The sailor implicitly obeys his captain's orders, even when he does not know the reason for them, but his acceptance of authority is not blind.

He knows full well that the captain has served a thorough probation, and given ample proofs of competence as a navigator.

Were it not so, he would be foolish indeed to serve under him.

So the Baha'i must implicitly obey the Captain of his Salvation, but he will be foolish indeed if he has not first ascertained that this Captain has given ample proofs of trustworthiness.

Having received such proofs, however, to refuse obedience would be even greater folly, for only by intelligent and open-eyed obedience to the wise master can we reap the benefits of his wisdom, and acquire this wisdom for ourselves.