The Unfolding Destiny of the British Bahai Community Part 32

Notwithstanding the storm and stress raging around them, the friends in England should more than ever, firmly united behind their National a.s.sembly, and strengthened by an unshakable conviction in the ultimate triumph of their Faith, earnestly and resolutely endeavour to foster the cause of teaching. The trials and tribulations facing them should but serve to steel their resolve to leave no stone unturned until their goal has been fully accomplished. The Guardian's prayers are being ardently offered that whatever the immediate repercussions of the war may be on the British Baha'i Community, its members may, through the Divine aid and protection of Baha'u'llah, receive such guidance and strength as would enable them to face confidently and courageously the sufferings and vicissitudes of the present hour, and to arise as one body for the promulgation and wider establishment of the Faith throughout Great Britain.

Concerning your a.s.sembly's request for lantern slides of the Shrines on Mt. Carmel which you propose to use in your teaching campaign, the Guardian much regrets that no such slides are at present available here.

As regards the question of what procedure the Baha'i a.s.semblies should adopt when dissatisfied with the services of any of their officers, should such dissatisfaction involve the loyalty of an a.s.sembly officer to the Faith, he should, following a majority vote be dismissed. But in case the dissatisfaction is due to the incompetence of a member, or simply to a neglect on his part to discharge his duties, this does not const.i.tute sufficient justification to force his resignation or dismissal from the a.s.sembly. He should be kept in office until new elections are held.

The Guardian fully approves that, in view of the National Secretary's key position in the Cause at the present time, he should apply for complete exemption. He hopes that the representations the N.S.A. will make will meet with success.

In closing he wishes me to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of two copies of Lady Blomfield's book presented to him by the N.S.A., one of which he has already placed in the Library of Baha'u'llah's Mansion in Bahji....

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-worker,

I was greatly relieved to learn of the safety of the English believers and was filled with admiration through the a.s.surance you have given me of their steadfastness, their unwavering determination to labour for the spread of our beloved Faith and the defence and protection of its interests in spite of the unprecedented calamities and confusion that now afflict their country. Baha'u'llah from His station on high is watching over them, is pleased with them, and will, I feel certain, guide their steps, cheer their hearts, bless their efforts, protect their lives, and fulfil the desire of their hearts.

Gratefully and affectionately, Shoghi

Letter of 27 December 1940

27 December 1940

WIRE SAFETY LONDON MANCHESTER FRIENDS CONSTANTLY PRAYING LOVING ADMIRATION.

SHOGHI RABBaNi

Letter of 24 February 1941

24 February 1941

LETTERS JUNE JULY AUGUST ENCLOSING MINUTES ARRIVED ANSWER MAILED NOVEMBER LETTER DECEMBER NINTH JUST RECEIVED ALSO BLOMFIELD'S BOOKS CABLING HUNDRED POUNDS MY CONTRIBUTION RELIEF BELIEVERS INCESSANTLY PRAYING DEEPEST LOVE.

SHOGHI RABBaNi

Letter of 19 April 1941

19 April 1941

REJOICE SAFETY ADMIRE DAUNTLESS COURAGE MARVEL UNQUENCHABLE SPIRIT ENGLISH BELIEVERS SHARING JOYFUL NEWS n.o.bLE PERSEVERANCE WITH PILGRIMS ARRIVING IN INCREASING NUMBERS FROM NEAR AND MIDDLE EAST ALL PRAYING CONTINUED SAFETY EXTENSION ACTIVITIES SORE TRIED EXEMPLARY SERVANTS FAITH BAHa'U'LLaH THROUGHOUT BRITISH ISLES URGE PERSISTENT EFFORTS UTILISE UTMOST LIMIT PRICELESS SPIRITUAL OPPORTUNITIES PRESENT HOUR.

SHOGHI RABBaNi

Letter of 30 April 1941 (Convention)

30 April 1941 (Convention)

EXHILARATED RESOLUTION INTENSIFY TEACHING ADMIRATION HEIGHTENED PRAYING REDOUBLED FERVOUR.

SHOGHI RABBaNi

Letter of 30 April 1941

30 April 1941(30)

Dear Baha'i Friends,

Shoghi Effendi has instructed me to answer your letter to him of December 9th, 1940.

He was greatly relieved to hear from your letter and cables that all the dear friends in the British Isles are well and safe, as his thoughts have been so constantly with them during these dangerous and tragic days.

The extreme devotion to the Faith of Baha'u'llah which the English friends are evincing at such a time of trial and suffering not only sets a truly heroic example to their fellow Baha'is the world over, but greatly cheers and encourages the Guardian himself, at a time when he has every reason to long to see the Baha'is stand out as luminous examples to their fellow-men-thus leading them out of the valley of spiritual death into the glorious plains of the future World Order of Mankind.

The recently received news of the Convention's resolve to teach the Faith as never before in those islands, and to achieve new victories in this all-important field, meets not only with Shoghi Effendi's whole-hearted approval, but also evokes his profound grat.i.tude and admiration. His ardent and loving prayers continually surround you all and all the sorely tried Baha'is, who with you are toiling for the triumph of our Faith.

He was deeply touched at the spirit which impelled Lord Lamington to wish to place in the hands of the Guardian that ring which he had for so long treasured as a gift of the beloved Master. He feels that it is only befitting that this historic relic should be the property of the British Baha'is and wishes it to be kept in your National Archives. If you could send a copy of Lady Lamington's letter the Guardian would very much like to have it. a.s.suring you of the Guardian's ardent love and prayers....

[From the Guardian:]

Dearly beloved co-workers,

The message I have recently received, with the a.s.surance it gives me and the spirit it conveys, merits indeed the highest praise. The English believers in these days of increasing peril and stress, are manifesting those qualities which only those who have deeply imbibed the transforming spirit and the enn.o.bling principles of the Cause of G.o.d are able to reveal. They are by their very acts, their sufferings and exertions, and above all by the superb staunchness of their faith, laying a magnificent foundation for the spiritual edifice their hands are destined to raise in their native land. My prayers for them all will surround them wherever they labour and in every sphere of their meritorious activities.

Gratefully and affectionately, Shoghi

Letter of 15 May 1941