Part 30 (1/2)

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers,

The various and compelling evidences of the unquenchable enthusiasm, the unbreakable resolution and the inflexible purpose of the English believers, in these days of stress, of turmoil and danger, have cheered my heart and fortified me in the discharge of my arduous and mult.i.tudinous duties and responsibilities. I feel truly proud of them all, and will, with increasing grat.i.tude and redoubled fervour, supplicate the Beloved whose Cause they are so valiantly serving, to bless, sustain, guide and protect them under all circ.u.mstances, and aid them to establish firmly the inst.i.tutions of His Faith throughout the length and breadth of their country.

Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi

Letter of 29 December 1939

29 December 1939

Dear Baha'i Brother,

I am instructed by our beloved Guardian to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of your communication of the 19th December, sent through the care of our very dear brother Dr. 'Ali, and of the twenty copies of the newly-published prayer book, as well as the last copy of the ”Baha'i Journal” and the Christmas number of ”New World Order”.

He has also received and read with deep satisfaction the statement on 'Baha'is and War' recently issued by the N.S.A., together with the teaching report prepared by your a.s.sembly, both of which he will consider for incorporation in the next issue of the ”Baha'i World”, the ma.n.u.script of which he hopes to receive in the course of January or February next....

The Guardian welcomes the plan suggested by Mr. Townshend to republish ”The Promise of All Ages” under his own name, and trusts this will serve to attract wider publicity to the Cause, and in particular to fully awaken the church officials to the significance of such direct and vigorous presentation of the Faith by so well-known and long-standing a Christian divine.

Renewing to you and your dear fellow-members and to all the friends in London, the a.s.surances of his prayers for your welfare and protection in these perilous days, and with his warmest greetings to you all....

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers,

The news of your persistent activities, your safety and protection, and above all of your unyielding resolve and undisturbed confidence in the face of the uncertainties and perils that face and surround you, have greatly cheered and heartened me in my duties and responsibilities which are now heavily pressing upon me. You are often in my thoughts and prayers at this grave hour. I cherish the brightest hopes for you, and will continue to supplicate the Almighty on your behalf.

Be a.s.sured, persevere and be happy, Shoghi

Letter of 1 January 1940

1 January 1940(29)

PROFOUNDLY GRIEVE Pa.s.sING DEARLY BELOVED OUTSTANDING CO-WORKER SITaRIH _KH_aNUM MEMORY HER GLORIOUS SERVICES IMPERISHABLE ADVISE ENGLISH COMMUNITY HOLD BEFITTING MEMORIAL GATHERINGS a.s.sURE RELATIVES MY HEARTFELT SYMPATHY LOVING FERVENT PRAYERS.

SHOGHI RABBaNi

Letter of 2 January 1940 (Teaching Conference)

2 January 1940 (Teaching Conference)