Dear Fariborz,
<> However, taken as a general mandate, one can interpret "whosoever ariseth for the triumph
of My cause" can be interpreted as fellow believers as well.<>
I would agree with this. Again, with the qualification of encouragement and support rather than "serve". To be more explicit: we can "serve" the Cause by encouraging and supporting (through combined effort; financially, etc.) other believers who arise... i.e.: pioneers, travel teachers, institutions, etc.
<>I am not sure I would interpret the statement to mean a king that may embrace the principles
but not recognize manifestation? Can you expound please?<>
Hummmm, firstly, Baha'u'llah did not -place upon- the king the condition of "recognition" or "acceptance" of the Manifestation or Revelation.
Secondly, the prerequisite Baha'u'llah does establish is that such a king "...will, for the sake of God, arise for the triumph of this wronged, this oppressed people." (of the Earth)
Third, it's as though, Baha'u'llah then assures the king/s that His followers (Baha'is) will "promote" (assist, encourage, support, etc.) that effort.
The last two sentences of this passage, I feel, IS addressed to the Baha'is: "Happy is the man that hearkeneth and observeth My counsel. Woe unto him that faileth to fulfil My wish." It is as though He is saying "I'm making this commitment on your behalf... do not disappoint Me!"
On a much smaller scale... for several years the Baha'is of a large Alaskan community annually "recognized" an individual in the community-at-large who, through selfless devotion, rendered a "service" to the community. They were honored with a banquet and received a plaque. These were well publicized events and appreciated by the recipients as well as their family, friends, and colleagues; and the general public. To my knowledge, only one of these recipients, later embraced the Faith.
lovingly, Sandra
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