The people of Baha, under the jurisdiction of whatsoever
state or government they may be residing, should conduct themselves with
honesty and sincerity, trustworthiness and rectitude. They should concern
themselves with men's hearts, and hold themselves aloof from the fluctuations
and limitations of the contingent world. They are neither thirsty for
prominence, nor acquisitive of power; they are neither adepts at dissimulation
and hypocrisy, nor are they seekers after wealth and influence; they neither
crave for the pomp and circumstance of high office, nor do they lust after the
glory of titles and ranks. They are averse to affectation and ostentation, and
shrink from the use of coercive force; they have closed their eyes to all but
God, and set their hearts on the firm and incontrovertible promises of their
Lord; they have severed the bonds of earthly expectations and attachments, and
connected their lives to the One Peerless Beloved. Oblivious to themselves,
they have occupied their energies in working towards the good of society; and,
steadfastly adhering to the sound and wholesome principles of God's Faith, they
have turned their backs on the morbid imaginings, the incoherent theories, and
pernicious ideas of the victims of caprice and folly. While vigilantly refusing
to accept political posts, they should whole-heartedly welcome the chance to assume
administrative positions; for the primary purpose of the people of Baha is to
advance the interests and promote the welfare of the nation, not to further the
devious ends and designs of the profligate and shameless. Such is the method of
the Bahá'ís; such is the conduct of all spiritually illumined souls; and aught
else is manifest error. (Shoghi Effendi, February 1927 to the believers
throughout the East - translated from the Persian; The Compilation of
Compilations, vol. I, Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá'í Virtue)
