is the unity of the friends, and their sustained and wholehearted
co-operation in their task of spreading the Divine Teachings throughout
the world. It is the sacred duty of all believers to have implicit
confidence in, and support heartily, every decision passed by their
Spiritual Assemblies, whether local or central; and the members of these
Assemblies must, on their part, set aside their own inclinations, personal
interests, likes and dislikes, and regard only the welfare of the Cause
and the well-being of the friends. This is surely the foundation which
must be firmly laid in the hearts of all believers the world over, for
upon this only can any constructive and permanent service be achieved, and
the edifice of the Beloved's last instructions, as revealed in His Will
and Testament, be raised and established.
The all-conquering Spirit of Baha'u'llah cannot prove effective in this
world of strife and turmoil, and cannot achieve its purpose for mankind,
unless we, who are named after His Name, and who are the recipients of His
Grace, endeavour, by our example, our daily life and our dealings with our
fellow-men, to reveal that noble spirit of love and self-sacrifice of
which the world stands in need at present.
I have been reading lately some of the oldest Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Baha and
am enclosing for your perusal the translation of various selections from
His soul-stirring words, revealed some twenty-five years ago, during the
darkest days of His incarceration in the prison city of Akka. You will
realise as you read them the unshakable confidence of the Master in the
future growth of the Movement, the significance of the Cause in this age,
and the glorious privilege of the friends to labour for its spread in
every land.
I am enclosing also my revised translation of the Hidden Words, both
Persian and Arabic, a copy of which I have sent to the friends in the
United States in response to their cable, requesting me to authorise
circulation of my version among the friends in America.
I have recently received a message from our beloved brethren and sisters
in Germany, who, in the midst of their sufferings and trials, yearn to
receive a word of sympathy and comfort from their fellow-workers in France
and England. I am sure you will gladly respond to their request, and cheer
them with the glad-tidings of the wonderful progress of the Cause in your
land and elsewhere.
I am always looking forward to receiving your letters and hear from you
personally in all matters pertaining to the Cause. It is my earnest prayer
whenever I visit the Sacred Shrines, that the friends in England may be
always protected, guided and blessed in their work of service to the
Cause, and may soon witness the fulfilment of the glorious promises of the
Master regarding the future of that land and the spiritual re-awakening of
its people.
Your brother and fellow-worker,
Shoghi
Letter of 24 February 1923
24 February 1923
Dear Spiritual Brother,
Your letter to Shoghi Effendi has been received and was read by him with
keen delight and satisfaction for it bespoke of the new spirit of ardent
devotion that has enkindled the hearts of the faithful followers of Baha,
and of their loyal and active endeavours in the path of service. Should
the friends continue in their labours of love and service their activities
will yield glorious results and they shall witness the realisation of the
promises of the Beloved regarding the spiritual achievements of the
friends in that land.
Shoghi Effendi is highly gratified and encouraged to know that the friends
have carried out so efficiently his directions regarding the establishment
of National and local Spiritual Assemblies; and he feels confident that
the co-ordinated and unified efforts of its members, blessed by the
unfailing assistance and guidance of the Beloved Master, will mark the
dawn of a new era of spiritual activity and enlightenment.
He is very pleased to know that you are faithfully working for peace and
harmony amongst the friends; and he prays that you may be blessed in your
endeavours and be inspired and guided to clear all misunderstandings that
may arise; and may help bring about that spirit of unity which is so
essential to the life and growth of the Cause. There is no doubt that
difficulties will always arise; but if met in the spirit of earnest and
selfless devotion and purity of motive all problems will be solved and we
shall emerge from every difficulty spiritually stronger and wiser.
Shoghi Effendi wishes to extend to you his thanks for your giving him the
report of the activities of the friends there. He will soon write a letter
to the Assembly based on their report. He wishes you to rest assured that
his thoughts and prayers are with you wishing you all success in your
labours for the promulgation of the Blessed Cause.
Although unable to write individual letters he will gladly welcome all
letters that you will send him in the future...
Letter of 29 November 1923
29 November 1923
To the members of the English National Spiritual Assembly
My dearly-beloved fellow-workers in the Vineyard of God!
I am in receipt of your letter dated Nov. 17th 1923, and forwarded to me
by our active and devoted brother, Mr. Simpson. I have read it with the
utmost pleasure and satisfaction. I feel happy and encouraged to learn
that those few, yet earnest and promising, servants of Baha'u'llah in that
land are, despite the vicissitudes and obstacles that confront the rapid
rise of the Movement, wholeheartedly striving and co-operating for the
fulfilment of His divine Promise.
You, surely, have laid a firm foundation for the future development of the
Cause in those regions, and my hope is that the National Assembly of Great
Britain may, by full, frequent, and anxious consultation, protect the
Cause, maintain and promote harmony amongst the friends, and initiate and
execute ways and means for the diffusion of its spirit and the promotion
of its principles.
I welcome with keen and genuine satisfaction the active participation of
our beloved sister, Mrs. Thornburgh-Cropper, in the affairs of the Cause,
and feel confident that her wisdom, her experience, her influence, and her
unparalleled opportunities for the service of the Movement will pave the
way for the wholesome growth of the Cause in that land.
I am sure you all realise the seemingly unsurmountable difficulties in the
way of individual correspondence with the ever-increasing multitude of
Baha'is throughout the world, and I need hardly tell you how tremendously
difficult it is, and how reluctant I feel, to discriminate at all between
the many letters of varying importance which I daily receive from almost
every corner of the globe. Realising however that direct and intimate
individual correspondence, in some form or other, is most urgent and vital
to the interests of the Cause, I am, I assure you, giving it these days
again my careful and undivided attention, and pray God that to this
problem may soon be found a satisfactory and feasible solution. In the
meantime, I wish to emphasise the fact that I eagerly await, and would
welcome, and would assuredly have time to peruse, most carefully and in
person, every individual letter you may wish to send me, and my readiness
and wish to attend, in the very best way I can, to every matter raised in
those letters. No written message, however unimportant, will first be
opened and read by any one save myself.
Regarding the proposed conference on "Living Religions within the British
Empire", I feel that such a great opportunity for the Movement should not
be neglected, and I am glad to know that it has been seized by the members
of the National Assembly, and is being closely examined by them. I would
welcome further particulars as to who has conceived the idea, under whose
auspices it will be conducted, and whether it is being supported by
government authorities, and what conditions are imposed on its
proceedings. I am discussing the matter with some of the Baha'i
representatives of India and America as to what friends would be most
competent to represent the Cause at this conference. I shall communicate
on this subject with the National Assemblies of India and America, and
will inform you immediately I receive definite information from them.
As to the raising of funds to provide for the expenses of the Baha'i
representatives, I am sure the friends in England will find in the
National Assemblies of India and America and in myself ready and generous
supporters of a step that will undoubtedly prove of immediate and
universal value for the ultimate recognition of the Cause by the world.
It is my ardent prayer that we may all be inspired to adopt the most
effective measures for the successful achievement of this great
undertaking.
I was much impressed by the charm and force of Major Moore's article,
published recently in T. P. Cassell's weekly, and I would much desire to
know whether his action was spontaneous, or whether he was urged or
requested by someone to write it. I strongly urge the friends, and
particularly the members of the National Assembly, to do all in their
power to make of this able and highly-minded admirer of the Cause, a
zealous and true Baha'i. I am looking forward with keen anticipation to
his spiritual development and his taking a more active part in the affairs
of the Cause.
I am enclosing for the friends recent translations of the wonderful
prophetic utterances of Baha'u'llah, and I trust you will find them of
great value in your work of teaching and spreading the Cause.
Awaiting eagerly your letters, individually as well as collectively,
I am your brother,
Shoghi
Letter of 9 December 1923
9 December 1923
My dear Mr. Simpson,
Your short yet encouraging letter was gladly received by our dear Shoghi
Effendi just yesterday evening. He felt very pleased indeed with that
spirit of hopefulness which your letter conveyed, and he eagerly hopes
that in the days to come nothing will mar the brightness and optimism of
his English brethren and sisters over in the West.
Your references to the commemoration meeting held in London, brought back
with all its painful sadness recollections of that one night. In a calm
and quiet night, brightened by the silvery rays of the moon, gathered
'Abdu'l-Baha's sorrow-stricken faithful ones, to commemorate the night of
His last farewell. On the cistern by the Tomb sat His fervent servants;
below them flickered the dying lights of Haifa, and above head shown in
full magnificence the star bespangled heavens. It was in the mid-watches
of such a night that with sorrow and fervour the servants turned unto
their dear Master so near and yet so far away; and with a deep feeling of
that bitter loss they supplicated help and guidance from their Lord. A
word or two from Shoghi Effendi made them feel the Master nigh, and made
them realise as never before that it was only in following in His steps,
and in living the life that He had, that we can prove our faithfulness to
our Master's Cause. It was indeed a night of meditation and prayer and we
missed you all so much.
We are receiving encouraging news from almost everywhere, such as Italy,
Germany, China and Australia; and as you will have them more fully in the
circulars of the Spiritual Assembly, I had hardly need make mention of
them here.
Shoghi Effendi's earnest hopes in England are very great, and I am sure
that the sincere and true-hearted efforts of his fellow-workers, will
spread the principles of this great Revelation as never before. Hard
though it be to get access to the more intellectual circles in England, he
firmly believes that through persistence, the obstacles will be soon
overcome and they, with their own accord, will welcome you in their midst,
turning a sympathetic ear to all that you have to share with them. May
these high hopes be realised....
[From the Guardian:]
My beloved brother,
My deepest admiration for your indefatigable exertions for the success of
the Cause. I will always remember you in my prayers and await eagerly your
personal letters. I welcome any suggestions and further particulars
regarding the conference on the Living Religions within the British
Empire.
Your brother,
Shoghi
Letter of 6 January 1924
6 January 1924
Dear Baha'i Brother,
Your letter of Dec. 23rd furnishing necessary information concerning the
Conference on Religions arrived and made our dear Guardian highly pleased
and delighted.
As he has quite recently written to the friends in England, he has
instructed me to answer your letter and inform you that he has written and
directed the National Spiritual Assembly of America to have a
comprehensive article written by the ablest pen among the American
friends--to be excellent both in style and in representation.
After this essay is written, it will be sent to our dear Shoghi Effendi
who will send it to your N.S. Assembly for your perusal and consideration.
You will add your remarks and suggestions and return it to him for final
approval.
Shoghi Effendi is also thinking of selecting someone among the Indian
friends to represent India. This Conference and a worthy and dignified
representation of the Holy Cause therein, are under his serious
consideration. We hope that through his wise instruction and powerful
prayers your activities in this respect will be crowned with glorious
success and that it will be known to the public that the Cause is not a
movement collateral with other movements such as the Brahma Somaj or
A?madi movements.
Here at the Holy Shrine of our Beloved we remember all the dear friends in
England and supplicate humbly for their happiness.
Shoghi Effendi is sending you his love and affection together with his
deep appreciation towards your noble labours and sacrificial efforts in
the service of the Holy Cause...
[From the Guardian:]
My dear friend,
I enclose a copy of my recent letter to the National Spiritual Assembly of
America regarding the Conference as well as copies of my recent
translation of some of the most remarkable and prophetic utterances of
Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha which might interest the friends in Great
Britain. Pray convey my love to all of them.
Shoghi
Letter of 4 January 1924 (Enclosure)
4 January 1924 (Enclosure)
To the members of the American National Spiritual Assembly.
My dearest friends!
On Nov. 28th I received the following communication from the President of
the National Spiritual Assembly of Great Britain!
"I have now to bring to your notice, though possibly you are already aware
of it, a matter which is of the first importance in the opinion of the
National Spiritual Assembly as you will see from one of the paragraphs of
the enclosed minutes of its first meeting, which was held on October 13th.
So far the programme of the conference on the 'Living Religions within the
British Empire' is in a somewhat nebulous condition, but I have
ascertained from Miss Sharples, the honorary secretary of the committee of
organisation, that the conference has been approved by the authorities of
the British Empire Exhibition, 1924 and will last for ten days, covering
the last week of the month of September and the first three days of
October. It is proposed that all religions taught and practised throughout
the British Empire shall be represented at the conference, including the
Christians, Muhammadans, Buddhists, Brahma Somaj, Theosophists and others,
and that each one in turn shall have at its disposal a day or part of a
day for a meeting to expound its principles and deal with its organisation
and objects."
In their last letter, the members of the National Spiritual Assembly of
Great Britain further inform me that the idea of the above-mentioned
conference has originated with the Theosophical Society, but these having
later dropped its management the organisation of the conference passed
into the hands of the School of Oriental Studies and the Sociological
Society. You will also note from the enclosed copy of a letter addressed
by the same Miss Sharples to the President of the British National
Spiritual Assembly that the time offered to the Baha'i representatives
will be very limited, and that most probably the allotted time will be
just sufficient to read their papers or deliver their address and engage
in the discussion that might arise after their formal presentation of the
Cause.
As the British Empire Exhibition, of which this conference forms a part,
is itself a semi-official undertaking, and receives actually the generous
support and active participation of the government authorities throughout
the British Empire, I feel that the opportunities now offered to the
Baha'i world should not be missed, as this chance, if properly utilised,
might arouse and stimulate widespread interest among the enlightened
public.
As so much will depend upon the nature and general presentation of the
theme, rather than upon the personality of the reader or speaker, I feel
that first and foremost our attention should be concentrated on the choice
and thorough preparation of the subject matter as well as on the proper
drafting and the form of the paper itself, which might possibly have to be
submitted afterwards to the authorities of the conference.
I feel the necessity of entrusting this highly important and delicate task
to a special committee, to be appointed most carefully by the National
Spiritual Assembly of America, and consisting of those who by their
knowledge of the Cause, their experience in matters of publicity, and
particularly by their power of expression and beauty of style will be
qualified to produce a befitting statement on the unique history of the
Movement as well as its lofty principles.
I am enclosing an article on the Baha'i Movement which I trust might serve
as a basis and example of the paper in question. An account of the most
salient features of the history of the Cause, a brief but impressive
reference to its many heroes and martyrs, a convincing and comprehensive
presentation of the basic principles, and a characteristic survey of the
Master's life, as well as a short but graphic description of the present
position and influence of the Movement both in the East and the West,
should, in my opinion, be included and combined into one conclusive
argument. Its length should not surpass that of the enclosed article, and
its general tone, expression and language should be at once dignified,
sober and forceful.
The greatest care and caution must be exercised in choosing those who can
best provide and fulfil the above-mentioned requisites and conditions.
I shall be most pleased to offer my views and suggestions once the paper
has assumed its final shape, and wish you to obtain the assistance and
advice of those whom you think able to judge amongst the friends in
England and elsewhere.
Mr. Simpson, the President of the British National Spiritual Assembly,
writes that Miss Grand from Canada has suggested the names of Dr. Watson
and Mr. J. O. McCarthy of Toronto to represent the Canadian Baha'is. I
would be pleased to receive your views as to who should represent Canada
at the Conference. India is the only other country within the British
Empire that can send a native Baha'i representative to the conference, and
it is rather unfortunate that the United States of America should have to
be excluded, as the speakers at the conference must necessarily be
subjects of the British Empire.
I am enclosing recent translations of the prophetic and most remarkable
words of Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha which I trust you will all find of
great value and interest in the great work you are doing for the Cause.
May this great project yield an abundant harvest for the Cause, and your
efforts be richly blessed by the guiding Spirit of 'Abdu'l-Baha.
Your fellow-worker,
Shoghi
Letter of 18 January 1924
18 January 1924
My dear Mr. Simpson,
Shoghi Effendi was glad to hear from you again and hopes that the
activities of the friends in England are progressing day after day. There
is really so much to be done in almost every country that the more the
friends accomplish, the larger does the field of service become. As a
matter of fact in many countries we can hardly claim to have fully
represented the Cause and to have declared its strong and sublime
principles to all classes of men. It is with a vision of greater
accomplishments among higher and higher circles of society, that our
Guardian wishes his fellow-workers to feel inspired; and in these dark and
dismal days it is the proclamation of Baha'u'llah's great Message for
which the faithful servant must strive with heart and soul.
Concerning the sum which Shoghi Effendi has sent to the National Assembly
as a personal gift; he would like to inform you that in case you feel in
great need of funds for the activities of the Cause in England, you might
take from the sum which he sent you, and at the time of the Exposition
Shoghi Effendi might be able to help you in case you cannot collect the
necessary expense. Shoghi Effendi attaches great hopes to the activities
of the friends in London, and may they some day be realised.
The copies of the "Hidden Words" you had published were received and
Shoghi Effendi thinks that they are quite well printed. He is glad that he
can share these comforting thoughts from Baha'u'llah with his brothers and
sisters in the West....
[From the Guardian:]
My dear fellow-worker,
I always look forward with keen anticipation to any news from England
indicating the progress and advancement of the Cause so dear to our
hearts. I pray ardently for every one of you and assure you personally of
my affection, esteem and gratitude,
Your brother,
Shoghi
Letter of 6 February 1924
6 February 1924
My dear Mr. Simpson,
I wish to acknowledge receipt of your letter to our dear Guardian and
assure you that he is always most glad to hear from you in person and to
know still more of the activities of his fellow-workers in that country.
At a time when the whole work and administration of the Cause with all its
overpowering intensity and extent has devolved upon the shoulders of our
youthful Guardian, I am sure you quite well realise what every single
expression of the progress of the Cause he stands for would mean to him as
our leader and captain; and at a time when the varied questions and
problems that the Baha'i Movement, on its way to the spiritual reconquest
of the world, is confronted with, seem endless in number, I hardly need
mention what effect the personal assurance and the undying enthusiasm of
his fellow-workers would bear upon the tender heart of Shoghi Effendi.
Concerning the passing away of Mr. Hall's father, he wishes me to ask you
to extend to him a full measure of his grief at the bereavement of such a
radiant brother as Mr. Hall, although he briefly conveyed his sentiments
to him through a short telegram. He was, however, quite pleased with Mr.
Hall's work and the measure of success which he has met with. He shared
this good news with his friends here with a view to inspire all to action.
You should assure Mr. Hall that the deep sense of love and gratitude that
Shoghi Effendi feels toward him is perhaps too great for me to put into
words, but I feel that the success which he has attained is an ample proof
of Shoghi Effendi's ardent prayers for him.
[From the Guardian:]
My esteemed brother:--
Just a word of appreciation on my part of your devoted and persistent
efforts in the service of the Cause. Do please convey to our precious Mr.
Hall my condolences and sentiments of undying affection as well as the
assurance of my ardent prayers for the welfare and spiritual happiness of
his dear family and the Manchester Baha'i Group.
Shoghi
Letter of 11 June 1924
11 June 1924
To Mr. Simpson, President of the Baha'i National Spiritual Assembly of
England.
My dear and revered Baha'i Brother,