Chapter 16
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-worker:
I am so pleased to learn that despite the anxieties and obstacles that confront and afflict the dearly-loved German believers, their devotion, loyalty, confidence and perseverance remain untarnished and unshaken. I shall be glad to contribute the sum of thirty pounds as soon as I hear that arrangements have been made for the publication of Esslemont's book, and trust and pray that ways and means will be found to bring to a successful conclusion this all-important undertaking.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
LETTER OF 25 APRIL 1938
25 April 1938
Dear Friends,
The postcard message which you had sent the Guardian on the occasion of Dr. Muhlschlegel's visit to Vienna, has just been received, and it made him immensely happy to realize that the friends in Germany and Austria have been again drawn together, and are closer than ever in the past. He hopes that the removal of the barriers which have hitherto so sadly separated the German and Austrian communities will mark the beginning of a new era of unprecedented growth and expansion in your affairs. He is certain that you are fully alive to the far-reaching possibilities which the present hour offers, and wishes you therefore to be happy and thankful, and confident in the blessings which the future has in store for you, and your dear co-workers in that land.
I take this opportunity of a.s.suring you once more of his prayers for your welfare, protection and continued guidance, and reciprocating your very kind greetings,...
[From the Guardian:]
a.s.suring you in person of my incessant prayers for your protection, guidance and happiness,
your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
LETTER OF 21 MAY 1938
21 May 1938
Dear Frau Muhlschlegel,
Many thanks from the Guardian for your very kind letter of the 11th ins.
just received, and also for the revised ma.n.u.script of the German translation of the "Dispensation of Baha'u'llah" you have sent under separate cover. He indeed appreciates Dr. Muhlschlegel's painstaking efforts in revising the text, and wishes you to a.s.sure him that he will pray that a way may be soon opened for its publication.
As regards the German "Baha'u'llah and the New Era", it would certainly rejoice your heart to know that in a letter recently
Regarding the confiscation of Baha'i literature and archives in Germany; the Guardian in a recent letter to Mr. Greeven advised him again to continue his negotiations with the authorities, but also stressed the absolute necessity of avoiding the exercise of too much pressure on them.
The situation is exceedingly delicate, and nothing short of Divine help and guidance can indeed enable the friends to obtain even this minimum of their demands from the Government.
In closing please convey the Guardian's loving appreciation and thanks to dear Frau Vautier for the word of greetings she so kindly appended to your letter. Also kindly convey to Dr. Muhlschlegel and the friends in Stuttgart his warmest and affectionate greetings....
[From the Guardian:]
Wis.h.i.+ng you and your dear and distinguished husband, the utmost success in your unceasing and n.o.ble endeavours for the promotion and protection of the Faith in these days of stress and trial, and a.s.suring you of my abiding and loving grat.i.tude.
Your true brother, Shoghi
LETTER OF 7 MAY 1939
7 May 1939
Beloved Friends,
Shoghi Effendi has received your welcome card dated April 20th, and immensely appreciates the message of love and greetings you have been moved to convey to him on the occasion of the Feast of Ridvan.
He too wishes me to extend to you his deep love and good wishes on this happy and blessed occasion, and to a.s.sure you, and our dear friends in Esslingen, of his prayers for your protection and guidance in these days of widespread gloom and distress, that your hearts may be strengthened and a.s.sured, and that you may emerge from your present-day tests and trials more united, and firmer than ever in your love and loyalty towards the Faith.
However gloomy the immediate future may seem to appear, the prospect which the distant future has in store for the community of German believers is of such immeasurable brightness as it cannot but afford the deepest comfort and encouragement to you in your moments of uttermost sorrow and distress.
More than ever to-day the Guardian's thoughts turn towards you, and our sore-tried brethren in your land, in admiration for the courage and fort.i.tude you have so well displayed in the midst of your afflictive trials, and in thanksgiving to the almighty G.o.d for having sustained and blessed you so repeatedly through His unfailing grace and mighty confirmations.
May His Spirit continue to aid and guide your Community in the distressing days yet to come....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear co-workers:
It was such a joy to hear from you. You, as well as the other German believers, are often in my thoughts and prayers. I will continue to pray for the realization of your highest hopes. Do not despair, nay be a.s.sured that a glorious future awaits you all, more brilliant than any you can imagine.
Your true brother, Shoghi
LETTER OF 6 JUNE 1939
6 June 1939
My Dear Friend,
I am directed by Shoghi Effendi to thank you for your letter of May 19th.
Although he was very sorry to hear of the deep misunderstandings and lack of unity that still exists in..., he is thankful to you for your writing him about it, and he knows full well that you wrote because you are animated with a deep desire to remove all ill-feelings among the friends there.