Part 2 (1/2)

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE UNDERTAKING

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 sore-tried communities in Persia and Russia. The Faith of G.o.d 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-encompa.s.sing benefits be fully apprehended or revealed. The perseverance of the American believers will, no doubt, insure the ultimate realization of these benefits.

November 14, 1936

A COMPLETE REDEDICATION

The progress of the teaching campaign is most remarkable and rea.s.suring: 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 a.s.semblies, can alone befit such a nation-wide celebration. I pray that you may fulfil your high destiny.

March 22, 1937

INSt.i.tUTION OF GUARDIANs.h.i.+P NOW FURTHER REINFORCED

Deeply moved by your message. Inst.i.tution of Guardians.h.i.+p, head cornerstone of the Administrative Order of the Cause of Baha'u'llah, already enn.o.bled through its organic connection with the Persons of Twin Founders of the Baha'i Faith, is now further reinforced through direct a.s.sociation 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.

Cablegram March 30, 1937

DUAL GIFT

Message to 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-worker, 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 a.s.sembly to formulate feasible Seven Year Plan to a.s.sure success Temple enterprise. No sacrifice too great for community so abundantly blessed, so repeatedly honored.

Cablegram May 1, 1937

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