Part 35
Nothing will further your ends more quickly than the greatest love, unity and co-operation amongst yourselves. These are the very soul of the order Baha'u'llah has come to establish in the world and when the people see these qualities and characteristics actively demonstrated in our midst, those who are receptive will hasten to join our ranks. Likewise when they see the lack of these virtues they will hesitate to embrace the Faith however much they may admire its teachings.
He will certainly pray that your Assembly may be maintained, your numbers increase, and your devotion be rewarded.
With Baha'i love,
[From the Guardian:]
Dear co-workers,
I was pleased to hear from you and receive the assurance of your love, your devotion to the interests of our beloved Faith and your determination to serve its best interests.
I will pray from the depths of my heart on your behalf, that the Almighty may bless and sustain you and enable you to win memorable victories for His Faith.
Your true brother, Shoghi
Letter of 16 September 1956
16 September 1956
Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Norwich
Dear Baha'i Brother:
Your letter of July 29th with enclosures has been received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was most happy to receive the July Jarrold Magazine and to see the article on the Faith; and also to learn from the copy of your News Letter of the activities of the believers in that locality.
The Guardian greatly appreciates the spirit animating the friends there in the service of the Cause. He sends you all his loving greetings, and assures you of his prayers for the success of your devoted labours.
With warm Baha'i greetings,
[From the Guardian:]
Assuring you of my abiding admiration of your devoted and constant endeavours for the promotion of our beloved Faith, and of my fervent prayers for the realisation of every hope you cherish for its promotion,
Your true brother, Shoghi
Letter of 8 April 1947
8 April 1947
The Baha'is of Nottingham
Dear Baha'i Friends:
Your letter, dated February 16th, was received and read by our beloved Guardian with great joy, and he has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
The news of your group having reached Assembly status was a source of deep satisfaction to him, and demonstrates what the friends can do, once they put their shoulder to the wheel!
You have every reason to feel proud of your achievement, and he hopes you will, through your correspondence and contacts with your fellow believers, encourage them to follow your example and forge ahead, in spite of every obstacle, with determination, confident that once we do our part, God is never failing in His.
He hopes your numbers will steadily increase and that many young people will be attracted to the Faith, as the part they have to play is very great and, also, their need of the Faith very great.
You may be sure his loving prayers will be offered for you, and for the success of your labours, in the Holy Shrines.
With Baha'i love,
[From the Guardian:]
May the Beloved bless your efforts in the service of our beloved Faith, and you to deepen your knowledge of the essentials of His World Order, to increase your numbers, to extend the scope of your activities, and to fulfil every desire you cherish for its promotion and consolidation.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
Letter of 30 May 1949
30 May 1949
The Baha'is of Nottingham
Dear Baha'i Friends:
Your letter to our beloved Guardian, dated May 4, has been received, and he deeply appreciates your message of devotion and affection.
His burden is indeed a heavy one, and after so many years of continuous responsibility he often feels very tired. But when he sees the loyalty of the friends and their steadfast perseverance in their tasks his heart is lightened and he feels greatly encouraged.
It is much easier to work when you see results being obtained under your very eyes, and, although in many ways his service to the Faith has been lonelier and more complicated than that of the beloved Master, yet he has had the great blessing of seeing the Cause spread out all over the world and greatly expand in many countries--such as England, India, the United State, etc.--as it never did in the days of 'Abdu'l-Baha, Who worked so unremittingly towards this end, and Who planted what we now reap.
He feels the British believers can and will--indeed must--succeed in their Plan, and his thoughts and prayers are with them very often.
With Baha'i love,
[From the Guardian:]
Dear co-workers:
Your message cheered my heart, and I wish to assure you that I greatly value your noble sentiments, and will supplicate the Beloved to bless your efforts, guide every step you take in the path of service, enable you to extend continually the range of your activities, and consolidate the work you have so splendidly inaugurated, and are so devotedly prosecuting in the service of this glorious Faith,
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
Letter of 27 October 1950
27 October 1950
The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Oxford
Dear Baha'i Friends:
Your letter of September 14 with enclosure was received, and the beloved Guardian thanks you for it.
He was pleased to see the enterprising spirit shown by Mr. Semple, and hopes his classes will produce many new contacts.
The progress made in Oxford is heartening, and he trusts still greater progress lies ahead.
With loving Baha'i greetings,
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty abundantly reward you for your patient and splendid labours, sustain and guide you at all times and under all circumstances, enable you to extend the range of your meritorious activities, and aid you to consolidate your notable and indeed historic achievements,
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
Letter of 25 December 1951
25 December 1951
Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Oxford
Dear Friends:
Your letter of December 14th has been received; and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was very pleased to hear of the progress being made; and that it has been possible to give the Message to some of the "undergrads". It is most important that the Faith should be conveyed with a sense of dignity at so important a university as Oxford; and better that the work should go forward slowly than that any mistakes should be made.
He assures you all that he deeply appreciates your devoted labours; and he hopes that you will fulfill your objective of increasing the number of believers there.
With warm Baha'i greetings,
[From the Guardian:]
May the Beloved, whose Cause you are serving with such fidelity, ability and devotion, reward you abundantly for your meritorious labours, guide every step you take, and enable you to lay a firm and unassailable foundation for the future institutions of His Faith in that historic and promising City.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
Letter of 25 December 1952
25 December 1952
The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Oxford
Dear Baha'i Friends:
Your letter of December 10th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was very happy to see that you have held another meeting in Manchester College, and hopes that the attracted ones who attended may become real students of the Faith, and eventually join its ranks.
The poem by Miss Masefield was much appreciated by the Guardian. Please assure Miss Masefield that he liked it very much, and will consider using it for a future volume of "Baha'i World". The only thing that he saw that seemed to need correction was that the word "Abha", was spelled "Abba" instead of "Abha".
He hopes that Miss Masefield, through the friendship and wise association of the members of your Group with her, will feel moved to declare herself an active member of the Faith. He will pray that this may come about.
The Guardian will also pray for the success of the devoted labours of the believers in Oxford.
With warm Baha'i love,
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty guide and sustain you always, remove all obstacles from your path, and enable you to win great and memorable victories in the service of His Faith,
Your true brother, Shoghi
Letter of 1 February 1954
1 February 1954
The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Oxford
Dear Baha'i Friends:
Your letter of January 16th with enclosure has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He thanks you very much for the expression of your sympathy, and for the newspaper clipping you enclosed.
It has indeed been a great loss to the work of the Faith, to lose such a valiant, constant and distinguished Hand as dear Dorothy Baker. It will leave a gap in the pioneer field, as well. No doubt her noble spirit will be able to assist and inspire from on high, and this must be the consolation of all her friends and admirers.
He trusts the work in Oxford is progressing steadily; and he assures you all of his loving prayers in your behalf.
With warmest Baha'i greetings,
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty bless your meritorious efforts, guide and sustain you in your activities, and enable you to win great victories in the service of His Faith,
Your true brother, Shoghi
Letter of 23 April 1954
23 April 1954
The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Oxford
Dear Baha'i Friends:
Your letter of April 9th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
Mrs. Winsten invited the Guardian if possible to view in person her portrait of 'Abdu'l-Baha. Needless to say, he thanked her for her kind invitation, but informed her this would be quite out of the question.
He is very pleased to hear that she has consented to forwarding a photograph through acquaintances of hers, and he will be very interested to see it. He will let you know if he considers the likeness sufficiently good to warrant any of the Baha'is purchasing it. It is a pity to own portraits of 'Abdu'l-Baha which do not in any way resemble Him.
Some time ago you asked him to send you a copy of the description which Miss Campbell brought to Haifa of how the artist made this drawing of 'Abdu'l-Baha. Unfortunately this has been mislaid, and it is not possible for the Guardian to send you a copy. However, the original you may be sure is safe in his papers.
He is very happy to hear of the progress of the Cause in Oxford, such a very important centre from every standpoint. He assures you all of his loving prayers for the progress of your activities, and for each and all of you.
With warmest Baha'i greetings,
[From the Guardian:]
Assuring you of my loving prayers for you all, and for the success of your efforts for the promotion of our beloved Faith,
Your true brother, Shoghi
Letter of 7 December 1954
7 December 1954
The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Oxford
Dear Baha'i Sister:
Your letter of November 30th with enclosure has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The news of the opening of the Oxford Baha'is' first Centre rejoiced his heart. He was particularly happy to know that this project was consummated and the Centre furnished and made ready for use almost entirely through the united efforts and devotion of the believers themselves.
As you know, the Guardian attaches great importance to Oxford. Now that the friends have a Centre, which in itself will be a means of attracting seeking souls to them to learn of the Faith; and also the Baha'is have made for themselves a teaching plan, he feels confident that the work will go forward there with great strides, and that your community will grow in numbers and in strength.
He will remember you all in his loving prayers in the Holy Shrines.
With loving Baha'i greetings,
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty bless continually your highly meritorious efforts, and enable you to win great and memorable victories in the service of His Faith,
Your true brother, Shoghi
Letter of 28 February 1955
28 February 1955
The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Oxford
Dear Baha'i Sister:
Your letter of February 13th with enclosures has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He is hoping that the fact that the believers now have their own Centre in Oxford will greatly stimulate the work there, and cause the more rapid expansion of the Faith in this difficult town.
The work done among the University students should be steadily pursued. Perhaps before long some among their number may determine to accept the Faith and arise whole-heartedly to serve it.
The Guardian assures you all of his loving prayers, and sends his greetings.
With warm Baha'i love,
P.S. It is not necessary to send a detailed account of the funeral of Mrs. Langdon-Davies. A short biographical account of her life should be sent by the N.S.A. for "Baha'i World".
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty bless, guide and sustain you, and enable you to achieve memorable victories in the service of our beloved Faith,
Your true brother, Shoghi
Letter of 21 March 1955
21 March 1955
Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Oxford
Dear Baha'i Sister:
Your letter of February 27th with enclosure has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He appreciates your thoughtfulness in sending to him the photostatic copy of Canon Cheyne's letter to John Craven, in which he declared himself a Baha'i, and is happy to have it.
He wishes you all a very happy New Year, and great success in your teaching activities during the coming year.
With warm Baha'i greetings,
[From the Guardian:]
Assuring you of my loving, my continued and fervent prayers for your success in the service of our beloved Faith and of its nascent institutions,
Your true brother, Shoghi
CABLES TO THE OXFORD ASSEMBLY
Letter of 25 November 1949
25 November 1949
HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS HISTORIC VICTORY ARDENT LOVING PRAYERS SURROUNDING YOUR NOBLE MISSION.
SHOGHI
Letter of 22 April 1950
22 April 1950
APPRECIATE MESSAGE LOVING REMEMBRANCE SHRINES SUPPLICATING MANIFOLD BLESSINGS.
SHOGHI
Letter of 26 October 1950
26 October 1950
OVERJOYED NOTABLE INITIAL VICTORY INTRODUCTION FAITH UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE CIRCLES ASSURE YOUNGEST PROMISING BELIEVER ARDENT PRAYERS CONCENTRATE CONSOLIDATION ACHIEVEMENT.
SHOGHI
Letter of 21 April 1954
21 April 1954
ASSEMBLY FRIENDS LOVINGLY REMEMBERED SHRINES.
SHOGHI
Letter of 26 September 1957
26 September 1957
The Baha'is of Portsmouth
Dear Baha'i Friends:
Your letter of August 23rd has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was happy to learn of the spirit of active service which animates the friends in that city, and of the practical way you are approaching the teaching work.
Through love and unity among the believers, and the wise and persistent efforts of all the Baha'is, great results should be forthcoming.
He will certainly pray for the progress of the Faith there, and for the enrollment of a number of newly-declared believers by next Ridvan.
With warm Baha'i greetings,
[From the Guardian:]
May the Beloved of our hearts, guide, bless and sustain you, remove every obstacle from your path, and graciously assist you to extend the range of your highly valued activities and consolidate your historic achievements,
Your true brother, Shoghi
Letter of 14 May 1957
14 May 1957
Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Reading
Dear Baha'i Friends:
Your letter of May 8th has been received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was delighted to receive the news of your activities, and feels that Reading can be cited as a truly exemplary community in every way. He hopes you will maintain this enviable position as the years go by.
He will certainly pray that your teaching efforts may be richly blessed, and that you may not only continue to make Baha'is, but to export them, as you have done in the case of Edinburgh.
With warm Baha'i greetings,
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty bless your highly valued activities, guide every step you take, remove every obstacle from your path, and graciously assist you to win great victories in the service of His Faith in the days to come,
Your true brother, Shoghi
EXCERPTS FROM LETTERS TO INDIVIDUALS
Over three hundred letters to individuals residing in the British Isles have been studied and passages selected which are of permanent value.
These excerpts were taken from the letters of no more than twenty believers of whom only seven corresponded regularly with the Guardian.
They have been arranged chronologically; for details of the subject matter the reader must turn to the Index.
Almost all these passages are answers given by the Guardian to questions asked in personal letters to him. It is possible therefore to catch a glimpse of the changing problems facing the Baha'i community and these frequently reflected conditions in the country as a whole. This is particularly significant in the years immediately following the Second World War for as the Guardian, in a letter written on his behalf by his secretary, wrote of the British believers,
"... he feels the greatest sympathy for them, and considers that when their present achievements are assessed in the future, people will give them a double measure of praise for having done so much when they were least fit to do it."
Letter of 28 September 1925
28 September 1925
[From the Guardian]
...I wish you, my dearest friend, to make once again a supreme effort to come to a full understanding with the friends outside.... Extend to them your generous and helping hand, approach them with a spirit of selflessness and cordiality and the result, I am confident will be indeed marvellous. My heart rejoices at the news of the growth of harmony among the friends and I feel paralysed in my work when I hear to the contrary. I am impressing on the friends in ... the absolute necessity of cultivating understanding and friendliness and consolidating the foundation of the National Assembly. For upon these National Assemblies will the Edifice of the Universal House of Justice be raised.
Letter of 28 October 1925
28 October 1925
Shoghi Effendi is much interested to hear of your literary work. He fully agrees with you that different people must be approached in different ways and that valuable work for the Baha'i Cause can be done within the Christian Churches by promoting the "Christianity of Christ". 'Abdu'l-Baha said that when people become true Christians, they will find themselves Baha'is. One or two of the best Baha'is I know were very earnest, sincere, devoted Christians and accepted the Baha'i teachings with very little difficulty and without any intervening period of religious scepticism, as an amplification and fulfilment of the teachings and prophesyings of Christ and the prophets.
Letter of 28 December 1925
28 December 1925
He is very sorry that such undesirable things are every now and then cropping up in ... and discouraging you in your work, keeping you from devoting all your spare time in teaching the Cause and spreading its principles. He does not wish you, however, to lose heart from such things. As the Cause grows its difficulties will increase and its problems will become more numerous. The friends, especially the older ones, should therefore try and stand unmoved by them. In fact the more their difficulties will increase the more they have to take courage and try to solve them. The Master has often said that sorrows are like furrows, the deeper they go the more productive the land becomes. If this problem of ... should be settled other problems will arise. Are the friends to become discouraged or are they to follow the footsteps of the Master and consider them more as chances to show their tenacity of belief and spirit of sacrifice? In short, Shoghi Effendi wishes you to keep on teaching the principles of the Cause no matter what problems may arise.
[From the Guardian:]
...Let not anxieties and disappointments overwhelm you or oppress your generous and sensitive heart. Turn to Him in prayer and remember that I am joining you in your supplications for guidance and strength. Be patient in tribulation and never relax in your efforts to promote the Divine Teachings.
Letter of 28 March 1926
28 March 1926
It must have been very distasteful to you to read some of the off-hand and ungrammatical translations that more out of necessity than choice won circulation and were even published. Furthermore, it was always the expressed wish and desire of 'Abdu'l-Baha to have proper and adequate translations that would not only convey the true spirit of the original but also possess some literary merit. And for this he emphasised the necessity of a board of translators. Such a board it has unfortunately been impossible to form as yet.
Meanwhile Shoghi Effendi, realising the urgent necessity of the translation of some of the important writings, has translated some of the passages.
Letter of 16 October 1926
16 October 1926
We should, however, be careful, as you mention in your letter, not to make this system develop into a hard and fast creed or form. The Cause is pure and free from such things and it ought to be the task of the friends to keep it broad and progressive. Man is always apt to fall into the habit of doing a thing in a certain way, and thereby become captive to prescribed forms. It should therefore be the duty of the assemblies everywhere to see that, though certain temporary measures are taken to further the Cause, they do not crystallise into hard and fast creeds.
Letter of 6 April 1928
6 April 1928
[From the Guardian]
I feel that regarding such interpretations (of verses from the Scriptures) no one has the right to impose his view or opinion and require his listeners to believe in his particular interpretation of the sacred and prophetic writings. I have no objection to your interpretations and inferences so long as they are represented as your own personal observations and reflections. It would be unnecessary and confusing to state authoritatively and officially a dogmatic Baha'i interpretation to be universally accepted and taught by believers. Such matters I feel should be left to the personal judgement and insight of individual teachers....
Letter of 12 December 1929
12 December 1929
Ever since its inception (the "Baha'i World") Shoghi Effendi has cherished the hope of making it a work that would prove interesting and illuminating to the reader. Destined mainly for the non-Baha'is, he has tried to attract through its pages the attention of educated and enlightened people and especially leaders in every country, with a view to acquaint them with the broad and fundamental principles of the Faith and to win their consideration of the Movement as a growing force for good and for peace throughout the entire world. It is therefore with lively satisfaction that he has seen the publication grow yearly in importance and this feeling has been lately enhanced very much by the words of interest or appreciation which he has received from many quarters and leading men, among which was a remarkably encouraging letter from Sir Herbert Samuel. Indeed Shoghi Effendi has made it a point to send copies to as many leading men as possible and copies of last year's issue were presented to the Emperor of Japan, the _Sh_ah of Persia and Queen Marie of Rumania.
Letter of 9 February 1930
9 February 1930