ous path
they have chosen to tread. Perseverance is the virtue they mostly need at
present. An All-mighty Providence is watching over them. Never must they
feel disheartened. I am deeply grateful and feel truly proud of the spirit
they manifest.

Shoghi

LETTER OF 31 MARCH 1938

31 March 1938

Dear Dr. Muehlschlegel,

Your letter of the 20th ins. sent from Zuerich has duly reached our beloved
Guardian, and he was indeed pleased to hear from you, and was deeply
touched by the messages which you and Mrs. Muehlschlegel, Mrs. Vautier and
Mr. Gollmer have so kindly sent him on the occasion of your visit to
Zuerich. Please assure them of his keenest appreciation of the sentiments
they have expressed, and of his prayers for their protection and guidance
in these difficult and indeed distressing times.

The Guardian is thankful for the report which you and Mr. Gollmer have
given him regarding the situation of the Cause in Germany. He truly
deplores the existing state of affairs, but still hopes that conditions
may improve sooner or later. With the annexation of Austria, however,
there is little chance of the authorities rescinding their rulings at
present regarding the prohibition of the Cause, but there is every reason
to believe that the assembly in Vienna will too be dissolved in the next
few months.

Now regarding the publication of the German edition of the Esslemont book;
now that the new regime in Austria makes it quite impossible for the
friends there to complete the printing of the book and arrange for its
sale, the Guardian suggests that the best course to take would be for you
to approach the American N.S.A. and to ask them to purchase the whole
order. Owing to the expansion of the teaching work in South America,
where, as you know, there are many large German communities, particularly
in Argentina, there would be a great demand for this book, and the
Publishing Committee of the N.S.A. might arrange to sell many copies
there, and distribute some, for sale, among various other Baha'i centers
in Europe and in the East.

The Guardian would further advise that you also approach the British
N.S.A. who may find it possible to assist you in this matter....

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-worker:

I am so pleased to learn that despite the anxieties and obstacles that
confront and afflict the dearly-loved German believers, their devotion,
loyalty, confidence and perseverance remain untarnish