My anguished heart is comforted by the unnumbered messages from
communities, assemblies, groups, committees and individual American
believers, replete with expressions of loving devotion, pledges of loyalty
to 'Abdu'l-Baha's Covenant, prayers on my behalf and assurances of
rededication in service to the precious Faith.
The triple cord binding me to the American Community, outstanding in its
affectionate and unfailing support in the course of my almost thirty
years' stewardship to the Faith of Baha'u'llah, is greatly reinforced. But
for America's multitudinous services and unparalleled record of
achievements my burden of cares both past and present would be unbearable.
Far from complaining of the added weight of afflictions oppressing me at
this hour I feel I cannot but welcome with feelings of thankfulness and
humility such tribulations enabling me to taste the cup the Martyr-Prophet
of our beloved Faith drained so heroically a hundred years ago.
Much as I desire to acknowledge separately all messages I regretfully find
the task beyond the limits of my overtaxed strength. I ask, dearly beloved
friends, to regard this message as addressed to each one personally,
bearing to each and every one assurance of my constant awareness of their
enfolding love and unfailing support as well as my everlasting gratitude
and unalterable affection and immense pride in their unrivaled collective
share in the world-wide furtherance of the Cause so dear, so precious to
us all.
[September 12, 1950]