[Meher Baba] stands condemned as a despicable wretch not fit for any decent-minded man or woman to associate with ... He is a fraud on humanity ... a dangerous devil!
On Saturday, 9 December, while discussing the opposition, Jal Kerawalla asked Baba why he did not come out and crush this slanderous antagonism. Baba gave this reply:
But they have not yet reached the point of crucifying me! This is nothing compared to what I want. Be prepared for that. This is only the beginning — mere child's play! I warned you some time ago to be prepared for opposition on a much more serious and larger scale than this.
Ghani asked, "Why don't you turn your key?"
This is my key; otherwise what could these ignorant people do? It is not their fault. They harp on the same old issues, with the same old stories repeated over and over again from John Bull [a British publication], [K. J.] Dastur's Message and The Graphic [an Indian magazine] — all too childish for words!
Up till now I did not mind, and did not allow public replies, but now it is necessary for the world to know, since we are establishing an important center here. That work should not suffer. So, reply to them, but in a dignified manner — coolly, calmly, but convincingly.
Things were too slow, rather dead and dull for the work. (You had no enthusiasm.) So, to stir it all up, this opposition has come. Let us welcome and utilize it for my work. Don't make it personal and get mad at individuals. State facts and smash their silly talks and arguments.
I work internally in my own way. You work externally, keeping yourselves in touch with people, facing situations courageously but calmly, befitting the spirit of our work of love, and winning over your opponents with arguments and facts lovingly, rather than becoming excited, using harsh words and creating hatred. This is your test. Be true to it. Prove yourselves worthy of the title of disciples and I will help you.
This will bring pep into the work, and arouse your enthusiasm and interest. The game will be lively! The whole world is fighting for one thing or the other, and you, too, join in the game — to fight, not for selfish motives or gains, but for the Truth. Be afraid of nothing, not even the results.