To this attitude of goodwill, of forebearance and genuine
kindness to all, must be added, however, constant but unprovocative vigilance,
lest unrestricted association with the peoples of the world should enable the
very few who have been definitely pronounced by the Master as injurious to the
body of the Cause, to make a breach in the Movement. Not until, however, an
unmistakable evidence should appear, manifestly revealing the evil motives of a
certain individual or groups of individuals, is it advisable to make the matter
public; for an untimely declaration that shall give rise to open differences
among the friends is far more detrimental than forbearing still further with
those who are suspected of evil intentions. As the Master so fully and
consistently did throughout His lifetime, we must all make a supreme effort to
pour out a genuine spirit of kindness and hopeful love to peoples of various
creeds and classes, and must abstain from all provocative language that may
impede the effect of what true and continued kindness can produce.
- Shoghi
Effendi (From a letter dated 5 March 1922)
