The Crusade, on which the army of the Lord of Hosts has so joyously and
confidently embarked, now stands at a major turning point in the history
of its marvelous unfoldment. Three years of magnificent exploits, achieved
for the propagation of the light of an immortal and infinitely precious
Faith and for the strengthening of the fabric of its Administrative Order,
now lie behind it. A spirit of abnegation and self-sacrifice, so rare that
only the spirit of the Dawn-breakers of a former age can be said to have
surpassed it, has consistently animated, singly as well as collectively,
its participants in every clime, of all classes, of either sex, and of
every age. A treasure, immense in its range has been willingly and
lovingly expended to insure its systematic and successful prosecution.
Already a few heroic souls have either quaffed the cup of martyrdom, or
laid down their lives, or been subjected to divers ordeals while combating
for its Cause. Its repercussions have spread so far as to alarm a not
inconsiderable element among the traditional and redoubtable adversaries
of its courageous and consecrated prosecutors. Indeed as it has forged
ahead, it has raised up new enemies intent on obstructing its forward
march and on defeating its purpose. Premonitory signs can already be
discerned in far-off regions heralding the approach of the day when troops
will flock to its standard, fulfilling the predictions uttered long ago by
the Supreme Captain of its forces.
Before the eyes of the warriors enlisting under its banner stretch fields
of exploration and consolidation of such vastness as might well dazzle the
eyes and strike awe into the heart of any soul less robust than those who
have arisen to identify themselves with its Cause. The heights its
champions must scale are indeed formidable. The pitfalls that bestrew
their path are still numerous. The road leading to ultimate and total
victory is tortuous, stony and narrow. Theirs, however, is the emphatic
assurance, revealed by the Pen of the Most High--the Prime Mover of the
forces unleashed by this world-girdling Crusade--that "Whosoever ariseth to
aid our Cause God will render him victorious over ten times ten thousand
souls, and, should he wax in his love for Me, him will We cause to triumph
over all that is in heaven and all that is on earth."
Putting on the armor of His love, firmly buckling on the shield of His
mighty Covenant, mounted on the steed of steadfastness, holding aloft the
lance of the Word of the Lord of Hosts, and with unquestioning reliance on
His promises as the best provision for their journey, let them set their
faces towards those fields that still remain unexplored and direct their
steps to those goals that are as yet unattained, assured that He Who has
led them to achieve such triumphs, and to store up such prizes in His
Kingdom, will continue to assist them in enriching their spiritual
birthright to a degree that no finite mind can imagine or human heart
perceive.
--Shoghi
[April, 1956]