ursuing its course contemptuous of the storms of bitter
misfortune that have raged, and which must continue to assail it, as it
forges ahead towards the promised haven of undisturbed security and peace.

Unsatisfied with the achievements which crowned the concerted efforts of
their elected representatives within the American continent, and
emboldened by the initial success of their pioneer teachers, beyond its
confines, in Great Britain, France and Germany, the community of the
American believers resolved to win in distant climes fresh recruits to the
advancing army of Baha'u'llah. Setting out from the western shores of
their native land and impelled by the indomitable energy of a new-born
faith, these itinerant teachers of the Gospel of Baha'u'llah pushed on
towards the islands of the Pacific, and as far as China and Japan,
determined to establish beyond the farthest seas the outposts of their
beloved Faith. Both at home and abroad this community had by that time
demonstrated its capacity to widen the range and consolidate the
foundations of its vast endeavors. The angry voices that had been raised
in protest against its rise were being drowned amid the acclamations with
which the East greeted its recent victories. Those ugly features that had
loomed so threateningly were gradually receding into the distance,
furnishing a still wider field to these noble warriors for the exercise of
their latent energies.

The Faith of Baha'u'llah in the continent of America had indeed been
resuscitated. Phoenix-like it had risen in all its freshness, vigor and
beauty and was now, through the voice of its triumphant exponents,
insistingly calling to 'Abdu'l-Baha, imploring Him to undertake a journey
to its shores. The first fruits of the mission entrusted to its worthy
upholders had lent such poignancy to their call that 'Abdu'l-Baha, Who had
just been delivered from the fetters of a galling tyranny, found Himself
unable to resist. His great, His incomparable, love for His own favored
children impelled Him to respond. Their passionate entreaty had, moreover,
been reinforced by the numerous invitations which representatives of
various interested organizations, whether religious, educational or
humanitarian, had extended to Him, expressing their eagerness to receive
from His own mouth an exposition of His Father's teachings.

Though bent with age, though suffering from ailments resulting from the
accumulated cares of fifty years of exil