The prayer that the Guardian has “earnestly request[ed]” all his “fellow-brethren and sisters in the Faith to offer” on his behalf.

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 vigor that will enable me to pursue over a long and unbroken period of strenuous labor the supreme task of achieving, in collaboration with the friends in every land, the speedy triumph of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. This is the prayer I earnestly request all my fellow-brethren and sisters in the Faith to offer on my behalf. (Shoghi Effendi, excerpt from a letter dated 14 November 1923 to the Baha’is throughout America, ‘Baha’i Administration, p. 50) (To see the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World Community – by Shoghi Effendi)

To remind ourselves that “though but a mere handful amidst the seething masses of the world, we are in this day the chosen instruments of God’s grace..”

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, we 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. (Shoghi Effendi, excerpt from a letter dated 14 November 1923 to the Baha’is throughout America, ‘Baha’i Administration, p. 50) (To see the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World Community – by Shoghi Effendi)

“The flames of sedition …are gone out for ever”

Let us take heart and be thankful to our beloved ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as we remember His manifold blessings and unfailing care and protection, ever since the hour of His departure from our midst. The flames of sedition, so maliciously kindled in the past by those who have dared to flout His will, are gone out for ever, and the fondest hopes of these evil plotters are now abandoned, doomed never to revive. He has indeed redeemed His promise!

It seemed not a long time ago that their agitation, so violently renewed immediately after the passing of our Beloved, would for a time confuse the Divine Message of Bahá’u’lláh, obscure His Covenant, retard the progress of His Cause, and shatter its unity; and yet how well we see them all today, not through our efforts, but by their own folly, and above all, by the intervention of the hidden hand of God, reduced to the vilest and most humiliating position. (Shoghi Effendi, excerpt from a letter dated 14 November 1923 to the Baha’is throughout America, ‘Baha’i Administration, p. 50) (To see the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World Community – by Shoghi Effendi)

Our responsibilities during “these troublous days"

Ours is then the duty and privilege to labor, by day and by night, amidst the storm and stress of these troublous days, that we may quicken the zeal of our fellow-men, rekindle their hopes, stimulate their interest, open their eyes to the true Faith of God and enlist their active support in the carrying out of our common task for the peace and regeneration of the world. (Shoghi Effendi, excerpt from a letter dated 14 November 1923 to the Baha’is throughout America, ‘Baha’i Administration, p. 50) (To see the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World Community – by Shoghi Effendi)

Impact of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s passing on the Cause and mankind

The two years that have elapsed since the passing of our beloved Master have been for the Cause, as well as for mankind, years of deep anxiety and pain. The momentous changes that are taking place in the history of both have proved so swift and far-reaching as to arouse in certain hearts a strange misgiving as to their stability and future.

On one hand the remarkable revelations of the Beloved’s Will and Testament, so amazing in all its aspects, so emphatic in its injunctions, have challenged and perplexed the keenest minds, whilst the ever-increasing confusion of the world, threatened as never before with disruptive forces, fierce rivalries, fresh commotions and grave disorder, has well-nigh overwhelmed the heart and damped the zeal of even the most enthusiastic believer in the destiny of mankind.

And yet, how often we seem to forget the clear and repeated warnings of our beloved Master, who, in particular during the concluding years of His mission on earth, laid stress on the “severe mental tests” that would inevitably sweep over His loved ones of the West — tests that would purge, purify and prepare them for their noble mission in life.

And as to the world’s evil plight, we need but recall the writings and sayings of Bahá’u’lláh, who, more than fifty years ago, declared in terms prophetic the prime cause of the ills and sufferings of mankind, and set forth their true and divine remedy. “Should the Lamp of Religion be hidden,” He declares, “Chaos and confusion will ensue.” How admirably fitting and applicable are these words to the present state of mankind! (Shoghi Effendi, excerpt from a letter dated 14 November 1923 to the Baha’is throughout America, ‘Baha’i Administration, p. 50) (To see the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World Community – by Shoghi Effendi)

Plans of Burmese Baha’is “to constitute a Central Council for all Burma, and establish a Bahá'í Magazine, exclusively devoted to the progress of the work in that province”

I am looking forward with the greatest interest, to the time when your high hopes will have been fully realized, your plans fulfilled and your selfless efforts crowned with glorious success. It is my fervent hope and prayer that your endeavours to constitute a Central Council for all Burma, and establish a Bahá'í Magazine, exclusively devoted to the progress of the work in that province, will soon bear abundant fruit, and will stand a testimony to the efficiency, the energy and the zeal of the beloved Burmese friends. (Shoghi Effendi, excerpt from a letter dated June 1, 1923, to the Baha’is in Rangoon; Messages of Shoghi Effendi to the Indian Subcontinent: 1923-1957) (To read the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World Community)

To carry out ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s “Great Purpose for mankind” – we need to “hold fast to those principles for which He lived, laboured and died”

May our loving and ever-watchful Master, guide and protect you in all the services you are so whole-heartedly tendering to His sacred Threshold, and may He enable you to contribute your full share in carrying out His Great Purpose for mankind! This is my prayer for you all whenever I visit the Three Holy Shrines, and I feel certain that He will not fail to answer it, if we but hold fast to those principles for which He lived, laboured and died. (Shoghi Effendi, excerpt from a letter dated June 1, 1923, to the Baha’is in Rangoon; Messages of Shoghi Effendi to the Indian Subcontinent: 1923-1957) (To read the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World Community)

The “newly-constituted Spiritual Assembly in Haifa” -- assisting with sharing news worldwide

I trust that the letters addressed to you by the newly-constituted Spiritual Assembly in Haifa have contributed their share in informing you more fully of the onward and irresistible march of the Movement throughout the world. (Shoghi Effendi, excerpt from a letter to the Baha’is in Japan, dated May 10, 1923, ‘Japan Will Turn Ablaze’) (To read the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World Community)

The Guardian requests more frequent reports from the friends in Japan

I shall remember in my prayers Mr. and Mrs. Sam Baldwin and their children, as well as Mrs. and Miss Cramer, and wish them from all my heart signal success in their noble endeavours to promote far and wide the Heavenly Teachings.

It is my earnest hope that the friends in Japan will from now on write me frequent and detailed letters, setting forth the account of their various spiritual activities and giving me the plans for their future services to the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh. (Shoghi Effendi, excerpt from a letter to the Baha’is in Japan, dated May 10, 1923, ‘Japan Will Turn Ablaze’) (To read the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World)

The Guardian’s hopes for the effects of Martha Root’s visit to Japan

May the visit of our beloved sister, Miss Martha Root, to your shores stimulate widespread interest in the Cause throughout Japan, China and the Pacific Islands, and consolidate the foundation of the Edifice of the Cause in those far-eastern regions. I shall ever pray at the Three Holy Thresholds that the seeds now scattered bear abundant fruit and the promise of our beloved Master be speedily fulfilled. (Shoghi Effendi, excerpt from a letter to the Baha’is in Japan, dated May 10, 1923, ‘Japan Will Turn Ablaze’) (To read the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World)

News about the growth of the Cause in Japan

The most welcome letter of our dearly beloved Bahá'í sister, Miss Agnes Alexander, imparting the glad news of the progress of her glorious services in Japan has rejoiced my heart, and has served to strengthen my hope and confidence in the future glories of that far eastern land.

The Ladies of the Holy Household are highly gratified and comforted to learn of your untiring labours in His Vineyard, of the success that has attended your efforts, of the perseverance and ardour with which you conduct your teaching work in those distant regions of the earth. 'Abdu'l-Bahá is with you always and your success is assured! (Shoghi Effendi, excerpt from a letter to the Baha’is in Japan, dated May 10, 1923, ‘Japan Will Turn Ablaze’) (To read the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World)

Fujita -- the “devoted brother”

Our devoted brother, Mr. Fujita, is well and happy in the Holy Land, and together with the Ladies of the Household and myself is engaged in the service of the various pilgrims that visit in these days this sacred Spot. He is faithfully and actively carrying on the work which he has started so whole-heartedly during the Master's last years on earth. (Shoghi Effendi, excerpt from a letter to the Baha’is in Japan, dated May 10, 1923, ‘Japan Will Turn Ablaze’) (To read the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World)

May Maxwell: the pioneer of the Cause in Canada

Our beloved Baha’i sister, Mrs. May Maxwell, the pioneer of the Cause in Canada, will soon be with us in the Holy Land, and I trust that after her visit to the Three Holy Shrines, she may be enabled to return, invigorated and refreshed, ready to continue, in collaboration with you all, the mission which the Master has destined her to fulfill in this world. (Shoghi Effendi, excerpt from a letter dated April 20, 1923 addressed to the Baha’is of Canada; ‘Messages to Canada’, pp. 9-10) (To read the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World)

Spiritual qualities to strive for and be cognizant of while serving the Cause

It behoves us, now that the signs of that glorious and promised Day are fast appearing, to arise, with utter selflessness, unity and determination, to promote and consolidate the Work which He has Himself established in the heart of that vast Dominion, and prove ourselves, by our wisdom, moderation, and constancy, worthy of the many bestowals He has showered upon us in the past. If we but follow in His Way, regard at all times the dignity of the Cause, guard sedulously its unity and vital principles, and exercise the utmost endeavour to keep its Spirit pure, effective, and unobscured, then, and only then, can we hope to achieve the immediate spread and triumph of the Cause. (Shoghi Effendi, excerpt from a letter dated April 20, 1923 addressed to the Baha’is of Canada; ‘Messages to Canada’, pp. 9-10) (To read the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World)

Promises of ‘Abdu’l-Baha concerning the future of Canada

I was deeply interested and immensely grateful to read the newly received messages and letters from that distant land, all testifying to the growth of a new spirit of enthusiasm and fellowship recently kindled in the hearts of those few, yet earnest, workers for the Cause of Baha’u’llah. The report sent to me recently by the Secretary of the Montreal Spiritual Assembly, as well as the letters which our beloved spiritual sister, Mrs. Scbopflocherber, has received from America, all gave me the assurance that a new era of spiritual activity is dawning upon the people of that land. May the repeated promises of 'Abdu'l-Baha regarding the ultimate religious revival of that spiritually conservative country, and the universal and whole-hearted response of its people to the Call of Ya'-Baha’u’l-Abha' be speedily fulfilled. (Shoghi Effendi, excerpt from a letter dated April 20, 1923 addressed to the Baha’is of Canada; ‘Messages to Canada’, pp. 9-10) (To read the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World)

The “great work of Reconciliation of which the world stands in such great need at present” – attitude and mindset required by believers

Clear in our vision, broad in our outlook, tireless in our energies and steadfast in our hopes, let us promote one and all this great work of Reconciliation of which the world stands in such great need at present. May the Light of His Divine Guidance illumine our path and lead us to our glorious destiny. (Shoghi Effendi, excerpt from a letter dated March 1923 to the Baha’of  Brooklyn, N.Y., U.S.A; The Star of the West, Vol. 14, April, 1923) (To see the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World)

Ways in which we can help “the seeds of the words of Baha'u'llah and Abdu'l-Baha” that were “cast so profusely” many years ago to germinate and give fruit

Our primary duty is to create by our words and deeds, our conduct and example, the atmosphere in which the seeds of the words of Baha'u'llah and Abdu'l-Baha, cast so profusely during well-nigh eighty years, may germinate and give forth those fruits that alone can assure peace and prosperity to this distracted world. (Shoghi Effendi, excerpt from a letter dated March 1923 to the Baha’of  Brooklyn, N.Y., U.S.A; The Star of the West, Vol. 14, April, 1923) (To read the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World)

The “power of the Call of Ya Baha’u’l-Abha” can “bind effectively together the scattered and conflicting elements of human society”

In these days of world unrest, of political upheavals, of social disruption and spiritual ferment, the one Power that can bind effectively together the scattered and conflicting elements of human society and breathe into them the vivifying and eternal Spirit of Life is indeed the power of the Call of Ya Baha’u’l-Abha.

We, of this noble Faith, the chosen ones of God, who carry with us this wholesome Medicine for the ills and sicknesses of this world, must now bestir ourselves to further activity and relentless efforts in the great and urgent mission entrusted to us by Baha’u’llah, that we may minister freely and effectively to the needs of mankind. (Shoghi Effendi, excerpt from a letter dated March 1923 to the Baha’of  Brooklyn, N.Y., U.S.A; The Star of the West, Vol. 14, April, 1923) (To read the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World)

Need to make sure that our “harmony and concord” is “firmly established” when arising “for the enlightenment of the world and the salvation of mankind”

It is our vital and most urgent duty to assure at whatever cost the safety and the unity of the Cause of God, and with harmony and concord firmly established amongst us, to arise with confidence and courage for the enlightenment of the world and the salvation of mankind. (Shoghi Effendi, from a letter dated circa March, 1923, addressed to the Baha’is of Washington DC; Star of the West, Vol. 14, April, 1923) (To read the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World)

The general condition of the world and how we can “impart to every earnest seeker that firm faith and inner peace which the world cannot give”

The world is sadly stricken and in a state of continuous turmoil and sigma of weariness and despondency are apparent everywhere. But we, fired with the hope of the Abba Kingdom and ever mindful of the unfailing promises of the dawn of a new and better day, must weather every storm and endeavor to impart to every earnest seeker that firm faith and inner peace which the world cannot give. (Shoghi Effendi, from a letter dated circa March, 1923, addressed to the Baha'is of Washington DC; Star of the West, Vol. 14, April, 1923) (To read the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World)

The “trumpet-call” of “our ever-victorious Commander, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá” “resounds on every side, and summons us to service”

To His valiant combatants on earth, who at times may feel disheartened, our ever-victorious Commander, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, gives us the following assurance:

“O ye servants of the Sacred Threshold! The triumphant Hosts of the Celestial Concourse, arrayed and marshalled in the Realms above, stand ready and expectant to assist and assure victory to that valiant horseman who with confidence spurs on his charger into the arena of service. Well is it with that fearless warrior, who armed with the power of true Knowledge, hastens unto the field, disperses the armies of ignorance, and scatters the hosts of error, who holds aloft the Standard of Divine Guidance, and sounds the Clarion of Victory. By the righteousness of the Lord! He hath achieved a glorious triumph and obtained the true victory....”

With such inspiring words as these, are we to remain any longer unmoved and inactive? His trumpet-call resounds on every side, and summons us to service; are we to tarry and hesitate? His voice is calling aloud from every land; let us march on, unfettered and unafraid, and fulfill our glorious Destiny. (Excerpt from a letter written by Shoghi Effendi, dated March 12, 1923, to the Baha’is throughout America, Great Britain, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Japan and Australasia; ‘Baha’i Administration’ pp. 34-43) (To read the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World)

The administers of the Faith should not become too concerned “in that which is secondary in importance”

But let us be on our guard — so the Master continually reminds us from His Station on high — lest too much concern in that which is secondary in importance, and too long a preoccupation with the details of our affairs and activities, make us neglectful of the most essential, the most urgent of all our obligations, namely, to bury our cares and teach the Cause, delivering far and wide this Message of Salvation to a sorely-stricken world. (Excerpt from a letter written by Shoghi Effendi, dated March 12, 1923, to the Baha’is throughout America, Great Britain, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Japan and Australasia; ‘Baha’i Administration’ pp. 34-43) (To read the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World)

“The need for the centralization of authority in the National Spiritual Assembly, and the concentration of power in the various local Assemblies”

The need for the centralization of authority in the National Spiritual Assembly, and the concentration of power in the various local Assemblies, is made manifest when we reflect that the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh is still in its age of tender growth and in a stage of transition; when we remember that the full implications and the exact significance of the Master’s world-wide instructions, as laid down in His Will, are as yet not fully grasped, and the whole Movement has not sufficiently crystallized in the eyes of the world.

It is our primary task to keep the most vigilant eye on the manner and character of its growth, to combat effectively the forces of separation and of sectarian tendencies, lest the Spirit of the Cause be obscured, its unity be threatened, its Teachings suffer corruption; lest extreme orthodoxy on one hand, and irresponsible freedom on the other, cause it to deviate from that Straight Path which alone can lead it to success. (Excerpt from a letter written by Shoghi Effendi, dated March 12, 1923, to the Baha’is throughout America, Great Britain, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Japan and Australasia; ‘Baha’i Administration’ pp. 34-43) (To read the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World)

Establishment of local and national Baha’i Funds

And as the progress and execution of spiritual activities is dependent and conditioned upon material means, it is of absolute necessity that immediately after the establishment of local as well as national Spiritual Assemblies, a Bahá’í Fund be established, to be placed under the exclusive control of the Spiritual Assembly. All donations and contributions should be offered to the Treasurer of the Assembly, for the express purpose of promoting the interests of the Cause, throughout that locality or country. It is the sacred obligation of every conscientious and faithful servant of Bahá’u’lláh who desires to see His Cause advance, to contribute freely and generously for the increase of that Fund. The members of the Spiritual Assembly will at their own discretion expend it to promote the Teaching Campaign, to help the needy, to establish educational Bahá’í institutions, to extend in every way possible their sphere of service. I cherish the hope that all the friends, realizing the necessity of this measure, will bestir themselves and contribute, however modestly at first, towards the speedy establishment and the increase of that Fund. (Excerpt from a letter written by Shoghi Effendi, dated March 12, 1923, to the Baha’is throughout America, Great Britain, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Japan and Australasia; ‘Baha’i Administration’ pp. 34-43) (To read the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World)

How we can all protect the Cause against any “division and disruption” – responsibilities of electors and elected

In order to avoid division and disruption, that the Cause may not fall a prey to conflicting interpretations, and lose thereby its purity and pristine vigor, that its affairs may be conducted with efficiency and promptness, it is necessary that every one should conscientiously take an active part in the election of these Assemblies, abide by their decisions, enforce their decree, and cooperate with them wholeheartedly in their task of stimulating the growth of the Movement throughout all regions. The members of these Assemblies, on their part, must disregard utterly their own likes and dislikes, their personal interests and inclinations, and concentrate their minds upon those measures that will conduce to the welfare and happiness of the Bahá’í Community and promote the common weal. (Excerpt from a letter written by Shoghi Effendi, dated March 12, 1923, to the Baha’is throughout America, Great Britain, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Japan and Australasia; ‘Baha’i Administration’ pp. 34-43) (To read the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World)