Baha'u'llah & the New Era by -J. Esslemont- 9 Para

..Before the death of Baha'u'llah He repeatedly put in writing a Covenant appointing His eldest son 'Abdul-Baha.. as the authorized interpreter of the teachings.. (He) says.. (128:2)

"..When the ocean of My presence hath ebbed and the Book of My Revelation is ended, turn your faces toward Him Whom God hath purposed, Who hath branched from this Ancient Root." (Baha'u'llah - Will and Testament).. (129:1)

"Render thanks unto God, O people, for His appearance; for verily He is the most great Favor unto you, the most perfect bounty upon you; and through Him every mouldering bone is quickened. Whoso turneth towards Him hath turned towards God.." (Baha'u'llah - Tablet of the Branch) (129:3)

Baha'u'llah further arranged that an International House of Justice, representative of all Baha'is throughout the world, should be elected to take charge of the affairs of the Cause.. (129:5)

In a thousand or more years another Manifestation will appear, under the shadow of Baha'u'llah, with clear proofs of His mission, but until then the words of Baha'u'llah, 'Abdul-Baha and the Guardian and the decisions of the International House of Justice constitute the authorities to which all believers must turn for guidance. (130:2)

"One of the enemies of the Cause is he who endeavors to interpret the words of Baha'u'llah and thereby colors the meaning according to his capacity, and collects around him a following, forming a different sect, promoting his own station, and making a division in the Cause.."In another Tablet He writes:-- (130:3)

"These people (promoters of schism) are like the froth that gathers on the surface of the sea; a wave will surge from the ocean of the Covenant and through the power of the Abha Kingdom will cast this foam ashore... These corrupt thoughts that emanate from personal and evil intentions will all vanish, whereas the Covenant of God shall remain stable and secure." ('Abdul-Baha) (130:5)

Moreover, Baha'u'llah expressly forbade interpretation of the teachings by anyone but the authorized interpreter. In His Will and Testament 'Abdul-Baha appointed Shoghi Effendi to be the Guardian of the Faith after Him and to be empowered to interpret the Writings. (130:10)

There is nothing to keep men from forsaking religion if they wish to do so. 'Abdul-Baha says: "God Himself does not compel the soul to become spiritual. The exercise of the free human will is necessary.".. (131:1)

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