For unlike the First and Second Seven Year Plans, inaugurated by the
American Baha'i Community, the scope of the Third Seven Year Plan, the
termination of which will mark the conclusion of the first epoch in the
evolution of the Master Plan designed by 'Abdu'l-Baha, will embrace all
the continents of the earth, and will bring the central body directing
these widely ramified operations into direct contact with all the national
assemblies of the Baha'i world, which, in varying degrees, will have to
contribute their share to the world establishment of the Cause of
Baha'u'llah, as prophesied by 'Abdu'l-Baha and envisioned by Daniel--a
consummation that, God willing, will be befittingly celebrated on the
occasion of the Most Great Jubilee commemorating the hundredth anniversary
of the formal assumption by Baha'u'llah of His Prophetic Office.
The vision now disclosed to the eyes of this community is indeed
enthralling. The tasks which, if that vision is to be fulfilled, must be
valiantly shouldered by its members are staggering. The time during which
so herculean a task is to be performed is alarmingly brief. The period
during which so gigantic an operation must be set in motion, prosecuted
and consummated, coincides with the critical, and perhaps the darkest and
most tragic, stage in human affairs. The opportunities presenting
themselves to them are now close at hand. The invisible battalions of the
Concourse on High are mustered, in serried ranks, ready to rush their
reinforcements to the aid of the vanguard of Baha'u'llah's crusaders in
the hour of their greatest need, and in anticipation of that Most Great,
that Wondrous Jubilee in the joyfulness of which both heaven and earth
will partake. 'Abdu'l-Baha, the Founder of this community and the Author
of the Plan which constitutes its birthright, to Whose last wishes its
members so marvelously responded; the Bab, the Centenary of Whose
Revelation this same community so magnificently celebrated, and to the
building of whose Sepulcher it has given so fervent a support; Baha'u'llah
Himself, to the glory of Whose Name so stately an edifice it has raised,
will amply bless and repay its members if they but persevere on the long
road they have so steadfastly trodden, and pursue, with undimmed vision,
with unrelaxing resolve and unshakable faith, their onward march towards
their chosen goal.
That this community, so young in years, yet withal so rich in exploits,
may, in the months immediately ahead, as well as in the years immediately
following this coming Jubilee, maintain, untarnished and unimpaired, its
record of service to our beloved Faith, that it may further embellish,
through still nobler feats, its annals, is the dearest wish of my heart,
and the object of my constant supplications at the Holy Threshold.
[November 23, 1951]