O thou servant of
God! Do not grieve at the afflictions and calamities that have befallen thee.
All calamities and afflictions have been created for man so that he may spurn
this mortal world—a world to which he is much attached. When he experienceth
severe trials and hardships, then his nature will recoil and he will desire the
eternal realm—a realm which is sanctified from all afflictions and calamities.
Such is the case with the man who is wise. He shall never drink from a cup which
is at the end distasteful, but, on the contrary, he will seek the cup of pure
and limpid water. He will not taste of the honey that is mixed with poison.
Praise thou God, that thou hast been tried and hast
experienced such a test. Be patient and grateful. Turn thy face to the divine
Kingdom and strive that thou mayest acquire merciful characteristics, mayest
become illumined and acquire the attributes of the Kingdom and of the Lord.
Endeavour to become indifferent to the pleasures of this world and to its
comfort, to remain firm and steadfast in the Covenant and to promulgate the
Cause of God.
This is the cause of the exaltation of man, the cause of his
glory and of his salvation.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Selections from the Writings of
‘Abdu’l-Baha)
