of rival, particularistic and independent cities and
principalities into one unified national entity, the evolving of a crude
and narrow creed into a nobler and wider conception? Is not a parallel
struggle being now manifested on the world stage of ever-advancing
humanity? Can it lead to any other result than that which shall reaffirm
the truth of humanity's onward march towards an ever-widening conception,
and the ever-brightening glory of its destiny? Reverses and setbacks, such
as we have already witnessed, no doubt will retard the ripening of the
choicest fruit on the tree of human development. Yet the fierceness of
controversy, the weight of argument advanced in its disfavor, cannot but
contribute to the broadening of the basis and the consolidation of the
foundations upon which the stately edifice of unified mankind must
ultimately rest. Let us take heart therefore, and labor with renewed vigor
and deepened understanding to contribute our share to those forces which,
whether or not cognizant of the regenerating Faith of Baha'u'llah in this
age, are operating, each in its respective sphere and under His
all-encompassing guidance, for the uplift and the salvation of humanity.

Your true brother,
SHOGHI.

Haifa, Palestine,
October 18, 1927.

Letter of December 6, 1928.

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

Dearly-beloved brothers and sisters in 'Abdu'l-Baha:

Events, of a startling character and of the utmost significance to the
Faith of Baha'u'llah, have recently transpired throughout the Near and
Middle East in such rapid succession, that I feel moved to write about
them to those who, in distant lands and with eager hearts, are waiting to
witness the fulfillment of the prophecies of Baha'u'llah. You will, I am
certain, rejoice with me to learn that the quickening forces of internal
reform are swiftly awakening from their age-long slumber of negligence
those lands which, trodden by the feet of Baha'u'llah and wherein are
enshrined the memorable scenes of His birth, His ministry, His exiles, His
banishments, His suffering and His ascension, are destined in the fulness
of time to play a pre-eminent role in the regeneration of the East--nay of
all mankind.

The Promises of Our Departed Master

From Persia, the cradle of our Faith and the object of our tenderest
affections, there breaks upon us the news of the first stirrings of that
social and pol