ions, henceforth,
increase a thousandfold" is the earnest appeal voiced by Him in those
Tablets. "Summon the people," He exhorts them, "in these countries,
capitals, islands, assemblies and churches, to enter the Abha Kingdom. The
scope of your exertions must needs be extended. The wider its range the
more striking will be the evidences of Divine assistance." "The moment,"
He solemnly affirms, "this Divine Message is carried forward by the
American believers from the shores of America and is propagated through
the continents of Europe, of Asia, of Africa and of Australia ... this
community will find itself securely established upon the throne of an
everlasting dominion.... Then will the whole earth resound with the
praises of its majesty and greatness." The Seven Year Plan, to which every
American believer is fully and irrevocably pledged, during the closing
years of the First Century of the Baha'i Era, is in itself but an initial
stage in the unfoldment of 'Abdu'l-Baha's vision of America's spiritual
destiny--a destiny which only those who will have successfully accomplished
this preliminary task can enable the rising generation who will labor
after them to fulfil in the course of the succeeding century.

April 14, 1938

DRAW NIGH UNTO BAHA'U'LLAH

Message to 1938 Convention

On this auspicious occasion when number elected representatives American
Baha'i Community is well-nigh doubly reinforced moved convey on eve
Thirtieth Convention to all delegates friends expression most loving
welcome. Gathered within House of Worship which enterprise persevering
loyalty self-abnegation American believers reared and adorned summoning
their aid vitalizing influence prayers meditations which Author their
Faith Himself revealed let them delegates visitors alike draw nigh unto
Baha'u'llah that He may draw nigh unto them. Community American believers
whose hearts have been stirred by tragic tale events immortalizing early
history their Faith whose minds have been enriched by further measure
fundamental Baha'i Teachings whose hands have been fortified by fashioning
instruments wherein embryonic World Order can mature must at so critical
stage in fortunes declining civilization seek purge galvanize their souls
through daily prayer meditation that can best sustain them in discharge
task still initial stage development. As token my gratitude to such
community entrusted beloved co-worker Mrs. Collins locks Baha'u'llah's
most p