To the Friends gathered at Esslingen
At this season of the year when Bahá'ís throughout the world are celebrating the Ridván festivities and are renewing their determination to work and live under the banner of Bahá'u'lláh, Shoghi Effendi is very glad indeed to receive your message.
He wishes me to take the opportunity and assure you of his affection and also of his wish and prayers that you may strive unitedly for the progress of the Faith and its establishment in your land. He hopes that you will stand firm, unaffected by the dark forces around us, and that you will help to carry the message of Bahá'u'lláh far and wide.
In the Guardian's own handwriting:
...I will continue to pray for you from the depths of my heart. The tests and trials, through which you are passing, are for the good of our beloved Cause. Be happy and hopeful. `Abdu'l-Bahá will bless you a hundredfold for your perseverance and devoted efforts.
Your true brother,
Shoghi