Shoghi
Letter of 26 June 1939
26 June 1939
Dear Baha'i Brother,
On behalf of our beloved Guardian I beg to acknowledge with grateful
thanks the receipt of your Assembly's communications of May 26th and June
1st, together with the accompanying copy of the minutes of your meeting
held on May 20th-21st, and the latest issue of the "Baha'i Journal"
containing your Annual Report and the account of the Convention
proceedings for this year.
He found the Annual Report published in the Journal so encouraging that he
decided to have certain sections of it translated into Persian, and sent
through the Haifa Assembly's newsletter, to different Baha'i centres
throughout the East.
In response to your request for one copy of each of the printed
translations of Dr. Esslemont's book which the N.S.A. wishes to include as
part of the Baha'i exhibit at the forthcoming "Sunday Times" Book
Exhibition to be held in London during next Autumn, the Guardian has
directed me to mail to your address thirty-one printed translations of
that book, which are the only ones available at present. There are a few
more translations in process of publication, among which, it will surely
interest the friends to know, is the Icelandic version which, it is hoped,
will be off the press sometime in the course of this Summer. The new
revised edition of the German translation, which is being published under
the auspices of the International Baha'i Bureau in Geneva, will be soon
ready, and you can obtain a copy of that new edition by applying to Mrs.
Lynch.
The Guardian does not want these books to be returned to Haifa after the
closing of the Exhibition, but wishes you to accept them as his gift to
the National Baha'i Library at the Centre in London, and would suggest
that you keep them for any future Baha'i exhibit which the N.S.A. may
propose to hold in other parts of England.
He wishes me, in this connection, to express the hope that the exhibition
you have arranged for this coming Autumn will prove highly successful and
a most useful and effective medium of teaching the Cause. The idea of a
Baha'i display, chiefly of publications, he feels, is indeed excellent,
and he will specially pray therefore that the one you are now preparing
will achieve such results as to encourage and stimulate the N.S.A. to
arrange for similar exhibits in the future.
Regarding the originals of Tablets revealed in honour of the late Miss
Rosenberg, there are only one or two of them, here in Haifa, and these
were sent by Miss Rosenberg herself. The Guardian is keeping them for the
present as they contain important references concerning the practice of
monogamy in the Cause.
To you and your dear fellow-members I seize this opportunity of renewing
the assurances of his abiding and loving gratitude, and of wishing you
continued guidance for the further promotion of the Faith in England....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers,
The determination of the English believers to extend rapidly and
systematically the range of their teaching and administrative activities
is a welcome evidence of the genuineness of their faith, the nobility of
their purpose and the depth of their devotion. That such a determination
may yield the richest fruit is my special and constant prayer. What they
have already achieved fortifies my hopes and confidence in them. They have
laid a firm and unassailable basis for their future work. Perseverance,
co-ordination, fearlessness, vigour and wisdom will enable them to
gradually rear on this basis the majestic structure of Baha'u'llah's
administrative order, which in the fulness of time must yield, on the soil
of their country a harvest unexampled in its abundance and glory. May His
Spirit guide and sustain them to hasten that hour and consummate that
task.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
Letter of 2 July 1939
2 July 1939
Dear Baha'i Brother,
Enclosed please find a draft for fifteen English pounds issued in your
name which the Guardian has directed me to forward to you with the request
that you send him for that sum copies of Mr. Townshend's "Heart of the
Gospel", which he understands will be off the press in the course of this
month.
May I take this opportunity of expressing his hope that this little volume
may fulfil the author's purpose, namely to attract the attention of the
orthodox Christian element in England to the Cause, and stimulate many
thoughtful and spiritually minded individuals to seriously investigate the
Teachings....
Letter of 26 July 1939 (Summer School)
26 July 1939 (Summer School)
CONGRATULATE ATTENDANTS NOTABLE PROGRESS GRATEFUL PRAYING FRESH ADVANCES
DEEPEST LOVE.
SHOGHI
Letter of 7 August 1939
7 August 1939
HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS OUTSTANDING SUCCESS.
SHOGHI
Letter of 6 November 1939
6 November 1939
OVERJOYED THANKFUL PERSEVERANCE ENGLISH BELIEVERS ATTESTED RECENT
COMMUNICATIONS ASSURE THEM SPECIAL PRAYERS ABIDING APPRECIATION.
SHOGHI RABBANI(28)
Letter of 20 November 1939
20 November 1939
Dear Baha'i Brother,
On behalf of our beloved Guardian I beg to acknowledge with grateful
thanks the receipt of your communications dated July 11th, 20th, August
14th (2 letters) and October 19th with enclosures written on behalf of the
British N.S.A.
He also wishes me to inform you that the photostatic reproductions of the
incorporation papers of your Assembly have safely reached him, and he has
placed one copy in Baha'u'llah's Mansion in Bahji, and is keeping the
other for inclusion in the next issue of the "Baha'i World".
The copies of Mr. Townshend's latest book, "The Heart of the Gospel",
which you have forwarded at his request have likewise been received and a
number of volumes distributed among the various Baha'i libraries
established in the Holy Land. He feels confident the N.S.A. is sparing no
effort to bring this valuable production to the attention of leading
personalities throughout the British Isles, and will pray that the
interest aroused may be such as to lead to the full spiritual awakening
and confirmation of a number of thoughtful individuals in various parts of
the country.
As regards the projected prayer book; he does not know whether the N.S.A.
has been able to proceed with the printing of this work. But in case it is
published, he would like you to mail to him twenty copies, some of which
he needs for distribution among various Baha'i libraries here.
The Guardian feels most truly delighted to know that the outbreak of war
has, in general, stimulated the friends to greater teaching effort, and
that the newly established communities such as those of Bradford and
Torquay are showing particular enthusiasm in carrying on the teaching work
in their respective centres. He will earnestly supplicate the Almighty
that He may bless and reinforce these steadfast and self-sacrificing
exertions of the English believers, and that He may, in these days of
storm and stress, vouchsafe unto them all an increasing measure of His
unfailing protection and guidance....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-worker,
I wish to reaffirm clearly and emphatically my deep sense of gratification
and gratitude for the recent and truly remarkable evidences of the
devotion, courage and perseverance of the English Baha'i community in the
face of the perils that now confront it. Its members have abundantly
demonstrated their profound attachment to their Cause, their unshakable
resolution to uphold its truth and defend its interests, and their
unfailing solicitude for whatever may promote and safeguard its
institutions. However great and sinister the forces with which they may
have to battle in future, I feel confident that they will befittingly
uphold the torch of Divine Guidance that has been entrusted to their hands
and will discharge their responsibilities with still greater tenacity,
fidelity, vigour and devotion.
Shoghi
Letter of 5 December 1939
5 December 1939
REMAINS PUREST BRANCH AND 'ABDU'L-BAHA'S MOTHER PERMANENTLY LAID REST
CLOSE NEIGHBOURHOOD SHRINE GREATEST HOLY LEAF HEARTS REJOICING.
SHOGHI RABBANI
Letter of 7 December 1939
7 December 1939
Dear Baha'i Brother,
The Guardian has just received your letter of the 20th November last, and
feels indeed deeply encouraged at the report of the teaching activities of
our dear English believers. He is unspeakably grateful to you all, and in
particular to the members of your Assembly, for the determination,
resourcefulness and the spirit of absolute consecration with which you are
prosecuting the teaching campaign throughout England, and he will ardently
pray that, in spite of the smallness of your numbers and means, and
notwithstanding the various obstacles you may encounter in the course of
your future activities for the Faith, you may, individually and
collectively, receive such confirmations from Baha'u'llah as would enable
you each and all to befittingly and completely acquit yourselves of this
high task you have undertaken to accomplish in service of His Faith.
In connection with your application for exemption from active military
service, the Guardian trusts that the authorities will give careful
consideration to this matter, and will find it possible to relieve the
Baha'i friends from the necessity of serving in the army in a combatant
capacity. Should they, however, refuse to grant such exemption, the
believers should unhesitatingly assure them of their unqualified obedience
and of their readiness to join and serve in the army in whatever manner
the government deems best.
Renewing to you and to all the friends his warmest good wishes and
greetings....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers,
The various and compelling evidences of the unquenchable enthusiasm, the
unbreakable resolution and the inflexible purpose of the English
believers, in these days of stress, of turmoil and danger, have cheered my
heart and fortified me in the discharge of my arduous and multitudinous
duties and responsibilities. I feel truly proud of them all, and will,
with increasing gratitude and redoubled fervour, supplicate the Beloved
whose Cause they are so valiantly serving, to bless, sustain, guide and
protect them under all circumstances, and aid them to establish firmly the
institutions of His Faith throughout the length and breadth of their
country.
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
Letter of 29 December 1939
29 December 1939
Dear Baha'i Brother,
I am instructed by our beloved Guardian to acknowledge with thanks the
receipt of your communication of the 19th December, sent through the care
of our very dear brother Dr. 'Ali, and of the twenty copies of the
newly-published prayer book, as well as the last copy of the "Baha'i
Journal" and the Christmas number of "New World Order".
He has also received and read with deep satisfaction the statement on
'Baha'is and War' recently issued by the N.S.A., together with the
teaching report prepared by your Assembly, both of which he will consider
for incorporation in the next issue of the "Baha'i World", the manuscript
of which he hopes to receive in the course of January or February next....
The Guardian welcomes the plan suggested by Mr. Townshend to republish
"The Promise of All Ages" under his own name, and trusts this will serve
to attract wider publicity to the Cause, and in particular to fully awaken
the church officials to the significance of such direct and vigorous
presentation of the Faith by so well-known and long-standing a Christian
divine.
Renewing to you and your dear fellow-members and to all the friends in
London, the assurances of his prayers for your welfare and protection in
these perilous days, and with his warmest greetings to you all....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers,
The news of your persistent activities, your safety and protection, and
above all of your unyielding resolve and undisturbed confidence in the
face of the uncertainties and perils that face and surround you, have
greatly cheered and heartened me in my duties and responsibilities which
are now heavily pressing upon me. You are often in my thoughts and prayers
at this grave hour. I cherish the brightest hopes for you, and will
continue to supplicate the Almighty on your behalf.
Be assured, persevere and be happy, Shoghi
Letter of 1 January 1940
1 January 1940(29)
PROFOUNDLY GRIEVE PASSING DEARLY BELOVED OUTSTANDING CO-WORKER SITARIH
_KH_ANUM MEMORY HER GLORIOUS SERVICES IMPERISHABLE ADVISE ENGLISH
COMMUNITY HOLD BEFITTING MEMORIAL GATHERINGS ASSURE RELATIVES MY HEARTFELT
SYMPATHY LOVING FERVENT PRAYERS.
SHOGHI RABBANI
Letter of 2 January 1940 (Teaching Conference)
2 January 1940 (Teaching Conference)
WELCOME NOBLE RESOLVE PROSECUTE ENERGETICALLY TEACHING CAMPAIGN PRAYING
ARDENTLY SIGNAL SUCCESS.
SHOGHI RABBANI
Letter of 18 February 1940
18 February 1940
Dear Mr. Hofman,
The Guardian wishes me to write and thank you for your welcome
communication of January 29th with its various enclosures, all of which he
was indeed most gratified and encouraged to read.
As you have not mentioned having received his general letter of December
21st written in connection with the transfer of the sacred remains of the
Purest Branch and of 'Abdu'l-Baha's mother to Mt. Carmel, I am taking the
liberty of sending you on his behalf another copy which, I trust, will
reach you safely....
The Guardian welcomes your suggestions to send a memorial of the late Lady
Blomfield for publication in the next issue of the "Baha'i World", Vol.
VIII, and wishes you to send him in addition a good photograph of her for
reproduction in the same volume.
Also he would appreciate your sending him a brief account of Mrs.
Thornburgh-Cropper's Baha'i life and services together with her photograph
for publication in the same issue of the Biennial.
The passing away of these two long-standing believers has indeed robbed
the Cause in England of two of its most distinguished members, and the
English Baha'i Community is certainly the poorer now that it has been
deprived of their ready and invaluable support.
The departure of Sitarih _Kh_anum in particular is to be deeply mourned,
not only by the members of the Faith throughout England, but by so many of
her fellow-believers abroad, and the Guardian himself feels most keenly
the loss of so precious and faithful a co-worker, who, in the early days
following 'Abdu'l-Baha's ascension, had proved of such invaluable
assistance to him in the discharge of his heavy duties and
responsibilities....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear co-workers,
I wish to reaffirm my deep sense of gratitude and admiration for the
splendid manner in which the English believers are discharging their
duties and responsibilities in these days of increasing peril, anxiety and
stress. Their tenacity, courage, faith and noble exertions will as a
magnet attract the undoubted and promised blessing of Baha'u'llah. They
have, at a time when the basis of ordered society itself is rocking and
trembling, laid an unassailable foundation for the Administrative Order of
their Faith. Upon this basis the rising generation will erect a noble
structure that will excite the admiration of their fellow countrymen. My
prayers for them will continually be offered at the Holy Shrines.
Gratefully,
Shoghi
Letter of 27 March 1940
27 March 1940
Dear Mr. Hofman,
Your letter dated March 13th has safely reached our beloved Guardian
together with the following enclosures:
In Memoriam: Lady Blomfield.
Minutes N.S.A. March 2nd and 3rd.
"Baha'i Journal" No. 21.
Introduction to "The Chosen Highway".
Preface to "The Chosen Highway". He has also received by registered post
the photographs of Lady Blomfield and Mrs. Thornburgh-Cropper which you
had kindly sent at his request for reproduction in the "Baha'i World"....
The Guardian has noted with satisfaction that the arrangements for the
publication of "The Chosen Highway" are complete, and hopes that by the
time you receive this letter it will be well on the way to printing.
Concerning the question you have asked as to whether in elections for
Spiritual Assemblies the electors should cast exactly nine votes, or may
cast less than this number. Inasmuch as Spiritual Assembly membership,
according to the principles of Baha'i Administration, has been limited for
the present to nine members, it follows that no electoral vote can be
effective unless it is cast for exactly that number. It is, therefore, the
sacred duty of every Baha'i elector to cast nine votes, neither more nor
less, except under special circumstances, so as to ensure that the results
of the elections for the Spiritual Assembly will be effective and on as
wide a basis of representation as possible....
P.S. The Guardian has noted with surprise in reading over the Minutes of
your N.S.A. that the British Annual Convention is to be held this year on
the 12th May. He wishes you from now on to hold that gathering on any day
during the period of Ridvan (21 April-2 May)
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty bless, sustain and protect the English believers, who in
these days of unprecedented turmoil, stress and danger, are holding aloft
so courageously the banner of the Faith, and who will, in the days to
come, contribute, through His grace and power, a notable share to its
establishment and recognition in the West.
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
Letter of 12 May 1940 (Convention)
12 May 1940 (Convention)
GREATLY ADMIRE DEEPLY THANKFUL UNDAUNTED COURAGE INFLEXIBLE RESOLUTION
ENGLISH BELIEVERS REPRESENTED CONVENTION INTENSIFY EFFORTS EXTEND
ACTIVITIES NOTWITHSTANDING GRAVITY HOUR PRAYING ARDENTLY PROTECTION
SUCCESS.
SHOGHI RABBANI
Letter of 14 August 1940
14 August 1940
DELIGHTED NEWS SAFETY ENGLISH BELIEVERS PROGRESS TEACHING WORK ASSURE THEM
EACH ALL LOVING CONTINUED PRAYERS.
SHOGHI RABBANI
Letter of 10 October 1940
10 October 1940
Dear Mr. Hofman,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of May 7th addressed to
our beloved Guardian, and of the enclosed memoir of Lady Blomfield which
you have condensed at his request for use in the "Baha'i World", Vol.
VIII.
The size of the memoir in question makes it now quite suitable for
reproduction in the Biennial, and it will be forwarded to the U.S.A. for
incorporation in the manuscript, as the latter has been already mailed to
America for printing.
The material regarding the Baha'i wedding recently held in London has been
also received and noted with interest and appreciation by our beloved
Guardian. He is keeping it for possible use in the forthcoming or future
editions of the "Baha'i World".
Renewing to you and your dear co-workers the assurances of his prayers,
and of his deep gratitude for your painstaking and devoted exertions in
service to the Cause in England, and with greetings....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-worker,
Our anxiety for the safety of the English believers is deepening every
day, as it is fully realised how dangerous the situation has become in
recent months, and how manifold and pressing are the problems that
confront them in the faithful discharge of their sacred and vital
responsibilities. The perusal of the reports, minutes and periodicals
received lately from that country has served to deepen my sense of
admiration and my feelings of gratitude for the wisdom, the staunchness
and fidelity with which the elected representatives of the English
believers are conducting in these critical times the activities of their
Faith. My fervent and constant prayer is that Baha'u'llah may ever keep
them safe and protected under the shadow of His wings and aid them to play
a worthy and memorable part in these tragic days of the Formative Period
of our beloved Cause.
Shoghi
Letter of 19 October 1940
19 October 1940
ANXIOUS WELFARE ENGLISH BELIEVERS PRAYING PROTECTION CABLE ASSURANCE
DEEPEST LOVE.
SHOGHI RABBANI
Letter of 22 November 1940
22 November 1940
Dear Mr. Hofman,
On behalf of the Guardian I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your
communications dated May 28th, June 20th, July 5th and August 30th with
enclosures, written at the direction of the British N.S.A.
He has noted with satisfaction the results of the elections for the new
N.S.A. and wishes you to convey to your fellow members the assurances of
his prayers for the success of their work during this year.
Notwithstanding the storm and stress raging around them, the friends in
England should more than ever, firmly united behind their National
Assembly, and strengthened by an unshakable conviction in the ultimate
triumph of their Faith, earnestly and resolutely endeavour to foster the
cause of teaching. The trials and tribulations facing them should but
serve to steel their resolve to leave no stone unturned until their goal
has been fully accomplished. The Guardian's prayers are being ardently
offered that whatever the immediate repercussions of the war may be on the
British Baha'i Community, its members may, through the Divine aid and
protection of Baha'u'llah, receive such guidance and strength as would
enable them to face confidently and courageously the sufferings and
vicissitudes of the present hour, and to arise as one body for the
promulgation and wider establishment of the Faith throughout Great
Britain.
Concerning your Assembly's request for lantern slides of the Shrines on
Mt. Carmel which you propose to use in your teaching campaign, the
Guardian much regrets that no such slides are at present available here.
As regards the question of what procedure the Baha'i Assemblies should
adopt when dissatisfied with the services of any of their officers, should
such dissatisfaction involve the loyalty of an Assembly officer to the
Faith, he should, following a majority vote be dismissed. But in case the
dissatisfaction is due to the incompetence of a member, or simply to a
neglect on his part to discharge his duties, this does not constitute
sufficient justification to force his resignation or dismissal from the
Assembly. He should be kept in office until new elections are held.
The Guardian fully approves that, in view of the National Secretary's key
position in the Cause at the present time, he should apply for complete
exemption. He hopes that the representations the N.S.A. will make will
meet with success.
In closing he wishes me to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of two
copies of Lady Blomfield's book presented to him by the N.S.A., one of
which he has already placed in the Library of Baha'u'llah's Mansion in
Bahji....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-worker,
I was greatly relieved to learn of the safety of the English believers and
was filled with admiration through the assurance you have given me of
their steadfastness, their unwavering determination to labour for the
spread of our beloved Faith and the defence and protection of its
interests in spite of the unprecedented calamities and confusion that now
afflict their country. Baha'u'llah from His station on high is watching
over them, is pleased with them, and will, I feel certain, guide their
steps, cheer their hearts, bless their efforts, protect their lives, and
fulfil the desire of their hearts.
Gratefully and affectionately,
Shoghi
Letter of 27 December 1940
27 December 1940
WIRE SAFETY LONDON MANCHESTER FRIENDS CONSTANTLY PRAYING LOVING
ADMIRATION.
SHOGHI RABBANI
Letter of 24 February 1941
24 February 1941
LETTERS JUNE JULY AUGUST ENCLOSING MINUTES ARRIVED ANSWER MAILED NOVEMBER
LETTER DECEMBER NINTH JUST RECEIVED ALSO BLOMFIELD'S BOOKS CABLING HUNDRED
POUNDS MY CONTRIBUTION RELIEF BELIEVERS INCESSANTLY PRAYING DEEPEST LOVE.
SHOGHI RABBANI
Letter of 19 April 1941
19 April 1941