Bahá’í News/Inserts/Issue 120/Messages from the Guardian/Text

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MESSAGES FROM THE GUARDIAN

From Letters and Cablegrams Received by the National Spiritual Assembly, January 10, 1936—September 24, 1938

“THIS IS TRULY PROVIDENTIAL”

Dearly-beloved co-workers: This new stage in the gradual unfoldment. of the Formative Period of our Faith into which we have just entered—the phase of concentrated teaching activity— synchronizes with a period of deepening gloom, of universal. impotence, of ever-increasing destitution and widespread disillusionment in the fortunes of a declining age. This is truly providential and its significance and the opportunities it offers us should be fully apprehended and utilized. Now that the administrative organs of a firmly established Faith are vigorously and harmoniously functioning, and now that the Symbol (1. e., the House of Worship) of its invincible might is lending unprecedented impetus to its spread, an effort unexampled in its scope and sustained vitality is urgently required so that the moving spirit of its Founder

may permeate and transform. the lives

of the countless multitudes that hunger for its teachings. That the beloved friends in America, who have carried triumphantly the banner of His Cause through the initial stages of its development, will in a still greater measure prove themselves capable of meeting the challenge of the present hour, I, for one, can never doubt. Of the evidences of their inexhaustible vitality I am sufficiently and continually conscious. My fervent plea will not, I feel certain, remain unanswered. For them I shall continue to pray from all my heart.—SHOGHI.

January 10, 1936.

THE GUARDIAN’S MESSAGE TO THE 1936 CONVENTION

Convey (to) American believers abiding gratitude efforts unitedly exerted (in) teaching field. Inaugurated campaign should be vigorously pursued, systematically extended. Appeal (to) assembled delegates ponder historic appeal voiced by ‘Abdu’l-Baha (in) Tablets (of the) Divine Plan. Urge earnest deliberation with incoming National Assembly (to) insure its complete fulfilment. First century (of) Baha’i era drawing to a close. Humanity entering outer fringes most perilous stage its existence. Opportunities (of) present hour unimagin_ably precious. Would to God every

State within American Republic and every Republic in American continent might ere termination (of) this glorious century embrace (the) light (of the) Faith of Baha’ullah and establish structural basis of His World Order.—SHOGHI.

Cablegram received May 1, 1936.

“FRESH CONQUESTS AND UNPRECEDENTED TRIUMPHS”

I fervently hope and pray that the year into which we have just entered may be signalized by fresh conquests and unprecedented triumphs in the teaching field within the United States and beyond its confines. A systematic, carefully conceived, and well-established plan should be devised, rigorously pursued and continuously extended. Initiated by the National representatives of the American believers, the vanguard and standard-bearers of the radiant army of Baha’u'llah, this plan should receive the whole-hearted, the sustained and ever-increasing support, both moral and financial, ‘of the entire body of His followers in that continent. Its supreme immediate objective should be the permanent establishment of at least one center in every state of the American Republic and in every Republic of the American continent not yet enlisted under the banner of His Faith. Its ramifications should gradually be extended to the European continent, and its scope should be made to include those countries, such as the Baltic states, Poland, Greece. Spain and Portugal, where no avowed believer has established any definite residence. The field is immense, the task gigantic, the privilege immeasurably precious. Time is short, and the obligation sacred, paramount and urgent. The American community must inuster all its force, concentrate its resources, summon to its aid all the faith, the determination and energies of which it is capable, and set out, singleminded and undaunted, to attain still greater heights in its mighty exertions for the Cause of Baha’u’llah.— SHoGHI. May 30, 1936.

“THE UTMOST EFFORT”

“T cannot refrain from adding a few words to renew and reaffirm my fervent plea to you, and through you to

every individual member of the American Baha’i community, to exert the utmost effort in order to further the cause of teaching throughout the American continent. Every possible assistance, whether moral, financial, or administrative, should be continuously, generously, and systematically extended to this most urgent, this sacred and meritorius Cause. My heart yearns to learn of any speedy and effective action which the valiant members of that community may determine, whether collectively’ or severally, to undertake. The invisible hosts of the Abha Kingdom are arrayed and ready to rush forth and ensure the triumph of every stout-hearted and persevering herald of the Faith of Baha’ullah.”—SHoGHI. July 5, 1936.

TIME IS SHORT

(1) entreat (the) American believers (to) ponder afresh (the) urgency (to) rededicate themselves (to the) task (of the) complete fulfilment ‘(of the) Divine Plan. (The) National Assembly’s energetic leadership (and) careful planning (are) ineffectual unless stipplemented by vigorous action by every believer, however humble, however inexperienced. Time is short. (The) sands (of a) chaotic, despairing civilization (are) steadily running out. Founded on (the) unity (and) understanding so splendidly achieved, functioning within (the) framework (of the) administrative Order (so) laboriously erected, inspired (by the) vision (of the) Temple edifice (so) nobly reared, galvanized into action (by the) realization (of the) rapidlydeteriorating world situation, (the) American Baha’i Community should rise as never before (to the) height (of the) opportunity now confronting it. Audacity, resolution (and) selfabnegation (are) imperatively demanded. Impatiently and prayerfully waiting. —SHOGHI.

Cablegram received July 30, 1936.

“INTENSIFY TEACHING WORK A THOUSANDFOLD”

I am eagerly awaiting the news of the progress of the activities initated to promote the teaching work within, and beyond, the confines of the American continent. The American believers, if [Page 2]MESSAGES FROM THE GUARDIAN

they wish to carry out, in the spirit and the letter, the parting wishes of their beloved Master, must intensify their teaching work a thousand fold and extend its ramifications beyond the confines of their native land and as far as the most distant outposts of their farflung Faith. Plan invest your Assembly with unique and grave responsibilities, and confer upon it privileges which your sister Assemblies might well envy and admire. The present opportunity is unutterably precious. It may not recur again. Undaunted by the perils and the uncertainties of the present hour, the American. believers must press on and prosecute in its entirety the task which now confronts them. I pray for their success from the depths of my heart.— SHOGHI.

July 28, 1936.

“UNSPEAKABLY GRATEFUL”

American Baha’i Community, c/o Baha’i, New York:

Overjoyed, unspeakably grateful (for) American believers’ signal response (to) my reiterated appeal. (The) inaugurated campaign (is) fraught (with) consequences involving (the) immediate destinies (of the) American community. (The) shadows encircling sore-tried human society (are) noticeably deepening. (The) world crisis (is) inexorably moving towards climax, challenging (the) torchbearer (of) Baha’i civilization (to) scale loftier heights (of) individual heroism, (to) scatter more widely throughout (the) length (and) breadth (of the) American continents, (to) participate more strenuously (in) concerted effort organized by National, Regional (and) local agencies dedicated (to the) prosecution (of) noble enterprise, (to) pour forth more abundantly (their) resources in support (of the) fund created for its furtherance, (and) resolve more determinedly (to) conquer whatever obstacles might retard its ultimate fruition. (The) DawnBreakers (in) previous age have on Persian soil signalized by their acts (the) birth (of the) Faith (of) Baha‘uwllah. Might not American believers, their spiritual descendents, prove themselves in turn capable (of) ushering in on world scale the civilization of which that Faith is (the) direct source and sole begetter—SHOGHI. Cablegram received October 29, 1936.

“THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE UNDERTAKING”

Dear and prized co-workers:

The Tablets of the Divine

I cannot allow this communication to be sent without adding a few words in person and stress afresh the significance of the undertaking in which the entire Baha’i community has embarked. The promulgation of the Divine Plan, unveiled by our departed Master in the darkest days of one of the severest ordeals which humanity has ever experienced, is the key which Providence has placed in the hands of the American believers whereby to unlock the doors, leading them to fulfil their unimaginably glorious Destiny. As the proclamation of the Message reverberates throughout the land, as its resistless march gathers momentum, as the field of its operation widens, and the numbers of its upholders and champions multiply, its potentialities will correspondingly unfold, exerting a most beneficent influence not only on every community throughout — the Baha’i world, but on the immediate fortunes of a travailing society. The repercussions of this campaign are already apparent in Europe, India, Egypt, Iraq and even among the soretried communities in Persia and Russia. The Faith of God is gaining in stature, effectiveness and power. Not until, however, the great enterprise which you are now conducting runs its full course and attains its final objective, at its appointed time, can its world-encompassing benefits be fully apprehended or revealed. The perseverance of the American believers will, no doubt, ensure the ultimate realiztion of these benefits—SHoOGHI. November 14, 1936.

• A COMPLETE

REDEDICATION”

Dearly-beloved co-workers: Pressure of work in connection with my re cent translation of the prayers and

meditations of Baha’u’llah has been responsible for the unfortunate delay in acknowledging the receipt of your communications all of which testify most strikingly to the vigor, the efficiency and the exemplary loyalty with which you are conducting and coordinating the manifold teaching and administrative activities of our beloved Faith. The progress of the teaching campaign is most remarkable and reassuring: the uninterrupted prosecution of this holy enterprise and its extension to the South American continent and the islands of the Pacific will no doubt attract unimaginable blessings and must entail far-reaching consequences. In the course of this year, when the American believers are commemorating the 25th anniversary of ‘Abdu'l-Baha’s visit to America, a

mighty impetus should be lent to this campaign which you have so splendidly initiated. A complete rededication to its ideals, its purposes and requirements on the part of all individuals and Assemblies, can alone befit such a nation-wide celebration. I pray that you may fulfil your high destiny —SHOGHI. March 22, 1937.

“NOW FURTHER REINFORCED”

Deeply moved your message. Institution (of) Guardianship, head cornerstone (of the) Administrative Order (of the) Cause (of) Baha’u’llah, already ennobled through its organic connection with (the) Persons of Twin Founders (of the) Baha’i Faith, is now further reinforced through direct association with West and particularly with (the) American believers, whose spiritual destiny is to usher in (the) World Order (of) Baha’u’llah. For my part (I) desire (to) congratulate community (of) American believers on acquisition (of) tie vitally binding them to so weighty an organ of their Faith.— SHOGHI.

Cablegram received March 30, 1937.

“WITH ADDED FERVOR”

Accept. Deeply touched (by) American believers’ spontaneous expression of ever-increasing devotion to crowning institution (of) World Order (of) Baha’u’llah. Noblest contribution individual believers can make at this juncture to consecrate newly-acquired tie is to promote with added fervor unique plan conceived for them by ‘“Abdu’l-Baha.—S HocHI.

Cablegram received April 5, 1937.

THE GUARDIAN’S MESSAGE TO THE 1937 CONVENTION

Dual gift Providentially conferred (upon) American Baha’i community invests recipients with dual responsibility fulfil historic mission. First, prosecute uninterruptedly teaching campaign inaugurated (at) last Convention in accordance (with) Divine Plan. Second, resume with inflexible determination exterior ornamentation (of) entire structure (of) Temple. Advise ponder message conveyed (to) delegates (through) esteemed co-workers, Fred Schopflocher. No triumph can more befittingly signalize termination (of) first century (of) Baha’i era than accomplishment (of) this twofold task. Advise prolongation (of) Convention sessions (to) enable delegates consult National Assembly to formulate feasible Seven-Year Plan (to) assure success Temple enterprise. No sacri

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JANUARY 10, 1936—SEPTEMBER 24, 1938 3

fice too great for community so abundantly blessed, (so) repeatedly honored.—SHOGHI.

Cablegram received May 1, 1937.

“THE CALL HAS GONE FORTH ... THE PATH IS CLEAR”

The responsibilities which, under your direction and in response to my plea, the American community 1s now assuming, over and above the task they have already undertaken in connection with the Divine Plan, proclaiming in unmistakable terms their unswerving determination to prove themselves worthy of the sublimity of their mission, and of their privileged position among their sister communities in both the East and the West,—the twofold task they have arisen to perform will, if carried out in time, release the potentialities with which the community of the Greatest Name has been so gen erously and mysteriously endowed by —

‘Abdu’l-Baha. To carry out in its entirety and to its final consummation this dual enterprise would shed on the closing years of this first century of the Baha’i Era a luster no less brilliant than the immortal deeds which have signalized its birth, in the heroic age of our Faith. To the American believers, the spiritual descendents of the heroes of God’s Cause, I again address my plea to arise as one soul and to prosecute with unrelaxing resolve the high mission with which their immediate destiny is inextricably interwoven. . The call has gone forth, the path is clear, the goal manifest and within their reach. Though their responsibilities be pressing and heavy and the obstacles formidable and manifold, yet the spirit of our invincible Faith will enable them to conquer if they arise unitedly and determinedly and persevere till the very end—SHocu1.

June 4, 1937.

SEVEN YEAR PLAN

- Immeasurably gratified National Assembly’s initial step presentation SevenYear Plan. Successful operation Temple enterprise necessitates carrying out faithfully energetically following successive steps. First, expedite preliminary investigations. Second, utilize Fred’s historic munificent donation by immediate signature contract for next unit. Third, redirect with added force nationwide appeal to entire community insure uninterrupted completion first unit and accumulation sufficient funds enable placing without delay final contract. Fourth, place final contract as soon as half required sum available in National Treasury. Fifth, re-emphasize

supreme obligation | triumphant consummation so vital a part of American believers’ twofold task by May, 1944. Advise communicate above message all believers stimulate universal response Assembly’s future endeavors.—S HOGHI. Cablegram received July 4, 1937.

"AN INESCAPABLE...

RESPONSIBILITY” Much heartened (by) compelling evidences accelerated speed with

which teaching campaign inaugurated throughout Americas (is) now progressing. Greatly cheered (by) realization no more than five States and three Canadian Provinces remain still deprived (of) radiant Light which unfolding, divinely conceived Plan is rapidly diffusing. In a world perilously near cataclysmic convulsions destined experience, at a time when forces of repression are launching their assaults and conspiring (to) undermine foundations (of) most powerful strongholds (of) Faith (of) Baha’u’llah in land of its birth and in heart of both Asiatic (and) European continents, an inescapable, well-nigh staggering responsibility rests on America, its one chief remaining citadel. Who among its stalwart defenders will arise, untrammelled (and) unafraid, to implant its banner in those States, Provinces (and) Countries where its standard is still unhoisted? Entreat afresh American community heed vital urgency (of) my impassioned plea (and) spur efforts bring speedy termination (of) first Stage in evolution (of) so important (a) phase of dual task they have so enthusiastically shouldered —SHocGHI.

Cablegram received August 4, 1937.

CONVENTION DELEGATES INCREASED TO HUNDRED SEVENTY-ONE

Election of hundred seventy-one delegates for this year’s and future Conventions absolutely essential. Admitted expansion American community vitally demands it. Appeal delegates unable attend in person exercise conscientiously ballot right by mail. Increased participation by believers in Convention proceedings reinforces authority and broadens basis body national representatives and knits them closer to entire body electorate. Advise share message American believers.— SHOGHI. Cablegram 1937.

“ALL SHOULD ARISE”

To this letter .. . I wish to add a few observations connected with the

received November 21,

’ wider and more challenging issues with

which the American believers as a body are now being confronted. As I lift up my gaze beyond the strain and stresses which a struggling Faith must necessarily experience, and view the wider scene which the indomitable will of the American Baha’i community is steadily unfolding, I can not but marvel at the range which the driving force of their ceaseless labors has acquired and the heights which the sublimity of their faith has attained. The outposts of a Faith, already persecuted in both Europe and Asia, are in the American continent steadily advancing, the visible symbols of its undoubted sovereignty are receiving fresh luster every day and its manifold institutions are driving their roots deeper and deeper into its soil. Blest and honored as none among its sister communities has been in recent years, preserved through the inscrutable dispensations of Divine Providence for a destiny which no mind can as yet imagine, such a community cannot for a moment afford to be content with or rest on the laurels it has so deservedly won. It must go on, continually go on, exploring fresh fields, scaling nobler heights, laying firmer foundations, shedding added splendor and achieving added renown in the service and for the glory of the Cause of Baha’u’llah. The seven year plan which it has sponsored and with which its destiny is so closely interwoven, must at all costs be prosecuted with increasing force and added consecration. All should arise and participate. Upon the measure of such a participation will no doubt depend the welfare and progress of those distant communities which are now battling for their emancipation. To such a priceless privilege the inheritors of the shining grace of Baha’u’llah cannot surely be indifferent. The American believers must gird up the loins of endeavor and step into the arena of service with such heroism as_ shall astound the entire Baha’i world. Let them be assured that my prayers will continue to be offered on their behalf. —SHOGHI.

November 25, 1937.

“CERTAIN VITAL REQUIREMENTS”

The Seven Year Plan, with which the immediate fortunes of the American Baha’i community are so closely interwoven, demands, at this critical stage in its development, serious and prayerful consideration of certain vital requirements, without which such a stupendous task can never be brought [Page 4]Se og er

to a successful completion. The evolution of the Plan imposes a three-fold obligation, which all individual believers, all local Assemblies, as well as the National Assembly itself, must respectively recognize and conscientiously fulfil. Each and every believer, undaunted by the uncertainties, the perils and the financial stringency afflicting the nation, must arise and ensure, to the full measure of his or her capacity, that continuous and abundant flow of funds into the national Treasury, on which the successful prosecution of the Plan must chiefly depend. Upon the local Assemblies, whose special function and high privilege is to facilitate the admission of new believers into the community, and thereby stimulate the infusion of fresh blood into its organic institutions, a duty no less binding in character devolves. To them I wish particularly to appeal, at this present hour, when the call of God is being raised throughout the length and breadth of both continents in the New World, .to desist from insisting too rigidly on the minor observances and beliefs, which might prove a stumbling block in the way of any sincere applicant, whose eager desire is to enlist under the banner of Baha’u”llah. While conscientiously adhering to the fundamental qualifications already laid down, the members of each and every Assembly should endeavor, by their patience, their love, their tact and wisdom to nurse, subsequent to his admission, the new-comer into Baha'i maturity, and win him over gradually to the undeserved acceptance of whatever has been ordained in the teachings. As to the National Assembly, whose inescapable responsibility is to guard the integrity, coordinate the activities, and stimulate the life, of the entire community, its chief concern at the present moment should be to anxiously deliberate on how best to enable both individual believers and local Assemblies to fulfil their respective tasks. Through their repeated appeals, through their readiness to dispel all misunderstandings and remove all obstacles, through the example of their lives, and their unrelaxing vigilance, their high sense of justice, their humility, consecration and courage, they must demonstrate to those whom they represent their capacity to play their part in the progress of the Plan in which they, no less than the rest of the community, are involved. May the all-conquering Spirit of Baha’u'llah be so infused into each component part of this harmoniously functioning System as to enable it to contribute its proper share to the consum mation of the plan—SHOGHI. January 30, 1938. —

MESSAGES FROM THE GUARDIAN

“A YEAR HAS ALMOST ELAPSED”

A year has almost elapsed since the Seven Year Plan has been launched with characteristic vigor and noble enthusiasm by the American Baha’i Community. For no less than six consecutive years this two-fold and stupendous enterprise, which has been set in operation, must, if the American believers are to prove themselves worthy of their high calling, be wisely conducted, continually reinforced and energetically prosecuted to its very end. Severe and unprecedented as may be the internal tests and ordeals which the members of this Community may yet experience, however tragic and momentous the external happenings which might well disrupt the fabric of the society in which they live, they must not throughout these six remaining years, allow themselves to be deflected from the course they are now steadily pursuing. Nay, rather, as the impelling forces

which have set in motion this mighty’

undertaking acquire added momentum and its potentialities are more fully manifested, they who are responsible for its success must as time goes on evince a more burning enthusiasm, demonstrate a higher sense of solidarity, reveal greater depths of consecration to their task, and display a more unyielding determination to achieve its purpose. Then, and only then, will the pleas, the hopes and wishes of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, eternally enshrined: in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, be worthily acknowledged and fulfilled. “Let your exertions, henceforth, increase a thousandfold” is the earnest appeal voiced by Him in those Tablets. “Summon the people,’ He exhorts them, “in these countries, capitols, islands, assemblies and churches, to enter the Abha Kingdom. The scope of your exertions must needs be extended. The wider its range the more striking will be the evidences of Divine assistance.” ““The moment,’ He solemnly affirms, “this Divine Message is carried forward by the American believers from the shores of America and is propagated through the continents of Europe, of Asia, of Africa and of Australasia . . . this community will

find itself securely established upon the —

throne of an everlasting dominion. .. . Then will the whole earth resound with the praises of its majesty and greatness.” The Seven Year Plan, to which every American believer is fully and irrevocably pledged, during the closing years of the First Century of the Baha’i Era, is in itself but an initial stage in the utifoldment of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s vision of America’s spiritual destiny—

a destiny which only those who will have successfully accomplished this

preliminary task can enable the rising ~

generation who will labor after them to fulfil in the course of the succeeding century.— SHOGHI.

April 14, 1938.

THE GUARDIAN’S MESSAGE TO THE 1938 CONVENTION

On this auspicious occasion when number elected representatives American Baha’i Community is _ well-nigh doubly reinforced moved convey on eve Thirtieth Convention to all delegates friends expression most loving welcome stop Gathered within House of Worship which enterprise persever ing loyalty self-abnegation American

believers reared and adorned summoning their aid vitalizing influence prayers meditations which Author their

- Faith Himself revealed let them dele gates visitors alike draw nigh unto Baha’wllah that He may draw nigh unto them stop Community American believers whose hearts have been stirred by tragic tale events immortalizing early history their Faith whose minds have been enriched by further

measure fundamental Baha’i Teachings whose hands have been fortified by fashioning instruments wherein embryonic World Order can mature must at so critical stage in fortunes declining civilization seek purge galvanize their souls through daily prayer meditation that can best sustain them in discharge task still initial stage development stop As token my gratitude to such community entrusted beloved co-worker Mrs. Collins locks Baha’u’llah’s most precious hair arranged preserved by loving hands Greatest Holy Leaf to rest beneath dome of Temple nobly raised by dearly beloved believers in American continent.—S HOGHI.

Cablegram received April 27, 1938. |

“AM PARTICULARLY REJOICED”

I heartily welcome and am deeply touched by the assurances conveyed in your last communication, and am particularly rejoiced to learn of the steps already taken by your Assembly to insure the uninterrupted progress of the ornamentation work on the Temple. The determination and zeal which you have so clearly evinced in taking these initial steps augur well for the continued expansion and ultimate fruition

_ of the two-fold enterprise you have un dertaken to accomplish. Individual believers and local Assemblies will assuredly be greatly heartened and rein[Page 5]

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vigorated by the splendid initiative that has marked the beginning of your year’s stewardship in the service of this glorious Cause. The high expectations we all cherish will no doubt be fulfilled —SHOGHI.

May 25, 1938.

“PRAYING INSTANTANEOUS RESPONSE”

Rejoiced thankful initiative resourcefulness newly elected National Assembly prompting them signalize inauguration period stewardship by launching third stage in progresive unfoldment seven year plan. Such far-sighted action evokes in me deepest longing that they will not alone accomplish placing final contract but will have also ere expiry allotted year embarked on concluding stage by insuring uninterrupted prosecution of closing phase of an enterprise which for no less than thirty years has engaged attention and challenged resources of entire American Baha’i community. Praying instantaneous response sustained support all those whom destiny has primarily associated with Revelation in so gloomy epoch of this luminous symbol of Baha’u’llah’s transcendent Sovereignty. —SHOGHI. _

Cablegram received June 6, 1938.

“MARCHING TOWARD THEIR GOAL”

Dear co-workers: |

I wish to reaffirm in person my sense of joy and gratitude, as expressed in my last cable to your Assembly, at the new spirit of alertness and determination which you have so clearly demonstrated while yet on the threshold of your year of stewardship in the service of the Cause of Baha'wllah. I am filled with fresh hopes, and yearn to witness, ere the present year draws to a close, not only the fulfilment of an unexampled record of service but the revelation of such

depths of consecration as will aston-—

ish, nay thrill, both the members of your own community and the rest of the Baha’i world. Pregnant indeed are the years looming ahead of us all. The twin processes of internal disintegration and external chaos are being accelerated and every day are inexorably moving towards a climax. The rumblings that must precede the eruption of those forces that must cause “the limbs of humanity to quake” can already be heard. “The time of the end,” “the latter years,” as foretold in the Scriptures, are at long last upon

us. The Pen of Baha’u'llah, the voice of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, have time and again, insistently and in terms unmistakable, warned an unheeding humanity of impending disaster. The Community of the Most Great Name, the leaven that must leaven the lump, the chosen remnant that must survive the rolling up of the old, discredited, tottering order, and assist in the unfoldment of a new one in its stead, is standing ready, alert, clear-visioned, and resolute. The American believers, standard-bearers of this world-wide community and torch-bearers of an as yet unborn civilization, have girt up their loins, unfurled their banners and stepped into the arena of service. Their Plan has been formulated. Their forces are mobilized. They are steadfastly marching towards their goal. The hosts of the Abha Kingdom are rushing forth, as promised, to direct their steps and reinforce their power. Through their initial victories they have provided the impulse that must now surge and, withe relentless force sweep over their sistercommunities and eventually overpower the entire human race. The generality of mankind, ‘blind and enslaved, is wholly unaware of the healing power with which this community has been endowed, nor can it as yet suspect the role which this same community is destined to play in its redemption. Fierce and manifold will be the assaults which governments, races, classes and religions, jealous of its rising prestige and fearful of its consolidating strength, will seek to silence its voice and sap its foundations. Unmoved by the relative obscurity that surrounds it at the present time, and undaunted by the forces that will be arrayed against it in the future, this community, I cannot but feel confident, will, no matter how afflictive the agonies of.a travailing age, pursue its destiny, undeflected in its course, undimmed in its serenity, unyielding in its resolve, unshaken in its convictions. —SHOGHI. July 5, 1938.

“UNBROKEN SOLIDARITY, UNQUENCHABLE ENTHUSIASM”

Dear and valued co-workers:

I feel truly exhilarated as I witness the ever-recurrent manifestations of unbroken solidarity and unquenchable enthusiasm that distinguish every stage in the progressive development of the nation-wide enterprise which is being so unflinchingly pursued by the whole American Baha’i community. The marked deterioration in world affairs, the steadily deepening gloom that en velops the storm-tossed peoples and nations of the Old World, invest the Seven-year Plan, now operating in both the northern and southern American continents, with a significance and urgency that cannot be overestimated. Conceived as the supreme agency for the establishment, in the opening century of the Baha’i Era, of what is but the initial stage in the progressive realization of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s Plan for the American believers, this enterprise, as it extends its ramifications throughout the entire New World, is demonstrating its power to command all the resources and utilize all the facilities which the machinery of a laboriously evolved Administrative Order can place at its disposal. However we view its aspects, it offers in its functioning a sharp contrast to the workings of the moribund and obsolescent institutions to which a perverse generation is desperately clinging.. Tempestuous are the winds that buffet and will, as the days go by, fiercely assail the very structure of the Order through the agency of which this twofold task is being performed. The potentialities with which an almighty Providence has endowed it will no doubt enable its promoters to achieve their purpose. Much, however will depend upon the spirit and manner in which that task will be conducted. Through the clearness and steadiness of their vision, through the unvitiated vitality of their belief, through the incorruptibility’of their character, through the adamantine force of their resolve, the matchless superiority of their aims and purpose, and the unsurpassed range of their accomplishments, they who labor for the glory of the Most Great Name throughout both Americas can best demonstrate to the visionless, faithless and restless society to which they belong their power to proffer a haven of refuge to its members in the hour of their realized doom. Then and only then will this tender sapling, embedded in the fertile soil of a Divinely appointed Administrative Order, and energized by the dynamic processes of its institutions, yield its richest and destined fruit. That the community of the American believers, to whose keeping so vast, so delicate and precious a trust has been committed will, severally and collectively prove themselves worthy of their high calling, I for one, who in my association with them have been privileged to observe more closely than perhaps any one else the nature of their reactions to the momentous issues that have confronted them in

the past, will refuse to doubt.

—SHOGHI. September 10, 1938. [Page 6]MESSAGES FROM THE GUARDIAN

LOYALTY TO WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH

Loyalty world order Baha’u’llah, security its basic institutions, both imperatively demand all its avowed supporters, particularly its champion builders American continent, in these days when sinister uncontrollable forces are deepening cleavage sundering peoples, nations, creeds, classes, resolve despite pressure fast crystallizing public opinion abstain individually collectively in word, action, informally as well as in all official utterances publications from assigning blame, taking sides, however indirectly, in recurring political crises now agitating, ultimately engulfing human society. Stop. Grave apprehension lest cumulative effect such compromises disintegrate fabric, clog channel grace that sustains system God’s essentially suprational (super-rational [?] ) supernatural order so laboriously evolved, so recently established.—S Hocut.

Cablegram received September 24, 1938.