the closing year of the Plan--these stand out as the
immediate requirements of the present challenging hour--requirements that
the prosecutors of the Plan must meet. The eyes of their fellow-workers in
East and West, are fixed upon them. The Concourse on high watches their
actions, and stands ready to bless and reinforce their labours. The Centre
of the Covenant Himself is eagerly waiting to witness the evidences of
their victory, and will no doubt intercede, on their behalf, before the
throne of Baha'u'llah, if they but arise resolutely and spur their
chargers into the arena of service.

The sands are indeed running out. The task that remains to be accomplished
is indeed colossal. The distractions, temptations, and pitfalls that might
interfere with its consummation are many and varied. The resources however
spiritual and material still at the disposal of the members of these
communities, are still adequate, if they but resolve to utilize them, to
the needs of the present hour. The blessings from on high, ready to be
showered upon them, are more than adequate to ensure their complete and
total victory. So much hangs on the fortunes of the present Plan! So much
must necessarily depend on the manner and the spirit in which they
discharge their terrific responsibilities, during the few fleeting months
still allotted them ere the expiry of the Plan!

I entreat them, with all the fervour of my soul, not to allow this golden
opportunity to slip from their grasp. They have, in the past, proved
themselves capable, in times of crisis, of overleaping the most formidable
barriers, and of wresting victory from the jaws of impending defeat.
Theirs is the opportunity, now if ever, to demonstrate a similar
resolution, a no less spectacular outburst of enthusiasm, an even nobler
heroism and self-sacrifice than they have ever shown in the past.

Then, and only then, will the next stage in the evolution of their common
destiny be unveiled to their eyes. Then, and only then, will the call
summoning them to press forward to yet another landmark in their history
be sounded. Then, and only then, will a still fuller measure of heavenly
prizes be laid up for them in reward for their inestimable and arduous
services in the treasuries of the Abha Kingdom by Him who alone knows how
to re-ignite His faithful servants.

April 9, 1949

Superstructure of the Shrine of the Bab

He would like you to please thank on his behalf those friend