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You must manifest complete love and affection toward all mankind. Do not exalt yourselves above others, but consider all as your equals, recognizing them as the servants of one God. Know that God is compassionate toward all; therefore, love all from the depths of your hearts, prefer all religionists before yourselves, be filled with love for every race, and be kind toward the people of all nationalities. Never speak disparagingly of others, but praise without distinction. Pollute not your tongues by speaking evil of another. Recognize your enemies as friends, and consider those who wish you evil as the wishers of good. You must not see evil as evil and then compromise with your opinion, for to treat in a smooth, kindly way one whom you consider evil or an enemy is hypocrisy, and this is not worthy or allowable. You must consider your enemies as your friends, look upon your evil- wishers as your well- wishers and treat them accordingly. Act in such a way that your heart may be free from hatred. Let not your heart be offended with anyone. If some one commits an error and wrong toward you, you must instantly forgive him. Do not complain of others. Refrain from reprimanding them, and if you wish to give admonition or advice, let it be offered in such a way that it will not burden the bearer. Turn all your thoughts toward bringing joy to hearts. Beware! Beware! lest ye offend any heart. Assist the world of humanity as much as possible. Be the source of consolation to every sad one, assist every weak one, be helpful to every indigent one, care for every sick one, be the cause of glorification to every lowly one, and shelter those who are overshadowed by fear. (453:1) In brief, let each one of you be as a lamp shining forth with the light of the virtues of the world of humanity. Be trustworthy, sincere, affectionate and replete with chastity. Be illumined, be spiritual, be divine, be glorious, be quickened of God, be a Baha'i. (453:2) 2 December 1912, 8 Talks at Home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Kinney 780 West End Avenue, New York - Notes by Esther Foster (453:3) You are all welcome. This is a goodly assemblage. Praise be to God! The hearts are directed to the Kingdom of Abha, and souls are rejoiced by the glad tidings of God. (453:4) I will speak to you concerning the special teachings of Baha'u'llah. All the divine principles announced by the tongue of the Prophets of the past are to be found in the words of Baha'u'llah; but in addition to these He has revealed certain new teachings which are not found in any of the sacred Books of former times. I shall mention some of them; the others, which are many in number, may be found in the Books, Tablets and Epistles written by Baha'u'llah-- such as the Hidden Words, the Glad Tidings, the Words of Paradise, Tajalliyat, Tarazat and others. Likewise, in the Kitab- i- Aqdas there are new teachings which cannot be found in any of the past Books or Epistles of the Prophets.
(453:5)
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