For every thing, however, God has created a sign and symbol,
and established standards and tests by which it may be known. The spiritually
learned must be characterized by both inward and outward perfections; they must
possess a good character, an enlightened nature, a pure intent, as well as
intellectual power, brilliance and discernment, intuition, discretion and
foresight, temperance, reverence, and a heartfelt fear of God. For an unlit candle,
however great in diameter and tall, is no better than a barren palm tree or a
pile of dead wood.
(‘Abdu’l-Baha, The Secret of Divine Civilization)
