tervention of the hidden hand of God, reduced to the vilest and most
humiliating position.

And now, with the Cause purified and inwardly victorious, Its principles
vindicated, Its enemies silenced and sunk in unspeakable misery, may we
not, henceforth, direct all our efforts to collective action and
constructive achievement; and in utter disregard of the flickerings of
their fast-fading light, arise to carry out those urgent measures that
will secure the outward and complete triumph of the Cause?

I for my part, as I look back to the unfortunate circumstances of
ill-health and physical exhaustion that have attended the opening years of
my career of service to the Cause, feel hardly gratified, and would be
truly despondent but for the sustaining memory and inspiring example of
the diligent and ceaseless efforts which my fellow-workers the world over
have displayed during these two trying years in the service of the Cause.

I cherish the hope that, from now on the Beloved may bestow upon me all
the strength and vigour that will enable me to pursue over a long and
unbroken period of strenuous labour the supreme task of achieving, in
collaboration with the friends in every land, the speedy triumph of the
Cause of Baha'u'llah. This is the prayer I earnestly request all my fellow
brethren and sisters in the Faith to offer on my behalf.

Let us pray to God that in these days of world encircling gloom, when the
dark forces of nature, of hate, rebellion, anarchy and reaction are
threatening the very stability of human society, when the most precious
fruits of civilization are undergoing severe and unparalleled tests, we
may all realize, more profoundly than ever, that though but a mere handful
amidst the seething masses of the world, are in this day the chosen
instruments of God's Grace, that our Mission is most urgent and vital to
the fate of humanity and, fortified by these sentiments, arise to achieve
God's holy purpose for mankind.

Your brother in His service
Shoghi
for my beloved brethren and sisters in Australia and New Zealand--Shoghi.

Haifa, Palestine,
December 2, 1923.

LETTER OF MAY 15TH, 1934

May 15th, 1934

Dear Baha'i Friend,

The Guardian has deeply appreciated your message dated April 10th, and he
has asked me to convey to you once more his grateful thanks for the
services you are so continually rendering the Faith in your centre. The
gratifying news has just reached him of the opening o