uch in their support of this
Divine and momentous Plan, have earned the unqualified admiration and the
undying gratitude of sister Assemblies and fellow-workers throughout the
Baha'i World.

Their work, however, is only beginning. The dispatch of pioneers, the
provision of adequate means for their support, their settlement and
initiation of Baha'i activities in these far-off lands, however strenuous
and meritorious, are insufficient if the Plan is to evolve harmoniously
and yield promptly its destined fruit. The extension by the Parent
Assembly--the immediate source from which this vast system with all its
ramifications is now proceeding--of the necessary support, guidance,
recognition and material assistance to enable these newly-fledged groups
and Assemblies to function in strict accordance with both the spiritual
and administrative principles of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, would seem as
essential and urgent as the preliminary task already achieved. To nurse
these tender plants of the Vineyard of God, to foster their growth, to
direct their development, to accord them the necessary recognition, to
help resolve their problems, to familiarize them with gentleness, patience
and fidelity with the processes of the Administrative Order and thus
enable them to assume independently the conduct of future local and
national Baha'i activities, would bring the plan to swift and full
fruition and would add fresh laurels to the crown of immortal glory
already won by a community that holds in these days of dark and dire
calamities, valiantly and almost alone, the Fort of the Faith of
Baha'u'llah. Fortified by these reflections, let them gird up their loins
for still mightier exertions and more brilliant victories.

December 3, 1940

THIS VETERAN WARRIOR

I share your sorrow in the loss, and participate in your rejoicings for
the triumph of beloved Father Dunn. The magnificent career of this veteran
warrior of the Faith of Baha'u'llah reflects the purest luster of the
world historic mission conferred upon American community by 'Abdu'l-Baha.
To the three heroines whose dust reposes in the heart of Persia, in the
Pacific Islands and southern extremity of the American continent, a fourth
witness in far-off Australasia is now added, attesting the first vital
sparks of far-flung spiritual dominion American believers have been
commissioned to establish. I am moved to congratulate them for the
resplendent successes of the Plan d