It was a matter of profound grief to Shoghi Effendi to hear of the sad news of the pa.s.sing away of our friend Mr. Emil Lips. Kindly convey to the bereaved members of his family his heartfelt condolences, and the expression of his profound and deepfelt sympathy in this grievous loss they have sustained.

LETTER OF 7 MAY 1939

7 May 1939

He too wishes me to extend to you his deep love and good wishes on this happy and blessed occasion, and to a.s.sure you, and our dear friends in Esslingen, of his prayers for your protection and guidance in these days of widespread gloom and distress, that your hearts may be strengthened and a.s.sured, and that you may emerge from your present-day tests and trials more united, and firmer than ever in your love and loyalty towards the Faith.

However gloomy the immediate future may seem to appear, the prospect which the distant future has in store for the community of German believers is of such immeasurable brightness as it cannot but afford the deepest comfort and encouragement to you in your moments of uttermost sorrow and distress.

More than ever to-day the Guardian's thoughts turn towards you, and our sore-tried brethren in your land, in admiration for the courage and fort.i.tude you have so well displayed in the midst of your afflictive trials, and in thanksgiving to the almighty G.o.d for having sustained and blessed you so repeatedly through His unfailing grace and mighty confirmations.

May His spirit continue to aid and guide your Community in the distressing days yet to come...

[From the Guardian:]

Dear co-workers:

It was such a joy to hear from you. You, as well as the other German believers, are often in my thoughts and prayers. I will continue to pray for the realization of your highest hopes. Be not despaired, nay be a.s.sured that a glorious future awaits you all, more brilliant than any you can imagine.

Your true brother, Shoghi

LETTER OF 26 MAY 1946

26 May 1946

Miss Edith Horn and the dear Baha'is of Frankfurt

Dear Baha'i Friends:

Your letter of April 21st reached the beloved Guardian-the first direct mail from Germany!-and he was rejoiced to see you are all so devoted and active in the service of our precious Faith.

He hopes the Frankfurt Baha'is, now that they have a Spiritual a.s.sembly and are free to conduct their affairs publicly, will succeed in teaching many new souls this life-giving message.

The need in Europe to hear of the Cause is more desperate than ever before, and the responsibility of the German friends very great, being as they are the largest Baha'i Community in Europe.

You may be sure he will pray for your labours to promote the Cause, in the Holy Shrines, and he a.s.sures you that you and your work are very dear to him...

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-worker:

My heart was filled with joy, pride and grat.i.tude when I perused your most welcome message, as I regard it as a remarkable evidence of the unfailing providence and power of Baha'u'llah, who has watched over you, preserved and sustained you, and has now enabled you to resume your historic work for His Cause. You have often been in my thoughts and prayers and I rejoice that your city is to become the administrative centre of our beloved Faith and the national focus of its spiritual and humanitarian activities. Persevere in your great task and rest a.s.sured and be happy.

Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi

LETTER OF 3 JULY 1946

3 July 1946

I need not try and convey to you in words how the Guardian has deplored, and suffered over, all the tragic happenings of the last few years! He was particularly sorry to hear such a dear Baha'i as Paul Kohler, of Dresden, had died, as well as his wife and children. We can only be grateful that so many of the German friends have survived such terrible years!

He is very anxious to have the German Baha'is resume their activities on a larger scale than ever before-particularly as they are now free for the first time in so many years. He fully realizes how great your problems are, and that you are still suffering from many shortages and restrictions; but knowing you all-and what our beloved Master foresaw your future would be-the Guardian is confident the Faith will spread as never before in Germany, and that the believers of that country will aid in establishing the inst.i.tutions of Baha'u'llah all over Europe.

LETTER OF 11 JULY 1946

11 July 1946

The Baha'i Community, Esslingen

Dear Baha'i Friends:

Your letter dated May 23rd has reached our beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf, and to thank you for the loving greetings you sent him.

He hopes that now the believers in Germany are at last free to work for the Cause they will strive together-as the Master desired-as one soul in many bodies and show forth such an example of love and unity within the Baha'i Community that the hearts of the people will be attracted to them.

The world is longing for example more than for anything else, for on all sides we hear good advice but see no sincerity and no practicing of what people are preaching!

He a.s.sures you all his loving prayers are offered on your behalf and for the success of your Baha'i work...

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

I was so pleased to hear from you and to receive such expressions of devotion and determination in the service of our beloved Faith. Your centre is near and dear to my heart, and you are, I a.s.sure you, often in my thoughts. I will pray for your success, for the extension of your activities, and the speedy realization of the hopes you cherish for the advancement of our glorious Faith,

Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi