If thou wishest to guide the souls, it is incumbent on thee to be firm, to
be good and to be imbued with praiseworthy attributes and divine qualities
under all circumstances. Be a sign of
love, a manifestation of mercy, a fountain of tenderness, kind-hearted, good to
all and gentle to the servants of God, and especially to those who bear
relation to thee, both men and women. Bear every ordeal that befalleth thee
from the people and confront them not save with kindness, with great love and
good wishes. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, ‘Tablets of Abdu'l-Bahá, vol. 3)
