Baha'u'llah & the New Era
by
J. Esslemont
6 Paragraphs

"..The grace of effective intercession is one of the perfections belonging to advanced souls, as well as to the Manifestations of God.. Followers of the prophets have also this power of praying for the forgiveness of souls. Therefore we may not think that any souls are condemned to at stationary condition.. The power of effective intercession for them always exists... (193:6)

The rich in the other world can help the poor.. the more they supplicate the richer they become. What is their merchandise, their wealth?.. what is their help..? It is intercession. Undeveloped souls must gain progress at first through the supplications of the spiritually rich; afterwards they can progress through their own supplications. (194:1)

..Those who have ascended have different attributes from those who are still on earth, yet there is no real separation. Pray for them as they pray for you." ('Abdul-Baha) (194:2)

Asked whether it was possible through faith and love to bring the New Revelation to the knowledge of those who have departed from this life without hearing of it, 'Abdul-Baha replied:-- "Yes, surely! since sincere prayer always has its effect, and it has a great influence in the other world. We are never cut off from those who are there. The real and genuine influence is not in this world but in that other." (194:4)

"He who lives according to what is ordained for him-- the Celestial Concourse, and the people of the Supreme Paradise, and those who are dwelling in the Dome of Greatness will pray for him, by a Command from God.." (Baha'u'llah) (194:5)

In creation there is no evil; all is good. Certain qualities and natures innate in some men and apparently blameworthy are not so in reality. For example, form the beginning of his life you can see in a nursing child the signs of desire, of anger, and of temper. Then, it may be said, good and evil are innate in the reality of man, and this is contrary to the pure goodness of nature and creation. The answer to this is that desire, which is to ask for something more, is a praiseworthy quality provided that it is used suitably. So, if a man has desire to acquire science and knowledge, or to become compassionate, generous and just, it is most praiseworthy. If he exercises his anger and wrath against the bloodthirsty tyrants who are like ferocious beasts, it is very praiseworthy; but if he does not use these qualities in a right way, they are blameworthy... (195:1)

End of Quote

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