speedily carry out the instructions of 'Abdu'l-Baha--so
that day by day the limits of the Faith will be extended, and the seekers
will find their goal, and the lovers reach the beauty of the Beloved, and
the thirsty come to crystal waters, and spiritual joys embrace mankind,
and every heart be gladdened.

72: Your kind and loving letter written with an ...

(200) Your kind and loving letter written with an unbounded love and a
sincere devotion for our beloved 'Abdu'l-Baha and His Cause has been duly
received. It spoke of that painful story where earthly cares and physical
illnesses have prevented blessed souls, so overflowing with love, to shine
in this dark and dismal world. Nevertheless, dear sister, rest assured and
never be sorrowful. It is in one of the foremost Tablets of Baha'u'llah
that He says: 'Verily God hath made adversity as a morning dew upon His
green pasture, and a wick for His lamp which lighteth earth and heaven.'
Meaning thereby that physical illnesses and misfortunes certainly make a
person nearer and nearer to his Lord. Why then should we sorrow over
earthly hindrances when we have done what we possibly could, and when we
are sure that this, our little service, will certainly be acceptable in
His Sight?

I was very glad to know that even with all these hindrances you could give
the Message to certain souls and I eagerly hope that they in turn will
acquire the love with which you taught them and will never stop giving
this Glad Tidings to every soul they meet.

73: Praise be to God that through the gracious ...

(201) Praise be to God that through the gracious assistance of the Abha
Kingdom those devoted friends have been enabled to achieve that which
befits the glory of the Cause of God and the protection of the community
of the followers of Baha'u'llah. This is none other than to foster unity
and fellowship under all conditions, to strengthen the bonds of harmony
and concord in all things, and to avoid political matters. It is
particularly important to refrain from making unfavourable remarks or
statements concerning the friends and the loved ones of God, inasmuch as
any expression of grievance, of complaint or backbiting is incompatible
with the requirements of unity and harmony and would dampen the spirit of
love, fellowship and nobility. Therefore it is incumbent upon the members
of the exalted Spiritual Assembly to exercise the utmost care with firm
determination and not to