Messages to America Part 1

Messages to America.

by Shoghi Effendi.

NABiL'S NARRATIVE

Feel impelled appeal entire body American believers to henceforth regard Nabil's soul-stirring Narrative as essential adjunct to reconstructed Teaching program, as unchallengeable textbook in their Summer Schools, as source of inspiration in all literary and artistic pursuits, as an invaluable companion in times of leisure, as indispensable preliminary to future pilgrimage to Baha'u'llah's native land, and as unfailing instrument to allay distress and resist attacks of critical, disillusioned humanity.

Cablegram June 21, 1932.

IMMORTAL SPIRIT

Greatest Holy Leaf's immortal spirit winged its flight Great Beyond.

Countless lovers her saintly life in East and West seized with pangs of anguish. Plunged in utterable sorrow humanity shall ere long recognize its irreparable loss. Our beloved Faith, well nigh crushed by devastating blow of 'Abdu'l-Baha's unexpected Ascension, now laments pa.s.sing of last remnant of Baha'u'llah, its most exalted member. Holy Family cruelly divested of its most precious great Adorning. I for my part bewail sudden removal of my sole earthly sustainer, the joy and solace of my life.

Remains will repose in the vicinity of the Holy Shrines. So grievous a bereavement necessitates suspension for nine months through Baha'i world every manner religious festivity. Inform Local a.s.semblies and groups hold in befitting manner memorial gatherings to extol a life so laden with sacred experiences, so rich in imperishable memories. Advise holding additional Commemoration Service of strictly devotional character in the Auditorium of the Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar.

Cablegram July 15, 1932

UNITED WILL, CONCERTED ACTION

I am deeply conscious of the many obstacles that stand in the path of the American believers in their stupendous endeavor to attain their goal-a goal on which our dearly beloved Greatest Holy Leaf had set her fondest hopes. I cannot, however, overlook, much as I sympathize with them in their financial tribulations and anxieties, the mysterious power that resides in the united will and concerted action of all the members of that self-sacrificing community-a community which, since the pa.s.sing of 'Abdu'l-Baha, has put an impetus to the advancement of the Cause out of all proportion to its numerical strength, its youthfulness, and experience of the powers latent in this sacred Faith. What an untold wealth of blessings will flow out of a renewed, an irrevocable resolution, representing the combined will of all the steadfast lovers of the Cause of G.o.d in that land, to carry out in its entirety during the few remaining months a Plan on which so much that is vital to its world-wide interests depends! The American believers, the stout-hearted supporters of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, have already given too many evidences of their preponderating influence in the direction of its affairs to allow the slightest disappointment to mar the radiance of their past achievements.

Their will to succeed must eventually triumph.

October 27, 1932

NON-PARTIc.i.p.aTION IN POLITICAL AFFAIRS

The handling of this delicate and vital problem regarding non-partic.i.p.ation by Baha'is of East and West in political affairs, calls for the utmost circ.u.mspection, tact, patience and vigilance, on the part of those whose function and privilege it is to guard, promote and administer the activities of a world-wide, ever-advancing Cause. The misgivings and apprehensions of individual Baha'is should be allayed and eventually completely dispelled. Any misconception of the sane and genuine patriotism that animates every Baha'i heart, if it ever obscures or perplexes the minds of responsible government officials, should be instantly and courageously dissipated. Any deliberate misrepresentation by the enemies of the Cause of G.o.d of the aims, the tenets and methods of the administrators of the Faith of Baha'u'llah should be vigorously faced and its fallacy pitilessly exposed. The Cause to which we belong stands on the threshold of an era of unprecedented expansion. Its problems are many, diverse and challenging. Our methods and ways of approach must likewise be characterized by unusual sagacity, consummate skill and wisdom. He will surely never fail us in meeting the needs of a critical hour.

March 16, 1933

PERSONALITIES SUBORDINATED

Concerning the removal of believers I feel that such a vitally important matter should be given the most serious consideration and preferably be referred to the National a.s.sembly for further consideration and final decision. We should be slow to accept and reluctant to remove. I fully approve and wholeheartedly and unreservedly uphold the principle to which you refer that personalities should not be made centers around which the community may revolve but that they should be subordinated under all conditions and however great their merits to the properly const.i.tuted a.s.semblies. You and your co-workers can never over-estimate or over-emphasize this cardinal principle of Baha'i Administration.

April 11, 1933

MOMENTOUS CONVENTION

Message to 1933 Convention

Entire Baha'i world stirred with expectations to witness results of American believers' momentous Convention. On its proceedings hang issue of incalculable benefit to world-wide Faith of Baha'u'llah. To its delegates is given great opportunity to release forces which will usher in an era whose splendor must outs.h.i.+ne the heroic age of our beloved Cause. Supreme Concourse waiting for them to seize it.

Cablegram June 1, 1933

AN EMINENT RANK

Keith's precious life offered up in sacrifice to beloved Cause in Baha'u'llah's native land. On Persian soil, for Persia's sake, she encountered, challenged and fought the forces of darkness with high distinction, indomitable will, unswerving, exemplary loyalty. The ma.s.s of her helpless Persian brethren mourns the sudden loss of their valiant emanc.i.p.ator. American believers grateful and proud of the memory of their first and distinguished martyr. Sorrow stricken, I lament my earthly separation from an invaluable collaborator, an unfailing counselor, an esteemed and faithful friend. I urge the Local a.s.semblies befittingly to organize memorial gatherings in memory of one whose international services ent.i.tled her to an eminent rank among the Hands of the Cause of Baha'u'llah.

Cablegram October 30, 1933

POTENTIALITIES OF MAJESTIC EDIFICE

Message to 1934 Convention

American believers' inspired leaders.h.i.+p steadily unfolding to Baha'is world over the potentialities of the majestic edifice heralding formative period of the Faith of Baha'u'llah. Their unerring vision conceived its matchless design. 'Abdu'l-Baha's own hands laid its cornerstone. Their dynamic faith reared its structure. Their sustained self-sacrifice crowned it with immortal glory. May the flame of their unconquerable enthusiasm continue glowing undimmed in their hearts till its naked frame is enveloped in its s.h.i.+ning mantle.

Cablegram June 4, 1934

THE VOTING RIGHT