deep satisfaction and gratitude. It is most unfortunate that, owing to
unavoidable circumstances, I have been prevented from communicating more
fully and frequently with the distinguished representatives of those dear
fellow-workers of mine, the progress of whose accomplishments I am
continually following with the liveliest expectations, loving sympathy and
cheerful hope.

The multiplicity of vital and pressing issues, arising out of the steady
expansion of the Movement in various parts of the world; the pain and
sorrow so keenly felt at the sudden passing of distinguished and
dearly-beloved servants of the Cause; grave and unexpected developments in
the Holy Land and elsewhere--have all in rapid succession greatly added to
the already oppressive burden of responsibility and care which it is my
lot and privilege to shoulder in the interests of the Cause. And yet in
the midst of my unceasing toil, my afflictions and perplexities, I have
found fresh sustenance and comfort in the striking manner in which the
pioneers of the Cause in that promising continent are proving themselves
worthy of the spiritual heritage bequeathed to them by their departed
Master. Refreshed and fortified by their inspiring example, I feel I can
pursue the thorny path of my arduous duties with serene confidence,
cheerful contentment and undiminished gratitude.

I rejoice to learn of the marvelous effect which your resourcefulness,
efficiency and unrelenting efforts are producing upon your admiring
brethren of the East. I am fully alive to the eminent share you are
contributing to the emancipation of those heroic sufferers in distracted
Persia. I am deeply conscious of the part you play in consolidating the
position of the Cause in the eyes of both the exalted and lowly, and in
hastening the advent of that promised day of universal recognition and
triumph for our beloved Cause.

Shrine of Baghdad

We can but dimly discern the signs of that day of priceless victory--the
day when the mission of this sublime and holy Faith will have been
unfolded in all its power and glory to the eyes of an unbelieving world.
We have only to refer to the utterances of Baha'u'llah in order to realize
for ourselves God's invincible power to turn every fleeting abasement,
every transient sorrow, into abiding joy and glory. For amid the gloom of
humiliation that has now beset Baha'u'llah's holy habitation in Ba_gh_dad,
these prophetic words of His regarding His