that the Christian Dispensation "was six hundred and twenty-two
years old at the time of the Hegira". The Guardian suggests that the words
"at the time of the Hegira" be omitted as they may give the impression
that the Revelation of Christ extended beyond the date of the Hegira.

Letter of 8 February 1935

8 February 1935

Religious conservatism, particularly in England, constitutes indeed a
serious obstacle which the friends have to meet when spreading the
Message, and not until such an obstacle has been completely removed can
the Cause effectively spread and establish itself in the West. This
religious conservatism is in many respects far more dangerous and more
difficult to wipe out than the religious apathy which is so rapidly
invading all classes of society.

In view of that, it is, at least for the present, more advantageous to
teach the Message in an indirect way, so as to gradually attract and
confirm those who have the spiritual capacity of appreciating the Cause in
its fullness.

Letter of 29 May 1935

29 May 1935

As to your question concerning the meaning of physical suffering and its
relation to mental and spiritual healing. Physical pain is a necessary
accompaniment of all human existence, and as such is unavoidable. As long
as there will be life on earth, there will be also suffering, in various
forms and degrees. But suffering, although an inescapable reality, can
nevertheless be utilised as a means for the attainment of happiness. This
is the interpretation given to it by all the prophets and saints who, in
the midst of severe tests and trials, felt happy and joyous and
experienced what is best and holiest in life. Suffering is both a reminder
and a guide. It stimulates us better to adapt ourselves to our
environmental conditions, and thus leads the way to self improvement. In
every suffering one can find a meaning and a wisdom. But it is not always
easy to find the secret of that wisdom. It is sometimes only when all our
suffering has passed that we become aware of its usefulness. What man
considers to be evil turns often to be a cause of infinite blessings. And
this is due to his desire to know more than he can. God's wisdom is,
indeed, inscrutable to us all, and it is no use pushing too far trying to
discover that which shall always remain a mystery to our mind.

In connection with your question relative to the Baha'i solution of sex
problems. On the question of sex the Baha'