Covenant, through the blessings of the Abha Paradise, stand
immovable as the mountains, and are fast-rooted in their love--still, the
hurricanes of tests are mighty as well, and from every side comes the
thundering roar of violent commotions and bitter trials. From these, at
every moment each one of us should beg of God to defend and protect us.

Let us call to mind the clear statements and the warnings revealed by the
Blessed Beauty, and the explanations and commentaries of 'Abdu'l-Baha,
particularly as found in His Will and Testament. This Testament was the
last song of that Dove of the Rose-garden of Eternity, and He sang it on
the branch of the Tree of bestowal and grace. It was His principal gift,
indeed the greatest of all splendours that radiated forth from that
Day-Star of bounty, out of the firmament of His bestowals. This Testament
was the strong barricade built by the blessed hands of that wronged, that
peerless One, to protect the garden of God's Faith. It was the mighty
stronghold circling the edifice of the Law of God. This was an overflowing
treasure which the Beloved freely gave, a goodly and precious legacy, left
by Him to the people of Baha. In all the world, no gift could equal this;
no dazzling gem could rival such a precious pearl.

With His own pen, He designated as Guardian of the Cause of God, Shoghi
Effendi Rabbani, the Chosen Branch, and made him the 'blest and sacred
bough that hath branched out from the Twin Holy Trees,' to be the one to
whom all must turn, the centre and focus of all on earth.

In unmistakable terms did He set forth the obligations and elucidated the
nature of the institutions of God's Holy Faith. He laid hold of discord's
tree and brought it down. He for ever shut the door on conflicting
interpretations and views. With every breath ought we to offer praise and
thanks to the God of Grace for this bestowal. It is incumbent upon us to
read and meditate on the contents of the Will and Testament at all times,
and implore God at His Holy Threshold that He will aid us to carry out
whatsoever it ordains.

A few days ago I sent out a general letter. A detailed, and recent, letter
from the Guardian to all the people of Baha was likewise sent out, and it
is certain that you will be reading it; it is essential to circulate it
among all the friends. What I mean is, that because of my great and
spiritual love for you, the steadfast lovers of God and His Covenant, I
have now set about