsoever He says is correct, 14 Faith, 16 > Will and Testament, 35 provides for continuing centre of divine > Abraham,6 guidance in world, 18 > Afnan (descendents of the family of the Bab), purpose, life-giving, 16 > 11,20 rejection of is rejection of Baha'u'llah, 6 > Aghsan (sons and male descendants of safeguards, protects Faith against > Baha'u'llah), 11, 20, 28 footnote differences, schisms, 17 > Assurance, 37 unbroken, 18 > Attraction, 4 unique features which distinguish it from > Authority, 14, 19, 26 all other religious covenants of past un- > changed and operative, 30 > Bab, the, 6, 8, 16 with all Baha'fs, re. 'Abdu'l-Baha, 6, 11, > Baha'f community, 38 13 > Baha'f Faith, 17, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 33, re. next M~estation of God, 6, 9, 13 > 35, 36 Creator of a New World Order, 16 > Establisher of the Most Great Peace, 16 > Fountainhead of Justice, the, 16 > freed from heedlessness, > I > harshness, oppression, tyranny, 40 > Inspirer and Founder of a world civilization, freshness, beauty of life become > 16 manifest in him, 40 > Luminary of the world, 40 Creeds, man-made, 30 > Manifestation, Most Great, all-glorious, 7 > One promised by the Bab, 6 Day, "whereon Thou wouldst reveal Thyself', > Revealer of God's Word in this Day, 16 7 > Source of Authority, the, 16 "which should not be followed by night",19 > titles:- Desires, earthly, 2 > Abha Beauty, the, 20, 25, 39 Determination, 2 > All-Powerful, the, 11 Difficulties, 43t > Anc1ent Beauty, the 10 Dispensation, this blessed, 44 > Blessed Beauty, the, 6, 44 different from previous, 19 > Father, the everlasting, 38 Dogmas, man-made, 30 > Gracious, the, 11 > Him Whom God shall make manifest, 8 Epistle to the Son of the Wolf. 18 > Lord of Hosts, the, 42 > Bayan, the, 1, 8, 9 Faction, 17 > Belief, differences and divergences of, 14 Faithfulness, 4 > Blessedness, 3 Fidelity, 4 > Brotherhood, world, 38 Foolish, the, 2 > Fragrances, divine, 37 > Christ, 6 > Confidence, 37 Guardianship, 32 > Covenant, all forces of universe serve, 42 anticipated clearly in verses of Kitab-i- > firmness in, 36 Aqdas, 35 > brings confirmations of Baha'u'llah, 36 instituted explicitly in Will and Testament > most important affair today, 13 of 'Abdu'l-Baha, 35 > wards off differences, 13 Glory, summit of transcendent, 1 > embedded in Writings of Baha'u'llah, 46 God, 21 > for sake of, avoidance of dissension bond that unites with, 2 > amongst people of God, 44 bounty of, 5 > permanency of Cause of God, 44 commandments of, 1 > fortified fortress of the Cause of God, 36 Covenant of, 1, 3, 4; 24 > light of, educator of minds, spirits, hearts, calling for all men's acceptance of next > souls of men, 41 Revelation and next Book, 5 > power of, all-embracing, 43 established with all men, 5, 7 > as heat of the sun, 41 pledge to, 2 > axis of oneness of world of humanity, 36, power over all things, 8 > 48 praise, remembrance of, 3 > only one which can eliminate purpose of, 22 > misunderstandings, 43 radiance, 7 > pivot of oneness of mankind, 41 self, 7 > protecting, 44 servants, first duty prescribed for, 1 > resolves all difficulties, 43 sight of, 1 > will protect Cause from doubts of people of signs of, 9 > error, 36 titles:- > preserves unity and integrity of Faith, 46 All-Possessing, the, 1 > protects Faith from being disrupted by Creator, the, 2 > individuals convinced that only their Lord, 3, 7 > understanding of Teachings is right, 46 of the universe, 5 > spirit of, cause of life, 40 Most High, the, 1 > pulsating power in arteries of world, 40 truth of, 22 > whosoever is vivified with this spirit, ways of, 2 > attains to everlasting life, 40 > baptized with Holy Spirit, 40 Hands of the Cause of God, 20, 29 > born again, 40 Hatreds or this time, 38 > Hearts, 2, 3, 36 > I > disobedience of is disobedience of God, 25 > Honesty, 4 disputation with is disputation with God, 25 > Imposter, 9 duties and functions:- > Inferences, unwarrantable, 30 adapt Faith to needs of progressive > Interpretations, absolute prohibition against society, 23 > anyone propounding "authoritative" or cannot be usurped, 34 > "inspired", 34 consummate incorruptible inheritence, 23 > unauthori:zed, 30 interpretation, amplified revealed Word, > Kingdom, 37, 38 authoritative and binding, 26 > Kitab-i-'Ahdi ("Book of the Covenant"; divinely-guided, 30 > "Crimson Book"; "Most Great Tablet"), 35 maintains unity of doctrine, 34 > entrusted to 'Abdu'l-Baha, 18 voluminous, 34 > unique, no parallel in Scriptures of previous promulgate laws, 23 > Dispensations, 18 obedience to is obedience to God, 25 > written in Baha'u1lah's own hand (with His opposition to is opposition to God, 25 > own pen), 14, 18 point of authority to which all were to turn, > Kitab-i-Aqdas ("Most Holy Book"), 11, 12, 18, 24 > 22,27, 35 rebellion against is rebellion against God, > Love (loving-kindness), 4 separation from is separation from God, 25 > successor, after him will succeed first-born > Manifestations of God (Prophets),5,8 of his lineal > Baha'u'llah's Promised One, 6, 13 descendants, 20 > future, 10 impossible for him to appoint, 28 > past, 17 impossible for Universal House of Justice > recognition of, 1 to appoint, 29 > represents the Godhead in Kingdom of His titles:- > Cause and world creation, 1 Centre of the Cause, 35 > titles:- Chosen Branch, the, 20 > Day-Spring of His (Thy) Revelation, 1, 7 expounder of the words of God, 20 > Day-Star of Truth, 10 Fruit grown from the union of the two > Desire of the world, 1 offshoots of the Tree of Holiness, 20 > Fountain of His Laws, 1 Guardian of the Cause of God, 20, 25, 31, > Mankind (humanity, peoples), 4, 7, 32,38 > 14,38 Interpreter of the Word, 26 > affairs, flexibility in, 30 sacred and youthful branch, the, 25 > security of, 1 Sign of God, the, 20 > Misfortunes, 45 youthful branch branched from two > Moses, 6 hallowed and sacred lote-trees, 20 > Muhammad (the Paraclete), 6 turning aside from is turning aside from > God,25 > Past, 44 under care and protection ofBaha'u'llah, > Peace, 38, 45 shelter and guidance of the Bab, 25 > Perserverance, 37 Universal House of Justice, relationship > with:- > Qur'an, 9 cannot infringe upon its domain, 26, 32 > defines its sphere of legislative action > Revelation, 5, 8 (right and duty), 32 > Sects, 17, 44 interpretations carefully studied by > Security, 45 members on any subject preceding act > Shoghi Effendi, 16 of legislation, 32 > absence of, 31, 32 member,32 > death of, 28 twin successors of Baha'u'llah and > contention with is contention with God, 25 'Abdu'l-Baha, 23 > denial of is denial of God, 25 two authoritative centres, 35 > deviation from is deviation from God, 25 whatsoever he decides is of God, 25 > disbelief in is disbelief in God, 25 Sincerity, 4 > Slumber, 3 > Spirit, 40 > two authoritative centres, 35 > I > will not seek to curtail his authority, 26 > Spiritual Assemblies, National, 27 guided by God to decide on whatsoever is > Station, 4 not explicitly revealed in the Book, 35 > most sublime, 1 in position to do everything necessary to > Strife, 30 establish World Order of Baha'u'llah on > earth, 34 > Texts, holy, irrefutable, 4, 28, 29 infallible, freed from all error, 21 > Theories, fanciful, 30 God will inspire them with whatsoever > Tribulation, 45 He wills, 27 > not dependent on Guardian's member- > Understanding, men of, 1 ship, 32 > Universal House of Justice, 29 sole infallibly-guided institution in world, > all must tum to, 31, 35 31 > assured of divine guidance, 32 interpretation, not invested with function,34 > authority, assures unity of administration,34 last refuge of a tottering civilization, 31 > reaffirmed, elucidated in Will and members, must acquaint themselves with > Testament of'Abdu'l-Baha, 35 conditions amongst community, 27 > Baha'fs must have confidence in, 39 must be daysprings of knowledge and > careful study of Writings and interpretations understanding, manifestations of fear > on any subject always precedes act of of God, steadfast in God's Faith, well- > legislation, 32 wishers of mankind, 21 > .contention with is contention with God, 25 must reserve for themselves the right of > denial of is denial of God, 25 an unfettered decision, 27 > deviation from is deviation from God, 25 must weigh dispassionately merits of any > disbelief in is disbelief in God, 25 case presented for consideration, 27 > disobedience of is disobedience of God, 25 not allowed to be governed by feelings, > disputation with is disputation with God, 25 general opinions, convictions of mass > duties, functions and objects:- of faithful or of those who directly > adapt Faith to requirements of progressive elect them, 27 > society, 23 not responsible to those whom they > apply laws, principles of Faith, 23 represent, 27 > consummate incorruptible inheritance,23 recipients of divine guidance, 27 > decide upon matters that have caused obedience to is obedience to God, 25 > difference, 33 opposition to is opposition to God, 25 > enactor of legislation, 27, 33 ordained, 21 > ensure continuity of divinely-appointed in Kitab-i-Aqdas, 35 > authority which flows from Source of point of authority to which all tum, 24 > Faith, 16 pronouncements supplement, apply laws of > ensure unity, progress of Cause, 31 God,34 > maintain integrity, flexibility of teach- susceptible to amendment, abrogation by > ings, 16 itself, 34 > pronounce upon and deliver final rebellion against is rebellion against God,25 > judgement on such laws and ordinances separation from is separation from God, 25 > as Baha'u'llah has not expressly source of all good, 21 > revealed (exclusive right and preroga- sphere of jurisdiction clearly defined, 32 > tive), 22, 26, 27, 34 turning aside from is turning aside from > protect institutions, 23 God, 25 > protect and administer Cause, 33 under care and protection ofBaha'u'llah, > safeguard unity of Faith's followers, 16 shelter and guidance of the Bab, 25, 39 > solve obscure questions, 33 whatsoever they decide is of God, 22, 25 > ward off all differences, 13 > election must be by universal suffrage, 21 Violence of this time, 38 > enactments, authoritative and binding, 26 > Guardian, rel!.ltionto:- Word(s), force of, 2 > cannot infringe upon his domain, 26, 32 revealed, 30, 31 > twin successors of Baha'u'llah and World (planet), 1, 38, 40 > 'Abdu'l-Baha, 16, 23 > > — *The Covenant (Used by permission of the curator)*