and to Whose summons they are now responding in the African continent; the
Bab, Whose Sepulcher they are helping to erect; above all Baha'u'llah,
Whose embryonic World Order they are building in the Holy Land and in
other continents of the globe, look down upon them from Their retreats of
glory, applauding their acts, guiding their footsteps, vouchsafing Their
blessings, and laying up, in the storehouses of the Abha kingdom such
treasures as only They can bestow.

May the members of this community prove themselves, as they forge ahead
and approach yet another milestone on the broad highway of their mission,
worthy of still greater prizes, and fit to launch still mightier
enterprises, for the glory of the Name they bear, and in the service of
the Faith they profess.

[March 29, 1951]

FIRST AMERICAN PIONEER TO AFRICA

Rejoice at departure of first pioneer to Africa; urge acceleration of
historic process now set in motion. Time is short, tasks ahead manifold,
pressing, momentous. Praying ardently for increasing response and
befitting discharge of mighty supplementary task shouldered by valorous
community.

[October 19, 1951]

MESSAGE TO 1951 STATE CONVENTIONS

Advise assembled friends to focus attention on vital, pressing, paramount
needs of National Fund at this critical juncture. Hour is ripe to recall
unnumbered tribulations, sacrifices heroically endured by the
dawn-breakers, culminating in Baha'u'llah's afflictive imprisonment in
Siyah _Ch_al, Centennial of which is now approaching. Urge deepening
realization of sacredness, preeminent importance of twin purposes which
individual resolves serve. Appeal for immediate, unanimous, sustained,
decisive response, safeguard thereby American Community's share in tribute
to memory of Founder of Faith on occasion of forthcoming Jubilee of Birth
of glorious Mission. Praying for befitting answer to heartfelt plea.

[November 4, 1951]

THE LAST AND IRRETRIEVABLE CHANCE

The brief interval separating the hard-pressed, valiantly struggling,
resistlessly expanding American Baha'i Community from the anticipated
consummation of the second, fate-laden collective enterprise launched so
auspiciously by its national elected representatives is speedily drawing
to a close. The sixteen months that still lie ahead constitute in view of
the tasks that still remain to be achieved, and the sacrifices still to be
made, a period at once critical and chall