would prove well-nigh unbearable. I am sure
your heart responds to the sentiments that surge in my heart. I have a
profound admiration for the heroic manner in which you are rendering such
pioneer service to the Cause in England. May the Master sustain you,
comfort you and uphold you in your great task. Be assured of my brotherly,
unfailing prayers.

I am your true and affectionate brother,
Shoghi

Letter of 24 November 1924

24 November 1924(5)

To my dearly beloved brothers and sisters in 'Abdu'l-Baha.
Care of the English National Spiritual Assembly.

Dearest friends!

The day is drawing near when for the third time we shall commemorate the
world over the passing of our well-beloved 'Abdu'l-Baha. May we not pause
for a moment, and gather our thoughts? How has it fared with us, His
little band of followers, since that day? Whither are we now marching,
what has been our achievement?

We have but to turn our eyes to the world without to realise the
fierceness and the magnitude of the forces of darkness that are struggling
with the dawning light of the Abha Revelation. Nations, though exhausted
and disillusioned, have seemingly begun to cherish anew the spirit of
revenge, of domination, and strife. Peoples, convulsed by economic
upheavals, are slowly drifting into two great opposing camps with all
their menace of social chaos, class hatreds, and world-wide ruin. Races,
alienated more than ever before, are filled with mistrust, humiliation and
fear, and seem to prepare themselves for a fresh and fateful encounter.
Creeds and religions, caught in this whirlpool of conflict and passion,
appear to gaze with impotence and despair at this spectacle of increasing
turmoil.

Such is the plight of mankind three years after the passing of Him from
Whose lips fell unceasingly the sure message of a fast-approaching Divine
salvation. Are we by our thoughts, our words, our deeds, whether
individually or collectively, preparing the way? Are we hastening the
advent of the Day He so often foretold?

None can deny that the flame of faith and love which His mighty hand
kindled in many hearts has, despite our bereavement, continued to burn as
brightly and steadily as ever before. Who can question that His loved
ones, both in the East and the West, notwithstanding the insidious
strivings of the enemies of the Cause, have displayed a spirit of
unshakable loyalty worthy of the highest praise? What greater perseverance
and f