Messages to America
by Shoghi Effendi
Edition 1, (September 2006)
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CONTENTS
Baha'i Terms of Use
[Frontispiece]
NABIL'S NARRATIVE
IMMORTAL SPIRIT
UNITED WILL, CONCERTED ACTION
NON-PARTICIPATION IN POLITICAL AFFAIRS
PERSONALITIES SUBORDINATED
MOMENTOUS CONVENTION
AN EMINENT RANK
POTENTIALITIES OF MAJESTIC EDIFICE
THE VOTING RIGHT
UNPRECEDENTED IMPETUS
SEPARATION FROM OUTWORN CREEDS
THE NATIONAL FUND
THE NEW HOUR HAS STRUCK
THIS IS TRULY PROVIDENTIAL
'ABDU'L-BAHA'S HISTORIC APPEAL
FRESH CONQUESTS AND UNPRECEDENTED TRIUMPHS
INTENSIFY TEACHING WORK A THOUSANDFOLD
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE UNDERTAKING
A COMPLETE REDEDICATION
INSTITUTION OF GUARDIANSHIP NOW FURTHER REINFORCED
DUAL GIFT
THE CALL HAS GONE FORTH ... THE PATH IS CLEAR
CONVENTION DELEGATES INCREASED
ALL SHOULD ARISE
ARCHBREAKER OF COVENANT
CERTAIN VITAL REQUIREMENTS OF SEVEN YEAR PLAN
A YEAR HAS ALMOST ELAPSED
DRAW NIGH UNTO BAHA'U'LLAH
MARCHING TOWARD THEIR GOAL
UNBROKEN SOLIDARITY, UNQUENCHABLE ENTHUSIASM
LOYALTY TO WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH
NINE HOLY SOULS
THE RAREST PRIVILEGE EVER CONFERRED BY PROVIDENCE UPON THE AMERICAN BAHA'I
COMMUNITY
GOD'S CREATIVE PLAN
APPROACH OF FINAL ERUPTION
GRATITUDE TO PIONEERS
MY PLEA, MY SUPREME ENTREATY
PENETRATION OF LATIN AMERICA
PROVE THEMSELVES ... WORTHY OF THAT PRICELESS HERITAGE
OFFICIAL INAUGURATION OF WORLD MISSION
FULFIL THE REQUIREMENTS
THE MOST FATEFUL HOUR
IMPERILLED HUMANITY
IN GALAXY OF BAHA'I IMMORTALS
MANDATE CONFERRED BY 'ABDU'L-BAHA
THE SPIRITUAL POTENCIES OF THAT CONSECRATED SPOT
THE SEAL OF COMPLETE TRIUMPH
DUAL, VITALLY URGENT OBLIGATION
BELOVED HANDMAID
THEIR GOD-GIVEN TASK
BAHA'U'LLAH'S SPIRITUAL SOVEREIGNTY
SECTION OF ORNAMENTATION
CONTINUOUS CONSECRATION
EMERGENCE OF SPIRITUAL WORLD ORDER
SUPREMELY CHALLENGING HOUR
CHAOS AND REDEMPTION
TORCHBEARER OF WORLD CIVILIZATION
THIS VETERAN WARRIOR
THE ANGER OF GOD AND HIS CORRECTION
FATE-LADEN WORLD ORDEAL
ELIZABETH GREENLEAF
UNCONQUERABLE POWER
THE PROCESS OF INTEGRATION AND DISINTEGRATION
THE CRUCIBLE OF WORLD CONFLAGRATION
A TRULY WORLD-EMBRACING CRISIS
IMPELLED TO DEPUTIZE FIVE MEMBERS
THE SEVEN YEAR PLAN
CONSECRATED TO TEACHING TASKS
A BEFITTING CLIMAX
ACCLAIM WITH GRATEFUL HEART
THE IMMORTAL LUA
THE UNFINISHED TASKS
COMPLETION OF TEMPLE EXTERIOR
HIS SERVICES UNFORGETTABLE
ALL-AMERICA CENTENNIAL CONVENTION
FOUNDATION STONE LAID BY THE CENTER OF THE COVENANT
BAHA'I COMMUNITIES OF EAST AND WEST
THE CROWNING CRUSADE
PREPARATIONS FOR THE CENTENARY
THE BELOVED FAITH IS SURGING FORWARD
A STILL MORE COMPELLING DISPLAY
THE AUSPICIOUS YEAR
ADDITION TO ENDOWMENTS
PARTICIPATION OF LATIN AMERICAN BELIEVERS
BEFITTINGLY CONSUMMATE THE ENTERPRISES
TURNING POINT IN BAHA'I HISTORY
INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT
MESSAGE TO CENTENARY CONVENTION
CONSOLIDATION OF NOBLY-WON VICTORIES
A SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY IN EVERY REMAINING REPUBLIC
THE SEAL OF SPIRITUAL TRIUMPH
FAITHFUL PIONEER
PASSAGES IN "GOD PASSES BY"
THE SUCCEEDING STAGE IN THE EVOLUTION OF THEIR WORLD MISSION
THE ADMISSION OF PERSIANS
STAUNCH PIONEER
THE ONE MESSAGE THAT CAN EXTRICATE HUMANITY
MY HEAVY-LADENED HEART
NATIONWIDE, INTERCONTINENTAL PLANS
A SINGLE, ORGANICALLY-UNITED WORLD COMMONWEALTH
A NEW PHASE OF HUMAN EVOLUTION
HEARTS UPLIFTED IN THANKSGIVING
THE WORK OF REHABILITATION
THE GERMAN BAHA'I COMMUNITY
EXEMPLARY PIONEER
LYDIA ZAMENHOF
HISTORIC DECISIONS
MOMENTOUS RESPONSIBILITIES
INAUGURATION OF SECOND SEVEN YEAR PLAN
SPIRITUAL CONQUEST OF THE OLD WORLD
THIRTY NEW ASSEMBLIES
A GOD-GIVEN MANDATE
THE UTMOST VIGOR, VIGILANCE AND CONSECRATION
DISTINGUISHED SERVANT
THIS NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CRUSADE
THE FORCES MYSTERIOUSLY RELEASED
THE PIVOT ON WHICH HINGES SUCCESS
FIFTH YEAR OF PLAN MESSAGE TO 1941 CONVENTION
[FRONTISPIECE]
MESSAGES TO AMERICA
by SHOGHI EFFENDI
GUARDIAN OF THE BAHA'I FAITH
Selected Letters and Cablegrams Addressed to the Baha'i's of North America
1932-1946
"As the end of the First Century of the Baha'i Era approaches, as the
shadows descending upon and enveloping mankind steadily and remorselessly
deepen, this community, which can almost be regarded as the solitary
champion of the Faith in the Western World, is increasingly evincing and
demonstrating its capacity, its worth, and ability as the torchbearer of
the New, the World Civilization which is destined to supplant in the
fulness of time the present one."--Shoghi Effendi, December 3, 1940.
BAHA'I PUBLISHING COMMITTEE
WILMETTE, ILLINOIS, U.S.A.
1947
NABIL'S NARRATIVE
Feel impelled appeal entire body American believers to henceforth regard
Nabil's soul-stirring Narrative as essential adjunct to reconstructed
Teaching program, as unchallengeable textbook in their Summer Schools, as
source of inspiration in all literary and artistic pursuits, as an
invaluable companion in times of leisure, as indispensable preliminary to
future pilgrimage to Baha'u'llah's native land, and as unfailing
instrument to allay distress and resist attacks of critical, disillusioned
humanity.
Cablegram June 21, 1932.
IMMORTAL SPIRIT
Greatest Holy Leaf's immortal spirit winged its flight Great Beyond.
Countless lovers her saintly life in East and West seized with pangs of
anguish. Plunged in utterable sorrow humanity shall ere long recognize its
irreparable loss. Our beloved Faith, well nigh crushed by devastating blow
of 'Abdu'l-Baha's unexpected Ascension, now laments passing of last
remnant of Baha'u'llah, its most exalted member. Holy Family cruelly
divested of its most precious great Adorning. I for my part bewail sudden
removal of my sole earthly sustainer, the joy and solace of my life.
Remains will repose in the vicinity of the Holy Shrines. So grievous a
bereavement necessitates suspension for nine months through Baha'i world
every manner religious festivity. Inform Local Assemblies and groups hold
in befitting manner memorial gatherings to extol a life so laden with
sacred experiences, so rich in imperishable memories. Advise holding
additional Commemoration Service of strictly devotional character in the
Auditorium of the Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar.
Cablegram July 15, 1932
UNITED WILL, CONCERTED ACTION
I am deeply conscious of the many obstacles that stand in the path of the
American believers in their stupendous endeavor to attain their goal--a
goal on which our dearly beloved Greatest Holy Leaf had set her fondest
hopes. I cannot, however, overlook, much as I sympathize with them in
their financial tribulations and anxieties, the mysterious power that
resides in the united will and concerted action of all the members of that
self-sacrificing community--a community which, since the passing of
'Abdu'l-Baha, has put an impetus to the advancement of the Cause out of
all proportion to its numerical strength, its youthfulness, and experience
of the powers latent in this sacred Faith. What an untold wealth of
blessings will flow out of a renewed, an irrevocable resolution,
representing the combined will of all the steadfast lovers of the Cause of
God in that land, to carry out in its entirety during the few remaining
months a Plan on which so much that is vital to its world-wide interests
depends! The American believers, the stout-hearted supporters of the Faith
of Baha'u'llah, have already given too many evidences of their
preponderating influence in the direction of its affairs to allow the
slightest disappointment to mar the radiance of their past achievements.
Their will to succeed must eventually triumph.
October 27, 1932
NON-PARTICIPATION IN POLITICAL AFFAIRS
The handling of this delicate and vital problem regarding
non-participation by Baha'is of East and West in political affairs, calls
for the utmost circumspection, tact, patience and vigilance, on the part
of those whose function and privilege it is to guard, promote and
administer the activities of a world-wide, ever-advancing Cause. The
misgivings and apprehensions of individual Baha'is should be allayed and
eventually completely dispelled. Any misconception of the sane and genuine
patriotism that animates every Baha'i heart, if it ever obscures or
perplexes the minds of responsible government officials, should be
instantly and courageously dissipated. Any deliberate misrepresentation by
the enemies of the Cause of God of the aims, the tenets and methods of the
administrators of the Faith of Baha'u'llah should be vigorously faced and
its fallacy pitilessly exposed. The Cause to which we belong stands on the
threshold of an era of unprecedented expansion. Its problems are many,
diverse and challenging. Our methods and ways of approach must likewise be
characterized by unusual sagacity, consummate skill and wisdom. He will
surely never fail us in meeting the needs of a critical hour.
March 16, 1933
PERSONALITIES SUBORDINATED
Concerning the removal of believers I feel that such a vitally important
matter should be given the most serious consideration and preferably be
referred to the National Assembly for further consideration and final
decision. We should be slow to accept and reluctant to remove. I fully
approve and wholeheartedly and unreservedly uphold the principle to which
you refer that personalities should not be made centers around which the
community may revolve but that they should be subordinated under all
conditions and however great their merits to the properly constituted
Assemblies. You and your co-workers can never over-estimate or
over-emphasize this cardinal principle of Baha'i Administration.
April 11, 1933
MOMENTOUS CONVENTION
Message to 1933 Convention
Entire Baha'i world stirred with expectations to witness results of
American believers' momentous Convention. On its proceedings hang issue of
incalculable benefit to world-wide Faith of Baha'u'llah. To its delegates
is given great opportunity to release forces which will usher in an era
whose splendor must outshine the heroic age of our beloved Cause. Supreme
Concourse waiting for them to seize it.
Cablegram June 1, 1933
AN EMINENT RANK
Keith's precious life offered up in sacrifice to beloved Cause in
Baha'u'llah's native land. On Persian soil, for Persia's sake, she
encountered, challenged and fought the forces of darkness with high
distinction, indomitable will, unswerving, exemplary loyalty. The mass of
her helpless Persian brethren mourns the sudden loss of their valiant
emancipator. American believers grateful and proud of the memory of their
first and distinguished martyr. Sorrow stricken, I lament my earthly
separation from an invaluable collaborator, an unfailing counselor, an
esteemed and faithful friend. I urge the Local Assemblies befittingly to
organize memorial gatherings in memory of one whose international services
entitled her to an eminent rank among the Hands of the Cause of
Baha'u'llah.
Cablegram October 30, 1933
POTENTIALITIES OF MAJESTIC EDIFICE
Message to 1934 Convention
American believers' inspired leadership steadily unfolding to Baha'is
world over the potentialities of the majestic edifice heralding formative
period of the Faith of Baha'u'llah. Their unerring vision conceived its
matchless design. 'Abdu'l-Baha's own hands laid its cornerstone. Their
dynamic faith reared its structure. Their sustained self-sacrifice crowned
it with immortal glory. May the flame of their unconquerable enthusiasm
continue glowing undimmed in their hearts till its naked frame is
enveloped in its shining mantle.
Cablegram June 4, 1934
THE VOTING RIGHT
I feel I must reaffirm the vital importance and necessity of the right of
voting--a sacred responsibility of which no adult recognized believer
should be deprived, unless he is associated with a community that has not
as yet been in a position to establish a local Assembly. This
distinguishing right which the believer possesses, however, does not carry
with it nor does it imply an obligation to cast his vote, if he feels that
the circumstances under which he lives do not justify or allow him to
exercise that right intelligently and with understanding. This is a matter
which should be left to the individual to decide himself according to his
own conscience and discretion.
April 28, 1935
UNPRECEDENTED IMPETUS
Message to 1935 Convention
Heartily reciprocate sentiments conveyed in your message. Appeal to
assembled delegates and incoming National Assembly to deliberate on
measures required to stimulate all local communities and groups to lend
immediate, unprecedented impetus to teaching activities throughout United
States and Canada. Sustained concentration on this paramount issue can
alone reveal the potentialities of beloved Temple and enable the superb
self-sacrifice associated with it to yield its fairest fruit.
Cablegram April 29, 1935
SEPARATION FROM OUTWORN CREEDS
The separation that set in between the institutions of the Baha'i Faith
and the Islamic ecclesiastical organizations that oppose it--a movement
that has originated in Egypt and is now spreading steadily throughout the
middle East and will in time communicate its influence to the West--imposes
upon every loyal upholder of the Cause the obligation of refraining from
any word or action that might prejudice the position which our enemies
have in recent years and of their own accord, proclaimed and established.
This historic development, the beginnings of which could neither be
recognized nor even anticipated in the years immediately preceding
'Abdu'l-Baha's passing, may be said to have signalized the Formative
Period of our Faith and to have paved the way for the consolidation of its
administrative order. As this movement gains momentum, as it receives
added impetus from the attitude and future action of the civil authorities
in Persia, it will inevitably manifest its repercussions in the West and
will rouse the leaders of the Church and finally the civil authorities to
challenge the claims and eventually to recognize the independent status of
the Religion of Baha'u'llah. Nothing whatever in the meantime should be
said or done by any of us, whether in the political field or in our
relations with ecclesiastical organizations, that would tend to confuse
the issues with which our struggling Cause will sooner or later be
confronted. We should accept no position, should avoid any affiliations or
commitments that could in any way harm our future position or provide our
potential enemies with weapons with which they can resist that complete
emancipation of our Cause or retard its ultimate recognition and victory.
Though our Cause unreservedly recognizes the Divine origin of all the
religions that preceded it and upholds the spiritual truths which lie at
their very core and are common to them all, its institutions, whether
administrative, religious or humanitarian, must if their distinctive
character is to be maintained and recognized, be increasingly divorced
from the outworn creeds, the meaningless ceremonials and man-made
institutions with which these religions are at present identified. Our
adversaries in the East have initiated the struggle. Our future opponents
in the West will, in their turn, arise and carry it a stage further. Ours
is the duty, in anticipation of this inevitable contest, to uphold
unequivocally and with undivided loyalty the integrity of our Faith and
demonstrate the distinguishing features of its divinely appointed
institutions.
June 15, 1935
THE NATIONAL FUND
As the activities of the American Baha'i community expand, and its
world-wide prestige correspondingly increases, the institution of the
National Fund, the bedrock on which all other institutions must
necessarily rest and be established, acquires added importance, and should
be increasingly supported by the entire body of the believers, both in
their individual capacities, and through their collective efforts, whether
organized as groups or as local Assemblies. The supply of funds, in
support of the National Treasury, constitutes, at the present time, the
life-blood of those nascent institutions which you are laboring to erect.
Its importance cannot, surely, be overestimated. Untold blessings shall no
doubt crown every effort directed to that end. I am eagerly and
prayerfully awaiting the news of an unprecedented expansion in so vital an
organ of the administrative Order of the Faith.
July 29, 1935
THE NEW HOUR HAS STRUCK
Convey to assembled believers celebrating termination entire dome unit of
Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar my heart-felt congratulations on triumphant progress
of their undeniably glorious enterprise. To prayers and testimonies
ascending to Throne of Baha'u'llah I am moved to add my fervent though
inadequate tribute to solidarity of so dazzling an achievement. The forces
which progressive revelation of this mighty symbol of our Faith is fast
releasing in heart of a sorely tried continent no one of this generation
can correctly appraise. The new hour has struck in history of our beloved
Cause, calling for nation-wide, systematic, sustained efforts in teaching
field, enabling thereby these forces to be directed into such channels as
shall redound to the glory of our Faith and to the honor of its
institutions.
Cablegram October 26, 1935
THIS IS TRULY PROVIDENTIAL
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 wide-spread 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 (i.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.
January 10, 1936
'ABDU'L-BAHA'S HISTORIC APPEAL
Message to 1936 Convention
Convey to American believers abiding gratitude efforts unitedly exerted in
teaching field. Inaugurated campaigns 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 unimaginably precious. Would to God every State within
American Republic and every Republic in American continent might ere
termination of this glorious century(1) embrace the light of the Faith of
Baha'u'llah and establish structural basis of His World Order.
Cablegram 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 wholehearted, 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 muster 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, single-minded and undaunted,
to attain still greater heights in its mighty exertions for the Cause of
Baha'u'llah.
May 30, 1936
INTENSIFY TEACHING WORK A THOUSANDFOLD
I am eagerly awaiting the news of the progress of the activities initiated
to promote the teaching work within, and beyond, the confines of the
American continent. The American believers, if they wish to carry out, in
the spirit and the letter, the parting wishes of their beloved Master,
must intensify their teaching work a thousandfold and extend its
ramifications beyond the confines of their native land and as far as the
most distant outposts of their far-flung Faith. The Tablets of the Divine
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.
July 28, 1936
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 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, insure the ultimate realization of
these benefits.
November 14, 1936
A COMPLETE REDEDICATION
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.
March 22, 1937
INSTITUTION OF GUARDIANSHIP NOW FURTHER REINFORCED
Deeply moved by 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.
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 Assembly to formulate feasible Seven Year Plan to assure 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
The responsibilities which, under your direction and in response to my
plea, the American community is 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
generously 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
descendants 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.
June 4, 1937
CONVENTION DELEGATES INCREASED
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.
Cablegram November 21, 1937
ALL SHOULD ARISE
As I lift up my gaze beyond the strains 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.
November 25, 1937
ARCHBREAKER OF COVENANT
The Hand of Omnipotence has removed the archbreaker of Baha'u'llah's
Covenant, his hopes shattered, his plottings frustrated, the society of
his fellow-conspirators extinguished. God's triumphant Faith forges on,
its unity unimpaired, its purpose unsullied, its stability unshaken. Such
a death calls for neither exultation nor recrimination, but evokes
overwhelming pity at so tragic a downfall unparalleled in religious
history.
Cablegram December 20, 1937
CERTAIN VITAL REQUIREMENTS OF SEVEN YEAR PLAN
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 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 insure, 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 unreserved 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 consummation
of the plan.
January 30, 1938
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,
capitals, 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 Australia ... 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 unfoldment 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.
April 14, 1938
DRAW NIGH UNTO BAHA'U'LLAH
Message to 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. Gathered within House of Worship which enterprise persevering
loyalty self-abnegation American believers reared and adorned summoning
their aid vitalizing influence prayers meditations which Author their
Faith Himself revealed let them delegates visitors alike draw nigh unto
Baha'u'llah that He may draw nigh unto them. 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. 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.
Cablegram April 27, 1938
MARCHING TOWARD THEIR GOAL
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, with relentless force sweep over their
sister-communities 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 with 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.
July 5, 1938
UNBROKEN SOLIDARITY, UNQUENCHABLE ENTHUSIASM
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 envelops 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.
September 10, 1938
LOYALTY TO WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH
Loyalty to world order of Baha'u'llah, security of its basic institutions,
both imperatively demand all its avowed supporters, particularly its
champion builders of the American continent, in these days when sinister,
uncontrollable forces are deepening the cleavage sundering peoples,
nations, creeds, and classes, resolve despite pressure of fast
crystallizing public opinion, abstain individually, collectively in word,
action, informally as well as in all official utterances and publications
from assigning blame, taking sides, however indirectly, in recurring
political crises now agitating, ultimately engulfing human society. Grave
apprehension lest cumulative effect of such compromises disintegrate
fabric, clog channel of grace that sustains system of God's essentially
supra-national, supernatural order so laboriously evolved, so recently
established.
Cablegram September 24, 1938
NINE HOLY SOULS
Recent swift progress of Temple ornamentation prompts me entreat American
Community to focus immediate attention and center energies upon
corresponding acceleration in the Teaching enterprise formulated in Seven
Year Plan. Final phase in construction of Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar already
entered. Initial stage in the inaugurated Teaching Campaign still
untraversed. End of First Century rapidly approaching. Alaska, Delaware,
Nevada, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Manitoba and Nova
Scotia still unsettled. Universal, prolonged intensification in pioneer
activity is the crying need of this fateful hour. The establishment of one
resident believer in each virgin territory is the precondition to the full
launching of the subsequent, eagerly-anticipated stage aiming at the
spiritual conquest of the Southern Half of the Western Hemisphere. The
Concourse on high expectantly await, ready to assist and acclaim the nine
holy souls who, independently or as deputies, will promptly, fearlessly
volunteer to forsake their homes, cast away their attachments and
definitely settle in these territories to lay firm anchorage of the
Administrative Order of this undefeatable Faith. I am irresistibly urged
and proud of the privilege to pledge nine hundred pounds to facilitate the
permanent settlement of pioneers in these States and Provinces whose acts
and heroic self-abnegation will mark the conclusion of this shining Epoch
in American Baha'i history.
Cablegram January 26, 1939
THE RAREST PRIVILEGE EVER CONFERRED BY PROVIDENCE UPON THE AMERICAN BAHA'I
COMMUNITY
Very soon we shall be entering the second half of the last decade of this,
the first century of the Baha'i Era. The five remaining years should
essentially be consecrated to the imperative, the spiritual needs of the
remaining Republics of both Central and South America, for whose entry
into the fellowship of Baha'u'llah the Plan was primarily formulated. The
prime requisite for the definite opening of what may come to be regarded
as one of the most brilliant chapters in American Baha'i history, is the
completion of the initial task which American Baha'i pioneers must perform
in the nine remaining States and Provinces as yet unassociated with the
organic structure of the Faith.