that have raged over that island in the past; the calm
and determination with which they have been so bravely faced and
surmounted; the seeds of loving fellowship that the Beloved in person has
more than once scattered in its soil; the rise, as its result, of a few
but indeed capable, reliable, devoted and experienced followers and
admirers of the Cause; the splendid and in many instances unique
opportunities that are yours--these indeed are cherished thoughts for a
land that illumines its past and should cheer its future.

I need hardly tell you how grateful and gratified I felt when I heard the
news of the actual formation of a National Council whose main object is to
guide, co-ordinate and harmonise the various activities of the friends,
and when I learned of its satisfactory composition, its harmonious
procedure and the splendid work it is achieving.

My earnest prayer is that the blessing of the Almighty may rest upon all
its deliberations, that it may be divinely guided, inspired in its work,
may smooth speedily and definitely all differences that may arise, may
promote the all-important work of Teaching, may widen the sphere of its
correspondence and exchange of news with the distant parts of the Baha'i
world, may secure through its publications a dignified and proper
presentation of the Cause to the enlightened public, and may in every
other respect prove itself capable of distinct and worthy achievements.

With abiding affection and renewed vigour I shall now await the joyful
tidings of the progress of the Cause and the extension of your activities,
and will spare no effort in sharing with the faithful, here and in other
lands, the welcome news of the progressive march of the Cause and the
unceasing labours of our British friends for the Cause of Baha'u'llah.

Your brother,
Shoghi

Letter of 23 December 1922

23 December 1922

To my beloved brethren and sisters throughout Great Britain.
Care of the members of the Baha'i Council.

Dearest Friends,

I have during the last few days been waiting eagerly for the first written
messages of my Western friends, sent to me since they have learned of my
return to the Holy Land. How great was the joy when dear Miss Rosenberg's
letter--the very first that reached me from the West--was handed to me this
evening, bearing the joyful news of the safety, the unity and the
happiness of my British friends across the seas! I read it and re-read it
with particular