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TO LIVE THE LIFE
A course on Bahé'i ethics for the younger child
Approved by the Child Education Committee and the
National Reviewing Committee
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TO THE TEACHER
The children will enjoy cutting out these Temple-shaped lessons; 'tying them together with bright yarn or ribbon, at the top,to form a booklet. Bright paper covers are nice.
Character training is the primary aim of the course. The stories in this group are selected with this in view, and
it is well to be sure that the stories do not assume undue importance, but rather that the qualities to be attained are well brought out.
Develop a devotional attitude by opening each lesson with absolute silence, followed by prayer.
Encourage memorizing. Avoid telling too much; draw out discussion.
Children love music. Baha'i songs may be found in the last pages of each Baha'i World; other simple songs may be added.
The lessons are in no wise intended to restrict the teacher. Rather he is encouraged to find new ways and methods of presentation, and to draw on the wealth of Baha'i material, according to the capacity of the children to absorb it.
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These answers are given to assist you in teaching
"To Live the Life" course for children. Feel free
to substitute other words.
Lesson 1.——1. Prophets; 2. Baha'u '11ah Messenger; God; 4. Bahé'u'llah, God. Lesson 2.—-l. Baha'u‘llah, happy; 2.10ve; 5. everybody; 4. kind, happy.-‘ Lesson 5.2—1. kind; 2. 'Abdu'l'Baha; 5. Son, Baha'u'llah; 4. Baha'u'llah.
Lesson 4.--1. kind words; 2. loving deeds; 5. good deeds, kind actions or loving deeds, etc.
Lesson 5.--l. loved; 2. prayed; 5. good, kind; 4. friendly;
5. show kindness, or be kind.
Lesson 6.--1. hardships, happiness; 2. hardships or difficulties, strong, kind, loved; 5. hard, strong.
Lesson "7.—-l. think; 2. kind, good, loving; 5. good; 4. praise.
Lesson 8.—-1. prays; 2. one, I; 5. kind, deeds, sunshine.
Lesson 9.-—1. good; 2. faults;.5. think, my, try, remove;
4. faults, others. Lesson lO.--l. tongue, God; 2. kind, kind, Loving; 5. speak, anyone.
Lesson ll.——1. deeds; 2. perfection; 5. good; 4. practise.
Lesson l2.-—1. God; 2. God; 5..cannot, God; 4. ourselves.
Lesson 15.-~l. less; 2. love; 5. God's; 4. helpless, Him;
5. servants; 6. others. Lesson l4.—-l. love; 2. serving; 5. others; 4. superior. Lesson 15.-‘l. man; 2. Love, love; 5. serve, serve God; 4. loving service.
Lesson 16.-—l. wise; 2. cautious; 5. attract, secret, Bahé'u'lléh; 4. happy.
Lesson l7.--1. honest; 2. fair; 5. trustworthy; 4. truthfulness.
Lesson 18.—-1. friendly; 2. friendliness, all; 5. opened;
4. welcome. Lesson 19.-—l. prayerful; 2. God; 5. praise; 4. reverence all. Lesson 20.-—1.love,serve,brotherhood; 2. Baha'u'llah; 5. healing. Lesson 2l.—-1. God; 2. breeze; 5. happy, sincere, sympathetic; 4. comfort, happiness. Lesson 22.--1. Love of Light; 2. teach; 5. God, serve; 4. Kingdom.
Lesson 25.——1. good, pure,kind or loving; 2. 5. receive and
give or teach; 4. Pray, star.
l.
All of the
To Live the Life.
GOD'S
Lesson 1.
MESSENGER.
Messengers from God.
is the
from God, for the
Day in which we are NOW living.
5. Bahé'u'lléh brings us the glad tidings that
loves us.
teaches us how
Bahé'u’lléh said,
wishes us to live.
"Make My love thy treasure.”
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/ his life. q
Seeing that the procession was stopped in its prog- Lj/
Lesson 1. \\\
/// Part 1. Ios, the Shepherd Boy.
105 was a shepherd boy who tended his flocks in the valleys and on the sloping hills of Persia. He was poor and simple and knew no life but the care of his sheep, but one love he had and one great longing-- it was to behold the face of his King. He had never seen this One of whose greatness and goodness he heard wonderful tales, and he felt that he would 1 live content and die happy if he could but once \\ behold his face. One day Ios heard that the King with his retinue weuld pass on the highroad not far from his pasture. Shaken with the intensity of his love he left everything and stationed himself on the road. At last the Royal procession appeared, haut—boys on horseback, soldiers and buglers glittering and gorgeous in the sunshine. Ios' eyes gazed past all this to the Royal equipage slowly approaching, with flushed face and throbbing heart he watched for the face he had waited and longed for all
ress the King enquired the cause and was informed that a poor shepherd boy stood in the way and begged to see him. The King commanded that the boy be brought, and 105 trembling with joy came to the side of the carriage and gazed long and steadfastly on the face he adored. The King amazed at this ardent look said: "Who art thou?" "108, the shepherd boy, my King he replied. "What dost thou seek from me?" "Oh my King, ” he said, “All my life I have longed for thee. The utmost desire of my heart has been to behold thy face. Now I am happy and content, I can return to my humble life forever blest since I have beheld thee."
The King was greatly touched and looking long and earnestly at the boy passed on his way.
But the memory of Ice haunted him—-—such love he had not known. All those who surrounded him lived by his favors and bounty, but here was one who sought nothing, asked nothing-- who could live and die on the memory of his face.
(Ref. Star of the West, Oct. 1922 p. 182.)
Baha'u'llah said: "0 Son of Man, Rejoice in the gladness of
thine heart, that thou mayest be worthy to
meet Me and mirror forth My beauty."
_ 2 _
To Live the Life.
Lesson 2?
"BE NO CAUSE OF GBIEF TO ANYONE."
l. teaches us \
to live in such a manner as to make others ,
2. The Prophets teach that we should-
all people.
5. What is meant by Universal Love? KJ///fi\
Universal love means that we love .
46 How can you make others happy?
I can make others happy by being and
Baha'u'llah said:
"Be unjust to no man, and show all meekness to all men.W
Lesson 2.
Story of Muhammad.
"A man once came to him with a bundle,
and said: '0 Prophet, I passed through a
wood and heard the voice of the young of birds;
i took them and put them in my carpet, and their \ mother came fluttering round my head.’ Muhammad said: 'Put them down.‘ When he had put them down,.-the mother- '
joined her young. And the Prophet said:- 'Do you
wonder at the affection of the mother towards her (~\\\J young? I swear by Him who has sent me, Verily; God is LJ///\\ more loving to His servants than the mother to these young birds. Return them to the place from which ye took them, and let their mother be with them.‘ 'Fear God with regard to animals,‘ said Muhammad. 'Ride them when they are fit to be ridden, and get off when they are tired. Verily, there are rewards for our doing good to animals, and giving them water
to drink.'" (Reference- Spirit of Islam- A. Ali). page 157.
Baha'u'llah said:
"Neglect not My commandments if thou lovest My beauty, and
forget not My counsels if thou wouldst attain My good pleasure."
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To Live the Life.
Lesson 5.
"BE KIND TO ALL PEOPLE."
1. 'Abdu'L-Bahé was to all /\\
2. said: "I am the
SERVANT OF GODa"
5. 'Abdu'L—Bahé was the of
Prophet .
4. 'Abdu'L—Bahé put into practise the teachings
of . _ . He was a great teacher
Bahé'u'lléh said: "If thou regardest mercy, look not to that which benefits
thyself, but hold to that which benefits thy fellow men."
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Lesson 5.
The Little Bird and The Master.
When a little bird called Swift-wing had learned to fly,the mother bird gave the young bird one final lesson before he left the nest. "Swift-wing", she said: "you will have no ( trouble finding food. The fields and gardens are full of seeds that will make you strong. Eat insects which you will find, for if the birds do not eat insects, they will kill the plants. The insects cannot fly as fast 1
as we can, son; you will have no trouble catching them."
But the mother bird had one Warning for the little bird. _ (fi\\\¥) She explained that just as the little bird Would eat the kJ///A\ insects, so he must be careful not to let cats, or hawks catch him. The little bird was enjoying life very much. He flew around and ate many seeds and insects. After a dip in a pool, and a warm sun bath,he was ready to fly. Up, up he went, but suddenly he saw over his head a large bird flying in circles. "The hawk", he thought and back to the garden he fluttered in haste. But it was no use, the hawk followed him slowly but steadily. The bird was growing tired. What should he do? And then he felt it, a warm shining glow, like sunshine, only much brighter. It came from a white clad figure in the garden. And to this figure the bird flew, just in time to escape the hawk. The bird hardly knew where he had flown, but his little heart stopped throbbing; he felt a warm hand stroking his feathers, He had flown into
Abdu'l-Baha's arms. (Ref. Child of King. Sept. 1925—p.4.)
~6—
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(P \\\J And he was off to the garden awing
Lesson 4.
To Live the Life of a Bahé'i:
"Love all people with a pure spirit". \\\ 1. Speak only .
2. Doing
brings us near to God.
” l 3. and
liVe after us.
Which one really loved Mother Best?
"I love you Mother", said little John And forgetting his work, his cap went on,
Leaving his Mother, the wood to bring in.
"I love you Mother", said little Nell
I love you more than words can tell,
And she teased and pouted half the day Till Mother rejoiced when she went to play.
"I love you Mother", said little San Today I’ll help you, all I can,
And to the cradle did she softly creep And rocked the baby till it fell asleep.
Then stepping softly, she took the broom And swept the floor and dusted the room, Busy and happy all day was she
Helpful and cheerful as a child could be.
"I love you Mother", again they said
Three little Children going to bed,
How do you think that Mother guessed
Which one of them really loved her best? Bahé'u'lléh said:
"I am the servant of God."
To Live the Life.
Lesson 4.
. Story about 'Abdu'l—Bah’a.
All the people near 'Abdu'l-BahE's home knew
Him and loved Him. The rich, the poor, the
young and the old,even tiny babies, loved Him.
If 'Abdu'l—Bahé heard that anyone in the city was sick, no matter what color he was, or to what church he be- longed, he visited that sick one every day. If a doctor was needed, He sent one. If food was needed, He took
(/‘\\\J food with Him. 'Abdu'l-Bahe loved every one very much; LJ//’\W
He proved His love by DOING LOVING DEEDS EVERY DAY OF HIS LIFE.
If He found a leaking roof, or a broken window, He called a workman and then waited Himself, to see that the repairs were made. Because ’Abdu'l-Bahé loved every one, He wanted them to be happy and well.
'Abdu'l—Bahé wishes us to live our lives just as He did. We can do this, by SAYING LOVING WORDS TO ALL PEOPLE AT ALL TIMES, and by DOING LOVING DEEDS EVERY DAY. (Ref. Abbas Effendi-Phelps).
Bahé'u'lléh said: "The essence of love is for man to turn his heart to the Beloved One, and sever himself from all else but God, and
desire naught save that which is the desire of his Lord."
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To Live the Life.
/ Lesson 5.
l
"SHOULD OPPOSITION OR INJURY HAPPEN TO US; TO BEAR IT, TO BE AS KIND AS EVER WE CAN BE, AND THROUGH ALL, TO LOVE THE PEOPLE."
/ 1. 'Abdu'L-Bahé his L/ \ enemies just as much as He loved his friends. 2. 'Abdu'L-Bahé for those who hurt Him. (fl\\\\J 5. 'Abdu'L-Bahh wants me to live a K////‘ life; being at all times. 4. Boys and girls must play together in a manner. 5. If friends are unkind or unfriendly, what would 'Abdu'L-Bahé wish you to do? .
Bahé'u’lléh said: "It is incumbent upon you that joy and exaltation be manifest in your faces, that every soul may find
in you, submission and forbearance."
Lesson 5.
Story about 'Abdu'l—Baha.
his incident took place when ’Abdu’ldBaha
was a boy. One day 'Abdu'l-Baha was out—of-
doors. A group of boys had gathered about
him intending to harm him. 'Abdu'l-Baha was
standing in their midst as straight as an /\\
arrow -— he was a little fellow, the youngest and smallest
of the group. He stood very still and just looked at the
other boys. Then very quietly, he told them not to harm
him. The boys just looked at 'Abdu'l-Baha, and then
A.E.-Phelps pageal4.)
(fl\\\\J turned and ran away from him without touching him. (Ref.
A little Baha'i colored boy was once crossing the street when two white boys rushed up to him. These boys would not let him cross the street. The colored boy said: "I am a Baha'i. 'Abdu'l-Baha, our Master, says we must not fight. He said that we are all as flowers in one garden. Some are red, some are white, some are dark". The boys did not touch him, but let him alone. (Ref. Mag. of King.)
When 'Abdu'l~ Baha was a little boy he did not fight with other children. He taught that we must be kind at all times. He loved and was kind to all, even those who tried to harm him. And then from the little story of the colored boy, we see that if we are kind and
quiet to those who would do us harm, they 1038* their power to hurt us.
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Lesson 6.
To Live the Life of a Baha'i.
"Should calamity exist in the greatest
degree, to rejoice, for these things are
the gifts and favors of God."
1. 'Abdu'l-Bahé said that man must be willing to accept in order that others might find
2. 'Abdu'l—Bahé's early L///,\\
made Him , and and
by everyone. 5. If we practise doing the things, we become . Bahé'u'lléh said:
"My calamity is My providence; outwardly it is fire and
vengeance; inwardly it is light and mercy."
_ 11 _
To Live the Life.
Lesson 6.
The Man Without Trouble.
"I have heard thy cries and am conscious of thy tears. Remember that at all times and in all places God is faithful and do not doubt this. Be patient even though great calamities come up- on thee. Yet fear not. Be firm in the path of thy Lord; be as a mountain unmoved, unchanging in thy steadfastness." These words were written by Baha'u'llah to Mirza Haydar Ali, to strengthen him during great persecutions. In his early days, Mirza Haydar Ali traveled from city to city proclaiming with great wisdom and love the glad tidings of the new and divine day which was dawning upon the earth. But the religious leaders to whom the vision of universal brotherhood and peace was too bright to be endured soon persecuted him. He was transported from one prison to another in a very cruel manner. His (~\\\u) hands and feet were tied and he was put in a bag, head LJ///“\ downward, and flung across the back of a donkey. But this did not stop him from being happy, and so he sang gaily as they went along. The guard whipped him and then said: "Now will you sing?" "I will sing more gladly than ever because you have given me the pleasure of enduring something for the sake of God." He was then kept in prison for twelve years. The dungeon-room in which he was con- fined, had a tiny window through which the sun shone but one hour a day. For one hour every day he read the Tablets of Baha'u'llah, the rest of the day it was dark. But he concentrated his spirit upon the Glory of God so perfectly, that each day he grew more saintly. In later years, he was asked why the Baha'is all looked so happy. He replied: "Sometimes we have surface troubles, but that cannot touch our happiness. The hearts of those who belong to the Kingdom are like the sea. When the wind is rough, it troubles the surface of the water, but two meters down there is perfect calmness." (Ref. Star of the West, Vol.22,p.247
Baha'u'llah said: "0 Son of Man! The true lover yearneth for tribulation even as doth the rebel for forgiveness and the sinful
for mercy." (Hidden Words).
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To Live the Life. Lesson 7‘
"BE SILENT CONCERNING THE FAULTS OF OTHERS."
1. Always before you speak. //W\
2; Let only worde come from
your lips.
3. There is much ‘ in-all people.
Often times we see the same faults in others that they see in us; so we must try to correct our own‘faults, and not look for faults in others. Parents, teachers and friends will help us correct our mistakes.
Baha'u'llah said: "That seeker should, also, regard back— biting as grievous error, and keep himself aloof from its dominion, in asmuch as backbiting quencheth the light of the
heart and extinguish the life of the soul."
"How couldst thou forget thine own faults and busy thyself
with the faults of others?"
_ 15 -
/”‘\\\J 4. Find something to 3 'in others. KJ///‘\
/ \
./ \ Lesson 7.
Part 5. Ios, The Shepherd Boy. \\\
That which the King valued in all his domains was the Royal Gardens, which were vast and very beautiful with trees and flowers, lakes, and fountains, and where every living thing was safe and protected,for it was forbidden therein to kill. And 105 so lived in the King's heart, was so loved and trusted that he made him the guardian and cus- todian ofthis Garden of Life and Beauty, which was the highest honor in the Kingdom. Then Ios faithfully guarded his trust. One day as Ios was walking in the beautiful Gardens, the King's son, who has been jealous of him crept stealthily up behind him and swiftly shot an arrow from his bow and fled. It pierced the breast of a swan and the red blood flowed down the pure white breast into the water, and the swan swayed and drooped and died.
Ios stood aghast with grief and horror, gazing at the swan and then at the bow lying in the path at his
(* feet. As he stooped to pick it up a gardener approached \ and accused Ios of killing the swan. Then the man -
hastened to the Royal Presence and told what Ios had done. The King summoned him and said: "What hast thou done?" Ios bowed his head in silence. "Speak", the King commanded, "Who has slain the swan?" But 103 would not speak. The King's heart was breaking and he exclaimed, "Thy silence condemns thee. If thou dost not speak and justify thyself I shall banish thee forever from my face". 103 lifted his eyes and looked long on the King's face, then meekly bowed his head and went out from his presence and went alone into exile. Time passed and the Prince's conscience gave him no rest. He saw how his Father grieved for 103, and at last he heard that 105 was dying of a broken heart in his lonely but far away. Smitten with remorse, he threw himself at his Father's feet and confessed to having killed the swan. The King in great grief sprang up and cried out, "Take me to 103”. And when in he came in haste to the hut he found him dying. He rushed to him, clasped him in his arms kissed his brow, his lips, while tears rained on his face. "Oh, my servant, my Beloved, thou hast sacrificed thy life for my son. And 103, lying in his arms, gazing upon his face exclaimed: "I am in Paradise upon Thy Breast, my King."
(Ref. Star of the West, Oct.1922 p.185.)
Baha'u'llah said: "Breathe not the sins of others".
_ 14 -
l
!
To Live the Life, Lessonv8.
"PRAY FOR OTHERS, AND HELP THEM, THROUGH KINDNESS, TO CORRECT THEIR FAULTS."
1. 'Abdu‘l-Bahh always for me. 2. When I pray for another, two people are helped, the for whom I pray, and .
(F\\\kj 5. Kind looks, words and kind kJ///‘\
combine... To fill this earth with glad .
When you see things in others that you know are not good, per- haps you can tell them in a kindly manner, just as Mother corrects you. In every case, be KIND and FRIENDLY.
"True kindness is a Heavenly Light,
That fills the door with delight."
Baha'u'lléh said: "Commune intimately with His Spirit, and be thou of the thankful. Be worthy of the trust of thy neighbor,
and look upon him with a bright and friendly face."
-15..
To Live the_Life.
Lesson 8.
The Man who hated 'Abdu'l-Bahh.
There once was a man living in the Holy Land, who hated 'Abdu'l-Bahé very much. When he would / pass Him on the street, he would hold his coat sleeve over his face, so he wouldn't have to look at 'Abdu'l—Bahh. Now this man was poor and could not buy food for himself. 'Abdu'l-Bahh knew this; every day He sent the man a basket of food. When the man was 111, He ("\\\¥J sent him a doctor. The man accepted the food and the ‘ doctor's help, but still he hated 'Abdqu-Bahh and wished KJ///\\
to harm Him.
For twenty four years 'Abdu'l-Bahh sent His love and food to this man. For twenty four years, the man hated 'Abdu'l-Bahh. At last the man could stand it no longer. He went to 'Abdu'l-Bahé, threw himself at his feet and cried: "For twenty four years I have done evil to you. For twenty four years you have done good to me. Now I know I have been in the wrong." 'Abdu'l-Bahé told
him to rise, and they became friends. (Ref. Abbas Effendi-Phelps). page 9.
Bahh'u'llah said: ”Be unjust to no man and show all meekness to all men. Be as a lamp unto them that walk in darkness, a joy to the
sorrowful, a sea for the thirsty, a haven for the distressed."
_ 15 -
[Page 17]
To Live the Life.
Lesson 9.
"TO ALWAYS LOOK AT THE GOOD AND NOT AT THE BAD. IF A MAN HAS TEN GOOD QUALITIES AND ONE BAD ONE; LOOK AT THE TEN AND FORGET THE ONE,AND IF A MAN HAS TEN BAD QUALITIES AND ONE GOOD ONE,LOOK AT TIE ONE AND FORGET THE TEN."
1. Search for in others.
/»\\\LJ 2. Close your eyes to the of others. KJ///~
5. 'Abdu'l-Bahé said: "Whenever you see the fault of another,
of yourself; ask yourself What are _imperfections, and to them." 4. When we are busy removing our , we will not
have time to think of the faults of
Bahé'u'lléh said: "Hear no evil and see no evil."
_ 17 -
To Live the Life.
Lesson 9.
The Story of Badi.
There was a young man in Persia who
loved Baha'u'llah very much. Because this
boy had no education, he felt that he could
not teach for Baha'u'llah. Because he had no
clothing he did not want to mingle with the
people. This made him sad, for he loved Baha' u'
llah and wanted to do something for him. To him-
self he said: "I am less than every one who is
gathered in this beautiful garden no one would listen to
me if I spoke, yet I desire Oto serve Baha'u 'llah. I can't
see how I can possibly do anything for Him." One day it so
happened that Baha'u'llah was in His garden. He said to
the friends who were with Him that He desired to have a
message taken to the Shah of Persia, but that the one who
went must be very brave and elose to God, for he would
never return. Badi threw himself on his knees at the feet
of Baha'u 'llah and begged that he be chosen for this mis—
/F\\\\J sion. Baha' u'llah beamed upon this poor boy and told him
that he might have this great privilege of serving God.
The instructions given to Badi were that he must go directly to the Shah
without shopping for food or drink or to sleep. In fact, he must speak
to no one on the way. Upon arriving at the palace, he must hand the
letter directly to the Shah.
So Badi did just as Baha'u'llah had asked. He spoke to no one on the way. When he reached the palace he asked to see the Shah, but was refused permission. For three days he waited, waving the letter con- stantly. At last the Shah saw him waving the letter, and ordered him to be brought into the palace. When he read the letter, he became very angry and ordered Badi to be killed. Badi smiled and thanked him. This puzzled the Shah greatly; then he ordered his men to put Badi in the torture chamber. He also told his men to go back and find every man who had talked with Badi on his way to the palace, and to kill them. But Badi had obeyed orders and talked with no one, so none were found.
Badi was tortured, but always remained radiant and thanked those who harmed him. The guards told the Shah about Badi, and he too, came to see a man Who could be radiant in spite of punishment inflicted upon him. The Shah was shaken; he beg an to tremble and finally said: "This man is from God. " And so did Badi who was the least, render the great- est service. The persecutions ceased.
No matter how small one of the friends of God may seem to be, he may be chosen to become the greatest in the Kingdom.
(Re—writtenO from Star of the West — Vol.15-14 — page 175).
F18-
To Live the Life. Lesson 10.
"NEVER TO ALLOW OURSELVES TO SPEAK ‘ONE UNKIND WORD ABOUT ANOTHER, EVEN THOUGH THAT OTHER BE OUR ENEMY."
1. The speaks from the heart,
and if we are sweet and kind, will speak
through us.
/A\\\\) 2. If you are to others, you are kJ/f/KN
to God.
5. Be careful that you do not unkindly
about ,
~*Abdu'l-Bahh said: "When a man turns his face to God, he finds sunshine everywhere. Be careful that you do not speak against
anyone in his absence.”
Bahé'u'lléh said: "The tongue is a smouldering fire and
excess of speech, a deadly poison."
- 19 _
To Live the Life.
Lesson 10.
Seeing the Good in Others.
Jesus went unto the mount of Olives,
And early in the morning he came again into the
temple, and all the people came unto him; and
he sat down, and taught them.
And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a
woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the
midst,
They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
Now Moses in the law commanded us that such should be stoned; but what sayest thou?
This they said tempting him that they might have , /~\\\¥J to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his fin—
ger wrote on the ground as though he heard them not.
So when they continued asking him, he lifted up him- self, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone.
And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
And they which heard it, being convicted by their own con- science, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last; and Jesus was left alone and the woman standing in the midst.
When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said to her, Woman where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?
She said, No man, my Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee; go and sin no more.
(St. John 8:1-12).
Bahé'u'lléh said:
"Consort with all people of the world with joy and fragrance."
_ 20 _
[Page 21]
To Live the Life.
Lesson 11.
"D0 ALL OF OUR DEEDS IN KINDNESS."
1_ "Lot , not words, be your ,fNN
-adorning."
2. ”A man who does great good, and talks not of
it, is on the way to H ."
5. deeds live after us.
4. doing a good deed each day.
'Abdu'l-Bahh said: "Our actions reveal what we are, no
matter what the tongue speaks.”
Bahé'u'lléh said: "He should show kindness to animals,
how much more unto his fellow man."
-21..
To Live the Life. \\\
Lesson 11.
The Good Samaritan.
A steep, rocky road leads from the city of
Jerusalem to the city of Jericho. In places the
road goes along such lonely paths that one can see noth-
ing but high rock walls on each side and the blue sky
above. It is hardly safe to travel alone on this road.
Many wild beasts prowl about, and robbers hide in the caves by the roadside to wait for lonely travelers. A
/~\\\J Hebrew was traveling along this read one day. He was kJ///‘\
attacked by thieves, who tore his clothing from him and then stole
his money. The thieves beat the poor man and left him lying by the roadside. A Hebrew priest came along the road. He was on the oppo— site side of the road. He looked toward the helpless man, but he did not cross the road to help him. He thought, as he went on,"That man is not one of my neighbors. He is a stranger to me. Why should I help him?" A second traveler passed the wounded man without offer- ing to assist him. Then along the road came a man from the country of Samaria. The man stopped his donkey, jumped off, and ran to the man's side. The Samaritan felt sorry for the man. He forgot that the Samaritans and the Hebrews hated each other. He cared for the sick man and showed him every kindness.
(Ref. Bible Story book-Loveland).
_ 22 -
[Page 23]
Lesson 12. \\
To Live the Life of a Bahé'i: "We must cut our hearts from ourselves
and from the world." \
1. God can live without us, but we cannot [//«\
live without . 2. Our greatest desire must be for
5. The Prophets of God can live without us,
/F\\ but we
live without them; they show
L/W
us how wants us to live and to be.
4. We must entirely forget
'Abdu'l-Bahé said:
"Blessed is he, who prefers his brother before himself."
Baha'u'lléh said:
"If thou lovest Mo, turn away from thyself; and if thou
seokest My pleasure, regard not thine own."
- 25 -
To Live the Life.
Lesson 12.
The King looked at him and smiling said:
thou despise my gifts?"
Baha'u'llah said:
away and be no more."
_ 24 _
Ice, The Shepherd Boy (Part 5).
One day while the King was riding with his courtiers and favorites he opened a wallet in his saddle, and cast handfuls of precious jewels_in the road. His friends stopped their horses, dismounted and gathered the gifts scattered by the King's loving hand, Ios alone remained at his side, with his eyes fastened on the beloved face of his King, never glancing away. Then /P\\\\J the courtiers murmured saying, "See, Ios, he despises the KJ///“\
gifts of the King, and will not trouble himself to attain them"
"How is this Ios, dost
"Never have I desired anything from thee, but to behold thy face; this has been and ever shall be sufficient for this servant,"
replied Ios. (Ref. Star of the West Oct. 1922).
page 183
"Should prosperity befall thee, rejoice not, and should
abasement come upon thee, grieve not, for both shall pass
’ \ // Lesson 15. \
/ To Live the Life of a Baha'i: \ "We must be humble". \ /M\\¥, 1. We are humble before God when we do not L//fl\ forget those who have ________ than ourselvgs. 2. We are humble bafore God when we
others.
\\J 3. We are humble before God when we make K///"\ Will, our will. 4. Humility is the knowing of how great GOD is, and how we are without . 5. In the religion of Bahé'u'lléh, All are and all are brothers and sister.
6. Praising is a sign of selflessness.
Bahé'u'lléh said:
"Humble thyself before Me, that I may graciously visit thee.
- 25 _
Lesson 15. \\\\\ Part 2. IOS, the Shepherd Boy. \\
The King's yearning for Ice grew so _ strong that at last he sent for the shepherd boy and had him brought to the palace. 103 came with eagef joy and present-‘ ed himself trembling and radiant, before the royal presence. Then the King was greatly
pleased with 105 and made him guardian of his treasure and \ reposed in him a high trust. But those who have lived by the King's favor were filled with jealousy and tried to find some fault in Ios so that they might destroy him in the eyes of the King. They watched day and night and soon
(.\\\J they found a flaw. In the silence of the night when all kJ///\\
were sleeping they saw 103 creep stealthily forth, wind his way through
the palace and enter a small room far up under the roof. "Ah", they said: "He is robbing the treasury and storing away the treasure in a secret place." Then they hastened with the news to the King. That night he watched with them and saw Ios steal away to his secret hiding place. The King followed, threw open the door and entered the room.
It was bare and empty, but on the well hung the shepherd's coat 103 had worn and his crook with which he had tended his flock. "What is the meaning of this, Ios?", he exclaimed, "That thou dost creep to this room silently in the dead of the night, and thus arouse suspicion when I have
trusted thee?" "Oh, my King," replied 103, "When I first beheld thee I was a poor ignorant shepherd boy, but thou hast raised me to this lofty state, therefore I never wish to forget from what I came, and what Thou
hast made me." (Ref. Star of the West Vol. 15.)
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[Page 27]
To Live the Life. \\
Lessen l4. \\\
"WE MUST BE SERVANTS OF EACH OTHER, AND \
KNOW THAT WE ARE LESS THAN ANYONE ELSE." \ i \ 1. We must others, better 1 /A / . ‘ than we love ourselves. 2. We can serve God by our fellow men. /*\\\dj 3. If I would forget myself, I must think L///’“\ of . 4. Every person I meet is in some way to me.
Think of things Which other members of your family do better than you. "If love is real and true, if it is from the heart, it will
characterize itself by SELF—SACRIFICE."
Bahé'u'llhh said: "Beseech ye the one true God to grant that ye may taste the savor of such deeds as are performed in His path, and partake of the
sweetness of such humility and submissiveness as are shown for
His sake."
_ 27 -
[Page 28]
To Live the Life.
Lesson 14.
Husayn's Hidden Treasure.
When the Bab said farewell to his disoiple,,
Husayn, He bade him search for a hidden treasure.
Soon after this Husayn went to visit another disci
ple of the Bab, whose name was Quddus, Quddus was so
humble that he waited upon his guest removed the dust from
him, and even washed his blistered feet for Husayn had
walked many miles to see him. Then Quddus gave him the
place of honor in his house.
Husayn had not been in the house long before he dis-
covered that Quddus was very wise. Then he said: "The
_ hidden treasures of which the Bab has spoken, now lies
unveiled before my eyes." He believed that Quddus was
(F\\\\j that very treasure. He became so humble toward Quddus _kJ//"\
that he would not be seated in his presence but stood with his head bowed before him. Never again would he accept the place of honor when Quddus was present. In later days Husayn bravely gave his life for the Cause of God. But before he died he knelt be— for Quddus and asked for his blessing saying, "Are you well pleased. with me?" And Quddus said to his humble friend, "Well is it with you to have remained to your last hour faithful to the covenant of God... I pfiay God to grant that no division ever be caused between you and me.
These two great heros were humble before God, before the Bab and before each other. (Re—written from "The Dawn—breakers").
Baha'u'llah said: "Put away the garment of vainglory and divest yourselves of the attire of haughtiness." "Pride not yourselves in your glory and be not ashamed of abasement. By My beauty! I have created all things from dust, and to dust will I return them again." .
_ 28 _
[Page 29]
Lesson 15.
To Live the Life of a Baha'i:
"Be as one soul in many bodies; for the more we love each other, the nearer we shall be to God; but to know that our love, our unity, our obedience must not be by confession, but of reality."
1. For love and kindness to there isva
reward.
4 2. for our fellow~men is_ (fi‘\\\J for God. K///"\
3. To -our fellow-men is to
4. and
unselfishness are the direct Path To God.
'Abdu'l-Bahé said: "Be as one will living in different bodies." "Does your right hand ever disagree with your left hand? Do they not agree because they are both obedient to a single will? If they clash and conflict sometimes, it is because you will them to do so. They are as one because your one will controls them. So true servants of
God are one because each manifests the Will of God; each is con-
trolled by it — the Divine Will living in different bodies." (Ref. Unity through love, page 27).
_ 29 _
Lesson 15.
The Black Rose.
When 'Abdu'l-Bahé Was visiting in
New Ybrk city a group of boys came to see
Him. 'Abdu'l-Bahe was standing at the door
and He greeted each boy as he came in; some- /fi\\J/ times with a handclasp, sometimes with an arm
around a shoulder, but always with such smiles r\\ and laughter it seemed that He was a boy with them. Among the last to enter was a colored boy of about thirteen years. He was quite dark and being the only boy of his race among them, he feared that he might not
(~\\\J be welcome. When 'Abdu'l-Bahé saw him his face lighted
up with a heavenly smile. He raised His hand with a gesture of prince- ly welcome and exclaimed in a loud voice that none aauld fail to hear; that here was a black rose. The room fell into silence. The black face became illumined with a happiness and love hardly of this world. The other boys looked at him with new eyes. I venture to say that he had been called many things, but never, a black rose. When the boys had arrived 'Abdu'l-Bahé had sent out for some candy. He walked around with it placing a large handful in the hands of each, with a word and smile for everyone. He then returned to the table, and laying down the box which now had only a few pieces in it. He picked from it
a long black nougat. 'Without a word, He walked across the room to the colored lad, and without speaking, laid the chocolate against the black cheek. He seemed to say: "You eat the black chocolates and find them
good, perhaps you will find this black brother good if you taste his
sweetness." (Ref. Portals to Freedom).
_ 50 _
Lesson 16.
To Live the Life of a Baha'i: "Act with cautiousness and wisdom." 1. To be cautious is to be . 2. If we are we will not speak until others are reaey to listen.
5. If we live as Bahé'u'lléh commands us, we will
our happiness; then will be the time to tell them
about the Message of .
4. Try to make others _ at all times even
when they cannot agree with what you believe.
Bahé'u'lléh said: "The wise are they that speak not unless they obtain a hearing, even as the cup-bearer, who proffereth not his cup till he find
a seeker."
-51..
(»\\\\J friends who will ask us the of kJ///A\
Lesson 16. \\\
The Wise Men out of the east. \
"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem.\\
in the days of Herod the king, behold there‘
came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Say-
ing, Where is he that is born King of the Jews?
for we have seen his star in the east, and are
come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
And when he had gathered all the chief priests and
scribes of the people together, he demanded of them
(~\\\J where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea; for thus it is written by the prophet...And he
sent them to Bethlehem and said; Go and search for the young child;
and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the yeung child was. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down and worshipped him... And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way, for Herod sought to destroy him.
(Ref. St. Matthew. 2.)
- 52 _
Lesson 17.
To Live the Life of a Baha'i:
"Be Truthful."
1. To be truthful is to be . 2. Be with yourself. 5. Be with all whom you contact.
'Abdufil-Bahé said; "The first quality to develop is
”\J ' JV
AbduU§Bahé said; "Let the Light of Truth shine in your
faces, so that all may know that your word, in business or pleasure, is a word to be trusted."
If we are with ourselves, we will be with every person in the world.
Bahé'u'lléh said:
"Adorn your temples with the mantle of trustworthiness."
_ 35 _
Lesson 17.
Truthfulness.
Ashref was a young Persian lad. He
believed in the Béb and loved him very
much. The people rose up to kill the follow— ers of the Béb, and Ashraf knew that if he would tell a lie and just say; "I do not be- believe in the Béb”, his life would be saved.
The Mother of Ashraf heard the people plead with this young led to speak this untruth. She loved Ashraf very much and surely did not wish to see him die.
But more than this, she loved God and the Truth. "Go (~\\\~J thou straight on, my son,” she said. Ashraf then brave- LJ///\\
1y told what he believed and then gave his life for his faith.
Bahé'u'lléh heard of the courage of this young man, and of his mother. He promised both of them a great place in His Kingdom in the k next world. Bahé'u'llah wanted to make the mother of Ashraf see how great the young lad was and how great he had become in the sight of God,
and so Bahé'u'lléh said: "Lo, this is no other than a noble angel."
Bahé'u'lléh said: "Know thou for a certainty that whose disbe—
1ieveth in God is neither trustworthy nor truthful."
- 54 -
To Live the Life.
Lesson 18.
"BE HOSPITABLE.”
To be hospitable is to be
VuI—-p—————————-u—————
in our homes.
2. 'Abdu‘l-Bahh showed great
to all of His guests, at times.
5. 'Abdu'l—Bahé always His arms to all.
N
and happy.
'Abdu'l-Bahé often walked around the table and served His guests. Friends who visited 'Abdu'l-Bahé could feel that He really was glad
they were with Him. He was never too busy to speak to friends or
strangers.
Baha'u’llah said:
"Courtesy is the lord of all virtues."
"Be a home for the stranger."
_ 55 _
4. Make guests and visitors feel k///r\\
To Live the Life.
Lesson 18.
The Hospitality of Jdni. Héji Mirzé Jeni dreamed one night that
he was standing at the gate of the city,
waiting to receive the Béb as a guest of his
house. In his dream he saw a guard of horse—
men surrounding the‘Béb, and heard the Béb speak
these words: "Héji Mirzé Jami, We are to be your guests
for three nights. Prepare yourself to receive Us." When
Jéni awoke, he prepared a banquet and made everything
ready for his great guest. Then he went to the city gate
/‘\\\J to await Him. Soon he saw the horsemen in the distance, and hurried forth to meet them. Imagine his joy when he saw that the Béb Himself rode with them. The Béb greeted him, saying, "We are to be your guests for three nights."
Jéni invited many of his friends to meet his great visitor, and the Bab praised his lavish hospitality. Even the guards were shown loving kindness, and remembered him always with gratitude.
While a Guest in that home, the Béb revealed a prayer for Jeni by
which he was made powerful to do many great deeds. (Re—written from
"Dawn-breakers").
'Abdu'l—Bahé said: "Be hospitable, and let the doors of your house
be open to the faces of friends and strangers."
- 55 _
(N
but the Glory of God manifest through that personality. He re- verences Christ and Muhammad and all God's former Messengers to
mankind, but he recognizes Baha'u'llah as today's Messenger."
Baha'u'lléh said: "Forget all save Me and commune with My spirit." "Close one eye and open the other. Close one to the World and all that is therein, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the
Beloved.”
To Live the Life.
Lesson 19. "BE REVERENT . " When we are .we are reverent. ‘\ 2. We are reverent when we pray to . 3. When we . God we are reverent. 4. True devotion to God implies
to God's Prophets. KJ//rfi\
In "Baha'u'llah, and the New Era”, page 91 we read:
"The Baha'i worships not the human personality of Baha'u'llEh
_ 57 _
To Live the Life. \\\\\
Lesson 19.
‘An incident in the early life of the Bah When Héji Siyyid Javad went to Shiraz the Bab, at that time called Siyyid 'Ali
Muhammad, was between seven and eight years of age. Héji Siyyid Javad states: a I One night I was invited to the house of the L//~\ uncle of this little boy, and I perceived some beautiful traits in the little child's character which aroused my interest. His uncle, Héji Siyyid 'Ali, had charge of the little child, as his father had died. I spent the night
I (~\\\J in the house of Haji Siyyid 'Ali, and, in the early morn- k////\\
ing I heard a tiny, sweet little voice in the next room, which I found
to be a prayer room. It was a little child's voice in prayer—- such prayers, such a voice, such devotion that I became absolutely enraptured and I, who was a great divine and was known to be very learned became quite humble upon hearing those beautiful words, so that I wanted to open the door and go out and see who that child was. I waited patiently until dawn, when Héji Siyyid 'Ali came and met me. And then that little child came, and I saw that he was the little child between seven and eight years of age—- and he it was who had been chanting in the prayer room. As soon as I gazed upon the child I saw such illumination, and
on his face an expression so beautiful, that I felt I could ever find
another like him. (Star of the West — Vol. 14 - page 271)
_ 58 _
\
To Live the Life.
Lesson 20.
"BE A CAUSE OF HEALING FOR EVERY SICK ONE."
1. To be a Bahé'i means to all
people;.to humanity, and to work
for universal '.
‘2. is the great Physician for
(,\\\~J this Age in which we are living. L///,\
3. The work of the sick, concerns all.
'Abdu'l—Bahé said: "There are two ways of healing sickness. The first way is through the use of material remedies, that is, by the use of food, medicines and the doctor's help. The second way is to turn in prayer to God."
to God every day!
Bahé'u'lléh said: "In God must be our trust. There is no God but Him, the Healer. The All-Knowing Physician hath His finger on the pulse of mankind. He preceiveth the disease and prescribeth, in
His unerring wisdoms, the remedy."
- 59 -
Lesson 20.
Jesus Healing the Blind.
"And, behold, two blind men sitting
by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on
us, 0 Lord, thou son of David. And the multi- tude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace; but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, 0 Lord, thou son of David. And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto him, Lord,
/’\\\¥J that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion L////\\
on them, and touched their eyes; and immediately their eyes re—
ceived sight; and they followed him." (Ref. Matthew 20:50, 54.)
Bahé'u'lléh gave us this prayer: "0 my God! Thy Name is my healing, Thy remembrance is my remedy, Thy nearness is my hope, Thy Love my joyous companion and Thy Mercy is my healer and helper
in this world and in the world to come."
-40..
To Live the Life.
Lesson 21.
"BE A COMFORTER FOR EVERY SORROWFUL ONE.” 1. is our greatest comforter. 2. Be as a cool refreshing to those who are sad or in trouble.
r,\\\\J 5. If we are we will be a kJ//,l\
comfort to friends who are troubled.
4. Bring , cheer, and to all.
'Abdu'l-Bahé said:
"Hast thou sympathy? Then all the stars will sing thy praise."
Bahe'u’lléh said: "Now is the time tn cheer and refresh the down-cast through the invigorating breeze of love and fellowship, and the
living waters of friendliness and charity.”
_41-
To Live the Life.
Lesson 21.
Comforting the Sorrowing Heart. One day while several persons were talking to 'Abdu'l-Bahfi, a man's voice was heard at the door. He said: "I have walked thirty miles to see Him." The man was taken to the dining room, given food, and after he had rested, he told his story. "Last evening I had decided to put an end to my futile, hateful useless life to God and to man. In a country town yesterday, while taking what I had intended should be my last walk, I saw a FACE in the window
(~\\\J of a newspaper shop. I stood looking at the FACE as if L///r\\
rooted to the spot. He seemed to speak to me; He called to me. I read
that He is here, in this house. Tell me, is He here? Will He see even me?" The lady replied, "Of course He will see you." 'Abdu'l-Bahé Himself opened the door, extending His hands, as though to a dear friend whom He was expecting. ”Welcome, most welcome, I am very much pleased that you have come. Be seated here. Be happy, be happy," said 'Abdu'l-Bahé. Do not be filled with grief. Though thou mayest be poon thou mayest be rich in the Kingdom of God."
These and other words of comfort, of strength and of healing were spoken to the man, whose cloud of misery seemed to melt away in the warmth of 'Abdu'l-Bahé‘s loving presence. Before the man went away he said that he was going to work in the fields, and that after he had saved a little money, he was going to buy some land and grow flowers for
market. (Bahé'i World Vol. 4 - page 581)
_ 42 -
Te Live the Life.
Lesson 22.
Incident in the Childhood of 'Abdu’l—Bahé.
'Abdu'l-Bahé said: "I was a teacher in this Cause at the age of nine years. There was once a man, highly educated, but not a Baha'i. I, but a child, was to make him a believer. The brother of this man brought him to me. I stayed with him, to teach him. He said: 'I am not convinced, I am not
satisfied.‘ I answered; 'If water were offered to a
thirsty one, he would drink and be satisfied. He would ’
(~\\\~J take the glass. But you are not thirsty. Were you KJ///A\ thirsty, then you too would be satisfied. A man with seeing eyes, sees. I can speak of the sun to every seeing one, and say it is a sign of the day; but a blind person would not be convinced because he cannot see the sun. If I say to a man with good hearing, listen to the beautiful music, he would listen and be made happy. But if you play the most beautiful music in the presence of a deaf man, he would hear nothing. Now go and receive eyes and hearing ears, then I will speak further with you on this subject.‘
He went; later he returned. Then he understood, and became a good
Bahh'i." (Ref. Star of the West — Feb. 1919).
- 45 -
[Page 44]
/\\
To Live the Life.
Lesson 22.
"BE A PLEASANT WATER FOR EVERY THIRSTY ONE, A HEAVENLY TABLE FOR EVERY HUNGRY ONE."
1. It is good to be a spreader of the
of God in childhood.
2. If we meet friends who are anxious to know and
5. will assist all those who arise to
Him,
4. Attract people to the of God.
Bahé'u'lléh said: "To give and to be generous are attributes of Mine, well it is with him that adorneth himself with My virtues."
"Spread abroad the sweet savers of thy Lord."
- 44 -
(\J learn about the Bahé'i Faith, we '-_ them. fl
[Page 45]
To Live the Life. \\\\
Lesson 25.
"BE A STAR TO EVERY HORIZON, A LIGHT FOR
EVERY LAMP, A HERALD TO EVERY ONE WHO YEARNS
FOR THE KINGDOIR’I OF GOD." V\
1. When we lead lives, we will influence the lives of those who come in touch with us.
2. Man must associate with those from whom he can
(/\\\\J receive light or be with those to whom he can give light. /~\
3. We must both and
the Word of God.
4. that God will make you a brilliant .
Baha'u'llah said:
"Be as a lamp unto them that walk in darkness."
The Bhb said: ”Even as the cloud that rains its bounty upon the earth, traverse the land from end to end, and show upon its people the blessings which the Almighty, in His Mercy, has deigned to confer upon you... Raise.the cry, 'Awake, awake, for 10! the Gate of God is open, and the morning Light is shedding its radiance
upon all mankind."
_ 45 _
To Live the Life. \\\\ Lesson 25,
The Sifter of the Wheat. 3
In Persia there is a city called Isfaha:§\
To this city Husayn, the first disciple of
the Béb, went to teach His Truth. But the
people would not listen. They laughed at him
and many said unkind things about him.
There lived in that city one man who was a Sifter of wheat. When he heard the call of the Béb, he believed in him, and wished to give his life for His Cause. Carry—
ing his sieve in his hand, he arose and set out to join (fl\\\\J the other disciples. "Why leave so hurriedly?" his ‘L///’~\
friends asked. But the Sifter did not stop running. He Was so anxious
to Spread the Truth that he scarcely heard them. He ran past the bright shops and bazaars of Isfahan and out into the country. Some of the Béb's disciples had gathered in a fort to defend their faith, and it was to this fort that the wheat Sifter was running. "I have risen," he cried, "to join the glorious company of the defenders of the fort..." The Béb was so touched by the action of this young herald that He wrote: "Of all the inhabitants of that seat of.1earning, only xone person, a sifter of wheat, was found to recognize the Truth, and was invested with the robe of Divine virtue!"
(Re—written from "Dawn-breakers").
_ 45 -
To Live the Life.
Lesson 24.
'Abdu'l—Baha said:
”To be no cause of grief to anyone.
To be kind to all people and to lbve them with a pure spirit.
Should opposition or injury happen to us,to bear it, to be as kind as ever we can be, and through all, to lOve the people. Should calamity exist in the greatest degree, to rejoice, for
these things are the gifts and favors of God.
To be silent concerning the faults of others, to pray for them, and help them, through kindness, to correct their faults.
To look always at the good and not at the bad. If a man has ten good qualities and one bad one, look at the
. ten and forget the one. And if a man has ten bad quali- /F\\\\J ties and one good one, to look at the one and forget the \J//,~\ ten.
Never to allow ourselves to speak one unkind word about another, even though that other be our enemy,
To do all of our deeds in kindness. To cut our hearts from ourselves and from the world;
To be humble. To be servants of each other, and to know that we are less than anyone else.
To be as one soul in many bodies, for the more we love each other, the nearer we shall be to God; but to know that our love, our unity and obedience must not be by confession, but of reality.
To act with cautiousness and wisdom. To be truthful. To be hospi- table. To be reverent.
To be a cause of healing for every sick one, a comforter for every sorrowful one, a pleasant water for every thirsty one, a heavenlytable for every hungry one, a star to every horizon, a light for every lamp, a herald to every one who yearns for the Kingdom of God."
(Divine Art of Living).
-47-
[Page 48]
‘\\\
To Live the Life.
Lesson 24. A shining Light from Persia. "At the end of four months Bahé'u' llah was taken out of the dungeon. It was in the winter time and the weather was bitter; 1y cold. For three days and nights the little party rode, hurried along by their guards, They had no food and were scantily dressed. But-God‘s'Holy Spirit sustained them and their hearts were full oijoy. "How glorious it is," they said to one another, "to suffer in the pathway of God." Bahé'u'lléh Himself was an example
of the life He taught. One day he was praying alone in a '(~\\\J tent just outside of Baghdad. As He sat there a fierce K////\W
Muhammadan slipped silently into the tent. This man thought Bahé'u'lléh
was a wicked person who led people astray, So he had come to kill Him. He raised his javelin and took aim, preparing to throw it at the unpro- tected enemy. Then Bahé'u'lléh, for the first time, looked at him. The noble teacher’s face was pure and kind. He seemed full of love for his would-be murderer. The man dropped his javelin to the ground. He pick- ed it up again and took aim. Again Bahé'u'llah looked at him, His eyes over—flowing with love. For the second time the javelin fell to the ground beside its owner. The man picked it up once more. With an in—
tense effort of his will, he determined to delay no longer in disposing
of this harmful person. This time Bahé'u'lléh smiled at him. Then the Moslem, cast his javelin away, threw himself at Baha'u‘lldh's feet. He
could not withstand such love. (Heroic Lives in U. Rel. - page 294).
~ - 48 -
