Paris Talks - 'Abdu'l-Bahá
 <<   <-   >   >>
Page 157 of  183

NINTH PRINCIPLE - THE NON- INTERFERENCE OF RELIGION WITH POLITICS - 4 Avenue de Camoens, Paris, - November 17th
In the conduct of life, man is actuated by two main motives: `The Hope for Reward' and `The Fear of Punishment'. (157:2)

This hope and this fear must consequently be greatly taken into account by those in authority who have important posts under Government. Their business in life is to consult together for the framing of laws, and to provide for their just administration. (157:3)

The tent of the order of the world is raised and established on the two pillars of `Reward and Retribution'. (157:4)

In despotic Governments carried on by men without Divine faith, where no fear of spiritual retribution exists, the execution of the laws is tyrannical and unjust. (157:5)

There is no greater prevention of oppression than these two sentiments, hope and fear. They have both political and spiritual consequences. (157:6)

If administrators of the law would take into consideration the spiritual consequences of their decisions, and follow the guidance of religion, `They would be Divine agents in the world of action, the representatives of God for those who are on earth, and they would defend, for the love of God, the interests of His servants as they would defend their own'. If a governor realizes his responsibility, and fears to defy the Divine Law, his judgments will be just. Above all, if he believes that the consequences of his actions will follow him beyond his earthly life, and that `as he sows so must he reap', such a man will surely avoid injustice and tyranny. (157:7)

Get Next Page

  Paris Talks
  Citation Source List
: see