ce and number, it is absolutely necessary that we
bear in mind this fundamental fact that all these administrative
activities, however harmoniously and efficiently conducted, are but means
to an end, and should be regarded as direct instruments for the
propagation of the Baha'i Faith. Let us take heed lest in our great
concern for the perfection of the administrative machinery of the Cause,
we lose sight of the Divine Purpose for which it has been created. Let us
be on our guard lest the growing demand for specialization in the
administrative functions of the Cause detain us from joining the ranks of
those who in the forefront of battle are gloriously engaged in summoning
the multitude to this New Day of God. This indeed should be our primary
concern; this is our sacred obligation, our vital and urgent need. Let
this cardinal principle be ever borne in mind, for it is the mainspring of
all future activities, the remover of every embarrassing obstacle, the
fulfillment of our Master's dearest wish.

May the year that has just dawned upon us witness in such a glorious field
many a signal victory.

Your true brother,
SHOGHI.

Haifa, Palestine,
January 10, 1926.

Letter of April 22nd, 1926.

To the beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the Merciful through the
West.

Fellow-laborers in the Divine Vineyard:

In the midst of the many vicissitudes which the creative Word of God is
destined to encounter in the course of its onward march towards the
redemption of the world, there breaks upon us the news of still another
loss, more bewildering in its character, yet more inspiring in its
challenge, than any of the gravest happenings of recent times. Once again
the woeful tale of unabated persecution, involving this time the martyrdom
of twelve of our long-suffering brethren in Jahrum, southern Persia, has
reached our ears, and filled us with a gloom which all the joys and
ennobling memories of Ridvan have failed to dispel.

Baha'i Martyrdoms in Persia

From the meagre reports which have thus far been received from that
distracted country it appears that this shameful and atrocious act, though
the outcome of a number of obscure and complex causes, has been chiefly
instigated by that ever-present factor of fierce and relentless impulse of
religious hostility. Persia--long neglected and sorely tried--continues,
despite the revival of recent hopes, to be the down-trodden victim of
unscrupulous personal r