Growth of the Cause: seeds, service and the fruit of love

The answer was: "We have no statistics and we do not consider these things important. It is the quality of the believers we care for.

You had written that the Cause is progressing in America. I hope that this may be so, meaning that the loved ones of God may conduct themselves according to the teachings, counsels and exhortations of Baha'u'llah, so that the lights of the Kingdom may be reflected in the mirror of the human world.

It is hoped that wonderful effects will be displayed in the future, that the friends of God may live and act in accord with the heavenly teachings, in order that the region of America may become the Paradise of ABHA, that desert and wilderness become the rose-garden of human perfections, the verse of guidance be read, the melody of "Ya Baha El-ABHA!" reach the Kingdom of Beauty; warfare and bloodshed be removed from among the people, affinity and love hoist their tent upon the apex of the world, all mankind become real friends with one another and each soul respect the other. Whenever these signs appear, then it will become manifest that the Tablets have had their effect.

I asked Abdul-Baha what could be done to increase our numbers and make the work more effective.

He said the one essential, the only thing to do was that the members of the little groups should love each other very much and be devoted friends. The more they loved each other, the more the meetings would attract and draw others, and the more they loved, the more their influence would be felt.

O servant of the One true God! The Lord be praised, the loved ones of God are found in every land, and are, one and all, neath the shadow of the Tree of Life and under the protection of His good providence.

When this Cause reaches full growth and like a fruit tree bears the good fruits of character, then it will become clear that until spiritual sensibilities are perfected and the lights of sanctification and holiness shine forth, the perfection of the human world will not be manifested.

Now is the dawn of the morn of Truth. Those who live in the depths of the dark ravines and deep valleys do not see the first glimpses of the rising, glorious sun. Hence they cry out: We do not see the sunshine; we do not feel its warmth. But when the sun ascends to the zenith of the heavens, and stands at the meridian, then the valleys and ravines will be flooded with sunshine and even the blind will feel its heat."

If those who claim to love God had acted in accordance with that which hath been revealed from the Most Exalted Pen, assuredly most of the peoples of the earth would have turned towards the Most Glorious Horizon.

But, by God besides Whom there is no other God, if the friends of God had acted according to what was revealed in just one of the Tablets of the Ancient Beauty, may His Most Great Mention be exalted, by now all who are on earth would have attained to the bounty of faith and the earth would have become the supreme paradise.

Miss St.: "Master, the Baha'i Movement is spreading - its friends and enemies are agreed on this - in East and West, in the Old and the New World, but is the Movement also simultaneously developing spiritually in depth, height and breadth? Or is it becoming shallow and superficial?"

Today the world's gaze is extended to the lives of the Baha'is: when they find a believer committing an evil deed, they may imagine such to be the deed of all the Baha'is or permitted by the Founder of the Cause. Thus they may judge the whole community by the misdeeds of one of tis members.

In these days countless writings have gone to foreign lands, such that some from those parts have turned toward Iran to gain knowledge of this Most Great Cause, and having obtained what divine writings they could, have returned.

Day by day victory and triumph advance. We hope that through the hosts of wisdom and utterance His loved ones may conquer hearts and minds.

'Abdu'l-Baha responded:

Recognition will not occur in a specific country where the Baha'is should gather. In every land, the friends will progress and the Cause of God will be recognized without warfare or conflict.

Christianity in France was emancipated in this manner.

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The flags and banners of the Beloved are ever waving at the top of the masts; they are never inverted; nay, rather, they go on higher day by day; in fact, theirs is the sovereignty. Without fighting forces they conquer the cities; and without taking any tribute they bestow and give freely. The kings gain their victory through bloodshed and the taking of life; whereas the Beloved of God confer life and are victorious. The sovereignty of the friends is an eternal one."

Observe that the hosts of Christ were few in number, but because they were supported by the celestial army, these few achieved a mighty victory over all parties. Thus it became clear that if there was no spiritual force, these few would have been defeated, but each soul was supported by the wave-like hosts of the All-Merciful.

From the beginning of the world, whether in heavenly books or in history, until now in no dispensation of the Prophets has the divine call spread worldwide in such a brief time, nor has the fame of God's Cause been diffused throughout all regions. Now in this Manifestation, let reference be made to the holy books and it will become clear: this is due to the sharpness of this sword and the strength of that arm.

Question: "We (by "We" they meant the missionary world) are watching with great interest the progress of this Movement. For it seems to us it is advancing with great rapidity without the usual propaganda organization which to us hard-headed, practical Americans seems so essential and necessary.

In Washington we always had audiences of one to two thousand in large meetings. Day and night I had no rest. A close friendship was created between the black and white people. Many came to the Faith. Even those who are not believers drew much closer.

According to the Teachings of Baha'u'llah be ye as the Mercy of the Almighty to all the people of the world including the enemies. Rest ye assured that ere long the Banner of Guidance shall over [sic] all the regions and the Harmony of the Baha'is shall fill the Kingdoms of the East and the West.

Now must ye widen the scope of your endeavours and draw up plans to establish schools for higher education, so that the City of Love will become the Baha'i focal centre for science and the arts. Thanks to the bountiful assistance of the Blessed Beauty, means for this will be provided.

Soon this mighty Cause will illumine the world and transform the furnace of conflict, contention and war into a garden of love, harmony, peace and reconciliation.

For this reason I have said that after this war there must needs be many Baha'i teachers, equipped and ready to go out into the world and explain to the sorrow-stricken nations the self-evident benefits of peace. The whole world will then be in a listening attitude and willing to forget the past and strike a new road of mutual helpfulness and co-operation.

Look ye not upon the present, fix your gaze upon the times to come. In the beginning, how small is the seed, yet in the end it is a mighty tree. Look ye not upon the seed, look ye upon the tree, and its blossoms, and its leaves and its fruits.

You have written that the Cause of God is progressing in that city. Through the showers of the glad-tidings of the Cause of God a small mustard seed hath become a fruitful spreading tree--its roots in the hearts of the people.

Now the spiritual seeds are being scattered throughout the world and the showers of the mercy of God are falling on the hearts of the people. The result will be a great and wonderful harvest and every tree and branch and scrub will bear fruit, and you will see it.

I have done my work. I have sown my seeds and leave to the Power of God to cause their growth. You wait a few years longer and you will then hear the notes of this melodious music!

I have planted the Seeds in America. You must nurture them and care for them. If you do this, they will yield an abundant harvest.

During the first journey to Europe no one was thinking to do this work. Now and then Mirza Bager Khan, who was a member of our party, wrote down a few addresses and dates, but no systematic attempt was made in this direction. Hence many addresses were delivered which were not at all reported. The aim was to proclaim the Appearance of the Kingdom of Abha which, praise be to God, was accomplished. We have scattered the seeds. Now God will cause its growth. It is assured that they will grow and reach the stage of fruition.

There are certain trees which grow and develop very quickly; other trees may take a long time before they put forth leaves and blossoms. It is evident that Paris is one of those trees which may take a long time to grow. It is my hope that it may give much fruit.

Soon this circle will expand in Japan and attain heavenly blessing.

God says in the glorious Qur'an: "Like a grain which produces seven ears, in each ear a hundred grains, and God increases this for whomever He wishes."

Japan is like unto a farm whose soil is untouched. Such a soil as this has great capacity. One seed produces an hundredfold. Now, praise be unto God, ye have found such a farm. Ye must develop the lands; ye must free them from thorns and weeds; ye should scatter the seeds of the love of God thereupon, and irrigate them with the rain of the knowledge of God. Rest ye assured that heavenly blessing will be bestowed!

Man must irrigate the Blessed Tree which has eternal fruits and is the cause of life for all on earth. This goodly Tree, though hidden at first, will erelong envelop the whole world, and its leaves and branches will reach the heavens. It is like the Tree which Buddha planted: although at first it was a small sapling, it eventually enveloped the countries of Asia.

For the present, it is like unto a gardener who scatters seed in the field. In the future these seed will grow and develop; they will grow into beautiful trees with overshadowing branches, and they will bring forth blossoms and fruits. Then all the people will be astonished, and you will be astonished thinking what wonderful bounty has been bestowed upon you, what a great bestowal and what a wonderful gift; what outpouring of heaven and what divine effulgence.

This is not known now but shall become evident and clear hereafter.

The seed when growing, at first doth not attract attention, but later it becometh green and thriveth, adorning the rose-garden and the orchard. Now, likewise, this divine bounty is unknown, it is not yet revealed, but soon will its splendor illumine the horizons and brighten the East and the West.

America and Europe are like unto the dawn of the sun of reality, just at the beginning of the morning. But before long the Sun of Reality will give its full light, then you will realize how beautiful it will be. But now it is like the beginning of spring, when the grass comes through the ground, but when the time of blossom and fruition will come, it will be very beautiful.

Now we hope that the fruits of man's existence will appear in these days (or seasons). In the Koran it says: 'Before long God will bring forth people whom He loves and who love Him.' When they said to His Holiness Christ: 'Your followers do not behave according to discipline and rules.' His Holiness Christ answered them: 'These are the days of marriage and not the days of discipline. The days of rules and discipline will come afterwards.' This means that the fruit of the trees will be gathered in summer and not in the spring.

But know, the Cause of God can never be demolished or destroyed and no one is able to prevent its appearance and spreading. It may become latent or delayed for one, two, or three months, but at last it will appear in spite of all the hindrances, difficulties and impediments that come in its way.

This, however, is but the beginning of the dawn, and the heat of the rising Orb of Truth is not yet at the fullness of its power. Once the sun hath mounted to high noon, its fires will burn so hot as to stir even the creeping things beneath the earth; and although it is not for them to behold the light, yet will they all be set in frenzied motion by the impact of the heat.

Thus you observe that, with the advent of each of the Manifestations of God, astonishing progress was attained in the realm of human minds, thoughts, and spirits. Consider, for example, the progress that has been achieved in this divine age in the world of minds and thoughts---and this is only the beginning of the dawn! Erelong you will witness how these renewed bounties and heavenly teachings have flooded this darksome world with their light and transformed this sorrow-laden realm into the all-highest Paradise.

Those who judge with fairness acknowledge that the nineteenth century was the era of light and the pride of all ages. The signs of progress became visible in every aspect of existence, in such wise that it became equal to a hundred others. Indeed, the achievements of this one century were greater than those of the fifty that came before.

At the time of His ascension, Christ had eleven believers. But now behold what tidings we receive! Praise be to God, the Call is raised in Africa, and in Asia both Turk and Tajik are awakened. From America the call for the unity of mankind reaches the ears of both the poor and the noble. Therefore, consider what shall soon come to pass.

Do not look at the present.

The greatest meeting held during the day of Christ was the Lord's supper. There were only twelve. … Now consider the results of that one Supper. One end of Christ's table is in the East, the other is in the West and many nations and tongues are sitting around it!

In His blessed lifetime Christ educated, in reality, only eleven souls, the greatest of whom, Peter, nonetheless denied Him thrice when put to the test. Notwithstanding this, behold how the Cause of Christ subsequently pervaded the whole earth! In this day Baha'u'llah has educated thousands of souls who, under the threat of the sword, have raised to the highest heaven the cry of "O Thou the Glory of Glories!" and whose faces have shone as brightly as gold in the crucible of trials.

Consider that when the Spirit of God ascended to the Supreme Kingdom and the Highest Heaven, there were only eleven souls who believed and were assured. … Yet at the time of the ascension of the Blessed Beauty, the Most Great Name--may my spirit be sacrificed for His sacred dust--the divine loved ones were countless throughout all regions of the world, and the fame of that Sun of the horizon of unity's rising was celebrated in all climes, the holy fragrances of His celestial kingdom were diffused in every land and region, and the life-giving breezes from His sacred gardens were wafting repeatedly through all parts and regions.

The Cause was once confined to the city of Shiraz, very few became believers, no one paid any attention to them at first - that is, no importance was attached to their gatherings by the people. Then that gathering spread its influence to Isphahan, then to Teheran and Khorasan and all over Persia, then to other countries until it finally reached America. And God willing from America it will spread its influence to all of the Pacific coast, to Japan, China, in short, it will exercise its influence all over the world.

Thus, at the time of Baha'u'llah's ascension, more than two hundred thousand souls had taken shelter beneath His blessed shadow and had attained the station of certitude. The renown of Christ did not even reach, in His own lifetime, Assyria, Chaldea, Asia Minor, or the regions of Syria, whereas Baha'u'llah's renown, in His own lifetime, had spread throughout East and West.

It shall continue in elevation, exaltation, growth, promulgation and promotion until it shall reach the apex of its glory in one thousand years--as the day of this Manifestation is one thousand years. Thou shalt see its conquering power, its manifest dominion, its eternal might and its everlasting glory.

We therefore see that such contrary and far apart nations as America and Persia are completely joined together and united by this great cause of God.

The gardener plows the field, sows the seed and takes care of the tender plants, but when they have gone to maturity, they don't know from whence they have derived the care. In the coming century, you will see the effect of the gardener who has appeared in these days.

The cries of supplication and invocation will be raised to the Highest Kingdom therefrom and, verily, the people will enter into the religion of God by troops with great enthusiasm and attraction.

But soon will come a day when the melodies of the Dove of Utterance will be raised with the most wondrous tunes and the loftiness of this Cause which has been exalted in truth will become manifest.

This gift of supreme guidance does not show its full effects now, but in future centuries it will illuminate East and West.

Know and realize the greatness of the Cause into which you have entered. Look not at the present. The day will come when there will not be a house which does not contain a believer in this Revelation.

The world and its condition will change to such a degree and the Baha'i Cause will prevail to such an extent that nothing but a remnant - like these pillars - will remain of the previous order.

See how the light of Christ's shining star took three hundred years to shed its rays on the world, whereas the light of Baha'u'llah has permeated all regions in less than half a century. His cause has been spread in every country and the mention of Baha'u'llah made in every tongue. In nearly every country there is an assembly of friends from Teheran to Paris, to San Francisco, to Japan. This is a different age and light is spreading with great rapidity.

The East hath verily been illumined with the light of the Kingdom. Ere long will this same light shed a still greater illumination upon the West. Then will the hearts of its people be vivified through the potency of the teachings of God and their souls be set aglow by the undying fire of His love.

The day is approaching, when ye shall witness how, through the splendor of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, the West will have replaced the East, radiating the light of Divine Guidance.

Were the world to be observed free, sanctified and purified from satanic whisperings, assuredly the Cause of God would encompass the East and West of the earth.

The influence of this new Cause will not be effaced from the world. Every person of insight will soon behold its traces throughout the earth. He, verily, is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

The greatness of the Cause will be as a flood. It will be like the waves of the Pacific Ocean. No other waves are as large. If the Cause is firm and on a good foundation, all these events which take place will be the cause of its assistance and promulgation.

Soon will the Cause of God prevail over all. None can frustrate His Purpose and none can prevent His Judgment. He doeth what He willeth through His sovereignty and ordaineth what He pleaseth through His power. Were one to observe carefully today, he would perceive the Sun of the Cause at its zenith, despite all rulers being opposed, all divines turning away, all kings outwardly united against it, all news flowing continuously by land and sea, and all ranks arrayed in opposition.

Strive as much as you can that day by day fellowship and love may increase, and when perfect fellowship is achieved among the friends in New York, the Cause of God will become more influential day by day, the light of guidance will shine more brightly, and the darkness of vain imaginings will be completely dispelled.

Bombay is a good location and center, with the capacity for the progress of the Cause of God, but this depends on the unity and agreement of the divine friends.

In any case, in these days those regions have shown remarkable receptivity. If the handmaids of the All-Merciful achieve unity and oneness, associate with one another in love, praise each other, arise to serve, and teach the Cause, an extraordinary expansion will be achieved in a brief time.

I am always awaiting good news from those regions and no news is better than the unity of the friends and the diffusion of the fragrances of the All-Merciful, for every other news is rootless and without effect except this soul-nourishing news whose results will, like the rays of the brilliant sun, cause future ages and cycles to vibrate forever.

Ere long this love and affection will display a wonderful effect in the world, the call of the Kingdom of God will penetrate to the uttermost parts of the earth, the oneness of the realm of humanity will become manifest and eternal reconciliation will be established among the various nations and communities.

O herald of Truth! Mr. Remey has gone to India and has created a great stir. In truth, India has become very receptive these days. Mr. Remey's letter is enclosed - observe how receptive India has become.

Mrs. Knobloch went from America to Germany - surely you have heard what excitement she created in Germany and how many souls were guided.

Jinab-i-Fadil has spread the spirit of Baha'i teachings in those vast territories, and Mr. Randall, that firm and steadfast one, accompanied him on his journey. Mr. Roy Wilhelm is assisting Mr. Gregory in teaching the illumined black people. Mr. Culver showed every enthusiasm in helping Jinab-i-Fadil with travel arrangements. Mr. Charles Hansen traveled to western America and spread the divine teachings in those regions. The old friend Mr. Harris, Mr. Mormorton and Mr. Hanko continue to travel around New York, diffusing the fragrances in those parts.

The Persian friends must become so enkindled that they will illumine and brighten Shiraz. They must strive night and day, blaze like fire, shine forth like candles, gleam like stars, and become on earth a penetrating force like angels, becoming celestial heralds to the gathering of the world. They must bestow life, make others alive, bring joy, and grant success.

In these days a wonderful receptivity hath been produced in Iran and throughout the world. The time must be regarded as precious, and opportunity must not be lost.

I am constantly occupied with promoting teaching in America, and thus day by day the Word of God is rising and ascending. You too in Iran must attend to this, and as much as possible the friends of God should travel from city to city and region to region purely to teach God's Cause, encourage God's loved ones, and give glad tidings to seekers.

Although at present thy readers are few and thy volume small and thy voice weak, yet shouldst thou stand unshakable and become the object of the attention of the friends and the center of the generosity of the firm ones in the Covenant, in future thy readers shall embrace throngs upon throngs like waves of the sea, thy volume shall increase, thy arena shall become vast, thy voice and fame shall be raised and become world-wide and at last thou shalt become the first paper of the world.

This your social gathering on the Great Feast is like unto a Mother who will in future beget many Heavenly Feasts, so that all eyes may be amazed as to what effulgence the true Sun of the East has shed on the West.

From all countries and provinces of the East and West there come requests for teachers. Among these is Yazd, where certain respected centers whose names it is not permissible to mention are insisting with the utmost persistence that teachers be sent. That province hath truly attained the utmost capacity, and with the hands of oppression cut off, it is entirely possible to raise up the Word of God and spread the divine fragrances with perfect freedom.

Ere long thou shalt behold that innumerable centers are going to be organized in America for the purpose of the promotion of the Cause of God and hearing the speeches of the maid-servants of the Merciful and the believers of God. Consider thou the days of Christ, how they were a very few, yet in a short space of time they caused a clamor and acclamation throughout all regions.

If the friends of God in America were each engaged in teaching the Cause of God like the friends in Iran, by now they would have guided several million souls and joy and gladness would have been attained by all. The divine friends in Iran raise the cry of "Ya Baha'u'l-Abha" under sword and blade, loose their tongues in teaching, and in prison under stocks and chains engage in guiding souls. Make an effort that in America too such souls may arise, so that the luminosity of the divine mercy may illumine and brighten those horizons.

O thou beloved maidservant of God! Your letter was received and brought the news of the organization and progress of the Spiritual Assembly in the German Empire and that the friends of God with utmost yearning are seeking the knowledge of the Orb of Regions.

China, China, China, China-ward the Cause of Baha'u'llah must march! Where is that holy, sanctified Bahai to become the teacher of China! China has most great capability.

The [Iranian] authorities thought that once they exiled the Blessed Beauty, the matter would be concluded and [the Faith] would be eradicated and erased, without any trace, and this Light would be extinguished. Shortly after the ascension [of Baha'u'llah], when the difficulties had reached their zenith, I wrote a poem, which included these two verses:

In the Orient scatter perfumes, [And shed splendors on the West].

… Praise be God that now, not long after that event, great victories have been won [for the Cause] in the East and the West, and confirmations from on high surround all unceasingly.

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From every direction rises the cry of "O Glory of the Most Glorious!" and from every country ascends the call "Holy, Sacred is the Lord of the angels and the spirit!"

This call reaches the ears of all the peoples of the world, even the materialists and atheists of Europe and America are attracted and enkindled.

In a city where the friends of God are few in number, every twenty, thirty, forty or fifty people, depending on whether there are fewer or more friends, should elect one person. This number of fifty will later reach fifty thousand. As the friends increase, this circle will expand.

A Russian lady named "Isabella," very learned and among the intellectuals, came especially from Russia to Alexandria and became a believer and assured believer, and returned with utmost attraction and joy. She is engaged in writing a book about her journey, but she has written and published a comedy about this Cause. She desires that you and the handmaid of God stage this comedy in Paris, for it has been staged in Russia and has awakened the people and had a good effect.

The Temple that is going to be erected in the United States will be an important and magnificent one, its influence and reaction upon the Cause will be tremendous and the impetus it shall give to the Movement irresistible.

Likewise, ye must give great attention to the Republic of Panama, for in that point the Occident and the Orient find each other united through the Panama Canal, and it is also situated between the two great oceans. That place will become very important in the future.

O ye blessed, respected souls:

The philosophers of the ancients, the thinkers of the Middle Ages and the scientists of this and the former centuries have all agreed upon the fact that the best and the most ideal region for the habitation of man is the temperate zone, for in this belt the intellects and thoughts rise to the highest stage of maturity, and the capability and ability of civilization manifest themselves in full efflorescence. When you read history critically and with a penetrating eye, it becomes evident that the majority of the famous men have been born, reared and have done their work in the temperate zone, while very, very few have appeared from the torrid and frigid zones.

Now these sixteen Southern States of the United States are situated in the temperate zone, and in these regions the perfections of the world of nature have been fully revealed. For the moderation of the weather, the beauty of the scenery and the geographical configuration of the country display a great effect in the world of minds and thoughts. This fact is well demonstrated through observation and experience.

Even the holy, divine Manifestations have had a nature in the utmost equilibrium, the health and wholesomeness of their bodies most perfect, their constitutions endowed with physical vigor, their powers functioning in perfect order, and the outward sensations linked with the inward perceptions, working together with extraordinary momentum and coordination.

Therefore in these sixteen states, because they are contiguous to other states and their climate being in the utmost of moderation, unquestionably the divine teachings must reveal themselves with a brighter effulgence, the breaths of the Holy Spirit must display a penetrating intensity, the ocean of the love of God must be stirred with higher waves, the breezes of the rose garden of the divine love be wafted with higher velocity, and the fragrances of holiness be diffused with swiftness and rapidity.

Praise be to God that the divine outpourings are infinite, the melody of the lordly principles is in the utmost efficacy, the most great Orb shining with perfect splendor, the cohorts of the Supreme Concourse are attacking with invincible power, the tongues are sharper than the swords, the hearts are more brilliant than the light of electricity, the magnanimity of the friends precedes all the magnanimities of the former and subsequent generations, the souls are divinely attracted, and the fire of the love of God is enkindled.

At this time and at this period we must avail ourselves of this most great opportunity. We must not sit inactive for one moment; we must sever ourselves from composure, rest, tranquillity, goods, property, life and attachment to material things. We must sacrifice everything to His Highness, the Possessor of existence, so that the powers of the Kingdom may show greater penetration and the brilliant effulgence in this New Cycle may illumine the worlds of minds and ideals.

It is about twenty-three years that the fragrances of God have been diffused in America, but no adequate and befitting motion has been realized, and no great acclamation and acceleration has been witnessed. Now it is my hope that through the heavenly power, the fragrances of the Merciful, the attraction of consciousness, the celestial outpourings, the heavenly cohorts and the gushing forth of the fountain of divine love, the believers of God may arise and in a short time the greatest good may unveil her countenance, the Sun of Reality may shine forth with such intensity that the darkness of the world of nature may become entirely dispelled and driven away; from every corner a most wonderful melody may be raised, the morning birds may break into such a song that the world of humanity may be quickened and moved, the solid bodies may become liquefied, and the souls who are like unto adamantine rocks may open their wings and through the heat of the love of God fly heavenward.

Nearly two thousand years ago, Armenia was enveloped with impenetrable darkness. One blessed soul from among the disciples of Christ hastened to that part, and through his effort, erelong that province became illumined. Thus it has become evident how the power of the Kingdom works!

Therefore, rest ye assured in the confirmations of the Merciful and the assistance of the Most High; become ye sanctified above and purified from this world and the inhabitants thereof; suffer your intentions to work for the good of all; cut your attachment to the earth and like unto the essence of the spirit become ye light and delicate. Then with a firm resolution, a pure heart, a rejoiced spirit, and an eloquent tongue, engage your time in the promulgation of the divine principles so that the oneness of the world of humanity may pitch her canopy in the apex of America and all the nations of the world may follow the divine policy. This is certain, that the divine policy is justice and kindness toward all mankind. For all the nations of the world are the sheep of God, and God is the kind shepherd. He has created these sheep. He has protected them, sustained and trained them. What greater kindness than this? And every moment we must render a hundred thousand thanksgivings that, praise be to God, we are freed from all the ignorant prejudices, are kind to all the sheep of God, and our utmost hope is to serve each and all, and like unto a benevolent father educate every one.

Upon you be greeting and praise!

Every soul who travels through the cities, villages and hamlets of these states and is engaged in the diffusion of the fragrances of God, should peruse this commune every morning:

O my God! O my God! Thou seest me in my lowliness and weakness, occupied with the greatest undertaking, determined to raise Thy word among the masses and to spread Thy teachings among Thy peoples. How can I succeed unless Thou assist me with the breath of the Holy Spirit, help me to triumph by the hosts of Thy glorious kingdom, and shower upon me Thy confirmations, which alone can change a gnat into an eagle, a drop of water into rivers and seas, and an atom into lights and suns? O my Lord! Assist me with Thy triumphant and effective might, so that my tongue may utter Thy praises and attributes among all people and my soul overflow with the wine of Thy love and knowledge.

Thou art the Omnipotent and the Doer of whatsoever Thou willest.

O ye daughters and sons of the Kingdom:

Although in most of the states and cities of the United States, praise be to God, His fragrances are diffused, and souls unnumbered are turning their faces and advancing toward the Kingdom of God, yet in some of the states the Standard of Unity is not yet upraised as it should be, nor are the mysteries of the Holy Books, such as the Bible, the Gospel, and the Qur'an, unraveled.

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The Northeastern States on the shores of the Atlantic--Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York--in some of these states believers are found, but in some of the cities of these states up to this date people are not yet illumined with the lights of the Kingdom and are not aware of the heavenly teachings; therefore, whenever it is possible for each one of you, hasten ye to those cities and shine forth like unto the stars with the light of the Most Great Guidance.

Although in some of the Western States, like California, Oregon, Washington and Colorado, the fragrances of holiness are diffused, numerous souls have taken a share and a portion from the fountain of everlasting life, they have obtained heavenly benediction, have drunk an overflowing cup from the wine of the love of God and have hearkened to the melody of the Supreme Concourse--yet in the states of New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Arizona and Nevada, the lamp of the love of God is not ignited in a befitting and behooving manner, and the call of the Kingdom of God has not been raised.

But the Western world is at the beginning of establishment. Utmost effort must be made for its promotion and establishment, and for blessed souls to arise, firm and steadfast like the friends in Iran.

It is my hope that in His bounty He will soon raise up these souls, that His Cause may be exalted. The lodestone which will attract this grace is staunchness in the Covenant.

An effort must needs be exerted so that it may be proven that "Qaf, by the glorious Qur'an"1 is the nest of the Divine Eastern Phoenix: Haply, the voice of the Simurgh2 of the Cause of God may be raised from those territories and regions, and the reflection of this luminous mountain fall in effulgence and splendour upon this illimitable expanse.

O true friend! As this is the first century and the beginning of the diffusion of the divine fragrances of the Word of God in India, the flame of the love of God and the power of the spirit of life must be intense so that it may have effect.

Notwithstanding all these injuries inflicted upon them by the Shah and the government, the friends do not stop practicing their Faith openly and do not observe wisdom. You cannot blame them, because two great festivals have been joined into one, foreshadowing a brilliant future for the Cause of God in all corners of the world.

Although you are few in number now in London, you will soon observe that heavenly blessings become manifest and divine confirmations arrive, for you are new saplings which will certainly grow and develop by the stream of truth until your shade spreads across the horizons.

Night and day he is aflame like unto a candle, and in the remembrance of God he is a luminary in every gathering.

… O true friend! The penetration of the Word of God is coursing through the arteries and veins of the world like unto a spirit, and the heart of the world is in utmost agitation.

Thus may all the friends thank God saying: "Praise be to God, in Los Angeles there have appeared certain Baha'is who are truly the radiant candles of humanity; are blessed souls; They are the means of admonishing the people, they are progressive amongst mankind; they are very ethical people; they are the cause of the shining forth of the Sun of Reality.

From America, I await the appearance of a few people. Soon they will appear. And then you will behold unprecedented victories for the Cause.

The firm and steadfast believers living in a city will become the means of its ultimate illumination and will assist the inhabitants to advance and progress in all the departments of life.

Therefore the powers of all creation have proven impotent, and the might of the people of the world has fallen short. They cannot resist the spread of these divine fragrances, nor prevent the extension of the rays of this Dawn.

Thou didst see the exaltation (or progress) of the Cause of God and thou didst test the general character (or qualities) of the friends; and thou didst know with perfect assurance that the Cause of Baha'u'llah is the means for the quickening of the world and for the extraordinary progress of mankind; that it hath quickened Persia and hath removed the darkness of ignorance, that the friends are kind unto all the people of the world and self-sacrificing servants of mankind.

You had written that the call of the Kingdom is making rapid progress in those regions. Indeed, when a flood flows and surges from the world of reality, imaginary powers cannot prevent or hinder it. Surely the movement of the flood is swift.

That land was illumined from the beginning of the dawn of guidance, but circumstances developed such that it remained in one condition. Now the desire of 'Abdu'l-Baha's heart is that it make extraordinary progress, like a planted field that has been watered and received the sun's heat and reached springtime - in a short time it gains strength and suddenly grows and develops. Such is the hope for the region of Urmia as well.

The seed that you planted with complete sacrifice and tribulations and ordeals in the path of God has sprouted and formed abundant harvests throughout all regions. In the East it has been blessed, in the West this cultivation waves like an ocean.

O ye Friends!

Thank God that the Light of Truth shone in that city, the bounty of guidance was granted, the fire of the love of God was ignited and the veil of superstition was burned away.

Some souls have arisen who have unsealed their eyes, unstopped their ears, witnessed the great signs and heard the eternal melody of the Supreme Concourse.

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O ye two who are attracted to God! A wave has arisen from the ocean of the Covenant and struck the shores of America. It has made the far near, and caused the Turk and the Tajik to associate with the people of Belgium. Ere long it shall make the darkest night the envy of brightest day, and shall transform the continent of Africa into a rose garden and flower-laden paradise.

'Abdu'l-Baha's hope is that through the efforts of the friends in that region there will be intense fervor, the light of the Sun of Truth will shine, souls will progress, hearts will become pure, spirits will be gladdened, and hearts will become places of dawning and mirrors reflecting the beauty of the Beloved.

It is certain that that region will become illumined with heavenly lights and the teachings of Baha'u'llah will be spread, provided they remain protected from the doubts of the ignorant and the vain imaginings of the foolish ones who have deviated from the Covenant and Testament.

Ere long you shall become physicians to the helpless and educators in the school of seekers, for the Cause of God shall gain such strength that all will run after the physician like patients, and hasten like the wounded in search of the supreme healing balm.

I will give you these Glad-tidings:

The Blessings of the Kingdom have touched America, but the Americans must endeavor to prove themselves recipients thereof.

At the utmost, a person, or a number of persons, may go across the continent for sightseeing, for trade or commerce, but simply to travel for the meeting of the friends and for the sake of spiritual communion, this is very rare. This is brought about through the favors of the Blessed Perfection. This is through the bounty of Baha'u'llah. We witness how He has brought about this spiritual connection among the hearts and how He has attracted these hearts together.

I am also thinking, dreaming, cogitating what will become of the future of the Cause when I am not in this world, where are the souls who shall meet and solve the perplexing, crucial problems that shall constantly arise, of what materials are they made, how will they bring together the contending, antagonistic parties?

But one of the most distinctive features of this Revelation is that important people, from the world's standpoint, have accepted this religion. Hence the enemies of the Cause cannot contemptuously cry out: Oh! Only the fishermen and tax-gathers and simple people have accepted it. This door of objection is also shut to them.

I am not saying anything, but every week I receive great news about the progress of the Cause in Persia. Most important personages have embraced the Baha'i revelation but at this crucial time, wisdom requires that their names must be kept secret.

The new friends, praise be to God, are successful and God willing they will become keys to good things.

Grieve not because of them that are heedless. Soon shalt thou behold the Cause resplendent throughout all regions.

This time has not yet come, however. Now is the time for teaching and getting an army. Later it can be organized.

The full measure of your success is as yet unrevealed, its significance still unapprehended. Erelong ye will, with your own eyes, witness how brilliantly every one of you, even as a shining star, will radiate in the firmament of your country the light of divine Guidance, and will bestow upon its people the glory of an everlasting life.

Now the Cause of Baha'u'llah is extending to all nations of the earth. You go to Asia, and wherever you travel you will find Baha'is. You go to Africa, Europe; there you will find the Cause of Baha'u'llah. In America it is just beginning to grow and spread.

O spiritual friends! At this moment, 'Abdu'l-Baha received a letter from America bearing the glad tidings that that western land has become the East - meaning that the lights of the Sun of Truth have shone forth and radiated so brilliantly that the gleam of the morn of guidance has dawned and every seeker has attained his goal. The melody of the people of Baha reaches continuously to the Concourse on High, and the life-giving song of "Ya Baha'u'l-Abha" has become the anthem of the peoples and nations there.

Praise be to God, the portals of the Kingdom are wide open, and many from the East and from the West, are with eager hearts flocking unceasingly unto it. How vast is the field! Now it the time to spur on the steed of service and display to the eyes of the world your strength, your courage and confidence.

Christ hath likewise said that many shall come from the East and from the West and enter the kingdom of heaven, whilst the children of the kingdom shall forsake it. And now, the fame of the Cause of God and the tidings of the advent of Baha'u'llah have stirred up and set in motion all the regions of the earth.

Thanks be to God, the lights of the Sun of Truth have shone upon East and West, transforming dark nights into luminous days. From every direction rises the cry of "Ya Baha'u'l-Abha," and from every quarter the call of "Ya 'Aliyyu'l-A'la" reaches to heaven's zenith. Were it not for certain self-seeking souls, you would now witness East and West embracing each other, all intoxicated and overcome by the wine of the love of God.

Soon shall ye see the friends attaining their longed-for destination and pitching their tents, while we are but in the first day of our journey.

Praised be God! Whenever I read the name of someone from Mazindaran at the end of any letter, it bringeth me gladness and delight, inasmuch as it is the ancestral home of the family of the Blessed Beauty. My heart longeth for that land to become even as Paradise itself, and for its people to recognize and embrace the Great Announcement. The Glory of Glories rest upon thee.

Give my greetings and praise to the servant of God Mrs. Cropper and tell her: "Verily the East is animated and the West is vivified by the breeze of thy Lord! Verily the voices of prayer are raised in the 'Houses of Mention' throughout Persia and even in Russia, and the word of God is exalted and the verses of God are diffused! Soon you will hear the cry of 'Ya Baha El Abha' emanating from all countries; then the Believers will be joyful over the exaltation of the Cause of God!"

Glory be to God! Such a bounty has appeared in Iran and such a bejeweled crown has been placed upon Iran's head, yet a thousand regrets that they know not its worth and have now been afflicted with religious weakness. May God make the end good. Glory be to God! All future events were revealed explicitly in previous Tablets, some fifty years ago, some thirty years ago, clearly and evidently, and all have been fulfilled.

Praise be to God, through the grace and bounty of the Most Great Name (may my spirit be sacrificed for His loved ones), the call of God's Cause is raised in all regions and the fame of the Word of God resounds in every clime. In these days in America the Cause of God is celebrated with illuminations and salvos, in Africa and Asia there is commotion among Turk and Tajik, and in the capital of Japan a Baha'i newspaper has been established which the learned scholar Barkatullah of India publishes in English.

One will encounter a little difficulty in the beginning of the establishment of the Cause of God in that country, but later it will become very easy, for the inhabitants of Japan are intelligent, sagacious and have the power of rapid assimilation.

There are many joyous events from the West, but their disclosure is not permitted these days, for as soon as the faithless hear of them, they will unhesitatingly arise to extinguish the lamp, and from intense jealousy will throw themselves into fire and water.

Praised be the Lord, the Cause of God hath been proclaimed and promoted throughout the East and the West in such wise that no mind had ever conceived that the sweet savors of the Lord would so rapidly perfume all regions.

But the penetrating power of the Blessed Cause has set the pillars of the world in motion. In all American cities the divine call was raised, and likewise in the European realm there is no commotion except from the curl of the Beloved's hair. In all churches and gatherings and assemblies of America, the glad-tidings of the Abha Kingdom were proclaimed with utmost clarity, and no one objected - all listened with great joy and applause. Soon this call will yield great results.

In the days of Christ, eleven souls were attracted through the power of the Holy Spirit, but in nine days blessed souls in Budapest entered the Abha Kingdom. Observe how great is the power of the Abha Kingdom, that at the mere call hearts are attracted and become enkindled with the fire of the love of God. Now that this is so, consider what will happen later.

What power this is, and what strength! What greater proof couldst thou desire? He hath brought East and West into close embrace. Singly and alone, He hath withstood the world and uplifted His mighty Cause in the Most Great Prison.

All these contending voices which are raised in the world today will ere long be silenced and hushed, but the call of the Kingdom of God will gain volume and impetus day by day. The popularity of these worldly heralds may last for a year or two, but the fame of the souls, who are the heralds of the Kingdom, is eternal for they are sounding the trumpet of celestial, Universal Peace.

In America you have only received a taste of the spiritual food which is to come to you. Some will arise to serve the Cause of God in your land who will sacrifice themselves entirely.

Among them, the former Secretary of State of America, Mr. Bryan, after traveling in Asia and returning to America, delivered an eloquent address and fluent speech in great gatherings which American newspapers published. Among his address was this: that the Eastern world will find success and prosperity through the teachings of Baha'u'llah; there is no other hope. When these glorious teachings become universal, the horizon of the East will become illumined with the light of success and prosperity.

The province of Fars was then set aflame with the love of God, and the light of knowledge dawned forth and shone resplendent from that horizon. Many souls entered beneath the shadow of the Word of God, and some, filled with the holy ecstasy of His bounty, hastened to the field of sacrifice and flung away their lives and hearts.

Regarding the Maronites: All the communities of the world will finally become familiar with this great and most holy Cause and all of them will enter under the shade of the Word of God.

Thou hadst written concerning the growth in stature of the Cause of God in thy country. There is no doubt that the Faith of God will progress from day to day in that land, for it will be aided by the strengthening power of the Holy Spirit and the confirmation of the Word of God.

Praise be to God, in Paris, souls intimate and precious have appeared; the Cause of God hath breathed spirit into a feeble body, and the foundations of the divine teachings have been laid. The hope is that, in this centre, those who are naturalists may become divine, may find the field open before them and prevail; that the divine edifice may be raised on high, and that the banner of Ya Baha'u'l-Abha may wave. Upon you be greeting and praise.

The sun of religious imitation is clouded! Glad tidings! The moon of superstition is eclipsed! Glad tidings! The stars of worldly glory have fallen! Glad tidings! The Spirit of God and the hosts of the Kingdom are rushing in! Glad tidings! The angels of heaven have scattered throughout all regions! Glad tidings! The breaths of the Holy Spirit have been wafted!

Similarly, in Ishqabad, the government summoned some distinguished friends, and the governor himself met with them personally and stated that a directive had arrived from the Imperial government's prime ministry, with the message that "Convey my message to this community and obtain a sealed document confirming the delivery of said message." The message was: "We have conducted a thorough investigation regarding the late Shah and have clearly established this community's innocence. Therefore, you are a respected community in the government's view and are among the first rank of well-wishing subjects."

God be praised, for the renown and glory of the Abha Beauty hath conquered the world, and the fame of the advent of the Most Great Name hath stirred up the whole earth. His call is now raised in every land, and His life-giving breezes blow from every region.

You must rest assured, knowing for a certainty that the confirmations of the kingdom are yours, that the favors of Baha'u'llah are with you, that the power heavenly is with you, that the assistance of God is with you. If all the inhabitants of the earth should gather they will fail in withstanding you, for they are on the wane, whereas you are waxing greater. They are being degraded; you are progressing.

'Abdu'l-Baha: "In Persia every night there are several meetings in different places, held in the utmost supplication and submissiveness. The rulers of Persia, Nasiri'd-Din Shah and Muhammad Shah, thought they could uproot this Cause. Such was their imagination. Nasiri'd-Din Shah thought he could annihilate it, like Nero, the Roman Emperor. No matter how they strove to extinguish this Light, it became brighter. They all disappeared while the banner of God was hoisted.

This Cause has become worldwide. In a short space of time it has permeated throughout all the regions for it has a magnetic power which attracts all the intelligent men and women toward its center.

But any matter that is like a sapling in its growth, it is evident that it is progressing.

In the days when we were traveling from Tehran to Baghdad, there was not a single believer along the way. But since the sapling of the Cause of God was growing, it was evident that the Cause of God would encompass East and West, and the sovereignty of Nasiri'd-Din Shah would not endure.

Today the banner of sanctification waves in East and West, and the cry of "O Glory of the Most Glorious!" is raised in all climes, even in the Hawaiian Islands.

Now the Cause of God in Paris is growing and developing. More remarkable is that most of those who have accepted it were formerly committed naturalists, but became attracted through the divine breaths.

O my friend, verily the Cause is great and great, and the penetration of the Word of God in the temple (body) of all the regions is similar to the pervasion of the soul in a sound body.

By the life of Baha', verily, the power of the Kingdom of God hath taken hold of the pillars of the world, and hath possessed all the nations.

They diffuse the divine fragrances and exalt the Word of God, teaching with complete sacrifice of self. Great gatherings have been established and teaching assemblies are formed with perfect wisdom and clarity in full public view, such that the notables have no power to assail or oppose them. Praise be to God that the grace and bounty of the Blessed Beauty has created such days when the Cause of God shines forth with such might and power.

Today this call is raised high in all climes, and its melody has encompassed East and West. All eyes are attentive and all ears are listening to see what the consummate divine wisdom will require and how quickly the Blessed Tree will grow and develop.

O thou who art firm in the Covenant! Praise be to God that the fragrances of the All-Merciful are spreading and the call of the Abha Kingdom is becoming renowned. The friends are increasing like a bountiful harvest, and the beloved are growing and developing like the leaves and blossoms of the blessed tree.

Although the material world holds sway and the nobles are captive to nature and in complete rigidity and torpor, yet still the Word of God penetrated and the fame of the Cause of God became renowned in that city.

Assuredly that city will become like unto the Abha Paradise and the Tree of Life will flourish there, casting its shadow over all those regions. I am wholly certain that as a result of your devotion and love, your constancy and steadfastness, that city will eventually be illumined and the lamps of divine guidance will shine therein with the utmost intensity.

All over America people know about this Cause, and are daily attracted to it. In far off cities and hamlets, the names of which are unknown to you, there are some who believe in this Revelation[.] When we reached one of the most remote cities of the United States -- Los Angeles -- there we found many Baha'is -- all attracted and enkindled with the Fire of the Love of God.

If any is troubled, let him become assured, so that when they return they may be transformed souls. None knoweth what shall occur after Me. I know it shall reach such a point that people shall carry earthen water jugs on their heads as they walk from the Most Exalted Spot to the Holy Shrine. Ships laden with souls shall arrive at the port. They shall even search for and seek to find a child of the friends who may have died somewhere. They shall chant prayers and raise cries of lamentation. They shall write accounts of their conditions.

In no age has such greatness of the Cause of God been manifested at its beginning. Rather, the opposite - they would blame, and instead of submission such souls would show pride, and would despise the companions of the day of manifestation from their hearts.

There is a sect in Persia of the Parsee faith, who would not read the Koran or the bible, but who have organized an Assembly under the laws of the British and Persian governments, and day before yesterday (Dec. 3rd, 1900), the Master received a letter from the chief acknowledging Baha'u'llah to be the Divine Manifestation of God.

In this journey, wherever we went we found Baha'i gatherings. The fame of the Cause of God has reached to the island of Honolulu and attracted souls. Now we have arrived here and lit a flame - surely a day will come when its light will become magnificent.

In the days when we were coming from Iran to Baghdad, we did not see a single believer on the way until we reached the Abode of Peace. There were two or three believers there, and when we met them they appeared very prominent in our sight. But now that there are divine believers in every city and village, they do not appear as prominent.

Baha'u'llah, without earthly power and worldly means, laid the foundations for eternal glory and promoted divine teachings. Notwithstanding that all earthly powers and antagonistic peoples and religions arose against Him in order to thwart His efforts and executed twenty thousand of His followers, yet with divine power and heavenly majesty He made His Cause to be all-conquering and His blessed Word to have pervasive influence.

Look at the history of the world and try to find a parallel instance in which a native of the East has come to the countries of the West, particularly America, and called out to them in the churches and meetings there, raised the divine call in many of the large cities and invited everyone to the Abha Kingdom, with no one taking exception. Nay, on the contrary, those present at the gatherings have heard him with patience and unbounded joy.

The first is those who have accepted the teachings and occupy themselves spreading the Glad Tidings. The second is those who are good believers, but make no effort to guide others. The third is those who have heard the Message of the Kingdom but have not accepted it. The fourth is those who have not yet heard of this Revelation.

[Regarding the fact that each day the call of the Cause of God was raised in yet a new location, 'Abdu'l-Baha remarked one-day:] When He had returned to Baghdad, one day the Blessed Perfection was passing over a bridge and someone mentioned to His blessed Person that a letter was received from Mosul in which reference had been made to Baha'u'llah. With greatest excitement and joy, the Ancient Beauty cried out, "Aqa Mirza Muhammad-Quli, Aqa Mirza Muhammad-Quli, come quickly and hear the glad-tidings that the fame of the Cause has reached Mosul!"

Say: By God! Through this journey the Cause of God hath been exalted. Soon shalt thou find those who turned away beneath the feet of the believers.

I swear by the Most Great Book that the Cause of God will encompass and take possession of all the earth.

O loved ones of God! The divine banners are waving in all regions, and the life-giving breeze from the Abha Paradise is bestowing life upon the seven climes. The cry of "Ya Baha'u'l-Abha" rises to the Concourse on High from the five continents, and the melody of "Ya 'Aliyyu'l-A'la" from East and West brings joy and ecstasy to the sacred threshold. The strangers are in rapture and delight, and those who were far off are in joy and ecstasy. Asia and America are in each other's embrace, and Europe and Africa are intoxicated from the cup of unity.

In the meeting that had been organized in Los Angeles the rays of the Sun of Truth shone forth, making it an assembly of illumination. The house of Mr. and Mrs... became the nest and shelter of the birds of the Kingdom, and the house of Mrs... and the residence of Miss ... in Pasadena became the gathering-place of the Merciful and the rose-garden of realities and significances.

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Therefore my hope is that in this new cycle too a flame will appear such that Azerbaijan will set distant lands ablaze and the manifest standard will wave at the zenith of that clime.

… But if the friends make an effort, this tree will quickly bear fruit and this seed will swiftly sprout.

O ye who are steadfast in the Cause of God! The world is awake and aware, and East and West have become conscious. The illuminating light of the Most Glorious Beauty hath encompassed the earth and the renown of the Cause of God hath spread throughout the globe, in such wise that the peoples of the world look with wonderment upon the eternal glory of this Cause and are dumbfounded and bewildered by its divine force.

Through the confirmations of the Kingdom of Abha and the onslaught of the hosts of the Supreme Concourse, the lights of sanctification have illumined the East and the West, and the holy fragrances have quickened all regions. The Word of God has been raised up in all climes, and the banners of verses have been unfurled upon every hill. The fame of the Cause of God has encompassed the world. All peoples and nations of the world have been stirred and moved, and have been gathered together in utmost enkindlement and attraction, and "thou seest men enter the religion of God in troops" has been fulfilled.

This much is mentioned - that all the happenings of the world ultimately result in service to the Cause of God. Be confident. Do not look to the beginnings, but behold the results.

Observe how this Surush descended from heaven in Iran, yet galloped in East and West. At times he raised an uproar in Iran, at times he galloped in Turan. For a moment he raised a call in India, and sometimes lifted up a cry in Europe. Once he shone forth in Iraq, and at times he charged forth in Bulgaria. One day he encountered Turks and Tajiks in Africa. Now he is making a mighty gallop in the vast plains of America and causing great tumult and commotion.

O ye friends of God! A ray from the Sun of Truth hath shone upon the West, the Occident hath become the Orient, the distant region hath drawn nigh, the remote ones have become intimate, and those deprived have become the confidants of the highest heaven. The destitute have received a portion and share of the divine bounty, and the wanderers have taken refuge in a mighty stronghold. The melody of the Kingdom of Abha is raised in both East and West, and the anthem of "Ya Baha'u'l-Abha" is the song of every wise and mindful one.

The people of the West say: "Though we are strangers, yet we hope that through the bounties and favors of the Ancient Beauty we may become the envy of the East, and that the West may become as the East, and that much blood may turn to perfumed musk. … If this Most Great Luminary had risen from our horizon, by now the regions of the West would have become the illumined morn, the embodied spirit, and the manifest light."

Praise be to God, through the grace and confirmation of the Blessed Beauty, the fragrances of the divine rose garden are spreading in these regions. Even in the center of materialism, that is, Paris, the divine teachings have been established, and it is hoped that the spirit of holiness will overthrow the foundation of every devil, the lights of truth will shine forth, and the darkness will be dispelled.

The moment 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 Australasia, and as far as the islands of the Pacific, this community will find itself securely established upon the throne of an everlasting dominion.

O my friend! The birds of the meadow have struck up such a melody that they have raised an uproar throughout all regions and created a commotion in the world of existence. Despite this song, the obstinate people are still in slumber. Wonder upon wonder and regret upon regret that the West has become alert while some in the East are still unaware of this melody and song.

Consider where is the prison of Acca and the University of Oxford. Through what power this Cause has become so well-known in that strong hold of learning and erudition.

… Praise be to God that the Divine Fragrances are being diffused in all parts. Just at this time I wrote a letter to the Islands of Honolulu. These are situated in the Pacific Ocean. Few of the Persians have heard even their names yet the Cause of God has conquered those remote parts.

There were once some missionaries in Acca who felt exceedingly grieved whenever they observed that the people of many nationalities who visited me were satisfied with the Bahai principles. Especially sad were they when the visitors were Americans. They used to say: "We strive to usher other people into the religion of Christ, but here we see the Christians becoming Bahais!"

The truly divine Baha'i Teachings are equally disseminated openly and secretly, through Babis and Baha'is, through adherents and friends, through inspired disciples and those more remote. - The holy spirit of the Religion of Unity is already in the air and penetrates everywhere into the darkness of the peoples.

"The headquarters of the Baha'is is Persia. There are many Baha'is there. They are all over the world. There is not a country in which there is no Baha'is. "

… "We have no statistics, but there are many."

The European and American tour had brought forth most extraordinary and unforeseen results and has advanced and promoted the position of the Cause in the eyes of the public in the most astonishing manner. Consider how great has become the Cause that the Governor[-]General of Salonika, the Governor-General of Syria, the Governor-General of Damascus, the English Consul General in Beirut and a host of other great men were so excited with an interest as to come to Haifa and call on me to find out the truth without any intermediary.

The cause spread first in Persia and from there through other countries. Many of those who speak of these ideals of unity are slow to realize that they emanate from Baha'u'llah - they talk as though the ideals emanate from themselves.

The Orient is exhilarated. The fire of the love of God is ignited everywhere. The Orient is moving, just as tree moves in the way of a breeze, and the breeze of the love of God is now setting the Orient in motion. All the people there are truly seeking, and are either becoming believers or out and out enemies. Throughout Orient there is now a great commotion.

I have traveled and come as far as here. Perchance in these regions the cause of God will set up a flame and the name of Los Angeles will go broadcast to the Orient. They will say, "there are friends in Los Angeles who are real Bahais and are severed from the world and attracted to the Kingdom of Abha.

As for what thou hast mentioned in thy letter concerning arrival in the Land of Ta and the gathering of thy Lord's loved ones, the Lord of Names, it hath been proven with evidence that God's Cause shall triumph over all possibility, and soon shall the lights of the Sun of Knowledge encompass the whole world and the radiance of the Orb of Unity prevail over all nations.

We have manifested the Cause and raised aloft the standards. The might of every oppressor hath not rendered Us powerless, nor hath the clamor of the heedless veiled Us. We act in the kingdom as We please and ordain whatsoever We desire through Our power that prevaileth over the worlds. This is not a lamp that can be extinguished by the winds, nor a fire that can be quenched by the gestures of the opposers. The former hath appeared with a light whereby the heavens and earth were illumined, and the latter with a flame that hath set ablaze the hearts of the sincere ones.

Soon shall the lights of the Cause encompass the world, though now faces are turned towards infidelity. Yet for this a time hath been fixed.

How many souls who in the previous year were veiled and turned away, but in this year their petitions have reached the Most Holy Court and they have returned to the Truth.

Today, due to the lack of capacity in the earth, the station of those who have turned to God and are assured is hidden and concealed from views and eyes. However, I swear by the Sun of the heaven of the All-Merciful's knowledge that a day shall appear on earth which will tell of the degrees and stations of those holy souls.

Know that the Bird hath flown from the branch of Iraq by reason of that which the hands of the oppressors have wrought, yet matters have been so ordained that ere long the loved ones of God shall be honored in all lands. Praise be to God, all enemies shall be brought low. No longer will it be as before, when they were rejected by all governments. Now it hath come to pass that all seek them. God willing, the fruits thereof shall appear.

Regarding this the blessed verse was revealed: "Verily We have proclaimed the Cause through the agency of Our messengers, for verily We were powerful. Then We spread it through the hands of those who turned away. Verily the scheming of the schemers shall not harm it."

Now praise be to God, the East is illumined and the West is perfumed. When we used to travel from Tehran to Baghdad, there was not a single believer along the way. But on this journey, in every western city we passed through, we found believers in places never heard of before, like Denver, Dublin, Buffalo, Boston, Brooklyn, Montclair, Montreal and so forth. The divine call was raised.

Iran will become a paradise and achieve complete progress, but only when the majority are believers. … He replied that whichever occurs, the Cause of God will advance - nothing can stop the Cause of God.

Indeed, through the migration of these emigrants to this land, the fame and exaltation of this Cause hath encompassed all regions of earth, such that all the peoples of these parts have become aware. This victory hath been achieved by the King of Oneness through the hand of the enemies themselves, without anyone being conscious or aware of it.

This Blessed Tree grows through blood.

… Rather the Word of God will be raised higher and the Sun of Truth will shine more brightly, and you will all soon be disappointed and at a loss.

They are utterly oblivious of the truth that through such afflictions the Cause of God is exalted, its fame is blazoned far and wide, and the martyrs themselves are enabled to attain the boundless retreats of nearness unto God.

When the divine melody was confined to Shiraz, the oppressors caused this mighty call to reach Isfahan and Tehran.

… And when He was transferred from that land to the Most Great Prison, and the ruined fortress became the prison of the Beloved of the world of being, and the utmost abasement and humiliation were imposed, the call of the Cause of God and the voice of the Word of God spread to the countries of Europe and America.

But this exile and isolation became the means for the exaltation of the Word of God and led to the diffusion of the divine fragrances. The Eagle of His Cause soared unto the summits of grandeur, and the Day-Star of His Word shone forth from the horizon of might and power. This abasement became a source of confirmation, this remoteness a means of reunion. The vitality of God's Faith was strengthened, and its fame was noised abroad. The Faith was already renowned in Persia, but this exile caused the whole earth to resound with its praise and its reputation to spread throughout the world.

As you observe, the more the ignorant ones oppressed, the higher the banner of faithfulness was raised, and the more they resisted, the greater became the effulgence of lights, until the enemies themselves became the cause of the spread of the Cause of God in East and West, and the fame of the Blessed Beauty became world-conquering.

Briefly, these persecutions caused a further spread of the Cause of Christ, in that they caused them to be removed into a new place and preach to a new multitude.

All the people firmly believed that with the exile of Baha'u'llah the fire of this Cause will become extinct. Were they not wrong in their reckonings? How many houses were pillaged! How many people were exiled! How many were thrown into prison! How many thousands were killed! And yet they did not succeed in their fiendish work of extermination! For this Cause is constantly reinforced by the Cohorts of the Supreme Concourse and no army, no matter how invulnerable can defeat the phalanxes of the Kingdom!

Therefore, my purpose is to warn and strengthen you against accusations, criticisms, revilings and derision in newspaper articles or other publications. Be not disturbed by them. They are the very confirmation of the Cause, the very source of upbuilding to the Movement. May God confirm the day when a score of ministers of the churches may arise and with bared heads cry at the top of their voices that the Baha'is are misguided. I would like to see that day, for that is the time when the Cause of God will spread.

While the Cause is spreading with the swiftness of lightning, and its great light is blessing nations, its enemies attempt to resist its strength and prevent its beneficent effects.

Ere long they shall witness how this imprisonment and captivity hath become the cause of the exaltation of God's Cause and its ascendancy.

Praise be unto God that presently the situation has come to a point where we gather with spirituality and love, under the shadow of the Blessed Beauty, on Mount Carmel and in the Shrine of the Bab, with utmost fellowship and affection, engaged in singing the praise of God, with no fear, no danger, no difficulty, no harassment, no opposition, no persecution. This is the power of God. All the monarchs and the nations of the world were our enemies, but now with utmost spirituality and radiance, we are assembled beneath the bounties of Baha'u'llah.

The lamp of God's Faith grew brighter, and the fragrance of divine love perfumed the horizons of the world. This is precisely why you see that the cry of "Ya 'Aliyu'l-A'la" has reached every hearer, and the call of "Ya Bahau'l-Abha" has penetrated every heart.

Now is but the beginning of the Dispensation. The springtime of the Faith has yet to come. We have only seen the break of the dawn. Soon the sun of the Cause will rise, and its effulgence will envelop the whole earth, bestowing life and energy.

Despite this, day by day more people fell to searching and joined the ranks of the believers and resisted the deniers. They solved the difficulties of divine questions, revealed the secrets of the signs and traces, destroyed the foundation of vain imaginings and traditions, and gave the souls awareness of the original basis of religion and faith.

He said: "Know ye and be confident that whatever occurs is the cause of the exaltation of the Cause of God."

Then He added: "When the Bab was martyred the friends were grief-stricken and disheartened while the enemies were greatly rejoicing, saying 'Praise be to God, the Bab was martyred.' But had the Bab not been martyred, the Blessed Beauty would not have declared His Cause.

Later, when the Blessed Beauty was exiled, the friends were grief-stricken and disheartened while the enemies rejoiced, saying 'Praise be to God, Baha'u'llah was exiled.' But had the Blessed Beauty not been exiled, the Tablet to the King and the Tablet to Ra'is would not have been revealed and the Cause of God would not have been spread abroad.

Thus it becomes evident that whatever occurs is the cause of the exaltation of the Cause of God, and an unseen hand is at work."

The Cause of God, day by day, grew in elevation, and its power became manifest from every direction. In none of the prisons was such ascendancy witnessed, for this manifest injustice was visited upon those who circle round the Throne without any cause.

Despite these hardships and interruption of communications, the penetration of the Word of God continued to increase throughout all the world and the diffusion of the divine fragrances grew stronger. All affairs in all lands and regions were declining except the Cause of God, which spread day by day.

O friends of God! The day is approaching when the Sun of Truth will scatter these dense clouds and its gleaming rays will illuminate the whole earth. The sighing of the oppressed will be transformed into joy and their suffering into the words "Blessed are we!" The cry of Ya Baha'u'l-Abha! will arise from every stone, clay clod, and tree; and the shout of "Glorified be my Lord, the Most High!" will be uplifted from every plain, desert, and mountaintop. The paradise of Abha will encompass the whole earth, and the blessed Tree will overshadow all regions.

Such was the confusion reigning in Persia at this time - a people in revolt! For years murder and martyrdom were everyday occurences. Up to the time when Baha'u'llah was exiled to Bagdad, every means conceivable was used to annihilate his teachings' but for one man killed, a hundred have come forward; for one family destroyed, a hundred have arisen and in this proportion are the friends of justice increasing in Persia and throughout the world.

The more they killed the Bahais, the more the light spread. The more they tried to raze the cause to its foundation, the stronger it became. The more they tried to cover up this light, the brighter it shone. The darker and dingier the prisons, the clearer became the illumination.

But the banishment of Baha'u'llah, the Blessed Perfection, instead of resulting in the extermination of the Cause in the country proved just the contrary; the fame became more widely circulated; the teachings of the Blessed Perfection became more widely promulgated in Persia. Through the power of God he was able to hoist his banner. If at first it was a lamp, it became a flame. If it was a star, it became a mighty sun. The fame of the Cause of the Blessed Perfection went as far as the East and the West.

However, this is not because freedom helps with the diffusion and propagation of our Cause, as it is the opposite -- namely, our Cause grows better in a repressive environment."

They all agreed upon the fact that soon there will be left no trace from us, that the young plant of the Baha'i Cause will be completely uprooted and its fragrant flowers soon withered. But today each one of those Pashas is afflicted with military or civil punishments, they are all scattered to the winds but the Baha'i Cause has become triumphant and with the greatest freedom I am am [sic] living in Egypt. The events of the time have clearly shown us whose Cause was the spirit of the age."

All the changes and disturbances in the world contribute to the promotion of this glorious Cause and consolidate its unifying forces. This blessed tree will grow and develop. No power under the sun will stop its progress. The spirit of the Cause will never become weak, its sight will not be dimmed, its hearing will not be list, its hands and feet will not be paralyzed nor its faculties atrophied.

Not by the means which you fondly imagine will an almighty Providence accomplish the triumph of His Faith. Through the poor and lowly of this land, by the blood which these shall have shed in His path, will the omnipotent Sovereign ensure the preservation and consolidate the foundation of His Cause.

Ere long will the people of the earth turn towards God, for the Will of God is sovereign and all-encompassing. … The helpless servants have been prevented from the Truth by those possessed of ulterior motives, but soon shall the veils be rent asunder and eyes shall be blessed with beholding the light of the Sun of Truth.

Through the blood which they shed the earth hath been impregnated with the wondrous revelations of Thy might and the gem-like signs of Thy glorious sovereignty. Ere-long shall she tell out her tidings, when the set time is come.

Notwithstanding these decisions of great doctors and reverend lawyers, and severe punishments and reprimands - beatings, banishments, and imprisonments - on the part of governors, this sect was daily on the increase, and the discussion and disputation was such that in meetings and assemblies in all parts of Persia there was no conversation but on this topic. Great was the commotion which arose: the doctors of the Perspicuous Religion were lamenting, the common folk clamorous and agitated, and the Friends rejoicing and applauding.

After His ascension, all the governments and peoples of the world expected that His luminous Orb would set and His sheltering shade would be withdrawn. They waited for His upraised standard to be hauled down and the light shining from His brow to fade away and be no more. All grace and bounty are His; for instead, the lamp of His Cause glowed luminous, and the morning light of His loving providence shone resplendent.

How else could the planet have been rocked from pole to pole? How else could Persia have become the focal point of scattering splendours, and Asia Minor the radiating heart of the beauty of the Lord?

However else could the flame of the Manifestation have spread into the south? By what means could the cries of God have been heard in the far north? How else could His summons have been heard in the continents of America and of Africa the dark?

Do not let your hearts be troubled by these defamatory writings! Obey the words of Baha'u'llah and answer them not. Rejoice, rather, that even these falsehoods will result in the spread of the truth. When these slanders appear inquiries are made, and those who inquire are led into a knowledge of the Faith.

O Baha'u'llah! What hast Thou done? O Baha'u'llah! May my life be sacrificed for Thee! O Baha'u'llah! May my soul be offered up for Thy sake! How full were Thy days with trials and tribulations! How severe the ordeals Thou didst endure! How solid the foundation Thou hast finally laid, and how glorious the banner Thou didst hoist!

And unto thee, O Prince, it behoveth to abandon the things of the flesh and the concerns of politics, for beneath them lieth neither profit nor abiding gain, and to immerse thyself in the ocean of spiritual things, to enter the Kingdom, and to detach thyself from the world of dust; to raise aloft the banner of the Lord of Hosts; to bestow the spirit of everlasting life upon every created thing; to be born of the Spirit; and to become a heavenly, spiritual, merciful, and godly teacher, from whose tongue the teachings of the Kingdom may pour forth even as a torrent rusheth down from the lofty mountain. Then shalt thou blossom in the gardens of the Most Great Bestowal like unto a crimson rose, and from thee shall a sweet musk-laden fragrance be diffused, perfuming all regions with the breaths of thy Lord, the Most High. Thereupon shall every difficulty be dissolved, every hope be fulfilled, souls be educated, the morals of all men be refined, minds advance, and chastity and the love of goodness be firmly established in hearts made mindful through the remembrance of God; and the divine fragrances shall perfume every country and every land. Wherefore, cleave thou unto the way of Christ and walk in His spacious field, and follow the people of God in every age and clime. As to political affairs, they are but transient and partial matters, yielding neither fruit nor true advantage; no man who hath tasted the sweetness of the love of God will busy himself therewith.

And as for converse with one who is free to choose as he chooseth, speak not with him save in briefest fashion, saying only this: that the Blessed Tree hath grown and sprung up, hath waxed tall, put forth branches and leaves, blossomed, and cast its shade over most of the cities of America and over some cities of Europe; that it possesseth a wondrous growth and a hidden mystery; and that all men speak in praise of the East, of its dawning light, of its peoples and tribes, of its kings and ministers, and look upon them with admiration and reverence, whereas aforetime they mocked them, held them in contempt, and deemed the nations of the East to be the barbarians of the earth, bereft of reason, a rude and ignorant multitude, without judgment, without understanding, without resolve, and without perception. But now the whole matter hath been reversed. Glorified be He Who caused the horizons of the East to smile after their weeping, and made manifest their felicity after their misery.

Then do thou confine thyself unto this word and speak with him only in calmness, dignity, reflection, and deliberation. Be thou one who listeneth, not one who disputeth. Show him courtesy by commending his composition, its importance, and the loftiness of his thought. Then say: "According to what hath been heard, certain governments, the Anglican Church and others, slandered them before the kings and exerted themselves with their utmost endeavor until the imperial command was issued for their confinement in the fortress. Yet it is not known by what means the Protestants attained this their desire, seeing that no cause existed to call for such a measure. For they had dwelt in Syria for five and thirty years, and from them there had proceeded not the least attempt to propagate their way in those regions, nor any interference with the various classes dwelling in those lands. Rather did they live apart, while the local government continually knew their condition and conduct and never for a moment neglected to observe them. Naught occurred save that their fame was spread abroad in America and their influence appeared among the higher classes of that land. And those among the peoples of America and Europe whose hearts were turned toward them rejoice in the mention of the Sublime State and of the Persian government, and in their gatherings and exalted assemblies pray for the success and prosperity of both."

Consider the bounty and the blessing of God. Therefore, know that this Cause is progressive. No obstacles in the world can hinder it.

It is a mistake to think that the Glorious Cause may be better spread in peace and tranquility. There must always be change of position, movements, revolutions and calamities for the believers, that they may grow more powerful day by day and overcome all nations.

Thereupon We arose to promote the Cause and manifested the Face with clear sovereignty until the Cause reached the East of the earth and its West, and the power of God was made manifest and encompassed all peoples, and the hearts of the troubled were set at rest, and the sun of assurance shone forth from the horizon of might with manifest and glorious lights.

It is evident that this Cause grows in elevation day by day. At first it was confined to Shiraz, but due to critical publications it spread throughout all of Iran. Through the publications of Iran's divines, like the Tir-Shahab composition of the late Haji Muhammad Karim Khan, it spread to various lands. Then, because of newspaper publications that permitted the utmost criticism and disparagement, it spread throughout the world and rises day by day. This no one can deny, whether stranger or friend.

A new resurrection has appeared and a wondrous revival has spread abroad. The East has been illumined and the rays of the Sun have diffused throughout the West. The divine springtime in its utmost grandeur made this transient world the manifestation of infinite bounties, and an extraordinary movement occurred in the realm of minds and souls. The banner of the unity of humankind was raised aloft, and the pavilion of fellowship and love cast its shadow upon the pole of the horizons.

In Los Angeles and San Francisco great interest was manifested in the teachings of Baha'u'llah by the newspapers, universities and churches. Our addresses were lengthy, the message of the Cause was proclaimed and arguments and evidences advanced. There was no dissent. All heard the glad tidings with complete acquiescence, and praise was unanimous, even including the ministers.

Praise be to God, the effulgences of the Day-Star of Revelation are manifest from every direction. The internal party and external parties all have sought and continue to seek knowledge of this Cause. Soon shall be revealed unto them that which was hidden from them.

Observe how this Tree of Paradise became the target of the enemies' maul and axe. Surely more than twenty thousand of its branches and leaves were cut down by the sword of oppression and tyranny. Despite this, it brought forth thousands, nay millions, of new leaves and branches, such that in these days it has cast its shade over all horizons. Its verdant branch has cast its shadow upon the palace of America, and its fragrant scent has reached Asia and Africa, and ere long its shade will be cast over Australia and Europe.

This Cause is within two categories. It is either true or false. If it is true, none of these hindrances will stop its forward march and if it is false, it will disappear all by itself and there will be no need to have recourse to any drastic measure.

Alas! Alas! Those divines are unaware that the waves of the ocean of glory will surge high and the pervasive power of the Cause of God will acquire unprecedented glory. Its orb will shine resplendent and the effulgent light of its meteor will permeate the world. Its spark will develop into a flame, its luminous star into a sun, and its drop into a downpour and a flood. Its grain will grow into a harvest, its glittering gem will sparkle in every gathering, its fame will be noised abroad, and the anthem of its glorification will reach the highest heavens.

Soon the very people who reproach and censure thee will, they and their families and descendants and kindred, glory and take pride in thy existence and hold their heads high.

Because of his articles, so far, two individuals have embraced the Faith! Such attackers are the propagators of the Cause, and yet they do not know they can never hope to harm the Tree of the Cause.

But the Cause of Baha'u'llah was victorious and the fame of His Revelation spread worldwide. Every opponent was overthrown and humiliated because this Cause was supported by the All-Powerful and because His teachings answer the need of the age to promote human happiness and provide supreme guidance.

But be not grieved - despite all internal and external tribulations, the Cause of God is manifest with utmost glory and the light of God is radiant. Exalted be this bounty that has encompassed the horizons and this power that has encompassed the worlds.

...In the beginning of every Revelation adversities have prevailed, which later on have been turned into great prosperity...

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But now, praise be to God, circumstances have become such that the people of these regions are submissive. It was like this everywhere - in the beginning the Blessed Cause was unknown and the work was extremely difficult and arduous, but afterwards all would become submissive."

The endeavors and hardships of all the kings who were masters over the necks of nations were erased and destroyed, but the traversing of one step by those souls gained such expansiveness that it still covers distance through ages and centuries, and stopping is impossible and inconceivable.

The regions of the world, cities and villages in the East and West are encompassed by the darkness of ignorance and rebellion - the darkness of unknowing, the darkness of pride, the darkness of self and desire have combined. These triple darknesses, layer upon layer, have formed, leaving souls bewildered, wandering, and drowning in the sea of heedlessness and forgetfulness. But any city wherein the light of guidance has shone forth, where the protection of divine favor has arrived, and where the verses of unity have been chanted - such cities become illumined. Even if a small village attains to this mighty grace, it becomes a great city....

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A story was related of a Baha'i who was questioned by a great enemy of this Cause: 'Why did you accept this Cause?' He answered: 'because of your opposition.'

When Christ appeared, no one at all gave ear to the teachings and counsels of His Holiness Christ. They laughed; they mocked. Yet afterward, how did they hearken---willingly or unwillingly! So is it now. Though they do not listen at present, a day shall come when they will give ear, and will grieve and lament, saying: Why did we not hearken from the beginning?

The Cause has become very great. Many souls are entering it--souls with different mentalities and degrees of understanding. Complex difficulties constantly rise before us. The administration of the Cause has become most difficult. Conflicting thought and theories attack the Cause from every side.

This pen must correspond with all horizons, for the circle of the Cause of God has expanded beyond what can be imagined. Every day countless pages rain down from all directions like a downpour - ten people would be incapable of reading them, let alone writing replies.

A commotion arose and the Call of God reached the ears of the denizens of the Kingdom. Day and night were spent in questions and answers, and some souls were stirred by the breeze from the Abha Paradise. Gatherings were formed and meetings arranged, and 'Abdu'l-Baha, through the aid and favor of Baha, uttered a few words according to his weakness. But as the promised confirmation was evident, it influenced spirits and hearts like the melody of the lute and harp.

Today the influence of the Cause of God is felt in all parts of the world and there are thousands and tens of thousands believers who refer their affairs to me for adjustment.

Above all I have to bear on my shoulder the burden of the sorrows of a rapidly increasing community such as that of the Bahais.

Only good news from the believers, the glad tidings which comes from all parts of the world of the advancement of the Cause, of the unity of the believers, this, only, improves my health.

From the earliest dawn of the Morn of divine guidance, Adhirbayjan raised aloft the banner of faith and certitude, and the Cause of God thereby spread far and wide. But following the martyrdom of the Exalted One, the journey of the Blessed Beauty from Iraq to Kurdistan, and the seclusion of Yahya in a corner of oblivion, the Cause of God sank deep into apathy everywhere, even in Adhirbayjan.

O ye blessed souls! Kashan was for a time in disarray, but praise be to God, it is now radiant. The brilliant rays of the Sun of Truth have shone forth and new outpourings of grace have been bestowed. Good news from that land and region arrives continuously. I hope that that clime will witness a mighty surge and become a mighty pillar, that the Beloved Word of God will appear with the utmost sweetness and grace, and that the lamp of guidance will become the ornament of the gathering.

If the question of violation had not occurred, now the Blessed Tree would have borne fruit. It was near its blossoming, but this delayed it. If it had not been for violation, what would have been the condition of America!

The Faith of God has not penetrated Paris and the fire of the love of God has not enkindled her people to the depth it should. Of certainty, there is wisdom in this.

Yet now, while from all horizons, even from Ethiopia and Europe, the cry of "glad tidings, glad tidings!" is raised high, from that land and region no sound or call is heard. Stillness and unconsciousness and lifelessness have encompassed it.

The work hath been delayed, but it is certain that this sanctified light shall, even as it hath shone with utmost brilliance in America, cast its radiance upon India through the power of the All-Merciful.

In India it is the beginning of establishment, therefore it has some difficulty, but once the foundation is laid, the light of guidance will shine with perfect ease and comfort and "thou shalt see men enter the religion of God in troops" will be fulfilled.

Soon will the Western regions become as radiant as the horizons of the East, and the Sun of Truth shine forth with a refulgence that will cause the darkness of error to fade away and vanish.

The prestige of the Faith of God has immensely increased. Its greatness is now manifest. The day is approaching when it will have cast a tremendous tumult in men's hearts. Rejoice, therefore, O denizens of America, rejoice with exceeding gladness!

The Cause of God hath encompassed the world. Soon shall the standard of divine sanctification be raised through you and in your name throughout the world.

God be praised that from every quarter I receive the glad-tidings of the growing ascendancy of the Cause of God, and can witness evidences of the increasing influence of its spread....

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For although this brilliant Star of God's Cause will ultimately shed its rays and its light will become radiant, its beams world-embracing, and the fame of its greatness will reach the ethereal sphere, yet our desire is that we, the branches of the Divine Lote-Tree and this servant, might be instrumental in its spread and exaltation and become the means for enkindling the fire of the love of God, so that our faces might be illumined in the Abha Kingdom and the fragrance of our characters might perfume the nostrils in the Supreme Concourse.

In every hour, whatever the Divine Farmer has planted in the field of being and watered from the spring of mercy grows green and flourishing, becoming the beauty of the rose garden and the freshness of the orchard. In every moment a dewdrop arrives, with every breath a morning of divine confirmation dawns. The wondrous signs of this most great cycle become manifest and evident, and the power and grandeur of the Sovereign of Oneness becomes clear and apparent.

Erelong shall God make manifest this people upon the earth, and through them shall exalt His name, diffuse His signs, uphold His words, and proclaim His verses, in spite of those that have repudiated His truth, gainsaid His sovereignty, and cavilled at His signs.

The confirmations of Him Who is the Ever-Forgiving have wrapped every clime in light, the armies of the Company on high are rushing forward to do battle at the side of the friends of the Lord and carry the day, the fame of the Ancient Beauty -- may my life be offered up for His loved ones -- resoundeth from pole to pole and word of the Holy Cause hath spread to east and west.

O my friend! The undying Fire which the Lord of the Kingdom hath kindled in the midst of the holy Tree is burning fiercely in the midmost heart of the world. The conflagration it will provoke will envelop the whole earth. Its blazing flames will illuminate its peoples and kindreds.

They must, through the power of faith, assist the people of that land to recognize the Cause of the All-Merciful through wisdom and utterance. Verily their Lord, the Self-Subsisting, is the One with power over whatsoever He willeth. There is no God but Him, the Protector, the Mighty, the Bountiful.

Moreover, He hath manifested the signs of His power in all parts of the world and revealed His mighty Cause in every land. The melodies of His holiness have resounded in Europe, and the signs and tokens of His Revelation have been made visible to the Bulgar and the Slav. In America, His lamp hath shed its light upon the darksome night and guided souls from near and far. The fame of His majesty hath been noised abroad throughout Persia, and His servants in Tihran have come to be truly revered to a degree that is without compare in former times.

There is no land in which the fame of Thy Merciful Cause hath not been spread, and there is no region in which Thy manifest ensign hath not been hoisted! Verily, Thy voice hath reached the ears of all inhabitants of the globe, and the attracted ones have become exhilarated by its holy and divine fragrances!

O friends of my heart and soul! The earth is so illumined by the light of the Sun of Truth that the melody of the Abha Kingdom has conquered the world and the reputation of the Friends of God for holiness and purity has filled the East and the West.

Even as was clearly seen in the advent of past Manifestations, only after Their ascension did the greatness of the Cause of God and the sovereignty of His Word become clear and evident.

O ye the sincere loved ones of the Abha Beauty! In these days the Cause of God, the world over, is fast growing in power and, day by day, is spreading further and further to the utmost bounds of the earth.

The pavilions of Thy manifest Faith have been raised in every region and clime, and the tent-ropes of Thy glory have been fastened in every plain and highland, in the depths of valleys and upon every lofty hill. The darkness of error has passed away and the dawn of guidance has breathed upon the horizons. Light has spread to every quarter, the breezes of grace have wafted over all regions, the holy fragrances have been diffused, and the nostrils of the sincere have been perfumed with the fragrance of Thy love on this Day of the Covenant.

Praise be to God! The influence of the Word of God is pervading the whole world, and the breaths of holiness are perfuming the nostrils of the peoples of East and West. All the nations are astonished, and declare: "From whence ariseth this clamor, glory, and song? What is the source of this cry, this brilliance, and this blazing light?"

And my hope is that every ear may become a harvest and every grain may become the bounty and blessing of the Lord of Bestowals.

Praise be to God that we have answered the call and attended the table, partaking of those delectable spiritual foods and enjoying this bounty through which souls are quickened. We shall host nations and tribes at this table, which is the life of the world.

We have stood before all faces on a Day wherein the hearts of the learned were sorely troubled and the limbs of all names did tremble, and We have manifested the Cause without veil or concealment. Among the people were those who turned toward the horizon of Revelation, and among them were those who turned away, and among them were those who took hold of the Book with such might as could not be weakened by the hosts and armies of the world.

If such a state becomes realized, then this Cause has given its results; but if it does not attain to this summit of renunciation, then the Cause has not produced any fruit. The fruit of this Tree is Love.

Gradually, greater scholars, more deeply spiritual thinkers, will be able to answer from a Baha'i standpoint many of these questions. It is not necessary that they should be in the divine text; they can be studied and learned in the future; but at present we have not had time to evolve the Baha'i scholars who can deal with these subjects in detail, and take upon themselves to answer the abstruse points and the many unfounded doctrines which are advanced by modern philosophers.

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As to correlating philosophy with the Baha'i teachings: this is a tremendous work which scholars in the future can undertake. We must remember that not only are all the teachings not yet translated into English, but they are not even all collected yet.

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Expansion and consolidation are twin processes that must go hand in hand. The friends must not stop expansion in the name of consolidation. Deepening the newly enrolled believers generates tremendous stimulus which results in further expansion. The enrolment of new believers, on the other hand, creates a new spirit in the community and provides additional potential manpower that will reinforce the consolidation work.

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Every outward thrust into new fields, every multiplication of Baha'i institutions, must be paralleled by a deeper thrust of the roots which sustain the spiritual life of the community and ensure its sound development. From this vital, this ever-present need, attention must at no time be diverted; nor must it be, under any circumstances, neglected, or subordinated to the no less vital and urgent task of ensuring the outer expansion of Baha'i administrative institutions.

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The chosen ones of God... should not look at the depraved conditions of the society in which they live, nor at the evidences of moral degradation and frivolous conduct which the people around them display. They should not content themselves merely with relative distinction and excellence. Rather they should fix their gaze upon nobler heights by setting the counsels and exhortations of the pen of Glory as their supreme goal. Then it will be readily realized how numerous are the stages that still remain to be traversed and how far off the desired goal lies -- a goal which is none other than exemplifying heavenly morals and virtues.

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You have complained of the unsatisfactory conditions prevailing in the ... Baha'i Community: the Guardian is well aware of the situation of the Cause there, but is confident that whatever the nature of the obstacles that confront the Faith they will be eventually overcome. You should, under no circumstances, feel discouraged, and allow such difficulties, even though they may have resulted from the misconduct, or the lack of capacity and vision of certain members of the Community, to make you waver in your faith and basic loyalty to the Cause.

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The friends must be patient with each other and must realize that the Cause is still in its infancy and its institutions are not yet functioning perfectly. The greater the patience, the loving understanding and the forebearance the believers show towards each other and their shortcomings, the greater will be the progress of the whole Baha'i Community at large. The Guardian feels that, through attracting new souls, the Cause will outgrow its present limitations and function more efficiently.

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Often these trials and tests which all Baha'i communities inevitably pass through seem terrible, at the moment, but in retrospect we understand that they were due to the frailty of human nature, to misunderstandings, and to the growing pains which every Baha'i community must experience.

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It is very unfortunate that some of the believers do not seem to grasp the fact that the administrative order, the Local and National Assemblies, are the patterns for the future, however inadequate they may sometimes seem. We must obey and support these bodies, for this is the Baha'i law. Until we learn to do this we cannot make real progress.... The Baha'is are far from perfect, as individuals or when they serve on elected bodies, but the system of Baha'u'llah is perfect and gradually the believers will mature and the system will work better....

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The believers, loving the Cause above all else and putting its interests first, must be ready to bear the hardships entailed, of whatever nature they may be. Only through such persistence and self-sacrifice can we ever hope to preserve on the one hand our divine institutions intact, and on the other force ourselves to become nobler, better instruments to serve this glorious Faith.

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The Guardian is, doubtless, well aware of the existing imperfections in the administrative machinery of the Cause, but these, he strongly feels, should be attributed not to the administrative system itself, but to the administrators of the Faith, who by reason of their human limitations and imperfections can never hope to entirely fulfil those ideal conditions set forth in the Teachings. Many of the existing defects in the present-day activities of the believers, however, will as the Community develops and gains in experience be gradually removed, and healthier and more progressive conditions prevail. And it is towards the realization of this high aim that the friends should earnestly and unitedly strive.

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There are, no doubt, always grounds for criticism. The Baha'is are not perfect, and are not able, at present at least, to put into practice all the things they stand for. However, he feels that if you compare them to the people of the world in general, you will find a high average of sincerity and dedication to a great ideal, and a tangible effort being made on their part to live up to that which they preach. As time goes by, and there are larger communities of Baha'is believing in the same things, it will obviously become easier for them to put them into community practice.

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This Administrative Order is the nucleus and pattern of the World Order adumbrated by Baha'u'llah. In the course of its divinely propelled organic growth its institutions will expand, putting forth auxiliary branches and developing subordinate agencies, multiplying their activities and diversifying their functions, in consonance with the principles and purposes revealed by Baha'u'llah for the progress of the human race.

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