Letter of 10 May 193610 May 1936Dear Dr. Mühlschlegel,Your letter dated May 1st with the enclosed message from the Annual Convention of the German friends have all duly arrived and been read with deepest interest and satisfaction by our beloved Guardian.He is indeed pleased to learn of the results of your national elections, and wishes me to ask you to kindly convey to the members of the new N.S.A. his hearty congratulations, as well as the assurance of his fervent supplications on their behalf at the Holy Shrines.The Guardian very much regrets, however, that the Convention has not been quite representative of the centers in Germany, and particularly deplores the fact that the Vienna community has been unable to send any delegate to the meeting. He feels the necessity of urging you to bring this matter before the N.S.A. at its next session, in order that they may strongly recommend all the local communities having an assembly to send every year at least one representative to the Convention. The Convention meeting is indeed a very important gathering, and the friends should be strongly impressed with its importance and significance. With some effort and sacrifice it is always possible for the delegates to be present at the Convention-sessions....[From the Guardian:]My very dear co-worker:I am so glad to receive such a splendid message from the Convention. To you, no doubt, must, in a very great measure, be attributed the success that has been achieved. The days of your pilgrimage will long be remembered, and I trust and pray that both you and your dear wife will as a result be assisted to lend a fresh impetus to the onward march of the Cause in Germany. Upon you rests a high responsibility, and I am sure you will rise to the height of the occasion.Affectionately,ShoghiLetter of 10 May 1936 (Convention)10 May 1936 (Convention)Dear Friends and co-workers,Dr. Mühlschlegel has kindly transmitted to the Guardian your very warm message, and he has read it with greatest pleasure and satisfaction, and felt deeply touched at the assurances of devotion and loyalty which you have been moved in conveying to him. He highly appreciates the sentiments you have expressed, and fully reciprocates your greetings and good wishes. He has been very much impressed indeed at the large number of the attendants of this year’s Convention, and hopes that in the years to come that number will continue increasing.The Annual Convention is indeed a very important gathering at which both delegates and visitors should try their very best to be present. It is a splendid and unique opportunity for the believers to come together and deliberate on the vital and pressing issues facing the Cause. It is for this reason, and also because the Convention is the sole body entrusted with the election of the N.S.A., that the friends, and particularly the delegates, should make every effort to take part in the deliberations and discussions of that annual gathering.With most loving greetings, and sincere good wishes from the Guardian to you all....[From the Guardian:]Dearly beloved friends:The Convention of the German believers marks another milestone in the notable progress achieved in recent years by the German Bahá’í Community. My heart is filled with gratitude for the manifold evidences of the tenacity of faith, the collective efforts, the consolidated unity, the administrative accomplishments and the spiritual fervour so strikingly displayed by its members. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, whose special care, love and solicitude for the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in that promising country, most of you have recognized and no doubt still remember, is truly proud of your accomplishments and is well-pleased with the spirit that so powerfully animates you in His service. His spirit will continue to overshadow you in your labours and to sustain and guide you in your exertions. Persevere and be confident.AffectionatelyShoghiLetter of 10 September 1936 (Summer School)10 September 1936 (Summer School)Beloved Bahá’í Friends,Our dear friend Miss Köstlin has kindly transmitted to the Guardian the beautiful message which you have addressed to him on the occasion of the holding of the fifth German Bahá’í Summer School at Esslingen, and I wish to hasten in thanking you on his behalf for the expressions of loving devotion and the assurances of loyalty which you have been moved in conveying to him. He profoundly values the warm sentiments you have expressed, and fully reciprocates your greetings and good wishes.What has particularly rejoiced and cheered his heart is the realisation that the Esslingen Summer School is steadily developing and is speedily attaining the character of an international meeting place for all Bahá’í residents as well as travellers throughout Europe. The success that has attended your school this year, as evidenced by both the wide range and number of the attendants, is truly encouraging and augurs well for the future of that institution which, we have every reason to hope, is destined to develop into a leading Bahá’í University throughout the West.The Guardian’s hope is that the German N.S.A. will, as in the last few years, continue extending to that school the moral as well as the financial assistance which it needs for its further expansion, and for a still wider and more effective penetration of its influence in every Bahá’í center throughout Europe.He also hopes, and indeed would urge each and every one of the believers in Germany to extend full and continued support to the N.S.A. in its highly-meritorious efforts for the extension and development of the Summer School at Esslingen. He is confident that through such a close and whole-hearted collaboration between the individual believers and the N.S.A. that school will succeed in gradually fulfilling its unique and truly noble mission, both with regard to Germany and to Europe as a whole.With the loving greetings and best wishes of the Guardian to you all,...[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued friends:I am thrilled by the tone and character of the joint message you sent me. The splendid achievements that have signalized the proceedings of this year’s summer school are a source of abiding inspiration to me in my work, and will as a powerful magnet attract future blessings upon the great and noble work which its organizers are labouring to promote. I will continue to pray for you and for your work in such a promising field and for so meritorious a purpose.Gratefully and affectionately,ShoghiLetter of 9 December 19369 December 1936Beloved Bahá’í Brothers and Sisters,Shoghi Effendi is just in receipt of the message you have written him through ... dated November 28th. How kind of you to address to him such touching and assuring words on the occasion of the anniversary of the passing of our beloved Master ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Your words have sunk deeply into his heart, and have imparted to it fresh encouragement and deep comfort. What a greater satisfaction is there for him indeed than to see the friends, and particularly his well-beloved co-workers in Germany, unitedly and harmoniously striving to spread the glad-tidings of this New Day of God? It is his most fervent hope and the object of his continued supplications at the threshold of Bahá’u’lláh that your community which is already functioning with such a remarkable vigour, unity and efficiency may rapidly gain in numbers and in strength, and become a beacon of light, the radiance of which shall gradually penetrate and envelop all the neighbouring centers and regions.Esslingen is not only one of the oldest centers of the Cause in Germany, but it is actually one of its most active, prosperous and promising communities. Your center has indeed a glorious tradition behind it, and it is high time that you all, whether young or old, rich or poor, and no matter how limited your resources and numbers, should unitedly endeavour to extend and further consolidate the basis of your teaching as well as administrative activities.The Guardian wishes you, in particular, to make a supreme effort to widen the scope of your teaching work, but would urge you to proceed in this, as well as in all other fields of Bahá’í service, with the utmost caution and wisdom, so that you may not run the danger of antagonizing or even displeasing the authorities. With this important consideration in mind, exert all your efforts and all your resources for promoting this sacred Cause of teaching in Esslingen and in the surrounding communities.With warmest greetings and hearty good wishes from the Guardian,...[From the Guardian:]Dearly-loved friends:I am profoundly touched by your message. I thank you from the depths of my heart. I feel proud of you, of your perseverance, your devotion and your loyalty. Persevere and rest assured. The Beloved is watching over you and will continue to bless your meritorious endeavours.Your true brother,ShoghiLetter of 17 March 193717 March 1937Dear Bahá’í Friends:Your message of the seventh of March is just at hand, and I wish to hasten to thank you for it on behalf of our beloved Guardian, and to renew his gratitude and appreciation for the assurances of devoted love and loyalty which you had been moved to convey to him. He very deeply values your sentiments, indeed, and greatly admires the spirit of sacrifice and of whole-hearted consecration with which you are labouring for the promotion of the Faith. The success of your efforts will assuredly depend upon the measure of unity within your group, and upon your firm resolve to uphold, in words as well as in deeds, those basic verities which the Teachings inculcate.The Guardian’s message to you is that you should constantly strive to mirror forth in your private lives, and also in your social relationships, the beauty, purity and regenerative power of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh. The Bahá’í youth of today should be an example to the youth of the world, and should therefore live up to the highest standards of conduct. Nothing short of such a close, united and concrete adherence to the ideals and teachings of the Faith by every young Bahá’í man and woman can impress and attract to it the serious attention and consideration of the world outside.It is Shoghi Effendi’s hope therefore that your youth group will make a renewed and determined effort this year to put into daily practice the principles and teachings of the Cause, and thus demonstrate to the non-Bahá’í youth of your country the tremendous power which the Bahá’í Teachings have to shape, mould and reconstruct the lives of men.He is praying to Bahá’u’lláh to bless and guide your endeavours to that end....[From the Guardian:]May the almighty power of Bahá’u’lláh bless you and keep you, shower his bestowals upon you, deepen your understanding of the fundamental verities and requirements of His Faith, and enable you to extend the range and reinforce the basis of your activities and achievements.Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 10 December 193710 December 1937Dear Frau Mühlschlegel,The Guardian was deeply rejoiced to receive your very cordial message of the first ins., and is indeed happy to know that during the next few months you will be travelling regularly to Zürich, and that you intend in this way to communicate to him any news regarding the situation of the Cause in Germany. He truly welcomes your offer, and feels that it is a most urgent and valuable service you can render the Faith.Mr. Greeven, as you may know, is in close touch with the authorities in Berlin, and has so far succeeded in inducing the government to give more sympathetic consideration to our case. The secretary of the Minister for Church affairs has promised him that the funds, books and archives will be returned, but that there can be no hope of having the government rescind the rulings entirely. The negotiations, as you see, have not been quite in vain. The friends should not feel unnecessarily agitated, but should have full confidence in the future which, we firmly believe, is gloriously bright. As in the past, the German Bahá’í Community will eventually overcome and crush such forces of opposition, and will arise, out of the storm and stress of its present-day afflictions, stronger and purer and more determined to accomplish its allotted task in the establishment of the New World Order. Assure the believers that they have no reason whatsoever to feel distressed. The Cause is God’s and is therefore in safe hands.Regarding the German translation of the “Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh”; a copy of the German text of that pamphlet prepared by Miss Grossmann was forwarded to Haifa about two months ago through the care of Frau Brauns. The Guardian wrote her in answer, that he would keep the manuscript until such time when the time and means for its publication would be found.Now he wishes to know whether the translation mentioned in your letter is the same as the one sent by Frau Brauns, or is a new rendering made by Dr. Mühlschlegel.To you, to him, as well as to all your children he sends his loving thoughts and greetings....P.S. At the Guardian’s instruction I am mailing to your address a copy of the “Bahá’í World” vol. III, as to is not certain whether you or any of the German friends has seen this latest issue of the Year book....[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-worker:I wish to assure you and through you our dearly beloved German friends that the trials to which they are subjected are but a prelude to an age of unprecedented glory and activity in the service of the Cause of God. These clouds will dissipate and the splendour of the Faith will be shed with increasing radiance. Let the Cause grow silently and acquire greater depths in the hearts of the tested believers in that land, and the day will surely come when its potentialities will be manifested in a manner that would cause every beholder to marvel.Your true brother,ShoghiLetter of 2 February 19382 February 1938Dear Frau Mühlschlegel,The Guardian was pleased to receive your letter of the 26th January last, and to hear again from you about the conditions of the Cause in Germany.He feels exceedingly sorry that the authorities have not so far lived up to their promise of returning the books, funds and archives that were confiscated, but still hopes that through the vigilant care, and the sustained and wise efforts of Mr. Greeven some definite results will be eventually obtained. The friends need not lose courage, but have full confidence in the future which, we are all certain, is immeasurably bright.Now regarding the manuscript of the German “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era”; the Guardian has learned with satisfaction that the printing of the text has been completed, and he feels that in view of the present restrictions in Germany it would not be advisable to proceed with the binding there. He would advise that the unbound copies be sent over, through the safest means possible, to the Spiritual Assembly of Vienna that they may complete the binding of as many copies as they can arrange for the distribution of the book.Not only it would be too risky, and even dangerous, to publish anything at present in Germany, but it would constitute an act of disloyalty to the government on the part of the German believers, as you no doubt well know that in such purely administrative matters the friends are under the strict obligation of obeying the authorities.As regards the manuscript of the “Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh”, the Guardian is sending you under separate cover the copy which was presented to him sometime ago by Frau Martha Brauns, with the hope that the friends may be able to arrange for its publication outside Germany.In closing kindly convey his loving thanks to dear Frau Vautier and to Mr. Leo Bernhard for the kind words they have appended to your letter. He will remember you all in his prayers at the Holy Shrines, that you may be ever assisted and guided in your efforts for the service of Bahá’u’lláh....[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-worker:The services you are rendering in these days of stress and turmoil are highly appreciated and deserve the highest praise. Kindly assure again the dear German believers of my constant prayers for them. The critical stage through which the Faith is passing in their beloved land is but one stage in its evolution, a step that will carry them farther on the glorious path they have chosen to tread. Perseverance is the virtue they mostly need at present. An All-mighty Providence is watching over them. Never must they feel disheartened. I am deeply grateful and feel truly proud of the spirit they manifest.ShoghiLetter of 31 March 193831 March 1938Dear Dr. Mühlschlegel,Your letter of the 20th ins. sent from Zürich has duly reached our beloved Guardian, and he was indeed pleased to hear from you, and was deeply touched by the messages which you and Mrs. Mühlschlegel, Mrs. Vautier and Mr. Gollmer have so kindly sent him on the occasion of your visit to Zürich. Please assure them of his keenest appreciation of the sentiments they have expressed, and of his prayers for their protection and guidance in these difficult and indeed distressing times.The Guardian is thankful for the report which you and Mr. Gollmer have given him regarding the situation of the Cause in Germany. He truly deplores the existing state of affairs, but still hopes that conditions may improve sooner or later. With the annexation of Austria, however, there is little chance of the authorities rescinding their rulings at present regarding the prohibition of the Cause, but there is every reason to believe that the assembly in Vienna will too be dissolved in the next few months.Now regarding the publication of the German edition of the Esslemont book; now that the new regime in Austria makes it quite impossible for the friends there to complete the printing of the book and arrange for its sale, the Guardian suggests that the best course to take would be for you to approach the American N.S.A. and to ask them to purchase the whole order. Owing to the expansion of the teaching work in South America, where, as you know, there are many large German communities, particularly in Argentina, there would be a great demand for this book, and the Publishing Committee of the N.S.A. might arrange to sell many copies there, and distribute some, for sale, among various other Bahá’í centers in Europe and in the East.The Guardian would further advise that you also approach the British N.S.A. who may find it possible to assist you in this matter....[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-worker:I am so pleased to learn that despite the anxieties and obstacles that confront and afflict the dearly-loved German believers, their devotion, loyalty, confidence and perseverance remain untarnished and unshaken. I shall be glad to contribute the sum of thirty pounds as soon as I hear that arrangements have been made for the publication of Esslemont’s book, and trust and pray that ways and means will be found to bring to a successful conclusion this all-important undertaking.Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 25 April 193825 April 1938Dear Friends,The postcard message which you had sent the Guardian on the occasion of Dr. Mühlschlegel’s visit to Vienna, has just been received, and it made him immensely happy to realize that the friends in Germany and Austria have been again drawn together, and are closer than ever in the past. He hopes that the removal of the barriers which have hitherto so sadly separated the German and Austrian communities will mark the beginning of a new era of unprecedented growth and expansion in your affairs. He is certain that you are fully alive to the far-reaching possibilities which the present hour offers, and wishes you therefore to be happy and thankful, and confident in the blessings which the future has in store for you, and your dear co-workers in that land.I take this opportunity of assuring you once more of his prayers for your welfare, protection and continued guidance, and reciprocating your very kind greetings,...[From the Guardian:]Assuring you in person of my incessant prayers for your protection, guidance and happiness,your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 21 May 193821 May 1938Dear Frau Mühlschlegel,Many thanks from the Guardian for your very kind letter of the 11th ins. just received, and also for the revised manuscript of the German translation of the “Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh” you have sent under separate cover. He indeed appreciates Dr. Mühlschlegel’s painstaking efforts in revising the text, and wishes you to assure him that he will pray that a way may be soon opened for its publication.As regards the German “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era”, it would certainly rejoice your heart to know that in a letter recently received from the American N.S.A. they have suggested to defray the cost of purchasing the types, and of arranging for its publication in Switzerland. The Guardian wrote them in reply approving of their suggestion, and urged them to take immediately the necessary steps, and also informed them of his offer to contribute thirty pounds towards the printing cost. He will send the sum directly to the N.S.A., as soon as he receives word from them that the necessary negotiations have been completed.Regarding the confiscation of Bahá’í literature and archives in Germany; the Guardian in a recent letter to Mr. Greeven advised him again to continue his negotiations with the authorities, but also stressed the absolute necessity of avoiding the exercise of too much pressure on them. The situation is exceedingly delicate, and nothing short of Divine help and guidance can indeed enable the friends to obtain even this minimum of their demands from the Government.In closing please convey the Guardian’s loving appreciation and thanks to dear Frau Vautier for the word of greetings she so kindly appended to your letter. Also kindly convey to Dr. Mühlschlegel and the friends in Stuttgart his warmest and affectionate greetings....[From the Guardian:]Wishing you and your dear and distinguished husband, the utmost success in your unceasing and noble endeavours for the promotion and protection of the Faith in these days of stress and trial, and assuring you of my abiding and loving gratitude.Your true brother, ShoghiLetter of 7 May 19397 May 1939Beloved Friends,Shoghi Effendi has received your welcome card dated April 20th, and immensely appreciates the message of love and greetings you have been moved to convey to him on the occasion of the Feast of Ridván.He too wishes me to extend to you his deep love and good wishes on this happy and blessed occasion, and to assure you, and our dear friends in Esslingen, of his prayers for your protection and guidance in these days of widespread gloom and distress, that your hearts may be strengthened and assured, and that you may emerge from your present-day tests and trials more united, and firmer than ever in your love and loyalty towards the Faith.However gloomy the immediate future may seem to appear, the prospect which the distant future has in store for the community of German believers is of such immeasurable brightness as it cannot but afford the deepest comfort and encouragement to you in your moments of uttermost sorrow and distress.More than ever to-day the Guardian’s thoughts turn towards you, and our sore-tried brethren in your land, in admiration for the courage and fortitude you have so well displayed in the midst of your afflictive trials, and in thanksgiving to the almighty God for having sustained and blessed you so repeatedly through His unfailing grace and mighty confirmations.May His Spirit continue to aid and guide your Community in the distressing days yet to come....[From the Guardian:]Dear co-workers:It was such a joy to hear from you. You, as well as the other German believers, are often in my thoughts and prayers. I will continue to pray for the realization of your highest hopes. Do not despair, nay be assured that a glorious future awaits you all, more brilliant than any you can imagine.Your true brother,ShoghiLetter of 6 June 19396 June 1939My Dear Friend,I am directed by Shoghi Effendi to thank you for your letter of May 19th.Although he was very sorry to hear of the deep misunderstandings and lack of unity that still exists in ..., he is thankful to you for your writing him about it, and he knows full well that you wrote because you are animated with a deep desire to remove all ill-feelings among the friends there.The fact is that the Guardian is very sad over the present condition and because it is almost impossible for him to intervene from such a distance and without hearing both sides, he has written over and over again asking that the friends should gather, should talk frankly and fully without ill-feeling and should solve their difficulty. This to Shoghi Effendi’s deep disappointment has not been possible, Mr. Herrigel has been uncompromising and firm and the result is that the Cause in ... is at a standstill. This is why Shoghi Effendi would ask everyone and especially yourself to make every effort and help the situation....[From the Guardian:]My dear co-worker:A trusted friend of ours, Dr. YunisKhán is proceeding to Germany to visit the Bahá’í centres and I trust he will be enabled to promote true understanding and sustained cooperation in.... He is most trustworthy and capable. I will continue to pray for you from the depths of my heart. Rest assured and never feel disheartened.Your true brother, ShoghiLetter of 5 November 19455 November 1945Dear Bahá’í-Brother:The message signed by you and other of our dear Bahá’í-friends, and dated Sep. 16th, Esslingen, reached our beloved Guardian, and brought great joy to his heart. He wishes you if possible to convey the following message to those who addressed him:Tell them that it was a source of deep comfort and gratification to him to receive a word of love and devotion from some of the German Bahá’ís after all these years of silence and danger. He was so happy to know they are well and have been able to meet with you and receive news of the progress of the Faith in other lands.He hopes that now that the war is over, and the regime which banned all Bahá’í activities in Germany is no more, the believers there will exert their utmost to teach this great religion of ours to their fellow-countrymen. No doubt after so many years of deep suffering and bitter disillusion there are many souls eager for the truth, and more awakened to the need of a spiritual solution for the world’s problems.Please convey his love to them all, and assure them they are, and have been, often remembered in his ardent prayers.The Guardian was so very glad to know you had been able to meet with some of the German Bahá’ís. He urges you to help and inspire them all you can.His loving prayers surround you, you may be sure...[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-workers:I was thrilled by the message you have sent, and feel profoundly thankful to Bahá’u’lláh for having preserved you and your dear co-workers in that land, and for the spirit, which, despite the sufferings and turmoil that have afflicted your country, you so powerfully display and exemplify. I cherish great hope for the future of your work, and I pray from all my heart for the Almighty’s richest blessings on your activities. Rest assure, be happy, and persevere in your historic and meritorious labours.Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiLetter of 30 December 194530 December 1945Beloved Bahá’í Friends:Your letter of April 4th has just been received by our beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer it at once on his behalf.It was with feelings of great pride and deep sorrow that he read of the sufferings of the German believers for their Faith and the persecutions they underwent so heroically, and with such unflinching loyalty, for our Holy Cause.All during these long and tragic years of war his thoughts have been with the Community of the German believers, and his prayers have constantly been offered for their protection and the lightening of their heavy burden. Other Bahá’í Communities, like France and England, have also suffered, but not to the extent of the German and Burmese friends who have been in lands ravaged by war and invasion, and in the hands, at the same time, of political parties who persecuted them.The loss of all the records of the National and Local Assemblies is indeed very great, and he hopes that your family, Dr. Mühlschlegel, Dr. Schmidt, Herr Jörn, Anna Köstlin, Frau Schweizer, Frau Schwarz—, in fact, all the old believers, will try and reconstruct from memory, and write down, as much of the history of the Cause in Germany as they can remember, so that some accurate records for the future will remain. He would also like you to write a comprehensive account of what the Bahá’ís have endured in Germany since 1937 for the “Bahá’í World”, vol. X, and send it to him as soon as possible. The news of the German believers’ activities has been sadly missed in the last two volumes, and he is anxious to have them take their place again as soon as possible.He has just written to N.S.A. of America urging them to help, and do all they can to protect the German Bahá’ís; he has also urged them to make every effort to get German Bahá’í books published, and sent to Germany as soon as possible.You all have a tremendous task before you. He knows how great is the suffering for just ordinary German citizens at present as an aftermath of the war—but in spite of these physical hardships the German believers are called upon to establish again the institutions of their Faith, teach its life-giving message to the masses, and help their country to obtain the spiritual destiny ‘Abdu’l-Bahá foresaw for it. You may be sure the Guardian and the Bahá’ís everywhere will do all in their power to help the German believers accomplish their tasks.Please assure all the friends—especially those who have lost dear ones in the war—of his most loving and ardent prayers on their behalf, and of his feelings of pride and gratitude for their devotion and loyalty to the Faith.To you all he sends his loving greetings, his deep appreciation of your spirit, and the assurance of his constant prayers....[From the Guardian:]Dearly-beloved friends:My heart is filled with joy, pride and gratitude as I witness, thru the receipt of your most welcome letter, the evidences of the protection of the Almighty and of the vitality of the faith of the long-suffering German believers, who have laboured so devotedly and valiantly during so long and crucial a period and who as a community have survived the greatest ordeal in the history of their Faith in that land. My prayers during these years of danger, of stress, of suspense and anxiety have ever surrounded them, and I rejoice to learn of their safety, their unity, their zeal, and their determination to arise and resume the great and historic work they are destined to carry to a triumphant conclusion in the years that lie ahead. The organization of spiritual assemblies, the reestablishment of the national assembly, the formation of national committees are the immediate objectives, and should, if possible be carried out with the utmost speed and vigour, for upon them will rest the expansion and consolidation of the activities of a sorely-tried Faith. I am appealing to various Bahá’í communities in East and West to lend their assistance in whatever manner possible to the arduous task of reconstruction that now faces the German believers. I long to hear of the news of the friends in other parts of that land and will do my utmost to aid them to resume their activity and services to our beloved Faith. Please assure them all of my great love, of my profound admiration, of my bright hopes for their future, of my heartfelt gratitude for their perseverance and of my fervent prayers for their future success.Your true brother,ShoghiLetter of Dec. 30th, 1945Dec. 30th, 1945Dear Bahá’í Friends:It was with great joy that the beloved Guardian received your letter of Aug. 1st, and he has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.During these long, sad, years of separation his thoughts have constantly been with the well-loved German Bahá’ís, and his ardent prayers have been offered in the Holy Shrines for their protection and the protection of the Faith there.Now that the friends are once again free to profess their beliefs, hold their meetings, teach the Cause, and uphold its institutions, he hopes they will exert their utmost to reestablish, as speedily as possible, the Bahá’í Communities of Germany. The Faith in that land had, before it was suppressed and banned, just began to enjoy the fruits of many long years of labour to promulgate it, and create its administrative bodies; he hopes that all the German Bahá’ís will unite to bring it to the former level of prosperity it enjoyed.He wishes to assure you all, and through you, all your Bahá’í brothers and sisters in Germany, that he will do all in his power to assist you in your labours, and that your fellow-Bahá’ís the world over will likewise aid you as much as they can.The beloved Master cherished very bright hopes for the future of the German Bahá’ís. His promises and prophecies will surely be fulfilled, and the Holy Faith not only be reestablished in Germany but grow and expand as never before.The Guardian has urged the American N.S.A. to supply the German Bahá’ís with literature as soon as possible; this will enable you to bring the teachings to your sore-stricken countrymen, and enlist them under the banner of Bahá’u’lláh.You may be sure the Guardian’s loving prayers surround you all and sustain you in your labours for the Cause....[From the Guardian:]Dearly-beloved Friends:Your joint and most welcome letter brought indescribable joy to my heart. I am thrilled by this latest and indeed most significant evidence of the unfailing protection of the Almighty, and of His manifold blessings vouchsafed to His dearly-beloved and worthy servants labouring so heroically for His Faith in that land. Though I am greatly saddened by the fate that has overtaken a few of them during this prolonged ordeal they have experienced, I rejoice and am filled with gratitude, pride and happiness to realize that the Faith itself has survived this fiery test, and has demonstrated its resilience, its vitality and incorruptibility after so crucial a period of stress, of suffering and danger. The duty facing the triumphant community in your land is to reconstruct, with the utmost speed and vigour its administrative institutions, and above all, its national assembly. I will appeal to our brethren in East and West to offer every assistance in their power for the rehabilitation of a community which is destined to play, in accordance with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s prophecy, so vital a role in the future orientation and expansion of the world-wide Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. I will do everything I possibly can to help it in its task and assist it in the achievement of its high destiny. I will pray and supplicate on its behalf the abundant blessings of the Almighty, that its influence may revive, its number increase, its activities multiply, its resource develop, and its mission be fulfilled.Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 8 April 19468 April 1946Dear Bahá’í Friends:Your loving message, addressed to our beloved Guardian, brought him great joy, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.We all know how dark, and spiritually dead, the world is today, and how desperately it stands in need of spiritual guidance. The Bahá’ís alone, through the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, hold the key to the solution of humanity’s ills, and as much of the tremendous work which lies ahead will perforce have to be undertaken by young people, he attaches great importance to the activities of Bahá’í Youth everywhere.He hopes you will all study deeply the teachings, as this alone will give you the foundation you need for your services to the Faith. You should also make every effort to distinguish your lives from those of other young people of your generation, and thus, by the display of Bahá’í virtues and morals, attract the interest and esteem of others.You may be sure that his loving prayers will be offered for your guidance and protection in the Holy Shrines....[From the Guardian:]Dearly-beloved friends:I was so pleased and thankful to receive your most welcome message, and to learn of the resumption of your activities to which I attach the utmost importance. I will pray for your success from the depths of my heart, and urge you to get in touch, as soon as possible, with the Bahá’í Youth in various parts of the world, and to strengthen the bonds that unite you to them, and to work in close collaboration and under the supervision of your national assembly as soon as it is elected. May the Beloved bless, sustain, and guide you at all times, and crown your activities with signal success.Your true brother,Shoghi
Letter of 10 May 193610 May 1936Dear Dr. Mühlschlegel,Your letter dated May 1st with the enclosed message from the Annual Convention of the German friends have all duly arrived and been read with deepest interest and satisfaction by our beloved Guardian.He is indeed pleased to learn of the results of your national elections, and wishes me to ask you to kindly convey to the members of the new N.S.A. his hearty congratulations, as well as the assurance of his fervent supplications on their behalf at the Holy Shrines.The Guardian very much regrets, however, that the Convention has not been quite representative of the centers in Germany, and particularly deplores the fact that the Vienna community has been unable to send any delegate to the meeting. He feels the necessity of urging you to bring this matter before the N.S.A. at its next session, in order that they may strongly recommend all the local communities having an assembly to send every year at least one representative to the Convention. The Convention meeting is indeed a very important gathering, and the friends should be strongly impressed with its importance and significance. With some effort and sacrifice it is always possible for the delegates to be present at the Convention-sessions....[From the Guardian:]My very dear co-worker:I am so glad to receive such a splendid message from the Convention. To you, no doubt, must, in a very great measure, be attributed the success that has been achieved. The days of your pilgrimage will long be remembered, and I trust and pray that both you and your dear wife will as a result be assisted to lend a fresh impetus to the onward march of the Cause in Germany. Upon you rests a high responsibility, and I am sure you will rise to the height of the occasion.Affectionately,ShoghiLetter of 10 May 1936 (Convention)10 May 1936 (Convention)Dear Friends and co-workers,Dr. Mühlschlegel has kindly transmitted to the Guardian your very warm message, and he has read it with greatest pleasure and satisfaction, and felt deeply touched at the assurances of devotion and loyalty which you have been moved in conveying to him. He highly appreciates the sentiments you have expressed, and fully reciprocates your greetings and good wishes. He has been very much impressed indeed at the large number of the attendants of this year’s Convention, and hopes that in the years to come that number will continue increasing.The Annual Convention is indeed a very important gathering at which both delegates and visitors should try their very best to be present. It is a splendid and unique opportunity for the believers to come together and deliberate on the vital and pressing issues facing the Cause. It is for this reason, and also because the Convention is the sole body entrusted with the election of the N.S.A., that the friends, and particularly the delegates, should make every effort to take part in the deliberations and discussions of that annual gathering.With most loving greetings, and sincere good wishes from the Guardian to you all....[From the Guardian:]Dearly beloved friends:The Convention of the German believers marks another milestone in the notable progress achieved in recent years by the German Bahá’í Community. My heart is filled with gratitude for the manifold evidences of the tenacity of faith, the collective efforts, the consolidated unity, the administrative accomplishments and the spiritual fervour so strikingly displayed by its members. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, whose special care, love and solicitude for the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in that promising country, most of you have recognized and no doubt still remember, is truly proud of your accomplishments and is well-pleased with the spirit that so powerfully animates you in His service. His spirit will continue to overshadow you in your labours and to sustain and guide you in your exertions. Persevere and be confident.AffectionatelyShoghiLetter of 10 September 1936 (Summer School)10 September 1936 (Summer School)Beloved Bahá’í Friends,Our dear friend Miss Köstlin has kindly transmitted to the Guardian the beautiful message which you have addressed to him on the occasion of the holding of the fifth German Bahá’í Summer School at Esslingen, and I wish to hasten in thanking you on his behalf for the expressions of loving devotion and the assurances of loyalty which you have been moved in conveying to him. He profoundly values the warm sentiments you have expressed, and fully reciprocates your greetings and good wishes.What has particularly rejoiced and cheered his heart is the realisation that the Esslingen Summer School is steadily developing and is speedily attaining the character of an international meeting place for all Bahá’í residents as well as travellers throughout Europe. The success that has attended your school this year, as evidenced by both the wide range and number of the attendants, is truly encouraging and augurs well for the future of that institution which, we have every reason to hope, is destined to develop into a leading Bahá’í University throughout the West.The Guardian’s hope is that the German N.S.A. will, as in the last few years, continue extending to that school the moral as well as the financial assistance which it needs for its further expansion, and for a still wider and more effective penetration of its influence in every Bahá’í center throughout Europe.He also hopes, and indeed would urge each and every one of the believers in Germany to extend full and continued support to the N.S.A. in its highly-meritorious efforts for the extension and development of the Summer School at Esslingen. He is confident that through such a close and whole-hearted collaboration between the individual believers and the N.S.A. that school will succeed in gradually fulfilling its unique and truly noble mission, both with regard to Germany and to Europe as a whole.With the loving greetings and best wishes of the Guardian to you all,...[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued friends:I am thrilled by the tone and character of the joint message you sent me. The splendid achievements that have signalized the proceedings of this year’s summer school are a source of abiding inspiration to me in my work, and will as a powerful magnet attract future blessings upon the great and noble work which its organizers are labouring to promote. I will continue to pray for you and for your work in such a promising field and for so meritorious a purpose.Gratefully and affectionately,ShoghiLetter of 9 December 19369 December 1936Beloved Bahá’í Brothers and Sisters,Shoghi Effendi is just in receipt of the message you have written him through ... dated November 28th. How kind of you to address to him such touching and assuring words on the occasion of the anniversary of the passing of our beloved Master ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Your words have sunk deeply into his heart, and have imparted to it fresh encouragement and deep comfort. What a greater satisfaction is there for him indeed than to see the friends, and particularly his well-beloved co-workers in Germany, unitedly and harmoniously striving to spread the glad-tidings of this New Day of God? It is his most fervent hope and the object of his continued supplications at the threshold of Bahá’u’lláh that your community which is already functioning with such a remarkable vigour, unity and efficiency may rapidly gain in numbers and in strength, and become a beacon of light, the radiance of which shall gradually penetrate and envelop all the neighbouring centers and regions.Esslingen is not only one of the oldest centers of the Cause in Germany, but it is actually one of its most active, prosperous and promising communities. Your center has indeed a glorious tradition behind it, and it is high time that you all, whether young or old, rich or poor, and no matter how limited your resources and numbers, should unitedly endeavour to extend and further consolidate the basis of your teaching as well as administrative activities.The Guardian wishes you, in particular, to make a supreme effort to widen the scope of your teaching work, but would urge you to proceed in this, as well as in all other fields of Bahá’í service, with the utmost caution and wisdom, so that you may not run the danger of antagonizing or even displeasing the authorities. With this important consideration in mind, exert all your efforts and all your resources for promoting this sacred Cause of teaching in Esslingen and in the surrounding communities.With warmest greetings and hearty good wishes from the Guardian,...[From the Guardian:]Dearly-loved friends:I am profoundly touched by your message. I thank you from the depths of my heart. I feel proud of you, of your perseverance, your devotion and your loyalty. Persevere and rest assured. The Beloved is watching over you and will continue to bless your meritorious endeavours.Your true brother,ShoghiLetter of 17 March 193717 March 1937Dear Bahá’í Friends:Your message of the seventh of March is just at hand, and I wish to hasten to thank you for it on behalf of our beloved Guardian, and to renew his gratitude and appreciation for the assurances of devoted love and loyalty which you had been moved to convey to him. He very deeply values your sentiments, indeed, and greatly admires the spirit of sacrifice and of whole-hearted consecration with which you are labouring for the promotion of the Faith. The success of your efforts will assuredly depend upon the measure of unity within your group, and upon your firm resolve to uphold, in words as well as in deeds, those basic verities which the Teachings inculcate.The Guardian’s message to you is that you should constantly strive to mirror forth in your private lives, and also in your social relationships, the beauty, purity and regenerative power of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh. The Bahá’í youth of today should be an example to the youth of the world, and should therefore live up to the highest standards of conduct. Nothing short of such a close, united and concrete adherence to the ideals and teachings of the Faith by every young Bahá’í man and woman can impress and attract to it the serious attention and consideration of the world outside.It is Shoghi Effendi’s hope therefore that your youth group will make a renewed and determined effort this year to put into daily practice the principles and teachings of the Cause, and thus demonstrate to the non-Bahá’í youth of your country the tremendous power which the Bahá’í Teachings have to shape, mould and reconstruct the lives of men.He is praying to Bahá’u’lláh to bless and guide your endeavours to that end....[From the Guardian:]May the almighty power of Bahá’u’lláh bless you and keep you, shower his bestowals upon you, deepen your understanding of the fundamental verities and requirements of His Faith, and enable you to extend the range and reinforce the basis of your activities and achievements.Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 10 December 193710 December 1937Dear Frau Mühlschlegel,The Guardian was deeply rejoiced to receive your very cordial message of the first ins., and is indeed happy to know that during the next few months you will be travelling regularly to Zürich, and that you intend in this way to communicate to him any news regarding the situation of the Cause in Germany. He truly welcomes your offer, and feels that it is a most urgent and valuable service you can render the Faith.Mr. Greeven, as you may know, is in close touch with the authorities in Berlin, and has so far succeeded in inducing the government to give more sympathetic consideration to our case. The secretary of the Minister for Church affairs has promised him that the funds, books and archives will be returned, but that there can be no hope of having the government rescind the rulings entirely. The negotiations, as you see, have not been quite in vain. The friends should not feel unnecessarily agitated, but should have full confidence in the future which, we firmly believe, is gloriously bright. As in the past, the German Bahá’í Community will eventually overcome and crush such forces of opposition, and will arise, out of the storm and stress of its present-day afflictions, stronger and purer and more determined to accomplish its allotted task in the establishment of the New World Order. Assure the believers that they have no reason whatsoever to feel distressed. The Cause is God’s and is therefore in safe hands.Regarding the German translation of the “Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh”; a copy of the German text of that pamphlet prepared by Miss Grossmann was forwarded to Haifa about two months ago through the care of Frau Brauns. The Guardian wrote her in answer, that he would keep the manuscript until such time when the time and means for its publication would be found.Now he wishes to know whether the translation mentioned in your letter is the same as the one sent by Frau Brauns, or is a new rendering made by Dr. Mühlschlegel.To you, to him, as well as to all your children he sends his loving thoughts and greetings....P.S. At the Guardian’s instruction I am mailing to your address a copy of the “Bahá’í World” vol. III, as to is not certain whether you or any of the German friends has seen this latest issue of the Year book....[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-worker:I wish to assure you and through you our dearly beloved German friends that the trials to which they are subjected are but a prelude to an age of unprecedented glory and activity in the service of the Cause of God. These clouds will dissipate and the splendour of the Faith will be shed with increasing radiance. Let the Cause grow silently and acquire greater depths in the hearts of the tested believers in that land, and the day will surely come when its potentialities will be manifested in a manner that would cause every beholder to marvel.Your true brother,ShoghiLetter of 2 February 19382 February 1938Dear Frau Mühlschlegel,The Guardian was pleased to receive your letter of the 26th January last, and to hear again from you about the conditions of the Cause in Germany.He feels exceedingly sorry that the authorities have not so far lived up to their promise of returning the books, funds and archives that were confiscated, but still hopes that through the vigilant care, and the sustained and wise efforts of Mr. Greeven some definite results will be eventually obtained. The friends need not lose courage, but have full confidence in the future which, we are all certain, is immeasurably bright.Now regarding the manuscript of the German “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era”; the Guardian has learned with satisfaction that the printing of the text has been completed, and he feels that in view of the present restrictions in Germany it would not be advisable to proceed with the binding there. He would advise that the unbound copies be sent over, through the safest means possible, to the Spiritual Assembly of Vienna that they may complete the binding of as many copies as they can arrange for the distribution of the book.Not only it would be too risky, and even dangerous, to publish anything at present in Germany, but it would constitute an act of disloyalty to the government on the part of the German believers, as you no doubt well know that in such purely administrative matters the friends are under the strict obligation of obeying the authorities.As regards the manuscript of the “Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh”, the Guardian is sending you under separate cover the copy which was presented to him sometime ago by Frau Martha Brauns, with the hope that the friends may be able to arrange for its publication outside Germany.In closing kindly convey his loving thanks to dear Frau Vautier and to Mr. Leo Bernhard for the kind words they have appended to your letter. He will remember you all in his prayers at the Holy Shrines, that you may be ever assisted and guided in your efforts for the service of Bahá’u’lláh....[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-worker:The services you are rendering in these days of stress and turmoil are highly appreciated and deserve the highest praise. Kindly assure again the dear German believers of my constant prayers for them. The critical stage through which the Faith is passing in their beloved land is but one stage in its evolution, a step that will carry them farther on the glorious path they have chosen to tread. Perseverance is the virtue they mostly need at present. An All-mighty Providence is watching over them. Never must they feel disheartened. I am deeply grateful and feel truly proud of the spirit they manifest.ShoghiLetter of 31 March 193831 March 1938Dear Dr. Mühlschlegel,Your letter of the 20th ins. sent from Zürich has duly reached our beloved Guardian, and he was indeed pleased to hear from you, and was deeply touched by the messages which you and Mrs. Mühlschlegel, Mrs. Vautier and Mr. Gollmer have so kindly sent him on the occasion of your visit to Zürich. Please assure them of his keenest appreciation of the sentiments they have expressed, and of his prayers for their protection and guidance in these difficult and indeed distressing times.The Guardian is thankful for the report which you and Mr. Gollmer have given him regarding the situation of the Cause in Germany. He truly deplores the existing state of affairs, but still hopes that conditions may improve sooner or later. With the annexation of Austria, however, there is little chance of the authorities rescinding their rulings at present regarding the prohibition of the Cause, but there is every reason to believe that the assembly in Vienna will too be dissolved in the next few months.Now regarding the publication of the German edition of the Esslemont book; now that the new regime in Austria makes it quite impossible for the friends there to complete the printing of the book and arrange for its sale, the Guardian suggests that the best course to take would be for you to approach the American N.S.A. and to ask them to purchase the whole order. Owing to the expansion of the teaching work in South America, where, as you know, there are many large German communities, particularly in Argentina, there would be a great demand for this book, and the Publishing Committee of the N.S.A. might arrange to sell many copies there, and distribute some, for sale, among various other Bahá’í centers in Europe and in the East.The Guardian would further advise that you also approach the British N.S.A. who may find it possible to assist you in this matter....[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-worker:I am so pleased to learn that despite the anxieties and obstacles that confront and afflict the dearly-loved German believers, their devotion, loyalty, confidence and perseverance remain untarnished and unshaken. I shall be glad to contribute the sum of thirty pounds as soon as I hear that arrangements have been made for the publication of Esslemont’s book, and trust and pray that ways and means will be found to bring to a successful conclusion this all-important undertaking.Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 25 April 193825 April 1938Dear Friends,The postcard message which you had sent the Guardian on the occasion of Dr. Mühlschlegel’s visit to Vienna, has just been received, and it made him immensely happy to realize that the friends in Germany and Austria have been again drawn together, and are closer than ever in the past. He hopes that the removal of the barriers which have hitherto so sadly separated the German and Austrian communities will mark the beginning of a new era of unprecedented growth and expansion in your affairs. He is certain that you are fully alive to the far-reaching possibilities which the present hour offers, and wishes you therefore to be happy and thankful, and confident in the blessings which the future has in store for you, and your dear co-workers in that land.I take this opportunity of assuring you once more of his prayers for your welfare, protection and continued guidance, and reciprocating your very kind greetings,...[From the Guardian:]Assuring you in person of my incessant prayers for your protection, guidance and happiness,your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 21 May 193821 May 1938Dear Frau Mühlschlegel,Many thanks from the Guardian for your very kind letter of the 11th ins. just received, and also for the revised manuscript of the German translation of the “Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh” you have sent under separate cover. He indeed appreciates Dr. Mühlschlegel’s painstaking efforts in revising the text, and wishes you to assure him that he will pray that a way may be soon opened for its publication.As regards the German “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era”, it would certainly rejoice your heart to know that in a letter recently received from the American N.S.A. they have suggested to defray the cost of purchasing the types, and of arranging for its publication in Switzerland. The Guardian wrote them in reply approving of their suggestion, and urged them to take immediately the necessary steps, and also informed them of his offer to contribute thirty pounds towards the printing cost. He will send the sum directly to the N.S.A., as soon as he receives word from them that the necessary negotiations have been completed.Regarding the confiscation of Bahá’í literature and archives in Germany; the Guardian in a recent letter to Mr. Greeven advised him again to continue his negotiations with the authorities, but also stressed the absolute necessity of avoiding the exercise of too much pressure on them. The situation is exceedingly delicate, and nothing short of Divine help and guidance can indeed enable the friends to obtain even this minimum of their demands from the Government.In closing please convey the Guardian’s loving appreciation and thanks to dear Frau Vautier for the word of greetings she so kindly appended to your letter. Also kindly convey to Dr. Mühlschlegel and the friends in Stuttgart his warmest and affectionate greetings....[From the Guardian:]Wishing you and your dear and distinguished husband, the utmost success in your unceasing and noble endeavours for the promotion and protection of the Faith in these days of stress and trial, and assuring you of my abiding and loving gratitude.Your true brother, ShoghiLetter of 7 May 19397 May 1939Beloved Friends,Shoghi Effendi has received your welcome card dated April 20th, and immensely appreciates the message of love and greetings you have been moved to convey to him on the occasion of the Feast of Ridván.He too wishes me to extend to you his deep love and good wishes on this happy and blessed occasion, and to assure you, and our dear friends in Esslingen, of his prayers for your protection and guidance in these days of widespread gloom and distress, that your hearts may be strengthened and assured, and that you may emerge from your present-day tests and trials more united, and firmer than ever in your love and loyalty towards the Faith.However gloomy the immediate future may seem to appear, the prospect which the distant future has in store for the community of German believers is of such immeasurable brightness as it cannot but afford the deepest comfort and encouragement to you in your moments of uttermost sorrow and distress.More than ever to-day the Guardian’s thoughts turn towards you, and our sore-tried brethren in your land, in admiration for the courage and fortitude you have so well displayed in the midst of your afflictive trials, and in thanksgiving to the almighty God for having sustained and blessed you so repeatedly through His unfailing grace and mighty confirmations.May His Spirit continue to aid and guide your Community in the distressing days yet to come....[From the Guardian:]Dear co-workers:It was such a joy to hear from you. You, as well as the other German believers, are often in my thoughts and prayers. I will continue to pray for the realization of your highest hopes. Do not despair, nay be assured that a glorious future awaits you all, more brilliant than any you can imagine.Your true brother,ShoghiLetter of 6 June 19396 June 1939My Dear Friend,I am directed by Shoghi Effendi to thank you for your letter of May 19th.Although he was very sorry to hear of the deep misunderstandings and lack of unity that still exists in ..., he is thankful to you for your writing him about it, and he knows full well that you wrote because you are animated with a deep desire to remove all ill-feelings among the friends there.The fact is that the Guardian is very sad over the present condition and because it is almost impossible for him to intervene from such a distance and without hearing both sides, he has written over and over again asking that the friends should gather, should talk frankly and fully without ill-feeling and should solve their difficulty. This to Shoghi Effendi’s deep disappointment has not been possible, Mr. Herrigel has been uncompromising and firm and the result is that the Cause in ... is at a standstill. This is why Shoghi Effendi would ask everyone and especially yourself to make every effort and help the situation....[From the Guardian:]My dear co-worker:A trusted friend of ours, Dr. YunisKhán is proceeding to Germany to visit the Bahá’í centres and I trust he will be enabled to promote true understanding and sustained cooperation in.... He is most trustworthy and capable. I will continue to pray for you from the depths of my heart. Rest assured and never feel disheartened.Your true brother, ShoghiLetter of 5 November 19455 November 1945Dear Bahá’í-Brother:The message signed by you and other of our dear Bahá’í-friends, and dated Sep. 16th, Esslingen, reached our beloved Guardian, and brought great joy to his heart. He wishes you if possible to convey the following message to those who addressed him:Tell them that it was a source of deep comfort and gratification to him to receive a word of love and devotion from some of the German Bahá’ís after all these years of silence and danger. He was so happy to know they are well and have been able to meet with you and receive news of the progress of the Faith in other lands.He hopes that now that the war is over, and the regime which banned all Bahá’í activities in Germany is no more, the believers there will exert their utmost to teach this great religion of ours to their fellow-countrymen. No doubt after so many years of deep suffering and bitter disillusion there are many souls eager for the truth, and more awakened to the need of a spiritual solution for the world’s problems.Please convey his love to them all, and assure them they are, and have been, often remembered in his ardent prayers.The Guardian was so very glad to know you had been able to meet with some of the German Bahá’ís. He urges you to help and inspire them all you can.His loving prayers surround you, you may be sure...[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-workers:I was thrilled by the message you have sent, and feel profoundly thankful to Bahá’u’lláh for having preserved you and your dear co-workers in that land, and for the spirit, which, despite the sufferings and turmoil that have afflicted your country, you so powerfully display and exemplify. I cherish great hope for the future of your work, and I pray from all my heart for the Almighty’s richest blessings on your activities. Rest assure, be happy, and persevere in your historic and meritorious labours.Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiLetter of 30 December 194530 December 1945Beloved Bahá’í Friends:Your letter of April 4th has just been received by our beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer it at once on his behalf.It was with feelings of great pride and deep sorrow that he read of the sufferings of the German believers for their Faith and the persecutions they underwent so heroically, and with such unflinching loyalty, for our Holy Cause.All during these long and tragic years of war his thoughts have been with the Community of the German believers, and his prayers have constantly been offered for their protection and the lightening of their heavy burden. Other Bahá’í Communities, like France and England, have also suffered, but not to the extent of the German and Burmese friends who have been in lands ravaged by war and invasion, and in the hands, at the same time, of political parties who persecuted them.The loss of all the records of the National and Local Assemblies is indeed very great, and he hopes that your family, Dr. Mühlschlegel, Dr. Schmidt, Herr Jörn, Anna Köstlin, Frau Schweizer, Frau Schwarz—, in fact, all the old believers, will try and reconstruct from memory, and write down, as much of the history of the Cause in Germany as they can remember, so that some accurate records for the future will remain. He would also like you to write a comprehensive account of what the Bahá’ís have endured in Germany since 1937 for the “Bahá’í World”, vol. X, and send it to him as soon as possible. The news of the German believers’ activities has been sadly missed in the last two volumes, and he is anxious to have them take their place again as soon as possible.He has just written to N.S.A. of America urging them to help, and do all they can to protect the German Bahá’ís; he has also urged them to make every effort to get German Bahá’í books published, and sent to Germany as soon as possible.You all have a tremendous task before you. He knows how great is the suffering for just ordinary German citizens at present as an aftermath of the war—but in spite of these physical hardships the German believers are called upon to establish again the institutions of their Faith, teach its life-giving message to the masses, and help their country to obtain the spiritual destiny ‘Abdu’l-Bahá foresaw for it. You may be sure the Guardian and the Bahá’ís everywhere will do all in their power to help the German believers accomplish their tasks.Please assure all the friends—especially those who have lost dear ones in the war—of his most loving and ardent prayers on their behalf, and of his feelings of pride and gratitude for their devotion and loyalty to the Faith.To you all he sends his loving greetings, his deep appreciation of your spirit, and the assurance of his constant prayers....[From the Guardian:]Dearly-beloved friends:My heart is filled with joy, pride and gratitude as I witness, thru the receipt of your most welcome letter, the evidences of the protection of the Almighty and of the vitality of the faith of the long-suffering German believers, who have laboured so devotedly and valiantly during so long and crucial a period and who as a community have survived the greatest ordeal in the history of their Faith in that land. My prayers during these years of danger, of stress, of suspense and anxiety have ever surrounded them, and I rejoice to learn of their safety, their unity, their zeal, and their determination to arise and resume the great and historic work they are destined to carry to a triumphant conclusion in the years that lie ahead. The organization of spiritual assemblies, the reestablishment of the national assembly, the formation of national committees are the immediate objectives, and should, if possible be carried out with the utmost speed and vigour, for upon them will rest the expansion and consolidation of the activities of a sorely-tried Faith. I am appealing to various Bahá’í communities in East and West to lend their assistance in whatever manner possible to the arduous task of reconstruction that now faces the German believers. I long to hear of the news of the friends in other parts of that land and will do my utmost to aid them to resume their activity and services to our beloved Faith. Please assure them all of my great love, of my profound admiration, of my bright hopes for their future, of my heartfelt gratitude for their perseverance and of my fervent prayers for their future success.Your true brother,ShoghiLetter of Dec. 30th, 1945Dec. 30th, 1945Dear Bahá’í Friends:It was with great joy that the beloved Guardian received your letter of Aug. 1st, and he has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.During these long, sad, years of separation his thoughts have constantly been with the well-loved German Bahá’ís, and his ardent prayers have been offered in the Holy Shrines for their protection and the protection of the Faith there.Now that the friends are once again free to profess their beliefs, hold their meetings, teach the Cause, and uphold its institutions, he hopes they will exert their utmost to reestablish, as speedily as possible, the Bahá’í Communities of Germany. The Faith in that land had, before it was suppressed and banned, just began to enjoy the fruits of many long years of labour to promulgate it, and create its administrative bodies; he hopes that all the German Bahá’ís will unite to bring it to the former level of prosperity it enjoyed.He wishes to assure you all, and through you, all your Bahá’í brothers and sisters in Germany, that he will do all in his power to assist you in your labours, and that your fellow-Bahá’ís the world over will likewise aid you as much as they can.The beloved Master cherished very bright hopes for the future of the German Bahá’ís. His promises and prophecies will surely be fulfilled, and the Holy Faith not only be reestablished in Germany but grow and expand as never before.The Guardian has urged the American N.S.A. to supply the German Bahá’ís with literature as soon as possible; this will enable you to bring the teachings to your sore-stricken countrymen, and enlist them under the banner of Bahá’u’lláh.You may be sure the Guardian’s loving prayers surround you all and sustain you in your labours for the Cause....[From the Guardian:]Dearly-beloved Friends:Your joint and most welcome letter brought indescribable joy to my heart. I am thrilled by this latest and indeed most significant evidence of the unfailing protection of the Almighty, and of His manifold blessings vouchsafed to His dearly-beloved and worthy servants labouring so heroically for His Faith in that land. Though I am greatly saddened by the fate that has overtaken a few of them during this prolonged ordeal they have experienced, I rejoice and am filled with gratitude, pride and happiness to realize that the Faith itself has survived this fiery test, and has demonstrated its resilience, its vitality and incorruptibility after so crucial a period of stress, of suffering and danger. The duty facing the triumphant community in your land is to reconstruct, with the utmost speed and vigour its administrative institutions, and above all, its national assembly. I will appeal to our brethren in East and West to offer every assistance in their power for the rehabilitation of a community which is destined to play, in accordance with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s prophecy, so vital a role in the future orientation and expansion of the world-wide Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. I will do everything I possibly can to help it in its task and assist it in the achievement of its high destiny. I will pray and supplicate on its behalf the abundant blessings of the Almighty, that its influence may revive, its number increase, its activities multiply, its resource develop, and its mission be fulfilled.Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 8 April 19468 April 1946Dear Bahá’í Friends:Your loving message, addressed to our beloved Guardian, brought him great joy, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.We all know how dark, and spiritually dead, the world is today, and how desperately it stands in need of spiritual guidance. The Bahá’ís alone, through the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, hold the key to the solution of humanity’s ills, and as much of the tremendous work which lies ahead will perforce have to be undertaken by young people, he attaches great importance to the activities of Bahá’í Youth everywhere.He hopes you will all study deeply the teachings, as this alone will give you the foundation you need for your services to the Faith. You should also make every effort to distinguish your lives from those of other young people of your generation, and thus, by the display of Bahá’í virtues and morals, attract the interest and esteem of others.You may be sure that his loving prayers will be offered for your guidance and protection in the Holy Shrines....[From the Guardian:]Dearly-beloved friends:I was so pleased and thankful to receive your most welcome message, and to learn of the resumption of your activities to which I attach the utmost importance. I will pray for your success from the depths of my heart, and urge you to get in touch, as soon as possible, with the Bahá’í Youth in various parts of the world, and to strengthen the bonds that unite you to them, and to work in close collaboration and under the supervision of your national assembly as soon as it is elected. May the Beloved bless, sustain, and guide you at all times, and crown your activities with signal success.Your true brother,Shoghi
Letter of 10 May 193610 May 1936Dear Dr. Mühlschlegel,Your letter dated May 1st with the enclosed message from the Annual Convention of the German friends have all duly arrived and been read with deepest interest and satisfaction by our beloved Guardian.He is indeed pleased to learn of the results of your national elections, and wishes me to ask you to kindly convey to the members of the new N.S.A. his hearty congratulations, as well as the assurance of his fervent supplications on their behalf at the Holy Shrines.The Guardian very much regrets, however, that the Convention has not been quite representative of the centers in Germany, and particularly deplores the fact that the Vienna community has been unable to send any delegate to the meeting. He feels the necessity of urging you to bring this matter before the N.S.A. at its next session, in order that they may strongly recommend all the local communities having an assembly to send every year at least one representative to the Convention. The Convention meeting is indeed a very important gathering, and the friends should be strongly impressed with its importance and significance. With some effort and sacrifice it is always possible for the delegates to be present at the Convention-sessions....[From the Guardian:]My very dear co-worker:I am so glad to receive such a splendid message from the Convention. To you, no doubt, must, in a very great measure, be attributed the success that has been achieved. The days of your pilgrimage will long be remembered, and I trust and pray that both you and your dear wife will as a result be assisted to lend a fresh impetus to the onward march of the Cause in Germany. Upon you rests a high responsibility, and I am sure you will rise to the height of the occasion.Affectionately,Shoghi
10 May 1936
Dear Dr. Mühlschlegel,
Your letter dated May 1st with the enclosed message from the Annual Convention of the German friends have all duly arrived and been read with deepest interest and satisfaction by our beloved Guardian.
He is indeed pleased to learn of the results of your national elections, and wishes me to ask you to kindly convey to the members of the new N.S.A. his hearty congratulations, as well as the assurance of his fervent supplications on their behalf at the Holy Shrines.
The Guardian very much regrets, however, that the Convention has not been quite representative of the centers in Germany, and particularly deplores the fact that the Vienna community has been unable to send any delegate to the meeting. He feels the necessity of urging you to bring this matter before the N.S.A. at its next session, in order that they may strongly recommend all the local communities having an assembly to send every year at least one representative to the Convention. The Convention meeting is indeed a very important gathering, and the friends should be strongly impressed with its importance and significance. With some effort and sacrifice it is always possible for the delegates to be present at the Convention-sessions....
[From the Guardian:]
My very dear co-worker:
I am so glad to receive such a splendid message from the Convention. To you, no doubt, must, in a very great measure, be attributed the success that has been achieved. The days of your pilgrimage will long be remembered, and I trust and pray that both you and your dear wife will as a result be assisted to lend a fresh impetus to the onward march of the Cause in Germany. Upon you rests a high responsibility, and I am sure you will rise to the height of the occasion.
Affectionately,Shoghi
Letter of 10 May 1936 (Convention)10 May 1936 (Convention)Dear Friends and co-workers,Dr. Mühlschlegel has kindly transmitted to the Guardian your very warm message, and he has read it with greatest pleasure and satisfaction, and felt deeply touched at the assurances of devotion and loyalty which you have been moved in conveying to him. He highly appreciates the sentiments you have expressed, and fully reciprocates your greetings and good wishes. He has been very much impressed indeed at the large number of the attendants of this year’s Convention, and hopes that in the years to come that number will continue increasing.The Annual Convention is indeed a very important gathering at which both delegates and visitors should try their very best to be present. It is a splendid and unique opportunity for the believers to come together and deliberate on the vital and pressing issues facing the Cause. It is for this reason, and also because the Convention is the sole body entrusted with the election of the N.S.A., that the friends, and particularly the delegates, should make every effort to take part in the deliberations and discussions of that annual gathering.With most loving greetings, and sincere good wishes from the Guardian to you all....[From the Guardian:]Dearly beloved friends:The Convention of the German believers marks another milestone in the notable progress achieved in recent years by the German Bahá’í Community. My heart is filled with gratitude for the manifold evidences of the tenacity of faith, the collective efforts, the consolidated unity, the administrative accomplishments and the spiritual fervour so strikingly displayed by its members. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, whose special care, love and solicitude for the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in that promising country, most of you have recognized and no doubt still remember, is truly proud of your accomplishments and is well-pleased with the spirit that so powerfully animates you in His service. His spirit will continue to overshadow you in your labours and to sustain and guide you in your exertions. Persevere and be confident.AffectionatelyShoghi
10 May 1936 (Convention)
Dear Friends and co-workers,
Dr. Mühlschlegel has kindly transmitted to the Guardian your very warm message, and he has read it with greatest pleasure and satisfaction, and felt deeply touched at the assurances of devotion and loyalty which you have been moved in conveying to him. He highly appreciates the sentiments you have expressed, and fully reciprocates your greetings and good wishes. He has been very much impressed indeed at the large number of the attendants of this year’s Convention, and hopes that in the years to come that number will continue increasing.
The Annual Convention is indeed a very important gathering at which both delegates and visitors should try their very best to be present. It is a splendid and unique opportunity for the believers to come together and deliberate on the vital and pressing issues facing the Cause. It is for this reason, and also because the Convention is the sole body entrusted with the election of the N.S.A., that the friends, and particularly the delegates, should make every effort to take part in the deliberations and discussions of that annual gathering.
With most loving greetings, and sincere good wishes from the Guardian to you all....
[From the Guardian:]
Dearly beloved friends:
The Convention of the German believers marks another milestone in the notable progress achieved in recent years by the German Bahá’í Community. My heart is filled with gratitude for the manifold evidences of the tenacity of faith, the collective efforts, the consolidated unity, the administrative accomplishments and the spiritual fervour so strikingly displayed by its members. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, whose special care, love and solicitude for the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in that promising country, most of you have recognized and no doubt still remember, is truly proud of your accomplishments and is well-pleased with the spirit that so powerfully animates you in His service. His spirit will continue to overshadow you in your labours and to sustain and guide you in your exertions. Persevere and be confident.
AffectionatelyShoghi
Letter of 10 September 1936 (Summer School)10 September 1936 (Summer School)Beloved Bahá’í Friends,Our dear friend Miss Köstlin has kindly transmitted to the Guardian the beautiful message which you have addressed to him on the occasion of the holding of the fifth German Bahá’í Summer School at Esslingen, and I wish to hasten in thanking you on his behalf for the expressions of loving devotion and the assurances of loyalty which you have been moved in conveying to him. He profoundly values the warm sentiments you have expressed, and fully reciprocates your greetings and good wishes.What has particularly rejoiced and cheered his heart is the realisation that the Esslingen Summer School is steadily developing and is speedily attaining the character of an international meeting place for all Bahá’í residents as well as travellers throughout Europe. The success that has attended your school this year, as evidenced by both the wide range and number of the attendants, is truly encouraging and augurs well for the future of that institution which, we have every reason to hope, is destined to develop into a leading Bahá’í University throughout the West.The Guardian’s hope is that the German N.S.A. will, as in the last few years, continue extending to that school the moral as well as the financial assistance which it needs for its further expansion, and for a still wider and more effective penetration of its influence in every Bahá’í center throughout Europe.He also hopes, and indeed would urge each and every one of the believers in Germany to extend full and continued support to the N.S.A. in its highly-meritorious efforts for the extension and development of the Summer School at Esslingen. He is confident that through such a close and whole-hearted collaboration between the individual believers and the N.S.A. that school will succeed in gradually fulfilling its unique and truly noble mission, both with regard to Germany and to Europe as a whole.With the loving greetings and best wishes of the Guardian to you all,...[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued friends:I am thrilled by the tone and character of the joint message you sent me. The splendid achievements that have signalized the proceedings of this year’s summer school are a source of abiding inspiration to me in my work, and will as a powerful magnet attract future blessings upon the great and noble work which its organizers are labouring to promote. I will continue to pray for you and for your work in such a promising field and for so meritorious a purpose.Gratefully and affectionately,Shoghi
10 September 1936 (Summer School)
Beloved Bahá’í Friends,
Our dear friend Miss Köstlin has kindly transmitted to the Guardian the beautiful message which you have addressed to him on the occasion of the holding of the fifth German Bahá’í Summer School at Esslingen, and I wish to hasten in thanking you on his behalf for the expressions of loving devotion and the assurances of loyalty which you have been moved in conveying to him. He profoundly values the warm sentiments you have expressed, and fully reciprocates your greetings and good wishes.
What has particularly rejoiced and cheered his heart is the realisation that the Esslingen Summer School is steadily developing and is speedily attaining the character of an international meeting place for all Bahá’í residents as well as travellers throughout Europe. The success that has attended your school this year, as evidenced by both the wide range and number of the attendants, is truly encouraging and augurs well for the future of that institution which, we have every reason to hope, is destined to develop into a leading Bahá’í University throughout the West.
The Guardian’s hope is that the German N.S.A. will, as in the last few years, continue extending to that school the moral as well as the financial assistance which it needs for its further expansion, and for a still wider and more effective penetration of its influence in every Bahá’í center throughout Europe.
He also hopes, and indeed would urge each and every one of the believers in Germany to extend full and continued support to the N.S.A. in its highly-meritorious efforts for the extension and development of the Summer School at Esslingen. He is confident that through such a close and whole-hearted collaboration between the individual believers and the N.S.A. that school will succeed in gradually fulfilling its unique and truly noble mission, both with regard to Germany and to Europe as a whole.
With the loving greetings and best wishes of the Guardian to you all,...
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued friends:
I am thrilled by the tone and character of the joint message you sent me. The splendid achievements that have signalized the proceedings of this year’s summer school are a source of abiding inspiration to me in my work, and will as a powerful magnet attract future blessings upon the great and noble work which its organizers are labouring to promote. I will continue to pray for you and for your work in such a promising field and for so meritorious a purpose.
Gratefully and affectionately,Shoghi
Letter of 9 December 19369 December 1936Beloved Bahá’í Brothers and Sisters,Shoghi Effendi is just in receipt of the message you have written him through ... dated November 28th. How kind of you to address to him such touching and assuring words on the occasion of the anniversary of the passing of our beloved Master ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Your words have sunk deeply into his heart, and have imparted to it fresh encouragement and deep comfort. What a greater satisfaction is there for him indeed than to see the friends, and particularly his well-beloved co-workers in Germany, unitedly and harmoniously striving to spread the glad-tidings of this New Day of God? It is his most fervent hope and the object of his continued supplications at the threshold of Bahá’u’lláh that your community which is already functioning with such a remarkable vigour, unity and efficiency may rapidly gain in numbers and in strength, and become a beacon of light, the radiance of which shall gradually penetrate and envelop all the neighbouring centers and regions.Esslingen is not only one of the oldest centers of the Cause in Germany, but it is actually one of its most active, prosperous and promising communities. Your center has indeed a glorious tradition behind it, and it is high time that you all, whether young or old, rich or poor, and no matter how limited your resources and numbers, should unitedly endeavour to extend and further consolidate the basis of your teaching as well as administrative activities.The Guardian wishes you, in particular, to make a supreme effort to widen the scope of your teaching work, but would urge you to proceed in this, as well as in all other fields of Bahá’í service, with the utmost caution and wisdom, so that you may not run the danger of antagonizing or even displeasing the authorities. With this important consideration in mind, exert all your efforts and all your resources for promoting this sacred Cause of teaching in Esslingen and in the surrounding communities.With warmest greetings and hearty good wishes from the Guardian,...[From the Guardian:]Dearly-loved friends:I am profoundly touched by your message. I thank you from the depths of my heart. I feel proud of you, of your perseverance, your devotion and your loyalty. Persevere and rest assured. The Beloved is watching over you and will continue to bless your meritorious endeavours.Your true brother,Shoghi
9 December 1936
Beloved Bahá’í Brothers and Sisters,
Shoghi Effendi is just in receipt of the message you have written him through ... dated November 28th. How kind of you to address to him such touching and assuring words on the occasion of the anniversary of the passing of our beloved Master ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Your words have sunk deeply into his heart, and have imparted to it fresh encouragement and deep comfort. What a greater satisfaction is there for him indeed than to see the friends, and particularly his well-beloved co-workers in Germany, unitedly and harmoniously striving to spread the glad-tidings of this New Day of God? It is his most fervent hope and the object of his continued supplications at the threshold of Bahá’u’lláh that your community which is already functioning with such a remarkable vigour, unity and efficiency may rapidly gain in numbers and in strength, and become a beacon of light, the radiance of which shall gradually penetrate and envelop all the neighbouring centers and regions.
Esslingen is not only one of the oldest centers of the Cause in Germany, but it is actually one of its most active, prosperous and promising communities. Your center has indeed a glorious tradition behind it, and it is high time that you all, whether young or old, rich or poor, and no matter how limited your resources and numbers, should unitedly endeavour to extend and further consolidate the basis of your teaching as well as administrative activities.
The Guardian wishes you, in particular, to make a supreme effort to widen the scope of your teaching work, but would urge you to proceed in this, as well as in all other fields of Bahá’í service, with the utmost caution and wisdom, so that you may not run the danger of antagonizing or even displeasing the authorities. With this important consideration in mind, exert all your efforts and all your resources for promoting this sacred Cause of teaching in Esslingen and in the surrounding communities.
With warmest greetings and hearty good wishes from the Guardian,...
[From the Guardian:]
Dearly-loved friends:
I am profoundly touched by your message. I thank you from the depths of my heart. I feel proud of you, of your perseverance, your devotion and your loyalty. Persevere and rest assured. The Beloved is watching over you and will continue to bless your meritorious endeavours.
Your true brother,Shoghi
Letter of 17 March 193717 March 1937Dear Bahá’í Friends:Your message of the seventh of March is just at hand, and I wish to hasten to thank you for it on behalf of our beloved Guardian, and to renew his gratitude and appreciation for the assurances of devoted love and loyalty which you had been moved to convey to him. He very deeply values your sentiments, indeed, and greatly admires the spirit of sacrifice and of whole-hearted consecration with which you are labouring for the promotion of the Faith. The success of your efforts will assuredly depend upon the measure of unity within your group, and upon your firm resolve to uphold, in words as well as in deeds, those basic verities which the Teachings inculcate.The Guardian’s message to you is that you should constantly strive to mirror forth in your private lives, and also in your social relationships, the beauty, purity and regenerative power of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh. The Bahá’í youth of today should be an example to the youth of the world, and should therefore live up to the highest standards of conduct. Nothing short of such a close, united and concrete adherence to the ideals and teachings of the Faith by every young Bahá’í man and woman can impress and attract to it the serious attention and consideration of the world outside.It is Shoghi Effendi’s hope therefore that your youth group will make a renewed and determined effort this year to put into daily practice the principles and teachings of the Cause, and thus demonstrate to the non-Bahá’í youth of your country the tremendous power which the Bahá’í Teachings have to shape, mould and reconstruct the lives of men.He is praying to Bahá’u’lláh to bless and guide your endeavours to that end....[From the Guardian:]May the almighty power of Bahá’u’lláh bless you and keep you, shower his bestowals upon you, deepen your understanding of the fundamental verities and requirements of His Faith, and enable you to extend the range and reinforce the basis of your activities and achievements.Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
17 March 1937
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
Your message of the seventh of March is just at hand, and I wish to hasten to thank you for it on behalf of our beloved Guardian, and to renew his gratitude and appreciation for the assurances of devoted love and loyalty which you had been moved to convey to him. He very deeply values your sentiments, indeed, and greatly admires the spirit of sacrifice and of whole-hearted consecration with which you are labouring for the promotion of the Faith. The success of your efforts will assuredly depend upon the measure of unity within your group, and upon your firm resolve to uphold, in words as well as in deeds, those basic verities which the Teachings inculcate.
The Guardian’s message to you is that you should constantly strive to mirror forth in your private lives, and also in your social relationships, the beauty, purity and regenerative power of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh. The Bahá’í youth of today should be an example to the youth of the world, and should therefore live up to the highest standards of conduct. Nothing short of such a close, united and concrete adherence to the ideals and teachings of the Faith by every young Bahá’í man and woman can impress and attract to it the serious attention and consideration of the world outside.
It is Shoghi Effendi’s hope therefore that your youth group will make a renewed and determined effort this year to put into daily practice the principles and teachings of the Cause, and thus demonstrate to the non-Bahá’í youth of your country the tremendous power which the Bahá’í Teachings have to shape, mould and reconstruct the lives of men.
He is praying to Bahá’u’lláh to bless and guide your endeavours to that end....
[From the Guardian:]
May the almighty power of Bahá’u’lláh bless you and keep you, shower his bestowals upon you, deepen your understanding of the fundamental verities and requirements of His Faith, and enable you to extend the range and reinforce the basis of your activities and achievements.
Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
Letter of 10 December 193710 December 1937Dear Frau Mühlschlegel,The Guardian was deeply rejoiced to receive your very cordial message of the first ins., and is indeed happy to know that during the next few months you will be travelling regularly to Zürich, and that you intend in this way to communicate to him any news regarding the situation of the Cause in Germany. He truly welcomes your offer, and feels that it is a most urgent and valuable service you can render the Faith.Mr. Greeven, as you may know, is in close touch with the authorities in Berlin, and has so far succeeded in inducing the government to give more sympathetic consideration to our case. The secretary of the Minister for Church affairs has promised him that the funds, books and archives will be returned, but that there can be no hope of having the government rescind the rulings entirely. The negotiations, as you see, have not been quite in vain. The friends should not feel unnecessarily agitated, but should have full confidence in the future which, we firmly believe, is gloriously bright. As in the past, the German Bahá’í Community will eventually overcome and crush such forces of opposition, and will arise, out of the storm and stress of its present-day afflictions, stronger and purer and more determined to accomplish its allotted task in the establishment of the New World Order. Assure the believers that they have no reason whatsoever to feel distressed. The Cause is God’s and is therefore in safe hands.Regarding the German translation of the “Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh”; a copy of the German text of that pamphlet prepared by Miss Grossmann was forwarded to Haifa about two months ago through the care of Frau Brauns. The Guardian wrote her in answer, that he would keep the manuscript until such time when the time and means for its publication would be found.Now he wishes to know whether the translation mentioned in your letter is the same as the one sent by Frau Brauns, or is a new rendering made by Dr. Mühlschlegel.To you, to him, as well as to all your children he sends his loving thoughts and greetings....P.S. At the Guardian’s instruction I am mailing to your address a copy of the “Bahá’í World” vol. III, as to is not certain whether you or any of the German friends has seen this latest issue of the Year book....[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-worker:I wish to assure you and through you our dearly beloved German friends that the trials to which they are subjected are but a prelude to an age of unprecedented glory and activity in the service of the Cause of God. These clouds will dissipate and the splendour of the Faith will be shed with increasing radiance. Let the Cause grow silently and acquire greater depths in the hearts of the tested believers in that land, and the day will surely come when its potentialities will be manifested in a manner that would cause every beholder to marvel.Your true brother,Shoghi
10 December 1937
Dear Frau Mühlschlegel,
The Guardian was deeply rejoiced to receive your very cordial message of the first ins., and is indeed happy to know that during the next few months you will be travelling regularly to Zürich, and that you intend in this way to communicate to him any news regarding the situation of the Cause in Germany. He truly welcomes your offer, and feels that it is a most urgent and valuable service you can render the Faith.
Mr. Greeven, as you may know, is in close touch with the authorities in Berlin, and has so far succeeded in inducing the government to give more sympathetic consideration to our case. The secretary of the Minister for Church affairs has promised him that the funds, books and archives will be returned, but that there can be no hope of having the government rescind the rulings entirely. The negotiations, as you see, have not been quite in vain. The friends should not feel unnecessarily agitated, but should have full confidence in the future which, we firmly believe, is gloriously bright. As in the past, the German Bahá’í Community will eventually overcome and crush such forces of opposition, and will arise, out of the storm and stress of its present-day afflictions, stronger and purer and more determined to accomplish its allotted task in the establishment of the New World Order. Assure the believers that they have no reason whatsoever to feel distressed. The Cause is God’s and is therefore in safe hands.
Regarding the German translation of the “Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh”; a copy of the German text of that pamphlet prepared by Miss Grossmann was forwarded to Haifa about two months ago through the care of Frau Brauns. The Guardian wrote her in answer, that he would keep the manuscript until such time when the time and means for its publication would be found.
Now he wishes to know whether the translation mentioned in your letter is the same as the one sent by Frau Brauns, or is a new rendering made by Dr. Mühlschlegel.
To you, to him, as well as to all your children he sends his loving thoughts and greetings....
P.S. At the Guardian’s instruction I am mailing to your address a copy of the “Bahá’í World” vol. III, as to is not certain whether you or any of the German friends has seen this latest issue of the Year book....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-worker:
I wish to assure you and through you our dearly beloved German friends that the trials to which they are subjected are but a prelude to an age of unprecedented glory and activity in the service of the Cause of God. These clouds will dissipate and the splendour of the Faith will be shed with increasing radiance. Let the Cause grow silently and acquire greater depths in the hearts of the tested believers in that land, and the day will surely come when its potentialities will be manifested in a manner that would cause every beholder to marvel.
Your true brother,Shoghi
Letter of 2 February 19382 February 1938Dear Frau Mühlschlegel,The Guardian was pleased to receive your letter of the 26th January last, and to hear again from you about the conditions of the Cause in Germany.He feels exceedingly sorry that the authorities have not so far lived up to their promise of returning the books, funds and archives that were confiscated, but still hopes that through the vigilant care, and the sustained and wise efforts of Mr. Greeven some definite results will be eventually obtained. The friends need not lose courage, but have full confidence in the future which, we are all certain, is immeasurably bright.Now regarding the manuscript of the German “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era”; the Guardian has learned with satisfaction that the printing of the text has been completed, and he feels that in view of the present restrictions in Germany it would not be advisable to proceed with the binding there. He would advise that the unbound copies be sent over, through the safest means possible, to the Spiritual Assembly of Vienna that they may complete the binding of as many copies as they can arrange for the distribution of the book.Not only it would be too risky, and even dangerous, to publish anything at present in Germany, but it would constitute an act of disloyalty to the government on the part of the German believers, as you no doubt well know that in such purely administrative matters the friends are under the strict obligation of obeying the authorities.As regards the manuscript of the “Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh”, the Guardian is sending you under separate cover the copy which was presented to him sometime ago by Frau Martha Brauns, with the hope that the friends may be able to arrange for its publication outside Germany.In closing kindly convey his loving thanks to dear Frau Vautier and to Mr. Leo Bernhard for the kind words they have appended to your letter. He will remember you all in his prayers at the Holy Shrines, that you may be ever assisted and guided in your efforts for the service of Bahá’u’lláh....[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-worker:The services you are rendering in these days of stress and turmoil are highly appreciated and deserve the highest praise. Kindly assure again the dear German believers of my constant prayers for them. The critical stage through which the Faith is passing in their beloved land is but one stage in its evolution, a step that will carry them farther on the glorious path they have chosen to tread. Perseverance is the virtue they mostly need at present. An All-mighty Providence is watching over them. Never must they feel disheartened. I am deeply grateful and feel truly proud of the spirit they manifest.Shoghi
2 February 1938
Dear Frau Mühlschlegel,
The Guardian was pleased to receive your letter of the 26th January last, and to hear again from you about the conditions of the Cause in Germany.
He feels exceedingly sorry that the authorities have not so far lived up to their promise of returning the books, funds and archives that were confiscated, but still hopes that through the vigilant care, and the sustained and wise efforts of Mr. Greeven some definite results will be eventually obtained. The friends need not lose courage, but have full confidence in the future which, we are all certain, is immeasurably bright.
Now regarding the manuscript of the German “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era”; the Guardian has learned with satisfaction that the printing of the text has been completed, and he feels that in view of the present restrictions in Germany it would not be advisable to proceed with the binding there. He would advise that the unbound copies be sent over, through the safest means possible, to the Spiritual Assembly of Vienna that they may complete the binding of as many copies as they can arrange for the distribution of the book.
Not only it would be too risky, and even dangerous, to publish anything at present in Germany, but it would constitute an act of disloyalty to the government on the part of the German believers, as you no doubt well know that in such purely administrative matters the friends are under the strict obligation of obeying the authorities.
As regards the manuscript of the “Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh”, the Guardian is sending you under separate cover the copy which was presented to him sometime ago by Frau Martha Brauns, with the hope that the friends may be able to arrange for its publication outside Germany.
In closing kindly convey his loving thanks to dear Frau Vautier and to Mr. Leo Bernhard for the kind words they have appended to your letter. He will remember you all in his prayers at the Holy Shrines, that you may be ever assisted and guided in your efforts for the service of Bahá’u’lláh....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-worker:
The services you are rendering in these days of stress and turmoil are highly appreciated and deserve the highest praise. Kindly assure again the dear German believers of my constant prayers for them. The critical stage through which the Faith is passing in their beloved land is but one stage in its evolution, a step that will carry them farther on the glorious path they have chosen to tread. Perseverance is the virtue they mostly need at present. An All-mighty Providence is watching over them. Never must they feel disheartened. I am deeply grateful and feel truly proud of the spirit they manifest.
Shoghi
Letter of 31 March 193831 March 1938Dear Dr. Mühlschlegel,Your letter of the 20th ins. sent from Zürich has duly reached our beloved Guardian, and he was indeed pleased to hear from you, and was deeply touched by the messages which you and Mrs. Mühlschlegel, Mrs. Vautier and Mr. Gollmer have so kindly sent him on the occasion of your visit to Zürich. Please assure them of his keenest appreciation of the sentiments they have expressed, and of his prayers for their protection and guidance in these difficult and indeed distressing times.The Guardian is thankful for the report which you and Mr. Gollmer have given him regarding the situation of the Cause in Germany. He truly deplores the existing state of affairs, but still hopes that conditions may improve sooner or later. With the annexation of Austria, however, there is little chance of the authorities rescinding their rulings at present regarding the prohibition of the Cause, but there is every reason to believe that the assembly in Vienna will too be dissolved in the next few months.Now regarding the publication of the German edition of the Esslemont book; now that the new regime in Austria makes it quite impossible for the friends there to complete the printing of the book and arrange for its sale, the Guardian suggests that the best course to take would be for you to approach the American N.S.A. and to ask them to purchase the whole order. Owing to the expansion of the teaching work in South America, where, as you know, there are many large German communities, particularly in Argentina, there would be a great demand for this book, and the Publishing Committee of the N.S.A. might arrange to sell many copies there, and distribute some, for sale, among various other Bahá’í centers in Europe and in the East.The Guardian would further advise that you also approach the British N.S.A. who may find it possible to assist you in this matter....[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-worker:I am so pleased to learn that despite the anxieties and obstacles that confront and afflict the dearly-loved German believers, their devotion, loyalty, confidence and perseverance remain untarnished and unshaken. I shall be glad to contribute the sum of thirty pounds as soon as I hear that arrangements have been made for the publication of Esslemont’s book, and trust and pray that ways and means will be found to bring to a successful conclusion this all-important undertaking.Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
31 March 1938
Dear Dr. Mühlschlegel,
Your letter of the 20th ins. sent from Zürich has duly reached our beloved Guardian, and he was indeed pleased to hear from you, and was deeply touched by the messages which you and Mrs. Mühlschlegel, Mrs. Vautier and Mr. Gollmer have so kindly sent him on the occasion of your visit to Zürich. Please assure them of his keenest appreciation of the sentiments they have expressed, and of his prayers for their protection and guidance in these difficult and indeed distressing times.
The Guardian is thankful for the report which you and Mr. Gollmer have given him regarding the situation of the Cause in Germany. He truly deplores the existing state of affairs, but still hopes that conditions may improve sooner or later. With the annexation of Austria, however, there is little chance of the authorities rescinding their rulings at present regarding the prohibition of the Cause, but there is every reason to believe that the assembly in Vienna will too be dissolved in the next few months.
Now regarding the publication of the German edition of the Esslemont book; now that the new regime in Austria makes it quite impossible for the friends there to complete the printing of the book and arrange for its sale, the Guardian suggests that the best course to take would be for you to approach the American N.S.A. and to ask them to purchase the whole order. Owing to the expansion of the teaching work in South America, where, as you know, there are many large German communities, particularly in Argentina, there would be a great demand for this book, and the Publishing Committee of the N.S.A. might arrange to sell many copies there, and distribute some, for sale, among various other Bahá’í centers in Europe and in the East.
The Guardian would further advise that you also approach the British N.S.A. who may find it possible to assist you in this matter....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-worker:
I am so pleased to learn that despite the anxieties and obstacles that confront and afflict the dearly-loved German believers, their devotion, loyalty, confidence and perseverance remain untarnished and unshaken. I shall be glad to contribute the sum of thirty pounds as soon as I hear that arrangements have been made for the publication of Esslemont’s book, and trust and pray that ways and means will be found to bring to a successful conclusion this all-important undertaking.
Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
Letter of 25 April 193825 April 1938Dear Friends,The postcard message which you had sent the Guardian on the occasion of Dr. Mühlschlegel’s visit to Vienna, has just been received, and it made him immensely happy to realize that the friends in Germany and Austria have been again drawn together, and are closer than ever in the past. He hopes that the removal of the barriers which have hitherto so sadly separated the German and Austrian communities will mark the beginning of a new era of unprecedented growth and expansion in your affairs. He is certain that you are fully alive to the far-reaching possibilities which the present hour offers, and wishes you therefore to be happy and thankful, and confident in the blessings which the future has in store for you, and your dear co-workers in that land.I take this opportunity of assuring you once more of his prayers for your welfare, protection and continued guidance, and reciprocating your very kind greetings,...[From the Guardian:]Assuring you in person of my incessant prayers for your protection, guidance and happiness,your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
25 April 1938
Dear Friends,
The postcard message which you had sent the Guardian on the occasion of Dr. Mühlschlegel’s visit to Vienna, has just been received, and it made him immensely happy to realize that the friends in Germany and Austria have been again drawn together, and are closer than ever in the past. He hopes that the removal of the barriers which have hitherto so sadly separated the German and Austrian communities will mark the beginning of a new era of unprecedented growth and expansion in your affairs. He is certain that you are fully alive to the far-reaching possibilities which the present hour offers, and wishes you therefore to be happy and thankful, and confident in the blessings which the future has in store for you, and your dear co-workers in that land.
I take this opportunity of assuring you once more of his prayers for your welfare, protection and continued guidance, and reciprocating your very kind greetings,...
[From the Guardian:]
Assuring you in person of my incessant prayers for your protection, guidance and happiness,
your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
Letter of 21 May 193821 May 1938Dear Frau Mühlschlegel,Many thanks from the Guardian for your very kind letter of the 11th ins. just received, and also for the revised manuscript of the German translation of the “Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh” you have sent under separate cover. He indeed appreciates Dr. Mühlschlegel’s painstaking efforts in revising the text, and wishes you to assure him that he will pray that a way may be soon opened for its publication.As regards the German “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era”, it would certainly rejoice your heart to know that in a letter recently received from the American N.S.A. they have suggested to defray the cost of purchasing the types, and of arranging for its publication in Switzerland. The Guardian wrote them in reply approving of their suggestion, and urged them to take immediately the necessary steps, and also informed them of his offer to contribute thirty pounds towards the printing cost. He will send the sum directly to the N.S.A., as soon as he receives word from them that the necessary negotiations have been completed.Regarding the confiscation of Bahá’í literature and archives in Germany; the Guardian in a recent letter to Mr. Greeven advised him again to continue his negotiations with the authorities, but also stressed the absolute necessity of avoiding the exercise of too much pressure on them. The situation is exceedingly delicate, and nothing short of Divine help and guidance can indeed enable the friends to obtain even this minimum of their demands from the Government.In closing please convey the Guardian’s loving appreciation and thanks to dear Frau Vautier for the word of greetings she so kindly appended to your letter. Also kindly convey to Dr. Mühlschlegel and the friends in Stuttgart his warmest and affectionate greetings....[From the Guardian:]Wishing you and your dear and distinguished husband, the utmost success in your unceasing and noble endeavours for the promotion and protection of the Faith in these days of stress and trial, and assuring you of my abiding and loving gratitude.Your true brother, Shoghi
21 May 1938
Dear Frau Mühlschlegel,
Many thanks from the Guardian for your very kind letter of the 11th ins. just received, and also for the revised manuscript of the German translation of the “Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh” you have sent under separate cover. He indeed appreciates Dr. Mühlschlegel’s painstaking efforts in revising the text, and wishes you to assure him that he will pray that a way may be soon opened for its publication.
As regards the German “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era”, it would certainly rejoice your heart to know that in a letter recently received from the American N.S.A. they have suggested to defray the cost of purchasing the types, and of arranging for its publication in Switzerland. The Guardian wrote them in reply approving of their suggestion, and urged them to take immediately the necessary steps, and also informed them of his offer to contribute thirty pounds towards the printing cost. He will send the sum directly to the N.S.A., as soon as he receives word from them that the necessary negotiations have been completed.
Regarding the confiscation of Bahá’í literature and archives in Germany; the Guardian in a recent letter to Mr. Greeven advised him again to continue his negotiations with the authorities, but also stressed the absolute necessity of avoiding the exercise of too much pressure on them. The situation is exceedingly delicate, and nothing short of Divine help and guidance can indeed enable the friends to obtain even this minimum of their demands from the Government.
In closing please convey the Guardian’s loving appreciation and thanks to dear Frau Vautier for the word of greetings she so kindly appended to your letter. Also kindly convey to Dr. Mühlschlegel and the friends in Stuttgart his warmest and affectionate greetings....
[From the Guardian:]
Wishing you and your dear and distinguished husband, the utmost success in your unceasing and noble endeavours for the promotion and protection of the Faith in these days of stress and trial, and assuring you of my abiding and loving gratitude.
Your true brother, Shoghi
Letter of 7 May 19397 May 1939Beloved Friends,Shoghi Effendi has received your welcome card dated April 20th, and immensely appreciates the message of love and greetings you have been moved to convey to him on the occasion of the Feast of Ridván.He too wishes me to extend to you his deep love and good wishes on this happy and blessed occasion, and to assure you, and our dear friends in Esslingen, of his prayers for your protection and guidance in these days of widespread gloom and distress, that your hearts may be strengthened and assured, and that you may emerge from your present-day tests and trials more united, and firmer than ever in your love and loyalty towards the Faith.However gloomy the immediate future may seem to appear, the prospect which the distant future has in store for the community of German believers is of such immeasurable brightness as it cannot but afford the deepest comfort and encouragement to you in your moments of uttermost sorrow and distress.More than ever to-day the Guardian’s thoughts turn towards you, and our sore-tried brethren in your land, in admiration for the courage and fortitude you have so well displayed in the midst of your afflictive trials, and in thanksgiving to the almighty God for having sustained and blessed you so repeatedly through His unfailing grace and mighty confirmations.May His Spirit continue to aid and guide your Community in the distressing days yet to come....[From the Guardian:]Dear co-workers:It was such a joy to hear from you. You, as well as the other German believers, are often in my thoughts and prayers. I will continue to pray for the realization of your highest hopes. Do not despair, nay be assured that a glorious future awaits you all, more brilliant than any you can imagine.Your true brother,Shoghi
7 May 1939
Beloved Friends,
Shoghi Effendi has received your welcome card dated April 20th, and immensely appreciates the message of love and greetings you have been moved to convey to him on the occasion of the Feast of Ridván.
He too wishes me to extend to you his deep love and good wishes on this happy and blessed occasion, and to assure you, and our dear friends in Esslingen, of his prayers for your protection and guidance in these days of widespread gloom and distress, that your hearts may be strengthened and assured, and that you may emerge from your present-day tests and trials more united, and firmer than ever in your love and loyalty towards the Faith.
However gloomy the immediate future may seem to appear, the prospect which the distant future has in store for the community of German believers is of such immeasurable brightness as it cannot but afford the deepest comfort and encouragement to you in your moments of uttermost sorrow and distress.
More than ever to-day the Guardian’s thoughts turn towards you, and our sore-tried brethren in your land, in admiration for the courage and fortitude you have so well displayed in the midst of your afflictive trials, and in thanksgiving to the almighty God for having sustained and blessed you so repeatedly through His unfailing grace and mighty confirmations.
May His Spirit continue to aid and guide your Community in the distressing days yet to come....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear co-workers:
It was such a joy to hear from you. You, as well as the other German believers, are often in my thoughts and prayers. I will continue to pray for the realization of your highest hopes. Do not despair, nay be assured that a glorious future awaits you all, more brilliant than any you can imagine.
Your true brother,Shoghi
Letter of 6 June 19396 June 1939My Dear Friend,I am directed by Shoghi Effendi to thank you for your letter of May 19th.Although he was very sorry to hear of the deep misunderstandings and lack of unity that still exists in ..., he is thankful to you for your writing him about it, and he knows full well that you wrote because you are animated with a deep desire to remove all ill-feelings among the friends there.The fact is that the Guardian is very sad over the present condition and because it is almost impossible for him to intervene from such a distance and without hearing both sides, he has written over and over again asking that the friends should gather, should talk frankly and fully without ill-feeling and should solve their difficulty. This to Shoghi Effendi’s deep disappointment has not been possible, Mr. Herrigel has been uncompromising and firm and the result is that the Cause in ... is at a standstill. This is why Shoghi Effendi would ask everyone and especially yourself to make every effort and help the situation....[From the Guardian:]My dear co-worker:A trusted friend of ours, Dr. YunisKhán is proceeding to Germany to visit the Bahá’í centres and I trust he will be enabled to promote true understanding and sustained cooperation in.... He is most trustworthy and capable. I will continue to pray for you from the depths of my heart. Rest assured and never feel disheartened.Your true brother, Shoghi
6 June 1939
My Dear Friend,
I am directed by Shoghi Effendi to thank you for your letter of May 19th.
Although he was very sorry to hear of the deep misunderstandings and lack of unity that still exists in ..., he is thankful to you for your writing him about it, and he knows full well that you wrote because you are animated with a deep desire to remove all ill-feelings among the friends there.
The fact is that the Guardian is very sad over the present condition and because it is almost impossible for him to intervene from such a distance and without hearing both sides, he has written over and over again asking that the friends should gather, should talk frankly and fully without ill-feeling and should solve their difficulty. This to Shoghi Effendi’s deep disappointment has not been possible, Mr. Herrigel has been uncompromising and firm and the result is that the Cause in ... is at a standstill. This is why Shoghi Effendi would ask everyone and especially yourself to make every effort and help the situation....
[From the Guardian:]
My dear co-worker:
A trusted friend of ours, Dr. YunisKhán is proceeding to Germany to visit the Bahá’í centres and I trust he will be enabled to promote true understanding and sustained cooperation in.... He is most trustworthy and capable. I will continue to pray for you from the depths of my heart. Rest assured and never feel disheartened.
Your true brother, Shoghi
Letter of 5 November 19455 November 1945Dear Bahá’í-Brother:The message signed by you and other of our dear Bahá’í-friends, and dated Sep. 16th, Esslingen, reached our beloved Guardian, and brought great joy to his heart. He wishes you if possible to convey the following message to those who addressed him:Tell them that it was a source of deep comfort and gratification to him to receive a word of love and devotion from some of the German Bahá’ís after all these years of silence and danger. He was so happy to know they are well and have been able to meet with you and receive news of the progress of the Faith in other lands.He hopes that now that the war is over, and the regime which banned all Bahá’í activities in Germany is no more, the believers there will exert their utmost to teach this great religion of ours to their fellow-countrymen. No doubt after so many years of deep suffering and bitter disillusion there are many souls eager for the truth, and more awakened to the need of a spiritual solution for the world’s problems.Please convey his love to them all, and assure them they are, and have been, often remembered in his ardent prayers.The Guardian was so very glad to know you had been able to meet with some of the German Bahá’ís. He urges you to help and inspire them all you can.His loving prayers surround you, you may be sure...[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-workers:I was thrilled by the message you have sent, and feel profoundly thankful to Bahá’u’lláh for having preserved you and your dear co-workers in that land, and for the spirit, which, despite the sufferings and turmoil that have afflicted your country, you so powerfully display and exemplify. I cherish great hope for the future of your work, and I pray from all my heart for the Almighty’s richest blessings on your activities. Rest assure, be happy, and persevere in your historic and meritorious labours.Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
5 November 1945
Dear Bahá’í-Brother:
The message signed by you and other of our dear Bahá’í-friends, and dated Sep. 16th, Esslingen, reached our beloved Guardian, and brought great joy to his heart. He wishes you if possible to convey the following message to those who addressed him:
Tell them that it was a source of deep comfort and gratification to him to receive a word of love and devotion from some of the German Bahá’ís after all these years of silence and danger. He was so happy to know they are well and have been able to meet with you and receive news of the progress of the Faith in other lands.
He hopes that now that the war is over, and the regime which banned all Bahá’í activities in Germany is no more, the believers there will exert their utmost to teach this great religion of ours to their fellow-countrymen. No doubt after so many years of deep suffering and bitter disillusion there are many souls eager for the truth, and more awakened to the need of a spiritual solution for the world’s problems.
Please convey his love to them all, and assure them they are, and have been, often remembered in his ardent prayers.
The Guardian was so very glad to know you had been able to meet with some of the German Bahá’ís. He urges you to help and inspire them all you can.
His loving prayers surround you, you may be sure...
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
I was thrilled by the message you have sent, and feel profoundly thankful to Bahá’u’lláh for having preserved you and your dear co-workers in that land, and for the spirit, which, despite the sufferings and turmoil that have afflicted your country, you so powerfully display and exemplify. I cherish great hope for the future of your work, and I pray from all my heart for the Almighty’s richest blessings on your activities. Rest assure, be happy, and persevere in your historic and meritorious labours.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
Letter of 30 December 194530 December 1945Beloved Bahá’í Friends:Your letter of April 4th has just been received by our beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer it at once on his behalf.It was with feelings of great pride and deep sorrow that he read of the sufferings of the German believers for their Faith and the persecutions they underwent so heroically, and with such unflinching loyalty, for our Holy Cause.All during these long and tragic years of war his thoughts have been with the Community of the German believers, and his prayers have constantly been offered for their protection and the lightening of their heavy burden. Other Bahá’í Communities, like France and England, have also suffered, but not to the extent of the German and Burmese friends who have been in lands ravaged by war and invasion, and in the hands, at the same time, of political parties who persecuted them.The loss of all the records of the National and Local Assemblies is indeed very great, and he hopes that your family, Dr. Mühlschlegel, Dr. Schmidt, Herr Jörn, Anna Köstlin, Frau Schweizer, Frau Schwarz—, in fact, all the old believers, will try and reconstruct from memory, and write down, as much of the history of the Cause in Germany as they can remember, so that some accurate records for the future will remain. He would also like you to write a comprehensive account of what the Bahá’ís have endured in Germany since 1937 for the “Bahá’í World”, vol. X, and send it to him as soon as possible. The news of the German believers’ activities has been sadly missed in the last two volumes, and he is anxious to have them take their place again as soon as possible.He has just written to N.S.A. of America urging them to help, and do all they can to protect the German Bahá’ís; he has also urged them to make every effort to get German Bahá’í books published, and sent to Germany as soon as possible.You all have a tremendous task before you. He knows how great is the suffering for just ordinary German citizens at present as an aftermath of the war—but in spite of these physical hardships the German believers are called upon to establish again the institutions of their Faith, teach its life-giving message to the masses, and help their country to obtain the spiritual destiny ‘Abdu’l-Bahá foresaw for it. You may be sure the Guardian and the Bahá’ís everywhere will do all in their power to help the German believers accomplish their tasks.Please assure all the friends—especially those who have lost dear ones in the war—of his most loving and ardent prayers on their behalf, and of his feelings of pride and gratitude for their devotion and loyalty to the Faith.To you all he sends his loving greetings, his deep appreciation of your spirit, and the assurance of his constant prayers....[From the Guardian:]Dearly-beloved friends:My heart is filled with joy, pride and gratitude as I witness, thru the receipt of your most welcome letter, the evidences of the protection of the Almighty and of the vitality of the faith of the long-suffering German believers, who have laboured so devotedly and valiantly during so long and crucial a period and who as a community have survived the greatest ordeal in the history of their Faith in that land. My prayers during these years of danger, of stress, of suspense and anxiety have ever surrounded them, and I rejoice to learn of their safety, their unity, their zeal, and their determination to arise and resume the great and historic work they are destined to carry to a triumphant conclusion in the years that lie ahead. The organization of spiritual assemblies, the reestablishment of the national assembly, the formation of national committees are the immediate objectives, and should, if possible be carried out with the utmost speed and vigour, for upon them will rest the expansion and consolidation of the activities of a sorely-tried Faith. I am appealing to various Bahá’í communities in East and West to lend their assistance in whatever manner possible to the arduous task of reconstruction that now faces the German believers. I long to hear of the news of the friends in other parts of that land and will do my utmost to aid them to resume their activity and services to our beloved Faith. Please assure them all of my great love, of my profound admiration, of my bright hopes for their future, of my heartfelt gratitude for their perseverance and of my fervent prayers for their future success.Your true brother,Shoghi
30 December 1945
Beloved Bahá’í Friends:
Your letter of April 4th has just been received by our beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer it at once on his behalf.
It was with feelings of great pride and deep sorrow that he read of the sufferings of the German believers for their Faith and the persecutions they underwent so heroically, and with such unflinching loyalty, for our Holy Cause.
All during these long and tragic years of war his thoughts have been with the Community of the German believers, and his prayers have constantly been offered for their protection and the lightening of their heavy burden. Other Bahá’í Communities, like France and England, have also suffered, but not to the extent of the German and Burmese friends who have been in lands ravaged by war and invasion, and in the hands, at the same time, of political parties who persecuted them.
The loss of all the records of the National and Local Assemblies is indeed very great, and he hopes that your family, Dr. Mühlschlegel, Dr. Schmidt, Herr Jörn, Anna Köstlin, Frau Schweizer, Frau Schwarz—, in fact, all the old believers, will try and reconstruct from memory, and write down, as much of the history of the Cause in Germany as they can remember, so that some accurate records for the future will remain. He would also like you to write a comprehensive account of what the Bahá’ís have endured in Germany since 1937 for the “Bahá’í World”, vol. X, and send it to him as soon as possible. The news of the German believers’ activities has been sadly missed in the last two volumes, and he is anxious to have them take their place again as soon as possible.
He has just written to N.S.A. of America urging them to help, and do all they can to protect the German Bahá’ís; he has also urged them to make every effort to get German Bahá’í books published, and sent to Germany as soon as possible.
You all have a tremendous task before you. He knows how great is the suffering for just ordinary German citizens at present as an aftermath of the war—but in spite of these physical hardships the German believers are called upon to establish again the institutions of their Faith, teach its life-giving message to the masses, and help their country to obtain the spiritual destiny ‘Abdu’l-Bahá foresaw for it. You may be sure the Guardian and the Bahá’ís everywhere will do all in their power to help the German believers accomplish their tasks.
Please assure all the friends—especially those who have lost dear ones in the war—of his most loving and ardent prayers on their behalf, and of his feelings of pride and gratitude for their devotion and loyalty to the Faith.
To you all he sends his loving greetings, his deep appreciation of your spirit, and the assurance of his constant prayers....
[From the Guardian:]
Dearly-beloved friends:
My heart is filled with joy, pride and gratitude as I witness, thru the receipt of your most welcome letter, the evidences of the protection of the Almighty and of the vitality of the faith of the long-suffering German believers, who have laboured so devotedly and valiantly during so long and crucial a period and who as a community have survived the greatest ordeal in the history of their Faith in that land. My prayers during these years of danger, of stress, of suspense and anxiety have ever surrounded them, and I rejoice to learn of their safety, their unity, their zeal, and their determination to arise and resume the great and historic work they are destined to carry to a triumphant conclusion in the years that lie ahead. The organization of spiritual assemblies, the reestablishment of the national assembly, the formation of national committees are the immediate objectives, and should, if possible be carried out with the utmost speed and vigour, for upon them will rest the expansion and consolidation of the activities of a sorely-tried Faith. I am appealing to various Bahá’í communities in East and West to lend their assistance in whatever manner possible to the arduous task of reconstruction that now faces the German believers. I long to hear of the news of the friends in other parts of that land and will do my utmost to aid them to resume their activity and services to our beloved Faith. Please assure them all of my great love, of my profound admiration, of my bright hopes for their future, of my heartfelt gratitude for their perseverance and of my fervent prayers for their future success.
Your true brother,Shoghi
Letter of Dec. 30th, 1945Dec. 30th, 1945Dear Bahá’í Friends:It was with great joy that the beloved Guardian received your letter of Aug. 1st, and he has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.During these long, sad, years of separation his thoughts have constantly been with the well-loved German Bahá’ís, and his ardent prayers have been offered in the Holy Shrines for their protection and the protection of the Faith there.Now that the friends are once again free to profess their beliefs, hold their meetings, teach the Cause, and uphold its institutions, he hopes they will exert their utmost to reestablish, as speedily as possible, the Bahá’í Communities of Germany. The Faith in that land had, before it was suppressed and banned, just began to enjoy the fruits of many long years of labour to promulgate it, and create its administrative bodies; he hopes that all the German Bahá’ís will unite to bring it to the former level of prosperity it enjoyed.He wishes to assure you all, and through you, all your Bahá’í brothers and sisters in Germany, that he will do all in his power to assist you in your labours, and that your fellow-Bahá’ís the world over will likewise aid you as much as they can.The beloved Master cherished very bright hopes for the future of the German Bahá’ís. His promises and prophecies will surely be fulfilled, and the Holy Faith not only be reestablished in Germany but grow and expand as never before.The Guardian has urged the American N.S.A. to supply the German Bahá’ís with literature as soon as possible; this will enable you to bring the teachings to your sore-stricken countrymen, and enlist them under the banner of Bahá’u’lláh.You may be sure the Guardian’s loving prayers surround you all and sustain you in your labours for the Cause....[From the Guardian:]Dearly-beloved Friends:Your joint and most welcome letter brought indescribable joy to my heart. I am thrilled by this latest and indeed most significant evidence of the unfailing protection of the Almighty, and of His manifold blessings vouchsafed to His dearly-beloved and worthy servants labouring so heroically for His Faith in that land. Though I am greatly saddened by the fate that has overtaken a few of them during this prolonged ordeal they have experienced, I rejoice and am filled with gratitude, pride and happiness to realize that the Faith itself has survived this fiery test, and has demonstrated its resilience, its vitality and incorruptibility after so crucial a period of stress, of suffering and danger. The duty facing the triumphant community in your land is to reconstruct, with the utmost speed and vigour its administrative institutions, and above all, its national assembly. I will appeal to our brethren in East and West to offer every assistance in their power for the rehabilitation of a community which is destined to play, in accordance with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s prophecy, so vital a role in the future orientation and expansion of the world-wide Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. I will do everything I possibly can to help it in its task and assist it in the achievement of its high destiny. I will pray and supplicate on its behalf the abundant blessings of the Almighty, that its influence may revive, its number increase, its activities multiply, its resource develop, and its mission be fulfilled.Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
Dec. 30th, 1945
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
It was with great joy that the beloved Guardian received your letter of Aug. 1st, and he has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
During these long, sad, years of separation his thoughts have constantly been with the well-loved German Bahá’ís, and his ardent prayers have been offered in the Holy Shrines for their protection and the protection of the Faith there.
Now that the friends are once again free to profess their beliefs, hold their meetings, teach the Cause, and uphold its institutions, he hopes they will exert their utmost to reestablish, as speedily as possible, the Bahá’í Communities of Germany. The Faith in that land had, before it was suppressed and banned, just began to enjoy the fruits of many long years of labour to promulgate it, and create its administrative bodies; he hopes that all the German Bahá’ís will unite to bring it to the former level of prosperity it enjoyed.
He wishes to assure you all, and through you, all your Bahá’í brothers and sisters in Germany, that he will do all in his power to assist you in your labours, and that your fellow-Bahá’ís the world over will likewise aid you as much as they can.
The beloved Master cherished very bright hopes for the future of the German Bahá’ís. His promises and prophecies will surely be fulfilled, and the Holy Faith not only be reestablished in Germany but grow and expand as never before.
The Guardian has urged the American N.S.A. to supply the German Bahá’ís with literature as soon as possible; this will enable you to bring the teachings to your sore-stricken countrymen, and enlist them under the banner of Bahá’u’lláh.
You may be sure the Guardian’s loving prayers surround you all and sustain you in your labours for the Cause....
[From the Guardian:]
Dearly-beloved Friends:
Your joint and most welcome letter brought indescribable joy to my heart. I am thrilled by this latest and indeed most significant evidence of the unfailing protection of the Almighty, and of His manifold blessings vouchsafed to His dearly-beloved and worthy servants labouring so heroically for His Faith in that land. Though I am greatly saddened by the fate that has overtaken a few of them during this prolonged ordeal they have experienced, I rejoice and am filled with gratitude, pride and happiness to realize that the Faith itself has survived this fiery test, and has demonstrated its resilience, its vitality and incorruptibility after so crucial a period of stress, of suffering and danger. The duty facing the triumphant community in your land is to reconstruct, with the utmost speed and vigour its administrative institutions, and above all, its national assembly. I will appeal to our brethren in East and West to offer every assistance in their power for the rehabilitation of a community which is destined to play, in accordance with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s prophecy, so vital a role in the future orientation and expansion of the world-wide Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. I will do everything I possibly can to help it in its task and assist it in the achievement of its high destiny. I will pray and supplicate on its behalf the abundant blessings of the Almighty, that its influence may revive, its number increase, its activities multiply, its resource develop, and its mission be fulfilled.
Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
Letter of 8 April 19468 April 1946Dear Bahá’í Friends:Your loving message, addressed to our beloved Guardian, brought him great joy, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.We all know how dark, and spiritually dead, the world is today, and how desperately it stands in need of spiritual guidance. The Bahá’ís alone, through the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, hold the key to the solution of humanity’s ills, and as much of the tremendous work which lies ahead will perforce have to be undertaken by young people, he attaches great importance to the activities of Bahá’í Youth everywhere.He hopes you will all study deeply the teachings, as this alone will give you the foundation you need for your services to the Faith. You should also make every effort to distinguish your lives from those of other young people of your generation, and thus, by the display of Bahá’í virtues and morals, attract the interest and esteem of others.You may be sure that his loving prayers will be offered for your guidance and protection in the Holy Shrines....[From the Guardian:]Dearly-beloved friends:I was so pleased and thankful to receive your most welcome message, and to learn of the resumption of your activities to which I attach the utmost importance. I will pray for your success from the depths of my heart, and urge you to get in touch, as soon as possible, with the Bahá’í Youth in various parts of the world, and to strengthen the bonds that unite you to them, and to work in close collaboration and under the supervision of your national assembly as soon as it is elected. May the Beloved bless, sustain, and guide you at all times, and crown your activities with signal success.Your true brother,Shoghi
8 April 1946
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
Your loving message, addressed to our beloved Guardian, brought him great joy, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
We all know how dark, and spiritually dead, the world is today, and how desperately it stands in need of spiritual guidance. The Bahá’ís alone, through the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, hold the key to the solution of humanity’s ills, and as much of the tremendous work which lies ahead will perforce have to be undertaken by young people, he attaches great importance to the activities of Bahá’í Youth everywhere.
He hopes you will all study deeply the teachings, as this alone will give you the foundation you need for your services to the Faith. You should also make every effort to distinguish your lives from those of other young people of your generation, and thus, by the display of Bahá’í virtues and morals, attract the interest and esteem of others.
You may be sure that his loving prayers will be offered for your guidance and protection in the Holy Shrines....
[From the Guardian:]
Dearly-beloved friends:
I was so pleased and thankful to receive your most welcome message, and to learn of the resumption of your activities to which I attach the utmost importance. I will pray for your success from the depths of my heart, and urge you to get in touch, as soon as possible, with the Bahá’í Youth in various parts of the world, and to strengthen the bonds that unite you to them, and to work in close collaboration and under the supervision of your national assembly as soon as it is elected. May the Beloved bless, sustain, and guide you at all times, and crown your activities with signal success.
Your true brother,Shoghi