The eyes of the people of the world are beginning to be
focused on us; and, as humanity's plight goes from bad to worse, we will be
watched ever more intently by non-Bahá'ís, to see whether we do uphold our own
institutions whole-heartedly; whether we are the people of the new creation or
not; whether we live up to our beliefs, principles and laws in deed as well as
word. We cannot be too careful. We cannot be too exemplary.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter
written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 5 August 1955 to the National Spiritual
Assembly of the British Isles, published in "Unfolding Destiny: The
Messages from the Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith to the Bahá'í Community of the
British Isles"; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Excellence in All
Things)
