[From the Guardian:]
The communications addressed to me several months ago by your Assembly
have, after considerable delay in transmission, reached the Holy Land,
and, together with the reports and minutes accompanying them, were read
with deep and sustained interest.
The tremendous task facing the Baha'i Communities in India, Pakistan and
Burma, constitutes a grave challenge to the followers of the Faith of
Baha'u'llah in these countries and must be faced and met with courage,
determination and a spirit of complete dedication to His Cause. The
disturbances that have so gravely shaken the peoples of these countries,
on the morrow of a world-convulsing international conflict; the
unfortunate and sudden cessation of communications between these countries
and the World Centre of the Faith in the Holy Land during the past year;
the fears and anxieties engendered by a steadily deteriorating
international situation which cannot but dismay the stoutest hearts, have
no doubt contributed, in varying degrees, and in no small measure, to a
slowing down of the progress of the collective enterprise, so nobly, so
enthusiastically and so energetically initiated by the upholders of the
Faith throughout the sub-continent of India and Burma.
The reverses they have suffered, with their attendant disappointments,
confusion and relaxation of effort, must never be allowed, however short
the period remaining before the termination of their Plan, to jeopardize
the chance of a success which is still in their power to achieve. They
must close their ranks, gird up their loins, rededicate their souls and
spirits to the unfinished tasks which face them, purge themselves of every
taint of communal prejudice, detach themselves from every thought of
self-interest, and arise, while there is yet time, to attain the goals
they have pledged themselves to attain.
The final phase of the Plan with which they stand identified, and on which
their immediate destiny depends, coincides with the hundredth anniversary
of the most bloody, tragic and turbulent period in the history of their
Faith--a period immortalised by the noblest evidences of Baha'i
self-sacrifice, marked by acts of sublime heroism, and ennobled by a
spirit of dedication and determination unsurpassed at any subsequent stage
in Baha'i history. Now, if ever, is the time to emulate the example of
these heroes, saints and martyrs. Now is the time to pour out one's
substance as copiously and as readily, as the Dawn-breakers of the Heroic
Age of the Faith have shed their life-blood in the path of this most
precious Cause. No more befitting tribute can be paid to the memory of
these luminous souls, by those who carry the torch of Divine Guidance
after them, than by a corresponding
manifestation of solidarity, self-abnegation, zeal and devotion, which
will impel them to forsake their homes, sacrifice their treasure, brave
every danger, endure every hardship, expend every ounce of energy, that
the Plan which they have spontaneously and unitedly sponsored may, through
its triumphant termination, carry them a stage further along the broad
highway of their destiny.
The multiplication of Baha'i Assemblies, at any cost and with the utmost
speed; the reconstitution of dissolved Assemblies, however great the
effort required; the completion of the translation into, and the printing
of the New Era, in the few remaining languages, within the shortest
possible time, the despatch of no more than one pioneer, to the
neighbouring Island of Ceylon, to Siam and to Indonesia, ere the
termination of the closing year of the Plan--these stand out as the
immediate requirements of the present challenging hour--requirements that
the prosecutors of the Plan must meet. The eyes of their fellow-workers in
East and West, are fixed upon them. The Concourse on high watches their
actions, and stands ready to bless and reinforce their labours. The Centre
of the Covenant Himself is eagerly waiting to witness the evidences of
their victory, and will no doubt intercede, on their behalf, before the
throne of Baha'u'llah, if they but arise resolutely and spur their
chargers into the arena of service.
The sands are indeed running out. The task that remains to be accomplished
is indeed colossal. The distractions, temptations, and pitfalls that might
interfere with its consummation are many and varied. The resources however
spiritual and material still at the disposal of the members of these
communities, are still adequate, if they but resolve to utilize them, to
the needs of the present hour. The blessings from on high, ready to be
showered upon them, are more than adequate to ensure their complete and
total victory. So much hangs on the fortunes of the present Plan! So much
must necessarily depend on the manner and the spirit in which they
discharge their terrific responsibilities, during the few fleeting months
still allotted them ere the expiry of the Plan!
I entreat them, with all the fervour of my soul, not to allow this golden
opportunity to slip from their grasp. They have, in the past, proved
themselves capable, in times of crisis, of overleaping the most formidable
barriers, and of wresting victory from the jaws of impending defeat.
Theirs is the opportunity, now if ever, to demonstrate a similar
resolution, a no less spectacular outburst of enthusiasm, an even nobler
heroism and self-sacrifice than they have ever shown in the past.
Then, and only then, will the next stage in the evolution of their common
destiny be unveiled to their eyes. Then, and only then, will the call
summoning them to press forward to yet another landmark in their history
be sounded. Then, and only then, will a still fuller measure of heavenly
prizes be laid up for them in reward for their inestimable and arduous
services in the treasuries of the Abha Kingdom by Him who alone knows how
to re-ignite His faithful servants.