This is a wonderful opportunity to say something to the dear
Persian Baha'is as we approach the hundredth anniversary of the Ascension of
Baha'u'llah in this year which, for all of us, all over the world, is so holy.
I think the Persian believers who have, for one reason or another, left their
homeland and are now living abroad, should consider very seriously, at this
historic moment, what their duty is to the Cause of God, which after all
originated in their own native land and they became the first followers of this
new Faith in the whole world, the ones who gave their lives by the thousands to
defend and establish it, to assert its truth and carry its message abroad. This
is the Persian believers' immortal distinction in the history of our religion,
but likewise it imposes a great responsibility upon them.
It says in the Bible: "Unto whomsoever much is given,
of him shall be much required". I think this particularly applies to the
dear Persian believers at this moment in the history of the Cause of God. The
thing that is most important, now, for all the Baha'is, particularly for those
who come from Baha'u'llah's native land, is to arise, each one of them,
forgetful of himself and his own limitations, putting aside every feeling of
unworthiness or lack of capacity or experience, and teach the Cause of God as
never before.
The humblest of Baha'u'llah's followers must realize he is
capable of receiving Divine confirmations if he will arise and go forth, at
this great turning point in human history, to share with the frightened,
disillusioned, hopeless masses of his fellow men, the life-giving teachings of
the Blessed Beauty. It is the sacred duty of all of us to let mankind know that
this Cause of God exists and that Baha'u'llah has appeared for the redemption
of mankind.
