Letter of 20 March 19381720 March 1938...it made Shoghi Effendi truly happy to know that our dear friend Mrs. ... will be soon coming to Haifa. Much as he regrets that her stay will be of such an exceptionally short duration he hopes nevertheless that through contact with these Holy Spots she will be so refreshed and strengthened spiritually as to be able to impart fresh hope and vigour to the hearts of the friends when she returns home.Needless to tell you what a great pleasure it is for the Guardian to meet again this year, and so unexpectedly, one of our German friends, as his heart is longing to hear of your news, and to share the experiences you have been passing through during all these months.Letter of 29 March 193829 March 1938Shoghi Effendi has just received your very kind message of the 20th ins. conveying to him your greetings and good wishes on the occasion of the feast of Naw-Rúz. He values beyond words your sentiments, and wishes me to assure you of his prayers at the Shrines on your behalf, that this New Year we have just entered may bring to you and your fellow-brethren throughout Germany every blessing, and happiness, and the highest success in both your spiritual and material pursuits.It was a matter of profound grief to Shoghi Effendi to hear of the sad news of the passing away of our friend Mr. Emil Lips. Kindly convey to the bereaved members of his family his heartfelt condolences, and the expression of his profound and deepfelt sympathy in this grievous loss they have sustained.Letter of 7 May 19397 May 1939He 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. Be not despaired, nay be assured that a glorious future awaits you all, more brilliant than any you can imagine.Your true brother,ShoghiLetter of 26 May 194626 May 1946Miss Edith Horn and the dear Bahá’ís of FrankfurtDear Bahá’í Friends:Your letter of April 21st reached the beloved Guardian—the first direct mail from Germany!—and he was rejoiced to see you are all so devoted and active in the service of our precious Faith.He hopes the Frankfurt Bahá’ís, now that they have a Spiritual Assembly and are free to conduct their affairs publicly, will succeed in teaching many new souls this life-giving message.The need in Europe to hear of the Cause is more desperate than ever before, and the responsibility of the German friends very great, being as they are the largest Bahá’í Community in Europe.You may be sure he will pray for your labours to promote the Cause, in the Holy Shrines, and he assures you that you and your work are very dear to him...[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-worker:My heart was filled with joy, pride and gratitude when I perused your most welcome message, as I regard it as a remarkable evidence of the unfailing providence and power of Bahá’u’lláh, who has watched over you, preserved and sustained you, and has now enabled you to resume your historic work for His Cause. You have often been in my thoughts and prayers and I rejoice that your city is to become the administrative centre of our beloved Faith and the national focus of its spiritual and humanitarian activities. Persevere in your great task and rest assured and be happy.Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 3 July 19463 July 1946I need not try and convey to you in words how the Guardian has deplored, and suffered over, all the tragic happenings of the last few years! He was particularly sorry to hear such a dear Bahá’í as Paul Köhler, of Dresden, had died, as well as his wife and children. We can only be grateful that so many of the German friends have survived such terrible years!He is very anxious to have the German Bahá’ís resume their activities on a larger scale than ever before—particularly as they are now free for the first time in so many years. He fully realizes how great your problems are, and that you are still suffering from many shortages and restrictions; but knowing you all—and what our beloved Master foresaw your future would be—the Guardian is confident the Faith will spread as never before in Germany, and that the believers of that country will aid in establishing the institutions of Bahá’u’lláh all over Europe.Letter of 11 July 194611 July 1946The Bahá’í Community, EsslingenDear Bahá’í Friends:Your letter dated May 23rd has reached our beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf, and to thank you for the loving greetings you sent him.He hopes that now the believers in Germany are at last free to work for the Cause they will strive together—as the Master desired—as one soul in many bodies and show forth such an example of love and unity within the Bahá’í Community that the hearts of the people will be attracted to them. The world is longing for example more than for anything else, for on all sides we hear good advice but see no sincerity and no practicing of what people are preaching!He assures you all his loving prayers are offered on your behalf and for the success of your Bahá’í work...[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-workers:I was so pleased to hear from you and to receive such expressions of devotion and determination in the service of our beloved Faith. Your centre is near and dear to my heart, and you are, I assure you, often in my thoughts. I will pray for your success, for the extension of your activities, and the speedy realization of the hopes you cherish for the advancement of our glorious Faith,Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 12 July 19461812 July 1946Dear Bahá’í Brother and Bahá’í Friends:The Post Card you sent our beloved Guardian on June 3rd reached him, and he was very happy to receive news from you direct and from your dear family and all the Bahá’í friends who were gathered together with you on that day in Neckärgemund.He hopes you (Dr. Grossmann) received the long letter he forwarded to you (in answer to yours) through Mr. Holley?The news of the devotion, enthusiasm, and renewed activity of the dear German Bahá’ís is a source of joy to him, and he hopes that the N.S.A. is able to meet often and conduct the affairs of the Faith in that country, where for so long it was banned and persecuted.You may be sure his loving prayers are often offered on your behalf, for the success of your labours to promote the Faith, and for your protection and welfare...P.S. The Guardian is very anxious to receive reports of the work of the N.S.A. He considers it advisable that during the course of this year any groups which attain nine members should be allowed to form an Assembly at once without waiting until April 21st. in order to encourage the friends after so many years of suppression and suffering.[From the Guardian:]May the Spirit of Bahá’u’lláh sustain, guide and bless you in your truly exemplary and meritorious services, aid you to overcome all obstacles in your path, to extend the range of your activities, to proclaim the truths of this glorious Faith to the suffering masses, and to multiply and consolidate its God-given institutions,Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 25 July 19461925 July 1946He was delighted at the good news you conveyed to him; for some time now he has been anxiously awaiting news of the activities of the N.S.A.—if it is feasible, please send him reports of that body.He feels that, in view of all the German believers have passed through, their long period of persecution and suppression, that it is all right during this year to permit the formation of local assemblies, as soon as 9 or more believers are available, in order to encourage the friends and stimulate their work in the teaching field.Letter of 29 July 194629 July 1946He feels that the subject of the Bahá’í work in Esperanto in Germany is a matter for you to take up with the National Spiritual Assembly; we Bahá’ís do not claim Esperanto will be the auxiliary language of the future—but, as we firmly believe in the necessity of an auxiliary language we are glad to support this work by publishing books in Esperanto and encouraging the Bahá’ís to learn it, if they wish to. Cooperation with this society is an excellent means of spreading the Cause, as Martha Root demonstrated in her travels. However, all details in this matter must be decided by the N.S.A. You can contact Bahá’í Esperantists in England and the U.S.A. through their respective N.S.As.Letter of 30 July 19462030 July 1946He was so very happy to hear the wonderful news you conveyed of the receptivity you find among the German people, and especially the youth, to the Teachings.He considers the work of the Cause in Germany of primary importance; the German believers not only have the fertile field of their own people’s minds to cultivate, but must, eventually, do a large part of the teaching work to be carried out in the future in Central and Eastern Europe. So he is very anxious to have your affairs running on a smooth administrative basis, and to also have you receive the necessary literature or means of printing it.He was also delighted to hear the Sun of Truth is again being printed, and that you have been able, in spite of so many handicaps, to distribute thousands of pamphlets and hold so many important public meetings.Now is certainly the time to carry on the work on an ever-increasing scale; the hearts have suffered much, and the minds are grasping for a solution to the terrible problems facing them. The Cause can surely, in this golden hour of opportunity, make greater headway than ever before in its history in Europe, and you may be sure he will do all in his power to assist you in your labours.He assures you his loving and ardent prayers will be offered on your behalf and for the success of the work you and the other friends are carrying on at present...P.S. The Guardian was very pleased to hear that the former adherents of Ruth White and Mr. Herrigel’s ideas have expressed the desire to be enrolled in the Faith, and to work according to the administrative Order. He recommends that the National Assembly, by all means, accept them, and assist them to fully grasp the fundamentals of the Will and Testament.[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-worker,I am so glad and grateful to learn of the progress of your activities and of the success attending your efforts in the service of our beloved Faith. I feel confident that you will, in the days to come, add fresh laurels to the crown you have already won in the service of our beloved Faith. Persevere, and rest assured that I will continue to pray for you from the depths of my heart.Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 29 December 194629 December 1946The sufferings which the German Bahá’ís have passed through have grieved his heart very much—but he is very proud of their loyal and devoted spirit, and the way their faith in Bahá’u’lláh has come out of the fire of these war years pure and unstained and stronger than ever! They have a great future, promised them by the beloved Master...As you may perhaps have heard, our Guardian does not like to give pictures of himself to the believers—he prefers that they should keep in their homes photographs of the Master Who is our inspiration and Exemplar.He hopes very much that you will be able to teach other young Germans the Cause there. The youth in particular need desperately to be given the Message, for it is their lives that have suffered the greatest ruin through this cruel war. Teaching them should be your first duty...Letter of 18 January 19472118 January 1947Your welcome letters ... were received, together with the poems you enclosed in them...He wishes me to assure you he will include some of the poems in the next volume of “Bahá’í World”; it is, unfortunately, too late to get them into the latest number which is now being printed in America.It seems now absolutely certain that our dear Bahá’í sister, Lydia Zamenhof, lost her life in a gas-chamber during the war! It is a great loss, as she could have rendered the Faith many services in Europe in these past-war days! But her services to the Cause and her memory are imperishable!He would be very pleased to receive an article from you about her for the next volume of Bahá’í World, but not for the “In Memoriam” section. Also he regrets he will not be able to publish in the Bahá’í World the In Memoriam article you sent about your dear parents. Only those people who have died in the period covered by each volume receive mention in that volume, and the next one will be for 1946–48!...P.S. He is very happy to hear dear Mr. Zabih is meeting the friends there; you may be sure he will pray that the way may open for him to help you all in Germany at the present time and serve the Faith in England later on.The Guardian assures you he is delighted to hear of the translations you have already made and are at present engaged upon; the German literature of the Faith is of the utmost importance, both because of the great future the Cause has there, and the fact that so many other Europeans read German. He hopes “Gleanings” and the “Dispensation” can soon be printed. These matters you should refer to your Nat. Spiritual Assembly.[From the Guardian:]My dear and valued co-worker:I am so glad and grateful to learn of the activity and perseverance of the dear German believers, and of your own valued and constant services to our beloved Faith. You are, I assure you, often in my thoughts and prayers, and I prize the spirit that animates you in His service. I cherish the brightest hopes for the future of your historic work for the promotion of the Faith, and wish you to persevere and rest assured that the Beloved will continue to guide and sustain you, and will reward you abundantly for your high endeavours.Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 9 February 1947229 February 1947He realizes that every effort the friends make in Germany these days is made in the face of great obstacles and at the cost of real sacrifice. But they must ever keep their goals in sight, and persevere for the sake of the Cause and for the sake of their fellow-countrymen who now, in their greatest hour of need, have the right to hear of Bahá’u’lláh Who alone can save the world and lead it to peace and happiness.He will certainly pray that all obstacles may be soon overcome, and the printing work go ahead. He also hopes, and will pray, that the N.S.A. will make every effort to arrange its affairs so as to meet in Frankfurt. These things cannot be done over night, he fully realizes, but the believers must strive to accomplish them constantly.The services which you and your dear family are so constantly rendering the Faith are very, very deeply appreciated by him. Be happy that God has enabled you to do so much for His Faith!His loving prayers are with you all...[From the Guardian:]Assuring you of my abiding gratitude for your constant and splendid services to our beloved Faith, and of my ardent prayers for your welfare and the realization of every hope you cherish for the advancement and consolidation of its new-born institutions,Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 18 February 194718 February 1947The Bahá’í Community of Plochingen.Dear Bahá’í Friends:Your letter dated Nov. 15th, 1946, written by your secretary, Mrs. Vio Henseler, was received by our beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.He was very happy to see that so many of you are now active in the Holy Faith in Plochingen and holding your Feasts and meetings regularly in such a spirit of dedication and Bahá’í love. This love and unity among the friends cannot but attract the blessings of Bahá’u’lláh upon your work for His Cause.Now is the time to teach the hungry, war-disillusioned people of Germany the Message of God for this day. He urges you to redouble your efforts to attract and confirm new souls, and to teach them not only the spiritual aspects of the Faith but its World Order as well—for this Divine solution to the ills of mankind is what the people need to hear of.He remembers the visit of Mrs. Henseler and Mrs. Victoria B. von Sigsfeld to Haifa, and is happy to hear both have been ceaselessly active in the Cause, the one until her death and the other up until the present day! To serve is indeed a blessed privilege!You may be sure his loving prayers will be offered for you all and for the success of the work there...[From the Guardian:]May the Beloved bless your efforts, guide your steps in the path of service, and aid you to promote, effectively and at all times, the best interests of His Faith and its institutions,Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 18 February 194718 February 1947To the Bahá’ís of Rostock, Wärnemunde and Schwerin.Dear Bahá’í Friends:Your letter, dated Rostock Sept. 22nd and Schwerin Sept. 28th, 1946, was received, and it brought great joy to our Guardian’s heart to see the names of so many of the dear friends who are now united and actively serving the Faith in far northern towns! He has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.Now that it is once more possible for you all to meet, he urges you to do so often, and to exert your utmost in spreading the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to those who are seeking the Truth—and there are many of them these days! Likewise, he hopes you will be able to soon have three flourishing Spiritual Assemblies in those towns.He will pray that this may speedily come about; he will also pray for you all, for your protection and success in all you do for the beloved Faith...[From the Guardian:]May the Beloved bless your efforts, guide you in your devoted labours, aid you to increase your numbers, multiply your institutions, consolidate your accomplishments, and fulfil every desire you cherish for the promotion of His Faith,Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 18 February 194718 February 1947Regarding the time to hold the 19 Day Feasts: any time most convenient for all the believers is permissible, as long as it is between sunset and sunset of the calendar day on which the feast falls, as our Bahá’í days begin and end at sunset. The feasts are really for the believers only, but if a non-Bahá’í happens to come, we should not ask him to leave and hurt the person’s feelings.Letter of 22 February 194722 February 1947The Bahá’ís of PlochingenDear Bahá’í Friends:Your loving greeting sent to our beloved Guardian on Nov. 11th, 1946, reached him, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.He was very happy to see the names of so many friends gathered in Plochingen, and feels sure that your efforts to spread the Message of Bahá’u’lláh there are meeting with success. Now is the time to teach and to lead the hungry souls of mankind to the heavenly banquet of this Mighty Revelation.He assures you one and all of his most loving prayers for the success of your services to the Faith...[From the Guardian:]May the Beloved bless your efforts, guide your steps, remove all obstacles from your path, and enable you to promote, effectively and at all times, the vital interests of His Faith and its institutions,Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 30 March 194730 March 1947Bahá’í Gemeinde Plochingen—GôppingenDear Bahá’í Friends:Your joint letter to our beloved Guardian, dated Jan. 19th, and announcing the formation of your joint Assembly, reached him, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf and congratulate you on this great step forward you have taken.He hopes that in the near future your numbers will grow sufficiently to enable you to form two separate Spiritual Assemblies, and he assures you all that he will pray in the Holy Shrines that this objective may speedily be achieved.Your services, in these days of toil and trouble for your native land, are of the utmost importance and upon them depends the future course of events in its spiritual unfoldment...[From the Guardian:]May the Beloved of our hearts bless, guide and sustain you in your devoted endeavours and continued services to His Cause, aid you to extend the range of your activities, and enable you to win mighty victories for His Faith,Your true brother,Shoghi March 1947Bahá’u’lláh has given His wonderful teachings and His New World Order to all men; it is up to each individual to accept this Divine Message and promote its healing laws and principles for himself. No one can decide for you what you must do. Your own heart must tell you that your place is serving this struggling new Faith in the days when it is still, for the most part, unrecognized by the masses. In the future, when it has won more adherents, and its true stature becomes obvious to all, it will not require the courage to sponsor it which it does today!We must always remember that the administrative Order is a means to an end, an instrument to co-ordinate and unify the efforts of the Bahá’ís. It is still imperfectly understood by them, but very great progress has been made already. Now, through this administration, it is becoming possible to at last bring the knowledge of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings to the masses, and this is a field you could render great services in. Your fire, your love for your fellow men, are qualities much needed in our work, and Shoghi Effendi hopes you will feel the urge to plunge yourself into the service of this glorious Cause.In Germany there is such a demand for the teachings that the German Bahá’ís, exhausted from the war and hampered by restrictions on travel, etc., find it almost impossible to meet the call on their teaching abilities. They are a very devoted, well organized Community, but could surely use all the extra help they can get. If you could see your way clear to go to Germany and aid them in the teaching work, it would be rendering that suffering land a great spiritual service.Letter of 1 April 19471 April 1947The Germans, and the German Bahá’ís, have suffered terribly during these long years of war and suppression of all freedom and spiritual life; now, it seems, from reports reaching him, there is a revival of the spirit, and the people are longing for a plan, a way out of this moral chaos and darkness, a belief to hold to. This is therefore the time for the Bahá’ís to teach the Cause as never before, especially to the young people, and spread the glad tidings that a solution to the world’s problems exists!The German National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís is now doing all it can to get more Bahá’í books printed; it also has many new and important translations of our books already made, and we hope very soon these will be printed and distributed.I am enclosing a little booklet which will give you an idea of how great the progress and spread of the Cause has been, and daily it is growing all over the world.Shoghi Effendi hopes some-day, when Palestine is calmer, that you will be able to visit here.Letter of 4 April 19474 April 1947He fully realizes the great handicaps you are all labouring under, and admires the wonderful spirit of devotion to the Cause of God which keeps you going. You must never feel discouraged, but persevere in your labours, knowing Bahá’u’lláh will bless them.Regarding the question you asked about the advisability of Dr. Mühlschlegel moving to Frankfurt: he has no objection to this, but feels it is a matter for the National Spiritual Assembly to decide upon.Letter of 4 April 19474 April 1947The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Stuttgart.Dear Bahá’í Friends:The letter you wrote our beloved Guardian, dated Jan. 11th, 1947, was received, as well as the report you enclosed of the meetings held in Stuttgart, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.He was very pleased to see that there are now as many as 95 believers there, and he hopes this number will steadily and rapidly increase. All the Bahá’ís, new and old alike, should devote themselves as much as possible to teaching the Faith; they should also realize that the atmosphere of true love and unity which they manifest within the Bahá’í Community will directly affect the public, and be the greatest magnet for attracting people to the Faith and confirming them.In considering purchasing the Schwarz home as a future headquarters for the Stuttgart Bahá’ís, (a plan which he fully approves of) he urges you to, at the same time, bear in mind the responsibility of all the Bahá’ís—in Stuttgart and elsewhere—towards the purchase and maintenance of a National Headquarters; this is of the utmost importance, and when such a headquarters is established it will greatly stimulate the work all over Germany, Stuttgart included. It takes precedence over local Community activities.He assures you all, and all the Stuttgart believers, of his most loving prayers for the advancement of your Bahá’í labours...P.S. He was delighted to see you are doing teaching work in neighbouring towns; this is a very important service to the Cause.[From the Guardian:]May the Beloved bless your meritorious efforts, guide and sustain you in your activities, aid you to extend the range of your deeply appreciated services, and enable you to proclaim the verities of His Faith, and help in the consolidation of its nascent and God-given institutions,Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 12 April 194712 April 1947The Bahá’ís of EsslingenDear Bahá’í Friends:Your loving Naw-Rúz greeting was received, and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.He assures you all he will pray in the Holy Shrines for you, for the growth of your Community and the success of your services to our glorious Faith. You are all dear to him![From the Guardian:]May the Beloved bless, guide and sustain you at all times, enable you to extend the scope of your activities, and win great and memorable victories for the institutions of our beloved Faith,Your true brother,ShoghiLetter of 3 May 1947233 May 1947Your letters to our beloved Guardian, dated Feb. 7th and 11th, as well as the manuscript of “Hidden Words” have been received, and he has instructed me to answer them on his behalf.He is very happy to have this opportunity of communicating with you personally, and assuring you of how much he appreciates your devoted services in the path of our glorious Faith.Regarding the questions you have asked him:There is no correspondence or connection between the Hidden Word (Arabic) no. 1 and the last Arabic Hidden Word, or between these and any passage of the Seven Valleys.The Cairo edition of the Hidden Words, approved by the Master, is the one you must refer to for accuracy, and disregard all other texts. This answers the questions connected with Hidden Words number 18 and 39 and 1 (two) and 35 (two).Hidden Word no. 70: this is not addressed to any person but is a mystical expression and an allusion to the Manifestation of God.No marginal notes should be added except any of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Himself or the notes of the Cairo edition.The whole question of translation from the original text is very important. He has just written on this subject, at some length, to Baroness von Werthern, explaining to her that he considers now is not the time to translate the teachings into German from Persian and Arabic. No Persian with a sufficient expert knowledge of German is available to help in this matter; he does not feel, therefore, that such works as “Some Answered Questions”, “Seven Valleys”, etc. should be embarked upon at all. People who have not spent years steeped in the atmosphere and language and literature of the East cannot possibly grasp the subtleties of oriental usage. A good example of this very point is that Prof. Süssheim has not grasped what Bahá’u’lláh means by the word “[Arabic script]“. He is using it in a loose and colloquial sense which means “a passing thing”, a small amount, and not literally associating it with food.He feels you should continue your study of the teachings in the original and, from time to time, if you desire to, translate material from the original in short excerpts; but not at present important books and Tablets. These you can better translate from good English editions.There is so much teaching work, and administrative work, to be done in Germany at present that he urges you to concentrate on this form of service. The public need to receive the Message on a large scale, to have available literature at once, to read articles on the Bahá’í Faith; and in all these ways your services can be of great help.P.S. “Tur” and “Sinai” should not be taken literally; the first is an allusion to Mt. Sinai, which in this case means the Manifestation of God; the second, “Sinai”, represents the human heart.[From the Guardian:]May the Almighty bless, sustain and guide you, at all times and under all conditions, assist you to proclaim the verities of His Faith, and lend a tremendous impetus to the advancement and consolidation of its new-born and God-given institutions,Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 13 June 19472413 June 1947He was happy to hear the message had been broadcast over the Radio Frankfurt, and hopes this teaching method can often be used, as it reaches the people in their homes and many of them would not attend public meetings.The very encouraging report you sent him of the work in Germany was most welcome, and he wishes that the National Teaching Committee or the N.S.A. would send him a statement showing how many Spiritual Assemblies there are, how many groups and how many isolated Bahá’ís, and in which cities and towns they are to be found, respectively.Generally speaking his instructions to the American Bahá’ís and their N.S.A. are, whenever they concern administrative principles and procedure and general statements about and interpretations of the Faith, binding for all Bahá’ís everywhere. Naturally specific instructions to the American Bahá’ís are not applicable to other communities. “Bahá’í Procedure”, as Mr. Holley pointed out, is not binding on other National Assemblies, as many things in it are purely secondary rulings made by the American N.S.A. to facilitate the work of the Cause under its jurisdiction.The believers should certainly, under no circumstances, drink any alcoholic beverages as this has been forbidden in the Aqdas. Not all of its laws and precepts can be practiced at present; but those he has, in his instructions to America, laid down as applicable at present should be followed.
Letter of 20 March 19381720 March 1938...it made Shoghi Effendi truly happy to know that our dear friend Mrs. ... will be soon coming to Haifa. Much as he regrets that her stay will be of such an exceptionally short duration he hopes nevertheless that through contact with these Holy Spots she will be so refreshed and strengthened spiritually as to be able to impart fresh hope and vigour to the hearts of the friends when she returns home.Needless to tell you what a great pleasure it is for the Guardian to meet again this year, and so unexpectedly, one of our German friends, as his heart is longing to hear of your news, and to share the experiences you have been passing through during all these months.Letter of 29 March 193829 March 1938Shoghi Effendi has just received your very kind message of the 20th ins. conveying to him your greetings and good wishes on the occasion of the feast of Naw-Rúz. He values beyond words your sentiments, and wishes me to assure you of his prayers at the Shrines on your behalf, that this New Year we have just entered may bring to you and your fellow-brethren throughout Germany every blessing, and happiness, and the highest success in both your spiritual and material pursuits.It was a matter of profound grief to Shoghi Effendi to hear of the sad news of the passing away of our friend Mr. Emil Lips. Kindly convey to the bereaved members of his family his heartfelt condolences, and the expression of his profound and deepfelt sympathy in this grievous loss they have sustained.Letter of 7 May 19397 May 1939He 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. Be not despaired, nay be assured that a glorious future awaits you all, more brilliant than any you can imagine.Your true brother,ShoghiLetter of 26 May 194626 May 1946Miss Edith Horn and the dear Bahá’ís of FrankfurtDear Bahá’í Friends:Your letter of April 21st reached the beloved Guardian—the first direct mail from Germany!—and he was rejoiced to see you are all so devoted and active in the service of our precious Faith.He hopes the Frankfurt Bahá’ís, now that they have a Spiritual Assembly and are free to conduct their affairs publicly, will succeed in teaching many new souls this life-giving message.The need in Europe to hear of the Cause is more desperate than ever before, and the responsibility of the German friends very great, being as they are the largest Bahá’í Community in Europe.You may be sure he will pray for your labours to promote the Cause, in the Holy Shrines, and he assures you that you and your work are very dear to him...[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-worker:My heart was filled with joy, pride and gratitude when I perused your most welcome message, as I regard it as a remarkable evidence of the unfailing providence and power of Bahá’u’lláh, who has watched over you, preserved and sustained you, and has now enabled you to resume your historic work for His Cause. You have often been in my thoughts and prayers and I rejoice that your city is to become the administrative centre of our beloved Faith and the national focus of its spiritual and humanitarian activities. Persevere in your great task and rest assured and be happy.Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 3 July 19463 July 1946I need not try and convey to you in words how the Guardian has deplored, and suffered over, all the tragic happenings of the last few years! He was particularly sorry to hear such a dear Bahá’í as Paul Köhler, of Dresden, had died, as well as his wife and children. We can only be grateful that so many of the German friends have survived such terrible years!He is very anxious to have the German Bahá’ís resume their activities on a larger scale than ever before—particularly as they are now free for the first time in so many years. He fully realizes how great your problems are, and that you are still suffering from many shortages and restrictions; but knowing you all—and what our beloved Master foresaw your future would be—the Guardian is confident the Faith will spread as never before in Germany, and that the believers of that country will aid in establishing the institutions of Bahá’u’lláh all over Europe.Letter of 11 July 194611 July 1946The Bahá’í Community, EsslingenDear Bahá’í Friends:Your letter dated May 23rd has reached our beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf, and to thank you for the loving greetings you sent him.He hopes that now the believers in Germany are at last free to work for the Cause they will strive together—as the Master desired—as one soul in many bodies and show forth such an example of love and unity within the Bahá’í Community that the hearts of the people will be attracted to them. The world is longing for example more than for anything else, for on all sides we hear good advice but see no sincerity and no practicing of what people are preaching!He assures you all his loving prayers are offered on your behalf and for the success of your Bahá’í work...[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-workers:I was so pleased to hear from you and to receive such expressions of devotion and determination in the service of our beloved Faith. Your centre is near and dear to my heart, and you are, I assure you, often in my thoughts. I will pray for your success, for the extension of your activities, and the speedy realization of the hopes you cherish for the advancement of our glorious Faith,Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 12 July 19461812 July 1946Dear Bahá’í Brother and Bahá’í Friends:The Post Card you sent our beloved Guardian on June 3rd reached him, and he was very happy to receive news from you direct and from your dear family and all the Bahá’í friends who were gathered together with you on that day in Neckärgemund.He hopes you (Dr. Grossmann) received the long letter he forwarded to you (in answer to yours) through Mr. Holley?The news of the devotion, enthusiasm, and renewed activity of the dear German Bahá’ís is a source of joy to him, and he hopes that the N.S.A. is able to meet often and conduct the affairs of the Faith in that country, where for so long it was banned and persecuted.You may be sure his loving prayers are often offered on your behalf, for the success of your labours to promote the Faith, and for your protection and welfare...P.S. The Guardian is very anxious to receive reports of the work of the N.S.A. He considers it advisable that during the course of this year any groups which attain nine members should be allowed to form an Assembly at once without waiting until April 21st. in order to encourage the friends after so many years of suppression and suffering.[From the Guardian:]May the Spirit of Bahá’u’lláh sustain, guide and bless you in your truly exemplary and meritorious services, aid you to overcome all obstacles in your path, to extend the range of your activities, to proclaim the truths of this glorious Faith to the suffering masses, and to multiply and consolidate its God-given institutions,Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 25 July 19461925 July 1946He was delighted at the good news you conveyed to him; for some time now he has been anxiously awaiting news of the activities of the N.S.A.—if it is feasible, please send him reports of that body.He feels that, in view of all the German believers have passed through, their long period of persecution and suppression, that it is all right during this year to permit the formation of local assemblies, as soon as 9 or more believers are available, in order to encourage the friends and stimulate their work in the teaching field.Letter of 29 July 194629 July 1946He feels that the subject of the Bahá’í work in Esperanto in Germany is a matter for you to take up with the National Spiritual Assembly; we Bahá’ís do not claim Esperanto will be the auxiliary language of the future—but, as we firmly believe in the necessity of an auxiliary language we are glad to support this work by publishing books in Esperanto and encouraging the Bahá’ís to learn it, if they wish to. Cooperation with this society is an excellent means of spreading the Cause, as Martha Root demonstrated in her travels. However, all details in this matter must be decided by the N.S.A. You can contact Bahá’í Esperantists in England and the U.S.A. through their respective N.S.As.Letter of 30 July 19462030 July 1946He was so very happy to hear the wonderful news you conveyed of the receptivity you find among the German people, and especially the youth, to the Teachings.He considers the work of the Cause in Germany of primary importance; the German believers not only have the fertile field of their own people’s minds to cultivate, but must, eventually, do a large part of the teaching work to be carried out in the future in Central and Eastern Europe. So he is very anxious to have your affairs running on a smooth administrative basis, and to also have you receive the necessary literature or means of printing it.He was also delighted to hear the Sun of Truth is again being printed, and that you have been able, in spite of so many handicaps, to distribute thousands of pamphlets and hold so many important public meetings.Now is certainly the time to carry on the work on an ever-increasing scale; the hearts have suffered much, and the minds are grasping for a solution to the terrible problems facing them. The Cause can surely, in this golden hour of opportunity, make greater headway than ever before in its history in Europe, and you may be sure he will do all in his power to assist you in your labours.He assures you his loving and ardent prayers will be offered on your behalf and for the success of the work you and the other friends are carrying on at present...P.S. The Guardian was very pleased to hear that the former adherents of Ruth White and Mr. Herrigel’s ideas have expressed the desire to be enrolled in the Faith, and to work according to the administrative Order. He recommends that the National Assembly, by all means, accept them, and assist them to fully grasp the fundamentals of the Will and Testament.[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-worker,I am so glad and grateful to learn of the progress of your activities and of the success attending your efforts in the service of our beloved Faith. I feel confident that you will, in the days to come, add fresh laurels to the crown you have already won in the service of our beloved Faith. Persevere, and rest assured that I will continue to pray for you from the depths of my heart.Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 29 December 194629 December 1946The sufferings which the German Bahá’ís have passed through have grieved his heart very much—but he is very proud of their loyal and devoted spirit, and the way their faith in Bahá’u’lláh has come out of the fire of these war years pure and unstained and stronger than ever! They have a great future, promised them by the beloved Master...As you may perhaps have heard, our Guardian does not like to give pictures of himself to the believers—he prefers that they should keep in their homes photographs of the Master Who is our inspiration and Exemplar.He hopes very much that you will be able to teach other young Germans the Cause there. The youth in particular need desperately to be given the Message, for it is their lives that have suffered the greatest ruin through this cruel war. Teaching them should be your first duty...Letter of 18 January 19472118 January 1947Your welcome letters ... were received, together with the poems you enclosed in them...He wishes me to assure you he will include some of the poems in the next volume of “Bahá’í World”; it is, unfortunately, too late to get them into the latest number which is now being printed in America.It seems now absolutely certain that our dear Bahá’í sister, Lydia Zamenhof, lost her life in a gas-chamber during the war! It is a great loss, as she could have rendered the Faith many services in Europe in these past-war days! But her services to the Cause and her memory are imperishable!He would be very pleased to receive an article from you about her for the next volume of Bahá’í World, but not for the “In Memoriam” section. Also he regrets he will not be able to publish in the Bahá’í World the In Memoriam article you sent about your dear parents. Only those people who have died in the period covered by each volume receive mention in that volume, and the next one will be for 1946–48!...P.S. He is very happy to hear dear Mr. Zabih is meeting the friends there; you may be sure he will pray that the way may open for him to help you all in Germany at the present time and serve the Faith in England later on.The Guardian assures you he is delighted to hear of the translations you have already made and are at present engaged upon; the German literature of the Faith is of the utmost importance, both because of the great future the Cause has there, and the fact that so many other Europeans read German. He hopes “Gleanings” and the “Dispensation” can soon be printed. These matters you should refer to your Nat. Spiritual Assembly.[From the Guardian:]My dear and valued co-worker:I am so glad and grateful to learn of the activity and perseverance of the dear German believers, and of your own valued and constant services to our beloved Faith. You are, I assure you, often in my thoughts and prayers, and I prize the spirit that animates you in His service. I cherish the brightest hopes for the future of your historic work for the promotion of the Faith, and wish you to persevere and rest assured that the Beloved will continue to guide and sustain you, and will reward you abundantly for your high endeavours.Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 9 February 1947229 February 1947He realizes that every effort the friends make in Germany these days is made in the face of great obstacles and at the cost of real sacrifice. But they must ever keep their goals in sight, and persevere for the sake of the Cause and for the sake of their fellow-countrymen who now, in their greatest hour of need, have the right to hear of Bahá’u’lláh Who alone can save the world and lead it to peace and happiness.He will certainly pray that all obstacles may be soon overcome, and the printing work go ahead. He also hopes, and will pray, that the N.S.A. will make every effort to arrange its affairs so as to meet in Frankfurt. These things cannot be done over night, he fully realizes, but the believers must strive to accomplish them constantly.The services which you and your dear family are so constantly rendering the Faith are very, very deeply appreciated by him. Be happy that God has enabled you to do so much for His Faith!His loving prayers are with you all...[From the Guardian:]Assuring you of my abiding gratitude for your constant and splendid services to our beloved Faith, and of my ardent prayers for your welfare and the realization of every hope you cherish for the advancement and consolidation of its new-born institutions,Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 18 February 194718 February 1947The Bahá’í Community of Plochingen.Dear Bahá’í Friends:Your letter dated Nov. 15th, 1946, written by your secretary, Mrs. Vio Henseler, was received by our beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.He was very happy to see that so many of you are now active in the Holy Faith in Plochingen and holding your Feasts and meetings regularly in such a spirit of dedication and Bahá’í love. This love and unity among the friends cannot but attract the blessings of Bahá’u’lláh upon your work for His Cause.Now is the time to teach the hungry, war-disillusioned people of Germany the Message of God for this day. He urges you to redouble your efforts to attract and confirm new souls, and to teach them not only the spiritual aspects of the Faith but its World Order as well—for this Divine solution to the ills of mankind is what the people need to hear of.He remembers the visit of Mrs. Henseler and Mrs. Victoria B. von Sigsfeld to Haifa, and is happy to hear both have been ceaselessly active in the Cause, the one until her death and the other up until the present day! To serve is indeed a blessed privilege!You may be sure his loving prayers will be offered for you all and for the success of the work there...[From the Guardian:]May the Beloved bless your efforts, guide your steps in the path of service, and aid you to promote, effectively and at all times, the best interests of His Faith and its institutions,Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 18 February 194718 February 1947To the Bahá’ís of Rostock, Wärnemunde and Schwerin.Dear Bahá’í Friends:Your letter, dated Rostock Sept. 22nd and Schwerin Sept. 28th, 1946, was received, and it brought great joy to our Guardian’s heart to see the names of so many of the dear friends who are now united and actively serving the Faith in far northern towns! He has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.Now that it is once more possible for you all to meet, he urges you to do so often, and to exert your utmost in spreading the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to those who are seeking the Truth—and there are many of them these days! Likewise, he hopes you will be able to soon have three flourishing Spiritual Assemblies in those towns.He will pray that this may speedily come about; he will also pray for you all, for your protection and success in all you do for the beloved Faith...[From the Guardian:]May the Beloved bless your efforts, guide you in your devoted labours, aid you to increase your numbers, multiply your institutions, consolidate your accomplishments, and fulfil every desire you cherish for the promotion of His Faith,Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 18 February 194718 February 1947Regarding the time to hold the 19 Day Feasts: any time most convenient for all the believers is permissible, as long as it is between sunset and sunset of the calendar day on which the feast falls, as our Bahá’í days begin and end at sunset. The feasts are really for the believers only, but if a non-Bahá’í happens to come, we should not ask him to leave and hurt the person’s feelings.Letter of 22 February 194722 February 1947The Bahá’ís of PlochingenDear Bahá’í Friends:Your loving greeting sent to our beloved Guardian on Nov. 11th, 1946, reached him, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.He was very happy to see the names of so many friends gathered in Plochingen, and feels sure that your efforts to spread the Message of Bahá’u’lláh there are meeting with success. Now is the time to teach and to lead the hungry souls of mankind to the heavenly banquet of this Mighty Revelation.He assures you one and all of his most loving prayers for the success of your services to the Faith...[From the Guardian:]May the Beloved bless your efforts, guide your steps, remove all obstacles from your path, and enable you to promote, effectively and at all times, the vital interests of His Faith and its institutions,Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 30 March 194730 March 1947Bahá’í Gemeinde Plochingen—GôppingenDear Bahá’í Friends:Your joint letter to our beloved Guardian, dated Jan. 19th, and announcing the formation of your joint Assembly, reached him, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf and congratulate you on this great step forward you have taken.He hopes that in the near future your numbers will grow sufficiently to enable you to form two separate Spiritual Assemblies, and he assures you all that he will pray in the Holy Shrines that this objective may speedily be achieved.Your services, in these days of toil and trouble for your native land, are of the utmost importance and upon them depends the future course of events in its spiritual unfoldment...[From the Guardian:]May the Beloved of our hearts bless, guide and sustain you in your devoted endeavours and continued services to His Cause, aid you to extend the range of your activities, and enable you to win mighty victories for His Faith,Your true brother,Shoghi March 1947Bahá’u’lláh has given His wonderful teachings and His New World Order to all men; it is up to each individual to accept this Divine Message and promote its healing laws and principles for himself. No one can decide for you what you must do. Your own heart must tell you that your place is serving this struggling new Faith in the days when it is still, for the most part, unrecognized by the masses. In the future, when it has won more adherents, and its true stature becomes obvious to all, it will not require the courage to sponsor it which it does today!We must always remember that the administrative Order is a means to an end, an instrument to co-ordinate and unify the efforts of the Bahá’ís. It is still imperfectly understood by them, but very great progress has been made already. Now, through this administration, it is becoming possible to at last bring the knowledge of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings to the masses, and this is a field you could render great services in. Your fire, your love for your fellow men, are qualities much needed in our work, and Shoghi Effendi hopes you will feel the urge to plunge yourself into the service of this glorious Cause.In Germany there is such a demand for the teachings that the German Bahá’ís, exhausted from the war and hampered by restrictions on travel, etc., find it almost impossible to meet the call on their teaching abilities. They are a very devoted, well organized Community, but could surely use all the extra help they can get. If you could see your way clear to go to Germany and aid them in the teaching work, it would be rendering that suffering land a great spiritual service.Letter of 1 April 19471 April 1947The Germans, and the German Bahá’ís, have suffered terribly during these long years of war and suppression of all freedom and spiritual life; now, it seems, from reports reaching him, there is a revival of the spirit, and the people are longing for a plan, a way out of this moral chaos and darkness, a belief to hold to. This is therefore the time for the Bahá’ís to teach the Cause as never before, especially to the young people, and spread the glad tidings that a solution to the world’s problems exists!The German National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís is now doing all it can to get more Bahá’í books printed; it also has many new and important translations of our books already made, and we hope very soon these will be printed and distributed.I am enclosing a little booklet which will give you an idea of how great the progress and spread of the Cause has been, and daily it is growing all over the world.Shoghi Effendi hopes some-day, when Palestine is calmer, that you will be able to visit here.Letter of 4 April 19474 April 1947He fully realizes the great handicaps you are all labouring under, and admires the wonderful spirit of devotion to the Cause of God which keeps you going. You must never feel discouraged, but persevere in your labours, knowing Bahá’u’lláh will bless them.Regarding the question you asked about the advisability of Dr. Mühlschlegel moving to Frankfurt: he has no objection to this, but feels it is a matter for the National Spiritual Assembly to decide upon.Letter of 4 April 19474 April 1947The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Stuttgart.Dear Bahá’í Friends:The letter you wrote our beloved Guardian, dated Jan. 11th, 1947, was received, as well as the report you enclosed of the meetings held in Stuttgart, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.He was very pleased to see that there are now as many as 95 believers there, and he hopes this number will steadily and rapidly increase. All the Bahá’ís, new and old alike, should devote themselves as much as possible to teaching the Faith; they should also realize that the atmosphere of true love and unity which they manifest within the Bahá’í Community will directly affect the public, and be the greatest magnet for attracting people to the Faith and confirming them.In considering purchasing the Schwarz home as a future headquarters for the Stuttgart Bahá’ís, (a plan which he fully approves of) he urges you to, at the same time, bear in mind the responsibility of all the Bahá’ís—in Stuttgart and elsewhere—towards the purchase and maintenance of a National Headquarters; this is of the utmost importance, and when such a headquarters is established it will greatly stimulate the work all over Germany, Stuttgart included. It takes precedence over local Community activities.He assures you all, and all the Stuttgart believers, of his most loving prayers for the advancement of your Bahá’í labours...P.S. He was delighted to see you are doing teaching work in neighbouring towns; this is a very important service to the Cause.[From the Guardian:]May the Beloved bless your meritorious efforts, guide and sustain you in your activities, aid you to extend the range of your deeply appreciated services, and enable you to proclaim the verities of His Faith, and help in the consolidation of its nascent and God-given institutions,Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 12 April 194712 April 1947The Bahá’ís of EsslingenDear Bahá’í Friends:Your loving Naw-Rúz greeting was received, and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.He assures you all he will pray in the Holy Shrines for you, for the growth of your Community and the success of your services to our glorious Faith. You are all dear to him![From the Guardian:]May the Beloved bless, guide and sustain you at all times, enable you to extend the scope of your activities, and win great and memorable victories for the institutions of our beloved Faith,Your true brother,ShoghiLetter of 3 May 1947233 May 1947Your letters to our beloved Guardian, dated Feb. 7th and 11th, as well as the manuscript of “Hidden Words” have been received, and he has instructed me to answer them on his behalf.He is very happy to have this opportunity of communicating with you personally, and assuring you of how much he appreciates your devoted services in the path of our glorious Faith.Regarding the questions you have asked him:There is no correspondence or connection between the Hidden Word (Arabic) no. 1 and the last Arabic Hidden Word, or between these and any passage of the Seven Valleys.The Cairo edition of the Hidden Words, approved by the Master, is the one you must refer to for accuracy, and disregard all other texts. This answers the questions connected with Hidden Words number 18 and 39 and 1 (two) and 35 (two).Hidden Word no. 70: this is not addressed to any person but is a mystical expression and an allusion to the Manifestation of God.No marginal notes should be added except any of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Himself or the notes of the Cairo edition.The whole question of translation from the original text is very important. He has just written on this subject, at some length, to Baroness von Werthern, explaining to her that he considers now is not the time to translate the teachings into German from Persian and Arabic. No Persian with a sufficient expert knowledge of German is available to help in this matter; he does not feel, therefore, that such works as “Some Answered Questions”, “Seven Valleys”, etc. should be embarked upon at all. People who have not spent years steeped in the atmosphere and language and literature of the East cannot possibly grasp the subtleties of oriental usage. A good example of this very point is that Prof. Süssheim has not grasped what Bahá’u’lláh means by the word “[Arabic script]“. He is using it in a loose and colloquial sense which means “a passing thing”, a small amount, and not literally associating it with food.He feels you should continue your study of the teachings in the original and, from time to time, if you desire to, translate material from the original in short excerpts; but not at present important books and Tablets. These you can better translate from good English editions.There is so much teaching work, and administrative work, to be done in Germany at present that he urges you to concentrate on this form of service. The public need to receive the Message on a large scale, to have available literature at once, to read articles on the Bahá’í Faith; and in all these ways your services can be of great help.P.S. “Tur” and “Sinai” should not be taken literally; the first is an allusion to Mt. Sinai, which in this case means the Manifestation of God; the second, “Sinai”, represents the human heart.[From the Guardian:]May the Almighty bless, sustain and guide you, at all times and under all conditions, assist you to proclaim the verities of His Faith, and lend a tremendous impetus to the advancement and consolidation of its new-born and God-given institutions,Your true and grateful brother,ShoghiLetter of 13 June 19472413 June 1947He was happy to hear the message had been broadcast over the Radio Frankfurt, and hopes this teaching method can often be used, as it reaches the people in their homes and many of them would not attend public meetings.The very encouraging report you sent him of the work in Germany was most welcome, and he wishes that the National Teaching Committee or the N.S.A. would send him a statement showing how many Spiritual Assemblies there are, how many groups and how many isolated Bahá’ís, and in which cities and towns they are to be found, respectively.Generally speaking his instructions to the American Bahá’ís and their N.S.A. are, whenever they concern administrative principles and procedure and general statements about and interpretations of the Faith, binding for all Bahá’ís everywhere. Naturally specific instructions to the American Bahá’ís are not applicable to other communities. “Bahá’í Procedure”, as Mr. Holley pointed out, is not binding on other National Assemblies, as many things in it are purely secondary rulings made by the American N.S.A. to facilitate the work of the Cause under its jurisdiction.The believers should certainly, under no circumstances, drink any alcoholic beverages as this has been forbidden in the Aqdas. Not all of its laws and precepts can be practiced at present; but those he has, in his instructions to America, laid down as applicable at present should be followed.
Letter of 20 March 19381720 March 1938...it made Shoghi Effendi truly happy to know that our dear friend Mrs. ... will be soon coming to Haifa. Much as he regrets that her stay will be of such an exceptionally short duration he hopes nevertheless that through contact with these Holy Spots she will be so refreshed and strengthened spiritually as to be able to impart fresh hope and vigour to the hearts of the friends when she returns home.Needless to tell you what a great pleasure it is for the Guardian to meet again this year, and so unexpectedly, one of our German friends, as his heart is longing to hear of your news, and to share the experiences you have been passing through during all these months.
20 March 1938
...it made Shoghi Effendi truly happy to know that our dear friend Mrs. ... will be soon coming to Haifa. Much as he regrets that her stay will be of such an exceptionally short duration he hopes nevertheless that through contact with these Holy Spots she will be so refreshed and strengthened spiritually as to be able to impart fresh hope and vigour to the hearts of the friends when she returns home.
Needless to tell you what a great pleasure it is for the Guardian to meet again this year, and so unexpectedly, one of our German friends, as his heart is longing to hear of your news, and to share the experiences you have been passing through during all these months.
Letter of 29 March 193829 March 1938Shoghi Effendi has just received your very kind message of the 20th ins. conveying to him your greetings and good wishes on the occasion of the feast of Naw-Rúz. He values beyond words your sentiments, and wishes me to assure you of his prayers at the Shrines on your behalf, that this New Year we have just entered may bring to you and your fellow-brethren throughout Germany every blessing, and happiness, and the highest success in both your spiritual and material pursuits.It was a matter of profound grief to Shoghi Effendi to hear of the sad news of the passing away of our friend Mr. Emil Lips. Kindly convey to the bereaved members of his family his heartfelt condolences, and the expression of his profound and deepfelt sympathy in this grievous loss they have sustained.
29 March 1938
Shoghi Effendi has just received your very kind message of the 20th ins. conveying to him your greetings and good wishes on the occasion of the feast of Naw-Rúz. He values beyond words your sentiments, and wishes me to assure you of his prayers at the Shrines on your behalf, that this New Year we have just entered may bring to you and your fellow-brethren throughout Germany every blessing, and happiness, and the highest success in both your spiritual and material pursuits.
It was a matter of profound grief to Shoghi Effendi to hear of the sad news of the passing away of our friend Mr. Emil Lips. Kindly convey to the bereaved members of his family his heartfelt condolences, and the expression of his profound and deepfelt sympathy in this grievous loss they have sustained.
Letter of 7 May 19397 May 1939He 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. Be not despaired, nay be assured that a glorious future awaits you all, more brilliant than any you can imagine.Your true brother,Shoghi
7 May 1939
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. Be not despaired, nay be assured that a glorious future awaits you all, more brilliant than any you can imagine.
Your true brother,Shoghi
Letter of 26 May 194626 May 1946Miss Edith Horn and the dear Bahá’ís of FrankfurtDear Bahá’í Friends:Your letter of April 21st reached the beloved Guardian—the first direct mail from Germany!—and he was rejoiced to see you are all so devoted and active in the service of our precious Faith.He hopes the Frankfurt Bahá’ís, now that they have a Spiritual Assembly and are free to conduct their affairs publicly, will succeed in teaching many new souls this life-giving message.The need in Europe to hear of the Cause is more desperate than ever before, and the responsibility of the German friends very great, being as they are the largest Bahá’í Community in Europe.You may be sure he will pray for your labours to promote the Cause, in the Holy Shrines, and he assures you that you and your work are very dear to him...[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-worker:My heart was filled with joy, pride and gratitude when I perused your most welcome message, as I regard it as a remarkable evidence of the unfailing providence and power of Bahá’u’lláh, who has watched over you, preserved and sustained you, and has now enabled you to resume your historic work for His Cause. You have often been in my thoughts and prayers and I rejoice that your city is to become the administrative centre of our beloved Faith and the national focus of its spiritual and humanitarian activities. Persevere in your great task and rest assured and be happy.Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
26 May 1946
Miss Edith Horn and the dear Bahá’ís of Frankfurt
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
Your letter of April 21st reached the beloved Guardian—the first direct mail from Germany!—and he was rejoiced to see you are all so devoted and active in the service of our precious Faith.
He hopes the Frankfurt Bahá’ís, now that they have a Spiritual Assembly and are free to conduct their affairs publicly, will succeed in teaching many new souls this life-giving message.
The need in Europe to hear of the Cause is more desperate than ever before, and the responsibility of the German friends very great, being as they are the largest Bahá’í Community in Europe.
You may be sure he will pray for your labours to promote the Cause, in the Holy Shrines, and he assures you that you and your work are very dear to him...
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-worker:
My heart was filled with joy, pride and gratitude when I perused your most welcome message, as I regard it as a remarkable evidence of the unfailing providence and power of Bahá’u’lláh, who has watched over you, preserved and sustained you, and has now enabled you to resume your historic work for His Cause. You have often been in my thoughts and prayers and I rejoice that your city is to become the administrative centre of our beloved Faith and the national focus of its spiritual and humanitarian activities. Persevere in your great task and rest assured and be happy.
Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
Letter of 3 July 19463 July 1946I need not try and convey to you in words how the Guardian has deplored, and suffered over, all the tragic happenings of the last few years! He was particularly sorry to hear such a dear Bahá’í as Paul Köhler, of Dresden, had died, as well as his wife and children. We can only be grateful that so many of the German friends have survived such terrible years!He is very anxious to have the German Bahá’ís resume their activities on a larger scale than ever before—particularly as they are now free for the first time in so many years. He fully realizes how great your problems are, and that you are still suffering from many shortages and restrictions; but knowing you all—and what our beloved Master foresaw your future would be—the Guardian is confident the Faith will spread as never before in Germany, and that the believers of that country will aid in establishing the institutions of Bahá’u’lláh all over Europe.
3 July 1946
I need not try and convey to you in words how the Guardian has deplored, and suffered over, all the tragic happenings of the last few years! He was particularly sorry to hear such a dear Bahá’í as Paul Köhler, of Dresden, had died, as well as his wife and children. We can only be grateful that so many of the German friends have survived such terrible years!
He is very anxious to have the German Bahá’ís resume their activities on a larger scale than ever before—particularly as they are now free for the first time in so many years. He fully realizes how great your problems are, and that you are still suffering from many shortages and restrictions; but knowing you all—and what our beloved Master foresaw your future would be—the Guardian is confident the Faith will spread as never before in Germany, and that the believers of that country will aid in establishing the institutions of Bahá’u’lláh all over Europe.
Letter of 11 July 194611 July 1946The Bahá’í Community, EsslingenDear Bahá’í Friends:Your letter dated May 23rd has reached our beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf, and to thank you for the loving greetings you sent him.He hopes that now the believers in Germany are at last free to work for the Cause they will strive together—as the Master desired—as one soul in many bodies and show forth such an example of love and unity within the Bahá’í Community that the hearts of the people will be attracted to them. The world is longing for example more than for anything else, for on all sides we hear good advice but see no sincerity and no practicing of what people are preaching!He assures you all his loving prayers are offered on your behalf and for the success of your Bahá’í work...[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-workers:I was so pleased to hear from you and to receive such expressions of devotion and determination in the service of our beloved Faith. Your centre is near and dear to my heart, and you are, I assure you, often in my thoughts. I will pray for your success, for the extension of your activities, and the speedy realization of the hopes you cherish for the advancement of our glorious Faith,Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
11 July 1946
The Bahá’í Community, Esslingen
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
Your letter dated May 23rd has reached our beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf, and to thank you for the loving greetings you sent him.
He hopes that now the believers in Germany are at last free to work for the Cause they will strive together—as the Master desired—as one soul in many bodies and show forth such an example of love and unity within the Bahá’í Community that the hearts of the people will be attracted to them. The world is longing for example more than for anything else, for on all sides we hear good advice but see no sincerity and no practicing of what people are preaching!
He assures you all his loving prayers are offered on your behalf and for the success of your Bahá’í work...
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
I was so pleased to hear from you and to receive such expressions of devotion and determination in the service of our beloved Faith. Your centre is near and dear to my heart, and you are, I assure you, often in my thoughts. I will pray for your success, for the extension of your activities, and the speedy realization of the hopes you cherish for the advancement of our glorious Faith,
Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
Letter of 12 July 19461812 July 1946Dear Bahá’í Brother and Bahá’í Friends:The Post Card you sent our beloved Guardian on June 3rd reached him, and he was very happy to receive news from you direct and from your dear family and all the Bahá’í friends who were gathered together with you on that day in Neckärgemund.He hopes you (Dr. Grossmann) received the long letter he forwarded to you (in answer to yours) through Mr. Holley?The news of the devotion, enthusiasm, and renewed activity of the dear German Bahá’ís is a source of joy to him, and he hopes that the N.S.A. is able to meet often and conduct the affairs of the Faith in that country, where for so long it was banned and persecuted.You may be sure his loving prayers are often offered on your behalf, for the success of your labours to promote the Faith, and for your protection and welfare...P.S. The Guardian is very anxious to receive reports of the work of the N.S.A. He considers it advisable that during the course of this year any groups which attain nine members should be allowed to form an Assembly at once without waiting until April 21st. in order to encourage the friends after so many years of suppression and suffering.[From the Guardian:]May the Spirit of Bahá’u’lláh sustain, guide and bless you in your truly exemplary and meritorious services, aid you to overcome all obstacles in your path, to extend the range of your activities, to proclaim the truths of this glorious Faith to the suffering masses, and to multiply and consolidate its God-given institutions,Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
12 July 1946
Dear Bahá’í Brother and Bahá’í Friends:
The Post Card you sent our beloved Guardian on June 3rd reached him, and he was very happy to receive news from you direct and from your dear family and all the Bahá’í friends who were gathered together with you on that day in Neckärgemund.
He hopes you (Dr. Grossmann) received the long letter he forwarded to you (in answer to yours) through Mr. Holley?
The news of the devotion, enthusiasm, and renewed activity of the dear German Bahá’ís is a source of joy to him, and he hopes that the N.S.A. is able to meet often and conduct the affairs of the Faith in that country, where for so long it was banned and persecuted.
You may be sure his loving prayers are often offered on your behalf, for the success of your labours to promote the Faith, and for your protection and welfare...
P.S. The Guardian is very anxious to receive reports of the work of the N.S.A. He considers it advisable that during the course of this year any groups which attain nine members should be allowed to form an Assembly at once without waiting until April 21st. in order to encourage the friends after so many years of suppression and suffering.
[From the Guardian:]
May the Spirit of Bahá’u’lláh sustain, guide and bless you in your truly exemplary and meritorious services, aid you to overcome all obstacles in your path, to extend the range of your activities, to proclaim the truths of this glorious Faith to the suffering masses, and to multiply and consolidate its God-given institutions,
Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
Letter of 25 July 19461925 July 1946He was delighted at the good news you conveyed to him; for some time now he has been anxiously awaiting news of the activities of the N.S.A.—if it is feasible, please send him reports of that body.He feels that, in view of all the German believers have passed through, their long period of persecution and suppression, that it is all right during this year to permit the formation of local assemblies, as soon as 9 or more believers are available, in order to encourage the friends and stimulate their work in the teaching field.
25 July 1946
He was delighted at the good news you conveyed to him; for some time now he has been anxiously awaiting news of the activities of the N.S.A.—if it is feasible, please send him reports of that body.
He feels that, in view of all the German believers have passed through, their long period of persecution and suppression, that it is all right during this year to permit the formation of local assemblies, as soon as 9 or more believers are available, in order to encourage the friends and stimulate their work in the teaching field.
Letter of 29 July 194629 July 1946He feels that the subject of the Bahá’í work in Esperanto in Germany is a matter for you to take up with the National Spiritual Assembly; we Bahá’ís do not claim Esperanto will be the auxiliary language of the future—but, as we firmly believe in the necessity of an auxiliary language we are glad to support this work by publishing books in Esperanto and encouraging the Bahá’ís to learn it, if they wish to. Cooperation with this society is an excellent means of spreading the Cause, as Martha Root demonstrated in her travels. However, all details in this matter must be decided by the N.S.A. You can contact Bahá’í Esperantists in England and the U.S.A. through their respective N.S.As.
29 July 1946
He feels that the subject of the Bahá’í work in Esperanto in Germany is a matter for you to take up with the National Spiritual Assembly; we Bahá’ís do not claim Esperanto will be the auxiliary language of the future—but, as we firmly believe in the necessity of an auxiliary language we are glad to support this work by publishing books in Esperanto and encouraging the Bahá’ís to learn it, if they wish to. Cooperation with this society is an excellent means of spreading the Cause, as Martha Root demonstrated in her travels. However, all details in this matter must be decided by the N.S.A. You can contact Bahá’í Esperantists in England and the U.S.A. through their respective N.S.As.
Letter of 30 July 19462030 July 1946He was so very happy to hear the wonderful news you conveyed of the receptivity you find among the German people, and especially the youth, to the Teachings.He considers the work of the Cause in Germany of primary importance; the German believers not only have the fertile field of their own people’s minds to cultivate, but must, eventually, do a large part of the teaching work to be carried out in the future in Central and Eastern Europe. So he is very anxious to have your affairs running on a smooth administrative basis, and to also have you receive the necessary literature or means of printing it.He was also delighted to hear the Sun of Truth is again being printed, and that you have been able, in spite of so many handicaps, to distribute thousands of pamphlets and hold so many important public meetings.Now is certainly the time to carry on the work on an ever-increasing scale; the hearts have suffered much, and the minds are grasping for a solution to the terrible problems facing them. The Cause can surely, in this golden hour of opportunity, make greater headway than ever before in its history in Europe, and you may be sure he will do all in his power to assist you in your labours.He assures you his loving and ardent prayers will be offered on your behalf and for the success of the work you and the other friends are carrying on at present...P.S. The Guardian was very pleased to hear that the former adherents of Ruth White and Mr. Herrigel’s ideas have expressed the desire to be enrolled in the Faith, and to work according to the administrative Order. He recommends that the National Assembly, by all means, accept them, and assist them to fully grasp the fundamentals of the Will and Testament.[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-worker,I am so glad and grateful to learn of the progress of your activities and of the success attending your efforts in the service of our beloved Faith. I feel confident that you will, in the days to come, add fresh laurels to the crown you have already won in the service of our beloved Faith. Persevere, and rest assured that I will continue to pray for you from the depths of my heart.Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
30 July 1946
He was so very happy to hear the wonderful news you conveyed of the receptivity you find among the German people, and especially the youth, to the Teachings.
He considers the work of the Cause in Germany of primary importance; the German believers not only have the fertile field of their own people’s minds to cultivate, but must, eventually, do a large part of the teaching work to be carried out in the future in Central and Eastern Europe. So he is very anxious to have your affairs running on a smooth administrative basis, and to also have you receive the necessary literature or means of printing it.
He was also delighted to hear the Sun of Truth is again being printed, and that you have been able, in spite of so many handicaps, to distribute thousands of pamphlets and hold so many important public meetings.
Now is certainly the time to carry on the work on an ever-increasing scale; the hearts have suffered much, and the minds are grasping for a solution to the terrible problems facing them. The Cause can surely, in this golden hour of opportunity, make greater headway than ever before in its history in Europe, and you may be sure he will do all in his power to assist you in your labours.
He assures you his loving and ardent prayers will be offered on your behalf and for the success of the work you and the other friends are carrying on at present...
P.S. The Guardian was very pleased to hear that the former adherents of Ruth White and Mr. Herrigel’s ideas have expressed the desire to be enrolled in the Faith, and to work according to the administrative Order. He recommends that the National Assembly, by all means, accept them, and assist them to fully grasp the fundamentals of the Will and Testament.
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-worker,
I am so glad and grateful to learn of the progress of your activities and of the success attending your efforts in the service of our beloved Faith. I feel confident that you will, in the days to come, add fresh laurels to the crown you have already won in the service of our beloved Faith. Persevere, and rest assured that I will continue to pray for you from the depths of my heart.
Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
Letter of 29 December 194629 December 1946The sufferings which the German Bahá’ís have passed through have grieved his heart very much—but he is very proud of their loyal and devoted spirit, and the way their faith in Bahá’u’lláh has come out of the fire of these war years pure and unstained and stronger than ever! They have a great future, promised them by the beloved Master...As you may perhaps have heard, our Guardian does not like to give pictures of himself to the believers—he prefers that they should keep in their homes photographs of the Master Who is our inspiration and Exemplar.He hopes very much that you will be able to teach other young Germans the Cause there. The youth in particular need desperately to be given the Message, for it is their lives that have suffered the greatest ruin through this cruel war. Teaching them should be your first duty...
29 December 1946
The sufferings which the German Bahá’ís have passed through have grieved his heart very much—but he is very proud of their loyal and devoted spirit, and the way their faith in Bahá’u’lláh has come out of the fire of these war years pure and unstained and stronger than ever! They have a great future, promised them by the beloved Master...
As you may perhaps have heard, our Guardian does not like to give pictures of himself to the believers—he prefers that they should keep in their homes photographs of the Master Who is our inspiration and Exemplar.
He hopes very much that you will be able to teach other young Germans the Cause there. The youth in particular need desperately to be given the Message, for it is their lives that have suffered the greatest ruin through this cruel war. Teaching them should be your first duty...
Letter of 18 January 19472118 January 1947Your welcome letters ... were received, together with the poems you enclosed in them...He wishes me to assure you he will include some of the poems in the next volume of “Bahá’í World”; it is, unfortunately, too late to get them into the latest number which is now being printed in America.It seems now absolutely certain that our dear Bahá’í sister, Lydia Zamenhof, lost her life in a gas-chamber during the war! It is a great loss, as she could have rendered the Faith many services in Europe in these past-war days! But her services to the Cause and her memory are imperishable!He would be very pleased to receive an article from you about her for the next volume of Bahá’í World, but not for the “In Memoriam” section. Also he regrets he will not be able to publish in the Bahá’í World the In Memoriam article you sent about your dear parents. Only those people who have died in the period covered by each volume receive mention in that volume, and the next one will be for 1946–48!...P.S. He is very happy to hear dear Mr. Zabih is meeting the friends there; you may be sure he will pray that the way may open for him to help you all in Germany at the present time and serve the Faith in England later on.The Guardian assures you he is delighted to hear of the translations you have already made and are at present engaged upon; the German literature of the Faith is of the utmost importance, both because of the great future the Cause has there, and the fact that so many other Europeans read German. He hopes “Gleanings” and the “Dispensation” can soon be printed. These matters you should refer to your Nat. Spiritual Assembly.[From the Guardian:]My dear and valued co-worker:I am so glad and grateful to learn of the activity and perseverance of the dear German believers, and of your own valued and constant services to our beloved Faith. You are, I assure you, often in my thoughts and prayers, and I prize the spirit that animates you in His service. I cherish the brightest hopes for the future of your historic work for the promotion of the Faith, and wish you to persevere and rest assured that the Beloved will continue to guide and sustain you, and will reward you abundantly for your high endeavours.Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
18 January 1947
Your welcome letters ... were received, together with the poems you enclosed in them...
He wishes me to assure you he will include some of the poems in the next volume of “Bahá’í World”; it is, unfortunately, too late to get them into the latest number which is now being printed in America.
It seems now absolutely certain that our dear Bahá’í sister, Lydia Zamenhof, lost her life in a gas-chamber during the war! It is a great loss, as she could have rendered the Faith many services in Europe in these past-war days! But her services to the Cause and her memory are imperishable!
He would be very pleased to receive an article from you about her for the next volume of Bahá’í World, but not for the “In Memoriam” section. Also he regrets he will not be able to publish in the Bahá’í World the In Memoriam article you sent about your dear parents. Only those people who have died in the period covered by each volume receive mention in that volume, and the next one will be for 1946–48!...
P.S. He is very happy to hear dear Mr. Zabih is meeting the friends there; you may be sure he will pray that the way may open for him to help you all in Germany at the present time and serve the Faith in England later on.
The Guardian assures you he is delighted to hear of the translations you have already made and are at present engaged upon; the German literature of the Faith is of the utmost importance, both because of the great future the Cause has there, and the fact that so many other Europeans read German. He hopes “Gleanings” and the “Dispensation” can soon be printed. These matters you should refer to your Nat. Spiritual Assembly.
[From the Guardian:]
My dear and valued co-worker:
I am so glad and grateful to learn of the activity and perseverance of the dear German believers, and of your own valued and constant services to our beloved Faith. You are, I assure you, often in my thoughts and prayers, and I prize the spirit that animates you in His service. I cherish the brightest hopes for the future of your historic work for the promotion of the Faith, and wish you to persevere and rest assured that the Beloved will continue to guide and sustain you, and will reward you abundantly for your high endeavours.
Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
Letter of 9 February 1947229 February 1947He realizes that every effort the friends make in Germany these days is made in the face of great obstacles and at the cost of real sacrifice. But they must ever keep their goals in sight, and persevere for the sake of the Cause and for the sake of their fellow-countrymen who now, in their greatest hour of need, have the right to hear of Bahá’u’lláh Who alone can save the world and lead it to peace and happiness.He will certainly pray that all obstacles may be soon overcome, and the printing work go ahead. He also hopes, and will pray, that the N.S.A. will make every effort to arrange its affairs so as to meet in Frankfurt. These things cannot be done over night, he fully realizes, but the believers must strive to accomplish them constantly.The services which you and your dear family are so constantly rendering the Faith are very, very deeply appreciated by him. Be happy that God has enabled you to do so much for His Faith!His loving prayers are with you all...[From the Guardian:]Assuring you of my abiding gratitude for your constant and splendid services to our beloved Faith, and of my ardent prayers for your welfare and the realization of every hope you cherish for the advancement and consolidation of its new-born institutions,Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
9 February 1947
He realizes that every effort the friends make in Germany these days is made in the face of great obstacles and at the cost of real sacrifice. But they must ever keep their goals in sight, and persevere for the sake of the Cause and for the sake of their fellow-countrymen who now, in their greatest hour of need, have the right to hear of Bahá’u’lláh Who alone can save the world and lead it to peace and happiness.
He will certainly pray that all obstacles may be soon overcome, and the printing work go ahead. He also hopes, and will pray, that the N.S.A. will make every effort to arrange its affairs so as to meet in Frankfurt. These things cannot be done over night, he fully realizes, but the believers must strive to accomplish them constantly.
The services which you and your dear family are so constantly rendering the Faith are very, very deeply appreciated by him. Be happy that God has enabled you to do so much for His Faith!
His loving prayers are with you all...
[From the Guardian:]
Assuring you of my abiding gratitude for your constant and splendid services to our beloved Faith, and of my ardent prayers for your welfare and the realization of every hope you cherish for the advancement and consolidation of its new-born institutions,
Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
Letter of 18 February 194718 February 1947The Bahá’í Community of Plochingen.Dear Bahá’í Friends:Your letter dated Nov. 15th, 1946, written by your secretary, Mrs. Vio Henseler, was received by our beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.He was very happy to see that so many of you are now active in the Holy Faith in Plochingen and holding your Feasts and meetings regularly in such a spirit of dedication and Bahá’í love. This love and unity among the friends cannot but attract the blessings of Bahá’u’lláh upon your work for His Cause.Now is the time to teach the hungry, war-disillusioned people of Germany the Message of God for this day. He urges you to redouble your efforts to attract and confirm new souls, and to teach them not only the spiritual aspects of the Faith but its World Order as well—for this Divine solution to the ills of mankind is what the people need to hear of.He remembers the visit of Mrs. Henseler and Mrs. Victoria B. von Sigsfeld to Haifa, and is happy to hear both have been ceaselessly active in the Cause, the one until her death and the other up until the present day! To serve is indeed a blessed privilege!You may be sure his loving prayers will be offered for you all and for the success of the work there...[From the Guardian:]May the Beloved bless your efforts, guide your steps in the path of service, and aid you to promote, effectively and at all times, the best interests of His Faith and its institutions,Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
18 February 1947
The Bahá’í Community of Plochingen.
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
Your letter dated Nov. 15th, 1946, written by your secretary, Mrs. Vio Henseler, was received by our beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
He was very happy to see that so many of you are now active in the Holy Faith in Plochingen and holding your Feasts and meetings regularly in such a spirit of dedication and Bahá’í love. This love and unity among the friends cannot but attract the blessings of Bahá’u’lláh upon your work for His Cause.
Now is the time to teach the hungry, war-disillusioned people of Germany the Message of God for this day. He urges you to redouble your efforts to attract and confirm new souls, and to teach them not only the spiritual aspects of the Faith but its World Order as well—for this Divine solution to the ills of mankind is what the people need to hear of.
He remembers the visit of Mrs. Henseler and Mrs. Victoria B. von Sigsfeld to Haifa, and is happy to hear both have been ceaselessly active in the Cause, the one until her death and the other up until the present day! To serve is indeed a blessed privilege!
You may be sure his loving prayers will be offered for you all and for the success of the work there...
[From the Guardian:]
May the Beloved bless your efforts, guide your steps in the path of service, and aid you to promote, effectively and at all times, the best interests of His Faith and its institutions,
Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
Letter of 18 February 194718 February 1947To the Bahá’ís of Rostock, Wärnemunde and Schwerin.Dear Bahá’í Friends:Your letter, dated Rostock Sept. 22nd and Schwerin Sept. 28th, 1946, was received, and it brought great joy to our Guardian’s heart to see the names of so many of the dear friends who are now united and actively serving the Faith in far northern towns! He has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.Now that it is once more possible for you all to meet, he urges you to do so often, and to exert your utmost in spreading the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to those who are seeking the Truth—and there are many of them these days! Likewise, he hopes you will be able to soon have three flourishing Spiritual Assemblies in those towns.He will pray that this may speedily come about; he will also pray for you all, for your protection and success in all you do for the beloved Faith...[From the Guardian:]May the Beloved bless your efforts, guide you in your devoted labours, aid you to increase your numbers, multiply your institutions, consolidate your accomplishments, and fulfil every desire you cherish for the promotion of His Faith,Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
18 February 1947
To the Bahá’ís of Rostock, Wärnemunde and Schwerin.
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
Your letter, dated Rostock Sept. 22nd and Schwerin Sept. 28th, 1946, was received, and it brought great joy to our Guardian’s heart to see the names of so many of the dear friends who are now united and actively serving the Faith in far northern towns! He has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
Now that it is once more possible for you all to meet, he urges you to do so often, and to exert your utmost in spreading the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to those who are seeking the Truth—and there are many of them these days! Likewise, he hopes you will be able to soon have three flourishing Spiritual Assemblies in those towns.
He will pray that this may speedily come about; he will also pray for you all, for your protection and success in all you do for the beloved Faith...
[From the Guardian:]
May the Beloved bless your efforts, guide you in your devoted labours, aid you to increase your numbers, multiply your institutions, consolidate your accomplishments, and fulfil every desire you cherish for the promotion of His Faith,
Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
Letter of 18 February 194718 February 1947Regarding the time to hold the 19 Day Feasts: any time most convenient for all the believers is permissible, as long as it is between sunset and sunset of the calendar day on which the feast falls, as our Bahá’í days begin and end at sunset. The feasts are really for the believers only, but if a non-Bahá’í happens to come, we should not ask him to leave and hurt the person’s feelings.
18 February 1947
Regarding the time to hold the 19 Day Feasts: any time most convenient for all the believers is permissible, as long as it is between sunset and sunset of the calendar day on which the feast falls, as our Bahá’í days begin and end at sunset. The feasts are really for the believers only, but if a non-Bahá’í happens to come, we should not ask him to leave and hurt the person’s feelings.
Letter of 22 February 194722 February 1947The Bahá’ís of PlochingenDear Bahá’í Friends:Your loving greeting sent to our beloved Guardian on Nov. 11th, 1946, reached him, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.He was very happy to see the names of so many friends gathered in Plochingen, and feels sure that your efforts to spread the Message of Bahá’u’lláh there are meeting with success. Now is the time to teach and to lead the hungry souls of mankind to the heavenly banquet of this Mighty Revelation.He assures you one and all of his most loving prayers for the success of your services to the Faith...[From the Guardian:]May the Beloved bless your efforts, guide your steps, remove all obstacles from your path, and enable you to promote, effectively and at all times, the vital interests of His Faith and its institutions,Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
22 February 1947
The Bahá’ís of Plochingen
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
Your loving greeting sent to our beloved Guardian on Nov. 11th, 1946, reached him, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was very happy to see the names of so many friends gathered in Plochingen, and feels sure that your efforts to spread the Message of Bahá’u’lláh there are meeting with success. Now is the time to teach and to lead the hungry souls of mankind to the heavenly banquet of this Mighty Revelation.
He assures you one and all of his most loving prayers for the success of your services to the Faith...
[From the Guardian:]
May the Beloved bless your efforts, guide your steps, remove all obstacles from your path, and enable you to promote, effectively and at all times, the vital interests of His Faith and its institutions,
Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
Letter of 30 March 194730 March 1947Bahá’í Gemeinde Plochingen—GôppingenDear Bahá’í Friends:Your joint letter to our beloved Guardian, dated Jan. 19th, and announcing the formation of your joint Assembly, reached him, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf and congratulate you on this great step forward you have taken.He hopes that in the near future your numbers will grow sufficiently to enable you to form two separate Spiritual Assemblies, and he assures you all that he will pray in the Holy Shrines that this objective may speedily be achieved.Your services, in these days of toil and trouble for your native land, are of the utmost importance and upon them depends the future course of events in its spiritual unfoldment...[From the Guardian:]May the Beloved of our hearts bless, guide and sustain you in your devoted endeavours and continued services to His Cause, aid you to extend the range of your activities, and enable you to win mighty victories for His Faith,Your true brother,Shoghi March 1947Bahá’u’lláh has given His wonderful teachings and His New World Order to all men; it is up to each individual to accept this Divine Message and promote its healing laws and principles for himself. No one can decide for you what you must do. Your own heart must tell you that your place is serving this struggling new Faith in the days when it is still, for the most part, unrecognized by the masses. In the future, when it has won more adherents, and its true stature becomes obvious to all, it will not require the courage to sponsor it which it does today!We must always remember that the administrative Order is a means to an end, an instrument to co-ordinate and unify the efforts of the Bahá’ís. It is still imperfectly understood by them, but very great progress has been made already. Now, through this administration, it is becoming possible to at last bring the knowledge of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings to the masses, and this is a field you could render great services in. Your fire, your love for your fellow men, are qualities much needed in our work, and Shoghi Effendi hopes you will feel the urge to plunge yourself into the service of this glorious Cause.In Germany there is such a demand for the teachings that the German Bahá’ís, exhausted from the war and hampered by restrictions on travel, etc., find it almost impossible to meet the call on their teaching abilities. They are a very devoted, well organized Community, but could surely use all the extra help they can get. If you could see your way clear to go to Germany and aid them in the teaching work, it would be rendering that suffering land a great spiritual service.
30 March 1947
Bahá’í Gemeinde Plochingen—Gôppingen
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
Your joint letter to our beloved Guardian, dated Jan. 19th, and announcing the formation of your joint Assembly, reached him, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf and congratulate you on this great step forward you have taken.
He hopes that in the near future your numbers will grow sufficiently to enable you to form two separate Spiritual Assemblies, and he assures you all that he will pray in the Holy Shrines that this objective may speedily be achieved.
Your services, in these days of toil and trouble for your native land, are of the utmost importance and upon them depends the future course of events in its spiritual unfoldment...
[From the Guardian:]
May the Beloved of our hearts bless, guide and sustain you in your devoted endeavours and continued services to His Cause, aid you to extend the range of your activities, and enable you to win mighty victories for His Faith,
Your true brother,Shoghi March 1947
Bahá’u’lláh has given His wonderful teachings and His New World Order to all men; it is up to each individual to accept this Divine Message and promote its healing laws and principles for himself. No one can decide for you what you must do. Your own heart must tell you that your place is serving this struggling new Faith in the days when it is still, for the most part, unrecognized by the masses. In the future, when it has won more adherents, and its true stature becomes obvious to all, it will not require the courage to sponsor it which it does today!
We must always remember that the administrative Order is a means to an end, an instrument to co-ordinate and unify the efforts of the Bahá’ís. It is still imperfectly understood by them, but very great progress has been made already. Now, through this administration, it is becoming possible to at last bring the knowledge of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings to the masses, and this is a field you could render great services in. Your fire, your love for your fellow men, are qualities much needed in our work, and Shoghi Effendi hopes you will feel the urge to plunge yourself into the service of this glorious Cause.
In Germany there is such a demand for the teachings that the German Bahá’ís, exhausted from the war and hampered by restrictions on travel, etc., find it almost impossible to meet the call on their teaching abilities. They are a very devoted, well organized Community, but could surely use all the extra help they can get. If you could see your way clear to go to Germany and aid them in the teaching work, it would be rendering that suffering land a great spiritual service.
Letter of 1 April 19471 April 1947The Germans, and the German Bahá’ís, have suffered terribly during these long years of war and suppression of all freedom and spiritual life; now, it seems, from reports reaching him, there is a revival of the spirit, and the people are longing for a plan, a way out of this moral chaos and darkness, a belief to hold to. This is therefore the time for the Bahá’ís to teach the Cause as never before, especially to the young people, and spread the glad tidings that a solution to the world’s problems exists!The German National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís is now doing all it can to get more Bahá’í books printed; it also has many new and important translations of our books already made, and we hope very soon these will be printed and distributed.I am enclosing a little booklet which will give you an idea of how great the progress and spread of the Cause has been, and daily it is growing all over the world.Shoghi Effendi hopes some-day, when Palestine is calmer, that you will be able to visit here.
1 April 1947
The Germans, and the German Bahá’ís, have suffered terribly during these long years of war and suppression of all freedom and spiritual life; now, it seems, from reports reaching him, there is a revival of the spirit, and the people are longing for a plan, a way out of this moral chaos and darkness, a belief to hold to. This is therefore the time for the Bahá’ís to teach the Cause as never before, especially to the young people, and spread the glad tidings that a solution to the world’s problems exists!
The German National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís is now doing all it can to get more Bahá’í books printed; it also has many new and important translations of our books already made, and we hope very soon these will be printed and distributed.
I am enclosing a little booklet which will give you an idea of how great the progress and spread of the Cause has been, and daily it is growing all over the world.
Shoghi Effendi hopes some-day, when Palestine is calmer, that you will be able to visit here.
Letter of 4 April 19474 April 1947He fully realizes the great handicaps you are all labouring under, and admires the wonderful spirit of devotion to the Cause of God which keeps you going. You must never feel discouraged, but persevere in your labours, knowing Bahá’u’lláh will bless them.Regarding the question you asked about the advisability of Dr. Mühlschlegel moving to Frankfurt: he has no objection to this, but feels it is a matter for the National Spiritual Assembly to decide upon.
4 April 1947
He fully realizes the great handicaps you are all labouring under, and admires the wonderful spirit of devotion to the Cause of God which keeps you going. You must never feel discouraged, but persevere in your labours, knowing Bahá’u’lláh will bless them.
Regarding the question you asked about the advisability of Dr. Mühlschlegel moving to Frankfurt: he has no objection to this, but feels it is a matter for the National Spiritual Assembly to decide upon.
Letter of 4 April 19474 April 1947The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Stuttgart.Dear Bahá’í Friends:The letter you wrote our beloved Guardian, dated Jan. 11th, 1947, was received, as well as the report you enclosed of the meetings held in Stuttgart, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.He was very pleased to see that there are now as many as 95 believers there, and he hopes this number will steadily and rapidly increase. All the Bahá’ís, new and old alike, should devote themselves as much as possible to teaching the Faith; they should also realize that the atmosphere of true love and unity which they manifest within the Bahá’í Community will directly affect the public, and be the greatest magnet for attracting people to the Faith and confirming them.In considering purchasing the Schwarz home as a future headquarters for the Stuttgart Bahá’ís, (a plan which he fully approves of) he urges you to, at the same time, bear in mind the responsibility of all the Bahá’ís—in Stuttgart and elsewhere—towards the purchase and maintenance of a National Headquarters; this is of the utmost importance, and when such a headquarters is established it will greatly stimulate the work all over Germany, Stuttgart included. It takes precedence over local Community activities.He assures you all, and all the Stuttgart believers, of his most loving prayers for the advancement of your Bahá’í labours...P.S. He was delighted to see you are doing teaching work in neighbouring towns; this is a very important service to the Cause.[From the Guardian:]May the Beloved bless your meritorious efforts, guide and sustain you in your activities, aid you to extend the range of your deeply appreciated services, and enable you to proclaim the verities of His Faith, and help in the consolidation of its nascent and God-given institutions,Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
4 April 1947
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Stuttgart.
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
The letter you wrote our beloved Guardian, dated Jan. 11th, 1947, was received, as well as the report you enclosed of the meetings held in Stuttgart, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was very pleased to see that there are now as many as 95 believers there, and he hopes this number will steadily and rapidly increase. All the Bahá’ís, new and old alike, should devote themselves as much as possible to teaching the Faith; they should also realize that the atmosphere of true love and unity which they manifest within the Bahá’í Community will directly affect the public, and be the greatest magnet for attracting people to the Faith and confirming them.
In considering purchasing the Schwarz home as a future headquarters for the Stuttgart Bahá’ís, (a plan which he fully approves of) he urges you to, at the same time, bear in mind the responsibility of all the Bahá’ís—in Stuttgart and elsewhere—towards the purchase and maintenance of a National Headquarters; this is of the utmost importance, and when such a headquarters is established it will greatly stimulate the work all over Germany, Stuttgart included. It takes precedence over local Community activities.
He assures you all, and all the Stuttgart believers, of his most loving prayers for the advancement of your Bahá’í labours...
P.S. He was delighted to see you are doing teaching work in neighbouring towns; this is a very important service to the Cause.
[From the Guardian:]
May the Beloved bless your meritorious efforts, guide and sustain you in your activities, aid you to extend the range of your deeply appreciated services, and enable you to proclaim the verities of His Faith, and help in the consolidation of its nascent and God-given institutions,
Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
Letter of 12 April 194712 April 1947The Bahá’ís of EsslingenDear Bahá’í Friends:Your loving Naw-Rúz greeting was received, and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.He assures you all he will pray in the Holy Shrines for you, for the growth of your Community and the success of your services to our glorious Faith. You are all dear to him![From the Guardian:]May the Beloved bless, guide and sustain you at all times, enable you to extend the scope of your activities, and win great and memorable victories for the institutions of our beloved Faith,Your true brother,Shoghi
12 April 1947
The Bahá’ís of Esslingen
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
Your loving Naw-Rúz greeting was received, and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
He assures you all he will pray in the Holy Shrines for you, for the growth of your Community and the success of your services to our glorious Faith. You are all dear to him!
[From the Guardian:]
May the Beloved bless, guide and sustain you at all times, enable you to extend the scope of your activities, and win great and memorable victories for the institutions of our beloved Faith,
Your true brother,Shoghi
Letter of 3 May 1947233 May 1947Your letters to our beloved Guardian, dated Feb. 7th and 11th, as well as the manuscript of “Hidden Words” have been received, and he has instructed me to answer them on his behalf.He is very happy to have this opportunity of communicating with you personally, and assuring you of how much he appreciates your devoted services in the path of our glorious Faith.Regarding the questions you have asked him:There is no correspondence or connection between the Hidden Word (Arabic) no. 1 and the last Arabic Hidden Word, or between these and any passage of the Seven Valleys.The Cairo edition of the Hidden Words, approved by the Master, is the one you must refer to for accuracy, and disregard all other texts. This answers the questions connected with Hidden Words number 18 and 39 and 1 (two) and 35 (two).Hidden Word no. 70: this is not addressed to any person but is a mystical expression and an allusion to the Manifestation of God.No marginal notes should be added except any of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Himself or the notes of the Cairo edition.The whole question of translation from the original text is very important. He has just written on this subject, at some length, to Baroness von Werthern, explaining to her that he considers now is not the time to translate the teachings into German from Persian and Arabic. No Persian with a sufficient expert knowledge of German is available to help in this matter; he does not feel, therefore, that such works as “Some Answered Questions”, “Seven Valleys”, etc. should be embarked upon at all. People who have not spent years steeped in the atmosphere and language and literature of the East cannot possibly grasp the subtleties of oriental usage. A good example of this very point is that Prof. Süssheim has not grasped what Bahá’u’lláh means by the word “[Arabic script]“. He is using it in a loose and colloquial sense which means “a passing thing”, a small amount, and not literally associating it with food.He feels you should continue your study of the teachings in the original and, from time to time, if you desire to, translate material from the original in short excerpts; but not at present important books and Tablets. These you can better translate from good English editions.There is so much teaching work, and administrative work, to be done in Germany at present that he urges you to concentrate on this form of service. The public need to receive the Message on a large scale, to have available literature at once, to read articles on the Bahá’í Faith; and in all these ways your services can be of great help.P.S. “Tur” and “Sinai” should not be taken literally; the first is an allusion to Mt. Sinai, which in this case means the Manifestation of God; the second, “Sinai”, represents the human heart.[From the Guardian:]May the Almighty bless, sustain and guide you, at all times and under all conditions, assist you to proclaim the verities of His Faith, and lend a tremendous impetus to the advancement and consolidation of its new-born and God-given institutions,Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
3 May 1947
Your letters to our beloved Guardian, dated Feb. 7th and 11th, as well as the manuscript of “Hidden Words” have been received, and he has instructed me to answer them on his behalf.
He is very happy to have this opportunity of communicating with you personally, and assuring you of how much he appreciates your devoted services in the path of our glorious Faith.
Regarding the questions you have asked him:
There is no correspondence or connection between the Hidden Word (Arabic) no. 1 and the last Arabic Hidden Word, or between these and any passage of the Seven Valleys.
The Cairo edition of the Hidden Words, approved by the Master, is the one you must refer to for accuracy, and disregard all other texts. This answers the questions connected with Hidden Words number 18 and 39 and 1 (two) and 35 (two).
Hidden Word no. 70: this is not addressed to any person but is a mystical expression and an allusion to the Manifestation of God.
No marginal notes should be added except any of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Himself or the notes of the Cairo edition.
The whole question of translation from the original text is very important. He has just written on this subject, at some length, to Baroness von Werthern, explaining to her that he considers now is not the time to translate the teachings into German from Persian and Arabic. No Persian with a sufficient expert knowledge of German is available to help in this matter; he does not feel, therefore, that such works as “Some Answered Questions”, “Seven Valleys”, etc. should be embarked upon at all. People who have not spent years steeped in the atmosphere and language and literature of the East cannot possibly grasp the subtleties of oriental usage. A good example of this very point is that Prof. Süssheim has not grasped what Bahá’u’lláh means by the word “[Arabic script]“. He is using it in a loose and colloquial sense which means “a passing thing”, a small amount, and not literally associating it with food.
He feels you should continue your study of the teachings in the original and, from time to time, if you desire to, translate material from the original in short excerpts; but not at present important books and Tablets. These you can better translate from good English editions.
There is so much teaching work, and administrative work, to be done in Germany at present that he urges you to concentrate on this form of service. The public need to receive the Message on a large scale, to have available literature at once, to read articles on the Bahá’í Faith; and in all these ways your services can be of great help.
P.S. “Tur” and “Sinai” should not be taken literally; the first is an allusion to Mt. Sinai, which in this case means the Manifestation of God; the second, “Sinai”, represents the human heart.
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty bless, sustain and guide you, at all times and under all conditions, assist you to proclaim the verities of His Faith, and lend a tremendous impetus to the advancement and consolidation of its new-born and God-given institutions,
Your true and grateful brother,Shoghi
Letter of 13 June 19472413 June 1947He was happy to hear the message had been broadcast over the Radio Frankfurt, and hopes this teaching method can often be used, as it reaches the people in their homes and many of them would not attend public meetings.The very encouraging report you sent him of the work in Germany was most welcome, and he wishes that the National Teaching Committee or the N.S.A. would send him a statement showing how many Spiritual Assemblies there are, how many groups and how many isolated Bahá’ís, and in which cities and towns they are to be found, respectively.Generally speaking his instructions to the American Bahá’ís and their N.S.A. are, whenever they concern administrative principles and procedure and general statements about and interpretations of the Faith, binding for all Bahá’ís everywhere. Naturally specific instructions to the American Bahá’ís are not applicable to other communities. “Bahá’í Procedure”, as Mr. Holley pointed out, is not binding on other National Assemblies, as many things in it are purely secondary rulings made by the American N.S.A. to facilitate the work of the Cause under its jurisdiction.The believers should certainly, under no circumstances, drink any alcoholic beverages as this has been forbidden in the Aqdas. Not all of its laws and precepts can be practiced at present; but those he has, in his instructions to America, laid down as applicable at present should be followed.
13 June 1947
He was happy to hear the message had been broadcast over the Radio Frankfurt, and hopes this teaching method can often be used, as it reaches the people in their homes and many of them would not attend public meetings.
The very encouraging report you sent him of the work in Germany was most welcome, and he wishes that the National Teaching Committee or the N.S.A. would send him a statement showing how many Spiritual Assemblies there are, how many groups and how many isolated Bahá’ís, and in which cities and towns they are to be found, respectively.
Generally speaking his instructions to the American Bahá’ís and their N.S.A. are, whenever they concern administrative principles and procedure and general statements about and interpretations of the Faith, binding for all Bahá’ís everywhere. Naturally specific instructions to the American Bahá’ís are not applicable to other communities. “Bahá’í Procedure”, as Mr. Holley pointed out, is not binding on other National Assemblies, as many things in it are purely secondary rulings made by the American N.S.A. to facilitate the work of the Cause under its jurisdiction.
The believers should certainly, under no circumstances, drink any alcoholic beverages as this has been forbidden in the Aqdas. Not all of its laws and precepts can be practiced at present; but those he has, in his instructions to America, laid down as applicable at present should be followed.