for the
disabilities which hinder so many Baha'i communities in Europe and
elsewhere, and even in Baha'u'llah's native land, from paying a befitting
tribute to their beloved Faith at so glorious an hour in its history. The
few remaining months of this century must witness a concentration of
effort, a scale of achievement, a spirit of heroism that will outshine
even the most daring exploits that have already immortalized the Seven
Year Plan and covered with glory its valiant prosecutors. The plea I
addressed to them, at this late hour, will, I am sure, meet with a
response no less remarkable than their past reactions to the appeals I
have felt impelled to make to them ever since the inception of the Plan.
He Who, at every stage of their collective enterprise, has so abundantly
blessed them, will, no doubt, continue to vouchsafe the blessings until
the seal of unqualified victory is set upon their epoch-making task.

August 8, 1943

THE BELOVED FAITH IS SURGING FORWARD

My heart is overflowing with joyous gratitude at the magnificent advance
made in numerous spheres of Baha'i activity. The formation of an Assembly
in the few remaining areas of the North American continent, the
consolidation of the foundation of the newly-established Assemblies, and
the preservation of the status of the Baha'i centers in all Republics of
Latin America, imperatively demand vigilant care, concentrated attention
and further self-sacrifice from the vanguard of the valiant army of
Baha'u'llah. The beloved Faith is surging forward on all fronts. Its
undefeatable, stalwart supporters, both teachers and administrators, are
steeling themselves for noble tasks, braving acute dangers, sweeping away
formidable obstacles, capturing new heights, founding mighty institutions,
winning fresh recruits and confounding the schemes of insidious enemies.
The American Baha'i community must, and will at whatever cost, despite the
pressure of events and the desolating war, maintain among its sister
communities the exalted standard of stewardship incontestably set during
the concluding years of the first Baha'i Century. The confident spirit,
unfaltering resolution animating its members, their tenacious valor,
elevated loyalty, nobleness of spirit and mighty prowess, will, ere the
expiry of the century, crown with complete victory the monumental
enterprises undertaken during the course of the fifty years of its
existence.

October 5, 1943

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