Chapter 61
I urge every individual believer, and particularly every local a.s.sembly, to endeavour to get into close touch with him, to obtain an insight into the material and spiritual conditions now prevailing in Persia and to seek a clearer understanding of the animating purpose, the distinguis.h.i.+ng features and the moving history of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah.
May his deliberations and intimate companions.h.i.+p with you serve to draw closer the ties that bind the Eastern and Western sections of the Baha'i World and prepare the way for the ultimate formation of that international body that must guard the unity, and reinforce the strength of the Baha'i Faith.
Your true brother, Shoghi
LETTER OF 9 JUNE 1929
9 June 1929
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated January 23rd 1929 and the enclosed photos of the friends in Rostock.
Though your number is still very small yet we hope that through the Master's help and confirmation it will increase until it can in its turn radiate its light to regions around.
Shoghi Effendi will remember you in his prayers and ask for you divine guidance.
Yesterday one of our prominent Persian friends, Dr. Yunis _Kh_an left for Europe. His main purpose is to visit the different centers in Germany and meet the friends. Through such travellers we hope the East and the West will become more closely united.
[From the Guardian:]
My dear co-worker:
I wish to a.s.sure you in person of my keen interest in your activities as well as of my fervent prayers for you, that the Beloved may guide your steps, cheer your heart and enable you to fulfil your most cherished desire.
Your true brother, Shoghi
LETTER OF 20 NOVEMBER 1929(4)
20 November 1929
Shoghi Effendi has been very glad to receive your letter of August and to learn of the visit of Dr. Yunis _Kh_an and Mr. Fred. Kline. He is also very pleased to know that you have already chosen a plot of land for a Baha'i home.
The Guardian has always wished to see Esslingen a great and flouris.h.i.+ng
Of course you realize that perseverance, enthusiasm and a firm faith in the ultimate success of our Cause is necessary, and when we are a.s.sisted by the Almighty there can be no doubt that all our endeavours will be crowned with success.
a.s.suring you one and all of Shoghi Effendi's warm regards and of his prayers for you,
[From the Guardian:]
With the a.s.surance of my deep affection and fervent prayers at the holy Shrines for you,
Your true brother, Shoghi
LETTER OF 30 APRIL 1930
30 April 1930
To the Friends gathered at Esslingen
At this season of the year when Baha'is throughout the world are celebrating the Ridvan festivities and are renewing their determination to work and live under the banner of Baha'u'llah, Shoghi Effendi is very glad indeed to receive your message.
He wishes me to take the opportunity and a.s.sure you of his affection and also of his wish and prayers that you may strive unitedly for the progress of the Faith and its establishment in your land. He hopes that you will stand firm, unaffected by the dark forces around us, and that you will help to carry the message of Baha'u'llah far and wide.
[From the Guardian:]
...I will continue to pray for you from the depths of my heart. The tests and trials, through which you are pa.s.sing, are for the good of our beloved Cause. Be happy and hopeful. 'Abdu'l-Baha will bless you a hundredfold for your perseverance and devoted efforts.
Your true brother, Shoghi
LETTER OF 14 DECEMBER 1930
14 December 1930
Shoghi Effendi... is extremely appreciative of your desire to serve the Cause and help to spread its message of peace throughout the world, and sincerely hopes that the time would come when you would realize this hope and attain your heart's desire.
We are, however, told and urged by the Master to consult with our friends, especially the a.s.semblies, before we undertake any important decision in our life especially when the subject pertains to any plan of service we have in mind. There are always so many circ.u.mstances to take into consideration. Personally Shoghi Effendi has no objection to any such plan of service but would much prefer to have you consider, in consultation with the friends, the subject from all its aspects, among others its financial one.
Meanwhile, Shoghi Effendi hopes that you will devote all your free time to the study of the Teachings, and at the same time help their spread in Germany. Europe with all its menaces of war surely needs the principles of the Cause that are the only foundations for a permanent establishment of peace.
LETTER OF 8 APRIL 1931
8 April 1931
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to... express his great pleasure for the service you have been rendering the friends by visiting them and telling them of your experiences in Haifa. Those who are privileged to visit the shrines and obtain from it its life-giving spirit, should on their return home, diffuse it among the friends, gladden their heart and thus draw them nearer to the source of all blessing.
You mention in your letter that Mr. Herrigel is becoming conscious of the mistake he has made. He surely ought to have studied the true situation before taking sides and expressing his opinion. This is exactly what I wrote to him on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, but he was blinded by Mrs.