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9 March 1945
Mrs. Mariette G. Bolton, Somerset House, 9 Martin Place, Sydney. N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
Your letter of Feb.7th. has been received, together with the interesting clippings you so thoughtfully enclosed and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He also read your copy of your letter to the N.S.A. suggesting Mrs. Dunn should take up residence in the Hazíra. This loving suggestion of yours is naturally a matter for that Body to decide. The friends should always show Mrs. Dunn the greatest affection, for she and her husband have rendered that country an imperishable service!
He hopes your visit to America, as he mentioned in his last letter, will be an occasion for you to see the friends there in many cities, and if possible aid them in their teaching work.
His loving prayers are offered on your behalf and for the guidance and development of your dear children.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani.
Assuring you of my keen and abiding appreciation of your constant and meritorious services and accomplishments in the teaching field, and of my loving and fervent prayers for the extension of your notable activities and the consolidation of your splendid achievements,
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
P.S. Your letter of Dec 29th just arrived and the Guardian was delighted to see that an Assembly can now be formed in Caringbah; this is an important step forward and he feels you should rejoice in having had so large a part in it. He was also pleased to see from the report you enclosed that progress is being made in the other groups as well, and that the papers accept and print so much Bahá'í material and news.
13 March 1945 [National Assembly]
Dear Bahá'í Sister,
Your letter of Feb. 9th has been received (written on behalf of the N.S.A.), and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf and to also acknowledge receipt of the copy of the resolutions which you forwarded in it.
The news you conveyed was all very encouraging and pleased him greatly.
He was particularly happy to hear of the formation of a new Spiritual Assembly at Caringbah as this marks an important step forward in the growth of the Cause and its administrative institutions in Australia. He hopes that the N.S.A. will, through travelling and visiting teachers, and Bahá'í settlers and pioneers, be able to speedily ensure the establishment of further Assemblies; wherever the conditions for their development seem most promising, the efforts should be concentrated.
He was also very glad to hear that the Hazíratu'l-Quds has been successfully transferred to the name of the National Assembly. He is looking forward to receiving the photographs of its opening, and of the Centenary dinner, which you are sending him. Likewise he was pleased to see it is being put to such active use and teaching classes, public meetings, etc, being held in it.
He cannot stress too much the vital importance of the teaching work, and he hopes that all the believers, however circumscribed their means, however unqualified they may feel themselves to be, will arise and contribute their share to this all-important work. The Cause has, all things considered, made remarkable progress in Australia and New Zealand of late; but the united efforts of all the friends are required to spread the Divine Message during these moving and dark times the world is passing through. They must fix their eyes on the abject misery of humanity and, forgetful of their own limitations, deliver the Teachings to their fellow countrymen.
He assures you and your co-workers that he deeply appreciates your devoted services, and will constantly pray for the progress of the Faith in those distant and important lands.
with Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani
P.S. He hopes that the NSA watches over dear Mother Dunn. She is now advancing in years and deserves the greatest love and consideration in view of the imperishable services she and Father Dunn rendered the Cause there.
P.P.S. Your previous letter, dated Aug. 18th, as well as the photostat copies connected with the incorporation of the NSA reached him. He was delighted at this further evidence of the efficiency of that body and the manner in which it is consolidating its foundation.
Dear and valued co-workers:
The teaching responsibilities confronting the Australian and New Zealand believers are of supreme importance and of extreme urgency. Now that the basis of the Administrative Order has been firmly laid, and fully understood, and the National Hazíratu'l-Quds established in the leading city of the Australian Commonwealth, the attention of the members of the entire community must be focussed on the teaching work - the promotion of which is the ultimate object of the entire machinery of the Administrative Order and its subsidiary institutions and agencies. The multiplication of Bahá'í groups, the steady increase in the number of Local Assemblies, the dissemination of literature, the dispersal of the believers, no matter how small their number, to important centres throughout the continent constitute the vital task of the infant community which has, despite its limited resources and isolated situation, demonstrated its capacity to establish on a sound basis the primary institutions of the Faith to safeguard its unity and promote its vital interests. That it may forge ahead and overcome every obstacle in its path and fulfil its high destiny is my fondest hope and constant prayer.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
15 March 1945 [National Spiritual Assembly]
Dear Bahá'í sister:
I am enclosing the receipt for the contribution from the NSA which I forgot to enclose in my previous letter. I am so sorry. The Guardian deeply appreciated the love and devotion which inspired this gift.
with Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani
I gratefully acknowledge the receipt of the sum of thirty pounds from the National Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand, to be expended for the promotion of the International interests of the Bahá'í Faith. Shoghi
21 March 1945 [National Spiritual Assembly]
Dulcie Dive, 2 Lang Road, Centennial Park.
DEEPLY APPRECIATE GREETINGS BELIEVERS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND PRAYING UNPRECEDENTED VICTORIES
7 April 1945 The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Sydney and the friends there.
Dear Bahá'í Friends:
The beloved guardian received your Naw-RÏz greeting, and he was very touched that your thoughts should have sped Haifa-ward at the Bahá'í New Year.
He wishes me to assure you all that he often thinks of the Australian friends, and is very encouraged over the progress the Faith is making there. He hopes your Community and Assembly will be able to build up many new Assemblies in the neighbourhood of Sydney and that amongst you pioneers will arise to go forth in the footsteps of dear Father Dunn. Large Communities in America - such as Chicago and New York, - have supplied many pioneer teachers the last eight years, and it has been shown that the vital and strong foundations of old Bahá'í Communities enables them to undertake tasks too difficult for younger groups. He feels Sydney, as the first place to receive the Faith in Australasia, has special responsibilities in the teaching field, and he will pray for your guidance and the success of your devoted labours.
With Bahá'í greetings. R. Rabbani
1 May 1945 [National Spiritual Assembly]
Dulcie Dive, 2 Lang Road, Centennial Park.
DELIGHTED MULTIPLICATION BAHAI CENTRES AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND URGE UNITED REDOUBLED EFFORTS FURTHER EXTENSION CONSOLIDATION CABLING FIVE HUNDRED POUNDS FOR EXTENSION TEACHING ACTIVITIES FORMATION GROUPS ESTABLISHMENT ASSEMBLIES PRAYING FERVENTLY SUCCESS PERSEVERE
8 May 1945 [Clara Dunn]
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
Your very welcome letter of April 19th has been received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
He was rejoiced to see that you are able to do so much teaching work, and thus carry on the glorious tradition you and Father Dunn established in Australia. No doubt your dear husband's spirit, likewise, rejoices to see you carrying on the work so dear to him!
There seems to be some misapprehension about the term "official teacher"; we have no such thing as official teachers; all can and should teach the Cause. The term cannot be applied to anyone. Sometimes a believer is sent out on a teaching trip and receive help from the National Fund - but even then they are not "official" in any particular way.
He hopes that you will be able to attract and confirm new souls in Port Adelaide, and assist in establishing an Assembly there. Give his loving greetings to all the dear friends whom you meet, and urge them to actively spread the Faith during these days when men's hearts are turned to peace after the suffering of the war.
He will pray for the success of your labours and for your health in the Holy Shrines. He will also pray for Miss Perks, the dear Appletons and the other friends you mentioned in your letter.
With warm Bahá'í love
R. Rabbani
Dear & valued co-worker,
I was so glad to receive your letter and to learn that you are still active in the service of our beloved Faith. The services which you in close collaboration with your immortal husband, have rendered are indeed historic & highly meritorious in the sight of God. Future generations will gratefully extol them. Persevere, rest assured and be happy.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
10 May 1945 [National Spiritual Assembly]
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
I am enclosing a copy of the Guardian's message to all the believers, East and West, upon the cessation of hostilities in Europe.
Please share it with all the dear Australian and New Zealand believers.
Also please acknowledge its receipt by air mail.
Let us hope that the blessing of peace will soon come to the Pacific region too!
With Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani
FOLLOWERS BAHAULLAH THROUGHOUT FIVE CONTINENTS UNANIMOUSLY REJOICE PARTIAL EMERGENCE WAR TORN HUMANITY FROM TITANIC UPHEAVAL UNERRINGLY PREDICTED SEVENTY YEARS AGO BY PEN AUTHOR THEIR FAITH STOP CESSATION HOSTILITIES EUROPEAN CONTINENT SIGNALIZES CLOSING YET ANOTHER CHAPTER TRAGIC TALE FIERY TRIALS PROVIDENTIALLY DECREED BY INSCRUTABLE WISDOM DESIGNED ULTIMATELY WELD MUTUALLY ANTAGONISTIC ELEMENTS HUMAN SOCIETY INTO SINGLE ORGANICALLY UNITED UNSHATTERABLE WORLD COMMONWEALTH GRATEFULLY ACCLAIM SIGNAL EVIDENCE INTERPOSITION DIVINE PROVIDENCE WHICH DURING SUCH PERILOUS YEARS ENABLED WORLD CENTER FAITH ESCAPE WHAT POSTERITY WILL RECOGNISE AS ONE OF GRAVEST DANGERS EVER CONFRONTED NERVE CENTER ITS INSTITUTIONS STOP PROFOUNDLY AWARE BOUNTIFUL GRACE VOUCHSAFED BY SAME PROVIDENCE ENSURING UNLIKE PREVIOUS WORLD CONFLICT UNINTERRUPTED INTERCOURSE BETWEEN SPIRITUAL CENTER AND VAST MAJORITY COMMUNITIES FUNCTIONING WITHIN ORBIT FLUNG FAITH IMMEASURABLY THANKFUL MIRACULOUS PRESERVATION INDIAN PERSIAN EGYPTIAN BRITISH IRAQI COMMUNITIES LONG THREATENED DIRE PERIL OWING PROXIMITY THEATRE MILITARY OPERATIONS STOP DEEPLY CONSCIOUS PROGRESS ACHIEVED DESPITE SIX TEMPESTUOUS YEARS IN BOTH EASTERN WESTERN HEMISPHERES THROUGH COLLECTIVE ENTERPRISES LAUNCHED BY THESE COMMUNITIES OUTSHINES SUM TOTAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE INCEPTION FORMATIVE AGE FAITH STOP SEVEN YEAR PLAN INAUGURATED AMERICAN BAHAI COMMUNITY UNDER LOWERING CLOUDS APPROACHING CONFLICT VICTORIOUSLY COMPLETED EXTERIOR ORNAMENTATION MOTHER TEMPLE WEST ESTABLISHED STRUCTURAL BASIS FAITH EVERY STATE PROVINCE NORTH AMERICAN CONTINENT AND HOISTED ITS BANNER EVERY REPUBLIC LATIN AMERICA STOP INDIAN BELIEVERS SIX YEAR PLAN LAUNCHED EVE HOSTILITIES MORE THAN QUADRUPLED CENTERS FUNCTIONING WITHIN PALE ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER STOP EDIFICES CONSECRATED ADMINISTRATIVE AFFAIRS EVER ADVANCING CAUSE INVOLVING EXPENDITURE OVER HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ERECTED PURCHASED OR COMPLETED CAPITAL CITIES INDIA IRAQ EGYPT AS WELL AS SYDNEY AUSTRALIA STOP ACQUISITION NUMEROUS PROPERTIES BAHAULLAHS NATIVE LAND MT CARMEL AND JORDAN VALLEY AS WELL AS PURCHASE SEVERAL IMPORTANT HISTORIC SITES ASSOCIATED LIVES BOTH HERALD AND AUTHOR FAITH SWELLED UNPRECEDENTED DEGREE BAHAI ENDOWMENTS STOP PRELIMINARY STEPS COMPLETION BABS SEPULCHRE AND ESTABLISHMENT WORLD ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER THROUGH REMOVAL REMAINS BROTHER MOTHER ABDULBAHA UNDERTAKEN STOP TERMINATION FIRST CENTURY BAHAI ERA SYNCHRONISING CLIMAX RAGING STORM PUBLICLY BEFITTINGLY CELEBRATED DESPITE MULTIPLICATIONS RESTRICTIONS STOP ABOVE ALL UNITY INTEGRITY INCORRUPTIBLE WORLD COMMUNITY CONSISTENTLY SAFEGUARDED IN FACE INSIDIOUS OPPOSITION AVOWED ENEMIES WITHOUT AND COVENANT BREAKERS WITHIN STOP SUCH SPLENDID VICTORIES OVER SO VAST FIELD AMIDST SUCH TRIBULATIONS DURING SO PROLONGED ORDEAL AUGUR WELL COLOSSAL TASKS DESTINED BE ACCOMPLISHED COURSE PEACEFUL YEARS AHEAD BY BUILDERS EMBRYONIC WORLD ORDER BAHAULLAH AMIDST WRECKAGE DISTRACTED DISRUPTED DISILLUSIONED SOCIETY SHOGHI
13 May 1945 [National Spiritual Assembly]
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
The beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer your letters dated April 12th, 13th (two) and 14th, and to acknowledge receipt of the enclosures forwarded with them.
Regarding the matter of Mrs Dobbins and the inharmony that seems to exist among certain of the friends in Adelaide: when Bahá'ís permit the dark forces of the world to enter into their own relationships within the Faith they gravely jeopardise its progress; it is the paramount duty of the believers, the Local Assemblies, and particularly the N.S.A. to foster harmony, understanding and love amongst the friends. All should be ready and willing to set aside every personal sense of grievance - justified or unjustified - for the good of the Cause, because the people will never embrace it until they see in its community life mirrored what is so conspicuously lacking in the world: love and unity.
The Bahá'ís are fully entitled to address criticisms to their Assemblies; they can freely air their views about policies or individual members of elected bodies to the Assembly, local or national, but then they must whole-heartedly accept the advice or decision of the Assembly, according to the principles already laid down for such matters in Bahá'í administration.
Shoghi Effendi has repeatedly stated, to believers in every part of the world, that the individual Bahá'ís are entirely free to write to him on any matter they please; naturally he is equally free to answer them in any manner he pleases. At the present time, when the institutions of the Cause are just beginning to function, he considers it essential to keep up this large correspondence, much as it adds to his many other burdens. It is sometimes the case that the very first intimation he receives of some important step influencing the interests of the Faith, one way or another, comes from an individual's letter instead of from an Assembly; it would naturally be preferable for the information to come from an administrative body, but whatever the source, the Guardian is solely concerned with the welfare of the Faith, and when he deems a certain step detrimental he states his views in his reply. This he is at entire liberty to do.
Just as the National Assembly has full jurisdiction over all its Local Assemblies, the Guardian has full jurisdiction over all National Assemblies; he is not required to consult them, if he believes a certain decision is advisable in the interests of the Cause. He is the judge of the wisdom and advisability of the decisions made by these bodies, and not they of the wisdom and advisability of his decisions. A perusal of the Will and Testament makes this principle quite clear.
He is the Guardian of the Cause in the very fullness of that term, and the appointed interpreter of its teachings, and is guided in his decisions to do that which protects it and fosters its growth and highest interests.
He always has the right to step in and countermand the decisions of a National Assembly; if he did not possess this right he would be absolutely impotent to protect the Faith, just as the N.S.A., if it were divested of the right to countermand the decisions of a Local Assembly, would be incapable of watching over and guiding the national welfare of the Bahá'í community.
It very seldom happens - but it nevertheless does happen - that he feels impelled to change a major (as you put it) decision of an N.S.A.; but he always unhesitatingly does so when necessary, and the N.S.A. in question should gladly and unhesitatingly accept this as a measure designed for the good of the Faith which its elected representatives are so devotedly seeking to serve.
Regarding the position of Summer Schools in Australia: much of what you are at present going through has already been experienced by the American Bahá'í community, and he sympathises with your views and problems; however, he wishes to state the following:
Whatever the history of the Yerrinbool School may be, the fact remains it is now in existence, is owned by believers ready to have it used as such, and is known as a Bahá'í Summer School all over the world. The Guardian is not the least concerned with personalities in this matter, but with principles. He feels at the present time that one Bahá'í Summer School is enough for the believers of Australia to maintain. In the future, as Assemblies and groups multiply, the question will naturally have to be reconsidered.
Bahá'í Summer Schools in the United States originated in the same informal manner as Yerrinbool; they were (and some still are) the property of individual believers who resided on them, but they are administered by Committees appointed by the N.S.A. and which usually include, out of courtesy and consideration, the owners. The American friends also desired to have many more Summer Schools, but the Guardian has so far not permitted them to add to the number, as it dissipates the energy and funds of the believers and would at present weaken those already existing.
He feels that the duty of your Assembly is to not give up Yerrinbool because of any inharmony over it, but to administer and support it properly and remove the inharmony. You should appoint a Committee for the School, purchase any extra equipment needed for the comfort and accommodation of the attendants, and he feels sure the Boltons will cooperate with you in this matter, as they are eager to have the property be used by the believers.
Generally speaking he does not encourage the erection of buildings in memory to individual believers at the present time. But as those at Yerrinbool serve a useful purpose and that the memory of dear Father Dunn commemorates the life of the man who brought the Faith to the continent of Australia, we may welcome it in the spirit it was given.
As to what uses should be made of the building purchased by the S.A. of Adelaide, he leaves the decision to your body and that Assembly. He hopes that at a future date it can be used as a Summer School.
It is the duty of the N.S.A. to exercise the greatest wisdom, forbearance and tact in handling the affairs of the Cause. Many of the differences which arise between the believers are due to their immaturity, their extreme zeal and sincerity.
He will pray for you all in the Holy Shrines, that the Beloved may assist and strengthen you in the discharge of your sacred duties to the Faith and its adherents in Australia and New Zealand. With Bahá'í Love, R. Rabbani.
Read and approved, Shoghi
6 June 1945
Mrs. Stanley Bolton, "Bolton Place," Yerrinbool. N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
Your letters of Jan.10th. and May 15th. have been received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer them on his behalf and thank you for the reports and photographs you enclosed.
He was very happy to learn of the formation of an Assembly in Caringbah, and hopes you will now concentrate on the next largest group, so that a new one can be soon added to the roll in Australia.
He was also very pleased to see that new souls are joining the Cause; the teaching work is, of course, of paramount importance, and the friends should devote as much of their time, energies, and resources to it as is possible. One of the signs of the perfection of our teachings is the way young people accept them, and the many valuable services they are rendering the Faith all over the world.
He will continue to pray for the success of your devoted labours and for the spiritual development and progress of your dear children. With Bahá'í love and greetings, R. Rabbani.
May the Beloved bless, guide and sustain you, enable you to extend the range of your services, and attract new souls to the Faith and consolidate its God-given institutions,
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
26 June 1945 [National Spiritual Assembly]
Dulcie Dive, 2 Land Road, Centennial Park, Sydney.
DISAPPROVE TONE NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES RECENT COMMUNICATIONS STOP DEPRECATE VIOLENT ACTION URGE CONCILIATION HARMONY OTHERWISE CONSEQUENCES GRAVE APPEAL CONCENTRATE CONSTRUCTIVE ACTION AIMED EXTENSION CONSOLIDATION ACHIEVEMENTS BELIEVERS
10 July 1945 [National Spiritual Assembly]
Dulcie Dive, 2 Land Road, Centennial Park, Sydney.
APPRECIATE SENTIMENTS PRAYING GUIDANCE OVERCOME OBSTACLES ACHIEVE COMPLETE UNITY
17 July 1945
Bertha Dobbins
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
Your letter of April 16th has been received a few days ago, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
He wishes to thank you for your photographs of the Bahá'í group of Port Adelaide; they seem to be a very nice group of people, and he hopes they will soon have a sufficient number to form an Assembly.
He was also pleased to hear dear Mother Dunn is going to be able to help them in their activities, and he wishes you to kindly give her his loving greetings.
You may be sure he will pray for this group of devoted new Bahá'ís and that they may be a firm, united, loving and active body of believers.
He will also pray for you and Mr Dobbins, that your services may be blessed and fruitful.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani
May the Beloved bless your efforts, guide your steps, & aid you to promote the best interests of our beloved Faith,
Your true brother, Shoghi
8 August 1945 [National Spiritual Assembly]
Dear Bahá'í sister,
The beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer your letters dated June 12th, 15th and 25th, and to acknowledge receipt of the numerous enclosures you forwarded with them.
As he has already expressed to you in his recent messages he greatly regretted the tone of certain communications from the NSA. He cannot too strongly point out to you all that any condition of inharmony places in jeopardy the wonderful achievements recently made in the spread and consolidation of the Cause in Australia and New Zealand. The beloved Master pointed out over and over again that unity and love among the friends promotes harmony and the rapid spread of the Faith, and that when these are sacrificed and disputes, anger and violent criticism take their place the Cause cannot move forward.
The N.S.A.s the world over, owing to the spiritual immaturity of the believers, must at the present time exert the greatest patience in dealing with the friends; otherwise, as seems to be rapidly becoming the case in Australia, the friends will take sides, bitterness will increase and what started out as a small thing (however unjustified and regrettable a departure from the Bahá'í spirit) will become a menace to the progress of the Faith and definitely retard its progress.
He feels that Mrs Dobbins and Miss Brooks, both of whom love their religion and are devoted to its promotion, should be called upon to forget and forgive the past, and concentrate on serving the Faith. These are the ways in which the Bahá'ís can demonstrate true spiritual nobility and detachment. In such delicate and complicated cases, the N.S.A. should appeal to the believers to put the interests of the Cause first, regardless of any personal sacrifice of feelings this may require.
He assures you he will pray ardently for the speedy and satisfactory solution of this entire matter.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani
Dear and valued co-workers:
It is my fervent hope and prayer that the members of the Bahá'í communities of Australia and New Zealand, will, now that the machinery of the Administrative Order of their Faith has been erected, redouble their efforts to proclaim, with one voice and in a most effective manner, those vital and healing principles for which the great mass of their war-weary and much tested countrymen are hungering. This supreme issue must have precedence over all other considerations, must be given immediate and anxious attention, must be faced courageously and continually, and be regarded by individual believers as well as their elected representatives as the supreme objective of the manifold administrative institutions they have reared and are still labouring to establish. Complete harmony, mutual understanding, unity of purpose, coordination of efforts, prayerful consideration of, and mature deliberation on, all the aspects and requirements of this great and sacred objective can alone ensure its triumphant consummation during these years of stress and peril through which mankind is passing. May the national elected representatives of both communities set a superb example to their fellow-workers throughout that far-off continent, and enable them to win memorable victories in the service of their glorious Faith and its God-given institutions.
Your true brother, Shoghi
26 October 1945
Mrs Madge Featherstone
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
The beloved Guardian was very happy to hear from you, in your letter of Aug. 27th, and he wishes to welcome you and your dear husband and children into the service of our glorious Faith.
You young people have a great opportunity now of helping to build up the Adelaide Community, and strengthen its activities. The Guardian is continually urging the Bahá'ís the world-over to remember that the thing which will most rapidly attract the hearts of bewildered humanity to this life-giving Faith is a demonstration of the love and unity which animates the Bahá'í Community; everything else is dependent on this. Our teachings are the perfect remedy for the ills of the world, but men will not feel ready to accept them unless they see in our Community life that harmony and love of God for which the world is starving.
You young people have a great opportunity before you to serve the Cause, and he hopes that you will in everyway endeavour to be exemplary believers, by your deeds, through following the administration, and by obtaining a profound knowledge of the teachings.
There have been a number of Bahá'í books prepared for children in America, and he suggests you get in touch with the Bahá'í Publishing Committee, Mrs Clara Wood, 110 Linden Ave, Wilmette, Illinois. She can advise you as to what is available at present.
You may be sure that the Guardian will pray for you, your husband, and your children, that you may be guided and protected, and enabled to serve in many fields this Cause you love so deeply. With warm Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani
May the Beloved bless, guide and sustain you in the service of His glorious Faith, & graciously assist you to promote, at all times & under all conditions, the vital interests of its new-born institutions.
Your true brother, Shoghi
26 October 1945
Mr H.C. Featherstone
Dear Bahá'í Brother:
Your letter of Aug. 27th took some time to reach the beloved Guardian, but he was very happy to hear from you, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf, and to welcome you into our beloved Cause, which you and your dear wife have embraced with so much devotion and sincere conviction.
Regarding the questions you have asked: the general principle laid down by the Guardian is that there should be one Spiritual Assembly in each civic area. For instance, New York City, with its immense population and wide-spread boroughs only has one S.A. in accordance with this obviously logical principle. How this should be applied in detail is a matter for the various Nat. Spiritual Assemblies to decide, and your N.S.A. must of course apply this rule to Australia and New Zealand. However, fireside teaching classes can be held, and should be held, by as many of the believers as possible in order to reach people with the teachings.
As to your other questions:
No 1. The Maxwell notes have the same status as other pilgrims notes;
they are of value, but are not the verbatim report of the Guardian's words.
No 2. In "God Passes By" you will find reference to the "son of the wolf" and who he was.
No 3. We cannot say more about the Seventh Angel than what the Master has stated in "Some Answered Questions".
No 4. The Chosen Highway has the same status as pilgrims' notes; it is a very interesting book but some of the statements must be taken as hearsay only.
No5-6. These are questions for scholars to decide; the Guardian always recommends that we refer to experts in such matters.
No 7. Mrs Kehler's statements are obviously hearsay, and the Guardian cannot corroborate them. Islam, like Christianity, however, has been split up into many sects.
No 8. As I just mentioned above, not every statement in Lady Blomfield's book can be considered absolutely accurate.
No 9. There is no objection to the Adelaide S.A. keeping a record of the names of contributors, and sums received; but no pressure must ever be brought on the Bahá'ís to contribute, it must be voluntary, and should be considered confidential, unless the friends themselves wish to mention it openly.
No10. The Guardian suggests you try and procure ring stones from the Indian Bahá'ís, as they are usually made in the East.
No11. There is no direct reference to atomic bombs in the teachings, but many references to the powers latent within the universe; atomic force is obviously one of these powers.
No12. The darkening of the sun, moon and stars is purely symbolic, and refers to the advent of the Manifestation of God, which has already taken place.
No13. The best answer is that we do not believe in taking such a statement literally, but that great destruction is one of the signs of the times.
The Guardian hopes you, your wife, and the other young people who are so active in the Cause in your neighbourhood will render it many services, promote unity and love in the Community, strengthen the administrative foundations of the Faith, and attract many new souls to it. His loving prayers will be offered on your behalf, you may be sure.
With warm greetings, R. Rabbani
May the Spirit of Bahá'u'lláh bless & reinforce your efforts, & may He aid you to obtain a clearer understanding of the essentials of His Faith, & to advance its best interests, & contribute to the consolidation of its God-given institutions,
Your true brother, Shoghi
18 December 1945
Bertha Dobbins
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
Your letter, dated June 16th, with the enclosures you forwarded in it, was received, and the Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
Since you have turned to him for guidance, he will very frankly give you his opinion.
He feels that the present inharmony prevailing amongst you, Miss Brooks, and some other members of the Faith there, is very detrimental to the advancement of the Cause, and can only lead to disruption and the chilling of the interest of new believers. You, Miss Brooks, and all the other believers there should forget about your personal grievances, and unite for the protection of the Faith which he well knows you are all loyally devoted to and ready to sacrifice for.
Perhaps the greatest test Bahá'ís are ever subjected to is from each other; but for the sake of the Master they should be ever ready to overlook each others' mistakes, apologize for harsh words they have uttered, forgive and forget. He strongly recommends to you this course of action.
Also he feels that you and Mr. Dobbins should not remain away from the meetings and Feasts in Adelaide; you have now got an enthusiastic group of young Bahá'ís in Port Adelaide, and you should show them a strong example of Bahá'í discipline and the unity which can and must prevail amongst the community of the Most Great Name.
The civic area in which S.A.s can be formed is an administrative matter for the N.S.A. to decide.
Please assure dear Mother Dunn of his loving prayers on her behalf, and his appreciation of her devoted services.
He will ardently pray that this whole matter may be speedily settled and forgotten.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, yours in our Sacred Faith, R. Rabbani
May the Beloved bless your efforts for the establishment of harmony & understanding among the friends, & enable you to achieve, in this field, great & enduring victories,
Your true brother, Shoghi
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