the interpreter of the Book has been made
the decisive decree. All this is out of the grace and favour of our
Beloved, the All-Glorious, and the loving-kindness of Him from the
splendours of Whose servitude earth and heaven were illumined.

'Abdu'l-Baha, may our lives be sacrificed for His meekness, has filled to
overflowing the cup of bounty for the people of Baha, and encompassed with
His grace persons of every degree. He has destroyed the very basis of
disunity, ruined any attempts at dissension and mischief, and clearly
pointed out to all the highway of guidance, now and for evermore.

The hope is that we may arise with a new spirit and be confirmed with
bountiful blessings, and urge on our steeds in the field of service, of
purity and sincerity, and of high endeavour--nor is this much to ask of the
loving-kindness and grace of our exalted Lord.

47: The purport of your letter is highly indicative ...

(170) The purport of your letter is highly indicative of your
steadfastness in His Cause, of your unswerving constancy in the Covenant,
of having set your face toward Shoghi Effendi, the authorized Point to
whom all must turn, the Centre of the Cause, the Chosen Branch, the bough
that has branched out from the twin heavenly Trees. Indeed, this is the
essential thing, this is the meaning of true devotion, this is the
unshakable, the indubitable truth whereby the people of Baha, the dwellers
of the Crimson Ark, are distinguished.

The loved ones of the All-Merciful are those that have truly served the
Most Exalted One,(171) have been nurtured by the hand of the Abha Beauty,
have received training under the care of 'Abdu'l-Baha--may our life be
sacrificed for the wrongs suffered by Them. Such souls have drunk from the
soft-flowing river of true understanding, have quaffed their fill from the
living waters of assurance, have set their affection on the one true God,
and have rid themselves of all attachment to aught except Him. They tread
the straight path of truth and stride along His undeviating way. They
incline their attentive ears to the Call of the Concourse on High and are
attracted to the Celestial Voice ringing from the realms of glory. Great
indeed is their blessedness, and may they meet with a good ending.

We earnestly hope that through the bounty of the Lord of eternity a fresh
measure of His confirmations may soon appear and you may be encompassed by
His pervasive aid and assistance.

48: