It is therefore imperative for the individual American believer, and
particularly for the affluent, the independent, the comfort-loving and
those obsessed by material pursuits, to step forward, and dedicate their
resources, their time, their very lives to a Cause of such transcendence
that no human eye can even dimly perceive its glory. Let them resolve,
instantly and unhesitatingly, to place, each according to his
circumstances, his share on the altar of Baha'i sacrifice, lest, on a
sudden, unforeseen calamities rob them of a considerable portion of the
earthly things they have amassed.
Now if ever is the time to tread the path which the dawn-breakers of a
previous age have so magnificently trodden. Now is the time to carry out,
in the spirit and in the letter, the fervent wish so pathetically voiced
by 'Abdu'l-Baha, Who longed, as attested in the Tablets of the Divine
Plan, to "travel though on foot and in the utmost poverty" and raise "in
cities, villages, mountains, deserts and oceans" "the call of
Ya-Baha'u'l-Abha!"
Then, and only then, can the members of this community hasten the advent
of the day when, as prophesied by His pen, "heavenly illumination" will
"stream" from their country "to all the peoples of the world." Then, and
only then will they find themselves "securely established upon the throne
of an everlasting dominion."
That the members of this community, of either sex and of every age, of
whatever race or background, however limited in experience, capacity and
knowledge, may arise as one man, and seize with both hands the God-given
opportunities now presented to them through the dispensations of an
all-loving, ever-watchful, ever-sustaining Providence, and lend thereby a
tremendous impetus to the propelling forces mysteriously guiding the
operations of this newly launched, unspeakably potent, world-encompassing
Crusade, is one of the dearest wishes which a loving and longing heart
holds for them at this great turning point in the fortunes of the Faith of
Baha'u'llah in the American continent.
[July 28, 1954]