from being damped by my sudden disappearance from the
field of service, will henceforth be fully maintained, nay redoubled in
their intensity, that we may all together carry triumphantly to the
uttermost corners of the world the glorious Standard of Baha.

Bereft of all news whatsoever during my hours of restful seclusion, I now
feel the more the thrill of the various tidings, few but indeed promising,
that have been awaiting my return to the Holy Land. The work of the noble
Edifice that the mighty hands of the All-wise Master has reared in this
world can suffer no delay, nor can its foundations be made to totter,
whatever the apparent obstacles its enemies in their impotent wrath and
despair may throw in its way. We need not wait too long, for already from
various quarters there comes the news that the awful promises of
'Abdu'l-Baha regarding the Covenant-breakers have been strikingly
fulfilled!

But it behooves us not to dwell for a moment on these doomed and darkened
efforts, for the shining light of the Master's unfailing guidance is
beckoning us to more constructive service, to nobler and worthier
achievements.

We have, not a long time ago, with tearful eyes commemorated the world
over the passing hour of our beloved Master. Would to God it has marked in
our lives, which we all have consecrated to His service, a fresh, solemn
and unswerving resolution of devotion and fidelity to His Cause

Your brother and co-worker,
SHOGHI.

Haifa, Palestine,
December 16, 1922.

Letter of December 23rd, 1922

To the members of the National Spiritual Assembly, the elected
representatives of all believers throughout the continent of America.

Esteemed co-workers in the Vineyard of God:

To have been unable, owing to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances, to
correspond with you ever since you entered upon your manifold and arduous
duties is to me a cause of deep regret and sad surprise! I am however
assured and sustained by the conviction, never dimmed in my mind, that
whatsoever comes to pass in the Cause of God, however disquieting in its
immediate effects, is fraught with infinite Wisdom and tends ultimately to
promote its interests in the world. Indeed, our experiences of the distant
past, as well as of recent events, are too numerous and varied to permit
of any misgiving or doubt as to the truth of this basic principle--a
principle which throughout the vicissitudes of our sacred mission in this
world we m