cies and
predictions as foretold by the Prophets might be fulfilled. This
golden thread of promise concerning the Messianic Millennium runs
through the Bible, and it was so destined that God in His own good
time would cause its appearance. Not even a single word will be
left meaningless and unfulfilled.

CHAPTER 15: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT

I bear witness, O friends! that the favor is complete, the argument
fulfilled, the proof manifest, and the evidence established. Let it now be
seen what your endeavors in the path of detachment will reveal. In this
wise hath the divine favor been fully vouchsafed unto you and unto them
that are in heaven and on earth. All praise to God, the Lord of all
worlds.--BAHA'U'LLAH, The Hidden Words.

Progress of the Cause

Unfortunately it is impossible, within the space at our disposal, to
describe in detail the progress of the Baha'i Faith throughout the world.
Many chapters might be devoted to this fascinating subject, and many
thrilling stories related about the pioneers and martyrs of the Cause, but
a very brief summary must surface.

In Persia the early believers in this revelation met with the utmost
opposition, persecution and cruelty at the hands of their fellow
countrymen, but they faced all calamities and ordeals with sublime
heroism, firmness and patience. Their baptism was in their own blood, for
many thousands of them perished as martyrs; while thousands more were
beaten, imprisoned, stripped of their possessions, driven from their homes
or otherwise ill-treated. For sixty years or more anyone in Persia who
dared to own allegiance to the Bab or Baha'u'llah did so at the risk of
his property, his freedom and even his life. Yet this determined and
ferocious opposition could not more check the progress of the Movement
than a cloud of dust could keep the sun from rising.

From one end of Persia(42) to the other Baha'is are now to be found in
almost every city and town, and even amongst the nomad tribes. In some
villages the whole population is Baha'i and in other places a large
proportion of the inhabitants are believers. Recruited from many and
diverse sects, which were bitterly hostile to each other, they now form a
great fellowship of friends who acknowledge brotherhood, not only with
each other, but with all men everywhere, who are working for the
unification and upliftment of humanity, for the removal of all prejudices
and conflict,